Opinion Ashley Smith

[Shupe]

It's a big year for Ash. A player who has always been around the fringes of the first team, I think this year is where he either 'makes it' or 'breaks it'. I'm not going to say that the time has come for him to prove his worth because, let's face it, what does time have to do with anything?

Signed a two year contract in 2012, which means he comes out of contract at the end of this season. He's played 43 games as a running defender with a long kick. His ability to play on both tall and small players is also a very underrated part of his game.

What's his value to us? If he has another underwhelming year - does he get delisted/traded? I'm not sure the contract status of other players, but surely Sheppard/Brennan/Butler/Wilson/McGinnity/Bennell are similarly under the pump. I'd keep Smith on our list ahead of any of those listed players, bar maybe Sheppard.

So, what are our expectations? Underwhelming and moved on? Underwhelming, but retained because he's not the worst? Does he find form and begin to show what he is capable of? Does he continue to design and model his fine T-Shirt collection?

Over to you, BigFooty. It's time to mark the papers of another player (although I think most have already stamped Ash's papers).

 

[kranky al]

He only seems to look any good when he plays a few games on the trot

Recently that hasnt happened

 

[Keys]

Has the basic tools to succeed but not the work rate. Is the type of player Simpson will be looking for to break the lines from half back and could be used in an Isaac smith type role

Needs to **** the fringe off though and start rocking the topknot if he truly wants to improve, not just as a footballer but as a person

 

[amazingjoshy]

I said to a mate about this time last year that if Smith is getting regular games then our season must have gone down the toilet.

I feel exactly the same this PS unfortuantely.

 

[Carbine Chaos]

What's his value to us? If he has another underwhelming year - does he get delisted/traded? I'm not sure the contract status of other players, but surely Sheppard/Brennan/Butler/Wilson/McGinnity/Bennell are similarly under the pump. I'd keep Smith on our list ahead of any of those listed players, bar maybe Sheppard.

He's a better player than those listed IMO. Really keen to see how he develops under a new regime. Would keep.

 

[INSANE]

I really think he is not too passionate about becoming something on the field but is keen on becoming Alex Perry or whatever that dudes name is who wears his sunnies like a hat.

 

[Sw3Et]

Don't rate him. Never have. No reason to.

 

[Shupe]

Don't rate him. Never have. No reason to.

Ok - how about you tell us why? What is it you don't rate, and why does he deserve to be cut ahead of others?

 

[Scotland]

Those names form an uninspiring group and Smith belongs right among them.

Be surprised if more than one (Butler excluded, he's surely nearly finished anyway) makes it to 100 games.

 

[Marlin01]

I've been watching Smith closely since he came to the Perth FC and have seen nothing to suggest he will turn his enormous god-given assets into a sustained, high-quality AFL football career.

Initially, my eyebrows were raised when I saw him walking as opposition players jog passed him to position. I don't think I've seen any player do that in any competition higher than under 9s.

Then there was the Andrew Jarman furore. Most were quick to write off Jarman as a nutcase, but having watched Smith play for Perth, I reckon I would have got stuck into him as well.

I'm reluctant to write Smith off because he has talent, but at some point you have to provide opportunities to other players. I think the timing of his contract works well. If he cements his spot, keep him, if he remains depth, move him on.

 

[Tyberious Funk]

IMHO, Smith's papers were stamped the moment we signed Yeo.

 

[Masto]

I must be one of the few who rate him. He performed well as a third defender in 2011 but has since failed to find his niche. So far he seems unrated by Simmo and could be up against it but we'll see.

 

[Shupe]

I must be one of the few who rate him.

We're here. I rate him and think he's pretty good. He's not going to be a superstar, but not everybody is. There's no doubting he was a bit underwhelming last season, but he's still a better player than those I've listed above.

I guess you can say that he's 'good enough'.

 

[fidstar]

I was one who really wanted him to work out a few years ago, because I thought he could be an integral part of a premiership team. Now he's just a wasted talent who will be cut (Simpson style) at the end of the season.

 

[Quinz]

Smith being out of contract really doesn't bode well for Murray Newman.

 

[QS]

The lazy needs to be smacked out of him, then we will see if he has the tools to carve (puntastic!) a career at AFL level.

 

[jaxxon]

He had one great year, but injuries haven't helped him since. Has the potential, and needs to put it together this year to stay on the list. His main trouble is I'm not sure he will get the chance for a while with Hurn fit, and Ellis, Yeo, Shepherd and Bennell seemingly ahead of him for the moment.

 

[QS]

Well its his job to get ahead of those who are seemingly ahead of him

 

[Suma Magic]

Don't rate him and don't think he'll play too many more AFL games.

 

[lmach]

He'll cement his spot this year and earn a new contract. Going to be a good player.

 

[Jarlcorbz]

He would be an easy AA selection if he wasn't doing his hair every fricken 5 minutes during a match

 

[squashface]

Step 1: Shaves his head
Step 2: Plays to his ability
Step 3: Consecutive Brownlows

 

[bradee]

don't rate.too lazy.too many ahead of him.a chance to be de-listed with butler at seasons end

 

[mattyc75]

zero effort player,and not in the way he can beat everyone without trying

 

[Yamumluvsbigcox]

Has the tools to be a solid player but also is a tool with his stupid high maintenance frullet hair cut . No haircut no contract easy !