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We selected only two rookies in the recent rookie draft in Ryan Jackson and Craig Flint. These two are added to Aisake O'hAilpin, Daniel Batson and Jesse Smith.
Solid players rather than spectaular at this early stage. Aisake could be the exception as he is still a wildcard in this bunch.
My question to all the supporters is this: Can these 5 cut it at senior level? Should we play them in the NAB Cup? I look at Jackson and Smith as solid midfielders with courage and leadership, players who could well end up ahead of more fancied midfielders on the senior list.
Jackson was a steal for us as a rookie, he can play this kid and from what I've seen of him, read and also heard from people in the know in the AFL he is likely to make it. Is listed at 188cm and 81kg which is a great size for a midfielder/ruck-rover and can play forward and kick a goal. A good mark and solid skills. Quicker than what people go on about and is insanely fit. Leader of the highest quality.
Smith is a true centreman, with all the talk about Bentick being the new Ratten (and I hope he is), Smith could well go past him and become our hard-nut who racks up possession after possession in the guts. Or maybe the two will combine and play similar roles to Fraser Brown and Greg Williams swapping up forward and through the middle. Stands 183cm and has slimmed down a bit to be around 83kg from 85kg, seems to have toned up more and increased his endurance. Ready if given a chance.
Batson is a bit unknown at this stage. The bloke is bloody huge at this stage and has worked really hard on the track and in the gym. So the work ethic looks to be there, he taps the ball well enough, still has plenty to learn (we put our faith in Gary Dempsey) but could well be a bullocking-type of ruckmen with stints up forward as he can take a decent grab, kicks well also. 202cm and roughly 100kg I'd say at this stage.
Aisake could be anything. At this stage, will he be a ruckman, defender, forward, a combination, or all? He has continued to grow and bulk up and is now 203cm and 96kg, possibly bigger and can run all day. Like he brother Setanta, he is very mobile and a bit gangly but has great endurance. Skills are getting better and a couple of whispers are that he could end up better than Setanta. We'll have to wait and see, hopefully both O'hAilpins become greats of the CFC!
Flint I don't know as much about as the others but have heard good things about him from those at the AFL. Apparently is a decent size, could grow to be a bit taller but the thing about him is he is very good in one-on-one contests and can shut down players. Plays tall and small, can play full-back but will likely at this stage be a back-flanker/pocket player and need to bulk up more and increase his endurance which will come with time. Could well take someone like Sporn, Wiggins, Bannister or Teague's spot on the senior list next year if he stands up this season. Is listed at 188.5cm and 81kg. Leads well and organises well. Has been a kid at training who uses his voice very well already. Not scared to get amongst it. Is a smoky to look out for.
So fellow fans as you can see I am excited about these rookies, not saying they will all make it, many may not but just thought I'd turn the attention slightly to our rookie list from the senior list. What's out thoughts on what these 5 can offer us in 2006/07? Are we happy with who we have on our rookie list? I certainly am! Cheers.
Solid players rather than spectaular at this early stage. Aisake could be the exception as he is still a wildcard in this bunch.
My question to all the supporters is this: Can these 5 cut it at senior level? Should we play them in the NAB Cup? I look at Jackson and Smith as solid midfielders with courage and leadership, players who could well end up ahead of more fancied midfielders on the senior list.
Jackson was a steal for us as a rookie, he can play this kid and from what I've seen of him, read and also heard from people in the know in the AFL he is likely to make it. Is listed at 188cm and 81kg which is a great size for a midfielder/ruck-rover and can play forward and kick a goal. A good mark and solid skills. Quicker than what people go on about and is insanely fit. Leader of the highest quality.
Smith is a true centreman, with all the talk about Bentick being the new Ratten (and I hope he is), Smith could well go past him and become our hard-nut who racks up possession after possession in the guts. Or maybe the two will combine and play similar roles to Fraser Brown and Greg Williams swapping up forward and through the middle. Stands 183cm and has slimmed down a bit to be around 83kg from 85kg, seems to have toned up more and increased his endurance. Ready if given a chance.
Batson is a bit unknown at this stage. The bloke is bloody huge at this stage and has worked really hard on the track and in the gym. So the work ethic looks to be there, he taps the ball well enough, still has plenty to learn (we put our faith in Gary Dempsey) but could well be a bullocking-type of ruckmen with stints up forward as he can take a decent grab, kicks well also. 202cm and roughly 100kg I'd say at this stage.
Aisake could be anything. At this stage, will he be a ruckman, defender, forward, a combination, or all? He has continued to grow and bulk up and is now 203cm and 96kg, possibly bigger and can run all day. Like he brother Setanta, he is very mobile and a bit gangly but has great endurance. Skills are getting better and a couple of whispers are that he could end up better than Setanta. We'll have to wait and see, hopefully both O'hAilpins become greats of the CFC!
Flint I don't know as much about as the others but have heard good things about him from those at the AFL. Apparently is a decent size, could grow to be a bit taller but the thing about him is he is very good in one-on-one contests and can shut down players. Plays tall and small, can play full-back but will likely at this stage be a back-flanker/pocket player and need to bulk up more and increase his endurance which will come with time. Could well take someone like Sporn, Wiggins, Bannister or Teague's spot on the senior list next year if he stands up this season. Is listed at 188.5cm and 81kg. Leads well and organises well. Has been a kid at training who uses his voice very well already. Not scared to get amongst it. Is a smoky to look out for.
So fellow fans as you can see I am excited about these rookies, not saying they will all make it, many may not but just thought I'd turn the attention slightly to our rookie list from the senior list. What's out thoughts on what these 5 can offer us in 2006/07? Are we happy with who we have on our rookie list? I certainly am! Cheers.
