Bradd Dalziell

[Grimreepah]

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/506/dalzielljj5.jpg

Link (http://www.effc.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=71)

Brad Dalzeill
Number: 32
Height 185cm
Weight: 80kg
Recruited: Lynwood-Ferndale
Birthday: 15 March1987

Position
Centre, Half Forward

Trophies /Awards
Huntingdale B&F 2004
Lynwood/Ferndale B&F 2000, 2002

East Freo Stats (http://www.waflonline.com.au/players/player.php?playerID=12456)

http://i33.tinypic.com/141nj0i.jpg
http://i37.tinypic.com/2d427p.jpg

Link (http://lions.com.au/Season2007/News/NewsArticle/tabid/5085/Default.aspx?newsId=53749)

RD 4 SELECTION, PICK No. 52 OVERALL – BRADD DALZIELL
(Pick traded for Richard Hadley to Carlton during Trade Week)
Original Club: East Fremantle (WA)
DOB: 15/03/1987
Height: 184cm
Weight: 82kg
Position: Medium Half Forward / Wingman

Centre and half-forward / wingman who tasted senior football with the East Fremantle Sharks throughout 2007. Won a reserves trophy with East Fremantle as the best player in the finals.

[POBT]

Trained with Freo recently. link (http://fremantlefc.com.au/Season2007/News/NewsArticle/tabid/7009/Default.aspx?newsId=53122)

Dalziell played four league matches in the midfield for the Sharks this season and was named East Fremantle’s best on ground in their losing reserves grand final side, kicking two goals.

[POBT]

Won 2007 award for best player in finals for East Freo reserves.

edit: also polled 3 votes in this year's Sandover Medal. By way of comparison, Rhys Palmer polled 6.

[danielcanberra]

How is his surname pronounced? Is it like 'deal' or 'dalzeal'?

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://lions.com.au/Season2007/News/NewsArticle/tabid/5085/Default.aspx?newsId=53749)

20 year-old Dalziell played senior football with East Fremantle in 2007 and at 184cm will further supplement the Lions midfield.

“We feel that Brad is a late developer. He runs over 15 in the beep test, has a great motor, is a nice kick and came highly recommended by Graeme Hadley who is our full-time Recruiting Manager in Perth,” Allan said.


A 15 beep:thumbsu:

Link (http://lions.com.au/Season2007/News/NewsArticle/tabid/5085/Default.aspx?newsId=53752)

“Bradd Dalziell from Perth comes highly recommended from Graeme Hadley, our recruiting man [over there]. He’s a really good long runner, has got an over 15 beep test and runs a [10.24] three km time trial.

“He’s a 20-year-old, so he’s a bit more mature, plays across [half-forward and on the wing] and he’s been training with Fremantle. Shane Woewodin took him down to East Fremantle Oval for us on Thursday and ran him over six repeat 20s and then he jumped into a three km time trial. He’s been winning all of the three-km trials at Fremantle and I think even North Melbourne might have brought him over as well and he won their trial.

“He’s a really elite athlete, a nice kid, stands at about 185cm and is mature enough to play AFL footy."

2005 Permission to Train List (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showpost.php?p=4317462&postcount=6)
2007 Permission to Train List (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showpost.php?p=9433170&postcount=8)

[Sherminator.]

How is his surname pronounced? Is it like 'deal' or 'dalzeal'?
I think it is pronounced 'Da-leal', presuming he is form Welsh ancestory. He's a good size, let's hope he makes a good player. :)

[Quigley]

I asked a couple of the WA guys about Bradd and both of them said that Bradd really seems to have only gotten serious this year. Below is a PM which I got back:

"87 date of birth. Is a footballer not a particularly gifted athlete. Lack of pace an issue but he is smart and reads the game and that compensates a bit. Plays on a wing where he reads the play well and delivers expertly by foot. Also knows where the goals are. Has added defensive qualities to his game. Has suffered a bit with leg injuries but I put that down to having been a lazy type in juniors and when first at colts level. Has improved his work ethic greatly and subsequently fitness and strength is better. Played WAFL league last season and played outstandingly well in reserves finals.

Good fella and dedicated to his footy now. Can play."

[Dylan12]

Won 2007 award for best player in finals for East Freo reserves.

Massive achievement to hang your hat on - concerning that he has only just decided to take footy seriously; but like the Irish lads - better late that never.

[dmac_55]

Brad has a mature age body, with great endurance...

Sounds like he could be a fine replacement for recently departed Benny Fixter...

Could we be looking for a midfield tagger with Brad?

[POBT]

Could we be looking for a midfield tagger with Brad?

You'd think so - tagger or possibly a back pocket. Its a possible weakness in our side, that small to medium defensive player - Selwood and Jmac are the 1st choices with Copeland and McGrath options. A few doubts over those guys.

I'll back our recruiters' judgement but I see this one as a really strange choice. It is not so much that we used a draft pick on a 20 year old. More that we selected one who is playing in only the 4th strongest league in Australia and played primarily in the reserves. It is not exactly what you'd be expecting when you look at a draftee's footy resume. Perhaps there is more to it - East Freo are known for getting players drafted so perhaps he played reserves so the 18 year olds like Palmer could get a run in the seniors.

It has strong echoes of when we drafted Patfull though. IIRC, he was a decent performer in the SANFL without standing out. He was asked to train with Port and was a possibility to be drafted by them late so we jumped in and picked him up.

Given how Patfull turned out, it is unfair to prejudge this selection but I will simply say that it is a strange one.

[Cousin Jed]

Bradd prefers to be called Dal-zeel

Link (http://lions.com.au/Season2007/News/NewsArticle/tabid/5085/Default.aspx?newsId=53793)



