Past #3 Dylan Stephens

[Kennedy Parker]

Dylan Stephens
The Sydney Swans used their first pick five since Jarrad McVeigh

Jarrad Mcveigh

Age

40

Ht

184cm

Wt

84kg

Pos.

Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D

19.3

5star

K

11.1

4star

HB

8.2

5star

M

4.0

4star

T

3.1

5star

MG

327.8

4star

No current season stats available

D

9.4

3star

K

6.0

3star

HB

3.4

3star

M

1.6

2star

T

1.8

4star

in 2002 to lock in a talented midfielder from South Australian club Norwood at the 2019 AFL Draft. Dylan Stephens

15

Dylan Stephens

Age

25

Ht

184cm

Wt

80kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

10.3

3star

K

7.0

3star

HB

3.3

3star

M

3.0

3star

T

1.7

4star

CL

0.0

1star

D

10.3

3star

K

7.0

3star

HB

3.3

2star

M

3.0

3star

T

1.7

3star

CL

0.0

1star

D

10.3

3star

K

7.0

3star

HB

3.3

3star

M

3.0

3star

T

1.7

4star

CL

0.0

1star

is a prolific ball-winner and creative user of the footy by hand and foot. He played predominantly on a wing in the early matches of the 2019 AFL Under-18 Championships before starring on the inside in the final match, gathering 33 disposals in a best-on-ground performance. A penetrating left-footer, he averaged 23.8 disposals and 4.8 tackles across the 2019 AFL Under-18 Championships and was rewarded with All Australian honours. He also played some excellent football at senior level with Norwood, averaging 18.2 disposals and 4.6 tackles in 12 matches. Stephens enjoyed a breakout season for the Bloods in 2020 with a memorable AFL debut in Round 6 against Richmond alongside fellow debutant, Chad Warner

1

Chad Warner

Age

24

Ht

185cm

Wt

82kg

Pos.

M/F

Career

Season

Last 5

D

7.0

2star

K

4.5

2star

HB

2.5

2star

M

1.5

2star

T

1.5

3star

CL

0.0

1star

D

7.0

1star

K

4.5

2star

HB

2.5

2star

M

1.5

2star

T

1.5

2star

CL

0.0

1star

D

7.0

2star

K

4.5

2star

HB

2.5

3star

M

1.5

2star

T

1.5

4star

CL

0.0

1star

. Stephens finished the campaign with eight appearances, averaging 12.5 disposals and 3.4 marks per game, while also kicking two goals.

Dylan Stephens

15

Dylan Stephens

Age

25

Ht

184cm

Wt

80kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

10.3

3star

K

7.0

3star

HB

3.3

3star

M

3.0

3star

T

1.7

4star

CL

0.0

1star

D

10.3

3star

K

7.0

3star

HB

3.3

2star

M

3.0

3star

T

1.7

3star

CL

0.0

1star

D

10.3

3star

K

7.0

3star

HB

3.3

3star

M

3.0

3star

T

1.7

4star

CL

0.0

1star

DOB: 08 January 2001
DEBUT: 2020
DRAFT: #5, 2019 National Draft
RECRUITED FROM: Red Cliffs (Vic)/Walkerville (SA)/St Peter's College (SA)/Norwood (SANFL)

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[SSwans2011]

I wonder what role he will play in finals. Probably misses out for McInerney, but he should be the sub based on the GWS game IMO.

 

[Millky95]

Whilst J.Mac is an auto in if fit, Stephens would be right to feel hard done by as he doesn't deserved to be dropped. He is just behind Campbell and J.Mac as the main wingmen.

No reason he shouldn't be the sub though.

That said if Papley isn't fit he would probably still keep his spot in the side

 

[Nuggetz]

He looks best in congestion gathering the ball through his anticipation, avoiding opposition through his burst/power & then getting it to our outside players. If he's to have a successful AFL career, he'll need to be in that type of midfield role imo. I like his endeavours to tackle but needs to improve on the technique, a few times he was brushed off. Still great effort shown, another solid game from him.

I also think a few times he's not receiving the ball because he's too close to the ball carrier, so he doesn't receive the handball as we're a more kick based team. Think this is a more team issue, we look better with a bit more run n carry rather than just kicking it long imo.

 

[melbournehammer]

He looks best in congestion gathering the ball through his anticipation, avoiding opposition through his burst/power & then getting it to our outside players. If he's to have a successful AFL career, he'll need to be in that type of midfield role imo. I like his endeavours to tackle but needs to improve on the technique, a few times he was brushed off. Still great effort shown, another solid game from him.

I also think a few times he's not receiving the ball because he's too close to the ball carrier, so he doesn't receive the handball as we're a more kick based team. Think this is a more team issue, we look better with a bit more run n carry rather than just kicking it long imo.

There was a play last week where he took the ball at speed went through the contest and burst to the outside - it looked amazing - like a Chris Judd

And then he just bombed it to the top of the square to the advantage of the the Gold Coast defenders.

It encapsulated some of my views - there’s an afl player there if he improved his kicking

 

[BasicSwan]

He looks best in congestion gathering the ball through his anticipation, avoiding opposition through his burst/power & then getting it to our outside players. If he's to have a successful AFL career, he'll need to be in that type of midfield role imo. I like his endeavours to tackle but needs to improve on the technique, a few times he was brushed off. Still great effort shown, another solid game from him.

I also think a few times he's not receiving the ball because he's too close to the ball carrier, so he doesn't receive the handball as we're a more kick based team. Think this is a more team issue, we look better with a bit more run n carry rather than just kicking it long imo.

