Toast Sam Menegola

[dazbroncos]

You're right, but shouldn't the coaches talk to him about that ?
To be fair against the better teams maybe he's receiving under pressure more often than not.

Yes and no. Coaches should be talking about this yes - but players have to feel the space around them and have a feel for the game.
And being able to "rush a kick" IMO should be doable. Im not expecting 100% efficiency with that of course, but sometimes the meters gained are more important than the clean disposal - see the Tigers "get it forward" game plan.

And receiving balls under pressure would be a factor - totally correct - im just talking about his wind up et al whence he gets it.

Again, its only a little thing in the grand scheme of things - but its noticeable.

GO Catters

 

[Ratcat]

Yes and no. Coaches should be talking about this yes - but players have to feel the space around them and have a feel for the game.
And being able to "rush a kick" IMO should be doable. Im not expecting 100% efficiency with that of course, but sometimes the meters gained are more important than the clean disposal - see the Tigers "get it forward" game plan.

And receiving balls under pressure would be a factor - totally correct - im just talking about his wind up et al whence he gets it.

Again, its only a little thing in the grand scheme of things - but its noticeable.

GO Catters

It is evident , might be that he's sort of robotic with flexibility, funny style of movement he's got.
Still he gets the ball marks and goals as well as any more times than not.
But yes his ceiling is even higher if he just thinks a little faster.
Most improved player in the comp since rd 19 says it all, can we recruit another like him? Bolton?

 

[dazbroncos]

It is evident , might be that he's sort of robotic with flexibility, funny style of movement he's got.
Still he gets the ball marks and goals as well as any more times than not.
But yes his ceiling is even higher if he just thinks a little faster.
Most improved player in the comp since rd 19 says it all, can we recruit another like him? Bolton?

I just want to see him do exactly what he does, but do it faster, when the need arises.

GO Catters

 

[Ratcat]

I just want to see him do exactly what he does, but do it faster, when the need arises.

GO Catters

He possibly needs to be made aware of this little issue regarding his style under heavy pressure.
Coaches could work on his disposal speed with him to improve his disposals and choices.
After a slow start to the season he's now well ahead of his 2017 output but with some fine tuning there's plenty more imo.
My fav player actually.

 

[BUSTER29]

I just want to see him do exactly what he does, but do it faster, when the need arises.

GO Catters

All will be revealed in a bit under 3 weeks time,barring a colossal boil over this Saturday at KP.
Not just for Menegola either,we have had quite a few deliver underwhelming performances in September in recent seasons. Players and Coaches.
How good would it be too see the team get off to an absolute flyer in Q1 of our first final,and see what effect that has on our form/confidence.

 

[David the Cat]

Has Menegola played 50 games yet?

Ita a whole new ball game at AFL level....and a bigger step when it comes to finals. Its been a steep learning curve for Sam but he is a much better player now than when he arrived.

I expect him to adjust to the manic pressure of finals football much better this year...(presuming no catastrophe next week)

Slightly off topic...but I'll be interested to see how Kelly goes in finals football.....the signs are certainly good....

 

[Larry Donohue]

Menegola is a machine gun extra mid in our line up. Kicks important goals and long goals at that
I want to take the extra n adopted for him and place it where mcavaney, darcy and bt don't shine.
other than that it is love from me

 

[allrighty]

My knock on SM is his speed/awareness with the ball.

Im not referring to his speed across the ground - rather he is one paced in his ability to get rid of it. It seems, IMO, he always seems to take 3 steps to kick and clear it - and ehn the pressure is on gets smothered/ effected more often than not. The ability to recognise and react to pressure and change gears in getting it off needs work.

Also when he marks ( which he is very good at mostly) his ability to get back off the mark and turn around takes too long. I get holding it up when there is nothing forward of the ball - no issue there - but getting to that position to make the assessment is what im talking about.

Just a bug bear of mine.

But otherwise, a fair return on pick 66 or so.

GO Catters

I think that is a spoton assessment. He seems to misread the pressure around him and almost place the ball onto his boot just at the time when he needs to put in a quick step or throw it on the boot. He pluses far outweigh the negs though in my view.

EDIT: noted in later posts

 

[Ratcat]

Currently our 2nd best on AFL player ratings 23rd. Not bad!
2nd highest ranked mid/fwd overall AFL.
Big mids rule.