BRADD Dalziel was one of the “smokies” of Saturday’s National Draft, but he is well aware of what is required for success at AFL level.
The 185cm East Fremantle product did a pre-season with Essendon in 2005 and played senior football in 2007 alongside Brownlow Medallist Shane Woewodin.
“Doing a pre-season with a club opens you up to what the AFL is all about,” Dalziel said.
“It’s so professional, training every day, sometimes twice in a day.
“I think all the young guys at East Fremantle looked up at (Woewodin) and the way he went about things, especially his fitness.
“He is a natural leader and was great with us young guys – he was so approachable and you could ask him anything.”
Dalziel, 20, has followed the path generally less travelled to the AFL, not playing for WA underage teams at national carnivals.
But he was well-scouted by WA-based Lions recruiter Graeme Hadley and is regarded as a midfielder with high-level endurance.
The No. 52 selection is now looking forward to getting to Brisbane and linking up with a couple of old acquaintances.
“I know a couple of the boys – I played colts at East Freo with Mitch Clark and I went to school with James Hawskley,” Dalziel said.
“There’s no better place to be starting your career than Brisbane under Leigh Matthews and I can’t wait.
“I’ve heard the climate is pretty similar to Perth, which will be good as well.”
A sense of excitement about moving to Brisbane was echoed by North Ballarat draftee Matt Austin, whom the Lions took shortly after Dalziel at pick 56.
“I’m looking forward to play alongside guys like Jonathan Brown and Simon Black and hopefully playing finals in the next couple of years,” Austin said.
“I think I’m getting to the club at a pretty good time and it’s obviously going to be a pretty exciting environment to be in.
“I know it’s a really good club for developing young players.”
The 18-year-old averaged 15 disposals per game playing for Victoria Country at the 2007 under 18 national championships.
“I didn’t really know what would happen today (draft day), where I’d be going or even if I would get picked up – so I’m pretty stoked,” Austin said.
“I’ll obviously be a Lions fan now but I used to be an Essendon supporter and so did my dad.
“As you could imagine, neither of us were too much fans of the Lions in the 2001 grand final!”

Bradd Dalziel’s surname can be pronounced two ways – either as it reads (Dal-zeel) or the alternative of Dee-el. For the record, his preference is Dal-zeel.

[POBT]

Article (http://www.footygoss.com/main/club_news/east_fremantle/view/sharks_provide_surprises_in_draft/)

At pick No. 52, the Lions nabbed Brad Dalziell – a player who almost gave up on WAFL football midyear according to East Fremantle Football Manager Kim Barrett.

“Brad was probably lost to the club midway during the year and got a little bit disillusioned,” Barrett told Footygoss on Saturday.

“He was going to go to the country, he had injury problems and so on.

“He came back to the club and finished off the season with some terrific football.”

The 20-year-old, originally from Ferndale had a superb reserves finals series for the Sharks booting two goals in a superb Grand Final performance. A week earlier he amassed 37 disposals and kicked three goals.

[POBT]

Apparently, Dalziell also trained with Essendon in 2005 so he seems to have been on the periphery for a while.

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,22820482-5012432,00.html)

Perth youngster Bradd Dalziell, selected by the Lions with pick 52, will arrive in Brisbane today despite never having visited the city. But he said moving interstate would assist his career and he had no fears of homesickness.

Link (http://www.footygoss.com/main/club_news/brisbane/view/dalziell_to_wear_no_34_in_lion_pride/)

Dalziell to wear No. 34 in Lion pride
Posted Dec 18, 2007 - 9:47 AM

Former East Fremantle player Bradd Dalziell has taken one further step in the life of an AFL footballer with Brisbane assigning the 20-year-old with guernsey No. 34 for the 2008 season.
Dalziell, who played 11 senior games for the Sharks before being selected by the Lions in last month’s NAB AFL Draft, takes the jumper number from exciting midfielder Albert Proud who has been handed the No. 2 jersey previously worn by retired defender Chris Johnson.

[Grimreepah]

Dalziell has fit into the team like a duck takes to water. Very vocal throughout the session and seems a great bloke. Can't believe he is 20 - looks about 32. Has some impressive tattoos on his back.

http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/9607/dalziellfx5.jpg

[xplo]

Gee, he looks to be in great shape. It's not too hard to develop your lower pecs but you have to be ripped to get that line running right up to your neck line.

[Sherminator.]

Gee, he looks to be in great shape. It's not too hard to develop your lower pecs but you have to be ripped to get that line running right up to your neck line.
Indeed, Cousins was a good example of that...

[Grimreepah]

So what do you think of the place? (http://lions.com.au/tabid/5085/News/NewsArticle/Default.aspx?newsId=54644)

Bradd Dalziell arrived at the Lions with a reputation as a runner and he lived up to that by placing second in the recent 3km time trial and also performing well in beep testing.“I thought fitness was going to be a big thing for me coming over here and I was pretty confident going into the tests that I’d go okay,” Dalziell said.
“It’s probably a bit of a surprise that I got close to winning but I knew I was pretty fit.
“I’m sharing a house with [time trial winner] Cheynee Stiller, so we’ve got a bit of running competition going on in our household.”
Dalziell had hoped previous pre-training season undertaken with Essendon and the Kangaroos would stand him in good stead at the Gabba.
But he says the Lions’ summer regime is the most intensive he has encountered.
“Probably the biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is the timetable – you train two or three sessions a day,” he said.
“Having done the couple of other pre-season stints elsewhere I probably knew a bit about what to expect.
“But so far at the Lions it has been a lot harder. The fitness base work you do here seems to be a fair bit more than at other clubs.”

[xplo]

So I reckon we can almost ink him in as a 15+ beep boy.

Hmm,.. I feel a song coming on...

"Beep boy, beep boy, hit that perfect beep boy..."

[bigrayohall20]

Ive heard a few people saying some good things about this guy. Ive got him on my Supercoach bench so hopefully he can get plenty of gametime.

[Warwick]

Ive heard a few people saying some good things about this guy. Ive got him on my Supercoach bench so hopefully he can get plenty of gametime.
I don't know what sort of impact he will have, but he is ready to go.

[Grimreepah]

http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/9158/dalzielljr4.jpg

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://www.sportingpulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?client=1-4711-0-0-0&sID=56333&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=5290249&sectionID=56333)

DALZIELL TAKES EARLY LEAD
Wednesday 8 April 2008

Suncoast running machine Bradd Dalziell has taken a one-vote lead in the Syd Guildford Trophy for the best player in the Velocity Sports Cup competition as judged by independent AFLQ observers.
Dalziell, a mature aged recruit from East Fremantle, has been rewarded for prolific efforts in the opening two games of the season.

LEADERS AFTER ROUND TWO
Bradd Dalziell (Suncoast) 7
Nathan Kinch (Morningside) 6
Ryan Holman (Morningside) 6
Nathan Lyons (Broadbeach) 6

http://img380.imageshack.us/img380/7629/dalziellkr7.jpg

[ZoBlitz]

I actually thought he might be named as an emergency this week. If he keeps his form up he'll get his chance soon enough.

[xplo]

Yeah, I think selection has leant far too heavily to rep and not current form. Razzle wasn't selected as a project player -- let's see what he brings!

[Grimreepah]

http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/7721/dalziellcc0.jpg

Dalziell running around for Suncoast against Mt Gravatt.

[SouthSwans]

I asked about him in the DreamTeam thread pre-season and said I would get on him if he looked a chance to get picked, I guess that moment is getting closer...

