AFL Player 5: Elijah Tsatas

[Nuggs Bunny]

 

[JayJ20]

Bomber blow: No.5 draft pick to undergo knee surgery

Elijah Tsatas will undergo surgery on his knee in a blow for the Bombers

www.afl.com.au

Pretty tough to be best 22 when you're injured before the season starts.

But hey.

Please don't do me like that.

I thought that was from today and was soooo disappointed. Then I wondered why they would report about Stringer and Redman's scuffle before it made sense.

 

[ant555]

2018
Walsh️
Lukosius️
Rankine️
King️
Rozee️

2019
Rowell️
Anderson️
Jackson️
Ash ️
Dylan Stephens ️ wasnt best 22 and looks a failure at a 2nd club already

2020 - Covid

2021
JHF ️
Naicos ️
F.Callaghan - Injury
Other 2 x 205cm

2022
Ashcroft ️
Wardlaw️
Sheezel️
Tsatas ️
200cm

2023
H.Reid️
Mckercher️
Duursma ️
200cm
Watson ️


3/20 havnt (Tsatas, Dyl Stephens being 2)

Facts dont lie

Tsatas did have a knee injury to recover from in his first pre season on top of missing 3 months of his top age year at under 18 level. His first year was always going to be a write off. He did not play VFL until round 11.
I have plenty of question marks as far as he goes but his first year was killed by injury.
His second year was killed by not being able to kick.

 

[Keystone agony]

Tsatas did have a knee injury to recover from in his first pre season on top of missing 3 months of his top age year at under 18 level. His first year was always going to be a write off. He did not play VFL until round 11.
I have plenty of question marks as far as he goes but his first year was killed by injury.
His second year was killed by not being able to kick.

Yep agree. I said youd almost want that by end of year 1, let alone start of year 2, let alone end of year 2. Every non KPP there will be best 22 by round 1 in their 2nd year. The 2 that wernt... Dylan Stephens (Sydney), Tsatas (Essendon)

Its not to say he wont make it, as i said i will be surprised if he doesnt get 100+ games and that im not saying he wont. All im saying is hes behind the 8 ball which is proven above

Hes great at getting the ball, but if you cant use it then there is very little point on getting it on the outside. Which if his kicking doesnt improve then he will need a Plan B in role that doesnt rely on drastically improved use

 

[Zach Package]

Apparently destroying match sim playing on ball.

 

[ant555]

Apparently destroying match sim playing on ball.

Well I got flamed for using match sim as any sort of form guide last year when it came to best 23.
From several reports he was very good and his kicking was okay without being anything special from what my tack man says. He has always had the ability to be a jet when it comes to winning the footy. That was never going to be an issue. What we need to see is if he is going to be Micheal Symons or Adam Treloar or he really does get a handle on his kicking.

 

[Foxx]

Anything is possible. I remember Brent Stanton went from one of our worst kicks to one of our best kicks.
Although he could always kick 50 meters.

 

[SydneyBomber]

I remember Brent Stanton went from one of our worst kicks to one of our best kicks.

 

[boncer34]

Apparently destroying match sim playing on ball.

It's only against Essendon.

 

[fairbump_playon]

I’ve been pro Tsatas all along - believe he will both make it and be a point of difference for us

Tsatas will still have clangers because mechanical habits die hard but I believe he is a good decision maker who knows where he wants to ball to go. That will help a lot. A few of our average guys like Parish and Shiel are very average in the planning as well as the execution, they just dump forward without feel.

 

[Zach Package]

It's only against Essendon.

Parish didn’t play and Merrett played half back.

Only big boys in there now, no puny little manlets

 

[faible]

If Tsatas can develop a taste for contact, he's got the frame and the hands to be a clearance machine.

 

[Foxx]

If Tsatas can develop a taste for contact, he's got the frame and the hands to be a clearance machine.

Yes, but all the rule changes mean midfielders now have to also have an outside game.

 

[FlyingV]

If Tsatas can develop a taste for contact, he's got the frame and the hands to be a clearance machine.

Would be great if he developed that, but it’s not his game. He’s first to react, get the footy and spit out a sharp handle ball or boot the ball for meters gained off a few steps. He’s quick and uses his strength to protect ball drop space at the content more so then having guys hang off him Jobe Watson style.

