Past Scott Harding (2005-2009)

[Lady Lawrence]

Pick 66 in the 2004 Rookie Draft

Summary:

* fastest at club (#3)
* compared to Akermanis (#8)
* medial ligament strain (#19)
* Grogan medal results (#22)
* 2007 review (#23)
* Harding considers suing the Gabba (#50)
* Grogan medal results (#62)
* 2008 review (#73)
* pain killing injections (#106)
* delisted (#112)
* 2009 review (#124)

Merrett-Murray medal results:

2005: -
2006: 22nd (14 votes)
2007: 25th (15 votes)
2008: =27th (6.5 votes)
2009: 20th (11 votes)

Tribunal record:

none

 

[loyallion]

Re: Scott Harding

Thankyou LL for doing this,

Ok heres some info on Scott harding I found on the Lions site.

Guernsey Number: 45


Height 181cm


Weight: 78kg


Recruited From: Mt Gravatt (QLD)


Date of Birth: 19 June 1986




Player Statistics - Scott Harding
Season
AFL 2006 Premiership Season

Round Date vs. K H P M HO T FF FA G B
Round 1 01/04/2006 Geelong 7 5 12 4 0 1 1 1 0 0
Round 2 08/04/2006 Essendon 5 6 11 2 0 4 0 0 0 0
Round 3 13/04/2006 St Kilda 2 9 11 0 0 1 0 1 0 0
Round 7 13/05/2006 Hawthorn 1 5 6 1 0 2 0 0 0 0
Round 10 03/06/2006 Collingwood 3 6 9 1 0 2 0 0 0 0
Round 12 17/06/2006 Western Bulldogs 5 7 12 3 0 0 0 0 0 0
Round 13 01/07/2006 Carlton 7 3 10 0 0 1 2 0 1 3
Round 14 08/07/2006 Melbourne 5 7 12 2 0 0 0 1 0 0
Round 15 15/07/2006 Kangaroos 7 2 9 2 0 0 0 0 0 1
Round 16 22/07/2006 Hawthorn 10 6 16 5 0 2 1 0 0 0
Round 17 29/07/2006 Essendon 4 7 11 2 0 1 0 1 0 0
Round 18 06/08/2006 Geelong 4 4 8 4 0 3 0 1 1 0
Round 19 12/08/2006 Richmond 5 2 7 2 0 4 1 1 0 0
Round 22 02/09/2006 St Kilda 8 16 24 6 0 1 0 0 0 2



CAREER BRIEFS
Previous Clubs: Morningside
Draft Details: 2004 Rookie Draft
AFL Debut: Rd 1, 2006 v Geelong, Skilled Stadium
AFL Finals: 0

From being content with a spot in the side to play Essendon in the NAB Cup, to an AFL debut at Geelong in Round 1, Brisbane Lions promoted rookie Scott Harding certainly had whirlwind start to the season.

Harding, 19, entered 2006 just as he had the year before, on the Lions rookie list and hoping to play a senior pre-season game.

But he quickly found himself re-assessing his goals. Firstly because of a stunning best-on-ground 28 possession debut against the Bombers in a thrilling Round 1 NAB Cup win at Carrara.

And secondly because of the tragic knee injury that befell midfielder Richard Hadley, which saw Harding promoted onto the senior list. Days later, the Morningside product found himself making his premiership season debut against Geelong on a cold and blustery day at Skilled Stadium.

"It happened very quickly actually. I didn't even get time to think about it - which is probably a good thing," Harding said

"The NAB Cup game come up pretty quick and it just flew from there. Next thing I knew it was Round 1."

Harding was told by Leigh Matthews early in the week leading up to Round 1 that he would be both promoted and playing in the Lions' season opener.

The good news came with a warning about making the transition from pre-season to season proper and Harding says his coach couldn't have been more on the money - particularly when it came to Skilled Stadium

"Leigh said to me before that game that there was a big step up from playing Round 1 NAB Cup to Round 1 in the AFL home and away season. And he was definitely right," Harding recalled.

"There was a lot more pressure and it seemed a lot more serious. I think everyone paid a lot more attention to the game, the intensity picked up and the games are a lot harder to get into.

"It (Skilled) wasn't the friendliest environment to have my first game. It was freezing and windy. But it was a good experience."

