I’ve been pretty supportive of RCD for a while, and will continue to be. But this point feeds into the biggest issue he has, I noticed the very first VFL practice game he played at PRO v Collingwood in his very first year; and whilst it has improved in some facets, it’s clear it’s not at the level it needs to be to be a top flight AFL mid.
That is just general footy nouse. I think RCD is quick of the mark, but he just doesn’t have that natural understanding that guys like Cotchin have that means he knows where he needs to be the half second before anyone else. Cotch isn’t quick of the mark (imo) but he has always had that ability to read the play before anyone and it makes him look quick. RCD is the exact opposite.
He has improved somewhat from that first game I saw him at, particularly in terms of engaging his opponent in the right manner at the right time, and releasing at the right time. But that’s not enough (other thing is getting hands free just before he is getting tackled but hand passes behind his head blindly into the corridor) to be that high profile inside mid that will ultimately take Cotch’ role.
Don’t get me wrong, I still think there’s a future for RCD; as 191cm big bodied mids can help in the stoppage by just there presence (as an example see Connor Nash at Hawthorn), but it will be to play a role only. It won’t be as a high percentage consistent inside mid at AFL level unfortunately.
