Player Watch #35: Matt "The Swingman" Whitlock

[The Dingrel]

Where does the emergence of Trembath leave Whitlock?

Still slight, trained up fwd, hasn't screamed best 23 in these early rounds.

But we are playing Aiden Corr.

interesting isn't it....they continue to play him forward at VFL level, and for what its worth watching on telly, really doesn't look all that "slight" anymore. Yes he has more filling out to do, he'll never be a Trembath or Darling physique, but I don't think he is physically all that far off. I think he could be a genuine swingman, but can't see him ever being a genuine KPP more an intercepting type in defence. He also looks good at ground level and pretty quick, so I reckon he could be a bit of a point of difference, playing high half forward as well, pushing up the ground to be a marking target. I like that they are being patient with him, could be an extremely versatile player.

 

[Blightys Barrel]

He has time to fill out. Look at this skinny fella on draft night a few years back.

Google Image Result for https://media.gettyimages.com/id/492185418/photo/melbourne-australia-jacob-weitering-poses-for-a-portrait-during-the-2015-afl-draft-combine-at.jpg?s=612x612&w=gi&k=20&c=B1pe1EMDuRXv-xDdqfbPYqgZP4qF9u8RD9nwisgr94w=

 

[Devski]

Brother is playing pretty well today. Port will come for Matt

 

[TurnoverMerchant]

Brother is playing pretty well today. Port will come for Matt

Negative git.

 

[Devski]

Negative git.

You'd need to be pretty delusional to think Port (who are probably losing Georgiades) wont make a play for the twin brother of their emerging key forward, who is left playing VFL footy.

But go off lol

 

[shinboner magic]

Play him back

 

[zoomba23]

Play him back

He's our only key forward at the moment

 

[shinboner magic]

He's our only key forward at the moment

We’ll have the great ccj next week

 

[Topparoo]

Looked lost in the forward half today. Play him back, wasn't he recruited as a CHB who can swing forward if the need arises?

 

[Masked Avenger]

Didn't see him today but saw him live last week.

He took 9 marks and kicked 4 goals. Gave a couple away too.

He's had other decent games up forward.

Regardless at which end he plays, his build suggests he's going to be more of a third tall.

 

[Blightys Barrel]

Collectively the 3 talls today are all a WIP (Goad/Dawson/Whitlock). After watching most of the VFL none of them bounces off the page and and said “Pick Me, Pick Me”. I am hoping like hell the Development team are cracking the whip to have one or two of these feature in the AFL later this season. If I was ranking the chances for each in order it would be:

1. Goad
2. Whitlock (did we pick the right brother?)
3. Dawson (3rd year and no idea what long term role he is being groomed for. He ain’t no Ruck based on what I saw today).

 

[Reginald0]

Maybe just consider the rush to judgement
Whitlock is nearly 20
Dawson is 20
They are both 2M or 6.6 in the old
Whitlock needs to add 10/15/20 kg A lot either way

 

[shinboner magic]

Maybe just consider the rush to judgement
Whitlock is nearly 20
Dawson is 20
They are both 2M or 6.6 in the old
Whitlock needs to add 10/15/20 kg A lot either way

He’s got ability but he’s dropping uncontested marks.
Does he feel comfortable up forward

 

[Reginald0]

Sure
No physical presence i get it
But he does footy stuff which is a good start

 

[nelroo]

No rush for Matty. He may be in a hurry but a skinny tall doing a proper apprenticeship in the VFL is perfect. He will get a game or two this year but make him bang the door down

 

[speedy]

His twin brother is looking very competitive in the seniors. Ours should probably be dropped from the vfl going off this weeks form.

He’s stuck at the gates, hopefully he comes home like kiwi.

 

[Kangaroos4eva]

Whitlock 2.2, 14 disposals and 7 marks in a thrashed side.

Deserved more with a few holds not called, but vfl umpiring.

 

[Dingster]

Whitlock 2.2, 14 disposals and 7 marks in a thrashed side.

Deserved more with a few holds not called, but vfl umpiring.

Will get a chance to develop next season with the changing of the guard with Darling you'd imagine.

 

[Masked Avenger]

Will get a chance to develop next season with the changing of the guard with Darling you'd imagine.

I'm tipping it will happen earlier than that.

 

[Dingster]

I'm tipping it will happen earlier than that.

Depends how our season unfolds. If we do better than expected it may get delayed. Injuries and losses we should be giving him opportunities regardless.

 

[Passmore]

You'd need to be pretty delusional to think Port (who are probably losing Georgiades) wont make a play for the twin brother of their emerging key forward, who is left playing VFL footy.

But go off lol

They'd be mad not to. Talented young players should be in demand by everyone.

I'm sure we're chasing some ourselves.

 

[pupstar]

They'd be mad not to. Talented young players should be in demand by everyone.

I'm sure we're chasing some ourselves.

Yep maybe even a talented brother from Port in a few years time.

 

[Northwards]

Brain explosion from mckercher

 

[Passmore]

Brain explosion from mckercher

Harsh to be pinning that on Whitlock...

 

[Northwards]

Harsh to be pinning that on Whitlock...

Brain explosion from me.. wrong thread