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://www.sportingpulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?client=1-4711-0-0-0&sID=56333&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=5370669&sectionID=56333)

Link man Bradd Dalziell also got a ton of ball and constantly seems to be able to put himself in the right position to receive the ball.

Link (http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,23606854-3064,00.html)

Best Players: B Dalziell, A Proud, S Clouston, A McGrath, P Smith

[WWFC]

Very good signs for razzle dazzle.

Here's hoping for a call up this week!

[Grimreepah]

Syd Guilford Medal (http://www.sportingpulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?client=1-4711-0-0-0&sID=56333&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=5377760&sectionID=56333)

LEADERS AFTER ROUND 5

Rory Lake (Mt Gravatt) 17
Matt Payne (Zillmere Eagles) 15
Mark Lynch (Southport) 12
Bradd Dalziell (Suncoast) 12
Brett Sinclair (Southport) 11
Ryan Holman (Morningside) 10
Justin Carey (Redland) 10


Round 6 (http://www.sportingpulse.com/round_info.cgi?a=MATCH&fixture=28033595&c=1-109-0-64171-0&pool=-1)

Suncoast LionsGoal Kickers: S Clouston 4, A Magin 2, B Dalziell, D Dzufer, J Hawksley, C Schmidt, M Tyler 1
Best Players: J Roe, S Clouston, C Schmidt, P Smith, J Hawksley, B Dalziell


Good to see Razzle in the "Best" again. I am starting to think we could see him come round 8, seeing as Black is very unlikely to play...

I think he will Notting. We are lacking run with Black and Lappin injured and with the likes of Proud and Harding only able to play in bursts. Dalziell would help in that department.

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://www.sportingpulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?client=1-4711-0-0-0&sID=56333&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=5642662&sectionID=56333)

Votes vs Labrador

5 Votes Robert Copeland Suncoast
4 Votes Scott Clouston Suncoast
3 Votes Bradd Dalziel Suncoast
2 Votes James Hawksley Suncoast
1 Vote1 Michael Talbot Labrador

SYD GUILFORD TROPHY - LEADERS AFTER ROUND 10

Rory Lake (Mt Gravatt) 19
Matt Payne (Zillmere) 18
Nathan Kinch (Morningside) 16
David James (Southport) 16
Bradd Dalziell (Suncoast) 15
Austin Lucy (Zillmere) 14
Tom Tarrant (Mt Gravatt) 14
Aaron Shattock (Labrador) 14
Ryan Holman (Morningside) 13
Jake Myles (Zillmere) 13

There's been plenty of talk about how unlucky Proud has been not to be playing senior footy, but Razzle seems to be consistently among the best players too.

[TheBrownDog]

Link (http://www.sportingpulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?client=1-4711-0-0-0&sID=56333&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=5642662&sectionID=56333)



There's been plenty of talk about how unlucky Proud has been not to be playing senior footy, but Razzle seems to be consistently among the best players too.

Not to mention the bloke directly below him on the points table. ;)

[Grimreepah]

Not to mention the bloke directly below him on the points table. ;)

Still on the bandwagon?:)

With our inability to run games out they would have to be considering Dalziell with his elite running ability.

[mpal6]

Still on the bandwagon?:)

With our inability to run games out they would have to be considering Dalziell with his elite running ability.

4 goals last weekend. Must be in for Stiller or Selwood.

[charles202]

Ive never seen Dazzle play, so i guess this is a question for those on here who make it out to the ressies.

Everting ive read on the guy talks up his endurance and the fact that he is 'cut' (so ill make the assumption that he is fairly strong too).

However, what is the guys speed like compared to our other endurance type players in Stiller and Bunno?

[bears2lions]

Razzle Dazzle is pretty solid.

Not sure about endurance, got to see more of him, but his bursts of speed are fantastic.

[Ruse]

I wouldn't mind seeing clouston get a gig on the wing as well. We really have decent depth now if a a couple of our second tier players go down.

[xplo]

Ive never seen Dazzle play, so i guess this is a question for those on here who make it out to the ressies.

Everting ive read on the guy talks up his endurance and the fact that he is 'cut' (so ill make the assumption that he is fairly strong too).

However, what is the guys speed like compared to our other endurance type players in Stiller and Bunno?

Only saw him once in the preseason, Charles, but neither Stiller or Selwood are quick. Razzle doesn't look electric, but pretty sure he'd have them both covered for speed with at least comparable endurance. There was talk of him running 15 beeps in perth last season.

I'd guess he'd be roughly Power's pace -- sharp without being blinding.

[charles202]

Thanks Explo appreciate the 2 cents. :thumbsu:

[belle79]

How is his surname pronounced? Is it like 'deal' or 'dalzeal'?

Dalziell is Pronounced Dal Zeal

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://lions.com.au/tabid/5085/Default.aspx?newsid=63583)

Dalziell set to debut
5:13 PM Thu 17 July, 2008

The Lions have included Jason Roe, Scott Harding and first-gamer Bradd Dalziell to the senior team to take on the West Coast Eagles this Saturday night at the Gabba as the Club looks to urgently arrest its current two-game losing streak.

Dalziell, who has been knocking on the selection door for a number of weeks following a string of impressive performances with the Suncoast Lions reserves side, is set to make his senior AFL debut.

The 21 year-old was drafted from East Fremantle by the Lions with pick No.52 in the 2007 National Draft as a centreman who has the ability to find plenty of the ball.

The West Australian is one of the Club’s best endurance athletes, recording exceptional times in both the beep test and 3km time trial during the pre-season.
He becomes the fifth Lions to player to make his debut this season.

The full Lions team is:
B: Josh Drummond (39), Daniel Merrett (21), Joel Patfull (24)
HB: Robert Copeland (30), Jason Roe (29), Ashley McGrath (9)
C: Anthony Corrie (18), Simon Black (20), Tim Notting (8)
HF: Michael Rischitelli (35), Jonathan Brown (16), Jared Brennan (17)
F: Cheynee Stiller (32), Daniel Bradshaw (36), Mitch Clark (1)
Foll: Jamie Charman (19), Luke Power (6), Travis Johnstone (4)
Int: Tom Collier (22), Bradd Dalziell (34), Rhan Hooper (33), Scott Harding (5)
Emerg: Albert Proud (2), Scott Clouston (41), James Hawksley (12)

IN: Jason Roe, Bradd Dalziell, Scott Harding

OUT: Matthew Leuenberger (knee), Jed Adcock (quad), Troy Selwood (omit)

New: Bradd Dalziell (East Fremantle)

http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/420/dalziellcj4.jpg

SouthSwans will be happy.

Good luck Bradd:thumbsu:

[SouthSwans]

Link (http://lions.com.au/tabid/5085/Default.aspx?newsid=63583)



SouthSwans will be happy.

