Player Watch #24: Trent Rivers – midfield gun (imagine my surprise)

[Dory_77]

Has this lad re-signed yet?

Signed to 2023 at the end of the season https://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/822596/rivers-extends-until-2023

 

[Sweet Jesus]

Signed to 2023 at the end of the season https://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/822596/rivers-extends-until-2023

That's disappointing.

 

[Proper Gander]

Signed to 2023 at the end of the season https://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/822596/rivers-extends-until-2023

Thanks Dory, that’s a valuable signing

 

[Gysberts2Bate]

According to Fox Footy he’s going to make the AA squad next year: https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/cou...s/news-story/514d529055e57e0ce3055528d18dcc04

No pressure Trent, there’s no way this can end badly

 

[Topkent]

According to Fox Footy he’s going to make the AA squad next year: https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/cou...s/news-story/514d529055e57e0ce3055528d18dcc04

No pressure Trent, there’s no way this can end badly

That's so ****ing random.

 

[ImissFrosty]

According to Fox Footy he’s going to make the AA squad next year: https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/cou...s/news-story/514d529055e57e0ce3055528d18dcc04

No pressure Trent, there’s no way this can end badly

I was actually thinking that one of rivers, Jackson or Pickett dominates and is nearly AA. Actually rate that prediction. Rivers is a sexy beast.

 

[Gysberts2Bate]

He might have AA representation in his future. For a HB flanker to get it in his second year playing a quiet, low-stakes team oriented role would be weird though. It’s just a weird call.

 

[mrmonkey]

He might have AA representation in his future. For a HB flanker to get it in his second year playing a quiet, low-stakes team oriented role would be weird though. It’s just a weird call.

I suppose that's the point of the article except they use the term 'fearless'. In the article's defense it only said AA 'contention'

 

[melbournemartin]

I was actually thinking that one of rivers, Jackson or Pickett dominates and is nearly AA. Actually rate that prediction. Rivers is a sexy beast.

Jackson doesn't have the bulk to dominate and Pickett plays the hardest position to dominate in.

Rivers might have a chance but every year an attacking half back gets some kicks and people get super excited, only for more seasoned veterans to take those spots.

 

[ImissFrosty]

Jackson doesn't have the bulk to dominate and Pickett plays the hardest position to dominate in.

Rivers might have a chance but every year an attacking half back gets some kicks and people get super excited, only for more seasoned veterans to take those spots.

I agree with Pickett, probably won't have a massive impact for a little while. Jackson is a different breed though, he could play on a wing and be the kick out of defence every time or he could be a link up forward. There were also some photos going around and he's really starting to get some big muscles. Rivers plays a pretty easy role and has been able to slot in seamlessly. He dominated against Gws last year and he put in some solid games towards the end of the year. I like to compare these three to Rozee, Butters, Duursma. Jackson is like Rozee, in that they both could be anything. Butters and Rivers are both very established players and they have their role in the side and hold their own. Pickett and Duursma always show glimpses but go missing at times and they each have a long way to go.

 

[Gysberts2Bate]

Rivers has played like eight games, I’d wait until opposition teams start putting more time into him before going too hard. Hasn’t had to be very accountable in his career so far. Pickett IMO has had to contend with the most attention of the three and has still looked pretty good. Finds his own space and time.

Keen to see the three of them live for the first time. Would love to see LJ usurp Rowell as the RS favourite with some good footy early

 

[pjfairbairn]

Is he eligible for RS?

 

[schmuttt]

Is he eligible for RS?

Both he and Jackson are.

 

[Demon 16]

Jackson doesn't have the bulk to dominate

I’m wondering whether we might be best to develop his running, as opposed to bulking him up for a ruck/KPF?

 

[ImissFrosty]

I’m wondering whether we might be best to develop his running, as opposed to bulking him up for a ruck/KPF?

His key weapon in the ruck is his jump, he has Nic Nat level hops. I reckon similar program to Gawn, build up a massive tank and just get strong enough to not get pushed around. If he can run, his leap will protect him in the ruck while he bulks up.

 

[melbournemartin]

I’m wondering whether we might be best to develop his running, as opposed to bulking him up for a ruck/KPF?

I think he needs bulk right now. How many skinny 2 metre tall hybrid wingmen have flourished?

 

[Crusty Demon]

Is he eligible for RS?

So is Rowell though isn't he? Will romp it in I reckon...

 

[Topkent]

Considering what happened to the last bloke who won a RS for us, I could give 2 ****s if Rivers gets near it.

 

[Demon 16]

I think he needs bulk right now. How many skinny 2 metre tall hybrid wingmen have flourished?

He has some pretty unique traits. I don’t think he’s going to be a run and carry type but if he can cover a lot of ground, he will take a lot of marks and still be able to get involved at ground level.

Certainly needs to bebigger than he currently is either way of course.

 

[Demon 16]

Considering what happened to the last bloke who won a RS for us, I could give 2 fu**s if Rivers gets near it.

Who was it again?

 

[Gysberts2Bate]

Considering what happened to the last bloke who won a RS for us, I could give 2 fu**s if Rivers gets near it.

What about the last Rivers who won a RS for us?

It’s a faff award for sure and not much more than a bit of fun - but given the list of past winners you’d still rather win it than not

 

[Dark Avenger]

Considering what happened to the last bloke who won a RS for us, I could give 2 fu**s if Rivers gets near it.

Look what happened last time we won a premiership. Better not run the risk of winning one of those again.

 

[Topkent]

Look what happened last time we won a premiership. Better not run the risk of winning one of those again.

Well that fell flat.

Meaningless ribbon vs premiership

 

[Tulip]

He looks really promising but cool your jets everyone. A lot would have to go right for him to end up anything like the player he is capable of being.

Kade Simpson

6

Kade Simpson

Age

40

Ht

183cm

Wt

75kg

Pos.

Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D

21.3

5star

K

14.0

5star

HB

7.3

5star

M

5.7

5star

T

2.6

4star

MG

409.0

5star

D

16.3

4star

K

11.9

5star

HB

4.4

3star

M

3.9

4star

T

0.8

1star

MG

258.6

4star

D

2.0

1star

K

1.2

1star

HB

0.8

1star

M

0.8

1star

T

1.6

4star

and Christian Salem

3

Christian Salem

Age

29

Ht

184cm

Wt

81kg

Pos.

D/M

Career

Season

Last 5

D

18.9

5star

K

12.4

5star

HB

6.5

4star

M

3.6

4star

T

3.1

5star

MG

350.6

5star

D

18.1

4star

K

12.0

5star

HB

6.1

4star

M

3.9

4star

T

2.1

3star

MG

285.7

4star

D

8.0

2star

K

6.2

3star

HB

1.8

2star

M

2.6

3star

T

2.0

4star

are, on paper, similar players. When you watch them play, Simpson had something that Salem doesn't. I don't even know what that thing is. But its something. And it made a big difference. Unless something changes, Salem will retire a really solid 200-gamer while Simpson bowed out a universally renowned almost 350-game player.

Remains to be seen if Riv has that thing that separates exceptional HBFs from good ones.

 

[adonski]

He looks really promising but cool your jets everyone. A lot would have to go right for him to end up anything like the player he is capable of being.

Kade Simpson and Christian Salem are, on paper, similar players. When you watch them play, Simpson had something that Salem doesn't. I don't even know what that thing is. But its something. And it made a big difference. Unless something changes, Salem will retire a really solid 200-gamer while Simpson bowed out a universally renowned almost 350-game player.

Remains to be seen if Riv has that thing that separates exceptional HBFs from good ones.

Simpson is overrated as ****. Lucky he played for Carlton