The 2005 Queensland state representative picked up 12 possessions in the disappointing 77-point loss to the Cats, but got to celebrate his first four points as a senior Lion the next week at the Gabba, notching 11 disposals in an 18-point win over Essendon.

That made it two wins from as many outings against the Bombers, a trend he hopes continues throughout his Lions career.

"We've gone pretty well against Essendon so far - hopefully I can keep that going.," he said.

"Playing at the Gabba was good, just to get in front of the home crowd and have my friends and family all there. And then getting in the middle to sing the team song at the end was a great feeling."

Not surprisingly, given his rapid progress to date, Harding has been forced to re-evaluate his aims for 2006. He now has his eyes set on playing double-figure matches for the year, along with working on the aspects of his play that can put him in contention for a senior game week-in, week-out.

"I'm aiming to get 10 goals under my belt for the year but every game is a bonus really," Harding explained.

"My endurance has always been average, so I've always got to work on that. But you can't really work on that during the season - it's more of a pre-season thing. Other than that, I'm just hoping to get my confidence up to take everyone on and carry the ball and play with a bit of flair.

"All the conditioning staff have been great and just having another full pre-season really helped me. It helped with my running and my strength and my actual football skills have probably improved as well.

"Just being around all the professionalism of the club has been huge."

 

[Grimreepah]

Re: Scott Harding

Article

Harding wildcard hope
By Damien Stannard
February 10, 2007 11:00pm

QUICK-stepping midfielder Scott Harding looms as the wildcard as the Lions look to find a dangerous forward crumber for 2007. Having filled the role last year, Ashley McGrath has the inside running, but he faces competition from Harding and Albert Proud for the Lions' AFL season opener against Hawthorn on March 31.
Finding a roving forward has been a problem for coach Leigh Matthews since the retirement of triple premiership player Craig McRae and departure of Blake Caracella in 2004.
The Lions have deployed McGrath, Anthony Corrie, Rhan Hooper and Harding as forward scavengers. All achieved some success but none managed the consistency of McRae, who booted 176 goals in 156 games.
Corrie has shown glimpses but will miss half the season as he recovers from a knee reconstruction while Hooper, a ferocious tackler, walked out on the club during the pre-season. That leaves 20-year-old Harding, McGrath and first-year player Proud as the leading options for the NAB Cup game against St Kilda in Cairns on February 24.
McRae, now an assistant coach at Richmond, said Harding could fill the role, provided he worked on endurance.
"I think he has all the attributes," McRae said.
"I've heard he's worked hard to get his fitness level up. You've got to be willing to work hard and have speed to chase out of the forward line. It's not a rewarding role."
Harding was elevated from the rookie list last season, replacing the injured Nigel Lappin, and went on to play 14 games.
The Mt Gravatt product was the fastest Lion over 20m (2.79sec) in pre-season testing.
He is now concentrating on the other elements demanded to be a crumbing force under the likes of Jonathan Brown and Daniel Bradshaw.
Harding has improved his endurance over the summer, posting a personal-best 13.9 in the beep test last week, and is keen to show precision in front of goal.
"I've been working pretty hard on my goalkicking, running shots, snap shots and foot skills," he said. "The best make the most of their chances and finish well."
McGrath does not turn 24 until May but his relative experience -- he debuted in 2001 -- gives him an edge.
Matthews knows what makes a good forward pocket, having finished his sterling career at Hawthorn in that position.
"The measuring stick is how much pressure you can put on your opponent," said Matthews, who rates Melbourne's Aaron Davey and Byron Pickett as the league's benchmarks.
Harding said whoever ends up buzzing around the feet of Bradshaw and Brown would enjoy the post.
"It makes your job a lot easier having blokes like that to rove to," he said.

 

[Hollow Knight]

Re: Scott Harding

Could Harding become our own Daniel Kerr (minus the anti-social behavior)?

Incredible poise, timing and balance around the packs.

Really coming on strong this year!

 

[danielcan]

Re: Scott Harding

Sure is BrownDog. And he seizes opportunities in a split second like... whoa, where did that goal come from?

Harding is also very down to earth. He's fast becoming another of my favourites. I'll actually take the courtesy of chatting to him first now, before talking to my other (favourite) players.

 

[notting18]

Re: Scott Harding

Could Harding become our own Daniel Kerr (minus the anti-social behavior)?

