Comparing a youngster's output in his first two games with that of a guy who's in his 9th year of AFL? 7 tackles is impressive and he topped the pressure acts tally (with 25) in his first game and he was on the ground for less than 30 minutes. In his second game he was equal 2nd for pressure acts (with 19), kicked a goal and was only on the ground for just 18 minutes.
SPS is a young aboriginal kid originally from one of the most remote towns in Australia who has moved across the country to play for a club that is one of the favourites for the spoon. He had an interrupted first pre-season due to injury but debuted in Round 1 because his coach clearly rates his abilities extremely highly based on what little he has seen so far. Carlton don't seem disappointed in what he has shown so far given the circumstances but I'm sure your assessment using a couple of stats is more accurate
If SPS ever racks up Suban's 1 effective disposal and 4 clangers in an entire game then I'd definitely be questioning my expectation that this kid is going to be a gun but in the meantime I've seen nothing to suggest he won't be. I've watched Sam play live many times and once he is ready and they shift him to an inside/outside role (he's played only on the outside so far) and he gets used to playing with the players around him he'll make far more of an impact.
I hope you'll be more respectful and patient with our pick #8 debuting tonight.