Good luck Bradd:thumbsu:
Stoked :thumbsu:

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,24040468-10389,00.html)

The Lions have drafted debutant Bradd Dalziell to bolster the midfield and Matthews said his pace could be an asset. "He's got a lot of the footy in the reserves games so we though it was time he got the chance," he said.

[mpal6]

Finally, Cmon Razzle!!
Hoping for some magic on saturday which would dazzle us. :)

[gravy]

Fantastic work for 1st gamer. Nice pick up guys

[mpal6]

32 possessions, 7 marks, 5 tackles - Found another midfield gun.
Wohoooo !!!!!!!!

[Cousin Jed]

Most possessions ever by a player on debut

Congratulations :thumbsu:

[freq]

Beat me to it Jed! top work from Bradd tonight he was hitting targets better than most of our players ;)

[Grimreepah]

Previous record holder was Hasleby with 30. He'll probably pick up Brownlow votes too.

[mpal6]

Now I wonder why his debut was delayed for sooo long.
Cost me the possession game.. Damn u Leigh ! LOL.

[Lace Out]

My wife is double D.

Not sure who I like more atm.

[_hyphy]

Gun.

[Lions_Master]

The Dazzer was awesome tonight and a few of my friends and I wanted to dump Selwood or Copeland for this guy. Looks liked we were right!

[blynd_freddie]

My wife is double D.

Not sure who I like more atm.
A hand full for both on debut then? hahahaha:p

[JDC!]

Good game by Dalziell but Dean Greig (http://stats.rleague.com/afl/stats/players/D/Dean_Greig.html) (St Kilda) had 39 possessions of debut in 1991.

[Grimreepah]

He had 12 disposals to half time and 20 in the 2nd half. It wasn't just the amount of ball though as he showed he was prepared to shepherd and dive in for the hard ball.

[Ceebee]

Fantastic game for the young man. maybe we have a new midfielder at last.:thumbsu:

[konstas_87]

geez that was close to the most impressive debut ive ever seen live (and yes i was at Brennan's).

not only did he work hard into space all night, but his decision making and execution was first rate every time.

why is he debuting in rd 16?? bloody hell.

[dlanod]

Didn't get to see his game first hand for obvious reasons, so I was wondering how he got his possessions? Cheap marks in defence as a loose man, run with player, outside or in-and-under midfielder?

[Grimreepah]

Didn't get to see his game first hand for obvious reasons, so I was wondering how he got his possessions? Cheap marks in defence as a loose man, run with player, outside or in-and-under midfielder?

A lot of it was link up play, but I think this is the type of player we need. We get criticised for being terrible disposers of the ball but a fair proportion of the blame IMO should go on players not being able to get in good positions to receive the ball. Dalziell does that. But he can also play inside as well. He was diving in for the hard ball and managed 7 contested possessions and 3 clearances. He seemed to have license to create the play (ie. he wasn't tagging) but he laid 5 tackles as well (3rd most for the Lions).

Dalzeill set the record tonight for the most possessions on debut with 32 (or maybe he didn't). This game suited his style down to the ground and he cashed in on it to the maximum. Write Bradd down as our first rising star nomination for the year. Dalzeill for the 2009 Rising Star anyone? What he does extremely well is run to space and make himself available which is something which not enough of our guys have been doing this year. His great running ability allows him to make space and given the West Coast had very little interest in matching up he was able to get free time and again. He also got a lot of game time compared with other recent debutants so was given the chance to shine. Skills wise though he is not particularly good and he adds to the clanger problem. He tends to handball a lot and his kicking does not have a lot of penetration and can be a little hit and miss. He also has an unfortunate habit of looking to go backwards too much. I am being picky though and you have to congratulate the young guy on a great debut.

Just for the record he had 89% game time, which is quite high even for an experienced midfielder.

Just was on SEN, very relaxed, and gives very good answers. They mentioned he beat Black's record in the beep test, with a 15.14.

Congratulations to the guy

Played footy for a number of years against him. He played for Lynwood Ferndale
In saying that can't beleive he made it to AFL.

He was called "diddles" back in junior footy and was to say the least overweight.
Had good skills and a good mark though
During Pre Season trainign for Perth 4 or so years ago he pulled out of the beep test at 6ish and couldnt complete the set numbder of suicides by a fair margine.

But good to see someone work there ass of so much and have so much self belief to make it all the way.

Hopefully a good rest of the year for diddles being a WA and good luck to you guys

Thread on Brisbane board (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=466922)

Thread on Freo board (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=467167&highlight=Dalziell)

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/sport/afl/story/0,27046,24046328-5016181,00.html)

Bradd Dalziell's dazzle inspires Lions' win over West Coast
Article from:http://www.news.com.au/images/sources/sm_sundaymail.gif
By Damien Stannard
July 20, 2008 12:00am

BRISBANE Lions first-gamer Bradd Dalziell was not a big fan of the West Coast Eagles while growing up in Perth and it showed at the Gabba. The East Fremantle product produced one of the AFL's most spectacular debuts as Brisbane walloped the Eagles by 46 points last night.
Dalziell out-pointed his role model Simon Black on the statistics sheet with 32 disposals, seven marks and three clearances.

The 21-year-old set a new mark for most possessions by a debutant and even Lions coach Leigh Matthews was surprised by how well the young midfielder handled his first outing.

"I'd have to say so," he replied when asked if the the youngster's effort was beyond his own expectations.

"The fact that he was able to play big minutes (and) was able to get involved in the flow of the game.
"You wouldn't have thought in your wildest dreams he was going to do that."
The young Lion was promoted to the seniors on the back of three consecutive 40-plus possession games in the reserves.
After having a knee reconstruction at 15 and missing out on the draft several times before being taken by Brisbane last year, Dalziell was merely happy just to get one kick let alone 14.
"I was just happy to make my debut," said Dalziell who was a Geelong fan while growing up.
"I wasn't expecting to play as much as I did. Just get a taste of it.
"It worked out pretty well in the end."

http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/3194/dalziellyb2.jpg

Link (http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/rfmatchreport/lions-maul-outofsorts-eagles/2008/07/19/1216163235558.html)

The Lions were also buoyed by an outstanding debut from the eccentrically named Bradd Dalziell, who not only brought his own football to the game — he finished with 32 possessions to steal Docker Paul Hasleby's record for most possessions on debut — but also mostly used it effectively to shade some senior teammates.

Link (http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/news/beep-test-pointer-to-keeping-up-to-afl-tempo/2008/07/20/1216163245505.html)

Beep test pointer to keeping up to AFL tempo
Andrew Stafford
July 20, 2008

DURING the Brisbane Lions' pre-season, new recruit Bradd "Razzle" Dalziell knocked over the long-standing club beep test record of his hero, fellow West Australian Simon Black.