Agreed. I forget the time of play but there was a passage where he received the ball at half back busted through the congestion and kicked into the corridor. That was great and I want to see more of that. I think the coaches are still looking for some improvements in his contested work before he can get a trial in the centre bounces at AFL level. They could try him on the wing and half back flank to get the handball receive and run and carry it out.

 

[Nuggetz]

Agreed. I forget the time of play but there was a passage where he received the ball at half back busted through the congestion and kicked into the corridor. That was great and I want to see more of that. I think the coaches are still looking for some improvements in his contested work before he can get a trial in the centre bounces at AFL level. They could try him on the wing and half back flank to get the handball receive and run and carry it out.

I don't mind halfback either, if he can improve upon his kicking & decision making. Similar to a younger Florent actually, he's got that evasiveness & hardness but has been inconsistent with disposal. Florent has improved his kicking & decision making to hold a regular spot, I'm hoping Stephens can do the same either with us or another AFL team. Definitely can become a solid AFL player with the right opportunities & improvement.

 

[Dubai Quacker]

Played a good game on Sunday - ran hard, cracked in hard, did some nice things.

And yet - it feels inevitable that he’s gone.

 

[Callipygian]

I agree he had a good game. I agree his departure is probable. I don't agree it's inevitable. I think there's a real chance that he could stay, especially now that he's in the 22 and we're showing faith in him (albeit while McInerney is out injured).

 

[bedford]

I agree he had a good game. I agree his departure is probable. I don't agree it's inevitable. I think there's a real chance that he could stay, especially now that he's in the 22 and we're showing faith in him (albeit while McInerney is out injured).

Has to stay in over Clarke

 

[Kiama Chris]

T

Has to stay in over Clarke

The two are not the same thing.

 

[BloodySwan]

If Papley, McInerney and Sheldrick are all fit does Stephens fit in our best 22? It feels like he's dropped behind Sheldrick in our midfield setup, and potentially will be overtaken by Roberts or another player next year.

He'd be worth keeping in our squad but at his current rate might not be much more than a bit player in our 22.

 

[BasicSwan]

If Papley, McInerney and Sheldrick are all fit does Stephens fit in our best 22? It feels like he's dropped behind Sheldrick in our midfield setup, and potentially will be overtaken by Roberts or another player next year.

He'd be worth keeping in our squad but at his current rate might not be much more than a bit player in our 22.

Perhaps, but in reality, Stephens is only competing against McInerney, Campbell and Gulden because Papley, Sheldrick and Roberts are not going to be playing on the wing.

I definitely hope he stays. Been very solid since coming back and seems to be getting more involved in the action compared to before.

 

[Callipygian]

If Papley, McInerney and Sheldrick are all fit does Stephens fit in our best 22? It feels like he's dropped behind Sheldrick in our midfield setup, and potentially will be overtaken by Roberts or another player next year.

He'd be worth keeping in our squad but at his current rate might not be much more than a bit player in our 22.

Not for me. But how often do you have all of your best 22/3 available?

 

[Kiama Chris]

Perhaps, but in reality, Stephens is only competing against McInerney, Campbell and Gulden because Papley, Sheldrick and Roberts are not going to be playing on the wing.

I definitely hope he stays. Been very solid since coming back and seems to be getting more involved in the action compared to before.

He played better than Campbell last game. Much better. Previously I have felt that Campbell's delivery suited our game style better but Stephens put it out there in a tough game.
Certainly made his case.

 

[swanssince2002]

Stephens is having a good month since coming back into the side, if he leaves well it won't be for a lack of effort the last few games. Can't accuse him of not giving it his all out there shrugs

 

[bedford]

T

The two are not the same thing.

Really ! 1 is a footballer , the other is a tryhard taggerwith no skill

 

[sthmelb_dimmies]

Straight swap for Adelaide pick #20?

 

[scaryness]

Straight swap for Adelaide pick #20?

Don’t think he would get a game at Adelaide either

 

[Ticky009]

Straight swap for Adelaide pick #20?

You honestly think the Crows are going to offer us a fair pick? After Dawson and this year's goal incident?

 

[The King!]

seems a wasted pick unfortunately

 

[Punts]

North will just threaten with the pre season draft route

Not that it really ever gets to happening most time

Might be a membrey situation or a very late pick at best

 

[GoTheSwannies]

seems a wasted pick unfortunately

Yup. Just going to have to cop it an keep moving.

I'm just surprised that we couldn't find a place for him this year. But I guess most of our injuries were to the backline so it just wasn't to be.

For what it's worth, I think he's going to be a very solid player and I'm disappointed that we're going to lose him. Some say he's very vanilla, which is true in some respects. But every premiership team needs those types of players.

And from the little I've seen in finals, and in big games (e.g. against Melbourne) and as sub the week prior. He has stood up in finals/big games. He hasn't wilted under pressure. He's the kind of role player you want in your premiership side imo.

 

[Wolftone]

I think Stephens should have played and JMac as sub. But not to be.

As tk where he will go. I am not sold on him wanting to go to North. I think Adelaide would have made the offer with Seedsman retiring

On CPH2471 using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[Ticky009]

I think Stephens should have played and JMac as sub. But not to be.

As tk where he will go. I am not sold on him wanting to go to North. I think Adelaide would have made the offer with Seedsman retiring

On CPH2471 using BigFooty.com mobile app

Agreed. Was a mistake playing JMac, was near ineffective first half, got a bit better in the 2nd but meh. Dyl should have played.

 

[Tedeski]

Oh well!
The whole exercise since we recruited the boy seems wrong.
Not sure why but maybe because of the lockdowns etc, his development by us was North like.
Which is perhaps why North is interested in taking him if rumours are correct.

He'll play 150 - 200 game of senior AFL footy.
Just not with us it seems.