He was huge today
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since the start of 2020 our record is 27-38-1
when phillips has played: 15-9
whether he has a great individual performance isn’t hugely relevant. we are a better team when he’s in.
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I had in my votes for his effort early, when he was the one who really contested and was easily the most influential big man on the ground in the first half. His effort allowed Draper to get off the chain later in the game, as a result Sammy grew in confidence as the game wore on. Together they really worked over the GWS ruck division, such as it was. It was a very even performance by the combination by the end of the game, but Flipper gets the votes for being more active when the game was up for grabs.
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Great game. I really like him, we play better when he plays with Drapes. Wish he was 5 years younger.
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As I’ve mentioned a few times, whilst we don’t have 2MP, he is a must for team structure.
We need a tall target. Even if he takes no marks, he gets the ball to ground and gives our small forwards a chance.
If 2MP was available, I’d probably still play him ahead of Weid. Getting Draper to float forward is something we were training for in pre-season.
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Was enormous, esp in first half. Love Flip.
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Because nobody asked.
Highest winning percentage in that time for active players who have played at least 20 games:
Phillips 63%, Jones 50%, Zerk-Thatcher 48%, Snelling 47%, Laverde 45%
Lowest:
Draper 34%, Kelly 36%, Stewart 36%, Shiel/Cox/Caldwell 37%.
Highest overall win percentage in that time is Lord, one game, one win, zero time on field.
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Totally turned his career around. Was never a fan but he is playing really well and we are a much better side with two rucks. Hope he has a career best year from here out.
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Pretty lucky to have this guy. Am sure he is paid pretty well, but it is not often you have guys as long as he’s been around quite clearly happy to be the backup. This year, especially with Wright going down, we look a lot better with 2 rucks. So he is probably set for the most number of games in a season he has had his whole career. Good news story. He always gives everything he has got. And whether it is the $$$ or a bit of loyalty, we are very fortunate he has stuck around when it has always been clear he is not the #1 banana.
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That’s Alastair “Moral Support” Lord to you thanks
Sooooo…Caldwell out, Lord in?
I am sure Draper appreciates having Flipper around to share the ruck load. This week is going to be a huge test for both of them. They won’t be getting a rest by going off the ball into the forward line, they will have to work just as hard there to compete against May and Lever. They need to stick close to both of those kings of the intercept mark and contest, not allow any easy marks. Keep the pressure on their defence and hopefully snag a few marks of their own.
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Extremely important next two weeks for Flip. Should hopefully towel up Grundy, if last year is anything to go by then feast on whoever the hell they have playing for Collingwood. Should rest for the Geelong game though.
Permaban for posting this.
OR, he is in when we play the ■■■■■■■ teams.
Agreed and I think the rest of the team do too. Big boy who contests at every chance.
Agree but I was told by a former assistant coach that he can only play two or possibly three games and then needs a week or two rest. Something about his legs !
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Yes, I’ve heard that, too. He’ll end up rucking for the wheelchair lads.
You know, there’s a bloody fine young ruckman in the VFL team. Josh Hotchkin, Number 64. 20 years old. He’s got IT. 50 hit-outs to the last game. I suppose he’s VFL only right now - but Jesus we ought to get him onto our AFL list ASAP, before someone else poaches him ! Leigh Tudor is doing some great work there with the Magoos.
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He looks an interesting prospect.
Was interesting hearing him on the drive home tonight speaking on a few different topics particularly his reflections on why he’s never really cemented a spot as a number 1 ruckman throughout his career.
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