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Player Watch #44 Sydney Stack

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Walsh (far) more likely to win a Brownlow, Stack more likely to win a Norm, and not just because Carlton don't play finals.

Lots of jumping at shadows. Stack's coming from a low way back, that's why we got a top-5 talent for nothing. He's turning up. He'll get there.

Correct in his 1st & 2nd year but going into 4th year and beyond is no longer the excuse
If he doesnt pull his finger out and perform and change his attitude and take his career seriously he will just become another extremely talented kid that couldnt make the required commitment
 

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No doubt Syd isn't quite at the level fitness wise that we or the club would like, but I feel if you go through the full training reports on PRE they leave you with a bit more of a balanced view imo. The running session that was quoted where he was a lap behind everyone, a poster then clarified that they did 6 sets of run throughs, the first 4 he was right there in the pack, the 5th he struggled and fell back a bit and then the 6th he blew up and ended up way behind everyone which has been what everyone has (understandably) jumped on.

He's been by all accounts been doing extra running sets throughout training and has looked good during match sim. Clearly his professionalism still needs a lot of work, but I don't think we are at the point of writing him off just yet.
 
That was what I was getting at, same with Harely Bennell although Freo took a chance on him. Hopefully Stack can buckle down
18 clubs all passed on Stack for good reason and Richmond were the club that took the chance and gave him a spot, Without doubt he has all the talent in the world to make it and become a Shai Bolton level player if he can get the work ethic and discipline to do the stuff required away from playing the game

He will be 22 years old in April and in his 4th year and at a club like Richmond who is seen to be a very patient club that has good development and resources to deal with these types. In other words if he cant get his sh!t together here i doubt he would at another club
 
Yes but we knew his background when we drafted him.Patience is the key imo.
I don't want to get into a debate about his upbringing but he's had a sh*t life and has done well to be playing at an AFL club.
He'll get hungrier when the real stuff starts.
Hes been there 3 years, all the crap excuses don't hold anymore...

The Real stuff starts 3 weeks before pre-season training starts if he is being serious, and again, it appears he hasn't learnt a thing.

Hi upbringing may be a reason, but it's not an excuse.
 
Clearly his professionalism still needs a lot of work, but I don't think we are at the point of writing him off just yet.
Yeah probably the club just giving him a kick up the arse to get the best out of him. If we can get the best out of him he will be an absolute gun.
 
Yeah, Walsh comparison is weird. That is the first kid in the system since maybe Robert Harvey with an almost physco obsession of pushing himself to the limits with extreme work rate. Add in very good skills and smarts and that equals one of the best kids in the league.

In comparison Stack is copping jabs in the media from his coach about preparation.

It's not weird given they were from the same draft pool and top3 in rising star.

I like to make fun of vanilla but he's very good.
 
No doubt Syd isn't quite at the level fitness wise that we or the club would like, but I feel if you go through the full training reports on PRE they leave you with a bit more of a balanced view imo. The running session that was quoted where he was a lap behind everyone, a poster then clarified that they did 6 sets of run throughs, the first 4 he was right there in the pack, the 5th he struggled and fell back a bit and then the 6th he blew up and ended up way behind everyone which has been what everyone has (understandably) jumped on.

He's been by all accounts been doing extra running sets throughout training and has looked good during match sim. Clearly his professionalism still needs a lot of work, but I don't think we are at the point of writing him off just yet.

Well we cant really but is it at the point to give him another contract ?
Do we give him a 5th year ? Has his work ethic improved since his 1st year ?

I think whilst he is on a Rookie list the club will be more patient but if on senior list it might be another story
 
No doubt Syd isn't quite at the level fitness wise that we or the club would like, but I feel if you go through the full training reports on PRE they leave you with a bit more of a balanced view imo. The running session that was quoted where he was a lap behind everyone, a poster then clarified that they did 6 sets of run throughs, the first 4 he was right there in the pack, the 5th he struggled and fell back a bit and then the 6th he blew up and ended up way behind everyone which has been what everyone has (understandably) jumped on.

He's been by all accounts been doing extra running sets throughout training and has looked good during match sim. Clearly his professionalism still needs a lot of work, but I don't think we are at the point of writing him off just yet.

Stop using evidence in a 'discussion' that is almost entirely based on emotion. ;)

Stack really does need extra/external motivation. But he does knuckle down like a MF when he has to. His problem is really that he only works in company, and not alone.

The club will work through this, and Sydney must by now know what his strengths and weaknesses are. He'll mature, obviously slowly.

I'm not expecting him to become a Walsh clone, but if he hits something like AFL average his talent will get him into the top end range of players.
 
Well we cant really but is it at the point to give him another contract ?
Do we give him a 5th year ? Has his work ethic improved since his 1st year ?

I think whilst he is on a Rookie list the club will be more patient but if on senior list it might be another story
I think a few training reports from November are no basis to be considering contract status' for 2023
 
Well we cant really but is it at the point to give him another contract ?
Do we give him a 5th year ? Has his work ethic improved since his 1st year ?

I think whilst he is on a Rookie list the club will be more patient but if on senior list it might be another story

I think those questions are easy to answer based on what we know. Maybe there are other things we don’t know that would muddy the waters a bit.