"He was happy for me, but deep down inside I think he was pretty dark about it," the first-year player from East Fremantle said.

Dalziell went on to make an outstanding debut against the Eagles, the team incidentally he did not barrack for as a junior — that was Geelong, on account of his love of Gary Ablett, although it wasn't clear whether the 21-year-old was referring to father or son. Little fazes Dalziell, who slipped into senior football as if he'd been playing it all his life.

If he had any trouble in adapting to the tempo, his 32 possessions was down on the regular 40-plus counts he was accumulating in feeder team the Suncoast Lions. He said he would have been happy with one. "I just wanted to get that first touch," he said. "There's a lot bigger bodies in the AFL and they hit a lot harder.

"It was a quick game; you've got to make the right decisions. The players run a lot harder, the skills are a lot better and sides are able to hurt you really bad if you make a mistake, so disposal-wise you've got to be really efficient."

[SouthSwans]

I called it, from the start of the season I called it.

[xplo]

A lot of it was link up play, but I think this is the type of player we need. We get criticised for being terrible disposers of the ball but a fair proportion of the blame IMO should go on players not being able to get in good positions to receive the ball. Dalziell does that. But he can also play inside as well. He was diving in for the hard ball and managed 7 contested possessions and 3 clearances. He seemed to have license to create the play (ie. he wasn't tagging) but he laid 5 tackles as well (3rd most for the Lions).



Just for the record he had 89% game time, which is quite high even for an experienced midfielder.

Reminds me a little of Adrian Fletcher meets Robert Harvey. Fletcher's footy nous and positional play and Harvey's relentless motoring.

He's a great reader on the play as it unfolds. You can see him cruising and a handball spits out 80M away, and bang! he's heading for a spot 35M away that is going to crucial to the contest in about 5 seconds. That's vision.

He's obviously also got an elite motor -- Have a look at the replay and see how many times they pan back from a stop-play and everyone is standing or walking, except Dazzler, who's ticking along with a quick jog to a position he's spotted on the other side.

Pair that vision with the elite running ability to get to the spots he sees, and you've gained something MASSIVELY valuable -- a guy who actually turns 1-on-1's into 2-on-1's... and 2-on-2's into 3-on-2's,.. etc, etc...

That turns games.

[notting18]

He had 12 disposals to half time and 20 in the 2nd half.

I think those stats show the impact of his extreme fitness.

[Lehmo87]

I don't think I'll ever forget my first sight of him last night when he shepparded that eagles bloke off Luke Power. I don't think I have seen anything like that in recent times:confused:

[Ceebee]

Not getting over excited about a first gamer, but how good would it be if he turned into another Blacky.:thumbsu::thumbsu::thumbsu::thumbsu::thumbsu:.
So, I am a touch excited.:D

[mish33]

Wow super debut! His disposal wasn't fantastic, but it looked like he could use it off either side. He fills a big hole in our side.

I really hope he's working hard with Blacky in and under. If he keeps playing like that, he's going to start getting a lot of attention from other teams.

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://news.realfooty.com.au/sport/unorthodox-rise-for-lions-dalziell-20080720-3i3r.html)

Unorthodox rise for Lions' Dalziell
July 20, 2008 - 12:04PM

Bradd Dalziell's AFL rise has been as unorthodox as the spelling of his Christian name.
The West Australian is the first to admit he thought his AFL chance had passed him by when he was recovering with a broken arm in the East Fremantle reserves team last year.
A mature-age recruit picked up No.52 overall in the 2007 Draft, Dalziell finally gave Brisbane coach Leigh Matthews no choice but to pick him with a weight of possession for reserves outfit, the Suncoast Lions.
But even the wily old Matthews was surprised by what happened next.
The 21-year-old made the most of a shock starting role ahead of his idol Simon Black to nab an incredible 32 possessions on debut and help the Lions crush West Coast by 46 points at the Gabba on Saturday night.
"I don't think you would have expected that in your wildest dreams," Matthews said of Dalziell, the Lions' fifth debutant of 2008.
"The way he was able to play big minutes, get involved in the flow of the game - that was the type of game that he has been playing in the reserves."
Dalziell's blinder came against a team from his own backyard that had a chance to snap him up as a youngster.
But the midfielder denied that his inspired performance was a stern "I told you so" to the Eagles.
"I wasn't a big West Coast fan. I didn't really follow the western teams - I was a Geelong supporter, I love Gary Ablett," Dalziell said.
"I loved to move out of Perth because the footy out there is pretty serious - back in Brisbane it is pretty laidback.
"It means a better lifestyle over here as well."
Even the laidback Dalziell was surprised when Matthews asked him to start on Saturday night, opting to have the recovering Black (shoulder) begin on the interchange bench.
It wasn't the first time Dalziell had pipped Black - he broke the fellow West Australian's club beep test record in the pre-season.
Black (27 possessions) was again inspirational along with Luke Power (31).
But all eyes were on Dalziell after he capped a remarkable comeback.
"I struggled most of last year because I missed half the season with a broken arm," he said.
"I had really set myself a big year that year so I was really disappointed.
"I didn't think I would be here. I thought it had passed me by."

Link (http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/sport/dalziells-dazzling-debut-for-lions/2008/07/20/1216492217889.html)

Dalziell's dazzling debut
Marc Fox
July 20, 2008 - 6:35AM

Bradd Dalziell wasn't just on top of the world after his debut last night, he was on top of the Brisbane Lions stats sheet too.

If the 2007 draftee from East Fremantle had glanced down the list of leading possession-getters, he'd see himself at the summit with a mighty 32 disposals, leaving, in order, Luke Power, Simon Black, Josh Drummond, Travis Johnstone, Jonathan Brown and Daniel Bradshaw trailing in his wake.

"In your wildest dreams you wouldn't have thought he was going to go and do that," said coach Leigh Matthews.

A technical problem prevented journalists receiving their regular quarter-by-quarter updates, making the reveal of Dalziell's disposal count midway through the third quarter even more startling. He also took seven marks and made three clearances.

"I just wanted to get that first touch. As soon as I got that first touch I thought anything can happen here," the modest Dalziell said.

"At the start the ball was just flying around and I thought I'm in for it here. But as the game went on I got into the rhythm and found it alright."

Dalziell's sensational form in the reserves meant Brisbane's coaching team simply couldn't ignore him any longer. But he admitted he'd been made to wait for his chances in the seniors despite racking up huge numbers with the Suncoast Lions.

