2018 pre season

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Surely if his kicking stays at the same level he's no chance. His kicking the way it is I'd rather he had 20 handballs a game than 20 kicks.

He's sounding a bit like Bradd Dalziell with a worse kick.
 
jackess said:
Surely if his kicking stays at the same level he's no chance. His kicking the way it is I'd rather he had 20 handballs a game than 20 kicks.

He's sounding a bit like Bradd Dalziell with a worse kick.
Click to expand...

That's quite a bit overstated tbh. His DE was 75% last year and only average 1 more handball than he did kicks. Baring in mind DE is not everything, his kicking was miles better than Mathos. He definitely has a lot to improve on, kicking included, but he is hardly the worst kick in our team. If anything his kicking is tracking similar to Rockys early in his career.
 
Nunez said:
That's quite a bit overstated tbh. His DE was 75% last year and only average 1 more handball than he did kicks. Baring in mind DE is not everything, his kicking was miles better than Mathos. He definitely has a lot to improve on, kicking included, but he is hardly the worst kick in our team. If anything his kicking is tracking similar to Rockys early in his career.
Click to expand...
I actually think his kicking is better compared to a similar stage of Rocky's career. Whether that upward curve continues for Keays is another matter but I certainly think he has the ability to make it.
 

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Nunez said:
That's quite a bit overstated tbh. His DE was 75% last year and only average 1 more handball than he did kicks. Baring in mind DE is not everything, his kicking was miles better than Mathos. He definitely has a lot to improve on, kicking included, but he is hardly the worst kick in our team. If anything his kicking is tracking similar to Rockys early in his career.
Click to expand...
Rocky always had such a loopy kick, where Keays has quite a strong, low kick when required. All be it a little in accurate at this stage, but getting better. It is a kick that is required with the quick ball mevement of teams these days.
Take a look at Adelaide with their kicking last year, quick low bullets mostly.
He is getting better.
 
Dlions said:
I dont really see Ben as a versatile player at all. I think he needs to aim for an inside midfield spot and make it his own. I think that is his best chance to make it in the Afl. We know there is a position available with Rocky leaving and him and Matho are 2 of the boys able to fill that role. He will need to be able to move forward when required, but he is best suited to the inside stuff.
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In this day and age, if a player doesn't have versatility, he becomes vulnerable. With the number of young guns all competing for the same midfield spot, I think its critical he has another string to his bow. Matho has it and showed that in the last intraclub praccy match with 3 really good goals. As the competition heats up for spots, coach's will make decisions on what each player has to offer. Versatility is a huge tick. I have no doubt Ben has the talent but he does need to evolve into a different player to what he has been in his junior years.
 
There is no better way for a young midfielder to learn than to be thrown into the midfield.
He will learn both the defensive and offensive side to the game by playing there.
As a midfielder in the forward 50 at stoppages he will have opportunities to kick goals and in the defensive 50 he will learn to stop his direct opponent from kicking them.
I cant see a better way of him learning than letting him grow naturally in the position he knows best. Because he will learn all facets of the game in that 1 position.
 
Dlions said:
There is no better way for a young midfielder to learn than to be thrown into the midfield.
He will learn both the defensive and offensive side to the game by playing there.
As a midfielder in the forward 50 at stoppages he will have opportunities to kick goals and in the defensive 50 he will learn to stop his direct opponent from kicking them.
I cant see a better way of him learning than letting him grow naturally in the position he knows best. Because he will learn all facets of the game in that 1 position.
Click to expand...

That CAN also shatter a kids confidence as well though. Have to balance it somehow.
 
Dlions said:
There is no better way for a young midfielder to learn than to be thrown into the midfield.
He will learn both the defensive and offensive side to the game by playing there.
As a midfielder in the forward 50 at stoppages he will have opportunities to kick goals and in the defensive 50 he will learn to stop his direct opponent from kicking them.
I cant see a better way of him learning than letting him grow naturally in the position he knows best. Because he will learn all facets of the game in that 1 position.
Click to expand...

Most of the team ends up playing like midfielders anyway. Playing forward there are plenty of opportunities to show he can win his own ball and then be damaging with the footy. But he hasn't done that yet.
 
jackess said:
Most of the team ends up playing like midfielders anyway. Playing forward there are plenty of opportunities to show he can win his own ball and then be damaging with the footy. But he hasn't done that yet.
Click to expand...
Little bit different when you are pretty much playing purely as a defensive forward. Which is how Leppa had him playing.
He was given a little more freedom last year under Fagan. And had things to work on, which is why he was sent back to the Neafl.
Another pre-season under his belt and he might surprise.
 
I must admit I am not a Keayes fan but he seems to be well liked within the playing group and I can never question his endeavour. Therefore, I hope he finds a way to make it.
 

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2018 pre season

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