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Player Watch #27: Jack Darling

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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.
 
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?
 

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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.
 
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
 
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?
 
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.
 

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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.
 
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.
 
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.
 

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Player Watch #27: Jack Darling

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