When someone isn’t drafted because they are unfit.
Then they work with club(S) to get fit enough to play League footy.
Then they show better performances and the professionalism to be a listed player.
Then they are drafted because they earned it.
That is a success. For everyone concerned.
Yet we’re willing to draft players that are years away from being strong enough to play AFL football, or even willing to draft players who have never kicked a football.
You pick players you believe are talented, and need to work on a few things…… fitness is no different.
With some players, the feedback is what they need to be better.
It’s not obvious he would have ended up as good if he was immediately drafted.
Plus, I’d like to know what recruiter or coach told you this…?
Many people on this forum.
Also Emma Quayle & Cal Twomey said multiple times that he simply doesn’t have the endurance to be an AFL footballer.
The club also knocked him back multiple years in a row. Once he was put on a full time program, with all the resources available to him…. He was ready to go.
It very much depends on the character of the kid. If he’s got the deep desire and determination to do the work that’s needed, then he will. If he doesn’t have that will, then no amount of pushing or coaxing will get him there.
Blitz, the authority on AFL recruitment
They were right then, and if they said it now they would also be correct.
So what you are saying, is the club invested in his development and recruited him when he was ready….righto.
Walla is an absolute bambi on this site and people will make up any ■■■■ to make it look like he has been unfairly handled, ill supported, or fans are getting into him.
Give him the season to prove that he can make the most of a professional environment, give him a set of goals and standards to reach.
There a far more tricks we can play with list spots than when these discussions were being had about Walla nearly a decade ago.
Fwiw I’d be more concerned by wanganeens lack of fitness/physical development considering the access to resources he’s had. How much of that is down to injuries is the question
Stop being sensible.
Excellent recommendation to put it on ice. That should make the swelling go down.
Great report Sal.
I’m gonna start doing my own training reports. Here is my first one:
Went to training today.
It was good & stuff.
Then I went and got lunch. Lunch was pretty good too.
What did you have for lunch?
Or maybe see the quality, and see the effort in training (including the second efforts), and the way he fits with the group, and if it all works just sign him up. Sometimes the “sensible” thing is to see what’s right in front of your face.
It’s only December now, but by the end of January we’ll know.
You have to tune in to my next training report for those juicy details.
I can hardly wait…the anticipation is already killing me
I went once but there were no HOT CHIPS! What are you doing at the club Xavier?
For those interested i was a guest this week on the Windyhill Windsock podcast. I shared some of my thoughts on what I am
seeing at training… amongst many other things. Show only out on Youtube- audio only
Was that Xavier’s fault…or had the DJR got there before you and eaten them all?
Another fantastic report!
Love the intimate detail and the forensic examination of individual moments.
This puts so many professional journalists into the hack category it should be used as a template for sports reporters.
If you add a gag I’ll give you half a like.
You want Saucy to get a bit saucy eh
