Traded #30: Brandon Zerk-Thatcher - 🚨 traded to the Pear, thanks for your service

[Lore]

Contract Status: Out of contract 2023
My Boy Draft 2023: Pick 8, 84859300

 

[BrunoV]

Apparently played like crap.

Will get out on the track this week, work on his ball use and start again.

VFL player review: Rd 3 v Carlton

The key stats and assessments of 10 senior-listed Bombers in VFL action against Carlton.

www.essendonfc.com.au

Ben Crocker torched him. Might have taken 10 marks inside 50 in about 2.5 quarters.

 

[Vander18]

Will be depth once Reid comes on.

He’s depth now isn’t he?

 

[11kgm]

Ben Crocker torched him. Might have taken 10 marks inside 50 in about 2.5 quarters.

isn't Crocker like 185cm?

at this stage would rather we pick up a vfl sanfl wafl kpd

 

[Ambrosia]

isn't Crocker like 185cm?

at this stage would rather we pick up a vfl sanfl wafl kpd

Zerk does not project as someone who can play on smalls so not surprised Crocker cut him up.

 

[BrunoV]

isn't Crocker like 185cm?

at this stage would rather we pick up a vfl sanfl wafl kpd

Looks closer to 6'3 to my eye, he's also very good above head. Definitely one of those mid-sized players who plays tall.

Having said that I would expect BZT to exert more control in contests than he did.

I can't make up my mind about BZT. One week I think he's a sure thing to spend a long time on the list as depth. The next week I'm thinking he could or should struggle for 2022.

I think it comes down to McBride. If he can get a clean run in defence for something like the rest of the year and starts to show what I think he's capable of, at 197cm, 90odd kgs, sub 3 20m, 6.20sec 2km, good leap (i.e. serious athlete), it could spell the end for BZT.

That would give us a combination of Reid, Hurley, Brand, McBride and even Ambrose as the depth tall defenders for 2022. Maybe BZT survives 2022 as McBride would need to be upgraded for 2023 (assuming he works out).

 

[andleanback]

Playing on Crocker is not an ideal match up for him, not surprised he got torched.

 

[CBombers17]

Moves like Kevin walsh.

 

[owen87]

Moves like Kevin walsh.

Peak Kevin Walsh, or current day Kevin Walsh?

 

[CBombers17]

Peak Kevin Walsh, or current day Kevin Walsh?

I'll be kind and say 1985 Kevin Walsh

 

[carnthedons]

I'll be kind and say 1985 Kevin Walsh

Better than 1984 GF Kevin Walsh, he didn’t move much

 

[Vander18]

Better than 1984 GF Kevin Walsh, he didn’t move much

Dipper would get 30 weeks for that today....

 

[Old Campaigner]

Dipper would get 30 weeks for that today....

Nah, high profile and plays for Hawthorne

$2000 with an early plea

 

[windyhill]

Only way is up with Zerk, he will continually grow and improve. Absolute slow burner this fella.

 

[Lore]

All over his opponent, hard to play against

Brandon Zerk-Thatcher
Stats: 17 disposals, four marks, three tackles

“Another good game from ‘Zerk’. Again, he kept it really simple this week. He was just really hard to play against as a defender. He was all over his direct opponent, he spoiled well and he used the ball well. It was a really solid game for him as a defender.”

VFL player review: Rd 5 v Frankston

All the key stats and assessments of 10 senior-listed Bombers in VFL action against Frankston.

www.essendonfc.com.au

 

[Megabattimus]

I still really hope he can make it.

 

[JT_the_Man]

Has a massive opportunity on Saturday now.

Hopefully he takes it.

 

[The Donners]

He’s a long way off.

 

[blitzer]

Times running out for him. If he doesn't make anything of his next few opportunities it could be time for us to part ways.
That said - I don't think he's been that bad at AFL level this year. Just not that good either.

 

[eth-dog]

Thought he was really solid tonight. Give him the job on CCJ next week.

 

[TheGrizz]

Was solid all game, but that smother in the last 2 minutes on Waterman was exceptional.

Truck even mentioned it at his presser
Massive moment.

 

[Megabattimus]

Made some mistakes but did a lot of really good stuff. Happy to keep him in the side for another week.

 

[Darealrath]

Thought he was done after copping that hit. Great effort to come back on and contribute late.

 

[eth-dog]

Was solid all game, but that smother in the last 2 minutes on Waterman was exceptional.

Truck even mentioned it at his presser
Massive moment.

Reminds me of that smother against Hawthorn in 2015? By Melksham I think

 

[The Devils Advocate]

Had some really good moments, still something there IMO.

 

[Vander18]

Not a huge fan of BZK but you get respect for efforts like he gave on a couple of occasions tonight.

Kudos.