AFL Player #5: Elijah Tsatas - On-Field Tensions: Saad Backs Tsatas Over Caldwell!
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Very straight into that man however
- Aug 15, 2011
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The club isnt concerned with his ability to get the ball, its about impact
Plenty of clubs have guys accumulating in the 2nd tier comps
Im still yet to see anything that supports his amazing speed, think thats a bit of a myth with him, but not necessarily required either
Probably with our depth of mids, ideal to operate with a looser group of 5 and have Tsatas avg endurance meaning hes kept around the 65% TOG but full time CBA
- Nov 1, 2021
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I think every training report I’ve read this offseason has been overflowing with praise for my boy Tsatas. Those quads are primed to take a stranglehold on the competition and leave everyone in the dust! Get ready, because he’s about to dominate!
- Mar 17, 2018
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2025 is going to be a Tsati party!
Happyskeret
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Oooh let’s get the part Tstartas
- Nov 1, 2021
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Hey everyone!
I wanted to take a moment to shine a light on my boy, Elijah Tsatas. He’s faced some criticism lately, especially regarding his kicking, and many fans have pointed out that other players, like Phillipou, have shown more promise up until now. But let’s talk about the progress Elijah has made this pre-season it’s nothing short of impressive!
After battling injuries and managing only 11 games over the past couple of seasons, Elijah is looking fitter and stronger than ever. You can see the hard work paying off, his kicking has improved, still not elite, but definitely on the right track. He’s no longer huffing and puffing during stoppages, he’s ready to spring into action, which is a great sign.
He’s starting to find his groove in the midfield. He’s been more evident in contests, showing his ability to win the ball and move it forward. Plus, he's even been getting on the scoreboard, which is another great development for him! His vision and awareness are definitely improving, and it’s clear he’s becoming a player who can impact the game in crucial moments.
It’s also great to see him putting in the extra effort after training, focusing on his kicking with the coaches. This dedication speaks volumes, especially in light of the scrutiny he’s faced. He’s really taken the feedback on board, and I think we’re going to see some great things from him this season.
If he can keep improving that kicking and use his speed effectively, the upside is huge. He has an elite skill set: smart, quick, and tenacious, so I’m feeling pretty good about where he’s headed.
Here’s to Elijah! Can’t wait to see him tear it up when the season starts!
I wanted to take a moment to shine a light on my boy, Elijah Tsatas. He’s faced some criticism lately, especially regarding his kicking, and many fans have pointed out that other players, like Phillipou, have shown more promise up until now. But let’s talk about the progress Elijah has made this pre-season it’s nothing short of impressive!
After battling injuries and managing only 11 games over the past couple of seasons, Elijah is looking fitter and stronger than ever. You can see the hard work paying off, his kicking has improved, still not elite, but definitely on the right track. He’s no longer huffing and puffing during stoppages, he’s ready to spring into action, which is a great sign.
He’s starting to find his groove in the midfield. He’s been more evident in contests, showing his ability to win the ball and move it forward. Plus, he's even been getting on the scoreboard, which is another great development for him! His vision and awareness are definitely improving, and it’s clear he’s becoming a player who can impact the game in crucial moments.
It’s also great to see him putting in the extra effort after training, focusing on his kicking with the coaches. This dedication speaks volumes, especially in light of the scrutiny he’s faced. He’s really taken the feedback on board, and I think we’re going to see some great things from him this season.
If he can keep improving that kicking and use his speed effectively, the upside is huge. He has an elite skill set: smart, quick, and tenacious, so I’m feeling pretty good about where he’s headed.
Here’s to Elijah! Can’t wait to see him tear it up when the season starts!
Happyskeret
Premiership Player
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What I really liked was his quick hands. Doesn’t surprise me at all if he has a break out year.
Ultimately, an ability to meet the physical requirements of playing inside mid is what will make or break him.
He’s always been conscientious and has clearly progressed his game which is a great sign. We’ll see how his physicality has evolved when the real stuff starts - if he gets it right then he can be a game changer for our club.
He’s always been conscientious and has clearly progressed his game which is a great sign. We’ll see how his physicality has evolved when the real stuff starts - if he gets it right then he can be a game changer for our club.
ant555
The Oracle
- May 4, 2004
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Plus side is he has been engaging with Setterfield and Hobbs at center bounce so far and has held his ground in the push and physical stakes. Has certainly built up in the shoulders and chest. As you say the question mark will be on how physical he wants to play. I question if he will ever have it in him to play beast mode but at least he now has some size and power by the looks of it. Will be an interesting watch.
Red Black and Blue
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I think the kicking is far more important than the physicality. If he has improved it as much as stated then he can make it. His movement and hands around the stoppage are enough to win clearance. Pair him with Durham and Caldwell for more accountability and having one loose canon won't hurt. Might even be optimal. Not being hard hasn't stopped Daicos from being a beast.
- Jul 16, 2013
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Want him playing every match he is able to.
Incorrect imo.
Tsatas has shown an unwillingness/inability to either absorb or go through contact and tends to hot potato the footy in close. His whole game is based on winning footy at stoppage so it’s a problem.
Daicos is the most poised/skilled player in the game. There is no comparison to be made here.
All he needs to do is hold ground and absorb the contact - nobody expects him to be Bont or Danger. Good to hear there are signs of improvement.
Red Black and Blue
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It’s not a like for like comparison, just an example of someone winning effective ball at the coal face without being hard. He doesn’t have to be Daicos level with the ball in hand to be effective. Just needs to get better than Parish to make it. Watson level footskills would be enough to make really good.
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Played in a charity cricket game today. Can whack it.
Has incredible coordination to go with his athleticism. He'll be a marking presence too along with his loose ball prowess (of which I think he'll be around the best in the game).
Wow, hardly played a game and he is being torched.
IMO he will be a lock this year. I am sure the club held him back last year to work on deficiencies and looks to be really grabbing his chance. A ball magnet with speed out of the contest, what is not to like.
Hopefully we see him with a fit Parish feeding the ball to Caldwell/Durham while allowing Merrett to roam and be super damaging.
What page number is this?
117?
Not torching him - it’s just what I’ve seen from watching him. My understanding is that the club had similar concerns and it was part of why he was ent back to VFL early in the season.
The player you talk about is what he potentially could be, but he hasn’t actually done it. I bloody hope he does!
Daicos may not be “hard” but he has poise in spades. Never panics and gets through, around, past contact with zero issues.
Tsatas need to be more poised around stoppages and in traffic.
ant555
The Oracle
- May 4, 2004
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How is making an assessment based not just on his AFL footy but also VFL and under 18 footy torching someone ? Vander saw some of his under 18 footy. It was a legitimate question mark on his game.
Misread, apologies!
- Apr 23, 2016
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His willingness to engage in and wear contact may well improve as his body matures, he didn't play a heap in his draft year, and even the year prior he had injuries from memory.
He's got the frame to add weight, that weight may well bring confidence in his physicality. He won't be a Liberatore or Selwood (or Durham) who charge at contact constantly, but a bigger / heavier / taller / stronger Parish who's harder to push off the ball, bring down in a tackle, or tag out of a game, is a good player.
He also seems to be extremely willing to work on his deficiencies.
He's got the frame to add weight, that weight may well bring confidence in his physicality. He won't be a Liberatore or Selwood (or Durham) who charge at contact constantly, but a bigger / heavier / taller / stronger Parish who's harder to push off the ball, bring down in a tackle, or tag out of a game, is a good player.
He also seems to be extremely willing to work on his deficiencies.
The patience in ironing out the chinks might be about to pay dividends 
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