Hammer Time

[DarkTint]

So where does Shaun Hampson fit into the 2011 version of the Blues? With Sammy Jacobs gone for more opportunity Hammer knows he's basically next in line. He's a freak and sadly for Shaun and us this season was interrupted by injury.

He's holding on to more and more of his marks, getting into better positions around the ground. His ruckwork has improved and will only continue to improve. Could be the fastest ruckman in the league (not 100% sure). Waitey won't be around forever could Hammer hold down CHF or FF for us long term? With continued natural development aided with good coaching I don't see why not.

Interested to hear some thoughts on #22.

[YOUTUBE]-cvnBCPIe-w[/YOUTUBE]

He is f***in MASSIVE!

 

[thylacine60]

I'm waiting to be sold on this bloke more than any other. Does he lack a bit of fire in the guts? Seems a placid type, a massive unit without the needed agro or mongrel. Some of his dropped marks have been inexplicable - unless it's a confidence thing. When they stick regularly - if ever - it may well all fall into place. The GC certainly hope so apparently.

 

[DarkTint]

Very interesting thoughts Thy. I have no doubt the mistakes are mainly a confidence thing but I get the impression at this stage of his career hammer tends to drift in and out of games. When he's in he is chasing opposition midfielders through the guts and when he's out he's dropping simple marks. I'd love him to get a sustained role in this team but I guess that's as much upto Shaun as it is the MC. Hoping he is working his backside off and leaving Ratts and co no choice but to fit him in our best 22 somehow.

 

[BlueTouchPaper]

Needs mongrel. More mongrel.

 

[Sin City]

I thought he showed a lot as our second ruck in 2009. 18.5 hit outs was a good return and he was getting good reports back from his practice games this year before his hamstring crumbled. Willing to give him the benefit of the doubt for 2010 as he said himself on radio that he couldn't get himself fit after the hammy injury.

Our win against Geelong in 2009 really stands out in my mind, showed some real speed running with the ball a few times and showed a lot of commitment when he pole-axed himself in a courageous marking attempt that caused him to miss the following two games. Really hope he can get back to playing his best footy next year, still has a lot to offer but Warnock is well ahead of him at the moment.

 

[Blue and Silver]

Kinda hope he can fire up to give Kreuzer more time to get back on the field, then settle into FF so Waite can go back, moving Bower onto a flank, and as all additions to our team must do, RELEASE GIBBS.

 

[gbatman]

as a back up in the reserves to kreuzer and warnock.

Needs some skill to go with that size and athletic ability.

 

[blues4flag]

Looks like he was earmarked to play a key forward role in the preseason, as a strong leading FF. Didn't do too badly in the practice games but unfortunately was struck down by injury and couldn't really get going again.

With the 3 man interchange and Warnock and Kreuzer clearly ahead, he'll struggle to get a game as a ruckman, barring injury. His best bet is to continue working on his forward work and hope it all comes together for him. The raw talent is there but he lacks refinement. He's a big body in the contests and I couldn't count the times he got hands to ball only to drop it. Definitely something to work with.

Ideally, he could make FF his own and form a dangerous duo with Henderson at CHF, releasing Waite into defence/more of a swingman (a role which I think suits him better than purely a forward). Perhaps rotating through the ruck on occasion/rucking in the forward line.

 

[VainGlorious]

Love Hammer, but if he's going to be playing in the forward half he must do something about that ball drop of his! Heart-in-mouth type stuff when he's having a shot on goal.

 

[dumb]

'potential' is a bit of a dead weight as much as a compliment. might be better to consider him firstly as a second ruck ala 2009 before hyping the shit out of him, and just wait for it to click. if he can develop the game over and above what people have expected from back-up rucks (probably more necessary with the sub rule/interchange), then it's a bonus.

 

[Silvagnis]

Hampson has Bruce's tick of approval...

[YOUTUBE]01Lyng1kgYs[/YOUTUBE]

[YOUTUBE]-LAJvSenKIQ[/YOUTUBE]

 

[thylacine60]

I've seen days where that knock away was paid 50.

 

[GoBlues!]

Hampson has Bruce's tick of approval...

That's good enough for me Brucey.

Checked Hammer's history - the guy didn't start playing football until 2004, when he was 16, because he was too busy excelling in swimming athletics and soccer.

