Toast Do we underrate Ricky Henderson?

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There's likely no-one following AFL who doesn't underrate Henderson at this point. Have we had a player steadily get better until they hit peak form at 30 before?

You wonder what he would have been like as a player, if he'd been given more seniors game time when he was younger. The last two seasons have been kind of incredible – it's not like he's a one hit wonder at this stage. He's been building to this.
 

rogiebear93

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I know the club wants to bring down the age demographic of the list and some players maybe asked to move on but of all the 30 year olds Henderson is the most deserving of a new contract extension.
He was a late starter to football, and he's an outside player.

It's not ridiculous to assume that a 30 year old could continue to play another 5 to 6 years, and I'm not sure why the league seems to think that 30 is the beginning of the end.

I honestly don't think that the Hawks are all too bothered by 'age demographic'. Clarko has said frequently that it's not about age it's about performance, and that smaller deals for older players is more due diligence than something to suggest they don't have long left.

If they were that bothered about it I doubt they would have picked up Mirra and Mohr in the previous 2 drafts.
 
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Mate thinks I've lost the plot and wants to bet me $100 Henderson won't poll 10 votes for the year Brownlow wise.

I honestly think he maintains his form he will poll that easily...

Thoughts on taking that bet and how many votes he might end up with anyone?
Hmmm... interesting proposition. He's had 9 votes his whole career, so he certainly doesn't have runs on the board. I've watched 3-4 Hawthorn games live this year and each time he has stood out for me. Then again, I'm not an umpire and don't have their perspective.

I'm not generally a betting man, so I'd personally keep my money in my wallet - the best way of gambling responsibly is not gambling at all!
 
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His first couple of seasons at the club I really doubted his courage and hardness at both man and ball but this season he is doing it all, going back with the flight of the ball, tackling hard and putting his head over the ball and on the line.

Was always an incredibly smart footballer with excellent skills who has seemingly flown under the radar his whole career. Also much quicker than he looks. A quality AFL footballer who is fast becoming one of our most important players who can also player a variety of positions.

I think we did underrate him at stages, but certainly not anymore.
 

HolyRioli

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There's likely no-one following AFL who doesn't underrate Henderson at this point. Have we had a player steadily get better until they hit peak form at 30 before?

You wonder what he would have been like as a player, if he'd been given more seniors game time when he was younger. The last two seasons have been kind of incredible – it's not like he's a one hit wonder at this stage. He's been building to this.
Sam Mitchell won his Brownlow at 29 (turned 30 in October), and probably played his best football 2012-2015, so 29-33
 

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