Chris Schmidt

[Lady Lawrence]

over to you - The Brown Dog & Grimreepah

[Grimreepah]

Lion's bio (http://lions.com.au/default.asp?pg=players&spg=playerprofile&personid=359280)
2006 AFL draft (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_AFL_Draft)
Footywire stats (http://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/pp-brisbane-lions--chris-schmidt)
final siren stats (http://www.finalsiren.com/PlayerStats.asp?PlayerID=1753)
AFL tables stats (http://stats.rleague.com/afl/stats/players/C/Chris_Schmidt.html)

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/910/schmidtsn0.jpg

http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/8553/schmidtct0.jpg

Schmidt on the rise (http://lions.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=310014)

Schmidt on the rise
1:00:42 PM Wed 13 December, 2006
lions.com.au

Chris Schmidt has left behind a life on his family’s pig, sheep and crop farm at Robertstown in South Australia to pursue his AFL football dream with the Brisbane Lions.

The composed 17 year old has gradually progressed through South Australia’s junior football ranks and had his first taste of senior football this year playing four matches with West Adelaide in the SANFL.

He was a standout for South Australia in this year’s under 18 championships and was unlucky to miss All-Australian selection. While much of the fuss surrounded his high profiled South Australian team-mate and number one draft pick Bryce Gibbs, Schmidt averaged 18 possessions and ranked second for South Australia in hardball gets.

Although he was unable to perform any physical testing at the AFL Draft Camp, Schmidt was widely considered as one of the country’s best young talents.

The Lions took little time in reading out Schmidt’s name with their third round selection (pick 34) at the 2006 AFL National Draft which they received from the Western Bulldogs in return for Jason Akermanis.

Schmidt arrived in Brisbane almost two weeks ago and has begun to settle in well to the Queensland lifestyle.

“I’m very excited (to be in Brisbane),” he said. “I was a bit nervous to begin with, but the more I think about it, the more I enjoy being up here.”

Schmidt has moved in with fellow South Australian and West Adelaide product Cameron Wood, who was drafted by the Lions in 2004.

“It’s great staying with Cameron (Wood) and his mum because I knew them from back in South Australia,” he said.

Lions Assistant Coach Shaun Rehn presents another familiar face for Schmidt, having coached the ‘Westies’ for two seasons prior to joining the Lions at the end of 2005.

While he settles into the new environment, Schmidt is focused on training hard and preparing for his first season in the AFL.

“I’d really like to get through pre-season injury free and get as fit as I can,” he said. “If all goes well I might get the chance to play a couple of games in the NAB Cup. I’ll then go from there and hopefully get a few senior games during the season. I’ll just work hard and see what happens.”

Considered by Brisbane Lions Football Manager Graeme Allan as a “ready-made player for the football club,” Schmidt’s body is developed enough to play senior football next season. He is a tall and quick running midfielder that is most suited on the wing or at half-back and at 188cm is the same height as Lions Nigel Lappin, Josh Drummond and Tim Notting.

However, Schmidt’s size and style of play is probably best likened to Adelaide’s Brett Burton.

“I will probably play on a half-back flank to start with I’d say and then hopefully move into the midfield at some stage throughout the year,” he said.

While Schmidt lists his decision making, reading of the play, endurance and use of the ball as his best football attributes, his hands are inherently unique.

Schmidt was recorded as having the fifth largest handspan among the 72 young players tested at the AFL Draft Camp and was the only player in the top ten that stood under 192cm.

“It’s an advantage having good-sized hands, no doubt,” Schmidt said. “Especially in the wet, that’s when you probably notice them more. I find I can handle a wet ball more easily than some players.”

His hands may be an indication that Schmidt could yet grow to the size of his powerfully built brothers who stand at 192cm and 197cm.

“(My brothers) didn’t stop growing until they were about 21 so all indications are that I’ve still got some growing to do,” he said.

http://img102.imageshack.us/img102/6346/schmidtes9.jpg http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/4214/schmidtvc0.jpg

THERE is no rushing Brisbane Lions draftee Chris Schmidt. On the field, and off it, the South Australian exhibits none of the frenetic dash that typifies an AFL rookie.
Neither is there any impatience nor swagger. What you discover, even in the first days of the Lions' searching pre-season sweat, is a 17-year-old with all the time in the world.
"Time seems to slow down for him," said West Adelaide football development manager John Timms, who watched Schmidt grow from a skinny country kid with potential into a silky-skilled defender.
"Sometimes when you watch training, it's just this flurry of arms and legs.
"Schmidty never looks like he's exerting himself but he gets the job done."
The Lions, having rated him a first-round draft choice, were delighted when the 188cm half-back was still available at pick 34 in last month's national draft.
Having represented South Australia at each age group since under-12s, Schmidt was a standout at this year's under-18 national championship.
West Adelaide coach Wayne Weidemann was clearly a fan, pitching the youngster into four senior games for the Bloods late in the season.
The youngest of three siblings, Schmidt should have no trouble acclimatising to life as one of the youngest players in the Lions' den.
He grew up on the family's pig, sheep and cereal crop farm in Robertstown, a speck of a town about 130km north of Adelaide.
From the age of 13 he would "sit in a forward pocket" in the seniors, learning when to swoop on the ball and when to dodge older and stronger bodies.
"It's a great atmosphere playing country footy, and you learn by being exposed to the big bodies at an early age," the youngster mused.
Although he bears a striking resemblance to Adelaide Crows high-flier Brett "Birdman" Burton, there are few similarities in their play.
Schmidt's giant hands – he was fifth at the AFL draft camp for handspan – are skilled but he is more suited to ground battles. "I don't take hangers too often," he admitted, when asked about the Burton comparison.
Timms says the teenager is a great decision-maker.
"There's a resemblance to Birdman but Schmidty's more of a loper," he said.
"He's a Rolls Royce of a kid. He did that trip (from Robertstown) about two or three times a week but at no stage did we ever hear him complain about being tired."
Schmidt is enjoying his first weeks as a Queenslander, where he is sharing a house with ruckman Cam Wood, another young Lion from West Adelaide.
There are few limits to what role he eventually fulfils for Brisbane.
Schmidt is most comfortable playing as a floating half-back but, with growing left to do, there may be other possibilities. His dad Mickey is tall, while brothers Matt and Nick also stand well over 190cm and did not stop growing until they were 21.
"I'd love to eventually get out onto a wing or in the midfield," said Schmidt, who is skilled on both sides of his body. "I've always had my eye on playing in the AFL.
"It's good to be a step closer but I'm not there yet."

