View Full Version : Zaka
windyhill
16 Mar 2010, 21:00
Is he still eligible for the rising star ?
bombre-boy
16 Mar 2010, 21:06
Only played 10 games, but he got a rising star nom in his first game (round 2). Not sure if this means he can still be nominated this year, but ithink he can be nominated again.
KING-JAMES
16 Mar 2010, 21:08
Yep he is. Looked sharp enough to give it a shake on the weekend. I think it will be a pretty strong field this year though. Martin Looked awesome from the tiges, and a lot of 2nd year blokes like Tom Swift, Ziebell and Natanui are all eligible.
Big Blow Hard
16 Mar 2010, 21:32
Yep, Zaka and Hurley both eligible again, despite nominations.
THink it will take an outstanding game to get another nomination though.
Nic Nat is probably a lock for Rd 1. They are itcihing to get him there I reckon. Probably a 10 hit out 2 goal game will be enough.
I can see Hurley tearing another game or two apart to recieve another nom.
As the above poster said. A hell of alot of likely sorts this year.
Would love to see some of the new boys get nominated, but they will likely find getting a game difficult. Unless of course they tear the VFL up and force there way in.
bipolarbeaR
16 Mar 2010, 23:40
Zaharakis excites me more than any of our young players to be honest.
He has some real Bartel about him.
nic nat will be tough to beat!!
Lance Uppercut
17 Mar 2010, 08:02
Zaharakis excites me more than any of our young players to be honest.
He has some real Bartel about him.
4 words:
Genuine goal-kicking mid.
I'm excited
bombermick
17 Mar 2010, 09:44
Zaharakis excites me more than any of our young players to be honest.
He has some real Bartel about him.
More than Hurley? wow Love Zaka, but Hurley is where it's at. Like the look of Melksham as well. Probably not going to play much this year, but he'll be going alright next year.
drybones
17 Mar 2010, 11:18
Zaharakis excites me more than any of our young players to be honest.
He has some real Bartel about him.
Just through my eyes he's starting to look more like a Montagna type. Look if he's anywhere near as good as either we'll be celebrating. Scouts have always described young Melksham as a Dal Santo type player so I think Zaha and Melks are going to combine to be some sort of pair :D bring on this future!
Can't see Zaka winning the rising star. There are just to many great players that will come through this year. Hurley is our chance for the award.
Regarding who Zaka will end up becoming, that's a tough one. Goal kicking mid is right, but I don't think he'll end up like Montagna. Joey's best attribute is his work ethic and his ability to get to contest after contest. I see Zaka to be someone who can read the play well and kick to advantage really well. The best person I can think of would be Bobby Murphy like that. I'm not saying that Zaka is a KPP or anything like that just that he seems to have the same mindset of Murphy. Maybe someone like Chance Bateman is where we hope he'll end up.
Zaharakis excites me more than any of our young players to be honest.Hurley being the obvious exception, I agree with you.
Every time this guy gets the ball I'm excited; realistically he won't come even close to the same level, but it's a similar feeling of expectation and excitement that Hird created throughout his career.
I'd put money on him having a 25-30 possession, 5-goal (AFL) game in the next few years.
bipolarbeaR
17 Mar 2010, 13:23
Hurley being the obvious exception, I agree with you.
I'd put money on him having a 25-30 possession, 5-goal (AFL) game in the next few years.
To be honest the only youngster that I am as excited about is Pears.
Yeah. Hurley excites me but I am not sure how the whole cabbie incident is going to effect his year, apparently Hille said he was struggling with it mentally, which could have a big effect on his game, so I am trying not to hype him up in my mind.
Zaharakis has it all, finds the ball, great under pressure, awesome kick, strong through the hips, good mark, kicks bags, good cardio, modest and level-headed.
All we do is talk about our high draft picks and KPP's, I am so excited about our new mids like Prismall, Zaharakis and Melksham.
neagle1451
17 Mar 2010, 13:51
Jack Watts for the win lol
nickh32
17 Mar 2010, 14:21
Well zaka' first game in th vfl was a 36 posis 5 goal game wasnt it?
Once his body is bigger he will be doing that alot i the afl. That is exciting. But melksham i only have to look at his grand final highlights and i get excited throw in pears and hurley and myers(if he gets his body to what he was playing in WA) then we have some really exciting times ahead of us.
Ludwig van Bertstare
17 Mar 2010, 14:54
Hurley being the obvious exception, I agree with you.
Every time this guy gets the ball I'm excited; realistically he won't come even close to the same level, but it's a similar feeling of expectation and excitement that Hird created throughout his career.
I'd put money on him having a 25-30 possession, 5-goal (AFL) game in the next few years.
Agree.
