I have assumed GFC know what they were doing ??? And they thought he could play with a broken hand (I had no idea he had such an injury) AND they want him to experience big games and learn from them as they see him as a future best 22 (whatever position that is).
That is why I am bullish on Blicavs - I am reading the writing on the wall (of the GFC toilets).
I would have assumed they knew what they were doing as well... but the finals series last year and management of some players certainly raised some question marks.
I would love Blitz to make it and I was very impressed with how he went don't get me wrong.. but I also look at what he has contributed.. Potentially if he didn't have his background and was a regular draftee... well we wouldn't rate him as high as we do.
The facts are at this point I don't see him as best 22... he got games due to a severe lack of fit ruckman and his size. Football ability wise I don't think he is good enough to play anywhere else on the ground. He has shown enormous ability to adapt and improve at speed so I'm not saying he can't or won't make it elsewhere.. it's just I don't believe he is up to it at this point . It's why I said all along I thought he should stay a rookie. ..
Again I hope he flies along preseason and picks it up so quick he simply can't be ignored.. I'm just not willing to declare him a certain upgrade just yet.
From the highlights I really like the look of Bates personally