Welcome Welcome Josh Draper!! - 2022 Cat B Rookie List

[The Feeder Club]

As one of those spruiking him last year, I’m not sure he’ll ever be elite 1v1. Think his best will always be a general defender type that can provide some rebound - upgraded Hughes. Doesn’t quite have the campaigner in him. That’s not to take away from him, just that we’ll be better of if he plays as a third tall type.

Stoked he got through the first game and on to bigger and better things.

Closing speed is the attribute he has, you don't have to be elite 1 v 1 in terms of body work if you are smart and have height, reach and speed. Dustin Fletcher played 400 games playing like Draper has the potential to play

 

[Ysaye]

How do we all think Josh went today? imo he didn't disgrace himself and deserves to retain his spot. Hopefully he was able to flush all that gatorade out of his eyes.

What I said in the other thread:

I thought defensively he was adequate; his mobility was good and he was in the right places compared to whomever he was on and got his hand to a few in coming jobs. Did he run with a player closely? Hard to tell - It felt he was more playing team defence and chopping out where required.

In terms of counter-offensive, he was pretty conservative - as others noted, he started by dishing off quick short 5m handballs as soon as he got the ball which in itself was fine except that they were generally not a great rebounding option. As mentioned by Rhufus his first kick in earnest unfortunately went to the opposition and ended up being a goal.

I think overall it was a solid debut.

I think he can be damaging by foot once he gets a bit more confidence under his belt; we didn't get to see that today. I also think he has the capacity to break the lines with his run and evasiveness, and his size should also help in breaking tackles.

 

[apuchar]

Just watched a replay of first half. I thought he was good, pretty composed. Better than I thought watching it live.

 

[King Huskii]

Future gun!

 

[Spirit Level]

Stays in IMO, a good run at it will do him a world of good

 

[MadMac]

I like this kid. Yeah he had a costly clanger but at least he had a go and wasn’t trying to be cute. I can see bright future for him

 

[E Shed]

Yeah I’m in. Can play.

Interesting they haven’t tried him forward. Sounds like he played everywhere in junior football. Good skills & temperament.

 

[MadMundy]

I thought he handled the pressure well and looked composed, I'd keep him in until one of McDonald or Cox returns.

 

[MadEyeEmmy]

Can’t wait to see what he can do once he gains more confidence. Thought he played a role today without doing anything flashy.

 

[Ragtooth]

Could be anything, I think we can all see the potential. I see why they were hesitant at debuting, really raw and more confidence at peel would be ideal, but into the fire he goes. As a giant head in the sky once said "show us what you got"

 

[Schauermann]

I thought he handled the pressure well and looked composed, I'd keep him in until one of McDonald or Cox returns.

Me too.

 

[apuchar]

Yeah I’m in. Can play.

Interesting they haven’t tried him forward. Sounds like he played everywhere in junior football. Good skills & temperament.

He wants to play forward

 

[Wray27]

In defence of his one Clanger he got 2 hands in the back just as he kicks it that effected the kick. I’m not blaming him for that.

 

[apuchar]

I defence of his one Clanger he get 2 hands in the back just as he kicks it that effected the kick. I’m not blaming him for that.

He held on to it too long. He had two options, should have gone to one sooner.

 

[BettercallSaul]

Looking at his shoulders he will fill out a bit, though as posted, probably won’t be a lock down defender. Definite Michael Johnson

Michael Johnson

Age

39

Ht

195cm

Wt

92kg

Pos.

Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D

17.0

4star

K

11.0

4star

HB

6.1

4star

M

5.9

5star

T

1.7

4star

MG

260.5

4star

No current season stats available

D

7.6

2star

K

4.8

2star

HB

2.8

3star

M

2.6

3star

T

1.6

4star

vibes.

 

[Rhufus]

Michael Johnson

Michael Johnson

Age

39

Ht

195cm

Wt

92kg

Pos.

Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D

17.0

4star

K

11.0

4star

HB

6.1

4star

M

5.9

5star

T

1.7

4star

MG

260.5

4star

No current season stats available

D

7.6

2star

K

4.8

2star

HB

2.8

3star

M

2.6

3star

T

1.6

4star

will do me. This kid is young and seriously only half physically developed. He will be miles better each year for at least 3 years.

 

[yakamoto]

Potential to develop into an A grader in the next few seasons. The feature of his game that impressed me most was clean handling of ground balls in traffic. Seemed able to assess the ball drop from aerial contests and gather without fumbling.

 

[Kepfan]

Impressive game!
Kids got eye brows you could set your watch to.

 

[Spirit Level]

Yep we have one here

 

[Ge3ks]

Impressive 2nd game. A natural talent.

 

[rgauci]

He’s a gun in the making. 197cm, moves like a cat, doesn’t fumble and has skills. What a transformation body wise. Really enjoyed his game.

Compared with his WAFL form last year, what a difference a preseason can make.

 

[Stinky Lomax]

Loved the passage in the last quarter when it looked like he got shot & couldn’t run anymore, then was involved in the passage to get it out of D50.

 

[dexter_]

going to be a treat watching this guy over the next decade

that one handed pick up...

 

[Taylor]

Curious if we could play him as the third tall forward once Cox returns

 

[vidwhal]

Yup, dead set contributor, at minimum.