Player Watch #32: Tom Sparrow

[Young Redleg]

Now this is the player I really liked at the end of 2021. It took a few years later for him to reach this level than I originally expected but credit where credit's due

 

[PerfectFooty]

Amazing things can happen when you fully commit to giving someone the role and allow their confidence to grow

 

[Topkent]

Love the balance of his game. One of the only ones who played with finals intensity when the rest were cruising

 

[mrmonkey]

Wasn't the fact that he was tough, worked hard and laid some good tackles that impressed me. It's kind of expected but he was very composed with ball in hand didn't blaze away, just held on to the ball until a good option opened up or just got himself in some space to buy some more time.

 

[ABray10]

Good game. Was good.

 

[Topkent]

Next captain is my prediction especially listening to King

 

[Scythe]

Big wraps from King in the presser

 

[Gysberts2Bate]

Have we forced him out for a second round compensation pick yet

 

[booshboy]

I've loathed him for years. He was absolutely outstanding tonight and has been great most of the year.

 

[Jamurp]

I’ll always love Sparrow for binning a goal from outside 50 off one step to get us closer to a premiership.

But he’s been really good this season, fair play to him, seems to be flourishing under King.

 

[danster168]

next captain for me. The 1%'ers he does is mental. How about the tackle in the last quarter, followed by the immediate smother and then the followed up by diving on the ball. He also showed his courage going back with the flight on 2 marks. And he also kicked a goal when we needed it in the first quarter.

Keep him away from the SA clubs and offer him post Gawn captaincy.

 

[Bluelegs]

next captain for me. The 1%'ers he does is mental. How about the tackle in the last quarter, followed by the immediate smother and then the followed up by diving on the ball. He also showed his courage going back with the flight on 2 marks. And he also kicked a goal when we needed it in the first quarter.

Keep him away from the SA clubs and offer him post Gawn captaincy.

Turner imo.

 

[ray_purchase]

next captain for me. The 1%'ers he does is mental. How about the tackle in the last quarter, followed by the immediate smother and then the followed up by diving on the ball. He also showed his courage going back with the flight on 2 marks. And he also kicked a goal when we needed it in the first quarter.

Keep him away from the SA clubs and offer him post Gawn captaincy.

A captain needs to be an inspirational figure that takes the team with them and who the players would walk over hot coals for. Gawn and Viney types.

We have to have better candidates than Sparrow, Chandler and Lever, surely.

Why does nobody ever mention K. Pickett? Not polished enough in the media? In that case you can rule out Sparrow.

 

[Bluelegs]

A captain needs to be an inspirational figure that takes the team with them and who the players would walk over hot coals for. Gawn and Viney types.

We have to have better candidates than Sparrow, Chandler and Lever, surely.

Why does nobody ever mention K. Pickett? Not polished enough in the media? In that case you can rule out Sparrow.

Now you’ve done it.

 

[mrmonkey]

I must admit that Sparrow's game was Viney esq and he does a lot right off field. I think most have acknowledged that. Probably why he's been in the leadership group for a few years. I'd still be a hold on him atm, he's trending in the right direction.

 

[Deelighted]

Happy to see him going well after meandering for a few years. One thing I have noticed this year is that he is a lot more composed with the ball and is stepping out of traffic where previously he would handball straight away under pressure. Hope this is the new standard for him.

 

[danster168]

Turner imo.

yep. I like Turner. just a matter if his body can be trusted.

 

[MartinPrince]

 

[danster168]

A captain needs to be an inspirational figure that takes the team with them and who the players would walk over hot coals for. Gawn and Viney types.

We have to have better candidates than Sparrow, Chandler and Lever, surely.

Why does nobody ever mention K. Pickett? Not polished enough in the media? In that case you can rule out Sparrow.

We'll never have another Gawn type. So we can end that discussion.

Sparrow is one of the bravest in the entire team. Literally goes back with the flight all of the time. Defends and chases better than anyone. Against Fremantle he was the only one defending. A 30m chase down tackle from behind when no-one else was chasing. I mean even against Freo he went bravely back with it twice to take 2 marks and his repeated defensive efforts late in the fourth were impossible not to notice. Chandler, not a bad shout but I think he's basically a smaller, fwd option whereas Sparrow is at least in the midfield.

Pickett has demonstrated no leadership qualities outside of being a gun. Also, I think it's risky to take a guy away from career best form. Also, his personal visits interstate would never fly if he was captain. He also hates public speaking. Couldn't think of a worse option actually

 

[TheBoss]

I only see Sparrow getting the nod in a co-captain situation and being paired with someone who is a strong media performer like Chandler.

 

[danster168]

I only see Sparrow getting the nod in a co-captain situation and being paired with someone who is a strong media performer like Chandler.

Sparrow handled himself quite well when he won the meat tray for commentators bog last week

 

[ray_purchase]

Sparrows last three games

24.3 disposals
7.7 tackles
7.0 inside 50's
7.0 clearances

 

[Scythe]

I'm a convert. Putting together a really good season and is actually getting to the point where I'd care if we lost him at the end of the year. Never thought I'd say that.

 

[Dancing Potato]

I'm a convert. Putting together a really good season and is actually getting to the point where I'd care if we lost him at the end of the year. Never thought I'd say that.

The sKing effect. It's happening to (almost) everyone.

 

[PerfectFooty]

Yeah, there's a lot to like about how he goes about it now. Never thought i'd enjoy watching him play