"What Leigh and the coaches told me was that it's not really about getting 30 or 40 touches. It's about just sticking to the game plan and looking at what you do off the ball, making sure you're protecting your team-mates and getting your head over the ball. They made sure I'd got all that right before they brought me up," he said.

A broken arm wrecked the 21-year-old's dreams of a pivotal season in the WAFL last year. When pressed, Dalziell even admitted he wondered privately whether a crack at the elite league had passed him by.

But the Lions' recruiting team remained convinced his natural athletic ability was a fit for the AFL.

Since making the switch east, Dalziell has broken Simon Black's beep test record. He shyly admitted that Black was his hero. "A couple of times out there I thought you were Blacky," one reporter joked back.

Yet it was Dalziell's capacity to reproduce his Suncoast Lions form against the "big bodies" of the AFL which made a greater impression on the Brisbane coach.

"The fact that he was able to play big minutes and was able to get involved in the flow of the game," said Matthews. "He did today the type of game he's been playing in the reserves.

"We always thought he'd play big minutes because he's capable of playing big minutes. Some (players) are capable of playing for longer berths and he's one of those."

Link
(http://lions.com.au/tabid/5085/Default.aspx?newsid=63729)
Dalziell makes dazzling debut
By Simon White
11:53 AM Sun 20 July, 2008

LAST September, Bradd Dalziell was playing reserves finals for East Fremantle and thought his chance to become an AFL player might have come and gone.

Come September 2008 and Dalziell could yet be finals-bound with the Brisbane Lions, on the strength of a brilliant debut in Saturday night’s 46-point win over West Coast at the Gabba.

While some of his better-known teammates battled in their first games at elite level – superstar forward Jonathan Brown famously failed to pick up a possession – Dalziell looked comfortable from the outset, eventually compiling a team-high 32 possessions.

“It’s a great feeling – coming off two losses, to get a win was great both for the team and me,” Dalziell said.

“I didn’t expect play as much as did, I thought I’d probably play maybe half a game and just get a taste.

“At the start the ball was flying around and my first thought was ‘I’ve got myself into it here.’ But once I got into the game I began thinking it was going to be alright.”

Dalziell, taken by the Lions with the No.52 pick of last year’s National Draft, started on the ground and picked up two quick possessions – en route to an outing that also included 19 handball receives, two centre clearances and five inside-50s.

His performance both impressed and pleasantly surprised coach Leigh Matthews.

“In your wildest dreams you wouldn’t have thought he’d be able to do that,” Matthews said in praise of the debutant.

“The fact he was able to play big minutes and get involved in the flow of the game – what he did was the type of game he’s been playing in the reserves.

Dalziell has already made a big impression in less than nine months at the Gabba, breaking Simon Black’s long-standing “beep test” record and racking up plenty of disposals for the Suncoast Lions.

If he can hold his spot in the team and the sixth-placed Lions go on to play finals for the first time since 2004, he’ll probably pause to reflect on how much can change in the course of a year.

A relatively “mature” recruit, Dalziell was scouted by the club’s WA-based recruiting assistant Graeme Hadley, father of former Lion Richard Hadley.

“I struggled for most of last year, mainly because I missed half the season with a broken arm,” Dalziell recalled.

“I think I only played three senior games (with East Fremantle) and I’d set myself for a big year, so I was pretty disappointed.

“Graeme Hadley kept an eye on me, was really good to me and got me over here. I thought the chance might have passed me by.”

The 21-year-old became the fourth Lion from last year’s draft to debut in 2008, following Lachie Henderson, James Polkinghorne and Tom Collier.

He said playing the first two thirds of the season in the AFLQ had taught him some invaluable footballing lessons.

“What Leigh and coaches told me was that it wasn’t about getting 30 or 40 touches but sticking to the game plan and what you have to do off the ball,” Dalziell said.

“You have to look after teammates and put your head over ball – and I had to make sure I got that right first.
“(Previously) my game was a bit about getting rid of the ball and then wanting it back again. I’ve tried to get more into giving it and then doing the shepherding.”

[TheBrownDog]

Five players have made their debut this year at the Gabba and been fortunate enough to lead the team off the ground victorious.

Henderson (vs Collingwood)
Polkinghorne (vs Melbourne)
Hawksley (vs Freo)
Collier (vs Adelaide)
Dalziell (vs West Coast)

:thumbsu:

[Lehmo87]

Wow super debut! His disposal wasn't fantastic, but it looked like he could use it off either side. He fills a big hole in our side.

I really hope he's working hard with Blacky in and under. If he keeps playing like that, he's going to start getting a lot of attention from other teams.

I've heard a couple of people say that now but he had 88% disposal effectiveness:confused:

[mish33]

yeah, may have been a bit harsh on him :o

I don't think he'll ever be the most penetrating kick in our team, but if he can put our better kicks into space through hard running, then his job's done.

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://lions.com.au/tabid/5085/Default.aspx?newsid=63780)

Lions investment matures
By Matt Burgan
12:03 PM Mon 21 July, 2008

THE OUTSTANDING first-up performance of Brisbane Lions midfielder Bradd Dalziell should be regarded as one of the great stories of the season and AFL debuts in recent years.
Dalziell accumulated 32 disposals against West Coast at the Gabba on Saturday night, which was not only an outstanding achievement, but the best by a first-gamer since Fremantle's Paul Hasleby gained 30 touches on debut in round one, 2000.
Although it is understood Dean Greig's 39 disposals on debut for St Kilda against Carlton in round 21, 1991 is the record – at least since possessions have been recorded.
It was heady stuff from a player regarded by many in the recruiting industry as an 'outside chance' at best to be drafted last year. But this did not deter the Lions and they took a punt on him at No.52 in last year's NAB AFL Draft.
It was a shrewd recruiting move, considering Dalziell, who is now 21 and was overlooked in the 2005-06 draft period, was languishing in the East Fremantle reserves in 2007, having come back from a broken arm.
But after several standout performances for the Suncoast Lions, Dalziell's form couldn't be ignored. The incredible nature of his debut was not lost on coach Leigh Matthews.
"In your wildest dreams you wouldn't have thought he'd be able to do that. The fact he was able to play big minutes and get involved in the flow of the game – what he did was the type of game he's been playing in the reserves," Matthews said post-match.
But Dalziell's debut also did several things.
It once again proved to the football community – and the recruiting fraternity – that players over 18 years old are still more than capable of making a valuable contribution at elite level and should not be dismissed.
The rookie list has also been a great vehicle for mature-age players to reach the highest level and last year's rule change, allowing previously non-listed AFL players over the age of 23 to also be listed under this method, will also help 'older' prospects.
And the addition of two extra rookies for AFL clubs in the 2009-10 seasons will also create further opportunities for mature-age players, as will the introduction of teams from the Gold Coast and Western Sydney in the next decade.
This is why Dalziell's debut should make clubs look at the bigger picture.
Yes, VFL/AFL history has been sprinkled with many fine debuts – probably none better than Essendon legend John Coleman's 12 goals in round one 1949 – but several have also failed to kick-on long-term.
John Georgiades kicked eight goals on debut against Carlton in round one 1989 and, despite a handful of other impressive displays, he was finished at the Bulldogs after 15 matches over three seasons.
And while there is no suggestion Dalziell will emulate the feats of Coleman or simply be a one-hit wonder, the challenge for the mature-age recruit is to back up this type of display on a consistent basis.
Having already shown he is capable at this level, there is no reason why he can't repeat his inaugural performance.
Whether he likes it or not, he is something of a guinea pig for the mature-age concept.

