Player Watch #10 Aaron Francis

[Slingshot Footy]

The definition of a no risk all reward pick up for the Swans.

At the very worst, he'll be handy injury cover for any of our key position players over the next couple of years.

Hopefully, in a best case scenario, he'll become a lock in best 22 player for a club with serious premiership ambitions over the next 5-7 years.

Welcome to the Swans Aaron!!!

 

[RedBloodBlackSwan]

I have a feeling this will be a classic Bloods signing. Francis looks like he had a lot of character to persist in a bad environment with a lot of challenges in his family life. Fresh start and Bloods culture will do him the world of good. Not expecting Francis to be a superstar but think he could become part of a really solid and dynamic back six.

He’s also a proper ranga. Every good team needs a classic ranga. Mills and Blakey have a bit of ranga in them but not enough. On ranga-ness alone Francis could be the difference that helps us go from 2 to 1. Geelong had Rohan’s ranga-ness to get them their GF win and he did nothing.

 

[Maximumlnsanity]

Are we certain we haven't accidentally gotten Andrew Phillips instead?

 

[Swan4Life]

Happy to give a likeable bloke like Francis a chance at the Swans.

Here's hoping that he can become the best version of himself in red and white.

Welcome aboard mate!

 

[sthmelb_dimmies]

 

[Dubai Quacker]

Seems a quality character, who’s been through some incredibly tough times, none of which were of his own making.

And an (as yet) unfulfilled talent who could flourish.

Nice one.

 

[rustycrate]

I have a feeling this will be a classic Bloods signing. Francis looks like he had a lot of character to persist in a bad environment with a lot of challenges in his family life. Fresh start and Bloods culture will do him the world of good. Not expecting Francis to be a superstar but think he could become part of a really solid and dynamic back six.

He’s also a proper ranga. Every good team needs a classic ranga. Mills and Blakey have a bit of ranga in them but not enough. On ranga-ness alone Francis could be the difference that helps us go from 2 to 1. Geelong had Rohan’s ranga-ness to get them their GF win and he did nothing.

Adds more colour to the team.

 

[Mini Dustin Fletcher]

I've been on his bandwagon even before he was drafted...I really hope he does well for your mob. He's got so much talent, just needs to get fitter and be a really good 3rd tall. 2nd efforts are a little bit but he has great hands in the air and a beautiful kick. Good luck Aaron

 

[BloodySwan]

Horse has turned a few lazy footballers into ones who run both ways. Backing ourselves to do it again with Francis

 

[The King!]

threw in the future 4th so they could get to lunch basically

 

[sthmelb_dimmies]

I have a feeling this will be a classic Bloods signing. Francis looks like he had a lot of character to persist in a bad environment with a lot of challenges in his family life. Fresh start and Bloods culture will do him the world of good. Not expecting Francis to be a superstar but think he could become part of a really solid and dynamic back six.

He’s also a proper ranga. Every good team needs a classic ranga. Mills and Blakey have a bit of ranga in them but not enough. On ranga-ness alone Francis could be the difference that helps us go from 2 to 1. Geelong had Rohan’s ranga-ness to get them their GF win and he did nothing.

Matt Roberts says hi

 

[Tedeski]

It sounds like this guy just needs some teachers to guide him on field & off field.
Aaron has come to the right club. The care factor for it's people at the Swans is 500% greater than that shown by most Victorian teams.
Some of the players given up by the Vic clubs shows that there is little care for their players.
JOM at the Hawks for example & Grundy from the Pies. Treloar a few years ago.

 

[dosser]

Had a quick look at his thread on the Drafts & Trading board and was very impressed by the bombers supporters with their obvious affection for him. He obviously has shortcomings to his game, but almost everyone wished him nothing but the best. A bit of class from the bomber supporters.

 

[BruceFromBalnarring]

He’s also a proper ranga. Every good team needs a classic ranga. Mills and Blakey have a bit of ranga in them but not enough. On ranga-ness alone Francis could be the difference that helps us go from 2 to 1. Geelong had Rohan’s ranga-ness to get them their GF win and he did nothing.

I think I've said before that I don't think the recruitment of bloodnuts should be encouraged.

I guess I can cop one provided he doesn't have 6 bloodnut boys all expecting to be father/son recruits.

There needs to be a line.

 

[grimlock]

Let's just hope he goes better than the last 2 Aarons on our list - Bruce and Rogers

 

[Maximumlnsanity]

Let's just hope he goes better than the last 2 Aarons on our list - Bruce and Rogers

Aaron Rodgers decision to leave the Swans for the Green Bay Packers was the best decision he could've made

 

[momentbymoment]

I will be interested to see how it effects Blakey‘s role. IMO Blakey became far more defensive (less attacking) in the second half of the season. I wonder if Francis comes in to play that defensive role and Blakey is let off the leash …

 

[Kiama Chris]

I think Francis will need a while to settle in, learn our defensive patterns and roles, get to know his teammates etc. If his fitness is below standard that will also require extra work.
So I don't think we should expect to see him in seniors early in the season. He has talent and if things come together maybe mid-year.

 

[cherub]

I think Francis will need a while to settle in, learn our defensive patterns and roles, get to know his teammates etc. If his fitness is below standard that will also require extra work.
So I don't think we should expect to see him in seniors early in the season. He has talent and if things come together maybe mid-year.

Paul Roos has said in the past, that it takes around a season for a new player to adapt to the gameplan/style at a new club.

 

[TheMase]

I think Francis will need a while to settle in, learn our defensive patterns and roles, get to know his teammates etc. If his fitness is below standard that will also require extra work.
So I don't think we should expect to see him in seniors early in the season. He has talent and if things come together maybe mid-year.

We also said that about McCartin to be fair and Francis has a longer lead in as an officially listed player, not to mentioned played defence more.

Wouldn’t surprise if he lined up Rd1.

 

[Punts]

He will play straight up imo

They live having a interception player and have said that’s what he is for

Paddy goes to one on one

Rampe moves up to hb more and plays smaller

 

[Millky95]

He will play straight up imo

They live having a interception player and have said that’s what he is for

Paddy goes to one on one

Rampe moves up to hb more and plays smaller

Gould vs Francis for the interceptor imo

 

[Punts]

Gould vs Francis for the interceptor imo

Gould doesn’t really play that role

 

[Millky95]

Gould doesn’t really play that role

What would his role in the seniors be then?

 

[Punts]

What would his role in the seniors be then?

Rampes imo