rookie backline

[gurugeoff]

it is quite extraordinary the numbers of rookies in our backline,

Maxwell, Toovey, Keefe, Frost (still is), Harry L, with Marley Williams to return. The only player drafted in the main draft is Langdon, and he was practically the last pick.

It just goes to show that there is plenty of latent potential out there, that might not be fully evident as an eighteen old.

[David]

Yep. We've done astoundingly well out of rookie drafts, perhaps better than any other team. A real vindication of the concept.

[AN_Inkling]

I think the main reason for this is that clubs rarely draft defenders with early picks. Even though defense wins matches, it's seen as something that can be taught, much more so than quality skills. There are a number of earlier picks who will go back, but they're not often drafted as defenders. Nathan Brown is one of the rare exceptions, which just shows how much of a quality player he is .

In our case an addition to this is that unlike, say Hawthorn, we have always prioritised defending for our defenders over ball use. Opting for more blue collar types. Though I think this has changed under Buckley.

One of the reasons we have been successful with these late picks would be due to the money we have to spend on training, development and talent identification. An advantage the league will look to curtail in the near future.

[JC Hartley]

Langdon was pick 65 in last year's draft. He's a senior-listed player.

[Raw Hammer]

Our VFL team today had more AFL experience than our senior back 6. Extraordinary.

[GoWoodsmen]

what's even more astonishing is that with the inside 50s we've given up in a few games that they have stood sooo tall - yesterday included.

amazing composure ... sorry probably a little off topic. I still think of Langdon as a rookie even though he's not!