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Player Watch Ned Long

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Vicky Park said:
I expected Ned to be a big bullocking mid, to lay tackles and push and block the oppo mids to the advantage of our runners.

What I didn’t expect were the smart hand passes, the quick work in close, and being part of the fast movement of the ball forward.

Guess I thought Ned would be Fly’s version of Sier or Wills - but he’s much smarter and more skilful than those guys - and more useful!
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On evidence to date, Sier has him covered for skill. If only he’d had the commitment of Long.
 
Rorzza said:
Wouldn't get a game in a Mitchell coached Hawthorne side but Fly doesn't seem to care about his kicking right now.
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He said that in a Presser last year
 

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Rewatching the game now because I couldn't bare another minute of this ess v melb snoozefest and yes we are not exaggerating the exploits of our boy Long. He asks alot of an opposition tackler, you simply can't go anything but full bore at him or he will easily wiggle free and give a hb to Nick or sidey or launch a helicopter deep inside 50.
 
Funny story.
I didn't think Ned will ever reach any levels higher than an average B grader and that's taking into account his great size for a mid, age and natural improvement with more experience and even wishful thinking.
Last year at the end of the season I met a really nice couple that are very close to Fly.
Chinwag about our future prospects yada yada ..and the bloke told me that he was on the same page as me in regards to Ned but Fly is adamant he will become a weapon.
And here we are.
 
He’s been criticised for his kicking a little unfairly imo.
We are a territory team and he plays the way he’s been asked.
As with any inexperienced player he will get better with time.
His positives outweigh his negatives and I’m glad we have him.
 
Anzacday said:
He’s been criticised for his kicking a little unfairly imo.
We are a territory team and he plays the way he’s been asked.
As with any inexperienced player he will get better with time.
His positives outweigh his negatives and I’m glad we have him.
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I reckon his kicking will improve over time with more games.

Cripps was a very ordinary kick in his early games and has got better over time with experience. Same with Newcombe at Hawks.
 

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stormskye said:
The two year extension mentally would have helped this kid. Complete weight off his shoulders and pressure to perform each week to earn a contract. Reckon it will help him continue to develop and be a mainstay in the 22
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Completely agree + the added fact we've signed him up for unders $$ wise, as it looks like he may be a mainstay in the best 23 for the next 2 and a half years.
 
I think the adulation for Long is a bit overdone. I thought last year he was unfairly criticized, when he was just trying to find his feet. Now, with one excellent game he is the new great midfield hope. We need a little more evidence before we see him as the new Dane Swan. Keep the expectations moderate and give him a chance to work his way in.
 
Gaspard said:
I think the adulation for Long is a bit overdone. I thought last year he was unfairly criticized, when he was just trying to find his feet. Now, with one excellent game he is the new great midfield hope. We need a little more evidence before we see him as the new Dane Swan. Keep the expectations moderate and give him a chance to work his way in.
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His ability to absorb a tackle and dish the ball off was there for everyone to see last year. He just needed a good pre season this year to refine it. He will continue to refine it as time goes by. He's a beast
 
Gaspard said:
I think the adulation for Long is a bit overdone. I thought last year he was unfairly criticized, when he was just trying to find his feet. Now, with one excellent game he is the new great midfield hope. We need a little more evidence before we see him as the new Dane Swan. Keep the expectations moderate and give him a chance to work his way in.
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He played well against the dogs too. Was unfair to be sub the following week on the game he had.

And he also made the most of his limited minutes against Carlton. So it’s more than just one game.
 

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Gaspard said:
I am not saying he has not done well, I am saying he is being overhyped. Just let him play for a bit before we start loading him up as a champion. He may well become one, but he isn't yet.
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He announced himself in the Swans game. Of course he needs to back it up just like every other player.

But it's definitely something to be excited & happy about. Imo.
 
TW Sherrin said:
He's already made a massive leap in a handful of games. Will be interesting to see where he gets to after 50.
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For a lot players it is all about confidence and a feeling of belonging and I think he is starting feel that, 2yr extension will only increase his confidence. A further 2 yrs takes to him the end of season 2027 and he will only be around 25yrs then, if he keeps going on his current trajectory his contract may even improve, I am all for players getting better deals if they earned them and it is also the best way to retain.

Just on Ned it usually takes players 3 or 4 seasons to develop that sort of physique and strength, I think the Hawks may have pull the plug on Ned a little too soon which will great.
 

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