Welcome 2022 ND - Pick 22 - Max Gruzewski

[Giant Strides]

Position: KPD/Utility
Height: 193cm
Weight: 84kg
D.O.B: 21-07-2004
Teams: Victoria Country, Oakleigh Chargers

SNAPSHOT: “ A versatile tall who has shown some promising signs at both ends of the ground and shapes as a possible first round bolter”

STRENGTHS:

• Vertical Leap
• Versatility
• Composure
• Skills
• Upside
• Marking

IMPROVEMENTS:

• Agility
• Forward craft

The big thing you notice about Max Gruzewski straight away when watching him is his leap. He uses his athletic leap in every overhead contest he is apart of, whether that is coming from behind for a timely spoil, or from the side to take a strong pack mark from the side down back and when forward he is also a strong pack mark but can also get separation on the lead.

Although not super quick Gruzewski has good enough closing speed to make a lot of spoils and seems to have a good understanding of when to zone off and when to follow his direct opponent and having to shoulder the grunt of the work as the main tall down back for Oakleigh he could really shine as more of a third tall at the next level and given reigns to run off more and potentially play more like a James Sicily

6

James Sicily

Age

29

Ht

188cm

Wt

90kg

Pos.

Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D

18.3

5star

K

12.7

5star

HB

5.7

4star

M

6.3

5star

T

1.5

3star

MG

365.0

5star

D

19.4

4star

K

14.3

5star

HB

5.1

3star

M

5.9

5star

T

1.0

2star

MG

437.4

5star

D

10.0

3star

K

6.0

3star

HB

4.0

3star

M

4.2

4star

T

2.0

4star

MG

173.8

3star

or Jeremy Howe

38

Jeremy Howe

Age

34

Ht

190cm

Wt

86kg

Pos.

Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D

17.0

4star

K

11.2

4star

HB

5.7

4star

M

6.4

5star

T

2.1

4star

MG

318.1

4star

D

21.5

5star

K

16.5

5star

HB

5.0

3star

M

6.5

5star

T

2.0

3star

MG

433.3

5star

D

15.2

4star

K

9.0

4star

HB

6.2

4star

M

6.8

5star

T

1.6

4star

.

Gruzewski is a safe user of the ball and rarely makes a mistake and often takes the kicking option over the handball option and has even taken a few lockouts and done a solid job. He is not one to bite off more than he can chew but if he is to become more of a rebound option rather than a stopper he may want to try and nail those more risky kicks to become a more damaging player.

Gruzewski has plenty of upside as he is not fully developed yet but with some slight growth over the year he may become a proper key position height in a few years. However even if he does not, his athletic traits and versatility will certainly give clubs a player who they can mould. With a lower endurance base and some injury concerns, it is unlikely Gruzewski will play at the highest level in his first year and the choice of his preferred position will likely come down to the club that picks him up.

Gruzewski has had some promising games up forward showing some exciting signs, but his consistency over four quarters in that position is an area to improve and his overall forward craft is not at a level that will see him influence the next level anytime soon. However with his attitude he could be a quick learner once in the elite system. Having no standout position can be a blessing and a curse for some players and seeing how he embraces the likely swapping of positions will be key.

Max Gruzewski Draft Profile

central.rookieme.com

 

[BarryAglett]

Looks promising.

 

[Giant Strides]

Caruso sees him playing forward, but scope as a swingman. Liked what they saw during school footy as a forward: clunking marks, taking the ball to ground, kicking goals. His injury disrupted that, but saw some glimpses when he came back and in the last game for Vic Metro v Vic Country.

 

[Hendo_21]

Really would love a bloke that can just a clunk em up forward just because that's really fun to watch so hopefully he can turn into that

 

[Giant Strides]

 

[Giant Strides]

 

[Scrapporet]

Max Gruzewski to have knee surgery​

A young Giant is set for surgery which could delay the start to his AFL career.

Greater Western Sydney draftee Max Gruzewski is set to undergo surgery and faces a delayed start to his first AFL season after dislocating his knee during pre-season training.

The 193cm swingman was sidelined for several months of his draft year with an injury to the same knee before returning and bolting up draft boards with an eye-catching display in the final national championships game for Vic Metro.
The setback is a blow for the Giants, who called out Gruzewski’s name with the valuable first selection on night two of the AFL Draft (pick 22).

