Is his future back, fwd or wing do you think?
Is he a kick ins candidate?
Yes agree. Has the ability and size to play wing also.
2 Likes
Wing definitely for me with possible bursts forward
1 Like
That’s the money kick. If he is as good by foot as advertised it would be great if he made it on to the list in that type of position because the ability to hit those kicks is worth 6 kicks out of the back 50.
Anyone else rock hard?
Side note, how many spots do we have? 2? And if we pick 2, are we out of the MSD or can we pick one extra and just cut one more at the end of the year?
I’m not sure but I think if you have a Long Term injury you can open a spot. I hate it but odds are you tend to get one.
1 Like
As much as I want fejo and tex on the list you just know they will throw a curve ball select the wa guy and re rookie Dylan Clarke
I clearly don’t subscribe to the blind faith of Fejo because I just don’t know enough about him or the other options.
But
Going Dylan Clarke is a complete waste of time.
I like Clarke, but these rookie spots are free swings (almost free anyway) and we should be trying to hit home runs like Walla. Not role playing base hitters.
2 Likes
I agree one hundred percent it should be a free hit at talented players that have deficiencies rather than players that have already had a crack at it.
Personally I would like to see the rookie list changed keep the rookie list a as is then have a rookie list b which can only be used indigenous and nga players.
This would give clubs more reason to invest in there zones and promote more diverse players into the game
1 Like
Not a bad concept. Rookie B is currently used for athletes in other sports. Despite someone claiming to me that Essendon pick players who haven’t kicked a ball instead of players like Fejo (I let that nonsense go)… that is exclusively what the Rookie B is for.
But they should have some sort of additional pathways squad that plays in your VFL that gives development opportunities to players who may excel when given an opportunity. Many indigenous players would fit that description.
Having veterans selected as rookies is a disgrace. Also having contracted players not able to play league footy because of some BS unnecessary crap also makes no sense. If you are paid to play for Essendon then it’s beyond idiocy that some stupid rule stops you from playing at the highest level if you deserve it.
Spot on mate if they are contracted they should be able to play.
The only reason I’d like to see a dedicated indigenous/ nga rookie list would be to bring in players who would 99 percent of the time be overlooked and in doing so create more opportunities for players from those backgrounds
1 Like
Everyone seems to be getting on like a house on fire:
6 Likes
Imagine playing for Essendon and having your nickname be Don.
If he started getting a regular game he’d be absolutely living his best life!
1 Like
They’re not doing 10-15% of training. They aren’t twiddling their thumbs when they’re not on the field. It’s no different to 1st year recruits, eased in to minimise risk of injury.
2 Likes
Thanks CJ for an excellent training report. It shows that the list changes made are moving the whole team in a positive direction but as you indicated the post-Christmas training period will give us the best barometer of where we really are. Thanks for the positive vibes!
Great reports CJ and Saladin. Look forward to more and some from Nackers too. Salivating for next season. Fark Carlton and all the rest too
I’m looking forward to watching the progress of the new recruits (hopefully including Fejo and Tex) plus last year’s intake in the VFL this year.
Re Fejo and Tex, there’s no point in waiting to sign them as I’m sure another club will give Fejo a chance and Port will be watching Tex closely.
It seems pretty obvious that Tex is keen on EFC given the Daveys are coming next year, and NWM is now in Melbourne too.
3 Likes
Outstanding report.
One question @CJohns, has Dylan Clarke done anything to suggest that he might get another year? I saw him this week, but didn’t notice anything. I thought he was okay last year, and a little surprised he got cut, but now I’d be even more surprised if we took him back.
1 Like
I think we know what we get from Dylan Clarke. Seems to have improved his kicking action a bit more but i still notice in general play he hesitates and struggles to move the ball to any great advantage. Always been his key issue. Does so many other things well
5 Likes