Gunston vs Darling vs Stringer

[BrisDog]

The problem with Darling is 'that you are only as good as your last performance', take Meatloaf as an example.

 

[WWSD]

FFS! How many times do i have to spell it out...the stats are accurate and taken from the first four seasons of both of their careers. Bit hard to compare seasons 5, 6 and 7 when jake hasnt done them yet...

The point i am making is that at the same stage in their careers (4 seasons) jake had done far more than gunston yet he gets labelled as overrated.

Can you please inform me as to how many possessions gunston had in his first gf? Wouldn't want to be 'pulling stats out of my arse' again...

Gunston Finals record 2012-2016

2012 QF: 16 disposals - 3 marks - 1 tackle - 2 inside 50s - 2 goals - 3 behinds
2012 PF: 17 disposals - 3 marks - 2 goals
*2012 GF: 8 disposals - 4 marks - 2 tackles - 2 inside 50s - 2 goals - 1 behind*
2013 QF: 16 disposals - 10 marks - 3 tackles - 2 inside 50s - 3 goals - 1 behind
2013 PF: 21 disposals - 5 marks - 2 tackles - 3 inside 50s - 4 goals - 2 behinds
2013 GF: 16 disposals - 6 marks (2 contested) - 2 tackles - 4 inside 50s - 4 goals - 1 behind
2014 QF: 14 disposals - 7 marks - 3 tackles - 2 inside 50s - 3 goals - 1 behind
2014 PF: 16 disposals - 6 marks - 1 tackle - 2 inside 50s - 2 goals
2014 GF: 18 disposals - 5 marks (2 contested) - 1 tackle - 1 inside 50s - 2 goals - 3 behinds
2015 QF: 11 disposals - 2 marks - 3 tackles - 1 goal
2015 GF: 17 disposals - 10 marks (2 contested) - 2 tackles - 1 inside 50s - 4 goals - 2 behinds
2016 QF: 20 disposals - 6 marks - 3 tackles - 5 inside 50s - 2 goals - 1 behind
2016 SF: 15 disposals - 6 marks - 3 tackles - 2 inside 50s - 1 goal - 1 behind
Finals average: 15.8 disposals - 5.6 marks - 2 tackles - 2 inside 50s - 2.5 goals - 1.2 behinds

What a record by Gunston. He's played 13 finals for 32 goals. Eleven times he's kicked 2 goals or more compared to stringer just twice.

Stringer Finals record 2015-2016

2015 EF: 12 disposals - 2 marks - 1 tackle - 2 inside 50s - 2 goals - 2 behinds
2016 EF: 10 disposals - 2 marks - 2 tackles - 1 inside 50s - 1 goal - 1 behind
2016 SF: 14 disposals - 4 marks - 3 tackles - 3 inside 50s - 3 goals
2016 PF: 11 disposals - 2 marks - 6 tackles - 1 inside 50s - 0 goals - 1 behind
2016 GF: 12 disposals - 1 mark - 2 tackles - 2 inside 50s - 1 goal - 1 behind
Finals average: 11.8 disposals - 2.2 marks - 2.8 tackles - 1.8 inside 50s - 1.4 goals - 1 behind

Stringer is yet to have more then 15 disposals in a finals game. Gunston has done that 10 times.

 

[WallyStringhaus]

