Player Watch #27: Jack Darling

[Blightys Barrel]

Tbf those 2 blokes are walking bunsen burners .... they torch plenty not just Teakle.

Walking Bunser Burners - quality right there

 

[spicerFanClub]

I'd say no coincidence that we get Jack and suddenly our development of KPFs improves dramatically. Larkey has started clunking contested grabs, Whitlock and Dawson both with craft in the forward line (yes the probably are KPD long term but still), Trembath, even Payne with his craft. CCJ VFL form also very good before reinjury.

Onfield he has been the perfect recruit. Competes, hits the scoreboard, brings others into the game, shows others how to sacrifice your own game for team benefit. He's not there for the next premiership run but guys he has mentored will be.

 

[Roos1991]

Hard to think of many players currently on the list that live up to the Shinboner name as much as he does. Attacks the footy full chested and some of his contested marking on the wing or through kickouts have saved major turnover goals. You just back him in any one on one, it's been forever since we had someone like that. Maybe Petrie?

 

[TruRoo]

Im not. But I aint dying on this Darling hill either. He’s finished

Agreed. He’s been perhaps passable this year, but he’s going to be worse next year.

 

[TruRoo]

I'd say no coincidence that we get Jack and suddenly our development of KPFs improves dramatically. Larkey has started clunking contested grabs, Whitlock and Dawson both with craft in the forward line (yes the probably are KPD long term but still), Trembath, even Payne with his craft.

Such a dumb analysis.

Larkey has taken a few contested marks but is still largely the same player. Whitlock and Dawson are very much unknowns, Trembath has been on our list for a few weeks so is nothing to do with our development and has played one game.


Geordie Payne is a 184cm mid-forward, not even a key forward. And he’s played one game for a single goal and six touches.

Our development has not “improved dramatically”. We are still shit and if any of those players bar larkey were on another list and playing they’d be (rightly or wrongly) discussed by people here in the Kerridge thread.

This board is full of delusional cope almost daily.

 

[TruRoo]

Hard to think of many players currently on the list that live up to the Shinboner name as much as he does. Attacks the footy full chested and some of his contested marking on the wing or through kickouts have saved major turnover goals. You just back him in any one on one, it's been forever since we had someone like that. Maybe Petrie?

He’s done the bare minimum and will only get slower and less impactful.

Shinboner isn’t code for “remotely competitive”. We are such ****ing losers that we glorify anyone who isn’t Teakle or ccj level bad

 

[ferball]

Hard to think of many players currently on the list that live up to the Shinboner name as much as he does. Attacks the footy full chested and some of his contested marking on the wing or through kickouts have saved major turnover goals. You just back him in any one on one, it's been forever since we had someone like that. Maybe Petrie?

Dish and W80.

Not comparing him directly to W80 tho. He kicked seven goals in his first game for us didn't he?

 

[ferball]

His second game - 7.1

 

[spicerFanClub]

Such a dumb analysis.

Larkey has taken a few contested marks but is still largely the same player. Whitlock and Dawson are very much unknowns, Trembath has been on our list for a few weeks so is nothing to do with our development and has played one game.


Geordie Payne is a 184cm mid-forward, not even a key forward. And he’s played one game for a single goal and six touches.

Our development has not “improved dramatically”. We are still shit and if any of those players bar larkey were on another list and playing they’d be (rightly or wrongly) discussed by people here in the Kerridge thread.

This board is full of delusional cope almost daily.

Larkey has added a small new element to his game when he's already a premiere forward of the comp...how terrible...

First and second year players holding down key positions and improving regularly...how terrible...

A MSD kid adding contested marking and forward craft to his skill set...his being 184 doesn't exclude him being taught to play...how terrible...

When was the last time we developed forwards? He has undeniably improved our forwards and development.

You miserable lot would whinge about the cure for cancer. The board isnt full of cope, it's full of nuffies who would be unhappy with a premiership if we didn't get a three-peat. Buy a Giants membership and head to that board.

 

[TruRoo]

. The board isnt full of cope, it's full of nuffies who would be unhappy with a premiership if we didn't get a three-peat. Buy a Giants membership and head to that board.

Garbage.

Perhaps you can go support footscray’s vfl team where Spicer is playing now.

 

[kool kangas]

l wish we had him 3-4 years ago...

 

[ferball]

Larkey averaged more marks than in any season previously.

Probably because there's another KPF there to stop the double teaming he copped for so long.

 

[HugeJohnson1]

I think everyone forgets how much Ben Browns contested marking and lead patterns improved with Waite in the side. We are seeing similar with Larkey/JD

 

[spicerFanClub]

Garbage.

Perhaps you can go support footscray’s vfl team where Spicer is playing now.

The one that got away

 

[Dingster]

Another solid JD game. Gets his goal. Lovely give to Sheez for his goal. Used his body to protect Trembath for one his goals.

 

[Blightys Barrel]

He really is the ultimate professional, competitor and team mate. Astute recruiting of a guy who has been there and is teaching the youth of the club all about forward craft.

 

[King Corey]

Good leader's game. Exuded the exact calm and positivity we brought him in for. All 3 experienced recruits did today.

 

[kingcarey1]

He might be past the peak of his powers, but he’s still a great player.

Competes every week, plays undersized ruck, leads, is a positive influence on his teammates. By all reports he’s an awesome guy to have at the club.

We are lucky to have him.

 

[amaz199]

Ultra reliable in the air and kicking goals.

 

[muttley45]

Having played 21 games so far, has already exceeded my pre-season expectations, and they were purely expecting him to be a forward only, the Ruckwork he has done is an added bonus, so well done Jack.

 

[gerry101101]

He really is the ultimate professional, competitor and team mate. Astute recruiting of a guy who has been there and is teaching the youth of the club all about forward craft.

I think that’s a great description. He is definitely past his prime but his ability to (a) use his frame to shield a ball drop, (b) keep his feet when the ball is loose and tap it to advantage, and (c) ‘pretend to go for a mark’ to shield opponents and give a teammate a genuine chance… is such a standout in a team where all of those smarts are otherwise sorely missing bar Curtis with (a).

Desperately need a couple of forward teammates to pick up those traits as Darling prepares to exit stage right in 12-18 months.

 

[Hatchy1992]

He's been my favourite addition this season. You can see how much him blocking and playing decoy for our forwards is helping. Hopefully his mentoring rubs off on the players.

 

[Dingster]

I think that’s a great description. He is definitely past his prime but his ability to (a) use his frame to shield a ball drop, (b) keep his feet when the ball is loose and tap it to advantage, and (c) ‘pretend to go for a mark’ to shield opponents and give a teammate a genuine chance… is such a standout in a team where all of those smarts are otherwise sorely missing bar Curtis with (a).

Desperately need a couple of forward teammates to pick up those traits as Darling prepares to exit stage right in 12-18 months.

Trembath is already showing he has the appetite to do the team things.

 

[rickety]

How's the dukes on this fella! What a ripping grab.

 

[Nylex]

Played well above expectations this year. Well done to him