I reckon this comparison's been made upwards of thirteen times on here. And in the media tooHe has an unique running style. Reminds me of Michael Johnson (USA Olympian). Doesn’t have much movement in his body…the legs just pump through.
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AFLW 2024 - Round 9 - Indigenous Round - Chat, game threads, injury lists, team lineups and more.
I reckon this comparison's been made upwards of thirteen times on here. And in the media tooHe has an unique running style. Reminds me of Michael Johnson (USA Olympian). Doesn’t have much movement in his body…the legs just pump through.
Disassemble! He's got this himself.Me assembling the WiPhi defence troupe.
In 2020 the games were 20% shorter tho.
In 2020 the games were 20% shorter tho.
Obviously some extenuating factors wrt covid season for the above comparison, but he's going to be a player
Came on to write this exact thing.I’ve had my doubts like others, but he’s definitely building. All he needs is continuity, hopefully no more setbacks
FWIW I'm a believer. I think this kid will be at worst a 200 game solid player.
I've thought this for a little while about Will that at AFL level unlike many players he doesn't necessarily have one single standout elite trait - what I do think he does have is that he has almost every single trait at a very good level, maybe not top 5% elite in any single attribute but a very, very even spread of attributes. I'm hoping with a season or so of continuity that translates into a player that is just a reliably consistent type that can do almost anything on the ground to a high standard. He's quick enough, motors (or will) motor to multiple contests, very clean hands, very neat kick, good at seeing his way through congestion, can kick a goal from set shot or snap. Haven't seen enough above his head to rate his marking at this point but he strikes me as a player that knows how to use his body so will be decent 1 on 1 in this space.
BTW I don't mean that as an insult and you can argue that being very good at 90% of footballing basics (as well as able to read the play) is an elite attribute in itself.
I think if he can keep building his fitness and can be that player that is just at the face of the contest more often than not he is a player you can plonk in there and allow your players with elite power / speed (LDU / hopefully Wardlaw) and those with creative step (Simpkin, Sheezel and hopefully Powell) to do their thing. I'm a big fan of players that can win it in close but have the disposal skill to be a threat so they don't have to give it off to get a clean clearance every single time.
I rate him and think he will be a gem with another season under his belt uninterrupted.
Yeah I agree. That's why I was at pains to point out that maybe it is harsh to say he doesn't have any obvious elite trait at AFL, probably more so no obvious physical elite trait (ie. blistering pace or height / size advantage). He has everything needed (including the drive) to be a very good player for a long time for mine.His voice and leadership is IMO elite. Not to be understated in structuring up around a contest or stoppage. Having someone who can organise is often the difference between a clean clearance or stopping a clean clearance. It's just not a flashy trait.
He's got elite hoover skills.FWIW I'm a believer. I think this kid will be at worst a 200 game solid player.
I've thought this for a little while about Will that at AFL level unlike many players he doesn't necessarily have one single standout elite trait - what I do think he does have is that he has almost every single trait at a very good level, maybe not top 5% elite in any single attribute but a very, very even spread of attributes. I'm hoping with a season or so of continuity that translates into a player that is just a reliably consistent type that can do almost anything on the ground to a high standard. He's quick enough, motors (or will) motor to multiple contests, very clean hands, very neat kick, good at seeing his way through congestion, can kick a goal from set shot or snap. Haven't seen enough above his head to rate his marking at this point but he strikes me as a player that knows how to use his body so will be decent 1 on 1 in this space.
BTW I don't mean that as an insult and you can argue that being very good at 90% of footballing basics (as well as able to read the play) is an elite attribute in itself.
I think if he can keep building his fitness and can be that player that is just at the face of the contest more often than not he is a player you can plonk in there and allow your players with elite power / speed (LDU / hopefully Wardlaw) and those with creative step (Simpkin, Sheezel and hopefully Powell) to do their thing. I'm a big fan of players that can win it in close but have the disposal skill to be a threat so they don't have to give it off to get a clean clearance every single time.
I rate him and think he will be a gem with another season under his belt uninterrupted.
Agree.He's got elite hoover skills.
The 40 sec mark in the highlights pack above is exactly the type of play id envisioned will become almost a trademark for him. His low center of gravity style allows him to hit those contests low and with good pace, then has good hands and vison to feed out. While he didnt gain possession in this play he still got it going our way.