Much as we want Elvis to play forever, reality is that we have him for this year, maybe next year at most. We've analyzed to death what we have in the cupboard to cover Pav when he goes - I thought it would be interesting to have a look at the most promising book end we have down back... Tanner Smith.
Currently in his second year, Tanner appears to have put on quite a bit of bulk - definitely bigger now than he was when Hale pushed him around in his debut game at Aurora. Haven't seen much of him myself apart from the scratchies, but what I have seen is promising in terms of attitude - very competitive and hard at it, makes good decisions about when to peel off and when to man up. His disposal though.... Well, it's early days yet, but someone should maybe hire a dedicated kicking coach for the kid.
A few mentions of him from players interviewed in media - Fyfe in footy forecast comes to mind - what are the odds on Tanner being given games this year to fast track his development? With Silvagni still coming back from injury, one would think that given how thin we are on the ground for KPD's, Tanner just may get a call up when Lukey is being managed. Also, what do people think of Tanner's developing into a good player for us once Luke hangs up the boots?
Currently in his second year, Tanner appears to have put on quite a bit of bulk - definitely bigger now than he was when Hale pushed him around in his debut game at Aurora. Haven't seen much of him myself apart from the scratchies, but what I have seen is promising in terms of attitude - very competitive and hard at it, makes good decisions about when to peel off and when to man up. His disposal though.... Well, it's early days yet, but someone should maybe hire a dedicated kicking coach for the kid.
A few mentions of him from players interviewed in media - Fyfe in footy forecast comes to mind - what are the odds on Tanner being given games this year to fast track his development? With Silvagni still coming back from injury, one would think that given how thin we are on the ground for KPD's, Tanner just may get a call up when Lukey is being managed. Also, what do people think of Tanner's developing into a good player for us once Luke hangs up the boots?