Let’s say this is Stack. He frustratingly turns up below the required fitness level after every period away from the club, for his whole career. And let’s say it puts him behind so that most years he doesn’t start in the AFL team. Let’s say for arguments sake Brown and Banks slot quickly into the backline and in 2025 they are both guns who are flying with Sydney yet again starting in the VFL, but with an established history of getting to AFL standard fitness after several rounds. One of the two gun young runnings backs Brown/Banks is injured mid season leaving a real hole to fill in a contending team. Would you prefer Stack is there to step straight in, or not?

As long as he keeps brining what he is good at, and as long as his contract reflects his overall value to the club, then I know I would like him still on the list, and we may just have to accept his fitness will go backwards through any periods away from the club.
 

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Walsh (far) more likely to win a Brownlow, Stack more likely to win a Norm, and not just because Carlton don't play finals.

Lots of jumping at shadows. Stack's coming from a low way back, that's why we got a top-5 talent for nothing. He's turning up. He'll get there.
You can't win a norm if you are at the point of being delisted. Stack is closer to that at the moment than any historic medal. I personally hope he wins all the medals this year but that is more like me saying that I hope to win the $80M Powerball tomorrow night. I'd love it but chances are it won't happen. You can be a dreamer or a realist. I hope the two can combine with Sydney.
 
I think those questions are easy to answer based on what we know. Maybe there are other things we don’t know that would muddy the waters a bit.

Let’s say this is Stack. He frustratingly turns up below the required fitness level after every period away from the club, for his whole career. And let’s say it puts him behind so that most years he doesn’t start in the AFL team. Let’s say for arguments sake Brown and Banks slot quickly into the backline and in 2025 they are both guns who are flying with Sydney yet again starting in the VFL, but with an established history of getting to AFL standard fitness after several rounds. One of the two gun young runnings backs Brown/Banks is injured mid season leaving a real hole to fill in a contending team. Would you prefer Stack is there to step straight in, or not?

As long as he keeps brining what he is good at, and as long as his contract reflects his overall value to the club, then I know I would like him still on the list, and we may just have to accept his fitness will go backwards through any periods away from the club.

This is where you risk your culture and team ethos , That would be unacceptable and his highlights wont be worth what you risk and a list spot
cant be a part time player
 
But the same training reports 3-4 years running is the basis to consider to persevere with him or not
well he is contracted for 2022 his onfield performances will dictate whether he gets another one. If he goes out and plays well he'll get another contract and this discussion will be forgotten about. If this slow start to the preseason reflects on his performances then it will matter. they're not going to dictate his contract beyond next year on how he is right now.

"Sydney, you played 15 games. performed well, did your job but we are cutting you because you were behind on the running in November"
 
well he is contracted for 2022 his onfield performances will dictate whether he gets another one. If he goes out and plays well he'll get another contract and this discussion will be forgotten about. If this slow start to the preseason reflects on his performances then it will matter. they're not going to dictate his contract beyond next year on how he is right now.

"Sydney, you played 15 games. performed well, did your job but we are cutting you because you were behind on the running in November"

Performed well !!!

Interesting choice of words, He will need to do alot more than just perform well imo , 2021 he has good but not great he had glimpses or moments but not a consistently great level and thats not what the club would want. We have just drafted 2 players that will be busting their guts to take his spot from him and in 18 months time if Stack is at the same level as now i dont like his chances.

Hope the penny drops as he is a great talent but talent alone doesnt cut it in 2022 afl
 

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Performed well !!!

Interesting choice of words, He will need to do alot more than just perform well imo , 2021 he has good but not great he had glimpses or moments but not a consistently great level and thats not what the club would want. We have just drafted 2 players that will be busting their guts to take his spot from him and in 18 months time if Stack is at the same level as now i dont like his chances.

Hope the penny drops as he is a great talent but talent alone doesnt cut it in 2022 afl
you play 15 games and perform well you get another contract, stop kidding yourself
 
18 clubs all passed on Stack for good reason and Richmond were the club that took the chance and gave him a spot, Without doubt he has all the talent in the world to make it and become a Shai Bolton level player if he can get the work ethic and discipline to do the stuff required away from playing the game

He will be 22 years old in April and in his 4th year and at a club like Richmond who is seen to be a very patient club that has good development and resources to deal with these types. In other words if he cant get his sh!t together here i doubt he would at another club
Read the comment above yours.#5730.
He blew up that happens sometimes, ask any distance runner if they go out to hard to early.
He might be a bit behind, but he is miles in front compared to other years. Late November, get some perspective. He has 4 more months to get match fit.
 
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Read the comment above yours.#5730.
He blew up that happens sometimes, ask any distance runner if they go out to hard to early.
He might be a bit behind, but he is miles compared to other years. Late November, get some perspective. He has 4 more months to get match fit.
There is more to it than 'Blowing up'
I respect Caeser and his posts and he is a regular training watcher and there is alt he has not posted on this matter
After 3 years as a professional footballer Stack is last even including the kids that have been drafted this year - Thats says something

maybe time to stop making excuses for his ability to live upto fitness standards it desnt mean he is a bad person or a crappy footballer but just that he is not willing to do the work required
 

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