Incredible poise, timing and balance around the packs.

Really coming on strong this year!

A very interesting comparison...he does seem like a similar type of player - lets hope he can reach those lofty standards

 

[xplo]

Re: Scott Harding

Could Harding become our own Daniel Kerr (minus the anti-social behavior)?

Incredible poise, timing and balance around the packs.

Really coming on strong this year!

I'm loathed to make comparisons generally, but I reckon that one's not bad. The thing he has that Kerr has, is the ability to burst hard and still 'hold the road' while arcing and weaving through heavy traffic. He has exceptional balance and you rarely see him lose his feet which is a massive thing.

Aka had it too, so he's actually giving back us some of the stuff we lost when Aka went.

As TFB said recently, if Huddo can just help him find another 5-10M with his kick he'll be a real find.

 

[Grimreepah]

Re: Scott Harding

Link

Young Aker sighted at Lions

May 7, 2007 - 5:34PM



A Gabba showdown between the Brisbane Lions and former golden boy Jason Akermanis is not scheduled until next month.
But Lions coach Leigh Matthews believes he saw a "young Jason Akermanis" at Brisbane's home ground during their convincing weekend AFL victory over Fremantle.
Blooded last year as a result of Brisbane's shocking injury run, Scott Harding, 20, has already earned comparisons with the former Brownlow medallist from the master coach.
"There's a bit of Jason Akermanis in his younger days about him - that ability to really surge forward in the pack," Matthews said.
"Scott Harding's ability to carry the ball clear of the congestion is another attribute for our team.
"Scotty does that better than almost all our players."
Indeed Matthews would have been forgiven for feeling a sense of deja vu during Brisbane's 45-point thumping of Fremantle that pushed the Lions into the top three.
Apart from Harding channelling Akermanis, the Lions midfield showed signs of regaining the strength that powered them to three straight premierships.
"We've got a fairly good six or eight in there that spread it from the contest pretty well," Matthews said.
"Richard Hadley is getting better, so is Simon Black, and Luke Power."
But it was Harding who earned special praise from Matthews, who rated the Brisbane product as one of the Lions' three most promising youngsters.
"When you talk about Cheynee Stiller, Jason Roe and Scott Harding they are certainly rookies but they have more than justified the faith (put in them)," he said.
"They were not rated highly in the draft but were given their chance and are three that are doing really well for us."

I think Harding might be wanting to play down the Aker comparison

 

[lionbear]

Re: Scott Harding

Link



I think Harding might be wanting to play down the Aker comparison

I think so too, but his development is looking good will be a great player for many years to come.

 

[danielcan]

Re: Scott Harding

Finals in sight: Harding

Brought to you by LAINE CLARK, AAP

News

THERE is finally light at the end of the tunnel for the once-battling Brisbane Lions and it is shining firmly on finals footy, according to midfielder Scott Harding.

The 20-year-old must have wondered what he had got himself into when he was elevated from the rookie list by the injury-plagued Lions last season.

The once-mighty Lions were hammered in 2006, missing the finals for the second straight season after finishing with a 7-15 record - coach Leigh Matthews' worst result since taking over in 1999.

Fast forward to round seven in the 2007 AFL season and Harding can hardly stress the difference in the Lions' camp's atmosphere.
He even muttered the `f' word - finals.

"It's a lot different. It's a great vibe at the club at the moment," he said.

"After getting off to a good start we are actually feeling the finals coming up.

"You see them there and you want to get to them. Last year there was no excitement, just a terrible feeling after games.

"We haven't talked about it (finals) but it is more in our sights, more than last year."

Harding is happier than most Brisbane Lions players after earning comparisons with Brownlow medallist and former Lion Jason Akermanis from Matthews following their 45-point weekend thumping of Fremantle.

His performance helped Brisbane move to a 4-2 record and grab a top-three ladder spot.

It also sparked good natured ribbing at Lions training.

"Hey Aker," his teammates yelled out as Harding walked toward the waiting media.

"It's obviously a compliment. He's been one of the better players over the last 10 years, but obviously I have got a lot of work to do to get to that status," Harding said.

"Leigh doesn't give out praise that often so you've got to take it."

