My best one for a while.
1 Like
Iāll put my hand up, Iāve been pretty critical.
But jeez he has a dip for someone who would weigh about half the average afl ruck. He lowered Xerriās colours which is a fair effort given he is a top 2 AFL ruck.
He is going to set the AFL record for frees against in a season however.
1 Like
I liked the way he jumped all over Xerri at centre bounces. That was fun.
Look forward to seeing him doing that against all the behemoths.
5 Likes
Got a raw deal from the umps a few times, played well and is growing week to week.
2 Likes
Never thought heād be the one with the biggest heart in the team but here we are. Wish they all tried as hard as him
2 Likes
Actually screams luke Jackson type of ruck, who can impact as that link man.
problem is whether we can play him and Bryan in the same teamā¦
Thatās when you drop 2MP
2 Likes
Yep, I got no problem with that and Iād play him forward as well, atleast he might make the occasional lead.
Has toiled well but just aināt an AFL grade ruckman unfortunately.
1 Like
I thought we looked better as a midfield group when he went to defence.
3 Likes
That is a really good meme
Need it be pointed out that Tim English is the same age as Blaki and has been in the AFL system since 2016. Tristan Xerri is 6 months younger and been in the system since 2017 after playing NAB Cup. Blakiston was playing amoās until being picked up by a WAFL reserves team in 2022. He has essentially had one and a half seasons playing first grade football at WAFL/AFL level and nearly half of that was as a defender. Of course he isnāt matching these guys yet, although I would strongly argue that he beat Xerri quite comfortably.
7 Likes
Personally I see our midfield struggling to set up around him. He may well be winning taps or by the stats but I donāt think heās giving our midfield the best chance to succeed. Just my 2c and Iām probably the outlier but I just donāt like the structure with him. I find it a little bit erratic when all Iāve ever wanted from this team/club is consistency in application.
1 Like
He works his tail off and has a pretty unique athletic profile.
Just persist with him for another 25 odd games. I get heās 27 but he does have the physique where if he is good enough, heāll play another 6-7 years no sweat.
And by persist, that doesnāt mean he has to be first ruck. He can play as a KPD who pinch hits in the ruck. I think his attributes have him much more suited to playing on modern key forwards than Ben McKay.
3 Likes
Fixed
2 Likes
Again, the Dogs led by 39 or so when he got injured halfway through the 3rd and they ended up winning by 34 or 35
2 Likes
Thought he played ok today. Helped 2MP and had some good moments. Probably becomes a backup ruck/defender when Bryan is fit to go but he will get lots of games and try his guts out
3 Likes
I liked his game. He is a fine backman, and has good moments as a ruckman. He is still developing and his mobility is one of the reasons Gawn didnāt tear us another A Hole.
I know others will disagree, but he is a lock in the side. Having McKay, Ridley, Blakliston and Reid all playing down back looked good today. Felt like the Dees really struggled to get a mark inside 50.
13 Likes