Past #23: Kieran Harper - delisted by the club (29/10) - will miss '16 VAFA season, surgery on ankle

[gustev]

Great stuff HH.

Harper has impressed me greatly. He struck me as needing quite a bit of development earlier on. Either I missed something, or he has allready come in leaps and bounds. The stats for this game may indicate he was down on other weeks, but I think quite the contrary.
We all see different things in a game of footy, but Harp's defensive pressure left me in awe at times, and can't recall seeing that level of pressure sustained throughout a game from one of our first year players. Hopefully this serves him well at the selection table, with all the returning players and other players in form.

 

[Hunters Host #3]

Harper has impressed me greatly. He struck me as needing quite a bit of development earlier on. Either I missed something, or he has allready come in leaps and bounds. The stats for this game may indicate he was down on other weeks, but I think quite the contrary.

Cheers Gustev.

Overlooking his statistical output, I actually thought that it was his most solid game. As I stated after the Geelong game, it seemed to me that he lacked defensive awareness and pressure.

I have no doubt that Brad would have noticed something similar and put it to Kieran to rectify vs Melbourne. Played his role well.

 

[Hunters Host #3]

It will be interesting to see if Kieran holds his place in the side, when Greenwood, and Bastinac come back into contention.

 

[The Nostradamus]

It will be interesting to see if Kieran holds his place in the side, when Greenwood, and Bastinac come back into contention.

i think harper will cement his spot in our best 22 on the hff.
basti will probably come in for speight/atley
greenwood for garlett

 

[Hunters Host #3]

Very possible.

Still, Cunnington was missing last week and McIntosh is in the best 22.

If all were available it would be interesting to see if he was selected.

Predict that Harps may slot though multiple goals for the first time on the weekend.

 

[Hunters Host #3]

Kieran Harper vs Brisbane (21/05/2011)

Only game of the year I have missed - so unable to provide a review of his game.

In the post match press conference however, Brad stated that a few players looked to be in need of a rest.

Later that week, Kieran was an omission from the squad.

Statistics.

Kicks - 1 __ Handballs - 5 __ Disposals - 6
Marks - 0 __ Tackles - 4 __ Goals - 0.0
Contested Possessions - 2
Inside 50's - 1
Disposal Efficiency - 83%

SC - 31

 

[Hunters Host #3]

Kieran Harper vs Adelaide (05/06/11)

Kieran was included after a break against Sydney in Round 10.

He only had 72% game time against the Crows, after he spent most of the first quarter on the pine.

When on the ground he had an immediate impact with a nice inside 50 to Leigh Adams who could only manage hitting the woodwork. Graham Johncock went to him in the second quarter and paid him little regard but Kieran was unable to get his hands on the footy and hurt him the other way. Kieran found it increasingly difficult to get involved only managing 5 kicks for the game and being brought on and off the ground.

Kieran managed to finish off some good work further afield from Swallow and after a clever tap from Petrie snapped a good team goal from 40m out.

Statistics.

Kicks - 5 __ Handballs - 0 __ Disposals - 5
Marks - 2 __ Tackles - 4 __ Goals - 1.0
Contested Possessions - 2
Inside 50's - 1
Disposal Efficiency - 40%

Overall Rating - 5.5/10
SC - 37

 

[Hunters Host #3]

One thing we can be comfortable with is the fact that Kieran takes his opportunities in-front of goal when they present themselves.

He has kicked 4.0 this year. We just need him to find a bit more of the pill.

Here's his goal vs Adelaide.

 

[Hunters Host #3]

Kieran Harper vs Port Adelaide (26/06/11) (SUBSTITUTE)

Kieran was back on Sunday afternoon after Sam Wright was a late withdrawal and for the first time in his short career he was the Super Sub.

Kieran was subbed on at just before three quarter time and was given a shot early on in the fourth.

Harps' fresh legs were evident and he was involved immediately with a scrubbing clanger kick, which actually moved the ball forward and resulted in a goal thanks to Pedersen's quick hands to Anthony whom converted.

Kieran's only other significant involvement was a contested mark on the wing and quick dish to LA which was a chain that lead to a goal from Levi Greenwood.

He did well with limited opportunity and is another step in his development.

He may struggle to find a spot next week however against the Saints.

Statistics.

Kicks - 2 __ Handballs - 2 __ Disposals - 4
Marks - 2 __ Tackles - 1 __ Goals - 0.0
Contested Possessions - 2
Inside 50's - 2
Disposal Efficiency - 50%

Overall Rating - Substitute - less than 21% TOG.
SC - 13

 

[Hunters Host #3]

Kieran Harper vs Western Bulldogs (17/07/2011)

Firstly, I was too annoyed to re-watch last weeks game vs Collingwood, although he was somewhat of a shining light in a dull performance last week. He fought against good opposition valiantly, contributing a career high 15 disposals and 5 I50's. I was pleased with his effort where others left a lot to be desired.

vs Bulldogs; 65%TOG.

To date, Kieran's best and most rounded game in his short career.

Started the game on the bench.

First contest on the wing, he positioned himself perfectly front and centre but failed to give the first option which resulted in a turnover being brought to the ground.

