#21 Archie Roberts - thru 2026

Yeah that’s what I think too, he will replace Hep at some point.

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I’d be absolutely staggered if Roberts is a better runner than Kelly. Kelly is a seriously good runner, and the data backs that up.

I’ve seen a bit of Roberts in the seconds and there are definitely some encouraging signs. He knows how to find the ball, is a nice kick and looks completely comfortable in the contest. But does he have any pace? I think that’s something we really need, across the board.

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Yeah thats fair.
He is a first year player though so I think the running capacity still has alot of time to improve.

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Personally i see Roberts more playing next year. With very few injuries… just don’t see how he gets in at this stage.

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Would be great to give him a taste this year but I understand what you’re saying. He certainly looks very promising!

Given that when we did have injuries we seemed willing to give everyone else in the team a crack at playing wing, I’m not sure injuries are keeping him out.

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I like what I see with Roberts but I don’t think he’s ready for AFL yet. Bryan on the other hand I’d argue now needs the challenge of AFL to carry on his development as he just dominates ruck contests now at VFL. Tsatas is not far behind Bryan either.

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In the lunchtime catch up podcast, I’m pretty sure Jacobs said he is already running at afl level numbers, unless I’m getting it mixed up with something else.

grant took over scott’s blitz account

Nah, as others have said probably more a HBF

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I would see it more as a first year player learning his role, his positioning and how to fit into the structure. Pretty much all the things Caddy said he has been learning.

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Kid looks alright. But anyone calling for his inclusion has a penchant for shiny new things. No way he is in our best 28 in 2024.

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nah.

He’s not miles ahead in every other aspect. He’s yet to be tested at that level.

I like this kid a lot but I’m yet to see the hardness or supposed defensive ability most see. I see him more in the N Martin mould (maybe not quite so… outside… to put it gently).

Disclaimer: I missed the last two weeks of VFL.

He’ll put his body on the line, but is still fairly thin in order to contest bigger bodies.

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How does he stack up to Chad Warner on attributes, similar size, both HBF to mids, both have aerial capability, I guess Roberts doesn’t quite have the kicking? Id be getting to watch Warner tapes a lot.

He doesn’t have the speed of Warner.

Chad Warner is seriously fast. He’s Travis Colyer fast.

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If menzie, heppell, kelly, tsatas ADJ at a minimum can get games this year, id have no question roberts could get a game. How much of him have you actually watched? He is ready for a debut 100%.

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Not sure I agree with this. The bizarre thing about him is he is completely even paced both in terms of his acceleration curve and endurance. Also a very smooth mover, highly agile and balanced as he weaves.

i.e. his 3rd metre is about as quick as his 20th, he can do it in the 4th quarter, and his pace is dangerous because he can turn whilst he’s going quick.

Same net outcome but it’s a weird sort of pace.

Separate to Roberts too, where I agree. He is nowhere near Warner.

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