Yeah but it took Clarke 7 years to learn how to kick, and that was just up in the air. Roberts looks smart, smart players are clutch players. Crazy to be lumping him in with past failures already because he’s not the next Bont or something. Future nothing pick for a potential starting flanker/mid. Get a grip folks
Youre kidding? Even the commentators that regularly watch him on his draft video say hes a prolific user of the ball and you can see that in the draft video
I don’t really understand all this sliding business.
After analysing kids for years and agreeing with most phantom drafts, did all the recruiters and people in the know just suddenly realise 1 hour before the draft “HEY WAIT! This kid is deficient in this!”
Where did they all agree with phantom drafts, they are all speculation. The only real final analysis is draft night. In the final examination all the recruiters assessed him as 54 in the draft.
I lumped him in with past forecasts≠pick number. I doubt (checks thread title) Roberts will be the big-bodied goal-kicking mid that Clarke was and that Blitz lusts for.
I’d expect he slid due to lack of standout afl traits rather than any clear deficiencies
Doesn’t appear to have electric pace, and perhaps has some questions marks on his size/contest work as far how that might translate when moves up to AFL level
You can be a dominant junior, make all Australian etc but this is against other kids obviously and they have to project how he may fare at AFL level in the future. Many draft ratings “experts” perhaps not thinking in the way AFL recruiters are at times
But he clearly has footy smarts, good skills, leadership etc. here’s hoping he can progress up and become a competent AFL player The Christian Salem comparison from a coach of his does appear a good one, Salem went pretty high in draft however
The sliding thing happens ‘cause after the early part of the draft, clubs select players on need. The Salem comparison whets the appetite. And now, with huge emphasis on development, Archie has a better chance of becoming a valuable asset in the red and black. Upgrade on Massimo?
Worth a shot. I think the “physical attribute” thing is overrated - give me footy nous any day. It’s not what you’ve got it’s what you do with it.
Plenty of elite players running around the AFL without any particular elite physical attribute (size/speed/strength). Guys like Gulden and Butters spring to mind.