2nds WAFL Watch - 2025 Edition

[HoneyBadger35]

How did ____ go on the weekend?

Why not consult the Alesana Player Video Database.

Resource - Player Video Database

Putting this into a spreadsheet for convenience. 2024 is still there in a tab on the bottom of the sheet. I'll update this as much as I can throughout the year. The All Stars game and our match sim against Richmond are now up.

www.bigfooty.com

 

[Ambrose Burnside]

Nup I'm all aboard Hall.

The bloke just lacks polish, he needs to be surrounded by some quality players so it's not left up to him to make the ball movement decisions. Unfortunately he gets the total opposite of that in the WAFL and is surrounded by potatoes, which I reckon makes him look worse.

See ball, get ball and he's fine. He's still only in his 3rd year as an AFL footballer, against rock hard seasoned men.

29, 5 tackles and 2 goals is all you can ask a bloke to do. That's quality numbers at this level.



Unfortunately I see a fair bit of #whatsthepoint with him now as McQualter seems quite keen on only having one of him or Graham in the side.

Of course you love him, he's Sheldrick.

Should play AFL next week or whenever we next play.

 

[GoEaglesGoSGIO]

He has consistently shown a lack of interest in defensive work at AFL level too. I’m not entirely sure where he gets the tough nut reputation from, I would say he definitely treads water instead of committing more than our other midfield kids.

That’s not to say that there isn’t merit in a pure extraction role, and agree that asking too much of him is going to exacerbate his current shortcomings while he still learns the game. I think if you get 29 and two, you should be rewarded so I hope he comes in.

I just think that there’s a few of us starting to wonder about what exactly Clay Hall does to an AFL standard.

I mean we did play the guy on a wing for a fair bit. I don’t think he plays the right position anywhere, including AFL. I feel he needs a complete reset as a player if he is to make it but don’t think we are the club to do it

 

[Bender_]

Gross grego and hall with sparks should have been the mids none of this half back shit

Yep totally. No idea why a combination of these 4 aren't at the CBDs.

Nup I'm all aboard Hall.

The bloke just lacks polish, he needs to be surrounded by some quality players so it's not left up to him to make the ball movement decisions. Unfortunately he gets the total opposite of that in the WAFL and is surrounded by potatoes, which I reckon makes him look worse.

See ball, get ball and he's fine. He's still only in his 3rd year as an AFL footballer, against rock hard seasoned men.

29, 5 tackles and 2 goals is all you can ask a bloke to do. That's quality numbers at this level.



Unfortunately I see a fair bit of #whatsthepoint with him now as McQualter seems quite keen on only having one of him or Graham in the side.

He was definitely a standout in a very poor performance overall, his disposal is just incredibly sloppy. He rarely hits the ball with fist or foot with any semblance of what you'd call regulation, the ball is always off-skew or on a weird angle and the direction it goes in reflects it. His handballs land at a teammate's feet or their arms are fully extended trying to grab it. His kicks are some serious flower...bag of flour.

There's something there for sure though, if he can work on a couple of things - most notably his defensive running he could be a reliable midfield rotation.




Most people have been mentioning it, but Chesser probably exceeding expectations statistically for when he's fit and healthy let alone coming back from however many months off. Still getting a gimpish wing role but presented for the outlet constantly.

 

[Cuzz09]

I think Hall should be in the guts in the AFL.

Was getting mid- high teen numbers early in year and starting to build. Needs to be given a decent run at it.

We see this time and time again with our youngsters. It's like they say either get 30 and 3 goals or that's it

 

[Spod]

Was very impressed by McCarthy's game, looks like a good chance have got a long term quality player there. Chesser also suprisingly excellent. Would be a huge plus if he can get back on track.

 

[Godfather32]

Well that second half sucked, like it has most of the year.

I fell asleep, I don't feel like I missed much

 

[sharps24]

Nup I'm all aboard Hall.

The bloke just lacks polish, he needs to be surrounded by some quality players so it's not left up to him to make the ball movement decisions. Unfortunately he gets the total opposite of that in the WAFL and is surrounded by potatoes, which I reckon makes him look worse.

See ball, get ball and he's fine. He's still only in his 3rd year as an AFL footballer, against rock hard seasoned men.

29, 5 tackles and 2 goals is all you can ask a bloke to do. That's quality numbers at this level.



Unfortunately I see a fair bit of #whatsthepoint with him now as McQualter seems quite keen on only having one of him or Graham in the side.

Some say it's only his second year in the AFL, despite the fact he looks a man in his mid 40's.

He doesn't seem to lack polish when it comes to kicking goals which would be a nice change for a mid in the AFL team. Tend to agree that with better players around him his deficiencies would be better hidden. At AFl level his game becomes all handball and kick only in case of emergency or snag. Consequently has tended to operate up in the 80% DE range which is good going.

Hope he gets another go soon but it doesn't seem unlikely they'll drop anyone in the team ahead of him so it would need to be for an injury I think. Long term you have to wonder what his career prospects are if we are to bring in another 2 first rounders but he's in the same boat as Long, HJ and probably Greggo there as well. Best thing going for him is he's a massive unit.

 

[Godfather32]

He has consistently shown a lack of interest in defensive work at AFL level too. I’m not entirely sure where he gets the tough nut reputation from, I would say he definitely treads water instead of committing more than our other midfield kids.

That’s not to say that there isn’t merit in a pure extraction role, and agree that asking too much of him is going to exacerbate his current shortcomings while he still learns the game. I think if you get 29 and two, you should be rewarded so I hope he comes in.