He made amends with what was a beautiful spearing ball to Edwards who couldn't convert. But he showcased his foot-skills yet again.
His tackling intent and work-rate was impressive in the first half, getting back to provide the defence with some support.

In the 2nd, Harps beat Gilbee in a 1 on 1 contest within our F50, to give us an opportunity at goal and again played further up the ground pushing back into defence to provide support down back laying two top tackles on Gilbee and Griffen. Courtesy of a turnover, Spud fed the ball to Harps in the middle of the ground, and he gained important metres with his turn of foot and put the ball to the top of the goal square (which will sail through the sticks in a few years) for Matty Campbell to finish off.

Goal. Shortly after, Kieran was able to yet again convert when his opportunity arose, and after receiving the ball from Spud again 45m out deep in the pocket, he calmly slotted the goal like a Vet.

Bonus points for the wink to Boomer after the celebration.

2nd Half.

Harps had a solid 1st half but started to noticeably blow up in the second half a lot more quickly. His game time in the second half also suffered, however there were many encouraging signs.

1. Having the ball kicked over his head on the wing, he turned and hit the ball at full tilt and exhibited a beautiful step at pace to evade an opponent.
He was chased down by Cross, but with a few more pre-seasons he will burn him off and hit the scoreboard more often.

2. He will learn from a mistake where he allowed Boyd to lead back toward goal into the pocket late in the third that lead to another Hall goal.
A lack of experience saw him guard Boyd running into their F50, and he chose to guard space directly in front of Boyd to cut off the hit-up lead, but without effective touch, allowed Boyd to slip out the back and set up a critical goal.

3. With less than a minute on the clock, it didn't stop Dalhaus' last second goal, but he laid a strong tackle on Griffin for holding the ball.

Harps has exhibited sound tackling technique from his U18 days, and he has been more than solid in the AFL with his tackling (Laying a career high 6 tackles against the Dogs).

Finally, Harps lowered his eyes very well in what could have been a "I'll turn, blaze at goal and win us the game moment here", and hit up McMahon in the square to just about seal the match.

Overall a pleasing and solid performance. He tackled well, pushed into defence like he did vs Collingwood, plying his defensive output further and contributing offensively yet again. Pressured well, as was evidenced with his chase on Higgins late on in the game which affected his shot for goal. It dawned on me at the game that he has a cleanliness to his game similar to a Bastinac (in a different aspect), with his disposal and decision making.

He knows football this kid and will be a player.

Good game and good signs.

Statistics.

Kicks - 6 __ Handballs - 5 __ Disposals - 11
Marks - 2 __ Tackles - 6 __ Goals - 1.0
Contested Possessions - 2
Inside 50's - 3
Disposal Efficiency - 64%

Overall Rating - 7/10
SC - 79

 

[Hunters Host #3]

A big thank you to GR. I requested a few highlights to go with the review and he got them up for us quick smart.

Top work mate.

His pass to Edwards, goal from the pocket and one of many defensive efforts is in this video.

 

[Dan]

I think a few of us forgot about Harpers game on Sunday given we had so many players play well. How good was the kick to Edwards

 

[saintkildaman]

Really like watching him. I think once he starts finding the ball regularly he will be a gun for you guys

 

[Deleted member 98541]

Excellent review HH, thanks for the detail, GR as always

Saintkildaman you words are those of truth. Agree wholeheartedly.



Harper will be a fan favourite, there's no doubting that.

 

[NiceCunnington]

Good stuff.

That pass to Edwards was ridiculous.

 

[Hunters Host #3]

Kieran Harper vs Brisbane Lions (23/07/2011)

Could he improve on what I thought was his best game to date.

Short answer: Yes.

Why? Well he simply backed it up and improved in some key performance indicators.

I watched him closer than I have in recent weeks at the game and firstly, his work-rate has markedly improved since the game vs Adelaide.

He laid 9 tackles for the match. Second only to Ziebell who had 10 for the game, which says something about Kieran's mental aptitude as a footballer.

He has the tools.

_____________________________________________________________________________

He had a more significant impact in the first half of the game again, which I'll attribute to his tank.
Harps 1st quarter was very good, laying tackles inside F50 and at the other end of the ground on Hanley which resulted in a turnover and goal? I think it did for memory.

With pace he burned inside F50 to narrowly miss a goal during the 1st which was his 1st behind for the season. Simply NOT GOOD ENOUGH.
However, he made amends in the second and kept his dead eye tag, with a good crumbing goal on the left boot about 15 out from goal.
His next goal was more fortunate after a dubious advantage call to the Lions allowed Harper to lay a strong tackle on Hawksley who did not dispose of the ball correctly.

However, put simply, his work-rate and ability to lay a strong tackle gave him another opportunity on goal. Very pleasing.

He was quieter in the second half, displaying a nice blind turn on the wing and pace away from the contest and further pressure acts, which included putting Black under enough pressure to put it out on the full which resulted in another F50 entry.

Another good game, and first time he has multiple goals next to his name.

Statistics.

