Matt Illman

[MaccasNeighbour]

If we started ruling out potential players because of arrogance I dont think we would have a full squad.

Don't really know much about the guy but from what's been said on here it sounds like a risk.

It's been at least 12 months since I read similar threads about him on here. What has he achieved since then? Is he playing regular SANFL footy yet? Is it going to take him another 12 months to be a good SANFL player? If so how much longer before he is up to AFL standard?

 

[tribey]

I'd rather we drafted Chris Blakemore - just so we can find out where the hell he's been.

 

[Macca19]

Originally posted by MaccasNeighbour
It's been at least 12 months since I read similar threads about him on here. What has he achieved since then? Is he playing regular SANFL footy yet? Is it going to take him another 12 months to be a good SANFL player? If so how much longer before he is up to AFL standard?

He played his first SANFL senior game on the weekend.

 

[Mong]

Originally posted by Macca19
He played his first SANFL senior game on the weekend.

Yeah, that's why I revived the thread.

Anyone see the game?


****

 

[MaccasNeighbour]

Originally posted by ****
Yeah, that's why I revived the thread.

Anyone see the game?


****

Fair enough ****. I guess he has a couple of months to show promise, assuming he holds his spot down. Who does he play for? Wouldn't mind seeing him in action.

As far as competing with Port for him (if it does come to that) I would think we will have considerable more space and money to accomodate draftees than Port over the summer.

 

[Mong]

No doubt it's a risk, just like Brogan was for Port and Angwin was for Carlton.

Sometimes they pay off, sometimes they don't.

But in our current predicament we are well placed to take a chance or two. What's the risk with delisting someone like Skipworth or Gallagher (assuming they otherwise would keep a spot on the list) and taking a chance with a very late pick in the draft?

People wouldn't think twice about Brogan now but a few years ago he was in a very similar situation.


****

 

[sog35]

He did a few trainings with Port and he was told to go away and work on his speed across the ground.

Chris Blakemore would be sensational out of the goal square.

 

[redandblack]

Matt Illman played his first league game last Saturday. Westies played him at full-back and he won his position and played well, before going forward and kicking a goal. He would have made his debut earlier, except for an injury.

There's no question of any arrogance with him, he seems to have a terrific attitude. Seeing he only started playing reserves with only a few games to go last season, he's progressing well.

 

[Jerome]

hey Redandblack what can you tell us about # 66 - Leonard Clark? 20 year old, 203 cm ruckman - how has he been going?

 

[crazy_big_al]

Originally posted by redandblack
Matt Illman played his first league game last Saturday. Westies played him at full-back and he won his position and played well, before going forward and kicking a goal. He would have made his debut earlier, except for an injury.

There's no question of any arrogance with him, he seems to have a terrific attitude. Seeing he only started playing reserves with only a few games to go last season, he's progressing well.

interesting

he may lose his Spot to the Grew

 

[redandblack]

Jerome, a meteoric rise. Lenny Clark was playing for Edwardstown, I think, was recommended to West, played one reserves game, then straight into the league side for the last 3 games. He's about 200cms, 20yo and looks a natural. Will take a bit of time, but is well co-ordinated and could be a good ruck option for a long time.

Nice lad, too.

 

[Macca19]

Thought id ressurect this thread after seeing both Illman and Clark today.

Clark is a tall bugger. Quite mobile...bit soft tho. Needs to work on his skills a bit. Naturally talented for sure.

llman...I cant see him playing AFL footy any time soon. Very well built but looked very slow today. That as well as the fact he didnt seem really to know what to do at CHF. Looked a bit lost, wasnt sure how to present or where to run or when to run. Average skills....struggled in physical contests against Craig Parry (playing only his 2nd game at CHB). Im sure shall improve but i'd say he looks like he will just be a SANFL player.

 

[Zombie]

Originally posted by MaccasNeighbour
As far as competing with Port for him (if it does come to that) I would think we will have considerable more space and money to accomodate draftees than Port over the summer.

That wouldn't come into the equation, money isn't an issue in the case of draftees as they are all on the base salary.

I don't think either side will take Illman, the difference between him and Brogan is that Brogan is the extra couple of inches taller and so can play in the ruck. Illman would have to play key position and would struggle to have the skills to keep up with AFL standard KPP's.