Strapping Young Lad
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- Apr 19, 2006
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Because he's 20, resting rucks are still big.
Sure, we've got better options for them.No doubt, but none have really been natural forwards or overly strong in the air.
Point was more around he hasn't been given the opposition key forwards this year, which is smart.
He's avoided those big key forwards you've mentioned this year mate.
He's mostly had either the medium/small types, Weightman, Cumberland, Ainsworth recently, or a resting ruckman like Soldo earlier in the year and Miller rd 22 (alongside Cumberland and ultimately Lynch).
Not posting about if he will or want make it, just saying he hasn't been ragged dolled by big forwards this year because other than a brief stint on Lynch, he hasn't stood them really.
Hopefully he has a massive pre-season.
No need to be aggressive mate.
I'm saying I don't think posters that have posted reservations have done so based on DGB playing against key forwards.
Yes, he probably has had contests with them, but these are limited in comparison to the number he has had against medium forwards he's mostly been getting.
This isn't to pot DGB (I've done enough of that elsewhere) - but elite athleticism?
He's not slow, but hasn't shown a regular turn of speed on field.
He hasn't shown much of a leap - certainly not elite to overcome his lack of height on 200+ monsters.
He's outbodied by virtually all AFL players - expected of a draftee - but his build is so sleight I fear he won't ever put on significant size to handle a KPF.
He's shorter than virtually every KPF drafted - combined with his lack of leap, I struggle to see how he can be forecast to become a KPD.
He is significantly lacking in stamina, and struggles to run out games, requiring additional bench management.
If anything, his physical size and athleticism is what will hold him back.
3rd Tall interceptor is likely to be his best role - maybe replacing Sicily as the undersized 2nd KPD. Unlike Sicily, he doesn't have another attribute (long kicking) to make up for his physical shortcomings.
I don't question DGB's football ability - more the decision to spend such a high draft pick on a player that will potentially never be able to play in a KPP role due to his physical limitations. It's a big price to pay for a defensive HBF.
What i've found a bit concerning is that the coaches comments from Box Hill have often commented on his inability to maintain concentration throughout a game. Hopefully this is fitness related and can be improved. It's been pretty evident a few times when more cumbersome opponents of his have managed to completely cook him on simple double back leads.
Or just increase your testosterone, testosterone helps with concentration/focus.There's plenty of ADHD drugs that can fix that
I mean if we're getting really serious, I've got a mate who can get his hands on some real primo stuff. Just don't ask questions and go see Mr. Dank 'round the back when you're ready.Or just increase your testosterone, testosterone helps with concentration/focus.
Shane Charter likes this.I mean if we're getting really serious, I've got a mate who can get his hands on some real primo stuff. Just don't ask questions and go see Mr. Dank 'round the back when you're ready.
Do you think DGB could become a KP or 3rd tall forward?
How many of Sicily's draft highlights show 1 on 1 contested intercept marks?KP Forward? No. Same issues (magnified) he has a defender, just not tall/big/strong enough.
3rd Tall (at either end) - I think this is where he ends up - similar to a Frost (or early Stratton) he can step up on some KPP's but his physical dimensions will give limitations to his suitable opponents. At best he could be a Gibson (who was exceptional btw), but don't think he has the athleticism Gibbo had to overcome his midget-ness (as a KPP)
His draft highlights show more elements of the Howe/Lever 3rd man in Interceptor, less of the McGovern/Sicily/(Lake) 1 on 1 contested intercept marks. So that means playing a FB, CHB, and DGB as the 3rd tall covering.
How many of Sicily's draft highlights show 1 on 1 contested intercept marks?
Gibbo is shorter than DGB by 6cm is but Gibbo was an absolute physical specimen in his playing days at 189cm and 93kg. He was such a beautiful balance of being strong enough to mix it with the big boys and hold his ground yet had panther like reflexes when the ball hit the ground.KP Forward? No. Same issues (magnified) he has a defender, just not tall/big/strong enough.
3rd Tall (at either end) - I think this is where he ends up - similar to a Frost (or early Stratton) he can step up on some KPP's but his physical dimensions will give limitations to his suitable opponents. At best he could be a Gibson (who was exceptional btw), but don't think he has the athleticism Gibbo had to overcome his midget-ness (as a KPP)
His draft highlights show more elements of the Howe/Lever 3rd man in Interceptor, less of the McGovern/Sicily/(Lake) 1 on 1 contested intercept marks. So that means playing a FB, CHB, and DGB as the 3rd tall covering.
NTTAWWT
Looking at the intra mtach highlights, a bit worried about Denver's lack of progress. He doesn't have the strength to go with the bigger forwards/resting rucks nor the speed to go with the third talls.
Expect oppo coaches will find it very easy to force a mtach up that works in their favour.
Anyone seen something during the off-season/pre-season to suggest otherwise?
I haven’t seen him as slow, slow by decision but the pace is their, repeat sprints definitely not yetHe can't stand and wrestle to play tall defender, he is too slow on the lead for mid-size forwards and lacks the agility to play small. His disposal isn't damaging enough to be a loose rebounder, gives away lots of free kicks, and only looks really good when he has a free run and jump at the high ball. He isn't super tall either, like Dustin Fletcher who was able to overcome his lack of size/strength as a schoolboy playing against men.
He reminds me greatly of a young Timmy O'Brien at the moment, albeit with less speed, agility and terrible endurance (O'Brien would have built these over his 8 pre-seasons). The thing he does have, is the only thing TOB didn't. Sticky hands.
I hope another year or maybe two of physical growth and development might allow him to be competitive, (maybe taking Sicily's 2nd/3rd tall spot in 2026/7?) but feel he's going to at best be a late bloomer due to his physical limitations. Needing both size/strength and endurance makes his development a tricky path to navigate.
Out of curiosity, how come he was so successful in U18's? All those things were true back then, too.He can't stand and wrestle to play tall defender, he is too slow on the lead for mid-size forwards and lacks the agility to play small. His disposal isn't damaging enough to be a loose rebounder, gives away lots of free kicks, and only looks really good when he has a free run and jump at the high ball. He isn't super tall either, like Dustin Fletcher who was able to overcome his lack of size/strength as a schoolboy playing against men.
He reminds me greatly of a young Timmy O'Brien at the moment, albeit with less speed, agility and terrible endurance (O'Brien would have built these over his 8 pre-seasons). The thing he does have, is the only thing TOB didn't. Sticky hands.
I hope another year or maybe two of physical growth and development might allow him to be competitive, (maybe taking Sicily's 2nd/3rd tall spot in 2026/7?) but feel he's going to at best be a late bloomer due to his physical limitations. Needing both size/strength and endurance makes his development a tricky path to navigate.
Commenting generally, as only saw his highlights, which obviously don't show enough to gauge ability over a game. The DGB we see now is essentially the same we saw in U/18s. Despite nominally being a "Key Defender", his play was that of a 3rd tall intercept/flanker. It doesn't mean he won't get there, just that the elements he is lacking in now, were also apparent in his junior football. The difference is he no longer has the freedom to play loose, and lacks any physical advantage over his opponents - shorter opponents are faster, but just as strong, whilst taller opponents are stronger, but just as quick. There's nothing DGB can use as his "1 wood" at the moment.Out of curiosity, how come he was so successful in U18's? All those things were true back then, too.
Looking at the intra mtach highlights, a bit worried about Denver's lack of progress. He doesn't have the strength to go with the bigger forwards/resting rucks nor the speed to go with the third talls.
Expect oppo coaches will find it very easy to force a mtach up that works in their favour.
Anyone seen something during the off-season/pre-season to suggest otherwise?