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Academy Watch

  • Thread starter Thread starter irel
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Cockliff38 said:
Would be hard for him to pass up the opportunity to stay with his family in Sydney
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Why would he want to play in Sydney?
They are sitting 16th on the ladder.:rolleyes:
 
Dylan12 said:
John may just need another new role in Brisbane after all.;)
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Well he's our former head coach. What is he to Sydney? Pffft.
 
Dlions said:
Why would he want to play in Sydney?
They are sitting 16th on the ladder.:rolleyes:
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They are cellar dwellers and we are in the basement penthouse.
 

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Connor Ballenden
Key forward
Brisbane Lions academy/Allies
199cm/95kg
29/3/99

Ballenden was quiet at times for the Brisbane Lions side in the academy series, but got more involved when he moved into a rucking position. He's big enough for that role, but it appears his future lies as a key forward. Ballenden is a big, strong prospect already: he's built ready for the top level. This season he has found it difficult to hit the scoreboard, but he is generally a long and accurate kick, and his contested marking is also a key attribute when on song.
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http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-06-09/cal-twomeys-25-to-watch-in-the-under18-championships
 
TheBrownDog said:
Worst senior coach in the club's history. 100 percent losing record. Disgrace.
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It wasn't a coincidence that our slide started that year.
 
CONNOR BALLENDEN | ALLIES
KEY POSITION | 199CM | 95KG
The man mountain was played at fullback for the Allies and he did not disappoint. He finished the game with 20 possessions, took 8 marks and kept Oliver Eastland to just two goals in a commanding performance. A member of the Brisbane Lions’ Academy, the struggling club will be looking forward to adding Ballenden to their list.
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http://footyprophet.com/u18-national-championship-scouting-notes-wa-v-allies/

This good form down back is an interesting development...
 
The Flying Belgian said:
Show me sustained form and I'll start to get excited.
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I think it's two from two in terms of playing down back + decent performance.

I wonder if it's Dan Merrett syndrome. Not a natural footballer so up forward he struggles to make the play, whereas reacting down back is more his game.
 
dlanod said:
I think it's two from two in terms of playing down back + decent performance.

I wonder if it's Dan Merrett syndrome. Not a natural footballer so up forward he struggles to make the play, whereas reacting down back is more his game.
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On the contrary, yesterday he was reading the play like a forward and was actually taking intercept marks out in from on the lead (was kind of strange to watch thinking about it).

His pace against a quick key forward would be the one area I would highlight though - he was quicker than expected but I still don't think he could go with a very mobile forward. He would be ideal to mark a resting ruck or KPF/2nd ruck type forward though.
 
WA Lion said:
On the contrary, yesterday he was reading the play like a forward and was actually taking intercept marks out in from on the lead (was kind of strange to watch thinking about it).
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It is a bit funny - I admit I haven't seen his performance yesterday, but the games I have seen when he's played up forward he's often been quite passive in terms of letting the game come to him rather than forcing himself to be the best option. I'd assumed that was difficulty in reading the play.
 

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dlanod said:
It is a bit funny - I admit I haven't seen his performance yesterday, but the games I have seen when he's played up forward he's often been quite passive in terms of letting the game come to him rather than forcing himself to be the best option. I'd assumed that was difficulty in reading the play.
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That had also been my impression previously, which is why yesterday was so pleasing.

Briefly before halftime the Allies put him forward and there were 2 noticeable things:

1 - This is when WA got on top and the Allies struggled to get out of their defensive 50. Ballenden had been quite composed in his ball use in defence and Brander who was sent back instead was having a bad game.
2 (and most pleasing from a Lions perspective) - when the Allies were struggling to get out of their back 50, Ballenden actually worked hard up the ground to provide an option and didn't just sit back in hope. He actually tried to make the play and provide a legitimate target (something Brander hadn't been doing).

Needless to say in the 2nd half he was immediately switched back and this is when Allies came back in to the game, although this was largely due to the midfield briefly getting on top.
 
Who would be our main academy chances for next year and are they rated? From the recent U16 championship game in which Qld defeated NSW/ACT, I could only detect two Lions Academy players among the best, Thomas Griffiths and William Martyn. Kobe Tozer was also in the goalkickers. Anybody know anything about these kids or any other hopefuls? I know Jack Moseley was rated a year or two ago but haven't heard much of him since.
 
WhiteLionFeva said:
Who would be our main academy chances for next year and are they rated? From the recent U16 championship game in which Qld defeated NSW/ACT, I could only detect two Lions Academy players among the best, Thomas Griffiths and William Martyn. Kobe Tozer was also in the goalkickers. Anybody know anything about these kids or any other hopefuls? I know Jack Moseley was rated a year or two ago but haven't heard much of him since.
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Isn't young Voss and Bradshaw sposed to be next year - or is that the year after?
 
a mayes ing said:
Isn't young Voss and Bradshaw sposed to be next year - or is that the year after?
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Believe so, along with Blakey, but father/son of course, not academy.
 
In that report, Dixon kicks 3 and can't rate a mention.

But Brander emerging in such an important game is great for us. Now there are 2 big, raw athletic Allies kids to choose from. Takes some attention from Ballenden even though he played well. Same kind of upside. Same kind of risk factor.

Though I suspect Hipwood has teams focusing on the upside more than the risk right now.
 

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WhiteLionFeva said:
Who would be our main academy chances for next year and are they rated? From the recent U16 championship game in which Qld defeated NSW/ACT, I could only detect two Lions Academy players among the best, Thomas Griffiths and William Martyn. Kobe Tozer was also in the goalkickers. Anybody know anything about these kids or any other hopefuls? I know Jack Moseley was rated a year or two ago but haven't heard much of him since.
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Looks like Tozer had a good tournament. Just name as one of the top 10 players to come out of the U16 carnival on AFL website.

Also wondering if WA boy Deven Robertson who was also listed in top 10 is Nick's brother or cousin?
 
Swanny10 said:
Looks like Tozer had a good tournament. Just name as one of the top 10 players to come out of the U16 carnival on AFL website.

Also wondering if WA boy Deven Robertson who was also listed in top 10 is Nick's brother or cousin?
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Robbo17 any help on the second part?
 

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