Karmichael Hunt

[greennick]

Regardless of whether he goes on to be a superstar AFL player, he and Folau have got rugby league followers interested in and paying attention to AFL. How do I know? I am one. I play rugby league, and since watching more AFL after seeing Folau and Hunt change codes, I am thinking of trying to learn to play the game myself next year. If I'm not the only one in NSW/Qld, then surely that can't be a bad thing for the sport.

I highly doubt you are the only one. Though most NRL supporters will have the opposite reaction, many will now see it as another footy to watch, as many in Melbourne did when the Storm rocked up. Some may even switch allegiances.

 

[cos789]

Can you point me to where this stat is available - I've looked but can't find an online source for goals conceded.

You're trying very hard to discredit the guy .

Your comment illustrates the rose-coloured glasses that a lot of people have on when it comes to Karmichael Hunt.

Why aren't you criticising those below his standards ?

What about his kicking? And marking?

WCE have this cult status guy called Natanui - not a great mark but getting better .Probably say that about his kicking too .Yet everybody sees the great potential .

For a rugby player, he doesn't tackle much either (averages 1.4 tackles per game).

Indictment of the game and more importantly the team .The whole team has to apply constant pressure otherwise it's just too simple to avoid a tackle .

 

[Parker100]

Karmichael Hunt and Israel Folau are going to be works in progress and to think that either of them were going to have a big impact straight away is completely laughable.

Transitioning from rugby (league or union) to AFL is a hard process and a long process but it will pay off in both cases.

They both just need time.

 

[Adelaide Hawk]

There are other players that could be criticised and they have no excuse .

Neither has Hunt. He's paid big money, and he's out there on the field .. he's expected to perform. The AFL arena isn't a damned kindergarten, it's supposed to be an elite competition. How can they purport to be an elite comp when there would be at least 10,000 footballers out there who can play the game better than Hunt?

We don't have to WANT him to fail, he IS failing, it's just that people blinded by the fairytale aren't pragmatic enough to realise it.

 

[Adelaide Hawk]

Why aren't you criticising those below his standards ?

Because there aren't any.

 

[Brilliant]

Neither has Hunt. He's paid big money, and he's out there on the field .. he's expected to perform. The AFL arena isn't a damned kindergarten, it's supposed to be an elite competition..

He is actually paid big money to be out there on the field. He is paid a small portion to perform. He isn't expected to perform at an elite level.
Maybe by you he is, but not by many others.

The AFL is a damned kindergarten anyway. The way the rules are being officiated and the duty of care that must be shown you could argue the entire league was just as much a gimmick as Hunt.

 

[84GF]

You're trying very hard to discredit the guy .

Surely it's reasonable to want to look at the stats that someone else is using to try to discredit your argument?

Why aren't you criticising those below his standards ?

Like I've said previously, it's the charade that annoys me.

WCE have this cult status guy called Natanui - not a great mark but getting better .Probably say that about his kicking too .Yet everybody sees the great potential .

Because Natanui has demonstrated his ability on field. Who would you prefer in your team?

Indictment of the game and more importantly the team .The whole team has to apply constant pressure otherwise it's just too simple to avoid a tackle .

If it's a team problem, why is his tackle average well below the team average, particularly when the ball has spent so much time in their backline?

 

[cos789]

Surely it's reasonable to want to look at the stats that someone else is using to try to discredit your argument?

Not unreasonable , but it was from a reasonable source .
But you really are trying hard to mdiscredit this guy .

Like I've said previously, it's the charade that annoys me.

No charade .Simple contract and he's filled it .
Want to talk charades then talk about the Pies & the MCG !

Because Natanui has demonstrated his ability on field.

Now he has - because he's been given the chance .
There was a time when he looked like a fish out of water .

If it's a team problem, why is his tackle average well below the team average, particularly when the ball has spent so much time in their backline?

You tell me ,since you've got the microscope out .
How many times has he been presented with an opportunity to lay a tackle and he missed ? Is there a missed tackle count ?

