The making of Jesse White

[King Monkey]

I've been severely underwhelmed by the output of one Jessica White over his time in the black & white stripes.
BUT - he has been great the last 2 weeks.

I saw a significant shift in the way he goes about his footy at a game at Victoria Park about a month ago where we got flogged by Essendon and basically didn't have a good player on the ground all day.
What he was doing, well, what he was trying to do, was throw his weight around and use his size to his advantage.
It didn't come off that day, in fact, he looked pretty bloody silly trying to bust through packs at the wrong moments at times throughout that game, but it was clear that he'd been instructed to go about it that way.
It has clicked for him I feel (fingers crossed anyway).

I'll still be calling him Jessica in jest, but that's now only in memory of the man he never used to be.

[stui magpie]

The boy has done some good things the last 2 weeks. If the penny has finally dropped it was hanging for a loooong time but judged on what he's been doing, me likey.

[Raw Hammer]

Correction, last 3 weeks. He was our best vs Carlton.

[John Wren]

did out coaches have anything to do with this improvement?

[King Monkey]

Yes, I don't mind being corrected RH, 3 weeks.

And I think the OP implies that it seems as though coaching/instruction has very much changed his approach, JW. That would be my observation anyway.

[yin-YANG]

Not sure if it was the coaches - but some credit has to be given to those who put him in defence and have now inspired a new Jessie White - he is playing like a guy who believes he can contribute! Great to watch - long may it last

[What'sinaname]

Six drops of the essence of terror, Five drops of sinister sauce,
When the stirring's done may I lick the spoon?
Of course ha ha of course.
Now for the tincture of tenderness, But I must use only a touch,
For without a touch of tenderness, He might destroy me!
(Professor Weirdo, bumped) Whoops too much.
(Prof) "Better hold your breath it's starting to tick:
(Count Kook) Better hold my hand I'm feeling sick -
(Milton) Hello Dad!
(Prof) What have I done?
(M.) I'm Milton, Your brand new son!

[watt price tully]

White's improvement was noticeable in the VFL when he was played in defence. He did make some errors but what stood out for me watching him in the VFL was his marking & ability to take the game on.

Well done to Jesse for his hard work & the relevant coaching staff involved.

May it continue.

[neil]

I think Whites improvement has come now that he is ahead of Cloke and realises it

100 games + and now its up to him

Just keep going and our team knows if they get it to the forwards they will kick a goal not OONF

[Woods Of Ypres]

[AN_Inkling]

I don't think he was ever as bad as portrayed, he did kick 28 goals last year. So far he's been playing with some more focus and intensity, but I think a lot of the "improvement" is us being exposed to the alternatives in Gault or Witts. The rubbishing of White had become well over the top and I think we forgot that he can actually do some good things and have been newly surprised. I'm sure once he's played for another month or so the same antipathies will return .

[HAL]

[Piesnchess]

I unreservedly apologise to tarzan jesse, well played my boy.

[Boot]

I have been a huge critic of Jessie White over the last couple of years but credit given where it's due. He has been fantastic over the past few weeks. I remember the late development of Liegh Brown in 2010. Perhaps Jessie White will have a similar late career blossoming. The physical capabilities of White are impressive so as long as his attitude and newly found "hardness" at the ball remain at current levels he can be a valuable contributor to the team. Well done Jessie White.

[Piethagoras' Theorem]

Can't say I have a lot of faith in him continuing the form but credit's due, he's been really good and long may it continue. Playing him in defence has certainly sparked something and with Cox and Moore demanding the bulk of the attention from the best tall defenders, it makes his job a lot easier.