Gunston Finals record 2012-2016

2012 QF: 16 disposals - 3 marks - 1 tackle - 2 inside 50s - 2 goals - 3 behinds
2012 PF: 17 disposals - 3 marks - 2 goals
*2012 GF: 8 disposals - 4 marks - 2 tackles - 2 inside 50s - 2 goals - 1 behind*
2013 QF: 16 disposals - 10 marks - 3 tackles - 2 inside 50s - 3 goals - 1 behind
2013 PF: 21 disposals - 5 marks - 2 tackles - 3 inside 50s - 4 goals - 2 behinds
2013 GF: 16 disposals - 6 marks (2 contested) - 2 tackles - 4 inside 50s - 4 goals - 1 behind
2014 QF: 14 disposals - 7 marks - 3 tackles - 2 inside 50s - 3 goals - 1 behind
2014 PF: 16 disposals - 6 marks - 1 tackle - 2 inside 50s - 2 goals
2014 GF: 18 disposals - 5 marks (2 contested) - 1 tackle - 1 inside 50s - 2 goals - 3 behinds
2015 QF: 11 disposals - 2 marks - 3 tackles - 1 goal
2015 GF: 17 disposals - 10 marks (2 contested) - 2 tackles - 1 inside 50s - 4 goals - 2 behinds
2016 QF: 20 disposals - 6 marks - 3 tackles - 5 inside 50s - 2 goals - 1 behind
2016 SF: 15 disposals - 6 marks - 3 tackles - 2 inside 50s - 1 goal - 1 behind
Finals average: 15.8 disposals - 5.6 marks - 2 tackles - 2 inside 50s - 2.5 goals - 1.2 behinds

What a record by Gunston. He's played 13 finals for 32 goals. Eleven times he's kicked 2 goals or more compared to stringer just twice.

Stringer Finals record 2015-2016

2015 EF: 12 disposals - 2 marks - 1 tackle - 2 inside 50s - 2 goals - 2 behinds
2016 EF: 10 disposals - 2 marks - 2 tackles - 1 inside 50s - 1 goal - 1 behind
2016 SF: 14 disposals - 4 marks - 3 tackles - 3 inside 50s - 3 goals
2016 PF: 11 disposals - 2 marks - 6 tackles - 1 inside 50s - 0 goals - 1 behind
2016 GF: 12 disposals - 1 mark - 2 tackles - 2 inside 50s - 1 goal - 1 behind
Finals average: 11.8 disposals - 2.2 marks - 2.8 tackles - 1.8 inside 50s - 1.4 goals - 1 behind

Stringer is yet to have more then 15 disposals in a finals game. Gunston has done that 10 times.

So you bag stringer out for having 12 possessions in his first grand final...i ask you how many possessions gunston had in his first grand final and you answer by listing every final he has ever played...the quick and simple answer was 8 mate.

Can i just point out that at no point in this thread have i said that Stringer is a better footballer than Gunston nor have i voted. My beef is with the overrated label. All ive done is point out the facts, which are that Stringers first four seasons (btw, not an arbitrary/random timeframe to suit my argument but the entirety of jakes career thus far) was far superior to Gunstons.

So my question is if Jake is some overrated spud as suggested by some despite the fact he has achieved more in 4 seasons then some do in a career (AA, leading goalkicker in a premiership season) then where did y'all rate Gunston 4 seasons in...surely he was an overrated bag of dorrigo's finest too???

 

[Kenny_01]

Gunston, easily.

Great player under pressure.

 

[avishka5]

The problem with Darling is 'that you are only as good as your last performance', take Meatloaf as an example.

i rate the other two higher but the funny thing is that Darling was one of the eagles best. while watching the game live i was impressed with his game except for the two big blunders.

 

[Astro_]

Gunston, easily.

Great player under pressure.

Except late in the GF they lost to Sydney. Missed a clutch goal

 

[Damon_3388]

Which one can we pretend isn't a key forward this week?

 

[Bobby_]

Darling looks like he's reached his full potential.
He's a pretty limited forward. You look at his teammate in Kennedy and he has managed to elevate his game with each passing season and has added the ability to play much further up the ground when no one thought he had the frame to do so.

Gunston will remain solid, if not get better in the next couple of seasons as I believe Mitchell, Hartung & O'Meara have a lot of upside. There won't be as much reliance on older players and given he's 25 years of age, most forwards hit their peak between 24-28.

Stringer's ceiling is ridiculous. At 22 years of age, with such a young brilliant midfield delivering it on a platter to him, he'll be the best of the three by a considerable margin when all is said and done.
Geelong made Mooney look like a superstar for years on end with the midfield they had back in the day.

