Player Watch Welcome to Hawthorn, Denver Grainger-Barras - re-signed to 2024!

[Strapping Young Lad]

 

[Jazzfan]

Because he's 20, resting rucks are still big.

No doubt, but none have really been natural forwards or overly strong in the air.

Point was more around he hasn't been given the opposition key forwards this year, which is smart.

 

[KermitJagger]

No doubt, but none have really been natural forwards or overly strong in the air.

Point was more around he hasn't been given the opposition key forwards this year, which is smart.

Sure, we've got better options for them.

He has rotated on to key forwards occasionally though, stood Naughton on the weekend a couple of times and didn't lose. He needs some time to develop and with luck he could become that Grimes or Rampe type of defender who looks undersized but is able to play on big forwards.

 

[HawthornHawk]

Denver's ceiling is huge and if he fulfills his potential we'll have a really important player on our hands.

What i've found a bit concerning is that the coaches comments from Box Hill have often commented on his inability to maintain concentration throughout a game. Hopefully this is fitness related and can be improved. It's been pretty evident a few times when more cumbersome opponents of his have managed to completely cook him on simple double back leads.

 

[toomanysquibs]

He's avoided those big key forwards you've mentioned this year mate.

He's mostly had either the medium/small types, Weightman, Cumberland, Ainsworth recently, or a resting ruckman like Soldo earlier in the year and Miller rd 22 (alongside Cumberland and ultimately Lynch).

Not posting about if he will or want make it, just saying he hasn't been ragged dolled by big forwards this year because other than a brief stint on Lynch, he hasn't stood them really.

Hopefully he has a massive pre-season.

He started on Curnow against the Blues, and was directly opposed to them all at contests at times in 2022 – it's just the way footy is played nowadays..

 

[toomanysquibs]

No need to be aggressive mate.

I'm saying I don't think posters that have posted reservations have done so based on DGB playing against key forwards.

Yes, he probably has had contests with them, but these are limited in comparison to the number he has had against medium forwards he's mostly been getting.

Fair call, cleaned it up a bit.

 

[Dewnior]

This isn't to pot DGB (I've done enough of that elsewhere) - but elite athleticism?

He's not slow, but hasn't shown a regular turn of speed on field.
He hasn't shown much of a leap - certainly not elite to overcome his lack of height on 200+ monsters.
He's outbodied by virtually all AFL players - expected of a draftee - but his build is so sleight I fear he won't ever put on significant size to handle a KPF.
He's shorter than virtually every KPF drafted - combined with his lack of leap, I struggle to see how he can be forecast to become a KPD.
He is significantly lacking in stamina, and struggles to run out games, requiring additional bench management.

If anything, his physical size and athleticism is what will hold him back.

3rd Tall interceptor is likely to be his best role - maybe replacing Sicily as the undersized 2nd KPD. Unlike Sicily, he doesn't have another attribute (long kicking) to make up for his physical shortcomings.

I don't question DGB's football ability - more the decision to spend such a high draft pick on a player that will potentially never be able to play in a KPP role due to his physical limitations. It's a big price to pay for a defensive HBF.

Do you think DGB could become a KP or 3rd tall forward?

 

[Dewnior]

What i've found a bit concerning is that the coaches comments from Box Hill have often commented on his inability to maintain concentration throughout a game. Hopefully this is fitness related and can be improved. It's been pretty evident a few times when more cumbersome opponents of his have managed to completely cook him on simple double back leads.

There's plenty of ADHD drugs that can fix that

 

[Davo-27]

There's plenty of ADHD drugs that can fix that

Or just increase your testosterone, testosterone helps with concentration/focus.

 

[TDS7]

Or just increase your testosterone, testosterone helps with concentration/focus.

I mean if we're getting really serious, I've got a mate who can get his hands on some real primo stuff. Just don't ask questions and go see Mr. Dank 'round the back when you're ready.

 

[Brishawk]

I mean if we're getting really serious, I've got a mate who can get his hands on some real primo stuff. Just don't ask questions and go see Mr. Dank 'round the back when you're ready.

Shane Charter likes this.

 

[Simon_Nesbit]

Do you think DGB could become a KP or 3rd tall forward?

KP Forward? No. Same issues (magnified) he has a defender, just not tall/big/strong enough.

3rd Tall (at either end) - I think this is where he ends up - similar to a Frost (or early Stratton) he can step up on some KPP's but his physical dimensions will give limitations to his suitable opponents. At best he could be a Gibson (who was exceptional btw), but don't think he has the athleticism Gibbo had to overcome his midget-ness (as a KPP)

His draft highlights show more elements of the Howe/Lever 3rd man in Interceptor, less of the McGovern/Sicily/(Lake) 1 on 1 contested intercept marks. So that means playing a FB, CHB, and DGB as the 3rd tall covering.

 

[KermitJagger]

KP Forward? No. Same issues (magnified) he has a defender, just not tall/big/strong enough.

3rd Tall (at either end) - I think this is where he ends up - similar to a Frost (or early Stratton) he can step up on some KPP's but his physical dimensions will give limitations to his suitable opponents. At best he could be a Gibson (who was exceptional btw), but don't think he has the athleticism Gibbo had to overcome his midget-ness (as a KPP)

His draft highlights show more elements of the Howe/Lever 3rd man in Interceptor, less of the McGovern/Sicily/(Lake) 1 on 1 contested intercept marks. So that means playing a FB, CHB, and DGB as the 3rd tall covering.

How many of Sicily's draft highlights show 1 on 1 contested intercept marks?

 

[Simon_Nesbit]

How many of Sicily's draft highlights show 1 on 1 contested intercept marks?

Was about to go on a rant, then realised "draft" highlights. You're absolutely right. It would be great if DGB could develop into the defensive player Sicily is (despite being 2 inches taller, the younger KPP's are too so he will have the same natural disadvantage). I don't think he could be as offensive attacking.

(He's seemingly a natural at the offensive part!)

 

[Simon Crawshay]

KP Forward? No. Same issues (magnified) he has a defender, just not tall/big/strong enough.

3rd Tall (at either end) - I think this is where he ends up - similar to a Frost (or early Stratton) he can step up on some KPP's but his physical dimensions will give limitations to his suitable opponents. At best he could be a Gibson (who was exceptional btw), but don't think he has the athleticism Gibbo had to overcome his midget-ness (as a KPP)

His draft highlights show more elements of the Howe/Lever 3rd man in Interceptor, less of the McGovern/Sicily/(Lake) 1 on 1 contested intercept marks. So that means playing a FB, CHB, and DGB as the 3rd tall covering.

Gibbo is shorter than DGB by 6cm is but Gibbo was an absolute physical specimen in his playing days at 189cm and 93kg. He was such a beautiful balance of being strong enough to mix it with the big boys and hold his ground yet had panther like reflexes when the ball hit the ground.

This is what is going to break or make DGB, if he can build a body like Gibbo he can be a real asset.

Going to be a big pre season in the gym for the young fella is all I will say.

He should post this picture over his bed as inspiration

 

[Simon_Nesbit]

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NTTAWWT