Liam Jones vs Rhys Stanley

[ManOfClay]

Because nearly other Bulldogs or Saints thread seems to get derailed into this lately.

Who do you believe is the better player out of these two - now and into the future?

Raw comparison
Liam Jones - Western Bulldogs
197cms, 97kg
23 years 1 month
2008 draft, round 2 pick 32
59 games, 63 goals
Plays solely as a forward now, usually getting best defender. Has rucked in the past to little effect.


Rhys Stanley - St Kilda
200cms, 96kg
23 years 4 months
2008 draft, round 3 pick 47
43 games 25 goals
Is largely a forward who pinch-hits in the ruck now, has spent time in defense earlier in his career but looks like he's been switched.

 

[ManOfClay]

I'm obviously biased but have gone with Jones.

His 2010 was the best season either player has had, while in 2013 he kicked two bags of four in the first five weeks (vs Tom Lonergan and Alex Rance). Has struggled with consistency, especially since the retirement of Hall meant he was #1.

Coming into 2014 he looks to be helped by the presence of another big body in Crameri. Kicked three against Richmond and backed it up with another three against GWS when the game was on the line.

Is one of the better contested marks for players his age and at his best he is more than handy.

For mine Stanley doesn't have enough impact. Playing as a forward he has yet to make an impression on the scoreboard whilst his ruckwork is what you'd expect from a player without a real football background.

 

[Tulip]

Jones easily. Think he's taken a step up this season.

 

[timtamWB]

Stanley is an athlete playing football. So I'd take Jones.

 

[PureFooty]

Stanley is an athlete playing football. So I'd take Jones.

Pretty well said, Jones for me, though I could see how Stanley could suck people in, he does have the physical attributes, but lacks the skill, composure and the footy mind. It's all mental with Jones.

 

[Zgope1]

It's still a bit of a gimp fight until one of them takes the next step but Jones is head and shoulders the better player atm. Has finished top 10 AFL regular season contested marks twice in his short career, is becoming quite clutch in front of the sticks and has recently been the difference in his side winning and a huge structural cog.

Stanley in the meanwhile can take a make and kick a nice long goal but has one of the leagues all time best CHFs doing a lot of leg work for him yet still hasn't really got himself a position.

Like i said though. Gimp fight. Big year for both of them, decent signs early for both as well.

 

[ManOfClay]

Thought given the thread derailment on other boards there's be a bit of discussion on this - especially from the one poster who has voted Stanley without giving any reason.

 

[Adam H]

Considering youve dropped your Campbell and Cordy are better than Stanley call I believe Ive won.

Youve had to use your best key forward to try and down play Stanley. Stanley gas suffered serious injury setbacks and then last season played CHB.

 

[Zgope1]

Considering youve dropped your Campbell and Cordy are better than Stanley call I believe Ive won.

Youve had to use your best key forward to try and down play Stanley. Stanley gas suffered serious injury setbacks and then last season played CHB.

Stanley's better than those too comfortably. Hopefully they develop and become decent AFL players but they're both paces behind him now no doubt.

 

[ManOfClay]

Youve had to use your best key forward to try and down play Stanley. Stanley gas suffered serious injury setbacks and then last season played CHB.

So you admit Jones is better then? Why did you vote Stanley?

 

[Adam H]

So you admit Jones is better then? Why did you vote Stanley?

Will be the better player.

 

[ManOfClay]

Will be the better player.

Why?

I'd like it if you, for once, formed an argument.

 

[Adam H]

Why?

I'd like it if you, for once, formed an argument.

Provides more options on field and has more scope for improvement. Jones has struggled for consistency without injuries as an excuse.

 

[ManOfClay]

Provides more options on field and has more scope for improvement. Jones has struggled for consistency without injuries as an excuse.

Most would say Stanley, even despite his injuries, has struggled for consistency.

He is also a bit parts player who hasn't shown as much as Jones as a forward and doesn't contribute nearly enough around the ground to be called a second ruck. He could also be used as a centre half back, true. But given he's played one year there and been moved up forward suggests he failed at that.

Given Lee being very injury prone and Maister not being up to it, it will be interesting when Riewoldt retires if Stanley often has to play as the #1 forward.

That has been the reason for Jones' consistency issues. He's still young and copping a lot of attention. When Barry Hall was playing Jones had it much easier.

 

[GarnerSmash]

Jones looks like he is capable of clicking and becoming a very dangerous KPF. He has the ability so maybe all he needs is some belief.

Stanely looks capable of disappearing off the AFL radar at any time.

Jones, easily.

 

[Adam H]

Most would say Stanley, even despite his injuries, has struggled for consistency.

He is also a bit parts player who hasn't shown as much as Jones as a forward and doesn't contribute nearly enough around the ground to be called a second ruck. He could also be used as a centre half back, true. But given he's played one year there and been moved up forward suggests he failed at that.

Given Lee being very injury prone and Maister not being up to it, it will be interesting when Riewoldt retires if Stanley often has to play as the #1 forward.

That has been the reason for Jones' consistency issues. He's still young and copping a lot of attention. When Barry Hall was playing Jones had it much easier.

Jones has had very clear run at making CHF his own but goes through huge periods of poor returns often being dropped. Stanley in his first real crack at a full season played down back. While it wasnt a fail he was out of position. With Lee showing great signs and Spencer White looking promising a forward ruck role us Stanleys for years ahead

 

[ManOfClay]

Jones has had very clear run at making CHF his own but goes through huge periods of poor returns often being dropped. Stanley in his first real crack at a full season played down back. While it wasnt a fail he was out of position. With Lee showing great signs and Spencer White looking promising a forward ruck role us Stanleys for years ahead

Spencer White isn't getting a kick in Sandy's reserves. He's a long way off while Lee hasn't impressed at AFL level yet. Jones hasn't been dropped that often.

Anyway, general consensus here is Jones by a good margin.

 

[Adam H]

Lee averaged a couple of goals a AFL game last season and kick 4 last week and 3 goals 5 playing on Lake in Lee's return from injury. White had a injury concern over summer but kicked 5 goals first up. Both look very impressive.

 

[Adam H]

Stanley 21 touches 13 marks tonight just moving ahead again.

 

[ManOfClay]

No goals?

 

[Adam H]

No goals?

13 marks!!

 

[ManOfClay]

13 marks!!

You'd expect a guy who spends most of his time up forward to hit the scoreboard. Stanley did play well though.

Is this going to be like last year when you were arguing McEvoy>Minson because McEvoy was taking more marks just because it suits your argument?

 

[Adam H]

You'd expect a guy who spends most of his time up forward to hit the scoreboard. Stanley did play well though.

Is this going to be like last year when you were arguing McEvoy>Minson because McEvoy was taking more marks just because it suits your argument?

If you mark it youve got control of the ball.

 

[Adam H]

No goals?

Jones 4 marks no goals against a depleted Carlton backline. Blind faith by WB supporters to vote for him.

 

[ManOfClay]

I'm man enough to admit he played bad.

Still almost triple the goals for the season Stanley has - maybe this is why people have voted for Jones?