Luke Ball

[DarrenR]

In contrast to most of our mid fielders improving dramatically this year, it's so disappointing to note the contrasting downward trajectory of one mid fielder.
This last game, although on the ground for 75% game time, he had 10 possessions. Even keeping in mind that he also played forward, these are pretty poor numbers. Although Jobe Watson is treacle slow, hea managed to get almost four times Luke's numbers at 83% game time.
Without any news about an injury, especially since his good performance against the Hawks, one has to think that the last game was an indian summer amidst the autumn of a career. I hope he proves me wrong.

 

[Banger724]

Very sad to see, but have to agree a bit Darren. I think the OP injuries cut him down in his prime and he's never really managed to recover 100%. As much as it pains to say, starting to wonder whether he's in our best 22.

 

[stkildathunda]

Was bout to ask same question. He just isnt looking like his usual self this year. At his best theres no doubt he's in our best 22 but Id have to say at this point of the year he wouldnt be. But if he's going to play part come september then he would have to finish of the season with the saints not down in the reserves. He may just need 3/4 weeks to get back to AFL standard again. Like it took Raph few weeks to find his feet again

 

[frednirk]

It is very sad and really depressing.

Bill Clinton Jones and Mcqualter are better players than Luke Ball now, which if was suggested a few years ago would earn a justified shouting down.

What is wrong with him? He doesn't do anything on the ground! Gets a few accidental kicks.

Injuries? Lack of passion for the game? Chronic fatigue syndrome?

Very sad to say he just does not deserve a spot in a senior side.

 

[krusden]

Very sad to see, but have to agree a bit Darren. I think the OP injuries cut him down in his prime and he's never really managed to recover 100%. As much as it pains to say, starting to wonder whether he's in our best 22.

he's ended up as a bit of a fringe player hasn't he?

Another nathan brown, cut down by injury in his prime and hasn't recovered 100%.

 

[bubblegoose]

Very saddening thread, but one we can't really argue. If it is injury related I really hope Bally is given the chance to recover & work himself back towards where he should be.

 

[Look2Me4Guidance]

Very saddening thread, but one we can't really argue. If it is injury related I really hope Bally is given the chance to recover & work himself back towards where he should be.

Spot on brother. You just wish we knew one way or another. I guess we're so used to Bally busting a nut, that we could only think that he could perform like this if he was restricted by injury. Here's hoping he can turn it around.

 

[HoldenMCaulfield]

Here's hoping he can turn it around.

He appears far from confident and not quite sure what is expected of him - a bit similar to Dal Santo last year when he was criticised for not having a defensive side and as a result lost some of his attacking style.

Ball is as tough as it gets, but may indeed need to get his hands (and feet) onto the ball a bit more. He had a disappointing 10 disposals against Essendon, but even more disappointing for me was that he laid just three tackles (the trademark of his game - he, along with Hayes, was always our premier tackler).

Dal Santo is better than ever this year, can beat a tag now, is far more accountable and has become a tackling machine (for his standard). Milne has had a similar learning curve.

What I'm trying to say, I guess, is that I expect Ball to be back to his best next year. It's Luke Ball, for crying out loud, he is a star ! He has to be !

 

[StFly]

While praising Nicky Dal for his work ethic, I've been far more surprised with Joeys work on the flip side constantly seeing him rack up assists and the back that up with 10+ tackles himself. While Ball doesn't have his pace to burn I would hope that whatever the problem is, is easily worked on during this year and next, so that at the start of next year we're all talking about how we were worried for Bally and how he's gunning it likewise.

 

[SAINTsincebirth]

Bally reminds me alittle of bouke, maybe we could put down back doing a baker style roll as our back line is tall. not sure about his pace but he can tackle hard.

 

[HoldenMCaulfield]

While praising Nicky Dal for his work ethic, I've been far more surprised with Joeys work on the flip side constantly seeing him rack up assists and the back that up with 10+ tackles himself. While Ball doesn't have his pace to burn I would hope that whatever the problem is, is easily worked on during this year and next, so that at the start of next year we're all talking about how we were worried for Bally and how he's gunning it likewise.

You are right, of course, StFly, the amount of tackles laid by Montagna this year is outstanding, probably making him our No. 1 midfielder this year.

I used the Dal Santo (and Milne) example to show that it may take some time to understand and accept that one's game needs to be changed and that the process can put you off your game for a while, but that it can lead to amazing results.

I can't wait for the all new and improved Luke Ball 2010. He is a star !

 

[CrazyQ]

Luke Ball has been my favourite non-Roos player for ages. He has everything you want in a finals player, well atleast he did. He was the complete package when he came into the scene, you knew he would be the type that would kill shit in finals.

