Is Simon Black the most graceful player in the AFL?

[The Falcon Strike]

The sad truth is that unless you've done it in a grand final, you are rarely seen as the best of the best.

Robbie Flower was probably the best ever wingman, ever, but....

Why is it a sad truth - the best of the best perform the best in the best games?

Peter Matera as an example was an outstanding wingman as well and arguments could be had about his output versus Flower - but what can't be argued is his outstanding influence he had in winning a flag.

Sure Flower might have done the same, the fact is he didn't.

Football is a game based largely on results achieved - and that's how players are assessed.

On the OP - there was no better player across the last decade than Simon Black - pure class on and off the field and any club would be proud to have him. His little outburst earlier this year was so out of character which is why i think it got the headlines it did.

 

[Black Flag]

Also think Squibbs has the potential to be a very smooth mover but seems just off the pace at the moment.

gibbs is the smoothest player i've ever seen. he also has poise, time and leet evasion skills.

 

[maybethisyear]

The one thing I have noted on this thread is that while we at BF argue about most things, Simon Black seems to be the one thing we agree on.
That demonstrates how great he is.
I recall an interview with Scott Claton (I think) who drafted him to Brisbane.
He said the guy was never quick or super athletic but could find the footy.
the exact words used were " The ball would follow him to the toilet"

 

[Barkly St End]

Why is it a sad truth - the best of the best perform the best in the best games?

Well, that's what I said didn't I?

It's a sad truth because I was responding to a fellow scrays supporter.

There's a sadness in the fact that some of the very, very best players have never played in a grand final.

We understand true sadness.

 

[Roby]

I have never bumped by own thread but I will for Simon Black. Like watching a seal effortlessly move through water.

 

[BLPC08]

He's as smooth as a pr0n star, everyone loves Blacky

 

[GriddleCakes]

Rowan Jones is up there.

 

[NobleBlood]

Not sure what the AFL definition of "graceful" is -- but if it means an honest, classly player who seems like he'd be a nice guy in real life, then I think he and the recently retired Brett Kirk would be the top two. Fletcher is another.

Nick Dal Santo might play football gracefully, but I can totally imagine him being a d**khead. Just saying.

 

[ARRunner]

Liking the way Shuey/Gaff are shapping up
Nicky Dal is wonderful to watch, Gablett is unrivaled, Nat Fyfes game to is quite good to watch.

just to name a handful

 

[PTizzle]

The Bradley call in '10 was gold.

 

[Running Dog]

Michael Johnson from Fremantle is a graceful player. His movements seem effortless. He reminds me of Joe DiMaggio, the pinnacle of athletic elegance. Paddy Ryder has similar loose-limbed aerobics.

 

[Furn]

One cannot have a little grace, one either has grace or one does not.

 

[apiro]

Yes, Simon would be up there with the best. My favourite, mentioned earlier, is Andrew McLeod. Perpetually balanced and poetry in motion. Always seemed to have time (and opponent) under control.

Daniel Wells and Michael Johnson also are pretty movers, and, does anyone feel Dean Rioli was also graceful?

 

[Bollox]

Black is silken and Dal Santo is sickeningly sublime to watch.

 

[FoxC]

One cannot have a little grace, one either has grace or one does not.

Which begs the question: who is the most graceless or disgraceful player then?

 

[Roby]

Which begs the question: who is the most graceless or disgraceful player then?

I think he is playing tonight.

 

[Hats off to Roy Harper]

One cannot have a little grace, one either has grace or one does not.

Alright look, i dont have grace, i dont want grace, i dont even say grace ok!

 

[Balony_pony16]

gibbs is the smoothest player i've ever seen. he also has poise, time and leet evasion skills.

Its pretty easy to look smooth on the back flank

 

[King Elvis]

One of the most handsome too.