Toast Esava

[Willo_]

What do you think are his biggest areas he needs to improve on?? Mainly just his fitness?

if I can add my 2 cents, his fitness needs (or at least needed) work... but he is also just raw as raw... so he can pull off something freaky and then go missing for ages.
He's still learning the game though, and in an AFL environment it's obviously an accelerated learning.

 

[Ratcat]

if I can add my 2 cents, his fitness needs (or at least needed) work... but he is also just raw as raw... so he can pull off something freaky and then go missing for ages.
He's still learning the game though, and in an AFL environment it's obviously an accelerated learning.

It's experience at that level and playing with the big boys. Yep he's raw.
Still wet behind the ears at this level JLT.
How often TH jogs away after a second effort almost always.
Game time is paramount for Sav.

 

[Willo_]

It's experience at that level and playing with the big boys. Yep he's raw.
He's still wet behind the ears at this level (JLT )

I would imagine that Crameri plays AFL at the start of the season (fitness pending), so Crameri/Menz/Hawk with Cocky/Gaz/Danger/Gregson etc also in there... but I am fine with Sav getting another JLT then VFL games to consolidate his strong pre-season... all going well he is improving and pushing for senior selection as the year goes on
He should learn a stack though this fortnight

 

[Ratcat]

I would imagine that Crameri plays AFL at the start of the season (fitness pending), so Crameri/Menz/Hawk with Cocky/Gaz/Danger/Gregson etc also in there... but I am fine with Sav getting another JLT then VFL games to consolidate his strong pre-season... all going well he is improving and pushing for senior selection as the year goes on
He should learn a stack though this fortnight

Finally we are in agreement...coming from opposite ends l think!
Yep plenty of VFL to start, then we'll see.
If he kicks some 3 to 5 goal hauls in the two's then l say he’s ready, only then.
JLT 2 hope so.

 

[dazbroncos]

What do you think are his biggest areas he needs to improve on?? Mainly just his fitness?

Fitness #1.
Being able to flash good things in moments is great. Being able to do it repeatedly when the game is long is another - and that will come with time and given that any side off its best by 5-10% will get beaten these days, that ability to keep going is needed.

Also, im not a footy scientist so what Turbocat mentioned about his kicking style was interesting. I mean go with what works for each person as they are different and his 52m roost as pretty impressive TBH - but lets see it be repeated.

Im happy to give him all the time to develop - will make him better when he does crack that first game.

GO Catters

 

[Strange Cat]

Won’t really see any results from the kid until year 3 or 4 . Hopefully he can get an AFL game or two this year to help him develop and see what he needs to improve at AFL level.

No real rush

 

[Farmer2Goggin]

Definitely something to work with - and the kid is only 19 years of age.
Loved the way he lead hard to the ball , timing looked very good as well - tackles hard and seemed very good below the knees - the one handed pick up on the run and reflex handball first class.
Work in progress , one to watch

 

[geelong_crazy26]

Fitness #1.
Being able to flash good things in moments is great. Being able to do it repeatedly when the game is long is another - and that will come with time and given that any side off its best by 5-10% will get beaten these days, that ability to keep going is needed.

Also, im not a footy scientist so what Turbocat mentioned about his kicking style was interesting. I mean go with what works for each person as they are different and his 52m roost as pretty impressive TBH - but lets see it be repeated.

Im happy to give him all the time to develop - will make him better when he does crack that first game.

GO Catters

Agree.

Love the skills and raw ability I saw from him as a kid. Shows great potential to work with and develop.

I was a full forward and centre half forward growing up playing football, was even fortunate enough to have some very elite coaches ( ex AFL players) and one of the most important yet often understated areas of a forwards game that can make or break them is their leading patterns and predictability.

If all you do as a forward is lead directly at the ball in straight lines, you will have good days and bad days. Good defenders will often get the better of you if you don’t vary the angles and patterns of your movement all over the forward line and up and down the ground.

It is much easier to be consistent and break away from quality defenders if you make your leading patterns and running movements all over the place and with no consistency or predictability. Requires you to build a big fitness tank to execute it. Something a lot of forwards struggle with

 

[Beanstalk]

Big Sav

 

[Boxhead_31]

Sav talking about his game last week

 

[ShaunWDT]

He looked stuffed after one quarter that's my biggest concern, can't pick a key position player that can't get through a full game too much of a liability.

 

[Strange Cat]

He looked stuffed after one quarter that's my biggest concern, can't pick a key position player that can't get through a full game too much of a liability.

Hard to really judge when you consider the humidity up there, he wasn’t alone in blowing up early.

 

[Mad_Hatter]

He looked stuffed after one quarter that's my biggest concern, can't pick a key position player that can't get through a full game too much of a liability.

He's actually got really good endurance, although the pace of an AFL game will blow him up, regardless, he's still learning the game and his position in it, he won't be playing in anything meaningful atleast until next year.

 

[Ratcat]

He's actually got really good endurance, although the pace of an AFL game will blow him up, regardless, he's still learning the game and his position in it, he won't be playing in anything meaningful atleast until next year.

First senior game was probably pulsing 130 before he went on.
He's changed a heap since his arrival last year so plenty of upside to come, early days.
Looking for him to impose himself at VFL level at times this year, that would be a stellar rise from his first season.