At draft camp Schmidt had the 5th biggest handspan

Handspan
Jesse White - 26.7cm
Kurt Tippett - 26.3cm
Brent Renouf - 25.4cm
Tom Collier - 25.2cm
Chris Schmidt - 25.2cm
Justin Hardy - 25.0cm
Sean Hampson - 25.0cm
Mark Austin - 24.9cm
Andrejs Everitt - 24.9cm
Daniel Currie - 24.6cm

AIS Profile (http://web.archive.org/web/20060821025714/www.ais.org.au/austrules/schmidt.asp)

Chris Schmidt

Name: Chris Schmidt

Sport: Australian Rules Football

Position/event:

Date of birth / birthplace: 20 March 1989 - Elizaabeth, SA

Are you also a SIS / SAS scholarship holder, and if so what institute / academy?

What year did you begin your AIS scholarship? 2005

What is your most significant achievement in sport? U16 State football team

What is your major sporting goal? Play AFL football

Who are your idols, and why (not necessarily sporting)? Warren Tredrae because he has such a big work ethic

Who has most influenced your sporting career, and why? My dad and my brother because they have always helped me out in everything, especially football

Do you work or study while training - if so what? Full time year 11 student. Work 2 night a week at our local general store

How do you hope to be remembered when you retire from your sport? As a clean, fair and skillful player

What are your career goals after sport? PE teaching

What do you regard as the most memorable sporting moment? Winning U12 National Carnival with South Australia

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/1603/schmidtwt8.jpg

Article (http://afl.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=310045)

South Australian Chris Schmidt is set to wear No.13 - the same guernsey he wore for the Croweaters in this year's under 18 carnival. Martin Pike was the most recent Lion to wear No.13.

[Grimreepah]

Shifter's top 30 (http://carltonfc.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=306828)

Chris Schmidt
SA, 20-Mar-89, West Adelaide, Medium Defender, 188, 80.8
Composed defender/midfielder who had an excellent year progressing to senior level in 2006. Good decision maker, neat user of the ball and great endurance (14 plus Beep Test). Impressed for SA in NAB AFL U18 Championships averaging 18 possessions and ranking second for South Australia in hardball gets. From Robertstown F.C.

Phantom Draft Profile (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=281098) (Huge Blues Fan - Carlton)

#35 - Chris Schmidt - Medium Defender (West Adelaide, SA) - 187cm, 78kg. DOB 20/03/1989
Thought he would be long gone by now. We looked very closely at a couple of talls here, but Schmidt is too classy to pass on at #35. IMO was the second best player for SA in the under 18 championships behind Gibbs. Is bottom aged and a great reader of the play, is poised, rarely beaten man on man and is surprisingly strong and corageous for his slight frame as well as being strong overhead. Playing loose man in defence for SA, saw him put himself in the path of Hawkins lead and get crucnched then bounce straight up.....also knocked out Hansen doing a similar act at Skilled Stadium. Also in the champs he seemed to have an understanding with Gibbs and they frequently teamed up to bring the ball out of defence, so all the more reason to get him to Carlton at this pick. Is an AIS academy member and broke through to play SANFL seniors as a 17 y.o. By all reports his coach at wests was impressed with the few games he played before getting injured. IIRC he trained with Port during their last pre-season and was praised for how quickly he picked up the drills. Seems a very smart kid and very coachable and makes good decisions. Will probably start in a back pocket and gradually work his way up to be part of the midfield rotation in time. I'm a bit cautious to say it, but he reminds me a little of a less athletic version of Brett Burton. Not the first tiime i have heard that comparison. He has some development left to get to that level, however if he continues to develop he won't be far off that. Adds further class to the future Carlton midfield rotation. Also happy for him to room in with Gibbs and help make the SA boys feel at home.

TOA's Phantom Draft (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=283011&highlight=Phantom)

Pick 36 – ESS – Chris SCHMIDT (20/03/89) – 186cm/87kgs
Bottom-age classy flanker who uses the ball well and can play in a variety of positions. The type of modern footballer AFL clubs love; nice height, athletic, shows poise, good overhead etc Plenty to work with and should go in the first three rounds. Essendon will take him quick smart if he last this long, a very good value option at this stage in the draft. Port will probably consider him strongly at pick 23.

Weaver's Phantom Draft (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=279879&highlight=Phantom)

20. Chris Schmidt (Essendon) - Quite quick with passable skills off the half-back flank. Was second only to Gibbs at the Championship in a poor SA side. Has the right combination of size, speed and skills to be a valuable utility at AFL level. Needs to learn to keep his kicks down and get penetration on them – he kicks too many floaters. Also prone to fumbling which will hurt his chances in the centre square. Courageous in the spoil.

Macca69's Phantom Draft (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=283356&highlight=Phantom)


35. Carlton - Chris Schmidt
Tall midfielder utility type, who can play HBF or wing. Smart player, who’s good overhead, has a bit of pace and just seems to have a lot of time when he gets the ball, is one that reminds me of Sam Butler in a way. Is a good get at #35, but to me doesn’t have a whole lot of upside, due to a lack of a standout quality. Will probably become a serviceable to good player at AFL level, but is a very safe option to do so.

[TheBrownDog]

Little snippet about Schmidt here.