The Oakleigh Chargers export was tipped to be developed as a forward under new coach Adam Kingsley where his strong contested marking would come to the fore, with Giants recruiting manager Adrian Caruso excited by the high flyer’s upside.

“We see some real scope for him given the limited exposure to high level football, having only really come on to the radar this year,” he told the club website.

Gruzewski had been lauded for an act of sportsmanship during the national combine in September, helping his former Vic Metro teammate and Essendon defender Lewis Hayes to the finish line after he collapsed during the 2km time trial.

He was given the No. 35 guernsey by the club earlier this month.


Same old same old with us.

 

[The Big Gruzewski]

Max Gruzewski to have knee surgery​

A young Giant is set for surgery which could delay the start to his AFL career.

Greater Western Sydney draftee Max Gruzewski is set to undergo surgery and faces a delayed start to his first AFL season after dislocating his knee during pre-season training.

The 193cm swingman was sidelined for several months of his draft year with an injury to the same knee before returning and bolting up draft boards with an eye-catching display in the final national championships game for Vic Metro.
The setback is a blow for the Giants, who called out Gruzewski’s name with the valuable first selection on night two of the AFL Draft (pick 22).

The Oakleigh Chargers export was tipped to be developed as a forward under new coach Adam Kingsley where his strong contested marking would come to the fore, with Giants recruiting manager Adrian Caruso excited by the high flyer’s upside.

“We see some real scope for him given the limited exposure to high level football, having only really come on to the radar this year,” he told the club website.

Gruzewski had been lauded for an act of sportsmanship during the national combine in September, helping his former Vic Metro teammate and Essendon defender Lewis Hayes to the finish line after he collapsed during the 2km time trial.

He was given the No. 35 guernsey by the club earlier this month.


Same old same old with us.

Well, sh*t. All the best for a speedy and complete recovery dude.

 

[Hendo_21]

Max Gruzewski to have knee surgery​

A young Giant is set for surgery which could delay the start to his AFL career.

Greater Western Sydney draftee Max Gruzewski is set to undergo surgery and faces a delayed start to his first AFL season after dislocating his knee during pre-season training.

The 193cm swingman was sidelined for several months of his draft year with an injury to the same knee before returning and bolting up draft boards with an eye-catching display in the final national championships game for Vic Metro.
The setback is a blow for the Giants, who called out Gruzewski’s name with the valuable first selection on night two of the AFL Draft (pick 22).

The Oakleigh Chargers export was tipped to be developed as a forward under new coach Adam Kingsley where his strong contested marking would come to the fore, with Giants recruiting manager Adrian Caruso excited by the high flyer’s upside.

“We see some real scope for him given the limited exposure to high level football, having only really come on to the radar this year,” he told the club website.

Gruzewski had been lauded for an act of sportsmanship during the national combine in September, helping his former Vic Metro teammate and Essendon defender Lewis Hayes to the finish line after he collapsed during the 2km time trial.

He was given the No. 35 guernsey by the club earlier this month.


Same old same old with us.

Dislocation isn't too bad but man that's annoying to be injured during his first pre-season

 

[Giant Pete]

I’m dubious on his selection.

 

[Giant Pete]

I’m dubious on his selection.

FWIW I think we would have got far more value in another small, quick and agile player… given Kingsleys gamestyle. See Richmonds collection of smalls for reference.

 

[Hendo_21]

FWIW I think we would have got far more value in another small, quick and agile player… given Kingsleys gamestyle. See Richmonds collection of smalls for reference.

Think we have enough smalls at this point, maybe could've used with one more but the upside and potential fit of Gruzewski as a high flying compliment to Cadman long term think is more valuable and harder to fill then a small forward? Daniels, Jones, Peatling, Bedford and McMullin is probably enough if you add another prospect to that group might be the risk of taking opportunity away from each other. Gruzewski has such an entertaining skill set that if he works out he'll be so fun to watch.

 

[Orange Agent]

If there is no ligament damage he will be fine depends on what exactly happened earlier in the year, he may have been playing with something partially damaged without knowing.