A "bulked up" Harding is riding high with the revitalised Lions but does not have to be reminded his spot is hardly cemented for the season.
Brisbane is boasting a near full-strength squad with the likes of Mitch Clark (leg) and Matthew Leuenberger (groin) back to full fitness and Josh Drummond knocking on the door after bagging seven goals in the reserves last weekend.

But Harding has gained confidence since forcing his way into the Lions' line-up from the rookie list last year.

"I took the long route I guess - it makes it a bit more special (making the AFL)," he said.

"I guess you have people doubting you but I guess if you don't have self belief you won't get anywhere."

In other news, matchwinning forward Jonathan Brown was nursed through training after landing heavily on his hip against Fremantle but is expected to join the main group by Friday.

Another co-captain Chris Johnson also did not train with the main group but is expected to line up against Adelaide at the Gabba on Saturday night.

The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the club.

http://lions.com.au/Season2007/News/NewsArticle/tabid/5085/Default.aspx?newsId=42915

 

[freebyronpickett]

Re: Scott Harding

He is an unusual looking guy, funny eyebrows and tanned skin.

What ethnicity is he ? Obviously not aboriginal or we'd have heard something by now ...

 

[danielcan]

Re: Scott Harding

He is an unusual looking guy, funny eyebrows and tanned skin.

What ethnicity is he ? Obviously not aboriginal or we'd have heard something by now ...

Irrelevant.

 

[Herbs]

Re: Scott Harding

The kid is good, real good. Been noticing his good work in every game.

 

[irel]

Re: Scott Harding

Aker speaks about Harding!

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,21702116-5003410,00.html

Boost for HardingAndrew Hamilton
May 10, 2007 12:00am


SCOTT Harding took comparisons with Jason Akermanis as a compliment, while the former Lions star was thrilled his old teammate was doing well but did not want to burden him with unfair comparisons.

Well, it's too late.
Lions coach Leigh Matthews isn't one to go overboard with public praise yet he seems to break his rules for Harding.

"It's good to have that connection," Harding said of the coach's support.

"Leigh doesn't give out praise very often so you've got to take it."

Last season, after Harding's first senior game, in the NAB Cup clash with Essendon at Carrara, Matthews said the rookie's effort was "as good a first game" as anyone had played.

Last Sunday, after Harding played a key role in dismantling the Dockers, he compared him to a young Akermanis.

It's a fair wrap when you consider "Aker" went on to play in three premierships and win a Brownlow Medal.

"It's obviously a compliment," Harding said.

"But he's been one of the better players over the past 10 years, so I've got a ot of work to do to get to that status."

Akermanis has a soft spot for Harding; he knows his father Russell and kept tabs on Scott's progress through the juniors.

"I don't want to talk about comparisons. He is nine years down the track so they're not fair on him," Akermanis said.

"Hopefully in nine years we can make comparisons. I hope he can have the career I"ve had.

"He's a terrific talent and a local guy too and you always want to see them do well.

"He's made a good start and now he has to carry on with it. It's up to him."

Matthews made the comparison because of Harding's ability to carry the ball clear of traffic and his obvious pace.

"There's a bit of Jason Akermanis in his younger days about him, that ability to surge forward in the pack," Matthews said.

"His ability to carry the ball clear of congestion is another attribute for our team.

"Scotty does that better than almost all our players."

Harding joined the Lions through the rookie draft and was elevated to the senior list when the club suffered a run of injuries last season.

"I took the long route I guess, but these days you can get to the AFL through the rookie list system. That was always the goal, and it makes it a little bit more special," he said.

"I never doubted myself. You have people doubting you but self belief is the main thing and if you don't have that you won't get anywhere. You start off below everyone and it is a challenge to get above them."

Akermanis says Queenslanders are often overlooked, since they develop later than the Victorian juniors because they aren't in a regular top-quality under-18s competition.

But that means they provide great value in the draft.

"I think the Queensland blokes might take an extra year or two, but they are better at 20 and 21 than some of the guys who were high draft picks," he said.

 

[Grimreepah]

Re: Scott Harding

 

[Ceebee]

Re: Scott Harding

Love what he is doing, just hope he doesn't bleach his hair and grow a goatie.

 

[Grimreepah]

Re: Scott Harding

Link

Harding was the obvious replacement for Hooper because of his electric pace and evasive skills.
He too has been in top form in the reserves and was just shaded for a call-up last week by co-captain Chris Johnson, who came in to replace injured forward Ash McGrath.

