HEFFERNAN

[Dan26]

I posted this on the Bomber web-site, so I thought I would post it here too.

Just want to know what you guys think of Chris Heffernan. I think he has the potential to be one of our truly great players. He has already cemented himself as a regular in the best team in the country, but I can see even more improvement in him.

I see Essendon play every single week, and the thing that impresses me about Heff is his poise and balance. You can't teach that. You either have it, or you don't. He is tallish, can run, can take a good mark, has good ball skills, but his co-ordination and balance (and poise) is what leads me to believe he could be an absloute superstar in the next few years if he keep on improving.

I actually rate Justin Blumfield as a very similar type of player to Heff. Blumfiled is a fantastic mark for his size, cna run all day, and has god balance too. But there is one problem - Justin can't get any penetration with his kicking. If he can become a better kick, I would rate him up there with Heffernan.

Anyway, I just wanted to know what you guys thought of Heff. I think he is soon going to command the huge salary's the Hird and Lloyd deserve. Not yet, but soon. I rate Heffernan as the BEST of our really young players.

 

[TD]

Heff is definately a very very good player. His nickname is one of the more appropriate nicknames going around (spare parts man I think it is) He seems to be able to do most jobs. I think he is probably best when tagging the oppositions best midfielder (doesn't really matter who it is because he seems to be able to take on most types) I don't think he is quite as strong overhead as Blumfield though. Blumfield is one of my favorite players and I think is probably one of the strongest overhead marks going around. I'm not convinced that he has a problem kicking the ball, I've never noticed that he lacks penetration. I'll pay closer attention to that this season.

But in answer to your question, I think that Heffernan is a very classy midfielder who gets little credit. One of our more underated players.

 

[Dan26]

TD,

I probably worded it incorrectly with reference to Blumfield. He doesn't have a problem with his kicking, but his kicking could be better. His co-ordination is okay, but he often gets under the ball, and the Sherrin doesn't travel as far as it should.

Someone like Hird, or Buckley, or Rooca can really punch the ball when they kick it. It flies off the boot. Blumfields kicks seem to go very slowly off the boot. I do agree, JB is a terrific overhead mark, and he also is very adept at winning the hard-ball. I for one, am very glad that he proved his detractors wrong. 2nd best on the ground in the Grand Final should have shut a few people up.

 

[TD]

just had a look at the bombers website.......you really have your work cut out on that message board don't you Dan24, only 9 posts so far!

 

[Dan26]

I wonder how long it will take some of them to figure out it's me!

 

[Same Old's]

Probably when you start talking about the top spot "theory".

 

[Stealth bomber]

Yeah, I reckon one "minor premierships should be major ones" thread ought to do the trick

 

[Arch]

always been a fan of the "boy from Terang", although I used to be a bit concerned at his lack of size, and whether it would cause problems (both on the field, and injury-wise). What impresses me is his overall athleticism, the jumping ability and speed and also he seems to be a very good hard tackler despite his size. I also was glad he got the chance to go on the Ireland tour.

Whether he'll be a "superstar" in the strict sense of the word is another story though, I think he will hopefully be an important part of the team as a whole, but superstar ??? hmmm.....Ill reserve judgement.

go heff !!!

PS- Looks like he has a groin injury at the moment, hopefully not too serious. Will miss the ansett rnd 1.

 

[Dan26]

Arch,

Do you really think he is that short????

I see him as a medium-tall player. I certainly don't think he's short.

 

[Arch]

sorry, i meant lack of bulk, not height.

 

[Guest]

I've figured out who you are Dan. But anyway, the website is beset by newbies now and a lot of the "old firm" can no longer be found. Your greatest nemesis, The Doc, rarely post. Just about as much as i do.

Think i should get my act together!

 

[aggels]

I rate both Heffernan and Blumfield very highly, and also see them as similar players. I do get what you're saying though dan, about Blumfield's kicking. He's great to add to the forward line... until he has to kick for goal. I'd have to consider him the worst player to have the ball ten metres in front, with no angle. I have to cover my eyes, because a lot of the time he'll miss. Other than that, he's a gret player.

 

[Anton Grbac]

Originally posted by Dan24:
I wonder how long it will take some of them to figure out it's me!

It's OK Dan, i'm under a different alias on the 'official' website too.

where's wally?

 

[Anton Grbac]

Just read Heffernan will miss up to 8 weeks with his knee. Not a good start to his season.

where's wally?

 

[sandie]

Wally
Where did you read that I hope it's not true, last I heard was that he would be OK for round 1.
Cheers

------------------
Frodo does not exist outside of Tolkien's imagination

 

[Anton Grbac]

Sandie,
I read it on the club website.

where's wally?

 

[windyhill]

talk about the kiss of death, poor bloody heff.

 

[Dan26]

I take responsibility for Heff's injury. As soon as I posted something good about him, he got injured. That's Murphy's law for you.

Sorry everyone.

 

[Jade]

Would make an excellent addition to our Board IMO.

Just has that look about him.

 

[Old Campaigner]

I wonder what Doss thinks