Lions make fans happy
Tuesday 6 February 2007
Andrew Browne
Sportal for afl.com.au

The Brisbane Lions have enthralled and entertained several hundred young fans in the first two days of their AFL Community Camp.

Like St Kilda on the Mornington Peninsula, the Lions have elected to stay close to home this week in visiting two of the fastest growing regions around Brisbane - the south-western and northern suburbs.

The Lions began the week in Ipswich visiting schools and playing a variety of fun games before moving the program a little closer to the CBD with a visit to Brothers Recreational Centre, Logan Civic Park on Tuesday.

Senior players and new draftees were greeted with unbridled enthusiasm at both centres where activities organised by Life Be in It, local councils and AFL Queensland had young fans from local schools and the Logan PCYC participating with the Lions in a series of fun games.

The youngsters demonstrated some handy skills in upstaging their older rivals in activities such as crazy cricket, sack races, earth ball and the big foot challenge to name a few before seeking some all important autographs.

One of the participating schools at Logan Central on Tuesday was Park Ridge State High School, which is one of only six schools in the state labelled an AFL Queensland School of Excellence and has australian rules as a subject.

School spokesperson Craig McBrien - who moved into the area only three years ago after playing with Lavington in Victoria's Ovens and Murray League.- said there was annual intake of 60 boys and girls at year levels eight and nine to study the code as part of its physical education program.

This is only the second induction after recently retired skipper Michael Voss opened the program last year.

For young Lions draftee Chris Schmidt, it was a matter of being on the other side of the fence as it was only a few years ago the 18-year-old South Australian was an interested spectator as the Adelaide Crows and Port Adelaide visited his hometown of Robertstown in the Riverland district for their Community Camps.

"This is a great opportunity to give something back and meet all the young fans," Schmidt told afl.com.au admitting coming from such a strong football state to one still developing was a culture shock.

"It is different to home but that is why we are out her to promote the game and I'm sure people will enjoy it once they get into it."

Following the activities at Logan Central the fun continued into the evening at the Logan Hyperdome Shopping Centre.

Captaincy candidates Luke Power and Jonathan Brown - fresh from his pleasing knee scans - entertained the young audience with some 'storytelling tales' about some of their fellow Lions.

That was followed by Indigenous All-Stars captain Chris Johnson also recalling some of his favourite childrens' books before he flys out to Darwin on Wednesday morning to prepare for Friday's dreamtime clash with Essendon.

On Wednesday, the Lions will join the Kangaroos - who are also in Queensland for their Community Camp - at Movie World to launch a 'new era of AFL on the Gold Coast'.

Thursday and Friday will see the Lions arrive in Brisbane's northern suburbs to spread their AFL message in the Pine Rivers and Redlands Shires respectively.

However, if there is one example that typifies the spirit of the Community Camps it occurred on Tuesday at Logan Central.

A young girl from nearby Kingston State School is a very keen Lions fan but is yet to see a game live at the Gabba.

So Tuesday was the first chance to see her heroes in the flesh and grab a few autographs. A Lions staffer then presented the young fan with a supporter pack full of Lions goodies normally reserved for paying members.

Well her joyous reaction was obvious and the huge smile priceless as at the end she left with a story to tell her friends and memories that will last forever.

[blynd_freddie]

Chris is the youngest player on our 2007 list,
serendipity would have tempted me to "honour" him with the #12 jumper, having been drafted with the WBD 2nd rounder for JA

Accidentally fortunate?

Not on your life,

I'm hoping this kid will be the templete of the "modern utility".

At 188cms and still growing, 81kg, a beep of 14.1, 2.96 for the 20m sprint, quoted as a "ready-made", "good decision maker", with "the hand span".

I'll be watching with interest any game time Chris earns come the NAB.

[TheBrownDog]

VERY impressive at the Intraclub.

The press clippings posted above are spot on, he's just got great poise and footy smarts.

Has plenty of time, even in congested packs and always seems to make the right decisions.

Apart from one dodgy fumble, he didn't put a foot wrong.

Will play some senior footy this season I reckon.

[blynd_freddie]

VERY impressive at the Intraclub.

The press clippings posted above are spot on, he's just got great poise and footy smarts.

Has plenty of time, even in congested packs and always seems to make the right decisions.

Apart from one dodgy fumble, he didn't put a foot wrong.

Will play some senior footy this season I reckon.



Slow that Bandwagon down TBD!!


I'm running as fast as I can and wish to hitch a ride. :D

.

[TheBrownDog]

Slow that Bandwagon down TBD!!


I'm running as fast as I can and wish to hitch a ride. :D

.

I'll have to throw you a rope, because this bandwagon isn't slowing down!

[blynd_freddie]

I'll have to throw you a rope, because this bandwagon isn't slowing down!

OK, let's fast forward then....

2009 GF

Proud slides close to, over? boundry line in FP knocks ball back into play, to Sheldon.... GOAL!!!!

LIONS by 5pts over PIES. :D :D

[blynd_freddie]

OK, let's fast forward then....

2009 GF

Proud slides close to, over? boundry line in FP knocks ball back into play, to Sheldon.... GOAL!!!!

LIONS by 5pts over PIES. :D :D



Ohh, of course Chris Schmidt out of the centre. :D

[Quigley]

OK, let's fast forward then....

2009 GF

Proud slides close to, over? boundry line in FP knocks ball back into play, to Sheldon.... GOAL!!!!

LIONS by 5pts over PIES. :D :D
What are you insane Freddie!


No way Collingwood is going anywhere near a GF in 2009:D

[Quigley]

The only concern that I have with Schmidt is getting the ball. For those who have been around a while from reports he reminds me a bit of Nathan Clarke. When I first saw Clarke play in 2000 I thought the kid was going to be a star. Great size for a mid, smooth hands, great disposal, chose the right option, seemed to have time when he got the ball. The only problem was that he didn't get enough of the ball and he never really was able to develop that knack and then he went backwards in other areas.

[xplo]

I doubt that will be an issue with Schmidt, Quigs.

