Ants draft wrap

[Colin D'Cops]

But there's not many players in the whole AFL who use the ball with both feet...

Correct, but in half a dozen years or so, I'm sure most AFL footballers will be able to kick with both feet at an above average standard.

 

[DaSawx]

Correct, but in half a dozen years or so, I'm sure most AFL footballers will be able to kick with both feet at an above average standard.

Not sure I agree that most will, it's a highly skilled game now and not a lot do it, it may increase like you said but I don't think it will be to such a large extent.

 

[Colin D'Cops]

I can see where you're coming from SD, valid points.

One of the main reasons why I think it will increase, the number of players kicking well with both feet that is, is because most TAC Cup staff go out to high schools now and teach young, budding players that kicking well with both sides of the body is essential these days and that it's a key indicator when recruiter's assess you. I'm sure they do it more regularly in other states as well. I know that first hand when one of our past teachers came to the school, who is now funnily enough one of the staff down at the Cannons, talked to us footy program boys about it. They're sick of talented kids not making it because they can't kick well with their opposite foot. It wasn't once a major issue, but most/if not all footy club recruiters now firmly have that topic in the back of their minds.

How Zaharakis's opposite foot proves in the next few years remains to be seen. However, watching the under age players go at it I must admit I never really focussed on who could kick well with both feet. So at this stage, I'll sit on the fence with regards to that issue.

 

[Darealrath]

The highlights package looks promising - especially how the commentators make reference to the influence he's having.

You could talk yourself out of any player if you just focussed on their weaknesses, so let's give him a few years to show what he's got

 

[Colin D'Cops]

Spot on DR, should be a vital player for the club in the future.

 

[Dr Moose]

I can see where you're coming from SD, valid points.

One of the main reasons why I think it will increase, the number of players kicking well with both feet that is, is because most TAC Cup staff go out to high schools now and teach young, budding players that kicking well with both sides of the body is essential these days and that it's a key indicator when recruiter's assess you. I'm sure they do it more regularly in other states as well. I know that first hand when one of our past teachers came to the school, who is now funnily enough one of the staff down at the Cannons, talked to us footy program boys about it. They're sick of talented kids not making it because they can't kick well with their opposite foot. It wasn't once a major issue, but most/if not all footy club recruiters now firmly have that topic in the back of their minds.

How Zaharakis's opposite foot proves in the next few years remains to be seen. However, watching the under age players go at it I must admit I never really focussed on who could kick well with both feet. So at this stage, I'll sit on the fence with regards to that issue.

Really sad if this is becoming the perceived reality of AFL football. Just as nobody under 6'6" makes it in NBA, it is manufacturing footballers rather than embracing their skills. If kids in isolated indigenous or rural communities are thinking they've got no chance in the big league because their coach is a volunteering teacher and not a biomechanics major, it will be our NRL mates who fill the void. Talented kids will always play Aussie Rules well, and really, with less than 1% being on million dollar contracts, we can't afford to be letting it get that exclusive.

 

[Ealesy]

I think if the reason Essendon chose to overlook who they thought was the best available in Rich because they traded for a limited midfielder in Prismall they have made a massive mistake.

Why Prismall has already shown that he can produce at AFL level...Daniel Rich has not!!

So while Rich is a highly rated midfield talent and a high draft pick this does not mean he will produce **** all at AFL level (Daniel McAlister, Luke Livingston, Aaron Fiora, JON etc all say hi)!!!

 

[yaco55]

IMO you dont understand how Ant555 rates players.

In rating his list of players he will penalise or upgrade players according to their kicking skills.

For example he may have rated Hurley the no 8 most talented player overall, but because he has good kicking skills he may have been upgraded from 12 or 13.

And lets face it Hawthorn emphasises good kicking skills when recruiting players.

 

[Thrust]

Why Prismall has already shown that he can produce at AFL level...Daniel Rich has not!!

So while Rich is a highly rated midfield talent and a high draft pick this does not mean he will produce **** all at AFL level (Daniel McAlister, Luke Livingston, Aaron Fiora, JON etc all say hi)!!!

You didn't understand at all, read it again.