The coaches definitely have the right material to work with in Sav.

 

[Pollywaffle]

Many KPFs go through a period of being a spud before blossoming.
Hawkins was carried for a long time. In recent times Daniher and Ben Brown were training cones for long periods, but they needed to be played in the seniors to come good. The way the cats build - ie 'remaining in contention etc' I can't see that happening here, unless Hawkins goes elsewhere or gets injured.
Sav and Buzza will probably remain on the outer for at least another season or two while Scott "contests" Probably lose one or the other as they tire of limited opportunity, or wither on the vine.

 

[Strange Cat]

Many KPFs go through a period of being a spud before blossoming.
Hawkins was carried for a long time. In recent times Daniher and Ben Brown were training cones for long periods, but they needed to be played in the seniors to come good. The way the cats build - ie 'remaining in contention etc' I can't see that happening here, unless Hawkins goes elsewhere or gets injured.
Sav and Buzza will probably remain on the outer for at least another season or two while Scott "contests" Probably lose one or the other as they tire of limited opportunity, or wither on the vine.

Rubbish

If that was the case how many elite forwards left the club due to a lack of opportunity due to Hawkins?

 

[Ratcat]

Many KPFs go through a period of being a spud before blossoming.
Hawkins was carried for a long time. In recent times Daniher and Ben Brown were training cones for long periods, but they needed to be played in the seniors to come good. The way the cats build - ie 'remaining in contention etc' I can't see that happening here, unless Hawkins goes elsewhere or gets injured.
Sav and Buzza will probably remain on the outer for at least another season or two while Scott "contests" Probably lose one or the other as they tire of limited opportunity, or wither on the vine.

Alot of sides carry 3 big quality forwards, we just haven't had that option.

 

[Ratcat]

Good to see Esava in the mix for a second JLT contrary to the doubters and naysayers.

 

[geelong_crazy26]

He's actually got really good endurance, although the pace of an AFL game will blow him up, regardless, he's still learning the game and his position in it, he won't be playing in anything meaningful atleast until next year.

I can see him playing 5-7 games at most if everything goes right for him. Most likely just a couple of games tho.

I don’t know why people talk like him in our seniors is such a far out there idea for season 2018. Who is there ahead of him???

Crameri is a big doubt if he will play. buzza looked terrible and so out of place in JLT1, he was one of our worst players.

So who is there that will stop him from getting a game??

Is Rhys Stanley the preferred option??

 

[Ratcat]

I can see him playing 5-7 games at most if everything goes right for him. Most likely just a couple of games tho.

I don’t know why people talk like him in our seniors is such a far out there idea for season 2018. Who is there ahead of him???

Crameri is a big doubt if he will play. buzza looked terrible and so out of place in JLT1, he was one of our worst players.

So who is there that will stop him from getting a ckckckgame??

Is Rhys Stanley the preferred option??

Was actually thinking the same thing, as crazy as it might sound.
If he shows a bit and kicks a couple he could already be on the verge.
You're right when you say who else is there?
No standouts that's for sure.

 

[CatsDoItBetter]

There’s a lot to like about Buzza and Sav but they need plenty of time. Fitness, adjusting to the afl and learning more of the craft will take time. Those calling for them to make it or go this year are way off the mark.
Very exciting that at least one could make life easier post Hawkins. Black and Crameri hopefully can do ok this year until the others are ready.

 

[geelong_crazy26]

Was actually thinking the same thing, as crazy as it might sound.
If he shows a bit and kicks a couple he could already be on the verge.
You're right when you say who else is there?
No standouts that's for sure.

Besides Crameri who has big ifs and doubts over his ability to get on the field and play, he really isn’t up against much competition.

Stanley and buzza is all he has to outperform to get a game if we are looking for a second key forward. Being as respectful to those two as possible,That isn’t a very big ask is the nicest way I can put it.

I have Crameri ahead if fit and still has the touch at AFL level, but after that he must be right in the frame and form could easily have him ahead.

 

[Ratcat]

Besides Crameri who has big ifs and doubts over his ability to get on the field and play, he really isn’t up against much competition.

Stanley and buzza is all he has to outperform to get a game if we are looking for a second key forward. Being as respectful to those two as possible,That isn’t a very big ask is the nicest way I can put it.

I have Crameri ahead if fit and still has the touch at AFL level, but after that he must be right in the frame and form could easily have him ahead.

The lack of classy big men has played right into his hands also imo!
I reckon Buzza and Stanley are ruck/forwards, B grade talls that are used to fill in the gaps at best.
I think most people are over Stanley and Buzza
just lacks class/talent.
Crameri is 190cm not really what you would consider key sized but is powerful and experienced but not without issues.
If he kicks a couple he has to be in the frame somewhere.

 

[Partridge]

Good to see Esava in the mix for a second JLT contrary to the doubters and naysayers.

What doubters and naysayers are they? He's 19 and hasn't played a senior game yet. Needs way more time before any opinion at all can be formed.

 

[Ratcat]

What doubters and naysayers are they? He's 19 and hasn't played a senior game yet. Needs way more time before any opinion at all can be formed.

You must have missed the conversations.
There's not a lot of competition really is there?