Will N.Ablett start this year?

[krisholio14]

i dont think he will start the year in the 22. im willing to guarentee he will finish it there tho.

hes showing bits and peices right now, and still has some work to do. the thing i cant wait for is the day it all comes together for four quarters. it will make that 4 goal first quarter effort against the eagles look tame by comparison. the boy has what it takes, its just a question of time.

 

[scottydeewah]

Lots of the good footballers I saw were like NA and just seemed to do things so easy that they looked almost lazy. (like NA's centering kick on Sat Night)

That kick was WICKED. Gets ball, looks up and easy as you like slots it down someones throat with his left.. In that WC game he could have easily had 6-7 in the first quarter too. Kent works off him pretty well also.

Th eproblem we have is we somewhat cant afford to blood him if he DOESNT perform. If he can average 2-3 goals a game though there is no problem at all. And at the moment he is doing that. So LEAVE him in.

 

[Unwritten_Law]

I think at this stage Nathan is competing for a spot in the side with Mackie and Gardiner not Playfair and Ottens, the three can co exist. Most teams, at least the sensible ones, play a ruckman off the bench while we have Otto in the forward line so there is a space available for Nathan if he demands it.

 

[scottydeewah]

Spot on Mr Law. Mackie, Charlie and Nath are definately competing for a spot. We also need to see who starts round 1. At the moment they are saying everyone but lets be honest that is bull***. One or more of Otto, King, Harley wont be ready and someone else might sustain and injury during the cup. Ricco is another one that you wouldnt bother risking for round 1. Although it is great to get your season off to a flyer it isnt worth the risk giong out hard in what is essentially a marathon just to get burnt.

 

[Copernicus]

I have a sense that by the end of the year he will be in the starting lineup. I wouldn't be surprised if they trial him in a few games at the start of the year, too, although I suppose it depends on how our forward structure pans out initially. If he can gain some confidence in the ressies, start kicking bags or otherwise imposing himself, I see no reason why he wont be in the named team on a regular basis by the end of the year. The natural talent is going to start spilling out soon enough.

 

[Rosso]

Don't forget that he didn't set the world on fire in the VFL (apart from the praccy matches). Some players play better in better competition. If you playu him in the VFL do you have to wait for an injury or for him to kick a few bags before he gets a gig. Didn't happen last year. I would think he'll start round 1 and it might just stretch their defence meaning Michael, Leppa & Bradshaw all have to play in the back half. Will create a lot off missmatches throughout the year depending on who other sides rate as out go to guy?? Who does the number 1 defender take, Otto, Kingsley or Nathan? You would rather Otto stay in the square going for the one on one mark or have him try and create a block for either Kent or Nathan so it frees up a lead. So you could have all 3 starting deep in some games.

 

[ezbian]

Lets put things into perspective with this kid.

He has averaged two goals a game for his brief career.

He turned it on in only his second game against the league leaders, and won a NAB rising star nomination in the process.

He turned that WCE game on its ear. Charlie has never done that in all his time at the club. Mackie has never done that in all his time at the club.

If it was any other tall forward with a different name, who did that in his second game, and had shown glimpses of raw natural talent, we would have the same optimism and he would be getting the same opportunity.

Granted he has alot of development left, but he has also come a long way in a short period. That lead and mark in the second quarter of Saturday night, showed to me he is alot quicker, than last year. Yes he lopes around the ground, but I also think he needs to be coming off the goal line.

Aside from the physical change in his life, lets not forget this kid is the shyest bloke many players have ever met. Hopefully one day, like his father when he came to Geelong after being at Hawthorn, the penny will drop and he will go berserk. If he doesn't he will still be a better footballer than Mackie, Gardiner, McCarthy, Lonergran etc.

 

[ezbian]

So you could have all 3 starting deep in some games.

I think the structure should be Otto & Nath on the goal line. Nath leading Otto bullocking. Kent at about 30 - 40 playing up the flanks as well. Kent is also great at running backwards into space, as he burns most defenders with his pace and agility. Playfair plays at CHF and leads up the ground onto the wings etc. Almost like the link man.

At times one of the forwards will rest on the bench, but four good talls is a dangerous prospect. Throw in Johnno when fit, chapman, lil Gaz, and it becomes very potent.

Resting onballers such as Kelly, Milburn and Bartel have also proven they can kick goals.

 

[slimeball]

no he won't start this year!!

 

[thehoff]

no he won't start this year!!

Great post?

Care to provide reasons?

 

[Prodigal Sons]

The real question is.....does Nathan want to start this year ?

I think if the answer is yes and he decides he wants it then he could take a few games by the neck and stamp himself as a player.

I'd love that to be the case however, there is still a huge question mark and this whole nathan situation could swing a number of different ways. I just hope that if it all goes sour then he does'nt distract his brother as well - on the positive front, I reckon if he and little gaz start to turn it on it would be huge for the fortunes of the club and the whole atmosphere around footy circles.