http://img501.imageshack.us/img501/171/dalziellah2.jpg
Bradd Dalziell battles with Ashley Hansen

[Grimreepah]

Missed out on the rising star nomination which went to Kyle Reimers (http://afl.com.au/tabid/208/Default.aspx?newsid=63827).

[Tassie4ever]

Link (http://lions.com.au/tabid/5085/Default.aspx?newsid=63780)

Great article- this bloke showed all the benefit of having already played in senior league football, just like Collier. Some recruits just seem to have the presence and poise that indicates they are comfortable at the elite level, just a little bit extra time so that they don't appear to be under the same pressure as others. Dazzle seemed to be right at home.

[Grimreepah]

Didn't get a rising star, but did make team of the week (http://afl.com.au/tabid/208/Default.aspx?newsid=63823).

Team of the week: round 16
By Matt Burgan 5:19 AM Tue 22 July, 2008
http://mm.afl.com.au/Portals/0/images/AFL/AFL%20K-O/TeamOfTheWeek_246a.jpg
Team of the Week

B: Darren Milburn (Geelong), Matthew Scarlett (Geelong), Max Hudghton (St Kilda)
HB: Corey Enright (Geelong), Michael Firrito (North Melbourne), Daniel Pratt (North Melbourne)
C: Bradd Dalziell (Brisbane Lions), Simon Black (Brisbane Lions), Nick Dal Santo (St Kilda)
HF: Ryan O'Keefe (Sydney Swans), Nick Riewoldt (St Kilda), Danyle Pearce (Port Adelaide)
F: Nathan Brown (Richmond), Matthew Pavlich (Fremantle), Jason Blake (St Kilda)
FOLL: Drew Petrie (North Melbourne), Bryce Gibbs (Carlton), Nathan Foley (Richmond)
I/C: Dean Cox (West Coast), Brent Harvey (North Melbourne), Byron Schammer (Fremantle), Brent Stanton (Essendon)

Bradd Dalziell (Brisbane Lions) – The 21-year-old produced one of the great debuts of recent years, with a 32-disposal display against West Coast. Coach Leigh Matthews said of Dalziell: "In your wildest dreams, you wouldn't have thought he would be able to do that."

Just for the record Reimers didn't make it.:p

[xplo]

Wonder if any other debutant has made the team of the week? You'd have to doubt it.

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://lions.com.au/tabid/5085/Default.aspx?newsid=63900)

Dalziell a shoo-in, says Matthews
By Laine Clark
4:13 PM Tue 22 July, 2008

JONATHAN Brown and Simon Black are no longer the first picked at the Brisbane Lions.
Well, not this week at least.
A welcome selection headache may await Lions coach Leigh Matthews with Brown and Black backing up from niggles and Jed Adcock and Joel Macdonald set to return from injury against Richmond on Saturday night.
But Matthews says draftee Bradd Dalziell is already locked in for their crucial clash.
Dalziell earned his AFL debut last weekend against West Coast thanks to a quad injury to Adcock and Matthews said the former was guaranteed a game this weekend even if Adcock passed a fitness test.
Barely 12 months after languishing in the East Fremantle reserves team, Dalziell amassed 32 possessions in Brisbane's 46-point thrashing of West Coast.
It is the most disposals by an AFL player on debut, according to Champion Data records which go back to 1993.
It is understood Dean Greig's 39 disposals on debut for St Kilda against Carlton in round 21, 1991 is the best ever.
"I think it would be a big call to leave him out next week. He certainly did well, so he'll hold his spot in the team," Matthews said of Dalziell.
"He had an exceptional first day with regards to getting the ball in his hands."
Matthews didn't expect Dalziell to get ahead of himself against the Tigers as the Lions look to keep their top eight finals hopes alive.
"He's actually quite a quiet kid and I don't think he's the type of kid that is going to get too full of himself," he said.
"You often find that your first game is the easiest game of football you will play for a while because you're new to both the game and the opposition.
"He's not a teenage first-year player. He's 21 and been around the AFL system and had plenty of kicks in the pants.
"He's been through the hard times so I don't think he is all of a sudden going to think that the AFL is a piece of cake."

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/4834/dalziellbh8.jpg

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://lions.com.au/tabid/5085/Default.aspx?newsid=64115)

Bradd Dalziell's 32 possessions against West Coast last week marked a record debut since 1993, when statistics started being kept in earnest. Of those behind him in the top-10, the likes of Michael Voss (Lions), Paul Hasleby (Fremantle) and Guy Rigoni (Melbourne) have all gone on to have pretty fair careers. Dean Polo (Richmond), Andrew Walker and Dennis Armfield (both Carlton) are still developing, while Donald Dickie (Port Adelaide), Brodie Atkinson (St Kilda) and Brad Murphy (Western Bulldogs) are long gone. Brad who?

Link (http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/07/21/2310025.htm?section=sport)

Meanwhile he (Leigh) says fans should not get too carried away by the performance of debutant Brad Dalziell. Dalziell set a new AFL record when he claimed 32 possessions in his first game against West Coast on Saturday night.
Matthews says while it was an encouraging game for the club's 2007 draft pick, it needs to be kept in perspective.
"He had an exceptional getting ball in hands first day but often you find the first game is the easiest game you play for a while because you're completely new," he said.
You're new to it and you're new to the opposition and it'll be up to him to build on that."

[konstas_87]

definately did enough to show his first game was no fluke.
cant believe it took the 70% of the season for this guy to get a game..

[TheBrownDog]

definately did enough to show his first game was no fluke.
cant believe it took the 70% of the season for this guy to get a game..

18 possessions included 8 contested (4th highest contested possession getter on the ground).
5 Tackles.
His disposal was good too.
Will be a player.

