Player Watch Wil Parker

[Ugene41]

Wil Parker played one of his best games yet, at the top level and in a finals like game against a top of the ladder side.

Brilliant efforts to intercept the ball and demonstrated composure in important defensive moments. Very excited to have this player on our list, he's absolutely earned a contract extension if he didn't have one already. He will be a fast and smart defender moving forward.

Let's put in some appreciation for this kid

Composure is such an underrated thing. The best kids typically display it from day 1.

Don't know why he hasn't had more opportunities this year when we played Markov instead.

 

[Masked Magician]

He played tonight with Houston in the team.

And how did that go? Parker showed he fits our system incredibly well. And Houston made mistake after mistake on a wing

 

[BillyElliott]

And how did that go? Parker showed he fits our system incredibly well. And Houston made mistake after mistake on a wing

I thought Houston had a much better game tonight than he's had recently.

 

[The Royal Sampler]

Houston had a mare, but it was because he was fumbling constantly in the wet and giving away idiotic 50m penalties, nothing to do with being on the wing.

Anyway, glad my man Parker got an opportunity though I thought we were treating him harshly throwing him into a cut-throat game against the top side on the road. I shouldn’t have worried, he was superb. Well done!

 

[Jen2310]

I agree I thought Parker had a really good game. He allows for other players to be let off the leash, and move up the ground. He defends well, and can attack when needed too. Uses the ball with composure

 

[manicpie]

I agree I thought Parker had a really good game. He allows for other players to be let off the leash, and move up the ground. He defends well, and can attack when needed too. Uses the ball with composure

Should have been playing 2 months ago

 

[Jen2310]

Should have been playing 2 months ago

yup, should have played ahead of markov.

 

[Tista7000]

Easily best game he’s played, glad he got to run out a full game. Look forward to him hopefully playing majority of next season, and even better not having to watch Markov come in.

 

[kpsmagpies]

Kid looked like he had it from his first vfl game where he kicked a snag and had over 20. Watched every game he has in played and I been saying for a while he has it. He is tough as nails, defends but also finds the pill and confident with his ball use. At times tries to pick off some hard corridor kicks but I’d rather him back himself than be timid. I don’t mind him not having played as many games at the top level as I’d still rather him play full vfl games and develop than constantly being sub but should hold his place and be a permanent player going forward. Honestly think he is our best kid we haven’t seen much of.

 

[sr36]

Kid looked like he had it from his first vfl game where he kicked a snag and had over 20. Watched every game he has in played and I been saying for a while he has it. He is tough as nails, defends but also finds the pill and confident with his ball use. At times tries to pick off some hard corridor kicks but I’d rather him back himself than be timid. I don’t mind him not having played as many games at the top level as I’d still rather him play full vfl games and develop than constantly being sub but should hold his place and be a permanent player going forward. Honestly think he is our best kid we haven’t seen much of.

You've got to be pretty fearless with your decisions to bowl legspin.

 

[ksardog]

Should have played over a month ago like I was calling for
Will be even better next year
The kid has it, composure skill and has a physical edge to his game

 

[sr36]

Should have played over a month ago like I was calling for
Will be even better next year
The kid has it, composure skill and has a physical edge to his game

I didn't see that coming last year, but he really does straight line it aggressively.

 

[Vicky Park]

Kid looked like he had it from his first vfl game where he kicked a snag and had over 20. Watched every game he has in played and I been saying for a while he has it. He is tough as nails, defends but also finds the pill and confident with his ball use. At times tries to pick off some hard corridor kicks but I’d rather him back himself than be timid. I don’t mind him not having played as many games at the top level as I’d still rather him play full vfl games and develop than constantly being sub but should hold his place and be a permanent player going forward. Honestly think he is our best kid we haven’t seen much of.

I too saw Wil’s first VFL game and thought we had a winner.

I would have preferred to see him in the seniors much earlier this year - but the club must have a plan for his development - and they’ve been sticking to it!

 

[NQPieman]

yup, should have played ahead of markov.

It was plain weird Markov was picked all year. His form last year was really poor and they stuck with it. Kept hearing he's fast, but never uses it to advantage the team, poor 1 v 1 and a turnover merchant. Was good in 2023 though.

 

[TradeDraft]

Houston had a mare, but it was because he was fumbling constantly in the wet and giving away idiotic 50m penalties, nothing to do with being on the wing.

Anyway, glad my man Parker got an opportunity though I thought we were treating him harshly throwing him into a cut-throat game against the top side on the road. I shouldn’t have worried, he was superb. Well done!

We had lot worse then Houston last night

 

[TradeDraft]

It was plain weird Markov was picked all year. His form last year was really poor and they stuck with it. Kept hearing he's fast, but never uses it to advantage the team, poor 1 v 1 and a turnover merchant. Was good in 2023 though.

Markov is a Fly Favorite

 

[manicpie]

yup, should have played ahead of markov.

That was hard to take and for no good reason. Parker deserved to play ahead of Markov

 

[manicpie]

Markov is a Fly Favorite

You know what, I agree. Why else would he play Markov ahead of Parker

 

[ksardog]

I didn't see that coming last year, but he really does straight line it aggressively.

He got in the gym after last season, confidence in his body strength now shows in the way he plays

 

[well left]

I’d keep playing him from here. Has it.

With Howe coming back in I’d hate to see him drop out as last man in.

Move Perryman into Long’s midfield spot and you then have Pez, J Daicos and Houston that can rotate midfield and half back.

Parker, Quaynor, Bruz, Howe, Frampton and Moore as your back 6.

 

[Jonno94]

He was solid last night but needs to be more aggressive with his ball use, otherwise there's no real point having him in the side over the 5 others who can play the same role.

 

[yeah man]

He was solid last night but needs to be more aggressive with his ball use, otherwise there's no real point having him in the side over the 5 others who can play the same role.

I disagree. He was one of the players who elected for aggressive ball use when senior players went back to bombing it long down field. I'm not sure where you saw him lacking aggression. He was using his body and was taking necesary risks with his disposals that others weren't doing.

Specifically, he made a kick right through the center which created an immediate goal opportunity. It opened things right up and we looked like our old selves for a moment. Mihocek just stuffed it up at the end.

 

[sr36]

He was solid last night but needs to be more aggressive with his ball use, otherwise there's no real point having him in the side over the 5 others who can play the same role.

I also expected to see a 5 gamer break from the pretty clear team plan that had us dominating field position in the wet.

 

[Peters_Nuts]

yup, should have played ahead of markov.

Agree Jen. Yes, Markov is quicker but Parker has so much more composure.

Takes me back to the Freo game when we had 3 players storming into the 50 by themselves and Markov missed all three. It’s genuinely the most memorable moment of that game to me.

 

[eddiesmith]

If he’s dropped this week the club can get ****ed.

Can a rookie listed player request a trade?

It’ll upset a few, but there is zero benefit in a player like Sidebottom playing on next year and continuing to hold back younger players.