 

[84GF]

Now he has - because he's been given the chance. There was a time when he looked like a fish out of water.

Remember Naitanui's second game against the Hawks where he kicked three goals in the last quarter to get them home against the reigning premiers?

Nic Naitanui had a quiet three quarters, but his second game will be remembered for three thrilling fourth-term goals that sealed the game for West Coast and turned the draftee into a hero. With Hawthorn gripping desperately to a four-point lead in the middle stages of the term, Naitanui smothered Jordan Lewis' clearing effort, baulked around the Hawk and gave West Coast the lead. He swept on a loose ball in the goal-square minutes later and when he stole another from Tom Murphy in time-on and raced his way into range, the Eagles were 26 points clear and home for their fourth win of the season, 16.11 (107) to 13.9 (87).

How many times has he been presented with an opportunity to lay a tackle and he missed ? Is there a missed tackle count ?

That's my point, he's not getting near the ball enough to be in a position to tackle. This is despite the ball spending a lot of time in GCS defensive 50.

 

[mighty tiges]

Treat 90% of Hunt and Folau's salary as the marketing component because that's why they are getting the $$$. The other 10% would be on par with most current AFL players. Most people in NSW and Qld couldn't give a rats about Joe Blow playing Aussie Rules especially in state, metro or country leagues but they will take notice of Hunt and Folau even if they hope they fail. It's already been a win for the AFL as they have got more publicity and attention in NSW/Qld than they could have ever paid for in just advertising. Everyone understands why they are paid the big bucks so I don't know what all the fuss is all about.

What would be making those up north nervous is Hunt isn't a total hack in the AFL. It'd be their worst nightmare if he does end up even half-decent. It'll encourage more code swappers to take the punt. We already know of plenty of AFL players who switched from other spots in their mid-teens. It's an advantage our sport nowdays has on others. It's not as though either that Hunt is at a Geelong and has an experienced defence structured around him to support him and learn from. He's been thrown to the wolves in a young backline in a new team where most are all learning what's required at AFL level as well. Way too early to judge him yet.

 

[cos789]

Remember ....

When KH listed in the Suns better players

That's my point, he's not getting near the ball enough to be in a position to tackle.

His player or someone else's player ?
How many times has this happenned ?
Have you got the stats ?

 

[84GF]

When KH listed in the Suns better players

I honestly don't - which game?

His player or someone else's player ?

He's allowed to tackle any opposition player.

How many times has this happenned ?
Have you got the stats ?

Yes - Hunt's averaging 1.4 tackles per game - that suggests he's not getting near it enough. Naitanui (since you brought him up) averaged 3.7 tackles in his first 7 games despite playing a lot of it in the ruck.

 

[Grongey]

Hunt has tree trunk legs, better suited to midfielder. Which he's never going to be. Aerobic fitness the issue as with Folau.

Funny how quiet the talent scouts have become. Not rocket science boys.

Both players richer, but about to find out how ruthless big time sport can be. Take the money and run is my advice.

Ablett and Judd looking pretty good.

 

[cos789]

that suggests .......

FFS .......you've non stopped bagged this guy and you haven't even seen him play by all accounts .

 

[84GF]

FFS .......you've non stopped bagged this guy and you haven't even seen him play by all accounts .

You asked for some stats to back up my view that he doesn't tackle enough, so not sure why you're complaining when I give them to you?

Anyway, you asked if I remembered when Hunt was listed in the Suns better players - I don't, which game was it?

 

[bobsyouruncle]

I honestly don't - which game?



He's allowed to tackle any opposition player.



Yes - Hunt's averaging 1.4 tackles per game - that suggests he's not getting near it enough. Naitanui (since you brought him up) averaged 3.7 tackles in his first 7 games despite playing a lot of it in the ruck.

Uhmm pretty sure it is easier to get tackles as a ruckman since you are going to be in close proximity to opposition ball carriers on more occasions compared to a defender.