Probably better to play him in the ruck where his height/leap can be used to advantage while he learns the game and gains confidence.

I will cut him some slack for now but expect him to be a superstar when he's 25.

 

[zeeCFC]

Something amazing would have to happen for Hammer to hold down FF for a long while...he's a very handy ruck option though, especially with the new bench rules

 

[TheKITC]

I've seen days where that knock away was paid 50.

But then again, you've seen many a day haven't you mate?





I'm unsure about Hampson.

Obviously love his athleticism but just not too sure where he fits.

To echo the opinions of some in here it would be quite delicious if he could become a tall target up forward. Perhaps not even as our main FF but just a worrying 'bomb' target for oppositions who will be forced to put a big defender on him.

Has some work to do to become dangerous though. Shows great competitiveness and willingness at times, particularly in the air but just lacks the consistency to do so, not unlike Setanta at times.

The new ruck rule poses an interesting question to many teams in terms of their 3rd ruckman, which I believe Hammer is once Kreuzer gets back to 100%. I don't know the answer.

The one positive I guess to come from the injury to Matty K is that Hampson will get his opportunities early in 2011.

I look forward to seeing what he can put forward given he has a clear pre-season. He should have 5-6 rounds to show us something.

 

[Azul]

CHB alongside Matthews Kreuzer and Watson?

Pauly Bower might have to play FF.

 

[AlecDuncan]

Hammer and Warnock have shown at times that they're very dangerous out of the goal square. They're both fast and too tall to spoil. Robbie's a very good kick which is something Shaun will have to learn, not to mention clunking more of those grabs. As ABV says, it's probably his ball drop. It's a long way down to those tootsies.

Finding room for all three will be a challenge for the MC with the reduced rotations, but it's a nice problem to have.

 

[Dramoth]

Hampson has Bruce's tick of approval...

[YOUTUBE]01Lyng1kgYs[/YOUTUBE]

Bruce hasnt been this excited since Carey was still playing

 

[brazilblue]

Not sure with hindsight whether we would not have jumped at pick 9 again for him. I hope he pans out but he reminds me too much of Setanta.

I was a big fan of both of them if truth be told and although Hampson still has plenty of time I am starting to think that the modern game is just too advanced now to start learning at a late age.

Time will tell and I for one hope I am proved wrong. The glass is always half full with me but try as I might the cup seems to have a leak.

One thing is for sure ... put him on the membership drive and a few more ladies will sign up ... I'm sure Aphrodite will pay an extra bonus for a cuddle.

 

[Poseidon]

I can see hammertime evolving into a riewoldtesque type player (the nick type) He's taken some great grabs and has decent disposal for a big fella. He's still very young, extremely excited about him!

 

[gbatman]

he is a more than adiquate replacement for our rucks but he can't play defence and his hands are not good enough for a forward role. He's got problems keeping stable and balanced when going for marks and there is body contact. Be good to see him playing up forward in the ants for a while with him and Casboult switching between FF and CHF.

He'll probably get a gig early if we hold Kreuzer back. No way will he edge out Warnock or Kreuzer though. These two guys being ruckmen who can go forward are worth their weight in gold even more so now. I recon Warnock showed plenty up forward and Kreuzer will be excellent up forward when he works and perfects his body work.

 

[Claypigeon]

I can see hammertime evolving into a riewoldtesque type player (the nick type) He's taken some great grabs and has decent disposal for a big fella. He's still very young, extremely excited about him!

What's his tank like though. .. I am hoping that he comes good in the forward line and releases Gibbs. .. ahem, I mean Waite. .. into the midfield. .. as well as a great back up ruck. .. still 50-50 on him atm tho. ..

 

[LoveMyBlueBoys]

I'm completely blinded by the fact that the guy is so incredibly hot, so pretty sure my opinion is full of bias and can't really be counted.

 

[Mister Carlton]

Chb...

 

[TNBT]

I love pretty much all of our players, but I have always been really interested to see what Hampson can develop into. He has crazy athleticism, and he has come along quickly since he first started playing footy. I don't see much of a role for him in the ruck, with Warnock and Kreuzer there though. However, maybe we can rotate Hamspon and Kreuzer, with one in the forward line and one on the ball, then switch them?