[SouthSwans]

definately did enough to show his first game was no fluke.
cant believe it took the 70% of the season for this guy to get a game..
Neither, I've just been waiting and waiting so I could put him in the DT.

[Lehmo87]

18 possessions included 8 contested (4th highest contested possession getter on the ground).
5 Tackles.
His disposal was good too.
Will be a player.

Impressive stats indeed.:thumbsu:

Hopefully we can get Proud, Adcock, Rischitelli and Dalziell working together in the future... I can see this being a dangerous combination in the coming years. Especially with our young talls coming through. The only thing these guys need to work on is their skills, particularly when the game is on the line like it was last night.

[Robroy]

Number 34 is showing more poise, than those team-mates he is competing with, to win a regular spot in the side!:thumbsu:

[Vipertooth]

Good follow up game after a magical debut

Slowing becoming a fav, i can see myself each week hoping/wishing he gets 20 plus possies just to keep up with his amazing first game :) :thumbsu:

[Grimreepah]

http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/5044/dalzielltu5.jpg

Luke McGuane lays on a big hip and shoulder, but Razzle got straight up and dived in the for the next contest.

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://lions.com.au/tabid/5085/Default.aspx?newsid=64301)

West Australian draftee Bradd Dalziell has collected more disposals than any other Lions player in his first two matches at senior level.

Not sure what that means - whether it's any player's first two games at senior level, or any player over the last two weeks. The latter is certainly true, and the former may well be too.

[Grimreepah]

Interesting to see that on average Dalziell is statistically our best player. Who would have guessed that at the start of the season?:eek:

http://i37.tinypic.com/vhyql5.jpg

Not that I expect him to maintain that though. The opposition will probably focus more on him and may give him tougher opponents. Most players tend to go through tough periods at some time or another, so hopefully he doesn't get too far ahead of himself and he has the fortitude to fight it out when things are no longer going his way.

[BigCat2]

Not that I expect him to maintain that though. The opposition will probably focus more on him and may give him tougher opponents. Most players tend to go through tough periods at some time or another, so hopefully he doesn't get too far ahead of himself and he has the fortitude to fight it out when things are no longer going his way.

Not knowing him that well, but I'd say (as a generalisation) he won't get ahead of himself like an 18/19yo who bursts onto the scene. He's 21 now so is more mature, and having gone the hard route to AFL he won't be taking things for granted.

[Cousin Jed]

Cool table Grim :thumbsu:

Definitely shows the "imbalance" somewhat

[Lehmo87]

Not knowing him that well, but I'd say (as a generalisation) he won't get ahead of himself like an 18/19yo who bursts onto the scene. He's 21 now so is more mature, and having gone the hard route to AFL he won't be taking things for granted.

I saw him at the Player Sponsor function on Friday and he seemed like a very quiet guy. Certainly not the type to get ahead of himself. In saying that, I only vaguely observed him from a distance between chatting to Riska and Hooper....

[xplo]

Yeah, spent maybe 30 minutes talking to Bradd last Friday with Freddie and Lionbear. Very serious and thoughtful bloke.

Someone mentioned here that he was a bit unfit as a teenage footballer, but he said he was just like most kids at that stage. Working with Woey made the real difference.

He said he was frustrated playing well for Suncoast and not being able to crack a senior berth, but was really surprised how much we seemed to know about him and the Suncoast games -- albeit from a distance.

Been trying to figure out who he reminds me off, and it hit me watching him on Saturday.

It's a 96-99 era Benny Cousins. Benny has always had this very upright, almost military, cruising jog when he's off the ball -- it's quite efficient because he sits back on his heels as he travels and there's hardly any 'toe lift' in it, so he always looks like he's running flat-footed on sand, trying not to sink in too much. Mainly uses those larger core upper leg and glute muscles to keep you moving.

When the ball nears, he suddenly snaps his weight forward, the toes and calves get involved and he's off like a gazelle.

Watch Bradd and I reckon you can see that same style in his movement.

Not a massive surprise I guess considering Benny would have been 20ish when Bradd was 10ish. Who else is a Perth kid going to model his game on?

[Grimreepah]

On the topic of player comparisons I would probably say he is a bit like Heath Scotland. Gets a lot of the ball but is not overly strong in the body. Disposal is tidy but lacks the hurt factor of the elite players.

[Grimreepah]

Showed his first game was no fluke. Another 34 possessions and he's starting to enter 'ball magnet' status. Would have to be a certainty for the rising star nomination this week.

[Grimreepah]

Emma Quayle (http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/rfmatchreport/roos-leave-it-late/2008/08/03/1217097625354.html?page=2)

Three weeks ago, BraddDalziell had 32 possessions in his debut AFL game; last night he had two more than that, and got the right spots time and time again, so often that you wondered how he'd ever found the time to cover so much ground. His kicking, through the centre and to Brown, was another reason the Lions could, and probably should have won. How the 21-year-old got through two national and rookie drafts, let alone to No. 52 before Brisbane picked him last November, is a curious thing.

Link (http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,24121565-19742,00.html)

Brisbane's midfield, led by Michael Rischitelli and Bradd Dalziell, was prolific.

[Grimreepah]

At the risk of sounding like I put any stock into statistical rankings, Dalziell is now on average the 6th best player in the league (according to finalsiren).:)

http://i33.tinypic.com/23vnrqw.jpg

[SouthSwans]

Gee I picked the right pony to bet on. If anyone likes my skills for seeking out talent :D, get on Andrew Foster (Freo) next year. I may be wrong but I only picked out two this year and one of them is an absolute ripper :thumbsu:

[TheBrownDog]

Should have had more possessions last night.

Couldn't believe the number of times last night where Dazzle (or Begley or McGrath) were 70 metres clear on the wing waiting for the switch, only for one of our players to kick to a contest and turn it over.

Showed his first game was no fluke. Another 34 possessions and he's starting to enter 'ball magnet' status. Would have to be a certainty for the rising star nomination this week.

Cale Morton would appear to be a good chance too.

[Quigley]

The role he is playing is Lappin's sweeping role a kick and a half out of the defense. His running provides a good outlet to the backs and he goes into the middle and can win his own ball.

Fantastic start to his career. Lets hope he can keep it up.

[Lace Out]

It would appear endurance and linking are his long suits.

It's probably a long shot that he will drop off enough to not be a part of our best 22 for a few years.

Sincerely hope anyway-we need a few sprouters,every other club seems to have 4 or 5.

[Grimreepah]

It's quite ironic that our Perth recruitment manager was Graeme Hadley and was the one who recommended Dalziell, because it was his son, Richard, who he replaced on the list. Anyway kudos to Graeme, it was one from left field, but he trusted his instincts and it's proving to be a great piece of recruiting.