Gibbs was the only player to beat him in for hardball gets for SA at the National Championships last year. All the spotlight was on Gibbs -- rightly so to an extent as he was exceptional -- but the next best two or three SA kids kinda got ignored. From what I saw Schmidt was their second best player as a hands-on Goodes/Hadley-style onballer.

[Drummond]

Schmidt is an absolute gem, can’t believe we passed on him. We instead went for KPP Kurt Tippett. I saw him play on a number of occasions last year and each time I was thoroughly impressed. As others have noted he is just so composed, it looks as though he has an eternity whenever he’s in the action. He has very good skills and always makes the right decision. He has deceptive height and shouldn’t be too far off playing AFL footy. I have little doubt that he’ll be a 200 game player in this league. :thumbsu:

[Grimreepah]

http://img451.imageshack.us/img451/8283/schmidtuo6.jpg

Schmidt in his first outing - the intraclub. While he didn't star, he impressed with his poise and decision making.

[xplo]

He got picked to play with the 'big boys' team too! Bushy would have been filthy on him.

[Grimreepah]

Article (http://lions.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=315790)

Chris Schmidt (No. 13): Schmidt, who hails from Robertstown in South Australia, boasts good size for a utility and was solid across the half-back in last week's intra-club match. The 18-year-old was identified as a ready-made AFL footballer by Lions football manager Graeme Allan when he was taken in the 2006 national draft and he has already shown one invaluable gift in the pre-season - that of appearing to have all the time in the world when it comes to disposing of the football. The No. 34 selection used on Schmidt was the one the Lions received from the Western Bulldogs in exchange for Jason Akermanis.

http://i9.tinypic.com/4rb2y2t.jpg

[Quigley]

Nice to start at AFL level for Chris. Got a little bit of the ball against Geelong. The really impressive thing for me was his disposal by foot. He took the right option each time and hit the targets every time as well. If he gets a bit more of the ball and keeps that up he has a long career ahead of him.

Running around out there I was thinking he reminded me a bit of the footage of Vossy from his first season. I think it was probably him being fitting in pretty well at this early stage and being fair haired and skinny that did it and the fact that I reckon his final physique is going to be absolutely nothing like it is now. It would be nice if he has a similar type of career.

[Ceebee]

Oh what a wonderful thought, another Vossy, Quigley you have made my day:p

[Sherminator.]

Yeah. His decision making and kicking is exceptional, he might remind you of Vossy, but he reminds me of Lappin, tall, skinny, good kick. I'd like to see him play HB or wing when he has bulked up.

[Chasing the Dream]

http://i17.tinypic.com/2ahcvug.jpg

http://i17.tinypic.com/43yj9qw.jpg

Still thinks he looks like Screech from Saved by the Bell.

Good debut last week tough, am really loooking forward to seeing him develop.:thumbsu:

[The Flying Belgian]

Chris's nickname: Merry

[Ruse]

Chris's nickname: Merry
i don't get it.:o

screech would be a funny nickname.

[TheBrownDog]

i don't get it.:o

screech would be a funny nickname.

Merry Chrisschmidt.

[notting18]

With aker's form/injury issues, Schmidt's great form and the salary cap relief we got.....are we currently ahead with this trade?:rolleyes:

[black_hart]

With aker's form/injury issues, Schmidt's great form and the salary cap relief we got.....are we currently ahead with this trade?:rolleyes:

I reckon we are. Aker was a great player but past his best. Schmidt looks like he could be a gun and of course has many years left in him hopefully.

[Chasing the Dream]

I reckon we are. Aker was a great player but past his best. Schmidt looks like he could be a gun and of course has many years left in him hopefully.


BINGO!!

[TheBrownDog]

Set to debut this week against Richmond. Congratulations Schmidty. Your consistent efforts in the Ressies have been rewarded.
Schmidt to Debut
From LIONS.COM.AU (http://lions.com.au/Season2007/News/NewsArticle/tabid/5085/Default.aspx?newsId=44350)

18-year old Chris Schmidt has been selected to make his senior debut for the Vodafone Brisbane Lions on Saturday night against Richmond.

Schmidt was selected by the Lions with pick 34 in last years AFL National Draft and hails from West Adelaide. He has been knocking on the selection door for a number of weeks now following a string of impressive performances with the Suncoast Lions. This week he has been given his opportunity.

[jbomb3000]

So whats the mail on this guy? Is there a spot in your team that he could potentially fill and become a regular?

[TheBrownDog]

So whats the mail on this guy? Is there a spot in your team that he could potentially fill and become a regular?


Maybe not this year, but all signs are he will be a 200+ gamer.

[Grimreepah]

http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/1663/schmidtpt3.jpg

[TheBrownDog]

Didn't have a memorable debut. No matter.

Will be a player. I guarantee it.

[Sherminator.]

How many players can there be that have had a drawed result in their debut match? :p

[notting18]

Didn't have a memorable debut. No matter.

Will be a player. I guarantee it.
I think he showed some promise, just hurt by a few embarrassing errors early which seemed to affect his confidence

[xplo]

I think he showed some promise, just hurt by a few embarrassing errors early which seemed to affect his confidence

I thought he was pretty decent. He had one ball not bounce back to him out on a wing, but there's not much you can do about that. The umpire bounced it there about 10 later and the ball was lucky to get to head height.

The fact that he was willing to run and bounce it in his first game is a good sign -- we're in need of ball carriers that can cover some ground.

[Sherminator.]

I thought he was pretty decent. He had one ball not bounce back to him out on a wing, but there's not much you can do about that. The umpire bounced it there about 10 later and the ball was lucky to get to head height.

The fact that he was willing to run and bounce it in his first game is a good sign -- we're in need of ball carriers that can cover some ground.
Willing to run is a sign of confidence. Confidence in a young'un is a sign of greater things. Greater things is a sign of Juddness ;)

[konstas_87]

tough call early the kid is 18 and has played two games, but so far looks slow and average.

impossible to tell though at this stage obviously.

