Let me first up acknowledge that it is very early days. I'm not necessarily concerned about his disposal count nor am I expecting him to excel in our depleted and already weak midfield.
But for me the concerning aspect having seen him play this year - soft.
He hesitates at almost every contest. His tackling leaves more than a bit to be desired. His chasing tonight was often, frankly, half arsed. What's going on? Having watched him play at U/18 level last year I didn't see this in his game at all. I haven't watched him at East Perth this year.
He finishes a full game tonight with 7 possessions. I reckon he could have doubled that tonight if he had hit the contests with any real enthusiasm. I don't mean this as a post-game emotional rant - I feel like it's a valid point. Frankly, Gaff goes alot harder than Sheed and is certainly no bigger. Another thing I've noticed is that he was flat footed every single stoppage.
It's a concern from me because in my view there's not alot to his game other than what others have described as 'football smarts'.
If he's one paced, not versatile, soft and only a reasonable kick of the football at best (IMO) - what is the appeal? Rather than writing him off I'd like to think someone can compel me to change my mind but I can't help but feel we've just added more of what we've already got...
But for me the concerning aspect having seen him play this year - soft.
He hesitates at almost every contest. His tackling leaves more than a bit to be desired. His chasing tonight was often, frankly, half arsed. What's going on? Having watched him play at U/18 level last year I didn't see this in his game at all. I haven't watched him at East Perth this year.
He finishes a full game tonight with 7 possessions. I reckon he could have doubled that tonight if he had hit the contests with any real enthusiasm. I don't mean this as a post-game emotional rant - I feel like it's a valid point. Frankly, Gaff goes alot harder than Sheed and is certainly no bigger. Another thing I've noticed is that he was flat footed every single stoppage.
It's a concern from me because in my view there's not alot to his game other than what others have described as 'football smarts'.
If he's one paced, not versatile, soft and only a reasonable kick of the football at best (IMO) - what is the appeal? Rather than writing him off I'd like to think someone can compel me to change my mind but I can't help but feel we've just added more of what we've already got...