Where Calder plays him doesn’t really matter, Blake Hardwick was a small forward drafted as a defender and Naughton/Ben King played down back in their draft year and are now forwards. Guelfi was a mid before we drafted him, Kako played a lot of mid time for Calder aswell.
I’m not saying he won’t be a midfielder at the next level but I think it’s very likely he doesn’t play there for awhile at AFL level
Then why are you persisting with saying he isn’t predominantly a mid right now?
Watching him live play for Calder he’s been their best mid every game this year.
And last game he was comfortably the best mid in a game that included Chapman and Knapp.
If it walks like a duck, talks like a duck and says - when asked - without hesitation it’s a duck … then it’s a duck!
At the next level he projects as a mid/for, as a part of the rotation.. Though I think it highly unlikely he will be a starting mid/permanent midfielder unless he becomes the “accountable mid” in a Jack Crisp/Setterfield role which with Robey and Sharp looking to be our rovers may not be entirely neccessary.
In the past he would 100% be played HFF/wing in the seniors whilst playing full time mid in the reserves which would stunt or prevent his development. I hope with a new development team he is given equal time to play midfield and HF in the reserves to replicate his likely role in the 1s. I dont really want to see him playing on a wing as his bread and butter is the contested stuff and that is better to have in the thic of it of or up in the forward half with 1 - on - 1s
I’m keen to see him against Drever this week, hopefully they go head to head the whole game. Could see no better way to show to recruiters of his midfield prowess.
Yeah me too.
And I think that’s the Calder plan too.
That would be good,I’m sure some AFL clubs have asked the question about these types of matchups but they don’t always get those great head to heads especially with talls. Would love to see Bradley vs Gayfer if Sandy and Northern go head to head in the finals.
I reckon Justice shaded Drever.
Drever had 21 disposals but only 6 kicks.
Justice was more high impact with his 19 disposals.
I was disappointed in Drever, showed flashes but I expected more. Just didn’t work hard.
Here’s Justice great mark in the third quarter:
https://x.com/bomberricko/status/2088807505069814146?s=46
@Begbie with a great interview with Blake Justice for those interested…on his Patreon. Today he notes his thoughts on NGA crop at Bomberland and players that stood out at the champs.
Thanks Scott that’s kind of you.
I might as well link to it now:
https://www.patreon.com/RickEdwards/posts/166886113?utm_campaign=postshare_creator
Another impressive performance from Essendon NGA Blake Justice who’s making a significant late season draft push since his return from injury. The stats here are only part of the story, as Justice sat out most of the final quarter, limiting his game time. He was super slick at stoppage, battling for contested possession or swooping on loose balls and showing the combination of physicality, competitive fire and anticipation that should translate well at the next level. Justice dealt damage in the front half of the ground, connecting with teammates and working hard into dangerous space, finishing with a couple of goals.
Nice clip, he’s got a neat skill set. Love the way he blocks and shepherds too.
A real prospect.
Justice’s upside is so good.
I’d prefer Blake to stop playing now.
I can see someone bidding at say 15 knowing we will match to gobble up one of our late first/early second picks.
I think the Sweid situation last year will have most recruiters cautious on assumptions with our NGA/s
have heard a really small murmur via a local football club committee member who says we keep in regular contact with Adam
found it interesting
Makes sense, he’d have a bunch of connections at the club and with current players, I’d imagine there werent too many hard feelings (hopefully)
He’s had a tough time at Freo in his first year. At one point I believe he was dropped from their reserves.
You’d be stupid not to.
I’m can’t find where I saw it posted but yes Felix’s interview with Blake Justice is good.
I’ve also unlocked my two interviews with Blake.
Main interview:
https://www.patreon.com/RickEdwards/posts/165245659?utm_campaign=postshare_creator
Here he talks about the other NGA boys and nominates Ali Kassab as one for the future. Ali is a metres gained running half back.
https://www.patreon.com/RickEdwards/posts/166886113?utm_campaign=postshare_creator
Looks like an upgrade on Setterfield