****ing sad.

It has to be an injury, just has to.

 

[ChrisFooty]

Injuries? Lack of passion for the game? Chronic fatigue syndrome?

Very sad to say he just does not deserve a spot in a senior side.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is nonsense. He would not get out of bed, let alone play professional sport.

Lack of passion? We are talking about Luke Ball, not Aaron Fiora.

Injuries? Bingo!

 

[ChrisFooty]

He may just need 3/4 weeks to get back to AFL standard again. Like it took Raph few weeks to find his feet again

I thought Raph Clarke was quite poor on Sunday, just quietly.

 

[underthestars]

I thought Raph Clarke was quite poor on Sunday, just quietly.

just quietly...so were about 20 others!

 

[NAUGHT5]

I think he's started to feel the effects of his early career where he seemed to get belted week in week out and get injuries. It's a shame cause he was a gun.
Trade him this year and you might get something for him, keep him and you'll get nothing next year if he keeps going the same way.

 

[cartwright]

It is very sad and really depressing.

What is wrong with him? He doesn't do anything on the ground! Gets a few accidental kicks.

Injuries? Lack of passion for the game? Chronic fatigue syndrome?

Very sad to say he just does not deserve a spot in a senior side.

Definitely not this.

Has to be injury, and am sure that he'll work thru it.

 

[St Bongo]

The following is taken from the AFL Youth Coaching Manual in the Chapter on Talent Development. With a description of the testing done at the AFL draft camp it gives as an example the results of Luke Ball from the 2001 camp. I think the results clearly show that the injuries Luke has sufferered since being drafted, particularly the OP, have diminished what he is capable of producing on the field, especially where running is required. There is no doubting his commitment, professionalism and dedication to the club, it's just a shame his body can't respond in kind.

Quote:
Our example profiles the fitness results of St Kilda’s Luke Ball (left) recorded at the 2001 National AFL Draft Camp at the A.I.S.
The results reflect the profile of an outstanding athlete as well as a potential AFL player who had achieved All-Australian honours at the National’s Under 18 Championships earlier that year averaging 23 possessions, 5 tackles and finishing runner up in the Larke Medal (Division One Best & Fairest).
In analysing his fitness results (Table - A ), his height (182.8 cm) and weight (72.46 kg) are ideal for an inside midfielder at 17 years of age. His percentile rankings for height and weight against the entire group are ideal for a player of his type (i.e. inside medium midfielder). Luke’s sum of skinfolds (30.8mm) indicates he’s not carrying any excess and is in perfect physical condition (99th percentile).
However it is Luke’s anaerobic power scores and percentile rankings which indicate the profile of a super powerful athlete and potential AFL player. All Luke’s vertical jump results, whether standing or running off either leg, are in the top 11th percentile ranking for the 2001 camp and when considered with combined percentile rankings (1999, 2000 & 2001 Draft Camp results– see Table B) he is in the top 5%.
Similarly, his 5m, 10m & 20m speed times put Luke in an elite group (top 3%) over the 3 years analysed.
Finally the shuttle test of endurance where he recorded a Level 14, Shuttle 2 result has Luke in the top 17% for the 2001 draft camp group (Table A) and the 11% over the 3 years analysed.

 

[DarrenR]

Wow St.Bongo that was quite a surprising read, compared to what we see today. If anyone had been asked what they think Luke Ball might have statistically today.... I think most people would assume that he was reasonably slow, with fair endurance (but less than what is required today), with medium/poor agility and a medium/ poor leap.
I suppose that injuries have ruined him or the game has just got so fast, that athletes of 8 years ago are just average today.
I think that Chris Judd had similar o.p problems (if not worse) and has seen the same surgeon and had the same treatment.
Can a once elite player be washed up in his mid 20's?

 

[The_Steadier]

and most people forget his main weapon when drafted was his long kicking. Renowned for 50m+ goals as a junior.

 

[Michael Scarn]

he'll be back next year!!! have faith!!

 

[mrlukey69]

if his up for trade and collingwood want in what do you guys want.

 

[krusden]

Trade him this year and you might get something for him, keep him and you'll get nothing next year if he keeps going the same way.

nope. you don't trade quality unless they want to go.

Give ball a paycut in 2010 for sure but if he wants to stay.... we should keep him.

 

[bubblegoose]

he'll be back next year!!! have faith!!

Should we be wrapping him up in cotton wool for the remainder of the year in that case?

 

[HoldenMCaulfield]

if his up for trade and collingwood want in what do you guys want.

world peace