 

[RWnBluey]

At this stage it would have to be Gunston, Stringer, Darling but I'd expect Stringer to surpass them both by the time they've all hung up the boots

 

[cryptor]

Seems to be many thinking that because Stringer was better at an earlier age that he'll still improve by the same proportion as the others. Plenty of early bloomers out there that peaked at a young age and then either fizzled out or held steady at about that level for many years. From what I've seen of Stringer he doesn't grab me as the type that will work really hard to improve and will just be content to coast along at his current level. A level that is still very high. No doubt there will be those that disagree with me about his work ethic. We'll just have to see how he goes. He'll be quite the player if he can improve 20% and be consistent.

 

[RWnBluey]

Seems to be many thinking that because Stringer was better at an earlier age that he'll still improve by the same proportion as the others. Plenty of early bloomers out there that peaked at a young age and then either fizzled out or held steady at about that level for many years. From what I've seen of Stringer he doesn't grab me as the type that will work really hard to improve and will just be content to coast along at his current level. A level that is still very high. No doubt there will be those that disagree with me about his work ethic. We'll just have to see how he goes. He'll be quite the player if he can improve 20% and be consistent.

I have been quite critical of stringer on our board throughout last year particularly regarding his attitude and work rate. However, in light of recent revelations regarding his private life I think hes been unfairly criticised.

I think we'll see the 2015 Jake in 2017.

 

[Bulldog Joe]

Seems to be many thinking that because Stringer was better at an earlier age that he'll still improve by the same proportion as the others. Plenty of early bloomers out there that peaked at a young age and then either fizzled out or held steady at about that level for many years. From what I've seen of Stringer he doesn't grab me as the type that will work really hard to improve and will just be content to coast along at his current level. A level that is still very high. No doubt there will be those that disagree with me about his work ethic. We'll just have to see how he goes. He'll be quite the player if he can improve 20% and be consistent.

This is the key to Stringer. If he realises the need to work he could really be a superstar, but if doesn't he will be a good average player with a great highlight reel.

 

[Judd2Sewell]

Last season Stringer was completely soft. I am not sure whether he let the hype get to his head, or that his shoulder injury was hampering him more than we were aware - in fact I think it was a mix of both, but either way I saw him pull out of way too many contests.

I think if he's over those shoulder troubles he should get back to his 2015 form.

In the end I believe he will develop into an explosive Stevie J kind of player. But not someone you can structure your team or forward-line around. Let him be the third option and rotate through the middle.

 

[cryptor]

I have been quite critical of stringer on our board throughout last year particularly regarding his attitude and work rate. However, in light of recent revelations regarding his private life I think hes been unfairly criticised.

I think we'll see the 2015 Jake in 2017.

What were the revelations?

This is the key to Stringer. If he realises the need to work he could really be a superstar, but if doesn't he will be a good average player with a great highlight reel.

It will be interesting to see how having just won a premiership affects him. He could become content with having won a flag and just be comfortable with coasting through the rest of his career cashing in on his ability to get on that highlights reel. Or he could become very driven to push himself to new heights so he can get another flag.

 

[Golden_6]

What were the revelations?


It will be interesting to see how having just won a premiership affects him. He could become content with having won a flag and just be comfortable with coasting through the rest of his career cashing in on his ability to get on that highlights reel. Or he could become very driven to push himself to new heights so he can get another flag.

Split with his long term partner around the same time his 2nd child was born.

I've said it before but I think last year was a wake up call for him. He was brilliant in 2015 without really having to work hard for it and probably assumed he could continue to do so. From all the evidence I've seen over preseason is that he's aware of this, and is working a lot more to get himself into the condition he needs to be.

 

[cryptor]

Split with his long term partner around the same time his 2nd child was born.

I've said it before but I think last year was a wake up call for him. He was brilliant in 2015 without really having to work hard for it and probably assumed he could continue to do so. From all the evidence I've seen over preseason is that he's aware of this, and is working a lot more to get himself into the condition he needs to be.

Yeah that would do it. It would've been hard enough dealing with a baby let alone a relationship issue.

 

[scaryness]

Gunston > Darling > Stringer

 

[Amigo]

Stringer at his best is a far better player than both.

 

[cryptor]

Stringer at his best is a far better player than both.

What game do you reckon was Stringer at his best?

 

[ManOfClay]

What game do you reckon was Stringer at his best?

In 2016 - freo round one. Or the semi, port game or Richmond game.