[Grimreepah]

2 kicks and 7 handballs in 2 games is not a good start to his career.

[notting18]

2 kicks and 7 handballs in 2 games is not a good start to his career.

Not many kids play well in their first few games (Browny anyone?), but yeah it is time to send him back to the reserves and see how he is like the next time he pushes for selection.

[LuckyLuke]

Young Suncoast midifielder Chris Schmidt, who made his AFL debut with the Lions last month, also jumped into the top seven with a best on ground performance in his side’s impressive win at Southport.

Source (http://www.aflq.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&aid=122509)

[happy_eagle]

hows this guy going in the reserves

will he play anymore

[TheBrownDog]

hows this guy going in the reserves

will he play anymore

He's in the top 7 or so players in the AFLQ this year, even though he missed a couple of games by playing seniors.

He's going to be quality, but will need time. Not sure if he'll see any more senior action this year.

[Grimreepah]

End of Season Player Review

Chris Schmidt – Played four senior games for SANFL club West Adelaide in 2006 and at the Under 18 Championships he averaged 18 possessions and ranked second for South Australia in hardball gets. The Lions selected Schmidt with their third-round pick in the NAB AFL Draft (34th overall), which they received from the Bulldogs in return for Jason Akermanis.

“He was our best player – he was really good above his head,” as said by suncoast lions coach Craig Brittain after rolling Southport 14.11 (95)-11.14 (80) at Fankhauser Reserve by 15 points on the weekend prior to the mid season break.

Rnd-1
Mt Gravatt, 3.5, 9.7, 14.13, 20.20 (140)
Suncoast Lions, 0.2, 0.3, 5.6, 7.7 (49)
Goals, Vultures: P O'Brien 6, G Grant 3, A Van Rooyen, B Cleary 2, M Stinear, J Vearing, R Lake, B Turton, S Morrison, N Campbell. Lions: J Myers, M Tyler 2, B Weightman, M Allan, A Rolfe.
Best, Vultures: S Morrison, J Vearing, A Evans, J Smouha, G Grant, M Hamill, J Grimm, P O'Brien, R Bail. Lions: J Tippett, C Schmidt, M Allan, S Clouston, S Sheldon.

Rnd-2

Rnd-3
Draftee Chris Schmidt produced arguably his best game for the Suncoast Lions and Troy Selwood made a solid comeback in Round 3 of the AFLQ Velocity Sports Cup, but it was not enough to save their side from their third consecutive defeat. Schmidt was one of the few good players for the Suncoast in a dour contest with Broadbeach, the Cats only breaking the game open in the last quarter. Schmidt and the reliable Sam Sheldon tried to generate some momentum for the Lions, but they were outnumbered and overrun by the Cats.

Broadbeach, 2.6, 3.10, 6.14, 10.16 (76)
Suncoast Lions, 2.1, 6.3, 7.5, 8.9 (57)
Goals, Cats: J Bone 2, J Green 2, M Harris, D Stewart, T Baars, D Zorko, R Clough, T McKay 1. Lions: J Hawksley 2, H Kiel, J Tippett, C Wood, M Tyler, W Hamill, A Proud 1.
Best, Cats: M Harris, J Drake, J Bone, M Andrews, T McKay, W Dickson. Lions: C Schmidt, S Sheldon, T Selwood, J Drummond.

Rnd-4
They began spectacularly, with Chris Schmidt setting up three goals in the first three minutes. Schmidt went head to head with David Lillico in an engaging duel, Schmidt on top as the Lions opened a 7.2-2.0 lead at the 18 minute mark of the first term, but Lillico hitting back strongly as the Panthers closed the gap to 21 points at the first break.

Suncoast Lions, 9.3, 11.9, 13.17, 20.18 (138)
Morningside, 6.1, 8.6, 12.8, 15.13 (103)
Goals, Lions: J Drummond 7, M Tyler 2, C Wood 2, S Sheldon 2, M Allan 2, B Weightman, W Mills, J McDonald, W Hamill, J Newman 1. Panthers: K Abey 3, H Wilson 2, J Gough 2, J Price 2, J Wilson, D Bonney, T Brown, M Rootsey, N Kinch, A Browning 1.
Best, Lions: J Drummond, T Selwood, C Schmidt, C Wood, A Proud, W Hamill. Panthers: D Bonney, D Lillico, H Wilson, N Kinch, M Erbs, A Browning

Rnd-5
Chris Schmidt produced his third quality game in a row, while Matt Tyler played with more freedom than in recent weeks.

Suncoast Lions, 3.6, 6.11, 13.14, 17.18 (120)
Zillmere Eagles, 0.1, 0.6, 0.8, 0.12 (12)
Goals, Suncoast: T Selwood 5, M Leuenberger 4, M Clarke 4, M Allan 2 J Hawksley, M Tyler 1.
Best, Suncoast: T Selwood, C Schmidt, M Allan, J Drummond, J Hawksley, W Mills. Eagles: M Trew, M Payne, A Rogers, A Lucy, N Kiem.

Rnd-6
…the Lions had too many players with run in their legs, with Ben Fixter and Chris Schmidt (30 possessions) picking up most of the midfield slack.

Suncoast Lions, 6.2, 10.7, 13.11, 19.19 (133)
Redland, 4.2, 6.6, 11.9, 11.9 (75)
Goals, Suncoast: M Clark 6, R Hooper 3, W Hamill 2, M Leuenberger 2, B Weightman, J Hawksley, C Schmidt, J McDonald, C Wood, M Peterson 1. Redland: Michael Thompson 4, C Millar 2, A Hickey, A Mueller, T Rudolph, H Anderson, C Brown 1.
Best, Suncoast: M Clark, B Fixter, C Schmidt, D Dzufer, C Wood, W Mills. Redland: P Carse, D Passfield, M Bray, Mick Thompson, Matt Thompson, S Buckle.