Frothies Mcveigh
17 Mar 2010, 15:19
Zaharakis would have to be one of my Favs. Great goal sense, quick and a good kick. And I dont thinnk Nic Nat will win. He will play well but goes missing a bit, and with Dean Cox coming back im just not sold on him.
Well zaka' first game in th vfl was a 36 posis 5 goal game wasnt it?7 goals. :p
In a side that didn't win for the entire year.
Is funny.
Zaharakis was being touted as a possible recruit in 2007, but was overlooked due to his kicking (apparently), now, after going away and working on this, he has also become a real leader (Captained succesful Vic Metro team 2008, and was then drafted in the second round.
What a story in itself, he is a dead set gun. I was actually going to post something on this guy but seems to have been beaten to it.
He reminds me so much of a young James Hird.
Goal kicker who is learning his craft playing from a forward flank. Able to play taller than he is, a wonderful kick, beautifully poised, and is a real team orientated player who is only going to get better.
People closer to the club! would it surprise to see him in the leadership side of things in the next 2 - 3 years? I can see him captaining the club possibly.
Is funny.
Zaharakis was being touted as a possible recruit in 2007, but was overlooked due to his kicking (apparently), now, after going away and working on this, he has also become a real leader (Captained succesful Vic Metro team 2008, and was then drafted in the second round.
What a story in itself, he is a dead set gun. I was actually going to post something on this guy but seems to have been beaten to it.
He reminds me so much of a young James Hird.
Goal kicker who is learning his craft playing from a forward flank. Able to play taller than he is, a wonderful kick, beautifully poised, and is a real team orientated player who is only going to get better.
People closer to the club! would it surprise to see him in the leadership side of things in the next 2 - 3 years? I can see him captaining the club possibly.
i also love having players that have grown up barracking for the club playing for us, just puts not doubt in my mind that he will give all!!!
Not that I think he will win it but is Gumby eligable or is he too old now? Just curious.
Not that I think he will win it but is Gumby eligable or is he too old now? Just curious.
too old
stugots
17 Mar 2010, 19:08
nic nat will be tough to beat!!
will he? lets see how he goes at the real stuff for a while
be great to see zaka as a permanent fixture this year, but am guessing that knights will still nurse him along a bit
windyhill
17 Mar 2010, 19:33
nic nat ? mis-placed aggression may prove costly.
freddy mercury
17 Mar 2010, 22:58
To be honest the only youngster that I am as excited about is Pears.
Yeah. Hurley excites me but I am not sure how the whole cabbie incident is going to effect his year, apparently Hille said he was struggling with it mentally, which could have a big effect on his game, so I am trying not to hype him up in my mind.
Zaharakis has it all, finds the ball, great under pressure, awesome kick, strong through the hips, good mark, kicks bags, good cardio, modest and level-headed.
All we do is talk about our high draft picks and KPP's, I am so excited about our new mids like Prismall, Zaharakis and Melksham.
Micks a mate of mine, his handling it well. Hasn't really effected him, he regrets but other than that his alright.
I barrack for The Dons and Zaka will only be ever remember for one thing and that's kicking a goal on ANZAC day after being bumped. Other than that we won't have much to remember him by.
Micks a mate of mine, his handling it well. Hasn't really effected him, he regrets but other than that his alright.
Well, if this is true then it is good he has moved on.
I barrack for The Dons
Then why does your profile say Port Adelaide?
and Zaka will only be ever remember for one thing and that's kicking a goal on ANZAC day after being bumped. Other than that we won't have much to remember him by.
So you are writing of a player who is just coming into his 2nd year and who by all reports has been looking good in the preseason?
That's just foolish by any standard.
bombre-boy
18 Mar 2010, 01:05
Zaharakis reminds me of when i was watching Mark Mercuri run around Windy Hill in the magoos wearing #45.
If he turns out 75% as good as Mercs, i think we will all be happy.
Towno78
18 Mar 2010, 13:36
nic nat will be tough to beat!!
Nic Nat No, he won't win. Don't get too excited about his game against Bock and Bellchambers!
Is funny.
Zaharakis was being touted as a possible recruit in 2007, but was overlooked due to his kicking (apparently)...
Really? He didn't get picked up because of his kicking? Incredible. I would say his kicking, particularly to a leading player was a feature of his game. Well I'm glad he came through to us in the end. :thumbsu:
Ben the Gooner
18 Mar 2010, 15:15
I think the general consensus is that he was overlooked because he was too one-sided. He showed that a little last year, but also showed the quality to weave around so he could get a kick off.
bipolarbeaR
18 Mar 2010, 15:31
I barrack for The Dons and Zaka will only be ever remember for one thing and that's kicking a goal on ANZAC day after being bumped. Other than that we won't have much to remember him by.
You are both full of crap AND make no sense sir, so what makes you think that Zaharakis is crap? The fact that you are a Port Adelaide troll?