I just think that there’s a few of us starting to wonder about what exactly Clay Hall does to an AFL standard.

Could see this before he was drafted, imo he was always going to be a decent WAFL mid but questionable at the next level talent wise.
Hopefully he comes good but I just don't see him being on our list in 5 years time

 

[Knifey Spoony]

Only saw quarters two and three but Chesser looked amazing all things considered. Seemed like a player fighting for his career and he looked up for it

 

[new breed]

McQualter a big fan of Chesser , Chesser very impressive today.

 

[Avalor]

The Good

McCarthy on debut really good. Looks ready made for AFL.

Chesser played well considering it’s his first for the year. 6 tackles to halftime.

Bazzo was solid down back continues to improve.

Batman’s best game, still a long way to go but credit to him he had some moments today.

Hall good stats.

Gross okay a few highlights in his game.

HJ okay, makes good decisions just needs to find more of it.

Bad

Champion didn’t turn up

Davis very quiet. Was he off for a large chunk maybe emergency for AFL?

Greggo not having as much impact down back as in the midfield. Wasn’t terrible just expect more.

Hall got plenty of it just struggled to impact. Can be prone to being a turnover merchant.

Yeah, what's up with Malakai -been invisible for a few weeks, just doesn't get enough of it. He is just so small. If he doesn't start performing, he will get left behind as there is a bevy of small forwards coming through with our NGAs.

 

[Elite Pete]

I liked what I saw from Chesser today. Looked very confident and a bit of a different player than what we have seen previously. List spots will be tight the way this is all going

 

[WCE_2007]

Only saw quarters two and three but Chesser looked amazing all things considered. Seemed like a player fighting for his career and he looked up for it

Very well put I think. Definitely fighting for his career, and this point probably doesn't deserve a new contract looking at past output... Hopefully though this performance proves that he won't just fade quietly into the night and has what it takes to realise his potential.

 

[Jukes]

What role did Chesser play today?

Was also great to see a few of the senior players in the crowd supporting the boys as well - Harley, Hewett, Petch, Long etc

 

[new breed]

Very well put I think. Definitely fighting for his career, and this point probably doesn't deserve a new contract looking at past output... Hopefully though this performance proves that he won't just fade quietly into the night and has what it takes to realise his potential.

McQualter ( Mini ) is a fan so one foot into another contract , different player today more relaxed nothing to prove will be playing AFL in a few weeks hopefully.

 

[juice568]

Went to the game today and seeing clay hall up close he just doesn't have the size yet to play afl. I know Phil has said in the past he lacks strength

 

[squashface]

Maybe Chesser could actually be a footballer if he gets to play in a position that doesn't actively encourage him to not get the ball?

Who would've ****ing thought, hey Simmo?

 

[juice568]

For all the hate Chesser gets, his output last year is no worse than what hunt and Hutchinson are doing on the wing

 

[Dark Sharks]

Could see this before he was drafted, imo he was always going to be a decent WAFL mid but questionable at the next level talent wise.
Hopefully he comes good but I just don't see him being on our list in 5 years time

Yeah, feel like most of us saw this and flagged his skills would be an issue at AFL level. That trade up was dumb. Goes back to that old chestnut of "foot skills can be fixed.." only they really can't IMO.

Done now though. Still only a 2nd year player, doing all the heavy lifting and playing a tough role.

To be fair we don't actually see his shit skills at AFL level. He generally plays within his means, it's only in the WAFL when he's playing as his teams #1 mid does he look shocking.

 

[Ambrose Burnside]

I liked what I saw from Chesser today. Looked very confident and a bit of a different player than what we have seen previously. List spots will be tight the way this is all going

Glad Chesser played well, super important we don't blow first rounders, especially if they're midfielders, but at 1-10 the cull will be pretty easy.

 

[WCE777]

I just came back online, I watched the first 3 quarters of the WAFL game and I got several things from it.
I read most of your comments post game.
McCarthy just looks a class above.
Chesser was decent after his long lay off.
Hall must have had a better last quarter?
Bazzo solid.
With time Gross, Davis, Grego look to have AFL quality?
Livingstone is growing with every game and deserves more time to develop.
Champion had an off day.
Shanahan looks to have immense talent wherever he plays.
Hall is an enigma, seems to get plenty of the ball but his disposal and decision making seem to be only B grade?
HJ needs to find himself, he has good skills and disposals but he doesn't have much of an impact?
Rawlinson and Barnett are not AFL quality?

 

[Tyberious Funk]

Glad Chesser played well, super important we don't blow first rounders, especially if they're midfielders, but at 1-10 the cull will be pretty easy.

I'm a pretty open-minded guy... but I'm not up for blowing any of our recruits, first rounders or otherwise.

I mean, at least they could buy me a drink.

EDIT: Except maybe Chesser. That's a fine looking rooster.

 

[Dark Sharks]

Maybe Chesser could actually be a footballer if he gets to play in a position that doesn't actively encourage him to not get the ball?

Who would've ****ing thought, hey Simmo?

Ironically he was actually playing on the wing in the WAFL.. so that's quite ominous for his potential AFL gig.

Needs to be behind the ball.

 

[Elite Pete]

Glad Chesser played well, super important we don't blow first rounders, especially if they're midfielders, but at 1-10 the cull will be pretty easy.

I disagree where we currently stand. 1-6 yes. 7-10 not so east imo and hopefully gets even harder with Chesser and Bazzo getting taken off that question mark list.

 

[FKASC]

3rd year as an AFL footballer, against rock hard seasoned men.

2nd year kent