Player Watch #15: Dylan Stephens

[JGreezy]

Two years ago we had Xerri go from a no-name outside the club to getting AA buzz. Last year we had Curtis do that. I'd love if it's Stephens year to make that leap.

 

[Danni_Benson]

Two years ago I didn’t want to see Stephens in a North jumper ever again.

I’ve been eating humble pie for 12 months now, and enjoying every mouthful!

I’m loving his game now. Big fan!!

 

[The Nostradamus]

Let’s get that all aus wing spot

 

[jay317]

Prototypical Clarko leftie. Was only a matter of time.

 

[Midas]

Maybe but that depth of midfielders could provide an opportunity for someone else to roll out there. Simpkin for one in the long term.

Just saying

 

[Midas]

WTF? Back off mate

In a past life I scouted. I was asked to scout Blake Acres. Here are some numbers in comparative 3rd seasons. If Stephens becomes Acres this is a win.

Bump

 

[muttley45]

Let’s get that all aus wing spot

That pic of the dog taking a mud bath cracked me right up

 

[Hatchy1992]

Im happy to say i was always a big fan of his signing and have never wavered. It always takes players a bit of time to settle into their new environment. Some longer than others.

 

[Psychic Roo]

We should call it out - Great coaching by AC to back him in. Thats the secret sauce of coaching - credit where its due.

 

[Passmore]

Bump

Fair play Midas. Add you to the list of believers.

 

[koshari]

 

[The Nostradamus]

 

[Blightys Barrel]

The Social Media team are heading for All Australian again. They really do some exciting and creative stuff. The more we win, the more we watch. Hats off to them for remaining positive and up beat in what at times (eg, when Geelong destroyed us) it would not be a fun job.

 

[Lomas]

When did this bloke become one of our most solid players? Kudos to him.

 

[Makeshift Park]

Thought he was one of our better ones again

 

[Themanbun]

Runs and runs and runs. And then runs again. Can't fault it. If his mate did the same...

 

[amaz199]

Gets burned far too often.

My god he must hate his team-mates.

 

[Chadwiko]

Runs and runs and runs. And then runs again. Can't fault it. If his mate did the same...

Unsurprisingly, led all players on the field (for either team) for distance run today at 16.1km.

 

[Aberration]

From the penthouse to the s***house in two weeks.

Some of his fumbling was vomit including.

 

[koshari]

From the penthouse to the s***house in two weeks.

Some of his fumbling was vomit including.

Very sloppy yesterday.

 

[DocSholl]

This is who he is though. 5+ years is generally going to be a better indication than one game out of the box

 

[monty1104]

I was at the game yesterday. I spent a bit of time just watching Stephens. I taught him at high school so I’ve always had a vested interest in his career.

He’s obviously very good at keeping structure and playing to the team plan. He held his width well at stoppages. A couple of times when he was matched up on El Hawli, El Hawli got sucked into the stoppage and Stephens held his width and managed to impact the play. He’s definitely more a defensive winger. He knew where his man (usually El Hawli or Langford) were at all times. He rarely ventured into NM’s F50, instead opting to hang around the arc as an option for a switch of play. He did have a few fumbles and poor kicks, and honestly, I didn’t see him do anything that was super skilful. His positioning and endeavour is more impressive than his technical ability.

I likened his game style and honestly, career projection to that of Ricky Dyson. Solid player, likes to gut run and sticks to the wings. Good looking kick yet not as effective as it looks. I can see him being a 200 game player (probably showing my bias here) but one of those 200 gamers that is a solid servant without ever being an out and out star.

 

[kanga kanga kanga]

nah he still played his role to a high level

becoming one of my favourite players

 

[zoomba23]

I was at the game yesterday. I spent a bit of time just watching Stephens. I taught him at high school so I’ve always had a vested interest in his career.

He’s obviously very good at keeping structure and playing to the team plan. He held his width well at stoppages. A couple of times when he was matched up on El Hawli, El Hawli got sucked into the stoppage and Stephens held his width and managed to impact the play. He’s definitely more a defensive winger. He knew where his man (usually El Hawli or Langford) were at all times. He rarely ventured into NM’s F50, instead opting to hang around the arc as an option for a switch of play. He did have a few fumbles and poor kicks, and honestly, I didn’t see him do anything that was super skilful. His positioning and endeavour is more impressive than his technical ability.

I likened his game style and honestly, career projection to that of Ricky Dyson. Solid player, likes to gut run and sticks to the wings. Good looking kick yet not as effective as it looks. I can see him being a 200 game player (probably showing my bias here) but one of those 200 gamers that is a solid servant without ever being an out and out star.

Ricky Dyson, huh. We've got a hell of a lot to look forward to then

 

[amaz199]

Yep, this blokes alright now. Can put it to bed about having concerns.

He is now cemented to his spot on the wing. Credit where its due.