AFL Player #22: Sam Durham

[eth-dog]

Contract Status: Out of contract 2029
My Boy Draft 2024: Pick 15, Zach Package

 

[hurlygurdy]

Actually Merv is a great comparison. Merv played a bit of a midfield/centreman role before settling on a wing so sort of in reverse to Duz. Merv was definitely a bull-at-a-gate and tenacious for sure but had the skills to work outside of congestion too. Merv was a smoother mover and superior kick, especially on the run. But Duz is better over head and better at clearances. Merv could arch his back and accelerate out of congestion whereas Duz just bulldozes through.

You might be underselling the duz acceleration. I swear he’s gone down to the crossroads or something because along with everything else he has burned away from a few contests lately

 

[Blind Turn]

You might be underselling the duz acceleration. I swear he’s gone down to the crossroads or something because along with everything else he has burned away from a few contests lately

Maybe, but he still tends to charge through congestion. Neagle used to rely a lot on evasion on the burst rather than bulldozing..

 

[Happyskeret]

To be fair, it’s one of the most rapid improvements of an Essendon player I can recall.

He’s gone from a solid role player (that may be underselling it) to being extremely close to our most important player in a super short period of time

Hence it hasn’t aged well.

 

[Kong]

To be fair, it’s one of the most rapid improvements of an Essendon player I can recall.

He’s gone from a solid role player (that may be underselling it) to being extremely close to our most important player in a super short period of time

His recent trajectory isn't dissimilar to that of Jobe in 2009.

 

[Donakebab]

His recent trajectory isn't dissimilar to that of Jobe in 2009.

Jobe turned the corner in 2006 when he came second in the B&F.

 

[Kong]

Jobe turned the corner in 2006 when he came second in the B&F.

Yeah agree, but he was still one of a crew - Hird, JJ, Pev, and maybe others I'm forgetting.

In 2009 he suddenly became THE guy.

 

[Vander18]

Actually Merv is a great comparison. Merv played a bit of a midfield/centreman role before settling on a wing so sort of in reverse to Duz. Merv was definitely a bull-at-a-gate and tenacious for sure but had the skills to work outside of congestion too. Merv was a smoother mover and superior kick, especially on the run. But Duz is better over head and better at clearances. Merv could arch his back and accelerate out of congestion whereas Duz just bulldozes through.

I dunno. Some of Durhams movement out of stoppages in recent weeks has been pretty smooth. He’s a really good mover - balanced and powerful.

I think the Neagle comparison is a good one. Hopefully it only holds true for playing style….Merv, bless him, was as mad as a cut snake (and an all-time fav of mine regardless).

 

[Blind Turn]

I dunno. Some of Durhams movement out of stoppages in recent weeks has been pretty smooth. He’s a really good mover - balanced and powerful.

I think the Neagle comparison is a good one. Hopefully it only holds true for playing style….Merv, bless him, was as mad as a cut snake (and an all-time fav of mine regardless).

I agree but Merv was more so. His 1980 season was unbelievable and was around the time I first took real notice of the footy. He was smooth moving enough to catch the umpire’s eye and finish second in the Brownlow. It’s not like he had Peter Moore’s blonde hair to catch the eye either

 

[Nifft]

Paul Kelly is one of my all-time favourite non-Essendon players. Tough, and unflinching, and explosive from stoppages (like JJ but more consistently). He was inspirational in an understated way. His most devastating attribute was his forward thinking disposal.

And he punched Liberatore, so he gets a few extra points for that as well.

 

[Pweter]

I dunno. Some of Durhams movement out of stoppages in recent weeks has been pretty smooth. He’s a really good mover - balanced and powerful.

I think the Neagle comparison is a good one. Hopefully it only holds true for playing style….Merv, bless him, was as mad as a cut snake (and an all-time fav of mine regardless).

Merv v Dipper never failed to entertain

 

[Vander18]

Merv v Dipper never failed to entertain

A classic old fashioned wing duel between two utter lunatics!

 

[carnthedons]

You might be underselling the duz acceleration. I swear he’s gone down to the crossroads or something because along with everything else he has burned away from a few contests lately

That’s Robert not Jason Johnson

 

[Beerfish]

Hopefully not seriously.

 

[bommer16]

He’ll be alright. If he misses next week ok. Get him ready for Carl.

 

[Blind Turn]

Celebrating the old man’s 80th today so haven’t seen the game. This is all I am concerned about. What’s the detail?

 

[bommer16]

Celebrating the old man’s 80th today so haven’t seen the game. This is all I am concerned about. What’s the detail?

Happy 80th for your dad. Congrats.

 

[jannissary]

Celebrating the old man’s 80th today so haven’t seen the game. This is all I am concerned about. What’s the detail?

rolled ankle.

 

[Blind Turn]

rolled ankle.

Cheers mate. I guess the key thing is was he able to play on with it or did he get carried off?

 

[The Prosecutor]

Cheers mate. I guess the key thing is was he able to play on with it or did he get carried off?

Didn't notice it happen to be honest, he just came off and we didn't bother to bring him back on since it was the fourth quarter and we were comfortably up.

 

[Beerfish]

It could be complete rubbish. I only heard a commentator say it. I don't think I actually saw Duz again after that.

 

[bommer16]

At one point he went down in the rooms and got his ankle (and shoulder?) strapped.
I think Brad didn’t want to risk him any further. Good move I think.

 

[jannissary]

Cheers mate. I guess the key thing is was he able to play on with it or did he get carried off?

stayed off, likely more of a precaution than anything else

 

[rumply]

 

[ScrappyCoCo]

Duzza dug deep and was good at the start of the last when we needed to win it. It was important in the end.

 

[gillon]

Another 25 with 14 contested possessions. Such a good find.