List Mgmt. Pick 73 - Welcome Sam Switkowski

[FreoBraddles]

With Pick 73 the Fremantle Dockers select

Sam Switkowski


DOB: 20/11/1996
POSITION: Forward
HEIGHT: 179cm
WEIGHT: 71kg
DRAFTED FROM: Box Hill Hawks

Sam Switkowski is a 21-year-old small forward from Melbourne's North-East.

Quick, agile, tough and competitive, Switkowski has promising attributes for a defensive forward but also possesses the skill to finish and create opportunities around goal.

Switkowski played his U18 football at Northern Knights in the TAC Cup and represented Vic Metro in the U18 National Championships in 2014. He then joined Box Hill in 2015 and developed into one of their most important players.

A bout of glandular fever and a hamstring injury interrupted Switkowski's 2017 but he still managed to kick 19 goals in 12 games while becoming arguably the best pressure forward in the VFL.

The forward's speed and intent is relentless and he consistently creates turnovers in the forward half with his chasing.

Despite being slightly undersized, Switkowski has deceptive strength and his ability to wrap up and run down significantly bigger opponents is outstanding.

 

[Tobiko]

Huh? Is he better than Deluca?

 

[scon]

Speedy,gutsy,kicks goals,hunts defenders.

 

[meima]

Copy from Sen

Sam SWITKOWSKI
20-Nov-96 | 178.5cm | 71.0kg | Box Hill Hawks
“Just as opponents were struggling to catch him, glandular fever took hold of the slippery Hawks small forward. In the end he was restricted to 12 games. It was a shame, because he had enjoyed some spectacular moments, notably against Port Melbourne when he jagged five goals in Round 7. The right-footer is pacy and just as quick to lay a tackle or put on other pressure acts to keep the ball in the forward 50. Described by an assistant coach as ‘that rare mix of player with extremely high football IQ and an incredible level of ferocity’, Switkowski won the 2014 Northern Knights best and fairest before joining Box Hill.” – VFL expert Paul Amy.

From afldraftcentral

STRENGTHS: Footy IQ, aggression, agility, endurance
IMPROVEMENTS: Marking, frame

SUMMARY: The small forward booted 19 goals and averaged 12 disposals for the Hawks in 2017. Glandular Fever restricted the speedy small to just 12 goals, where he is willing to pressure opponents. His Footy IQ is through the roof and he can run all day as a small forward that can push up the flanks. Is willing to tackle hard despite his smaller frame.

 

[Scham]

Sounds like a Richmond special. Taking tips from the premiership?

 

[WWSD]

Can Fremantle please stop raiding Box Hill listed players? Only joking.

Sam Switkowski was playing some great footy before injury and illness struck during the middle part of the VFL season. He has some terrific attributes and is a highly skilled small forward. I wouldn't be surprised to see him debut early in the season next year.

 

[james brayshaw]

Huh? Is he better than Deluca?

Can't be any worse.

 

[Silent Alarm]

We gonna delist him after he has two pretty respectable years and doesn't get outshone on his opponent, just like the last guy we took from Box Hill?

 

[purplerunsdeep]

Super happy for him but nothing jumps out about me just yet

Sounds like that defensive deep small forward we are wanting

will be fighting with matera and ballad for a spot


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[meima]

http://m.fremantlefc.com.au/news/2017-11-24/switkowski-soaking-it-all-in

I
How are you feeling?
I’m a little bit in shock at the moment, I didn’t really expect to be picked up so I don’t really know how to feel right now. I thought if something like that happened I’d be really excited and be up and celebrating but it just doesn’t really feel real yet. It’s a weird feeling I’ve never felt this before.

Did you watch the draft with your family?
I had training tonight so I stayed at the club with some of my mates and watched it with them. I’m going to head home to see my family now.

How did your friends react when your name got called out?
They went crazy! They were just so happy for me. I wasn’t saying anything because I just couldn’t believe it. They were going crazy.

