Player Watch Welcome James Blanck. Extends to 2026!

[toomanysquibs]

Hartigan was awful in the VFL on the weekend.

Certainly has a leap.

Watched his game again, has ridiculous athleticism, and reads it well. Smooth mover to boot. hard to fathom him being in the VFL based on this sample size so far. Not like the dogs are lacking for key forwards who can mark it either. Was beaten for positioning:strength a couple of times. You can morw than forgive that though given the scoreline and who we were playing. Looking forward to seeing his Tom Lynch duel in a few weeks. He can match him in every physical aspect of the game at a guess (assuming Sic doesn’t take Lynch again).

 

[Simon Crawshay]

Watched his game again, has ridiculous athleticism, and reads it well. Smooth mover to boot. hard to fathom him being in the VFL based on this sample size so far. Not like the dogs are lacking for key forwards who can mark it either. Was beaten for positioning:strength a couple of times. You can morw than forgive that though given the scoreline and who we were playing. Looking forward to seeing his Tom Lynch duel in a few weeks. He can match him in every physical aspect of the game at a guess (assuming Sic doesn’t take Lynch again).

I reckon Lynch probably has him for strength but Blanck would have him covered for speed (he is surprising quick for a guy his size).

It’s already been noted here but what I was most impressed with on Friday night was his composure and ball use, wasn’t expecting that at all!

 

[TylerDurden]

 

[toomanysquibs]

I reckon Lynch probably has him for strength but Blanck would have him covered for speed (he is surprising quick for a guy his size).

It’s already been noted here but what I was most impressed with on Friday night was his composure and ball use, wasn’t expecting that at all!

Actually you are right, Lynch would definitely have the better core strength and stronger frame after so long in the AFL system.

Either way, best like for like match up we have had for Lynch since he came to the Tigers - though Sic did really well last time round in the one on ones in particular.

 

[CHUBBSS]

You reckon he looks like an actual hawk here… eyes beaming for that footy.

Surprise of the weekend for mine, whatever we did to sneak him to the mid season second pick I am shocked

 

[lyger]

Hartigan was awful in the VFL on the weekend.

Certainly has a leap.

I was equally impressed he made an effective spoil against two opponents, directed the ball towards the boundary, and stayed on his feet.

Did it with great assurance, made me feel confident about having him in the side. Looks a real gem.

 

[Stard Picket]

James Blanck

DRAFT ANALYSIS: “A remarkable story of a local league defender who has bolted into draft contention on the back of some terrific performances this year.”

central.rookieme.com

This was a good read, feel like it sums up what I saw on Friday. His speed is insane and all of his weaknesses should be overcome with a professional program.

 

[burner1]

Pretty crazy he struggled to make box hill team last year (spent more time out of side than in) and played afl last week.

Key backs (particular the lockdown types) and rucks seem to often come out of nowhere. Once they get the physicality/strength/athleticism required the improvement can be rapid.

 

[Mitchell Madness]

Was surprised just how quick he was, as I thought he just looked fast because he was playing in the vfl

 

[Hawks1994]

Strikes me (admittedly from a very limited sample size) as the type of player who thrives on the high paced and competitive nature of senior football

Sometimes players come across that don't blow the VFL, SANFL, etc. apart; but take the step to AFL so naturally. Hopefully I'm right in saying that James is one of those players

On top of that, word from the club is that he is a stellar human being

 

[Dewyyyyy]

Strikes me (admittedly from a very limited sample size) as the type of player who thrives on the high paced and competitive nature of senior football

Sometimes players come across that don't blow the VFL, SANFL, etc. apart; but take the step to AFL so naturally. Hopefully I'm right in saying that James is one of those players

On top of that, word from the club is that he is a stellar human being

He's been very good at VFL level all year, wasn't surprised to see him do well.

 

[Jables]

Pretty crazy he struggled to make box hill team last year (spent more time out of side than in) and played afl last week.

Key backs (particular the lockdown types) and rucks seem to often come out of nowhere. Once they get the physicality/strength/athleticism required the improvement can be rapid.

Well Smith went from Redan to the VFL to being drafted in the top 20 at the end of the year. Never heard of something like that for a tall unless there was some growth spurt, improvement is mostly gradual but it's all relative, because once they do start having a bigger impact it's important for a team.

 

[Blackhawk42]

Strikes me (admittedly from a very limited sample size) as the type of player who thrives on the high paced and competitive nature of senior football

Sometimes players come across that don't blow the VFL, SANFL, etc. apart; but take the step to AFL so naturally. Hopefully I'm right in saying that James is one of those players

On top of that, word from the club is that he is a stellar human being

I'm huge on this concept and people can be so dismissive of it.

Happens in all sports. Cricket a great example. Marcus Stoinis and Marnus Labashagne weren't necessarily ripping the door off the hinges at domestic level despite being promising cricketers.

If you are an overthinker as a personality type it can be more difficult playing second level sport. You over analyse your own performance often to your detriment. Plus the higher skill level at the next step lends itself to predicting general play.

Not saying Blanck is that type, but it wouldn't surprise me if he was.

 

[Suntory Boss Coffee]

You over analyse your own performance often to your detriment

He was very dirty on himself a few times so wouldn't surprise me if this is his personality. Shows that he cares if anything.

 

[KermitJagger]

Strikes me (admittedly from a very limited sample size) as the type of player who thrives on the high paced and competitive nature of senior football

Sometimes players come across that don't blow the VFL, SANFL, etc. apart; but take the step to AFL so naturally. Hopefully I'm right in saying that James is one of those players

On top of that, word from the club is that he is a stellar human being

Incredibly hard to judge players outside of the midfield on VFL form, there are so many positions in AFL where you depend on the quality of your team mates to be involved - or you're in positions where you don't have the remit to involve yourself more.

The VFL has worse grounds, worse conditions and lower quality players. Look at a guy like Fritsch, great production in the AFL but if he was never picked up he wouldn't be doing any better in the VFL. Feel like AFL teams leave a lot on the table when it comes to recruitment from the state leagues.

 

[MrPremiership]

Looks a very competitive bugger.

Did get outbodied too easily a few times, but I kept my eyes on him every time he lost a contest and he was absolutly filthy with himself, punching the ground, etc. The smarts will come, but like the passion. Hope he plays every game for the rest of the year

 

[Slysh]

We've got a player here!

 

[HairyO]

Brilliant game on Crows younger players and easily was better than them. Fantastic build and great for confidence.

 

[detox]

Looks like a good decision maker too

 

[cryptor]

Not a one trick pony. Highly reliable as a stopper but also looks very composed with the ball in hand, prepared to take things on himself and not just a predictable sideways handball out to someone else. Looks like a 10+ year player and not just a stop gap solution.

 

[Billyc]

Another great get in the MSD. Looks a good player.

 

[fairdinks]

Looks like a good decision maker too

and bloody quick. I like his poise. Will get caught occasionally but will be a weapon in time.

 

[Strapping Young Lad]

I really like what he’s done since he’s come in. Doesn’t look out of place at all.

 

[Dewwwww]

Closing speed is huge and just manages to get a fist in to kill the ball no matter of the situation.

We now have our 2 pillar key defenders

Is it time to start a Sicily to Full Forward thread yet?

 

[burner1]

Just one of those players who like Jai and Stratton just comes in and adjusts to level almost straight away. Crazy he can step in as a 2nd round msd pick