Kicks - 5 __ Handballs - 7 __ Disposals - 12
Marks - 1 __ Tackles - 9 __ Goals - 2.1
Contested Possessions - 8
Inside 50's - 2
Disposal Efficiency - 67%

Overall Rating - 7.25/10
SC - 82

 

[Hunters Host #3]

8 contested possessions is also a personal best by far.

 

[muttley45]

9 tackles,and some very strong ones amongst them too,excellent work from kieran,a very nice prospect we have here

 

[Hunters Host #3]

Kieran Harper vs Carlton (29/07/11)

Slightly under-par but solid night for Kieran.

When he got onto the ground I noticed Touhy went to him, and Harps had trouble burning him.

It may have been the Friday Night lights but he struggled to get involved for a better part of the first half of the game.
Showed glimpses in the first half, with some evasiveness but turned it over by hand. He seemed to settle in the third and looked more involved further up the ground.

He was good just after half time, stepping up his pressure and defensive work-rate, and he became more involved in offensively.
He was wrongly unrewarded for his tackle on Armfield and then pinged for holding the ball himself when it was wedged between his legs shortly after, that resulted in a Carlton goal at a crucial time.

Displayed good foot skills in the second half again, with a short chip kick to Boomer and a darting bullet I50 to Petrie who couldn't convert.

Harps couldn't hit the scoreboard Friday but he made a solid contribution after half time.

I'll be keen to see how he goes against the Hawks, and to see if his body is holding up. I feel as though he will be one to really benefit from the bye and give the last 3 rounds a real crack.

Statistics.

Kicks - 7 __ Handballs - 3 __ Disposals - 10
Marks - 2 __ Tackles - 6 __ Goals - 0.0
Contested Possessions - 3
Inside 50's - 3
Disposal Efficiency - 80%

Overall Rating - 6.25/10
SC - 59

 

[Hunters Host #3]

Kieran Harper vs Hawthorn (07/08/2011)

Kieran struggled to get involved against the Dawks in very windy and wet conditions in the Apple Isle.

Played through the middle on occasions but struggled to get his hands on the ball. Showed some silk with his foot-skills (which has been a feature all year now) into the wind.

He seemed to have one of those games where you run around aimlessly, to the wrong spots, and although your work rate is fine, it's difficult to get involved and impact the game.

He had only 6 touches for the game and a couple of nice clearances.

Statistics.

Kicks - 4 __ Handballs - 2 __ Disposals - 6
Marks - 1 __ Tackles - 3 __ Goals - 0.0
Contested Possessions - 5
Inside 50's - 3
Disposal Efficiency - 50%

Overall Rating - 5/10
SC - 40

 

[Hunters Host #3]

Kieran Harper vs Fremantle (20/08/2011)

Harps was solid, a game of glimpses.

As FG stated in the game-day thread;

Harper is going to be a filthily good footballer.

Took about 5 minutes until Harper was on the ground Saturday night.

He started higher up the ground and his first two involvements were handballs at half-back which included a 60m+ unrewarded run which was good to see.


It was during the second quarter that Kieran had most of an impact.

Harps was involved in some good forward defensive pressure that lead to a Joe the Goose from Spud, which allowed Kieran to put the blind turn on Mzungu, that left him scratching his head in wonder as he slotted through his first goal of the night.

Being at the game, I was impressed shortly after with Harps' ability to stand his ground in a marking contest and jump vertically to take a strong mark under all sorts of pressure.

The replay of the game does not do it justice. At the game, he literally soared straight up to take that mark. That got me excited most Saturday Night.

Shortly after, Kieran snagged his second goal of the night with a nice step inboard, turn of foot with a touch of arrogance and slotted a goal on the run where Campbell had missed seconds earlier.

That goal being right in-front of me, he really put his foot down, puffed the cheeks and slotted the goal calmly.

He was largely unsighted in the third quarter and it wasn't until the last quarter that he was switched further up the ground playing on a wing. The one highlight being his pressure on the wing, where he blocked a handball, where we won possession, then he received a handball that he also dished over the top to Mullett who ran to 50 and narrowly missed.

Overall, he found a lot of the ball, and a higher amount of uncontested possessions suggests he worked hard yet again. He tried to chase down Ballantyne for memory on the outer wing late in the 4th quarter, but he ran on absolute empty. Can't wait for his tank to improve. He has a lot of guts.

Good game.

Statistics.

Kicks - 10 __ Handballs - 6 __ Disposals - 16
Marks - 4 __ Tackles - 3 __ Goals - 2.0
Contested Possessions - 5
Inside 50's - 0
Disposal Efficiency - 69%

Overall Rating - 6.5/10
SC - 72

 

[Hunters Host #3]

Thanks GR.

Grover missed the step.

 

[Hunters Host #3]

Also,

We will undoubtedly see Harper involved in the midfield in the coming years and kicking plenty of goals up forward...

However, watching him closely, I really do believe he has the capabilities to play off a HBF or wing, setting up behind the ball.

 

[Dan]

Reminds me of Didak the way Harper plays. The speed and evasive movements he has are gonna make him a very good midfield/forward option.

 

[NiceCunnington]

His first goal was all style. It reminded me of that freak goal he kicked against WA. He loves that blind turn. The second one was a beauty though. Powerful sideways movement.