Not that I think he will win it but is Gumby eligable or is he too old now? Just curious.too oldDOB: 3 August 1988
Still 21, played 5 games.
Still eligible.
DOB: 3 August 1988
Still 21, played 5 games.
Still eligible.
No, Still is only 19 and hasn't played any AFL matches yet.
Silly Whomb. :p
No, Still is only 19 and hasn't played any AFL matches yet.
Silly Whomb. :p:p Should've expected that.
bipolarbeaR
19 Mar 2010, 13:08
I think we have the spine of the decade! Let's just hope our Midfield fires up and becomes just as talented.
DOB: 3 August 1988
Still 21, played 5 games.
Still eligible.
I thought that he had to be under 21 at the start of the year (i.e. not turning 22 during the year, which Gumby will be..). Kinda like Liam Anthony last year..?
I thought that he had to be under 21 at the start of the year (i.e. not turning 22 during the year, which Gumby will be..). Kinda like Liam Anthony last year..?
Yes, you are correct. From here (http://www.afl.com.au/development/nabaflrisingstarsprogram/nabaflrisingstar/about/tabid/14041/default.aspx):
To qualify for the NAB AFL Rising Star nomination, a player must be under 21 years of age as at January 1 of that year, must not have played more than 10 games to the start of that season and must not have been suspended by the AFL or State League tribunals during the season.
bipolarbeaR
19 Mar 2010, 15:02
I hear they have bent the rules for Gumby, as he is amazing.
He reminds me so much of a young James Hird.
I am massive on Zaharakis - to me he seems to be such a natural at his role, especially being able to finish with goals.
Didntt reall want to go public with this, but, and you can laugh, he actually reminds me of Gary Ablett Jr.
At the same age, they have uncanny stats:
Ablett Jr v Zaharakis
8.6 Kicks Per Game 8.7
6.3 Handballs Per Game 5.0
14.9 Disposals Per Game 13.7
2.8 Marks Per Game 4.7
1.2 Goals Per Game 0.7
0.9 Behinds Per Game 0.8
3.5 Tackles Per Game 2.5
And that was comparing Ablett Jr's 2nd season with Zaka's first.
For their first seasons comparison:
Ablett v Zaharakis
12 Games 10
3.1 Kicks Per Game 8.7
5.2 Handballs Per Game 5.0
8.3 Disposals Per Game 13.7
1.1 Marks Per Game 4.7
0.8 Goals Per Game 0.7
0.2 Behinds Per Game 0.8
2.1 Tackles Per Game
They both may not have been the recruiters delight, didnt test the highest for an X km run, cant jump 3 feet in the air, cant touch their toes quicker than the #5 draft pick, take a bit longer to wash their hair than the #4 draft pick etc.
But they have truckloads of the intangible - pure football nous. You cant measure that. Couple that with hard work in the fitness department (something Zaka lacks none of) and a giant may awake.
In his 2nd season, Ablett Jr kicked 26 goals after 12 in his first. I think that is a great target for Zaharakis this season, who kicked 10 in his first.
Let's hope he can be 75% as good as the brownlow medalist.
Smyth94
20 Mar 2010, 07:39
If Zaka can kick 26 goals in 2010 - we will be flying
Mad Bomber Sean
20 Mar 2010, 08:09
Zaha's the kid to get every ounce out of his natural footballing abilities - his hunger for success in the red & black is massive. I actually think he has a touch of Joel Selwood about him. Has leadership written all over him.
If his groin can hold up I hope he plays every game.
The force is strong with him.
bipolarbeaR
20 Mar 2010, 13:31
I want him to play round 1. I don't see why he shouldn't.
Smyth94
20 Mar 2010, 16:39
I want him to play round 1. I don't see why he shouldn't.
IMO Zaka is a lock for Round 1
bipolarbeaR
20 Mar 2010, 16:51
That's what I think man, BUT the so called professionals outside of the club don't have him in our 22.
Any man who kicks 7 goals in his first professional outing as midfielder makes best 22 ALL THE TIME. Just purely so he reaches his potential earlier.
Hope you're not refering to the HUN, they're not professional anything
Donakebab
20 Mar 2010, 21:28
I think he has a lot of Dick Reynolds about him...
I love the look of the kid, but lets not pile too much on him by comparing him to every past and present great.
bipolarbeaR
21 Mar 2010, 01:23
I think he has a lot of David Zaharakis about him.
That guy is a legend.
To be honest, the players that come to my mind when I think of Zaha would be Akermanis, Tingay, Bewick. Very good, very fast wingers cum half-forward flankers.
SirJimi05
21 Mar 2010, 08:36
Nic Nat is probably a lock for Rd 1. They are itcihing to get him there I reckon. Probably a 10 hit out 2 goal game will be enough.
As if they are going to start handing out the token noms in round 1. They save that stuff for about round 18 onwards.
