AFL Player # 2: Sam Draper - The mullet hath returneth - 22/6

[Dave]

Contract Status: Out of contract 2025
My Boy Draft 2024: Pick 20, TheUnicorn

 

[wichidi]

Can't wait to see the big fella on the park again. Anyone got the GIF from last year, playing the Doggies, where he grabbed English by the jumper in the center square, and basically rag dolled him to the ground and knocked the wind out of him? Would make my Friday to see that again..

 

[The Devils Advocate]

Chuffed to see him play live on Sunday vs. whatever you call Ceglar.
McEvoy will play back again and get 11 contested marks.

 

[JayJ20]

Can't wait to see the big fella on the park again. Anyone got the GIF from last year, playing the Doggies, where he grabbed English by the jumper in the center square, and basically rag dolled him to the ground and knocked the wind out of him? Would make my Friday to see that again..

Draper didn't play against Bulldogs. Maybe it was against Brisbane

 

[GUMBLETRON]

Draper didn't play against Bulldogs. Maybe it was against Brisbane

Correct weight.

 

[VelvetSledge]

Correct weight.

From memory that was given as a free kick against Draper. For some reason.

 

[Shane Heard]

The long awaited return of the mullet king.

Awesome.

 

[PressureCooker]

Not sure if mentioned previously, but watching his one clunk marking today you can see why he was a decent goalkeeper growing up. Love what he brings to the side.

 

[Lance Uppercut]

Hnnghhh

 

[BrunoV]

A bull of a man.

He's dominated Cegler and McEcoy physically.

Phillips has a solid presence around the ball and ground. I even thought that the difference bringing Draper back wouldn't be huge, that it would come down to some sharper ruck work but his physical work has been next level so far.

Also his ruck work is sublime. I think half the time he doesn't know which hand he is going to use until the last second and he can still hit it 360 degrees and down a team mates throat with the left or the right.

Clean marking has been a thing of beauty. That means tightening up the kicking action may now be the final frontier.

 

[BrunoV]

...and now he's gassed.

No real surprise there. Hopefully he can find something in the last.

 

[TheFrenchCut]

People were excited about our youth this year BEFORE this dude came back.

He is a complete and utter beast.

 

[Lore]

That was his first win since he debuted. Pity they didn't broadcast the gatorade shower

 

[Schnitzengruben]

 

[Bjchan13]

That was some 1st game back. 4 contested marks from 6 total. 9 clearances. And elite tap work

 

[Zach Package]

Bloody good stuff.

Compliments the rest of the group so well, hands were sticky tonight as well.

 

[ScrappyCoCo]

Really good game. One area he could improve on was rucking to boundary throw ins. He would take the front position a lot, but had eyes a fair bit on his opponent, who was stepping inside him and judging the ball a bit better. It was generally dropping short and he didn't really adjust. But great game and we are going to really enjoy the ride with him. He seemed to tire a bit and was more dominant early. Going to be more of a beast as fitness and endurance improves. I like it when he runs and jumps at it rather than wrestling for taps.

 

[dougyboy]

People were excited about our youth this year BEFORE this dude came back.

He is a complete and utter beast.

Nic Nat with a tank.

 

[kelvin_sheedy]

Gives our midfield an edge with his ability to complete like a midfielder once the ball hits the ground. That type of thing is priceless.

 

[Lore]

Watch all the way to the end..

 

[Haychh]

He’s such a beautiful man

 

[Wahooti Fandango]

He's not just big, he has presence.

 

[BrunoV]

Really good game. One area he could improve on was rucking to boundary throw ins. He would take the front position a lot, but had eyes a fair bit on his opponent, who was stepping inside him and judging the ball a bit better. It was generally dropping short and he didn't really adjust. But great game and we are going to really enjoy the ride with him. He seemed to tire a bit and was more dominant early. Going to be more of a beast as fitness and endurance improves. I like it when he runs and jumps at it rather than wrestling for taps.

Good call. It's not something I've noticed before.

I think it was an energy conservation thing. There were a few throwins he barely contested in the second half.

 

[Yoda_]

If the grand final stays in it's slated date/time of 25th September, our boy is actually eligible for the 22under22 team.

Could overthrow Sean Darcy as the ruck if todays performance is just the start for our man.

 

[eth-dog]

If the grand final stays in it's slated date/time of 25th September, our boy is actually eligible for the 22under22 team.

Could overthrow Sean Darcy as the ruck if todays performance is just the start for our man.

Nah. Darcy has been probably the third best ruck this year, period. But then again, given it's a popularity contest, he might get in.

 

[Phone]

my hypothesis is that Draper's game was the best game by an Essendon ruckman that did not involve hitting the scoreboard since the days of Hille/Ryder. I will investigate later

I have started doing this. In hindsight, while I still think my statement is true or approaching true, I regret stating it as investigating it is gonna be a pain in the arse.