Opinion Non-Crows AFL 12: It's the confectionery with 1000 uses

[Cromulant]

Henry Smith on fire

 

[Drugs Are Bad Mackay?]

"What was with the middle finger at Crows fans last night?" seems like a reasonable question to me.

Trying to get a reaction surely

 

[footy4ever]

Well I can't sleep very well but already dreamt of a premiership win and Curtin doing some special things to get us over the line.

Well I've dreamt we play the GF and get absolutely screwed over but the umpiring.

 

[Mutineer]

He is a big boy. Replaced Oscar McI, but he was always seen 3rd or 4th choice ruckman. Worth approaching them. Maybe our new sauce.

The problem is up until now he's mostly been a Forward/Ruck not a Ruck/Forward the same as the role he's playing tonight.

 

[cleanhands]

Well I've dreamt we play the GF and get absolutely screwed over but the umpiring.

Just get rid of the umpiring chip you’ll be fine

 

[Amacca 23]

The problem is up until now he's mostly been a Forward/Ruck not a Ruck/Forward the same as the role he's playing tonight.

Is that because of fort and oscar tho ?

 

[Moonwatcher]

We never get the extra 2m

 

[Moonwatcher]

A Markov chain of possessions?

 

[1970crow]

So we're barracking for Collingwood tonight. Ugh.

We can finish top if they lose this week and then against us.

 

[Moonwatcher]

Go you Maggies (tonight only)

 

[Redleg Crow]

Bit like last nights game

 

[pjcrows]

It's obvious but Pies just work through Nick Daicos. He's that good. The team that solves that problem for four quarters will win the flag. If you can't you won't.

 

[Moonwatcher]

Buit like last nights game

Was hoping it would be at 1/4 time

 

[Mutineer]

Is that because of fort and oscar tho ?

Nope that's what he's always been right back to his juniors for WWT, more key forward than a ruck.

POSITION: Key Forward/Ruck

DRAFT ANALYSIS: "A key forward/ruck who clunks contested marks and follows up at ground level, Smith boasts great upside." - Michael Alvaro
Woodville-West Torrens tall, Henry Smith is one of the many key position prospects staking his claim as an AFL Draft chance in 2020, and has returned a promising top-age season. Stationed primarily up forward, the 18-year-old also rotates through the ruck and can chime in at the forward 50 stoppages. After missing the first three SANFL Under 18s rounds, Smith entered Eagles side with aplomb and went on to string together 13 games at the level. Keen watchers may also remember his contributions in the SANFL Futures and Under-17 All-Star showcases last year, where he showed glimpses of his best form. Smith has been able to showcase exactly that more often as a top-ager, thriving on the back of a consistent run out on the park.
At over 200cm, it is no real surprise that Smith's strengths read as they do. While stationed up forward as he most often is, the young tall is so difficult to stop from the front position. No defender in the SANFL Under 18s was able to get near him aerially when trailing behind, as the bigman would take the ball at its highest point with his long reach. While smart to use height to his advantage, Smith's lack of explosive strength or spring may see him take less contested marks at the elite level, or be forced to find different ways of doing so. Still, almost half of his average 4.6 marks this season were contested, which is nothing to scoff at.

Smith's height also comes into play while fulfilling his rotational ruck duties. Again, rather than possessing the monster leap or strength of other key position players, Smith found his way to many of his average 7.5 hitouts through simply being the taller man. That is not necessarily a knock on his craft, you have to use what edge you have to full advantage. His directional work was generally sound, with ruckwork an aspect of the game he seems to be refining. He had good support in the Eagles side this year too, allowing him to play forward much more often.

One of the most promising aspects of Smith's game, and one which helps boost the upside tag is his ability to follow up at ground level. Should Smith be unable to initially clunk a mark, he can be seen immediately hunting the ground ball and looking to advance the play forward. For a player of his size, he works hard. It is something which may entice a club to take a chance on him, given his scope to develop into a ruck who can do similar things on the ball. He has proven he can also take marks up the ground, and not just inside 50, which further aids that potential developmental direction.

The Eagles product remains quite raw though, with some filling-out to do and skills to sharpen. Smith booted 16.14 during his top-age campaign, a steady return of over a goal per game. He went scoreless just once through 13 appearances, but had some finishing issues early in the year. It was pleasing to see him somewhat rectify that aspect of the game later on, eventually pushing to a positive record of conversion. He achieved the feat of two goals in a game on five occasions, unable to bag game-breaking hauls, but still contributing solidly.

 

[ams4crows]

These Collingwood centre clearances are Elite

 

[footy4ever]

Just get rid of the umpiring chip you’ll be fine

That won't change the umpiring.

 

[Eagleboy2011]

Collingwood is relentless. They never give up. Especially in front of a home crowd.

 

[ams4crows]

I just have no idea how we are gonna beat Collingwood at the G, they just flick a switch every time and then hold you at arms length

 

[pjcrows]

I just have no idea how we are gonna beat Collingwood at the G, they just flick a switch every time and then hold you at arms length

Blight would say: "Score more goals"!

 

[ThePrideOf]

Can these two teams belt eachother to smitherines please

 

[Eagleboy2011]

Fagan looks really old walking off at half-time.

 

[Moonwatcher]

TFW your 15 year badge notification comes up

 

[Eagleboy2011]

I just have no idea how we are gonna beat Collingwood at the G, they just flick a switch every time and then hold you at arms length

The Crows of 6 months ago, yes. I'm seeing a belief that we can win from any position. 5 goals down yesterday and still winning reinforces my belief.

 

[BRL121]

We can finish top if they lose this week and then against us.

We can finish top if they win this week and lose against us.

 

[ams4crows]

I just saw the 7 Reporter v Ginnivan.... I mean he is a sore loser, reporter probably didn't go about it in the right way but the fact remains he dishes it out but can't take it coming back the other way.