Rnd-7
Mt Gravatt, 1.7, 4.12, 7.17, 12.24 (96)
Suncoast Lions, 1.5, 5.8, 7.11, 8.14 (62)
Mt Gravatt, Goals: A Evans 3, C Cant 3, B Cleary 2, R Bail, G Grant, J Vearing, G Bowes 1. Best: G Bowers, R Lake, N Van Bekkum, A Evans, D White, M Stinear.
Suncoast, Goals: J Tippett 2, M Moody 2 C Begley, D Weightman, M Allan, J Brennan 1. Best: D Dzufer, C Wood, M Allan, C Begley, C Schmidt, S Harding.

Rnd-8
Rnd-9
Rnd-10
Suncoast set up victory with a four goal to one third term, and then hung on to win 14.11 (95)-11.14 (80). Coach Craig Brittain sent regular midfielder Chris Schmidt forward to play Tyler’s regular role and he did so with aplomb.
“He was our best player – he was really good above his head,” Brittain said.

Rnd-11

Rnd-12
At CHB….. Austin Lucy who worked long and hard at centre-half-forward against Schmidt early and a string of opponents after that.

Rnd-13
Again down back…. Marcus Allan and Matt Moody were busy in the midfield, while Chris Schmidt again used the ball rebounding from half-back.

Chris then missed most of the remaining games due to a groin injury believed to be OP.

Chris’s raw stats for his two AFL games.

Brisbane Lions - 2007
Rnd K M HB Disp G B ho Tack FF FA
Richmond 10 1 3 5 6 2 1
W Bdogs 11 1 1 2 3 2

His hands may be an indication that Schmidt could yet grow to the size of his powerfully built brothers who stand at 192cm and 197cm. “(My brothers) didn’t stop growing until they were about 21 so all indications are that I’ve still got some growing to do,” he said. In late ’05 Chris was 187cms – 75kgs, in ’06 was 189-83 currently at only 18 years 6 months of age!! Looking at family genes suggests he could well start 2008 at somewhere over 191cms. It would be easy to visualise this kid at the beginning of 2009 and at 20 years of age becoming the new general of the backline at CHB. In his first season as an 18 year old this year, he has shown in the ressies he has a midfield motor and a footy brain. Although his form and fitness did not hold for the whole season even in his couple of senior games showed enough spunk to suggest to me that this kid is a diamond in the process of being cut – (definitely not to be confused with de-listed).
Will make a mint for us cheeky buggers with the trivia knowledge that his debut game was a draw against Richmond.

http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/1453/schmidtvq9.jpg

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://lions.com.au/tabid/5085/News/NewsArticle/Default.aspx?newsId=54568)

Weighting game looms for studious Schmidt
8:29 AM Thu 10 January, 2008
By Simon White
for lions.com.au

SECOND-YEAR Lion Chris Schmidt hopes to keep climbing the learning curve in 2008 – both on and off the field.
Schmidt, who played two games in his first season at the Gabba last year, will soon begin studying human movement at the University of Queensland, with a view to progressing to physiotherapy.
Like the rest of the Lions’ 2006 draft class, the 18-year-old spent 2007 involved in the AFL Players Association’s apprenticeship program.
"If I hadn’t have been drafted I would probably have started uni, played at West Adelaide, and nominated for the next year’s draft," Schmidt told lions.com.au.
"But it was definitely good to have a year off studying in my first year here. It probably helped me settle into the club and the city and really concentrate on my footy.
"At the same time, now it’s going to be good to have my university studies to take my mind off things.
"Hopefully it will give me something that can help with life after footy."
Schmidt’s two senior games in 2007 came in the dramatic round-10 draw with Richmond and the round-11 loss to the Western Bulldogs at the Gabba.
Ironically, Schmidt was drafted with pick No.34 of the 2006 NAB AFL Draft, which the Lions received from the Bulldogs in exchange for Jason Akermanis.
As fleeting as his taste of AFL action was last year, Schmidt says he learnt plenty about what is required at the highest level.
"You always hope you’ll get a game in your first year but I thought if I did it would most likely be towards the end of the season," Schmidt recalled.
"In the end, I was going okay in the reserves and the opportunity came up earlier, so that was great.
"The main thing I noticed was how much quicker it was than AFLQ footy – it’s basically bigger and stronger bodies moving a lot faster."
Schmidt, who shares a house with Matthew Leuenberger, Haydn Kiel and Joel Tippett, will spend a sizeable portion of the current off-season building up his body, both in terms of resilience and size.
A bout of osteitis pubis last year has resulted in a strict regime of stretching and pilates, while he is also aiming to bulk his 189cm frame up to 86kg – 2kg more than his current weight and 8kg heavier than when he arrived at the club.
Schmidt’s weight gain strategy will no doubt involve recipes learnt from a source familiar to many young Lions players.
"I was lucky last year in that I stayed with Craig Lambert and his wife Melissa and they were really good to me," he said.
"Melissa is a great cook and she’s taught me a few dishes that I’m now cooking myself.
"I was pretty well prepared when it came to leaving home because there are only two clubs in Adelaide and the chance was always higher that I’d end up somewhere else.
"I’m enjoying myself here - Brisbane is a great place and it’s a great club."



http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/5318/schmidtdn2.jpg

[danielcanberra]

Good to see. Another brain to join Clouston at UQ.

[Gilly1972]

2 kicks and 7 handballs in 2 games is not a good start to his career.

Kade Simpson didn't get a touch in his first three games :thumbsu:. I reckon Schmidt looks ok...not the quiuckest bloke out there, but a good kid and a good footy brain.....reckon he will develop into a solid defensive stopper in time.

[TheBrownDog]

Good to see. Another brain to join Clouston at UQ.

As long as he stays away from the fried foot in the refectory and the cheap beer in the Red Room.

