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That’s a generalization that’s not as true as it appears at first blush. Willie Rioli, Liam Ryan, Stengle (I think) weren’t even drafted until their 20s. Dylan Moore, Lincoln McCarhy, Jo Richards, Shaun Mannagh also late bloomers. Jamie Elliott hadn’t scored more than 35 goals until his 12th season (56 and counting), AhChee no more than 12 until his 8th season, Bobby Hill no more than 14 until his 5th season, Charlie Cameron didn’t crack 30 in his first 5 years but has cracked 50 four times since.Small forward is one position where players usually show what they’ve got early and impact early. They rarely have to wait on sidelines and develop as the role doesn’t require the same physical ability nor fitness. Just about every small forward in the game right now was pretty much that player from the start give or take.
I just don’t see that there’s much more than ~10% upside from where he’s at. I’m not saying don’t take him if he’s more or less free, but I certainly don’t have my hopes up. He’s the kind of player I would expect we could find with a late pick in any draft.
No current season stats available
Given it was the biggest improvement in AFL history (15th to 1st) theres plenty of room for us both to be right.I disagree strongly.
They didn’t improve because of those players.
They improved because their elite high end players (Dawson , thilthorpe , rankine ) had career best years as they come into their prime.
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This applies to anyone thinking of going to Essendon.He’d have to have rocks in his head to go to Essendon.
Would be better off staying in Queensland.
yeah but Willie started later and had a 2 year suspension.Jesse Motlop has kicked the same amount of goals Willie Rioli had kicked when he arrived at port and will be 6 years younger.
I disagree strongly.
They didn’t improve because of those players.
They improved because their elite high end players (Dawson , thilthorpe , rankine ) had career best years as they come into their prime.
If the rules shift to allow five on the bench, I think he becomes a handy second ruck option. He’s still caught in that awkward tweener space. Neither a genuine natural forward nor quite good enough to be a first-choice ruck.Apparently Pistol Pete is trying to leave Sydney
Port: Motlop, BrodieIf you can get Motlop and Brodie, cheaply using this years picks + the 8th rounder swap we get for Soldo, then you'd be happy. I'm worried about the cost of Motlop though.
I think that's kind of the point. People are writing Motlop off based on him not being a star small forward yet, but he's only 21. Star small forwards like Willie Rioli and Liam Ryan weren't even in the league at 21. He's well ahead of their schedule.yeah but Willie started later and had a 2 year suspension.
No current season stats available
Stumbled across this
I haven’t seen anything else yet
That’s a generalization that’s not as true as it appears at first blush. Willie Rioli, Liam Ryan, Stengle (I think) weren’t even drafted until their 20s. Dylan Moore, Lincoln McCarhy, Jo Richards, Shaun Mannagh also late bloomers. Jamie Elliott hadn’t scored more than 35 goals until his 12th season (56 and counting), AhChee no more than 12 until his 8th season, Bobby Hill no more than 14 until his 5th season, Charlie Cameron didn’t crack 30 in his first 5 years but has cracked 50 four times since.
When you look into it, there’s plenty of time for Motlop to become a 30-40 goal forward. This year he kicked 17.18 in a pretty shit Carlton and ranked 16th in the AFL for tackles inside 50. He had career high stats in almost every area including score involvements- 90.
Id love another player like Willie but they’re hard to find. Motlop may just be the best available.
I think that's kind of the point. People are writing Motlop off based on him not being a star small forward yet, but he's only 21. Star small forwards like Willie Rioli and Liam Ryan weren't even in the league at 21. He's well ahead of their schedule.
Despite Hawthorn securing their second finals series in as many years under Sam Mitchell, a pair of young Hawks are reportedly ready for a fresh start in 2026. Small forward Sam Butler and out-of-favour midfielder Henry Hustwaite have each been linked to rival clubs in recent days, having only played four games at AFL level apiece this season.
“West Coast are very keen on Hawthorn small forward Sam Butler ... they feel he can fill forward need, or even a midfield need,” Ralph revealed on Midweek Tackle. “Henry Hustwaite is desperate to get out of Hawthorn. He wants a chance (elsewhere), he’s ready. Carlton has been mentioned in dispatches; they’re a no. But Essendon is the club that’s potentially considering that.”
Broke his leg badly and has just returned, still hasnt fully recovered. Is rated and Croms also into him.Sam Butler doesn’t look like an AFL player to me but then I thought the same about Dan.