 

[Wooljay]

Hunt has tree trunk legs, better suited to midfielder. Which he's never going to be. Aerobic fitness the issue as with Folau.

Maybe they're bleeding him in the backline until he's up to par, and then they'll move him closer to being an on baller? God knows you don't have to have the best kick in the league to be an effective inside mid (Luke Ball), all you have to do is have the courage to put your head over it, a good tank, and the ability to clear under pressure. I think he needs to work on the tank and the disposal under pressure, but who's to say he can't play that role if his endurance increases? Looks like he has a nice low Chapman-esque centre of gravity which he could exploit to his advantage.

 

[BlueTouchPaper]

Yes - Hunt's averaging 1.4 tackles per game - that suggests he's not getting near it enough. Naitanui (since you brought him up) averaged 3.7 tackles in his first 7 games despite playing a lot of it in the ruck.

I think you need to check your definition of "despite"...

If you can't recall which games he was best in, I'm not sure you've watched enough of him to comment.

He's no more or less valuable than Steven Baker who constantly gets a game in a team that has played off in probably 4 of the last preliminary finals.

No more or less deserving of a spot than Irish converts who dedicate their life to their original sport then switch to AFL for bigger money.

 

[cos789]

Anyway, you asked if I remembered when Hunt was listed in the Suns better players - I don't, which game was it?

Well he was . I'd find the link but I'm not wasting my time on somebody who criticises somebody without seeing him play .Utterly ridiculous .

 

[Brilliant]

Yes - Hunt's averaging 1.4 tackles per game - that suggests he's not getting near it enough. Naitanui (since you brought him up) averaged 3.7 tackles in his first 7 games despite playing a lot of it in the ruck.

Why don't we be fair and compare him to someone who played a similar role to him shall we.

Simon Prestigiacomo

2010 - avg
1.4 tackles
6.1 disposals (2 kick 4.1 hb)
2 marks

Career
1.2 tackles
7.2 disposals (3.8 kick 3.4 hb)
2.1 marks

Karmichael Hunt

2011/career - avg
1.4 tackles
7 disposals (2.1 kick 4.9 hb)
1.1 marks

Presti was obviously better but stats wise he wasn't. Also, he tackles the same amount as Presti did, was Presti not getting near it enough?

 

[GutsGalore]

He should quit while rugby teams are still interested in him, he'll never have that potential to be an elite AFL player.

 

[cos789]

he'll never have that potential to be an elite AFL player.

I think you meant to say that he'll never be an elite AFL player .
But I digress .
Most players (by definition) wont be elite .
Some Irish converts are considered elite ,some serviceble and some failed .
Some AFL players are considered elite ,some serviceble and some failed .
What's your point ?

 

[84GF]

Well he was . I'd find the link but I'm not wasting my time on somebody who criticises somebody without seeing him play .Utterly ridiculous .

Where did this notion that I haven't seen him play come from? Are you making things up? Like the time you say Hunt was listed in the best players? Never happened according to the AFL website.


Damn those pesky facts, they're always getting in the way of a good story!

 

[yaco55]

So if you're both right Hunt has only had 4 goals kicked on him since round 2. Not bad for a first year player playing on the number 1 forward alot of the time.

However, I didn't get to watch most of round 2 game but I remember alot of people querying why Hunt was playing on Carlton's ruckman for most of the night.

I am right - Stats from Champion data dont include round 8.

 

[84GF]

Why don't we be fair and compare him to someone who played a similar role to him shall we.

Simon Prestigiacomo

2010 - avg
1.4 tackles
6.1 disposals (2 kick 4.1 hb)
2 marks

Career
1.2 tackles
7.2 disposals (3.8 kick 3.4 hb)
2.1 marks

Karmichael Hunt

2011/career - avg
1.4 tackles
7 disposals (2.1 kick 4.9 hb)
1.1 marks

Presti was obviously better but stats wise he wasn't. Also, he tackles the same amount as Presti did, was Presti not getting near it enough?

Fair point, although I didn't introduce the Naitanui comparison, I was responding to it.