I feel the same re his fitness. I think the calls for him to play midfield are just a dream that won’t happen because he’ll never be fit enough.
I reckon he’s probably fit enough if his role is going to be playing on the 2nd or 3rd tall, which is should be imo.
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This bloke was born in the wrong era. I’m not sure his going to make it. A real shame.
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U18 highlights were playing Full Back. Playing forward, Playing as a Centre Square mid.
He did it all.
He has struggled with confidence at Essendon, and they subsequently tried to settle him into a tall defender role to build him up I reckon.
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Or maybe he was really fit at the start of the season then copped a bunch of niggling little injuries that he tried to play through but which limited his training, before eventually breaking down.
You just need to let him grow I to his adult body and learn how to manage it I reckon.
Aaron is completely wasted playing on monsters as a CHB.
He should be picked to play in Gleeson’s role every week where he can play the game on his terms.
Amazing power, great kick, great one on one mark there is a solid foundation to work off…
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Take a look a Jeremy McGovern.
Obviously talent can be more important than fitness.
That bloke is as unfit as they come, but always seems to find himself in the right place at the right time.
There is no point in running around like speedy Gonzales doing nothing … but at least you are fast and can do nothing repeatedly.
Aaron should be given more freedom to use his natural talent and size.
He gave away quite a few frees this year because he can be physical.
I think more thought and flexibility needs to be put into where and how he is being used.
A poor tradesman blames his tools.
We need to be better at using our tools and stop using hammers to try to screw in screws.
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How old was Jobe when he finally worked it out. We would have said similar about him also. I’d love to see Francis have a massive pre season and see what he has as a big bodied Mid.
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Totally
I love for him to get fit enough to play in the back line, let alone midfield! Honestly, I’d put aside thoughts of him ever getting midfield fit. It’s just not going to happen.
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Must succinct summary I’ve seen. That describes it exactly. Over a span of many years, many players, and a number of coaches.
He would have heaps.
Unfortunately although he has all the tools he will never have midfielder level fitness.
The thing is, this year with shorter quarters should have been his year to shine.
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This guy can definitely be an AFL level, 3rd tall, intercepting defender. The problem for us and Francis is that Ridley is just better.
Some team will pick him up for a bargain, assign him the correct role and be very happy with him.
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Completely accurate
Take the draft pick we receive for him in the trade and move on. Talented but it’s not gonna happen with EFC IMO.
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GOT IM
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Trade
Far out. I forgot what it feels like to sit in the crowd at the footy 
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As a big bodied mid, he is big bodied. The only time I have seen him show attributes that would work as a midfielder was a 5min patch at Sandringham 2 or 3 yrs ago. He looks slow to react and clumsy when the ball hits the deck. I don’t see him winning the ball at stoppages against any quality mids.
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He was 21 in 2006 and that was his breakout season
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