Toast Smedts up forward

[DanA]

2nd week in a row Smedts has spent time up forward and he looks very good there. Some great tackling including running down Ablett. He's much like Varcoe was in 2007 with his agility and forward pressure except Smedts seems to be finding more of the footy (small sample size of two games). His kicking I still reckon is a bit suspect but I really like the look of this kid as a forward pocket and hope we still see more of him as a forward.

 

[Cursed Cat]

been saying this since his debut.

all the highlights I watched of him as a junior showed him leading and marking strongly and kicking beautifully for goal; of course it's great to have versatility as an option but he looks a natural forward to me.

 

[SE_Blue]

Good for my DT

 

[Gavin Excell]

Reckon was the only bright light in a lazy and average effort from the team

 

[Senatorguesty]

Reckon was the only bright light in a lazy and average effort from the team

Although I agree I think Hawkins presenting and kicking was a highlight as well as Chappys game and Selwoods continued leading from the front, take any of those 3 out and we lose.
Although Smedts was good too I agree.

 

[footscore]

didn't quite time his marks today but was very lively.

He's all shoulders, very, very broad...has quite a bit of filling out to do. Similar physique to Collingwood's Fasolo but much taller and most likely still growing is young Smedts.

 

[meto]

Up forward??? why not!! We might find a way to convert more through the big sticks, think we need to try anything
eg, Harry Taylor up forward, and guess what! It worked.

 

[romeoh]

And he chased and tackled quite well-I like how he goes about it with a lively energy and stays pretty calm, looks for good options.

 

[strauchnyy]

I think his best position (that maximises his strengths) is ultimately in the midfield.

He is quick, evasive, hard to tackle and creative. Most importantly he is different to all other young mids on our list. I understand he needs to put on more weight n develop, n will therefor play on a flank this year but I really hope CS has the awareness that smedts SHOULD be developed into a mid/wing.

 

[Claude Balls]

Scott said (tweet the coach I think..) that they see him as a midfielder in the long run. He'll need to reach about 85kgs minimum, given he's 189cm or so, but that probably won't take more than another two preseasons.

Would make a very good midfielder I reckon. Evasive, quick off the mark, good hands.

 

[yebbo]

2nd week in a row Smedts has spent time up forward and he looks very good there. Some great tackling including running down Ablett. He's much like Varcoe was in 2007 with his agility and forward pressure except Smedts seems to be finding more of the footy (small sample size of two games). His kicking I still reckon is a bit suspect but I really like the look of this kid as a forward pocket and hope we still see more of him as a forward.

In relation to running down Ablett and totally unrelated to the thread. Who was the player who approached Ablett lying on the ground after this tackle and gave him a hard "disrespectful" shove back into the ground. Ablett stood up and mouthed off at him with a real angry look on his face.

Be interesting to know if it was one of his old "mates".

As for Smedts he will become a great midfielder one day...seems to have all the attributes.

 

[DanA]

Long term I agree he's a midfieldeer but for the here and now. I'd play him forward

 

[LongBomb]

In relation to running down Ablett and totally unrelated to the thread. Who was the player who approached Ablett lying on the ground after this tackle and gave him a hard "disrespectful" shove back into the ground. Ablett stood up and mouthed off at him with a real angry look on his face.

Be interesting to know if it was one of his old "mates".

Motlop?

 

[The 747]

In relation to running down Ablett and totally unrelated to the thread. Who was the player who approached Ablett lying on the ground after this tackle and gave him a hard "disrespectful" shove back into the ground. Ablett stood up and mouthed off at him with a real angry look on his face.

Be interesting to know if it was one of his old "mates".

As for Smedts he will become a great midfielder one day...seems to have all the attributes.

Christensen.

Motlop was the one who gave him the bizarre lift tackle. Motlop did some stupid things yesterday actually in general.

 

[DanA]

I'll bump this for emphasis. Reckon he's doing a brilliant job as a defensive forward with the occasional goals as well. I'd have him as a permanent fixture in the team if he keeps this up for a week or two more.

 

[Pure_Ownage]

Yep he's still green, and has areas to improve on, but it's his best position for now. I like his zip and forward pressure and really happy to see him go back with the flight and take that mark. Improving by the week.

 

[hbk_aus]

Had that one bad moment where he panicked and kicked it off the ground when in acres of space, but after that he grew in confidence. Can't wait until he has some more bulk to shake off tackles.

We must remember that this is his first year of any senior footy. Hasn't played two's or anything before this year so there is a lot of improvement to come.

 

[terry_bright]

i do like Smedts, but he has to put his body over the ball and not reach for it. Sometimes you just have to take/make body contact. I hope it's to did with the confidence he has in his body, and not a long-term trait.
Reminds a bit of J.Hird & B.Grgic after their first dozen games. I hope his career heads down the Hird way and we have found ourselves a decent player.

 

[David the Cat]

i do like Smedts, but he has to put his body over the ball and not reach for it. Sometimes you just have to take/make body contact. I hope it's to did with the confidence he has in his body, and not a long-term trait.
Reminds a bit of J.Hird & B.Grgic after their first dozen games. I hope his career heads down the Hird way and we have found ourselves a decent player.

Pretty tough on Smedts there Terry.....Smedts has never before this year played Senior football at any level. He came through the APS system ( not the strongest ) before injuring himself and basically sitting out all of last year. He is reaching the fitness levels he needs at this level, but its a process and he has had setbacks.

He is now just 20, 189cm and just 76kg...so its not surprising he falls short on the inside stuff from time to time....be patient....another full pre season and another 8-10kg and you will have something special that you will like even more.

 

[meto]

Doesn't the club have a closet full of special stuff toput bulk on young skinny bodies???

Forget the 8-10 kilo's even another 4 would make a world of difference, anyhow a fabulous game from the kid who's living up to the hype, at least last night he did.

Number one priority for Billy now is to put on some size, the kid can play.

 

[winty]

Doesn't the club have a closet full of special stuff toput bulk on young skinny bodies???

Forget the 8-10 kilo's even another 4 would make a world of difference, anyhow a fabulous game from the kid who's living up to the hype, at least last night he did.

Number one priority for Billy now is to put on some size, the kid can play.

If they do, they must've given Mackie a wide berth.

 

[Grizzly_82]

Should be a decent player in a pre season or two, really liking the footy smarts the kid has.

Walker was good too should replace pods this year IMO

 

[AlterRob]

Forward pressure between himself and Motlop was unlike anything I'd seen this year. After a few chases their whole backline became nervous when in possession and resorted to just bombing the ball out when in possession, which fell straight into our hands. Great game.

 

[Gaz_Brownlow]

Forward pressure between himself and Motlop was unlike anything I'd seen this year. After a few chases their whole backline became nervous when in possession and resorted to just bombing the ball out when in possession, which fell straight into our hands. Great game.

Getting better every game...will be a superstar!

 

[thegerman]

Whilst he is versatile and definitely has some serious ability, he has to learn to not fly against our bigger players. Once or twice he flew against Hawkins and either spilled the pack or made Hawkins off balance where he hurt himself. Would rather see him stay on the ground and rove the pack.

Got to say though, looked great last night.