#2 Big Sammy Draper (from May 2024)

Our midfield needed heaps of work 5ish years ago. Look at it now.

Our backline has needed work for ages, improved out of sight.

Our forward line needs work, but is doing ok.

I agree the ruck division is now our weakest aspect, once Goldy is cooked we will be relying on Bryan and Vigo. Draper can’t be relied upon. I’d be playing Bryan as soon as he is ready, still not entirely convinced he is but it’s worth a shot soon. OldGold will need a blankie and a cuppa soon, he will be feeling the chill in his bones already.

1 Like

Sammy will prove all the knockers wrong

3 Likes

But only one has shown they can play at AFL level, and he’s pushing 40yrs.

Draper will be fine, people have short memories of how good this guy is.

4 Likes

I am glad to see that unlike many Blitzers you are not prone to exaggeration… much.

It’s a brutal ‘round up’ for poor ole Goldy.

1 Like

LOL

5 Likes

How good exactly?

I don’t recall him ever being an above average afl ruck in any season.

4 Likes

Must admit I’m growing a little concerned about Big Sammy’s durability. Depending on when he comes back from this knee issue he’s on track to miss another sizeable block of games, making it 3 out of his 4 full seasons. He debuted in R9 2020.

Looking at Goldy’s history and run of games, he’s pretty much a bit of a freak. So you do hope Goldstein can go around one more year given Draper’s history. If not we might have to be in the FA market to try lure another bargain experienced ruck for depth. Not many of those about.

Bryza def needs a run of games this season alongside Goldy. I’d start with this weekend.

6 Likes

I love Sam and what he brings to the team, but compared to the elite ruckmen he is miles off. If he ever has one singular game comparable to the likes of Gawn, English, Grundy, Witts, Darcy, Nankervis, Marshall then I will start to believe.

1 Like

He has had outstanding moments in otherwise average games.

I dont think he has the capacity to expand from that.

He’s had exceptional games - even scored a few Brownlow votes.
Nonsense to say that he has only had average games.
Injuries have been, and are cruel to Sam.

1 Like

He plays like a tall athlete that took up footy very late.

Best rucks that have taken up the game late
Jimmy Stynes
Dean Brogan
Mike Pyke
Mason Cox
Mark Blicavs

Blicavs? What’s this? Never heard that he played another sport?

1 Like

Conquistador of Mexico

Apparently, he was a Matador in Spain.

You think big Sammy will expose the knockers?

4 Likes

Who?

Jackson was pick #2 or #3??? We’ve had two picks that high in the last 20 years, and one of them was used on a forward (Gumby).