Just on Zaharakis being overlooked in the 2007 draft, I read recently that Matthew Pavlich was overlooked in the 1998 draft before being taken in '99. It's interesting the difference a year can make.
not long till this guy is our best non KP player.
Is a lock in our forwardline until he has the size/tank to take it to the gutz.
gun.
windyhill
27 Mar 2010, 07:44
Was magnificent last night, kicking for goal aside, must be one of the favourites for the Riser.
If Hurley keeps coming along he'll take over, until then Zaka is our best 'kid'.
Very impressive performance from the young lad. Every game he plays he is improving. He has the potential to be a very very good player. Is a lock in our best 22.
gO_bOmBeRz
27 Mar 2010, 13:27
Absoloute gun had to be up there with our best last night, he has got a great kick and a great mark, many would have seen his mark last night in the forward 50.
Reminds of Jimmy Bartel.
Azarity
29 Mar 2010, 12:05
Go Bom...that was exactly what I was thinking as well. Wouldn't that be great if we could develop a Jimmy Bartel type player. Looks to be getting stronger this year. He is calm, poised and an allround player with a bit of speed. Our best midfield prospect.
Lance Uppercut
29 Mar 2010, 17:01
has all the makings of an absolute jet :thumbsu:
edstar10
30 Mar 2010, 08:50
big zaka got robed for rising star this round, yarran won?????, he got 11 touches, 3 goals all against richmond???, zaka got 19 touches 13 contested and 2 goals against the best team in the comp, who the hell picks the rising star, they have no idea.
nomination is also imminent, he will finish top 5, yarran wont be top 10,
thebigboy
30 Mar 2010, 09:21
Big deal that Yarran got it over Zaka.
He's already been nominated and has shown considerably more at AFL level than Yarran anyway.
I'd suggest he'd more focused on winning on Sunday than getting a recognition for a good game.
big zaka got robed for rising star this round, yarran won?????, he got 11 touches, 3 goals all against richmond??? zaka got 19 touches 13 contested and 2 goals against the best team in the comp, who the hell picks the rising star, they have no idea.Wow, I didn't realise Zaka had 13 contested touches; that's bloody impressive!
Just for the record, they rarely award a nomination to a player on a losing team; once we lost, it was safe to assume nobody was getting a nomination. That and a flashy Aboriginal goal sneak in a 50-point win is always going to stand out. Hell, even O'hAilpin didn't look like a spud.
Tailypo
30 Mar 2010, 09:40
Wow, I didn't realise Zaka had 13 contested touches; that's bloody impressive!
I think that was also the equal most out of both sides, with Watson also getting 13. Even more impressive given the opposition :thumbsu:. Bartel had 12, fwiw. Zaka is also leading the league in contested marks with 4 on Friday!
A lot to like.
Wow, I didn't realise Zaka had 13 contested touches; that's bloody impressive!
Just for the record, they rarely award a nomination to a player on a losing team; once we lost, it was safe to assume nobody was getting a nomination. That and a flashy Aboriginal goal sneak in a 50-point win is always going to stand out. Hell, even O'hAilpin didn't look like a spud.
now that you mention that, he(yarran) was probably by far the best out of any player eligible in a winning team, though i didnt get to see moritabo...
Yarran was playing very well and it was great to see. Because other than the 2 or 3 times Carlton plays us in a year Yarran will out a smile on my face. He was jedi mind tricking the ball into doing the right thing.
Can Zaharakis get nominated again?
Yarran was playing very well and it was great to see. Because other than the 2 or 3 times Carlton plays us in a year Yarran will out a smile on my face. He was jedi mind tricking the ball into doing the right thing.
Can Zaharakis get nominated again?
currently $16 on sports bet you would hope so :)
hurley & ziebell who were nominated last year also eligible.
Ben the Gooner
30 Mar 2010, 10:35
Lol Yarran.
Let's hope the scum think he wasn't a wasted pick for a while. Then when he crashes, it'll be even funnier. :)
Lol Yarran.
Let's hope the scum think he wasn't a wasted pick for a while. Then when he crashes, it'll be even funnier. :)
already read a few posts of them saying "whos rich?" :)
Ben the Gooner
30 Mar 2010, 10:50
Kane Lucas except he can kick?
currently $16 on sports bet you would hope so :)
hurley & ziebell who were nominated last year also eligible.
Zaka is paying $41 at betstar. Jump on it!
Frothies Mcveigh
30 Mar 2010, 16:51
Anyone else getting on? ( read my sig)
edstar10
5 Apr 2010, 13:19
he is currently coming second in contested marks in the league, only one behind big j.brown:thumbsu:
Ben the Gooner
5 Apr 2010, 19:14
"Get him up here, I want to boof him"
FandangoDingo
6 Apr 2010, 00:20
"Get him up here, I want to boof him"
:D
"And he's a Victorian!"