Welcome to UQ Schmiddy.... you'll learn to look down on other universities with disdain soon enough. ;)

[The Flying Belgian]

As long as he stays away from the fried foot in the refectory and the cheap beer in the Red Room.

Welcome to UQ Schmiddy.... you'll learn to look down on other universities with disdain soon enough. ;)

There are other universities?

Ah yes, remember the fried foot well. Of course they served it on a roll and called it a chicken burger in my day...

[TheBrownDog]

There are other universities?

Ah yes, remember the fried foot well. Of course they served it on a roll and called it a chicken burger in my day...

Haha, I didn't realise I made that typo.

Probably made my post more accurate though.

[POBT]

.....reckon he will develop into a solid defensive stopper in time.

I reckon there is a bit more to him than that. There's a calmness to the way he plays that I like. He's a "heads up" type of player. I think he'll spend a bit of time on a wing at both senior and reserves level next year.

[danielcanberra]

I forgot to say - well done Chris, on getting into UQ.

[xplo]

I reckon there is a bit more to him than that. There's a calmness to the way he plays that I like. He's a "heads up" type of player. I think he'll spend a bit of time on a wing at both senior and reserves level next year.

Agreed. Even though he hasn't quite picked up the pace of AFL yet, he's never looked frantic. Even in the heat of battle he knows what is going on, and calmly takes it all in while sticking to the percentages. There's a coolheadedness that you see in Nige and Simon. That's not worth a lot by itself, but it's a trademark that a lot of really good footballers share.

[Quigley]

I agree 100% xplo. When he gets the ball he seems to have time and invariably he takes the right option. His disposals are usually excellent and he is one of those players who will really hurt teams with their possessions. What he has to do is get more of the pill and if he can do that I think he will be a terrific player for us. It is the ballwinning thing which has me a little concerned - he reminds me a little of Clarke who played for us early 2000s(?) but never stuck. Great with the football but could never get enough of it.

From the sound of it he is spending the offseason in the weight room. He has always been a very good runner and at 189 now so has great height. It is going to be interesting to see what the Lions do with him this year given he came to us with a reputation as a hard at it ball winner. He is another of the bottom aged players from last year and consequently is only as old as most of this years picks. Plenty of development in him I think.

[TheBrownDog]

Schmidt's absence from the pre-season competition this year is probably my biggest disappointment.

Lets not forget this guy was touted as late first round/early second round in the 2006 'Superdraft' and was fantastic for Suncoast last year.

Can't wait to see what he'll produce this year when fit.

[Warwick]

Schmidt's absence from the pre-season competition this year is probably my biggest disappointment.

Big shame not to see Hawksley or Schmidt.

[charles202]

Schmidt and Tyler were two players i was really looking forward to seeing this preseason. Schmidt i think will have a massive future with the club, pretty much agree with everyhting that has been sasid in the way he plays.

[notting18]

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,23434467-19742,00.html

Chris Schmidt (quad) - available


Great news for a promising young player!:thumbsu:

[TheBrownDog]

Schmidt and Harding kept Suncoast competitive last year.

Can't wait to see year two of Schmiddy's development. Will be some player IMO.

Long term Lappin replacement.

[charles202]

Great to see Schmidt back listed amoung our best on the Suncoast lists, keeping my fingers crossed that he is able to sneak a couple of games in the ones in the second half of the year.

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://www.sportingpulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?client=1-4711-0-0-0&sID=56333&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=5695409&sectionID=56333)

Chris Schmidt got plenty of the ball, and was given the run-with role with Eagles star Matthew Payne at times.

[Pedro the Lion]

I've been wondering lately whether we should be developing another tagger in the reserves. Sellwood is doing a good job of it at the moment, but he's not the type who can hurt the opposition when he does get the pill. Sherman's role as a tagger you'd think has a use by date on it as when he's in full flight he should be the one getting the tag. And I don't think Rischitelli is really the tagging type. It could be a good way for a young lion to get their foot in the door so to speak. Maybe that's how they're grooming Schmidt.

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,24368169-19742,00.html)

Wayde Mills, Chris Schmidt and Haydn Kiel have been told they are no longer required players

[Lace Out]

Great,so we got NOTHING for Acker :thumbsd:

[TheBrownDog]

Great,so we got NOTHING for Acker :thumbsd:

- Peace and quiet.

- Club culture

- Without that pick, we probably would have taken Schmidt at pick 40 and missed out on Hawksley (who I personally rate highly).

- 400k of cap space (who knows who we may have lost without it)

[Old Den]

Great,so we got NOTHING for Acker :thumbsd:

You can't win them all - I will gain consolation by remembering we got Dalziell for Hadley

Disappointing though - a lot of us thought Chris would be a star

Good luck Chris.....I hope things work out well in the future

[Cousin Jed]

Great,so we got NOTHING for Acker :thumbsd:

The draft isn't a perfect science.

[Ruse]

Ahh that sucks for the kid. I thought he went decently on the few games I saw him play.

[Old Den]

Don't be surprised if Chris' name pops up on Port's rookie list in December

[TheBrownDog]

Don't be surprised to see Chris' name pop up on Port's rookie list in December

Tom Logan Mark II?

[Warwick]

Tom Logan Mark II?
Better not be. :mad:

[gopower]

Don't be surprised if Chris' name pops up on Port's rookie list in December

Either that or like last year we trade you pick 88 or something for him, and then pick 88 comes out and averages thirty touches for the year.

[acuguy]

Good decision to delist Schmidt, he didn't fill a void in our team. He is a ball winner, but is one paced, does not penetrate great by foot etc, can play footy though. I would think Adelaide or Port might rookie him as it has been said in an earlier post.

[Lace Out]

The draft isn't a perfect science.
Yes I am obviously aware of the draft vagueries but was not happy with the hardware received in this particular trade.

[Old Den]

Yes I am obviously aware of the draft vagueries but was not happy with the hardware received in this particular trade.

