Player Watch #33 Caiden Cleary

[kirbonavich]

Close to if not the best pure contested ball winner in the draft.

If we drafted on output and not "athletic potential" I imagine he would have been top ten.

Steal of the draft in my opinion.

 

[Dubai Quacker]

With no Mills, Parker or Sheldrick - our midfield depth isn’t there (an injury to Chad, Heeney or Errol isn’t something I want to contemplate).

But it does mean Caiden is possibly only 1 injury away from a debut.

He’s been very solid in the VFL & to my eye may have edged ahead of Sid and Corey.

 

[Kiama Chris]

With no Mills, Parker or Sheldrick - our midfield depth isn’t there (an injury to Chad, Heeney or Errol isn’t something I want to contemplate).

But it does mean Caiden is possibly only 1 injury away from a debut.

He’s been very solid in the VFL & to my eye may have edged ahead of Sid and Corey.

Only if we need someone inside.

 

[Kbroome]

Personally for Cleary continuity i would rather us play Adams JJ Mcinernery or Papley in the midfield before Cleary as even just sub games or 60% TOG games as the fourth midfielder aren't the best for his development. Yes it would be great to get the debut out of the way and give him recognition but we are at such a point now where its better to just give him pure development in the twos than shoehorn him into the ones just to acknowledge his work in the twos.

 

[Cadsky]

Will debut against the giants this week. Well deserved!

 

[The King!]

Exciting , he looked good in the VFL

 

[Cadsky]

Exciting , he looked good in the VFL

Has certainly been consistent

 

[caesar88]

I can't explain it, it's just a feeling, but I think he is going to go well.

Even if he doesn't, just hope he enjoys it. I'm very bullish on this kid.

 

[Dubai Quacker]

I can't explain it, it's just a feeling, but I think he is going to go well.

Even if he doesn't, just hope he enjoys it. I'm very bullish on this kid.

Caiden - if you're reading this, I'm so sorry.

Last time caesar88 was bullish on a kid, he ended up a somewhat Rank(in)-and-file VFL player.

But stay strong. You can beat the mock. I believe in you.

Have a great debut!

 

[Edmund hunt]

He went to the same school as me (Trinity Grammar School). He joined when I was in my final year.

On SM-A515F using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[Cadsky]

How long til the anti-academy talk starts up again?

 

[Nuggetz]

hope he isn't named sub, go well young man.

 

[Grand Uncle Horace]

How long til the anti-academy talk starts up again?

It never stops.

 

[SwansProudly]

Making childhood dreams become reality...And how about the reaction from the boys?!

 

[Edmund hunt]

It never stops.

Every time we have success, it comes up.

On SM-A515F using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[BloodySwan]

How long til the anti-academy talk starts up again?

Stars again? When did it stop?

 

[Cadsky]

Stars again? When did it stop?

It'll go into overdrive as soon as the game finishes and he's had his 20 odd disposals, 1 goal and 6 tackles.

 

[Kiama Chris]

Good luck Caiden. Go well

 

[Dubai Quacker]

Making childhood dreams become reality...And how about the reaction from the boys?!

A lovely moment.

Unfortunately, in the resultant celebration, Sam Reid has aggravated a calf injury & Callum Mills suffered a recurrence of his shoulder issue.

We will assess the extent of both injuries and determine a timeframe for a return to full team training in due course.

 

[DeathlyAccurate]

A lovely moment.

Unfortunately, in the resultant celebration, Sam Reid has aggravated a calf injury & Callum Mills suffered a recurrence of his shoulder issue.

We will assess the extent of both injuries and determine a timeframe for a return to full team training in due course.

Update: They’re planning to be on modified training for 3-6 weeks and then progress to light jogging for the next few months and then reassess. If all that goes well then they’ll look to move on to full-modified training.

After a solid block of full-modified training and modified brisk walking they will start full team training and be monitored for an additional few months before they’re considered for a return through the reserves.

We expect them to be pushing for selection in the second half of the 2026 season.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Adnico26Parker]

“Half forward role”

 

[Kiama Chris]

“Half forward role”

JJ MkII?

 

[Grand Uncle Horace]

JJ MkII?

Nah … beyond adaptability and discipline…

Kid is a natural ball finder. Really hope he gets a run at stoppages, even if only on the forward line.

 

[Ralphyboy]

“Half forward role”

Makes sense. There is no backup for Hayward or Sam. For the backs there is Fox and Roberts. Not so good for Konstanty

 

[giantsully]

He's a good size, but an odd kicking action, especially for someone that's come through the Academy?

Look forward to seeing him do his stuff.