Looking forward to seeing this boy play. Saints fans must be hanging out to see him go around.
Luke Ball
- Thread starter windyhill
- Start date
- Tagged users None
Falchoon
Brownlow Medallist
- Feb 15, 2002
- 29,915
- 11,310
- AFL Club
- St Kilda
- Other Teams
- Bluestar Airlines, Anacott Steel
The boys got bigger wraps on him than those buildings that French bloke wraps up in the name of art.......ahh you know what I'm saying.
He's got no hope of living up to them
Actually what really whets my appetite about Ball is the wraps on him from people outside of the Saints. Neil Balme for one.
He's got no hope of living up to them
Actually what really whets my appetite about Ball is the wraps on him from people outside of the Saints. Neil Balme for one.
sainter
ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE
There were big wraps on Koschitzke and Riewoldt but it's even greater for Ball because we've had to wait a full season before seeing him play.
The kids got a bit of pressure on him, hopefully we won't have another injury ravaged season and he'll still be able to be eased into senior football.
The kids got a bit of pressure on him, hopefully we won't have another injury ravaged season and he'll still be able to be eased into senior football.
I hope he is given time if he needs to find his feet at senior level. By all accounts he is a huge talent but there are always hurdles to overcome. Saints supporters are right to get excited but I hope they can be happy if he plays nothing more than promising and servicable football for half a season. I hope opposition supporters don't expect him to be an instant star and crap on him or call him over rated if he is not. Of course he may come out in round 1 and show the world that he is better than we all thought but don't expect it.
Ball and Hodge will make Judd look like a battler in five years. Clearly the best two out of the draft.
I'd compare Ball to a Robert Harvey. An accumulator who'll run around winning hard balls and gathering lots of possessions, with clean disposal.
Hodge is more of a Voss/Hird type, in that he can play absolutely anywhere, and play like a champion. He has the body already that suggests he'll be of Voss-like size, and he has the aggression. He also has a laser-like kick and is a born leader.
Judd is nothing more than a goal-kicking wingman, in the Matera mould. His role is easiest out of the trio at the moment, so he looks better thus far. But in five years Ball and Hodge will be the absolute standouts.
The Hitman
I'd compare Ball to a Robert Harvey. An accumulator who'll run around winning hard balls and gathering lots of possessions, with clean disposal.
Hodge is more of a Voss/Hird type, in that he can play absolutely anywhere, and play like a champion. He has the body already that suggests he'll be of Voss-like size, and he has the aggression. He also has a laser-like kick and is a born leader.
Judd is nothing more than a goal-kicking wingman, in the Matera mould. His role is easiest out of the trio at the moment, so he looks better thus far. But in five years Ball and Hodge will be the absolute standouts.
The Hitman
Ball has played zero senior games! All are midfielders and could very easily be superceeded by a taller player in 3 to 5 years.
The only things Voss and Hird have in common are that they have great talent and are versatile. Very dissimilar players IMO.
I would love one of them thanks. You got any to spare at the Hawks?
lol.. nice one MarkT... your not actually that bad for who you barrack for..
Well considering we've already waited a year for nothing (something the Hawks coudln't do).. we should be right in giving all the time he needs...
You have Ryan Lonie. We have Ang Lekkas, Nathan Lonie, and to a lesser extent Simon Cox.
Judd is better than them.
The Hitman
Have to disagree - he's got tricks that make him unique so he'll only get better. Great to watch.
None of those are Matera class. Judd and Lonnie may be close one day or may not, but with slightly less pace in any event. If Lonnie is near as good as Matera I will be very happy and that is given that I am not off Rohans admiration of the kid (not quite his lust though). Lekkas and Cox are not even in close. Cox is very handy but not a Matera type. I know you diodn't say as good as Matera but using him in the comparrison is missleading. Materia has done what either Ball, Hodge or Judd will be very happy with over their careers.
Don't agree Hitman. I think you'll find Judd is the best player of last years draft. Certainly over-simplifying his talents by labelling nothing more than a "goal-kicking wingman." More of a Kouta-like midfielder in my book. Tall, strong, fast and highly skilled. He will be a superstar.
Hodge reminds me of a young Voss/Riccutio. He can play anywhere, is tough and as you said, a born leader.
On Ball, I think he may take some time. He is a similar player to Travis Johnstone, and may struggle to adapt immediately, as he does not have the size of Judd and Hodge. Although it's harsh, he may well be labelled over-rated from an early stage because the media have hyped him up so much (don't understand why). Everytime he hits a six in cricket he's in the papers! Quite ridiculous really as he's yet to do anything. Wish him all the best and he should prove a great player in time.
But personally, I'd rather Judd and Hodge.
Hodge reminds me of a young Voss/Riccutio. He can play anywhere, is tough and as you said, a born leader.
On Ball, I think he may take some time. He is a similar player to Travis Johnstone, and may struggle to adapt immediately, as he does not have the size of Judd and Hodge. Although it's harsh, he may well be labelled over-rated from an early stage because the media have hyped him up so much (don't understand why). Everytime he hits a six in cricket he's in the papers! Quite ridiculous really as he's yet to do anything. Wish him all the best and he should prove a great player in time.
But personally, I'd rather Judd and Hodge.
On the contrary superstar... although no-one will really know for a couple of years, Ball played one half of footy with Springvale and I believe got 16 poss... seems good signs to fit right in next year uninjured...
- Banned
- #15
Ball and Judd are of the same stock. Ball is not the athlete Judd is, he stuggles in comparison. Also he's probably a lot less tougher than Judd.
The only area were I believe Ball to be comparable is his skills.
The only area were I believe Ball to be comparable is his skills.
jefffff34
Brownlow Medallist
- Sep 20, 2001
- 17,809
- 4,232
- AFL Club
- Collingwood
They need them, remember....they didn't make the finals.
