Player Watch #15: Jayden Laverde - Named in VFL team of the week - 26/4

Keystone agony

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DPS, Did he have good numbers in his junior years in the middle?
Hes not an accumulating type but he played plenty of midfield in his last year of juniors to suggest he can be a midfielder at AFL level. He might be better utilized elsewhere though.

Just reading an article that confirmed my thinking from his carnival he had over 20 possessions in 2 of the national champ games where the coach said they played him mainly off a wing and half forward. He also had a 28 possession game at TAC level.

As Zach Package said earlier the Jets had C.Ellis, Duggan, Menadue and Viojo Rainbow taking plenty of midfield minutes through the midfield so he was played in different positions.
 

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Vander18

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Everyone wants to be a mid...this guy kicking 30-40 as a Stevie Johnson style forward would do me just fine and add huge value to our team.

Laverde doesn't seem to find the footy particularly easily or get involved in chains - usually traits of those who play mid. It may evolve over time I guess.
 

eth-dog

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Everyone wants to be a mid...this guy kicking 30-40 as a Stevie Johnson style forward would do me just fine and add huge value to our team.

Laverde doesn't seem to find the footy particularly easily or get involved in chains - usually traits of those who play mid. It may evolve over time I guess.
I think having the flexibility for him to play both is crucial. A bloke with his upper body, his speed and his kicking? To not use that in a centre break situation from time to time would be a waste.
 

Vander18

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I think having the flexibility for him to play both is crucial. A bloke with his upper body, his speed and his kicking? To not use that in a centre break situation from time to time would be a waste.
Look, his game may well evolve over time. Right now, I haven't seen it...but that's just me.

It's funny to me how every non KP player dreams of playing midfield - I wonder sometimes if players say it because they feel it's expected of them? Surely at least some of them want to be Toby Green, duck out the back and kick bags of sausage rolls week in/week out.....
 

eth-dog

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Look, his game may well evolve over time. Right now, I haven't seen it...but that's just me.

It's funny to me how every non KP player dreams of playing midfield - I wonder sometimes if players say it because they feel it's expected of them? Surely at least some of them want to be Toby Green, duck out the back and kick bags of sausage rolls week in/week out.....
Funnily enough, that's the sort of role I see for Laverde. Part time mid, part time forward, averaging 20 disposals and hopefully 2 goals/game.
 

Vander18

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Funnily enough, that's the sort of role I see for Laverde. Part time mid, part time forward, averaging 20 disposals and hopefully 2 goals/game.
The 2 a game is the big thing for me - if he gets them with 10,15 or 20 disposals Im not fussed.

While we're talking Laverde...this guy hasn't cut loose yet. He has all sorts of tricks but we haven't seen more than glimpses. Not sure if it's been the injuries or just gaining confidence but I'd love to see this guy unleash...fly for hangers, take on tacklers, play without inhibition. Thus far, he's always looked like he's holding back a little.
 
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Look, his game may well evolve over time. Right now, I haven't seen it...but that's just me.

It's funny to me how every non KP player dreams of playing midfield - I wonder sometimes if players say it because they feel it's expected of them? Surely at least some of them want to be Toby Green, duck out the back and kick bags of sausage rolls week in/week out.....
When updating the thread title this morning I seriously considered adding (don't they all!).
 

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The 2 a game is the big thing for me - if he gets them with 10,15 or 20 disposals Im not fussed.

While we're talking Laverde...this guy hasn't cut loose yet. He has all sorts of tricks but we haven't seen more than glimpses. Not sure if it's been the injuries or just gaining confidence but I'd love to see this guy unleash...fly for hangers, take on tacklers, play without inhibition. Thus far, he's always looked like he's holding back a little.
It's so easy for people to go the maximum when talking about this sort of player. Id be happy for Laverde, a 3rd year forward to average 2 goals a game and mid teens. The big thing for me would be everything else he brings to the team. I50's, rebound 50's, tackles, score assists. etc. etc.
 

Vander18

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It's so easy for people to go the maximum when talking about this sort of player. Id be happy for Laverde, a 3rd year forward to average 2 goals a game and mid teens. The big thing for me would be everything else he brings to the team. I50's, rebound 50's, tackles, score assists. etc. etc.
15 touches and 2 goals a game - take that every day of the week!

I think 30 for the season is realistic for him. 40 might be a slight stretch I think.
 

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The 2 a game is the big thing for me - if he gets them with 10,15 or 20 disposals Im not fussed.

While we're talking Laverde...this guy hasn't cut loose yet. He has all sorts of tricks but we haven't seen more than glimpses. Not sure if it's been the injuries or just gaining confidence but I'd love to see this guy unleash...fly for hangers, take on tacklers, play without inhibition. Thus far, he's always looked like he's holding back a little.
You are spot on. It is exactly what I think when I watch him play. I watch someone like McKenna play and I think why can't Laverde just let it all out there like this bloke.
 
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