Martin and Schmidt in SANFL State Squad

[jo172]

Moss IMO is a better version of Schmidt so one will go, possibly both.

I think you may have picked it right there Drumm.

As for Schmidt making it as an inside midfielder, I do agree that would probably be his best chance at an AFL career, but the way he plays seems to make him a pretty determined bloke to be like Martin for instance wanting to run out and get the outside balls. I'm not sure how much of this he can change over the course of the season?

 

[CrowHop]

Just as you said, both had their moments. I cannot believe I’m saying this but I’m starting to be won over by Martin. He made a LOT of errors and his clanger count would’ve been through the roof but he does have AFL qualities. He finally used his pace on a few occasions as he really burst away from packs and took them on. His foot skills are very, very inconsistent. He can deliver a beautiful pass and then the very next kick will land in the chest of the opposition. Seriously, about 5 of his kicks went either to the opposition or well wide of his intended target. Overall his kicking is a bit of a weakness; unreliable is the word I’d use to describe it. But what I saw was a player prepared to take the opposition on, someone who is very good in traffic and has a nice sidestep. He has this knack for finding space too, always seems to be free. If he can tidy up his kicking and work on his decision making, who knows, he might make it.

I felt the commentators, one in particular, were far too harsh on Schmidt. Sure he was shown up in two consecutive contests but he did a lot of very clever things throughout the game. His use of the handball in particular was great; the number of slick handballs under pressure was terrific. What I like about him is that he does think his way out of trouble and he is creative by hand. Foot skills don’t appear to be too flash but like Martin, he did deliver some nice passes amongst the rubbish. He is slow, doesn’t move well laterally and for that reason he’s probably not a defender. But what do you reckon about him being an inside midfielder? IMO his quick hands, poise under pressure and ability to find the ball means he could be successful in the role. I'd like to see him given a shot there for West Adelaide.

Both might not be on the list next year but I'd have Martin just ahead and I know the AFC rate him. Moss IMO is a better version of Schmidt so one will go, possibly both.

Well constructed, informed post. Cheers for the write up.

Martin : So what's the gut feel Drumm ? Do you think he'll be upgraded ? Seems 50/50 for me. His SANFL form for Sturt always seems pretty solid, but never really dominates. His rate of improvement over the last 2 years has been consistent, so if he continues to improve, plays well in some high pressure finals, we may see what he's really made of.

Schmidt : I had high hopes for this bloke when we snagged him from Brisbane. But now, just seems like a vanilla player to me. Pretty good at a lot of things, but does nothing outstandingly well. Im happy to be corrected, because ive only seen him on the tv. Drumm ? Have a stab, what chances does he have of being upgraded ?