2015 it was west coast in Perth. He was Ablett-like that day. Games against st Kilda and Essendon were also big. He didn't kick 50+ for nothing

 

[cryptor]

In 2016 - freo round one. Or the semi, port game or Richmond game.

2015 it was west coast in Perth. He was Ablett-like that day. Games against st Kilda and Essendon were also big. He didn't kick 50+ for nothing

Thanks for the reply, but I was hoping to hear from Amigo to get an idea of what the benchmark is. Gunston at his best is very, very good and he reaches that level with quite a bit of regularity.

 

[ManOfClay]

Thanks for the reply, but I was hoping to hear from Amigo to get an idea of what the benchmark is. Gunston at his best is very, very good and he reaches that level with quite a bit of regularity.

There is no doubting Gunston has the runs on the board and is an excellent player. Stringer is tracking similar statistically, perhaps slightly ahead, being three years younger and having played 50 less games (some of those in defence under clueless McCartney) and in terms of raw talent is the better player.

 

[cryptor]

There is no doubting Gunston has the runs on the board and is an excellent player. Stringer is tracking similar statistically, perhaps slightly ahead, being three years younger and having played 50 less games (some of those in defence under clueless McCartney) and in terms of raw talent is the better player.

See I disagree. Stringer does do more flashier highlight reel things, but highlight reel worthy plays aren't a measure of talent, they are merely a piece of evidence that talent exists.

Gunston in 2016 had one of, if not his best season. He played as our number one forward in the absence of Roughead, when many had doubted he was even capable of being just the second tall after Buddy left. He also continued to play his other roles further up the ground on the wings and in the back 50 when the momentum was against us or late in the quarters - and he did this every week. From what I've seen of Stringer he doesn't have nearly as much consistent impact on games.

 

[conrad_437]

See I disagree. Stringer does do more flashier highlight reel things, but highlight reel worthy plays aren't a measure of talent, they are merely a piece of evidence that talent exists.

Gunston in 2016 had one of, if not his best season. He played as our number one forward in the absence of Roughead, when many had doubted he was even capable of being just the second tall after Buddy left. He also continued to play his other roles further up the ground on the wings and in the back 50 when the momentum was against us or late in the quarters - and he did this every week. From what I've seen of Stringer he doesn't have nearly as much consistent impact on games.

His talent is obvious for anyone who watches him regularly. The almost judd like explosiveness. The power when he bursts through packs. The high flying marks.

It's unfortunate that he didn't show any consistency last year, but of course this will improve with time. Remember, he only just finished his fourth year and in that time he has been the leading goal kicker twice (once in a premiership year), been crowned as an All Australian and been selected in the 22under22 team twice (once as captain). This kid has extraordinary talent, id go as far as to say he had more than Bontempelli.

I definitely agree with you however that Gunston is the better player right now, as he has shown much more consistency. However, stringer is much younger than Gunston and I have no doubt that Gunston will be surpassed in the near future.

 

[cryptor]

His talent is obvious for anyone who watches him regularly. The almost judd like explosiveness. The power when he bursts through packs. The high flying marks.

It's unfortunate that he didn't show any consistency last year, but of course this will improve with time. Remember, he only just finished his fourth year and in that time he has been the leading goal kicker twice (once in a premiership year), been crowned as an All Australian and been selected in the 22under22 team twice (once as captain). This kid has extraordinary talent, id go as far as to say he had more than Bontempelli.

I definitely agree with you however that Gunston is the better player right now, as he has shown much more consistency. However, stringer is much younger than Gunston and I have no doubt that Gunston will be surpassed in the near future.

I'm not disputing that Stringer has great talent, that would be foolish. I'm pointing out that talent isn't just the things that typically make highlight reels.

Gunston has shown what I believe is a greater amount of talent (eg. His use of his body to win a large amount of marking contests against larger opponents, his goal kicking efficiency in spite of his frequent work all over the ground, etc.)

I understand the expectation that Stringer will improve with age but as I've said in earlier posts there is no guarantee that he will considerably improve either his talent or consistency. He could just as easily be an early bloomer and this is it.