Play Nice 2020 Pre-Season Training
- Thread starter Joose
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- Jan 23, 2011
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IMO Valente was in the mix for our 1st rounder as Sturt was speculative at the time. Once we could do a deal we traded up to get him. Perfect timing as he had injuries and reason he slipped. We were comfortable to hold out a year or two to get him going. Captain of a dominant SA team that crushed the state champs at a minimum gives him exceptional character and leadership. Lead a team of future AA stars Rankine, Rozee , Lukosius, Duursma, Hately...
Then given Pavs 29
Purple Jesus
not jess
He's a sleeper - going to absolutely dominate.
Piggy Smalls
Piggy’s in the middle
- Nov 30, 2018
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He’s the one I am most excited about. I honestly think being dual sided is the most underrated aspect of football players. He’s got a big body, clear leadership qualities and he is going to be very hungry after missing so much footy.
I have said it before but I honestly think an onball division featuring Valente and Serong will cause nightmares for opposition coaches in years to come.
Duursma is from Gippsland country Victoria.
Heard a great interview with Simon Black following his HOF. He talked about the beginning of his career, where not only was he seen as a bit slow travelling across the ground, but also lightly framed to boot. He pretty much had to make his thing quick quality decision making once he got the ball in hand, as he wasn't going to get away from anyone and couldn't really physically impose his way through either.
He has good skills on both feet. This will allow him to buy time.
There was a little sniper playing for WC and the poi’s and wees who was slow and dual sided - he went alright.
If can footy - he’ll be a jet, he can play from what I’ve seen.
Inveigh Slang
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Yep. I'd rather a natural footballer than an athlete.
He looks like he has decent core strength too, being able to stop on a dime and shrug off tacklers is a lot more valuable than raw pace for an inside mid. he should go ok once he gets up to the speed of the game, I have a sneaky suspicion he'll adapt a lot quicker in that area than AB/Cerra.
He was bossing around Fyfe and stood his ground when Nat pushed him back. Valente is pretty big and hardly skinny next to Fyfe. Definitely has developed his body and a professional attitude.
It’s more of a developmental precaution. A dislocated knee cap, with a hindered season, not really necessary to push him to play this season,
well for the first few rounds.
tell Sam Mitchell that he's too slow for the afl.
Oh the early days. Sandi loss 5 kilos in one day at a typical sweltering pre season training when he came in after he was drafted. The old school training definitely gone today.
Palmer was as well, then tragically both did their ACL. Never came back after that.
Another one is my favourite, Barlow. Awkward running style, you’d think he was slow but gee he could play. 30+ disposals and could kick 3 goals to back it up.
Gee that SA team was stacked. Valente was meant to be late first round/early second. Stoked he slid to us. If he develops nicely, would definitely be a great midfield core of Brayshaw, Cerra, Valente, Young and Serong (Sturt could be a winger later on..)
I've watched a bit of this guy, he has that rare ability to see outside of the immediate bubble of the contest, rather than a quick handball to the bloke 2 metres away (under just as much pressure) he has that knack of getting the pill to a team mate on the outside. Sam Mitchell had an outstanding career largely because he could do just that.
Purple_Turtle
Stockholm Syndrome
- Oct 12, 2019
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I have a sneaky suspicion Sturt will continue on as a mid-sized forward and Young will be a key part of our backline in years to come.
There’s plenty of examples of inside mids that are/were slow.
It’s all to do with the mix of players you’ve got imo. A team of slow players would really suck.
Purple_Turtle
Stockholm Syndrome
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Isn't that Adelaide and Melbournes problem right now? Too many inside midfielders who can collect the ball, but a team that struggle with the speed and disposal skills to use that advantage?
Snuffaluphagus
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I know your just spit-balling but I think it’s an interesting discussion. Who is more valuable or hard to replace. Gunston or Smith. While different positions, I think a medium forward who can tackle and kick/ set-up goals is more important than a wing position.
I’d love for Sturt to run through the midfield, but only if it’s through the centre or we might lose more than we gain
