View Full Version : WILKES, Beau
saintsrfreak
25 Nov 2011, 10:16
BEAU WILKES
Age: 25
Height: 194cm
Weight: 96kg
From: West Coast
Position: Defender
Reliable third defender who spent three years on the West Coast rookie list before cracking a senior game in 2008. Was delisted at the end of last season after 23 AFL matches. Played in Claremont's 2011 WAFL premiership side and won the Simpson Medal as the best player on the ground, kicking five goals.
BEAU WILKES
Age: 25
Height: 194cm
Weight: 96kg
From: West Coast
Position: Defender
Reliable third defender who spent three years on the West Coast rookie list before cracking a senior game in 2008. Was delisted at the end of last season after 23 AFL matches. Played in Claremont's 2011 WAFL premiership side and won the Simpson Medal as the best player on the ground, kicking five goals.
This bloke is a gun and genuinely one of the best key position players outside the AFL. Used only as a back up defender at West Coast - even though he was a CHF when they drafted him - he can play anywhere.
No disrespect - but he would easily be in the Saints best 22 at either end.
Hard as nails and a superb leader.
EasternHills
25 Nov 2011, 17:36
Wilkes suffered from taking time to develop, having younger team mates with a little more potential and only cracking into our squad when we where being dominated by teams all over the ground. He can play.
Alesana
25 Nov 2011, 17:53
Can see him fitting in well at the Saints, should be an upgrade from Dawson. Good in 1on1's but wasn't the best kick in the world
sainter
25 Nov 2011, 17:56
Some positive comments from Eagles fans there. It's always encouraging to hear that from the supporters of a new recruits former club
It's sounds like he thrived when moved forward halfway through the season.
What excites me is his versatility.
The long term aim seems to be having Tom Simpkin and Jackson Ferguson as our key defenders. Simpkin will get a chance early but Ferguson will take longer. Gwilt's return is huge but he's more of a second or third defender. Ideally we'd like Fisher to play as the third man up and get his hands on the ball but he's an option if we are struggling. There's definitely a place for Wilkes if he is good enough.
At the same time, we've also been crying out for that second or third target inside 50 to support Roo and Wilkes could be that man.
He's been given a chance and I hope he takes it.
Squizzy1970
25 Nov 2011, 18:04
Thanks for the comments, guys.
With Kennedy, Lynch, McKenzie, Glass, Waters, a resting NickNat/Cox and probably another couple that don't spring to mind, there doesn't seem a lot of room on WC's list for other KP players.
His interview acknowledges he was a bit too laid back during his days at the Eagles. We obviously hope he can flick the switch.
Plugger35
25 Nov 2011, 18:11
I think Wilkes could be more valuable as a forward than a defender, he could play as a third forward or even full forward as a replacement for Kosi. Might also be handy in defence with Dawson leaving, definitely worth a gamble with a late draft pick given his versatility.
SaintsSeptember
26 Nov 2011, 17:38
Wilkes, Ferguson, and Simpkin probably all have more rebound ability than Dawson and Blake. ( and Baker is no longer with us ).
Our backline is becoming less dour.
Lever also may be more of a defender than a ruckman. It would be a nice arrangement to have McEvoy, with Stanley forward and Lever in the back in a team.
Kildonan
26 Nov 2011, 22:11
Matt Burgan's Nov 2004 Draft Preview excerpt:
57 - WEST COAST - Beau Wilkes
(Claremont), 20 March 1986, 194cm, 91kg
Although in some respects West Coast is adopting 'the best available player' approach in this year's National Bank's AFL Draft, there is no doubt that adding another key tall into the club's already enviable mix of big men will be tempting. Wilkes, a West Australian, has been touted as a possible late selection for the club and is likely to figure in the Eagles thoughts during this year's meeting. A strong marking forward, particularly in contested situations, Wilkes has a terrific work rate for a player of his size. He represented Western Australia at this year's National Bank's AFL under-18 championships and was a fine performer in his side's final match against Victoria Country, when he claimed 22 disposals and 12 marks. He was also named captain of the WAFL Colts team of the year in 2004. His recent efforts at the National Bank's AFL Draft Camp also lifted his rating, as he finished with a time of 10 minutes 42 seconds, which was a good effort for big man.
MCG-Unit
26 Nov 2011, 22:29
Wilkes would have found it difficult at WCE with Glass, McKenzie and Schofield there. Reckon he will slot in as a tall back, ready made replacement for Dawson.
Always had time for him from when he was taken as a rookie...
We took him as a rookie three times, so we obviously thought he had something to offer. Just didn't show enough at a time when we were dumping players to hit the draft.
Did plenty up forward for Claremont and could be a good player for the Saints at either end.
aussiethunda
27 Nov 2011, 06:17
http://l.yimg.com/ea/img/-/111126/251111sptwilkes4_17d0nk9-17d0nkd.jpg
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/sport/a/-/sport/12060144/wilkes-relishes-a-second-chance/
"I'm really looking forward to the new surroundings and another opportunity, knowing that Scotty Watters and the St Kilda footy club have drafted me potentially with the need for a player of my capa- bilities and what I can offer," he said.
"Deep down, that's what has given me a lot of confidence. Knowing that they want me and that they have come out and drafted me and for a reason. I'm going to try my hardest to repay them."
Strahany
28 Nov 2011, 11:46
http://l.yimg.com/ea/img/-/111126/251111sptwilkes4_17d0nk9-17d0nkd.jpg
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/sport/a/-/sport/12060144/wilkes-relishes-a-second-chance/
For some reason, he just doesn't "look" like a footballer of you know what I mean. It's always a bit odd at first seeing a new player in a St Kilda jumper, but there's something different in Beau's case and I can't quite put my finger on it.
saintsrfreak
28 Nov 2011, 12:16
For some reason, he just doesn't "look" like a footballer of you know what I mean. It's always a bit odd at first seeing a new player in a St Kilda jumper, but there's something different in Beau's case and I can't quite put my finger on it.
He looks like he's your 35 year old neighbor.
SaintsSeptember
28 Nov 2011, 12:24
He looks like he's your 35 year old neighbor.
Got a bit of the Warnie look about him ( before the LH makover ).
goodie23
28 Nov 2011, 14:32
Got a bit of the Warnie look about him ( before the LH makover ).
Thin Warney creeps me out
SaintsSeptember
28 Nov 2011, 14:41
Thin Warney creeps me out
I'd go creepy for Liz.
Alesana
29 Nov 2011, 14:23
For some reason, he just doesn't "look" like a footballer of you know what I mean. It's always a bit odd at first seeing a new player in a St Kilda jumper, but there's something different in Beau's case and I can't quite put my finger on it.
I see it in the same way I don't see Doug Bollinger as a first class cricketer
Squizzy1970
14 Dec 2011, 11:58
I'd forgotten to post this one (but came across it again). Seems he did an interview with his school during his WC days.
http://mm.afl.com.au/Portals/0/club%20images/attachments/HannahMilton.pdf
"Wilkes admires another captain, Nick Riewoldt from St Kilda as he is a great player and leader."