What about your family?
I’m on my way to see my mum (Pauline) dad (Robert) and my three brothers (Ben, Mason and Matthew) now. I spoke to them before on the phone, they all put me on loudspeaker and they were just ecstatic. So I can’t wait to go home and see them.

You’ve been to WA once, what did you think of it?
I think it’s great. I came over to play a footy game a few years ago so I didn’t get to see much of the city but it was lovely whilst I was there. I can’t wait to get over there. It’s a really exciting thought.

Are there any players that you’re really keen to learn from?
I watch plenty of footy and being a small forward I like to watch Michael Walters a lot. I can’t wait to go in and learn from him and Hayden Ballantyne. I really respect Nat Fyfe as well, he’s an unbelievable footballer.

You’re 21, what have you been up to since leaving school?
For the last three years I’ve been studying environmental engineering. I’ve got one year to go before I finish my degree. I also work part-time at a high school doing some sports coaching and do a little bit of social work in a mentoring program. In my own time I also try to play a little bit of basketball.

What’s your focus for when you get to the club?
I haven’t had much time to think about it, but I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a while. I’ve just turned 21, so I’ve missed a few drafts and I’m not going to take the opportunity for granted. I just want to go in there and work as hard as I can. That will be the main focus, work hard and take as much advise as I can. I want to utilise the resources in an AFL environment and be the best player I possibly can, while playing my role for the team.

 

[Jaeger]

Switta can seriously play. Fast, evasive, great hands, sticks tackles, knows where the goals are.

Real livewire. I'm disappointed we didn't pick him but hope he goes well. Too good for VFL.

 

[Chris25]

I'll defer to those who've seen more VFL, I tend to watch the TAC Cup instead. But I've always said we should be drafting more small forwards.

Seems decent depth, real chance to compete for playing time with Matera and Ballantyne. Can never have too many smart players.

 

[Gekko71]

I like this kid - heads in he right place, seems like a genuine hard-at-it type of player.

Welcome aboard Sam.

 

[M_rash]

Competing for a spot with Ballas. Means he’ll be playing most of 2018! Unless Pilates has stopped Ballas aging

Never heard of him, but his highlights look awesome - just what we need! Imagine if Ballas recaptures his 2014 form.

 

[IAMJUNGLEMUFFIN]

Nick name has to be Ziggy surely.

On GT-I9506 using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[Mitchell Madness]

He has serious skill at VFL level, but unsure if it’ll transfer to the big league. Can only hope

 

[Seppo]

Will be a future star for our club

Bookmark it.

 

[Lach72]

http://www.fremantlefc.com.au/news/2017-11-24/draft-pick-73-sam-switkowski

This is mainly from his first draft year but there's a lot to like here

 

[wayToGo_]

A pressure forward who can actually kick goals? Tick.

 

[meima]

A pressure forward who can actually kick goals? Tick.

Major tick he is fast too .

 

[Wizard]

Switta can seriously play. Fast, evasive, great hands, sticks tackles, knows where the goals are.

Real livewire. I'm disappointed we didn't pick him but hope he goes well. Too good for VFL.

Similar to Poppy at all?

 

[Scham]

Similar to Poppy at all?

I reckon Crowden is more Poppy like.

 

[Allikat]

I think of the non top 5 picks of ours, this guy intrigues me the most. His highlights package looks great, and he genuinely looks like a smart, quick footballer. Kinda wonder why he hasn't been picked up before.

And sorry I didn't go to any Box Hill games this year, and can't remember seeing him last year so I can't add any insight from VFL level.

 

[Scham]

We definitely got some footballers in this draft. All seem to have really good footy smarts. The dumbarse brigade is slowly but surely being eradicated!

 

[Jesslc]

Switkowski is one of the best pressure tacklers ive ever seen. Had 30-35 in two weeks last year in the VFL.

Really rate him highly in all aspects though. Once he gets a game, he'll stay in.

Just some info