Lack of Talls...

[bzparkes]

I remember reading a little while ago that heaps of people seemed concerned about our 'lack of talls' but nowhere in the discussion can I recall Brent Staker's name. I just had a browse at his profile and he's a couple of centimetres taller than Lynch. I'm not sure if someone mentioned him because it's been a while since I read one of those threads but if he doesn't break into the team next year, which I'm confident he will, then surely he'll count as one of our backups? Lynch did some ruckwork while Cox was out but it'd almost be more beneficial having Staker do it as he's just that slight bit taller and not so bulky so he'd be more agile, theoretically. Not taking away the fact the Lynch is very agile for a man his size though.

Thoughts?

[Black JuJu]

A backup for what position though?

The guy struggles to have an impact in a key position (hell he struggles to have an impact on a flank). He's probably the undesirable backup for Hansen at CHF when he gets injured (which always happens, so he'll probably get a chance). Then of course we break down across half forward and need Adam Hunter to go forward instead..

He'd more than likely get monstered in the ruck, I don't recall him ever rucking, just because a guy is tall doesn't mean he can ruck.

But hey, I'm not Staker's greatest fan, I can imagine some will talk him up as a vital cog in the team.

[Bestbird]

Staker has a lot of potential and being still only 22 means his best should still be a few years down the track. More so as he gains experience and body maturity.

Has all the attributes to be a good player with the versatilty to play back or forward as the third tall and even KP if required.

Would really like to see him impose more during games though and cut out the minor brain implosions he has on occasions.

Considering that the club delisted several talls this year it appears that like Lynch the club has faith in his development.

[GoOsH1]

I remember reading a little while ago that heaps of people seemed concerned about our 'lack of talls' but nowhere in the discussion can I recall Brent Staker's name. I just had a browse at his profile and he's a couple of centimetres taller than Lynch. I'm not sure if someone mentioned him because it's been a while since I read one of those threads but if he doesn't break into the team next year, which I'm confident he will, then surely he'll count as one of our backups? Lynch did some ruckwork while Cox was out but it'd almost be more beneficial having Staker do it as he's just that slight bit taller and not so bulky so he'd be more agile, theoretically. Not taking away the fact the Lynch is very agile for a man his size though.

Thoughts?
yeah we're counting him, he and spangher are the backups outside our best 22. wouldn't want more than 1 tall to get injured at any one time IMO.
Hopefully we keep smith and maybe draft a mature age ruckman. With a bit of luck that will be enough talls to get through.

[kane249]

A backup for what position though?

The guy struggles to have an impact in a key position (hell he struggles to have an impact on a flank). He's probably the undesirable backup for Hansen at CHF when he gets injured (which always happens, so he'll probably get a chance). Then of course we break down across half forward and need Adam Hunter to go forward instead..

He'd more than likely get monstered in the ruck, I don't recall him ever rucking, just because a guy is tall doesn't mean he can ruck.

But hey, I'm not Staker's greatest fan, I can imagine some will talk him up as a vital cog in the team.

I remember when Stakes was playing for Easts in the WAFL a few years back he was rucking for them and did pretty well for it. However at AFL level i get the feeling he would get eaten alive.

Stakes has tremendous potential as he is a great athlete with brilliant agility for his size. He showed at times this year hes also a great contested mark and has a good tank as well.

However consistency and the trademark brain fades are what he needs to work on from his game. If he can improve on thise areas he will finally be the star he's threatened to be for a few years now.

[bzparkes]

A backup for what position though?

The guy struggles to have an impact in a key position (hell he struggles to have an impact on a flank). He's probably the undesirable backup for Hansen at CHF when he gets injured (which always happens, so he'll probably get a chance). Then of course we break down across half forward and need Adam Hunter to go forward instead..

He'd more than likely get monstered in the ruck, I don't recall him ever rucking, just because a guy is tall doesn't mean he can ruck.

But hey, I'm not Staker's greatest fan, I can imagine some will talk him up as a vital cog in the team.


He's never been terrible in the forward-line, just been rather inaccurate this year. I remember a game where he kicked 1.5 and could've/should've had 4 at least. It's happened on quite a number of other occasions too. Good at leading up the ground and can take some really good contested marks but struggles in front of goals like Lynch did last year. Hopefully he can turn it around next year like Lynch did this one and have much more of an impact because I like his athleticism and ability.

[Black Thunder]

There's a lot of potential in Staker but there's a hell of a long way to go for him. He doesn't have the bulk to hold down a KP on a regular basis. I would love to see him be able to one day as he's got skills that most KP players would die for... He's biggest problem though is he takes too long to move the ball on.

I actually prefer him getting the ball on the bounce because he then has to move it in.... he usually does that well. But when he takes the mark, he usually takes about 3-5 seconds to make his move by which time the opposition players have flooded back.

[nibbles]

personally i think its not a big issue that staker doesnt have the bulk to hold down a KP spot regularly - we dont need him to

he is most serviceable to us as a permanent HFF - much like freo might be looking to use tarrant? with glass, graham, hunter, hansen and lynch our first KP options - it is better that we keep his best traits - speed and agility, if we load him up with muscle then he will run the risk of becoming ineffective

as everyone has said - decision making and consistency lets him down at times, lets hope he can replicate what he did in the first half of 05, and then stay at that level