 

[faible]

Would be great if he developed that, but it’s not his game. He’s first to react, get the footy and spit out a sharp handle ball or boot the ball for meters gained off a few steps. He’s quick and uses his strength to protect ball drop space at the content more so then having guys hang off him Jobe Watson style.

Arguably he's been OK with contact when playing in the VFL. I wouldn't say he's avoiding it.

I don't think he's a Joel Selwood, but he's also not running away from the opposition. Perhaps as he gains size and strength he'll back himself more and more in close. His hands are fantastic.

 

[yodellinhank]

If Tsatas can develop a taste for contact, he's got the frame and the hands to be a clearance machine.

At will

 

[eth-dog]

Last season, he averaged 30.8 disposals, 4 tackles and 7 clearances a game in the VFL. He got to spend time in his preferred position and he showed his ability to win the ball inside. Full pre-season, starting to dominate the match sim. Hopefully gets the chance to play early in his preferred position.

 

[chambo00]

Last season, he averaged 30.8 disposals, 4 tackles and 7 clearances a game in the VFL. He got to spend time in his preferred position and he showed his ability to win the ball inside. Full pre-season, starting to dominate the match sim. Hopefully gets the chance to play early in his preferred position.

From memory he was very impressive in match sim in his first preseason before the knee injury. Lets hope he gets a go in his preferred position at AFL level and not stuck on a wing.

 

[Call Me Cake]

If a player was getting the ball as much as he was in another side they would've earned a game. No doubt about it.

 

[carnthedons]

Anything is possible. I remember Brent Stanton went from one of our worst kicks to one of our best kicks.
Although he could always kick 50 meters.

Exceptional at kicking into the man on the mark old Boo-rent

 

[dank420_]

Exceptional at kicking into the man on the mark old Boo-rent

Very straight into that man however

 

[Keystone agony]

If a player was getting the ball as much as he was in another side they would've earned a game. No doubt about it.

The club isnt concerned with his ability to get the ball, its about impact

Plenty of clubs have guys accumulating in the 2nd tier comps

Im still yet to see anything that supports his amazing speed, think thats a bit of a myth with him, but not necessarily required either

Probably with our depth of mids, ideal to operate with a looser group of 5 and have Tsatas avg endurance meaning hes kept around the 65% TOG but full time CBA

 

[TheUnicorn]

I think every training report I’ve read this offseason has been overflowing with praise for my boy Tsatas. Those quads are primed to take a stranglehold on the competition and leave everyone in the dust! Get ready, because he’s about to dominate!

 

[Maxabillions]

I think every training report I’ve read this offseason has been overflowing with praise for my boy Tsatas. Those quads are primed to take a stranglehold on the competition and leave everyone in the dust! Get ready, because he’s about to dominate!

2025 is going to be a Tsati party!

 

[Happyskeret]

2025 is going to be a Tsati party!

Oooh let’s get the part Tstartas

 

[TheUnicorn]

Hey everyone!

I wanted to take a moment to shine a light on my boy, Elijah Tsatas. He’s faced some criticism lately, especially regarding his kicking, and many fans have pointed out that other players, like Phillipou, have shown more promise up until now. But let’s talk about the progress Elijah has made this pre-season it’s nothing short of impressive!

After battling injuries and managing only 11 games over the past couple of seasons, Elijah is looking fitter and stronger than ever. You can see the hard work paying off, his kicking has improved, still not elite, but definitely on the right track. He’s no longer huffing and puffing during stoppages, he’s ready to spring into action, which is a great sign.

He’s starting to find his groove in the midfield. He’s been more evident in contests, showing his ability to win the ball and move it forward. Plus, he's even been getting on the scoreboard, which is another great development for him! His vision and awareness are definitely improving, and it’s clear he’s becoming a player who can impact the game in crucial moments.

It’s also great to see him putting in the extra effort after training, focusing on his kicking with the coaches. This dedication speaks volumes, especially in light of the scrutiny he’s faced. He’s really taken the feedback on board, and I think we’re going to see some great things from him this season.

If he can keep improving that kicking and use his speed effectively, the upside is huge. He has an elite skill set: smart, quick, and tenacious, so I’m feeling pretty good about where he’s headed.

Here’s to Elijah! Can’t wait to see him tear it up when the season starts!