Player Watch #32: Tom Sparrow

[LarryDavidNeitz]

Sparrow is a mid who can't win contests or ground balls, so he's next to useless in that role. the only blokes in the team who average less ground ball gets than Sparrow are Tomlinson, Melksham, and Spargo. even Ben Brown averages more ground ball gets than him lol, and Sparrow is supposed to be a big strong ball winner? yeah right, Jake Bowey averages more contested possessions than this bloke, that's how much of a pretender he is.
he doesn't kick goals when forward, or set any up either, so he's useless up there as well. he's just a nothing player imo.

I just don't think he knows how to get himself involved in the game playing off half forward. He doesn't read the play well there as evidenced by the fact he can't even get to the contest and lay tackles.

He would have to be very low on confidence and he's obviously not showing his best when he does get midfield minutes. Best thing we could do for him is get him back to the VFL so he can learn how to be in the thick of the action for a full game.

 

[danster168]

I think we're being a bit harsh on Sparrow. He isn't being played in position anyway. he cracks in and has a go and is a better kick then most of our other mids. And he has kicked clutch goals in his career. But he does need to start finding a bit more of the ball, especially as he gets enough centre bounce attendances to do so.

But people were also critical of ANB for the same reasons but ANB to me is a top 12 player for me because he does a lot of the hard stuff. He also averages the same number of disposals as Sparrow.

 

[Topkent]

There's a good player in there who's playing at his absolute floor at the moment. Think you have to wonder if having someone as dominant as Oliver effects the other mids.

 

[Johnny Karate]

There's a good player in there who's playing at his absolute floor at the moment. Think you have to wonder if having someone as dominant as Oliver effects the other mids.

Yeah, part of me thinks we need to look at Geelong 2022 and be more bold at spreading the midfield load. Oliver is a damn good player that has the potential to have a more rounded game. Give blokes like Sparrow a chance to do the donkey work.

 

[jhong]

I'd also send him back to Casey for a spell .

 

[Dory_77]

I think we're being a bit harsh on Sparrow. He isn't being played in position anyway. he cracks in and has a go and is a better kick then most of our other mids. And he has kicked clutch goals in his career. But he does need to start finding a bit more of the ball, especially as he gets enough centre bounce attendances to do so.

But people were also critical of ANB for the same reasons but ANB to me is a top 12 player for me because he does a lot of the hard stuff. He also averages the same number of disposals as Sparrow.

I see the point, and ANB has been a favourite whipping boy at different times. However he's much more suited to the HFF, occasional mid spot. His tank is huge, he puts in massive efforts (ditto Chandler, Spargo) that (from what I've seen) Sparrow can't match.
Also has become a handy kick into the 50 to set up shots/goals and kicks them himself more often than Sparrow.
I don't think Sparrow is a butcher, but just not as damaging or useful with the ball.

 

[SackLunch]

Deserves a bump on the back of some really good games. He’s always been a bit of a goer, I think he’s starting to add a bit of quality offense to his game. Plus, he’s sooo dreamy…

 

[Tulip]

Has definitely shown more since Oliver's injury. A bit to work with for sure.

 

[schmuttt]

Must continue this form if we are to go anywhere. I’m harsh on him but it’s because I actually rate him.

 

[Topkent]

Must continue this form if we are to go anywhere. I’m harsh on him but it’s because I actually rate him.

He's our only mid who can actually take a grab forward.

 

[schmuttt]

He's our only mid who can actually take a grab forward.

He has all the physical tools, I worry he gets lost out there sometimes and doesn’t find any easy balls. Really hope they pile the responsibility on him because I reckon he might be a guy who thrives on it.

 

[The Dr]

I've been harsh on him too but I have assumed it's cos of a lack of mid minutes. He has stepped up in there and gives us some flexibility to play Trac more forward.

Hopefully he continues his improvement once Oliver returns.


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[A11dAtP0w3R]

you ruined our perfect forward line, you ruined everything, ruiner.

 

[Johnny Karate]

you ruined our perfect forward line, you ruined everything, ruiner.

what punishment would you inflict

 

[Dancing Potato]

Just when I was starting to like him.

What a jerk.

EDIT: Don't know why I did it to myself, but I went over to Demonland to suss the vibe on the injury and our forward woes. Apparently you're not allowed to blame Sparrow for ****ing up a simple pass. Apparently we have such a plethora of forward options to being in that losing Petty doesn't matter. It's all sunshine, rainbows and riding the club's dick over there.

 

[dazzledavey36]

You had one easy job Sparrow and that was literally hit a 15m lace out on the t***ies.

 

[A11dAtP0w3R]

Just when I was starting to like him.

What a jerk.

EDIT: Don't know why I did it to myself, but I went over to Demonland to suss the vibe on the injury and our forward woes. Apparently you're not allowed to blame Sparrow for ******* up a simple pass. Apparently we have such a plethora of forward options to being in that losing Petty doesn't matter. It's all sunshine, rainbows and riding the club's dick over there.

Here on big footy they dont discriminate against the unstable and unhinged.

 

[pjfairbairn]

 

[adonski]

He is a young James Harmes

22

James Harmes

Age

30

Ht

186cm

Wt

86kg

Pos.

M/F

Career

Season

Last 5

D

19.4

5star

K

9.4

4star

HB

10.0

5star

M

3.1

3star

T

4.1

5star

CL

2.4

4star

D

16.3

4star

K

7.4

3star

HB

8.9

4star

M

2.9

3star

T

1.6

3star

CL

1.9

4star

D

10.6

3star

K

5.2

2star

HB

5.4

4star

M

1.6

2star

T

1.8

4star

CL

0.2

2star

That's not a compliment

 

[The Dr]

Perfect haha


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[Lord Nev]

 

[mrmonkey]

Wasn't worried about losing him but good to have him locked in for a few more years. Hopefully he can step up his output in the next few years.

 

[Proper Gander]

Excellent.

I’ve only just started liking him so it would have been bloody typical if he chose this time to leave

 

[Daemon]

Can't wait for Tom to prove a few doubters here wrong this year. Glad he has signed on.

 

[Scythe]

Good to retain him, but hopefully him popping off in a preseason game didn't result in adding too much cash to the deal.

Guess we can kiss that contract year form bump goodbye though