ELECTRIC pace . . . Scott Harding was the logical replacement for the suspended Rhan Hooper.

 

[Grimreepah]

Re: Scott Harding

Any word on the extent of Scotty's knee injury?

Link

Brisbane will also be without Scott Harding, who sustained a serious knee injury in the game.

Link

Harding is expected to miss the rest of the season with a medial ligament strain

Injuryupdate says he is still to have scans to determine the extent of the injury.

 

[The Flying Belgian]

Re: Scott Harding

Although an overview, medial's are the "good' ligament to injure. No reco needed usually.

 

[Vipertooth]

Re: Scott Harding

Although an overview, medial's are the "good' ligament to injure. No reco needed usually.

He should be fit and fireing next season then? AWSOME

GO HARDING

 

[notting18]

Re: Scott Harding

Although an overview, medial's are the "good' ligament to injure. No reco needed usually.

Even a bad medial is usually 6-8 weeks max isn't it? So not the worst news for Scott - he will be able to start the next preseason, which is so important these days.

 

[Grimreepah]

Re: Scott Harding

Link

AFLQ Grogan Medal results

8:37 AM Wed 12 September, 2007
for lions.com.au

Promising young rover Scott Harding never lowered his standards when sent back to the Suncoast Lions and finished as the club’s leading votegetter in AFLQ’s 2007 Grogan Medal count on Monday night.

The diminutive Harding, who made his senior debut in 2006 after being elevated from the rookie list, finished sixth overall behind winner Todd Featherstone.

It was an impressive performance by Harding, who played more senior games than he did at State league level.

He didn’t poll a vote until the halfway mark of the season, then polled best afield votes in Rounds 10, 11, 13 in wins against Redland, Mt Gravatt and Broadbeach respectively.

Harding’s final best afield vote came in Round 17 in a losing side at Broadbeach, earning him senior selection the following week.

He finished with 12 votes, six behind Labrador rover Featherstone.

 

[Grimreepah]

Re: Scott Harding

End of Season Player Review

After playing as a promoted rookie in 2006, Harding started the year on the senior list for the first time this year. It was a year where he showed some terrific signs, but also that he has a few areas that need considerable work.

He began the year in the starting 22 and was showing a tremendous ability to be able to manoeuvre and weave out of congestion. He wasn’t getting a lot of the ball, but he looked dangerous when he did, and was offering us a bit of spark that other players lacked. Leigh even said there were similarities to the former champ – Jason Akermanis.

He kept his spot for the first 8 weeks, but only averaging 13 possessions a game he came into the firing line when the team started to struggle. He went back to the 2s and played some tremendous footy for Suncoast (finishing the year as their leading player in the Grogan Medal), but only returned to the senior side for the odd game here and there.

The areas Harding needs to work on are - firstly, his kicking. While his action looks fairly coordinated and natural he lacks penetration. Often his good work darting out of the pack is undone by a cream puff floater into the forward 50 that opposition defenders can eat for breakfast. Secondly, with regard to his defensive pressure he seems to lack the presence or referred pressure that others like Hooper and McGrath have when the opponent has the ball. Also, it was interesting to learn that Harding is very strong for his size, because he doesn’t really utilise that on the field. Perhaps he needs to look at someone like Kerr to learn how to impose some aggression and take an opponent on. Finally, as Harding himself indicated early in the year, he needs to build up his endurance to be able to compete in the midfield.

Harding is an exciting player and with his speed and elusiveness he is suited to the modern game and has a big upside. However there are not many spots available for his type of role especially now that Hooper has overtaken him by a considerable margin. With others knocking on the door he’ll have to quickly realise that potential if he wants to play regular senior footy in 2008.

 

[danielcan]

Re: Scott Harding

Footy Tazos are back in Smith's Crisps.
http://www.smithsfooty.com.au/

Scott Harding is one of the four Brisbane Lions players (former and current) under the Legends theme, specifically FUTURE LEGEND.

I can't wait to get my hands on that Tazo.

 

[T Rick]

Re: Scott Harding

I would almost bet my house that Scott will be an inclusion this week. For who? I couldn't tell you that. Either Henderson, Rischitelli or Hooper. Lets see how i go.