I really want to obtain an informed, impartial opinion on the merits of possibly drafting Mitch Thorp.
Therefore I have tried to put forward as many pertinent considerations as possible.
Unless one or more of Watson, Casboult or Rowe significantly elevate their performances, we are one injury away from crisis with our KPP stocks...........We have a real need for a battle ready KPP.
On type, Thorp seemingly foots the bill. Originally a Tasmanian, I became most interested in the young player "tearing it up" in the Tassie State League, so have taken more than a passing interest, following news articles and enquiring to the few contacts I have left in the state. Except for the very occasional, very obscure mention of his "issues" all of the reports are positive.
Other than a few posters seizing on broad references that he "has issues" and speaking in general terms, we have had 3 dogmatic posters ramming their opinions down everyone's throats. The most "informed" evidence thrown up is that "my mate plays for South Launceston and has no time for his captain coach....he is a tool". While numerous reports suggest he has the support, if not admiration of his team.
Many of us on here have played a lot of football at varying levels, the common denominator for success, particularly at a perennial under achieving side like Thorp's South Launnie premiers is that the players "buy in" and support the regime. The highlights packages, as well as the performance of the team, speaks nothing but positives for Thorp's case. We have all encountered the ego maniac types who are blessed with inordinant amounts of ability, and too often no work ethic. These blokes do not end up coaching in decent competitions, winning massive personal accolades, leading their state team to victory over the NEAFL (another "questionable" league some might say) rep team. Lets not forget that the Lions, Suns, Swans and Giants second string players play in this league. Posters here continue to salivate at the thought of plucking Jaksch and the like from this comp, yet Thorp plays in the mickey mouse league. (the League that gave Melbourne an unheralded Jeremey Howe as a mature age recruit)
Trying to keep things in perspective I have spent some hours browsing over some old threads on the Hawthorn board. Thorp was regarded as "the messiah", the white Franklin when he started at Box Hill.
Followed posts up until his foot injury in 2009, with the vast majority being supportive to adoring. Then a thread on an article quoting Jason Dunstall regarding Thorp's injury history. Suggested the AFL was at fault for not allowing Hawks access to medical info/exams, and the thread broke down with some posters suggesting that Thorp knew of his issues (mostly hips...2 ops) and should have "fessed up" to the club. There were no more suggestions of his ego and over confidence than those of our own recently departed Luke Mitchell, who was touted as a future leader. For the most part, the Hawk's board loved him.
I cannot claim that there was no bad blood during Thorps delisting at the club. I don't know the story. I could suggest a very talented, but injury prone kid (with an ego) felt very slighted when he went from great white hope to being shopped around in trade week. He was then delisted while under contract. It does not take much imagination to find a scenario unflattering to the kid. Similarly the ruthless Hawks machine was carrying Max Bailey with similar injury issues, they may have been morally improper at the time. Was the kid "screwed" before reacting and obtaining a bad rep? Can't claim to know the answers, but can see more than one possibility.
Thorp never had a pre season at Hawthorn, his recent highlights reel shows a less than ready body for an AFL KPP. He is athletic, mobile etc, but indeed, plays as a utility/hff more than a genuine KPP, which is our greatest need. Really so many questions, which may see us pass.
Just felt the need to share my research. I would hate to see someone passed over for the wrong reasons and am a little aggravated at posters being so dogmatic in the negative, with so little evidence to back up their claims. Too many people in this world have lives and careers impeded or destroyed by little people jumping on a soapbox based on innuendo or uninformed or misleading "information".
"Ego is not a dirty word". Hope someone gives the bloke a go. If he stuffs up someone can say "I told you so"