Yes,if we had managed to get pick 29 instead of pick 34 from the Bulldogs for Akermanis we could have had a choice of two local boys - Ricky Petterd and Kurt Tippett

The trade was done very quickly - obviously we wanted it over ASAP

[charles202]

Im really disapointed with this delisting i think that we should have given him one more year (he is(was) the second youngest player on our list behind Hendo).

My hopes for Chris have always been linked to the fact that he was the player we got from the Akka trade.

However, with Lappin moving on this year i thought that he would have a chance to show something as a hard running tall mid that we desperatly need.When we drafted him he had good beep test time and when he debuted he seemed to have a good football head on him that I thought would make up for his lack of pace.

Im very concerned about our running power with Lappin retired, Notting out of form (maybe beyond his best) and no clear cut youngsters with elite running coming through. The only exception is Stiller, and i personally see him as more one paced than Schmidt. Thank God for Razzle!

This is going to be a very important draft.

[blynd_freddie]

And Nathan Clarke ended up playing 4 more games than Chris, I’m amazed at your early observations Quigs.
For me, it still seemed an odd call considering his young age and a reasonable 1st year, sadly as they say in the classics that’s show biz.

Best wishes for the future Chris.

[BigCat2]

Maybe he could still be a rookie candidate? Depending on whether we keep Dzufer for another year, we might have 3 or 4 rookie spots open. He might still be a better bet given his underage football reputation compared to an 18yo kid who isn't deemed good enough for the National Draft.

With a dearth of talent from Qld this year (only 1 player invited to Draft Camp), there aren't going to be many candidates for our priority rookie selections. Perhaps giving Schmidt a year there might not be a bad choice. As already's been said, he's only had 2 years, and he was very bottom aged when drafted.

[TheBrownDog]

Maybe he could still be a rookie candidate? Depending on whether we keep Dzufer for another year, we might have 3 or 4 rookie spots open. He might still be a better bet given his underage football reputation compared to an 18yo kid who isn't deemed good enough for the National Draft.

With a dearth of talent from Qld this year (only 1 player invited to Draft Camp), there aren't going to be many candidates for our priority rookie selections. Perhaps giving Schmidt a year there might not be a bad choice. As already's been said, he's only had 2 years, and he was very bottom aged when drafted.

Was going to suggest the same thing. Wouldn't surprise me if he ended up on our rookie list.

[Old Den]

Maybe he could still be a rookie candidate? Depending on whether we keep Dzufer for another year, we might have 3 or 4 rookie spots open. He might still be a better bet given his underage football reputation compared to an 18yo kid who isn't deemed good enough for the National Draft.

With a dearth of talent from Qld this year (only 1 player invited to Draft Camp), there aren't going to be many candidates for our priority rookie selections. Perhaps giving Schmidt a year there might not be a bad choice. As already's been said, he's only had 2 years, and he was very bottom aged when drafted.


It is a risky way to go - Port have the jump on us in the Rookie Draft as far as Schmidt is concerned - the priority rookie selections only relate to local boys

There is also the option of using a late pick in the National Draft to give him another chance - I wouldn't be unhappy about that - it leaves options open in the draft

[Grimreepah]

Maybe he could still be a rookie candidate? Depending on whether we keep Dzufer for another year, we might have 3 or 4 rookie spots open. He might still be a better bet given his underage football reputation compared to an 18yo kid who isn't deemed good enough for the National Draft.

With a dearth of talent from Qld this year (only 1 player invited to Draft Camp), there aren't going to be many candidates for our priority rookie selections. Perhaps giving Schmidt a year there might not be a bad choice. As already's been said, he's only had 2 years, and he was very bottom aged when drafted.

Interesting comment BigCat and I hadn't thought of that. But considering he has gone so far back in the pecking order in 12 months suggests to me there is a fundamental flaw of some sort. My guess is that the Lions no longer rate him at all.

I also wonder how much influence Voss had on the decision because he probably hasn't seen all that much of Schmidt. He either would have made the decision based on the feedback from the coaching staff or it may not even be him who is making the calls.

[charles202]

There is also the option of using a late pick in the National Draft to give him another chance - I wouldn't be unhappy about that - it leaves options open in the draft

I really like that idea OD, however i wonder if there wasnt more to it than just form, such a young player only two years on the list, seems hasty for just form.

Maybe im getting overly suspicous in my old age :(

[Old Den]

I really like that idea OD, however i wonder if there wasnt more to it than just form, such a young player only two years on the list, seems hasty for just form.

Maybe im getting overly suspicous in my old age :(

Well I did float the suggestion in a post somewhere that maybe he is missing the family farm at Robertstown - he has had injury problems here - or maybe he would prefer playing in Adelaide closer to home - you never know when the Wanna go home factor will bob up - who knows?

[BigCat2]

Yeah I did consider the possibility that the club's decided that Schmidt isn't up to it, and cut him loose.

For me it's a matter of weighing things up. Is Chris Schmidt likely to be better value than a 4th round pick rookie (ie outside the top 100 or so youngsters for the year)? I don't know whether there are good prospects there in the rookie draft, but going by the fact that only 1 Queenslander was invited to DC, I'll say the quality probably isn't there. Still, some boys who go to State Screening could still be worth a look.

I recall at end of 2006, we came out with a release saying Anthony Corrie had been delisted, and best luck to his future endeavours. We then picked him up in the rookie draft. Similar story with Pat Garner last year, although the release did indicate that we'll take him as a rookie.

Those 2 examples involved players who were recovering from long term injuries. Schmidt's case is a bit different, although with the small senior list size these days, it wouldn't surprise me if blokes at the edge who get the chop are rookied, in essence creating a bigger senior list.

There's always a chance the player will get picked up by another club, but that's the chance you have to take. As far as I'm concerned, if somebody isn't considered in the top 38-40 players at the club, it's a risk (poached by another club) I'm willing to take.

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showpost.php?p=12654796&postcount=54)

C Schmidt-Delisted was suprised thought he showed a bit was offered rookie spot I believe but didnt want it.