He’s 26, so it’s not like he’s going to have the chance to catch up. I’m not expecting players to improve at that age beyond some match fitness after being involved in the AFL system for a pre-season.
I just don’t see what others are seeing, especially the speed. I see him trailing his opponent as much as McKay does.
The reason why he trail in on his opponents is because he’s literally played half a dozen games in defence in his life, and they’re all at AFL level. He’s got an excuse. What’s McKay got? Or Laverde for that matter? He did well tonight, he shows something you can work with.
Skills just arent at the required level imo.
I dont think him and Prior have any place in our 22 next year until half the team is wiped out by injury again.
Catch up? He’s already ahead of Lav just by not giving away a free every forward entry.
Reckon he does well in some contests because he isn’t a baby, but I dunno if there’s anything that screams keep as a backman.
What might work out him however is if Draper does go and he is third after Bryan and Vigo. Brad keeps talking about how we drafted him as a ruck.
You’re right, he has an excuse. It still doesn’t mean he’s anything more than a handy depth player. Even good AFL players can struggle past 30, so I am expecting a few years of service and that’s about it. That’s also completely fine for a mid-season draftee.
Is he really 203cm? Looks pretty agile for that height
Geez that’s pretty short sighted! Who was that player that Geelong plucked from the VFL at like 28 and won a flag? Played for Adelaide too…
The J-Pod
The one we had on our list at 20?
He made me think of blicavs when I saw him play in person, big but agile. Will be a good player to keep hold of I reckon
And Heppell.
He’s like the Aldi brand of McKay. Just as good, maybe better, but heaps cheaper.
It’s symbolic of the club coaching all of the dare and belief out of them.
Huh??? 
Lowest footy iq, I’ve seen for some time. Well at least from someone who grew up playing the game, as opposed to like a Draper who did not and it’s kind of expected.
Has some good attibutes. But won’t make it, can’t coach the dumb ■■■■ out of him at this point.
If he can simultaneously fill Goldy’s mature ruck insurance spot, and Lav’s KPD depth spot, thereby allowing us to retire/delist both and freeing up an extra spot, then I’d keep for a year. But that’s about it.
Those clubs were in a premiership window. We aren’t. That’s the difference
Okay so because we’re not in the window any player over 26 years of age will be incapable of development…righto! I’m sure if Lauchie was reading this he’d argue that he’s still capable of getting better regardless of whether the club that selected him is ready to contend or not. Personal development is mostly up to the individual to action; the club’s role is to facilitate this not do the work for him.
You realise hes a ruckman being asked to fill in as a key defender right?
Surprise surprise he makes the odd mistake. Though I’d argue less than seasoned blokes like Lav.
Doing pretty well considering.
And with the injury prone Reid and McKay, plus Hayes missing a slice of the first part of next season, I think not to retain Blakiston would be fool hardy.
I expect he’ll have a Michael Harley style career.
Will be solid for us for a few years, but then after a form dip will get dropped and struggle to make it back (not being an expensive draft pick)