Hagan ticks some of the other boxes that our other successes have. He is determined and hard working like Durham and Martin, and has a good 2km
Walla holds the record for Essendon for the most consecutive games played. That would indicate his body was about as durable as you could get. And that streak was broken when he missed games due to personal reasons, not due to physical problems. I just think he had things going on outside the game that contributed to fitness issues at the end, rather than not being able to get his body right.
His unique build throughout his career was more a weapon, than a problem, in game. His last full year with us in 2021 was his highest return in goals per game in his time with us. I suspect the COVID bubble played a part in separating him from support networks. By all reports, overall, many of our players didn’t fare well during that time.
19 Likes
Ban him
Haha
2 Likes
For all the small forward talk, I’d prefer another Durham, thanks.
3 Likes
There is some sense to picking the best available talent, unless there is a standout option in exactly the category we most need.
2 Likes
It does depend on where we see ourselves. If we think we can be competitive deep into September, then consideration to any specific areas of weakness (eg small forward) is needed. But if we’re looking at continuing to build for next year and beyond then I’d be continuing to develop the list. We obviously have a couple of Daveys and Wanganeen who will continue to develop over the next couple of years. If we still think they will make it and don’t care so much about winning a final this year then a small forward wouldn’t be high on the list.
2 Likes
I guess I just think, even if we didn’t need them, another Durham or a Martin would be worth quite a bit in trade to get any final pieces we need in a couple of years time.
1 Like
You’d struggle to find Durham or Martin quality in the top 5 picks in the national draft.
1 Like
We don’t know that. Both had been overlooked multiple times and there have been plenty in the past from various state leagues in the same boat. For one reason or another these blokes get overlooked and just needed a chance.
2 Likes
They probably are both great runners, but late developers, so didnt stand out against man childs in junior footy, or didnt get opportunities at positions they may excel in. Only after adding some size and growing confidence they started to excel, and then built on that once at the footy club.
1 Like
Samuel Durham Draft Profile - Aussie Rules Rookie Me Central (formerly AFL Draft Central)
#26
Samuel Durham
Height: 185cm
Weight: 75kg
D.O.B: 09-07-2001
Leagues: Coates Talent League Boys
FOOTBALL is not the newcomer’s first sport of choice, coming from a basketball and cricket background. He found his way to the Bushrangers this year to play his first season in an elite program and showed some nice signs in patches, playing a balanced role through the midfield. At the State Draft Combine, Durham impressed with an 88cm running vertical leap and an 8.17-second agility test. These attributes make him a dangerous player whichever role Durham might find himself in, and he has generally played through the middle or in defence, but he is strong and confident at spoiling and has plenty of improvement left in his game. While being more raw than others given less time in the Bushrangers’ program, Durham is one that clubs might views as a longer-term prospect who can be moulded into a role that see him fulfilling for the future.
STRENGTHS: Kicking, vertical leap, athleticism, spoiling, upside
IMPROVEMENTS: Strength, accumulation, scoreboard impact
Nicholas Martin Draft Profile - Aussie Rules Rookie Me Central (formerly AFL Draft Central)
NICHOLAS Martin is a tall utility who predominantly played as a dangerous medium forward, but showed a tendency to get further up the field and have an impact with disposal hauls as high as 24 – twice. He is a bigger body that provides a marking target up forward, and hit the scoreboard regularly for Subiaco Reserves, booting three goals on two occasions after making the step-up from Colts in his Under-18 year. His size and elite agility put him in good stead for garnering interest, with that added versatility a key factor in considering prospects who play in medium-forward roles. Martin needs to improve his defensive pressure and find more of the football going forward to become an even more damaging prospect, with his efficiency in front of goal also wavering at times despite constantly finding the big sticks.
STRENGTHS: Balanced, scoreboard impact, agility, size
IMPROVEMENTS: Defensive pressure, accumulation
5 Likes
Samuel and Nicholas can play.
2 Likes
I’d say he has fixed that one.
10 Likes
lel. Nice work, Duzza
There’s something I really admire about players who come through the hard way and earn their spot on an AFL list. I feel there’s more to be gained by taking on blokes who have had to work hard and not just rely on having a growth-spurt earlier than their peers at U18 level.
5 Likes
He was really good in the young guns series as well
We need to find a heppell and kelly upgrade.
1 Like
Can we just take Harley Reid in the mid season draft?
You do realise hey won’t get frees for ducking his head if he plays for us
1 Like