Toast Fremantle's 2nd 2018 National Draft Pick: Luke Valente [Pick #32]

[Ysaye]

I have been keen on Valente as recruit from the start of the year and can't but help feel this is a great get at this pick - I am really stoked about the first two picks in particular in him and Sturt.

I reckon he has a really good core strength that sees shake off tackles and the kicking is pretty good coupled with him being one of the top 3 leader types in this draft. Obviously needs to do a bit to improve the endurance and speed but with his work ethic I reckon this can be got to a level where he can be a very serviceable player.

 

[Dale147]

Luke Valente vs. Luke Foley

Will this be another Blakely vs. Lamb? The Eagles BF fans certainly do...they even have a dedicated thread for it already!

Just had a look at that thread, gee, they are canning Valente now, suddenly Foley is the best thing since sliced bread.

 

[raffrox]

With him not only mates with Giro but training regularly with Giro we knew exactly what we were getting and most probably had the best scouting report out of any team.

 

[Scham]

Just had a look at that thread, gee, they are canning Valente now, suddenly Foley is the best thing since sliced bread.

That’s how they roll.

 

[masai]

Just had a look at that thread, gee, they are canning Valente now, suddenly Foley is the best thing since sliced bread.

They’re looking for a blue.

 

[mike91]

For a bloke they had a collective hard-on for earlier today they've been very quick to dismiss Valente as a 'cokehead plodder' lolololol

Irony that west coke use the word 'cokehead' on their board.

 

[FD2646]

Irony that west coke use the word 'cokehead' on their board.

They prefer ice.....we prefer Valente!

 

[Nothing]

Just had a look at that thread, gee, they are canning Valente now, suddenly Foley is the best thing since sliced bread.

I thought folate was the best thing since sliced bread.

 

[Eski3]

Why do they care about valente? Was he linked to them or something? Personally I couldn't give a shit about the bloke they picked up instead

 

[Hammersoup12]

You recon #29 might be a bit much pressure? Sounds like he might be the next captain if he can get past Brayshaw.


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[theGav56]

South Australian. Leadership. Skills. #29

 

[Wally Walpamur]

Why do they care about valente? Was he linked to them or something? Personally I couldn't give a shit about the bloke they picked up instead

They all wanted him but when they overlooked him with their first pick, they hoped he’d last until their second. Once we took him, all of a sudden he was overrated and something must be wrong with him because both they and the SA clubs didn’t pick him with any of their multiple selections before ours.

 

[freo84]

Looks a ripping pick and going off what a few posters have said and his highlights he could be the midfield steal of the draft.

Really pleased that we got him now.

 

[Carson Dial]

You recon #29 might be a bit much pressure? Sounds like he might be the next captain if he can get past Brayshaw.


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Nothing like a bit of competition for the top job

 

[Bicco]

I love how one of the knocks on him is that he's slow, yet he led the Championships in clearances, which means he gets to a lot of contests, which means his speed ain't that much of an issue after. He's a footballer. Knows where to run so doesn't need to be quick. Rather him than 'Time trial Tim Sheridan' any day of the week.

 

[Carson Dial]

EFA Lol ‘ Time Trial Tom Sheridan’

 

[Bicco]

EFA Lol ‘ Time Trial Tom Sheridan’

i and o are too close. But that's him.

 

[freo84]

I love how one of the knocks on him is that he's slow, yet he led the Championships in clearances, which means he gets to a lot of contests, which means his speed ain't that much of an issue after. He's a footballer. Knows where to run so doesn't need to be quick. Rather him than 'Time trial Tim Sheridan' any day of the week.

I'd take a footy brain over an athlete anyday!

He knows where to be and when he has it he puts it to the right places.

 

[Yeti]

I remember another kid that slid to us in a draft a few years ago.

That turned out pretty poorly for all involved.

Hopefully Valente slid due to other clubs making an error, not FFC making an error.

Looking forward to seeing this play out.

 

[LeftFootBanana]

In fairness Balic didn't have his best mate here and I don't remember him saying he couldn't wait to get here. In fact I seem to recall his parents offered Harley $70k to stay in Melbourne.

I think Valente's lack of pace may have been the reason he slid but Mick Barlow went ok and I reckon this kid will too.

 

[Snuffaluphagus]

I remember another kid that slid to us in a draft a few years ago.

That turned out pretty poorly for all involved.

Hopefully Valente slid due to other clubs making an error, not FFC making an error.

Looking forward to seeing this play out.

I get what you're saying but I seriously doubt they slid for the same reason. Balic clearly had oodles of talent but didnt have the fortitude, desire or character. Valente oozes character being captain of wherever he plays (including the best U18 SA side in history if the draft numbers are anything to go by).

Suspect Valente slid due to a number of reasons such as speed and club need. That group of 20-40 was incredibly subjective by club from all reports

 

[more_of_bito]

Mitchell , Priddis both slow Brownlow medal winning midfielders.

At this stage, a bloke who was given the captaincy of the best state championship side of the last decade is a reasonably safe choice and perfect candidate for #29.

Early call but will be a 200 game player.

 

[M_rash]

I remember another kid that slid to us in a draft a few years ago.

That turned out pretty poorly for all involved.

Hopefully Valente slid due to other clubs making an error, not FFC making an error.

Looking forward to seeing this play out.

The jury is still out on Tucker

 

[Galapagoose]

It's okay that he's slow but you can't have too many of them. If we lose the stoppage and Fyfe, Cerra, Blakely and Valente are there, good luck getting the ball back.

Still think he's great value at that pick. But very concerned about our inside mid speed especially moving into the future.

 

[M_rash]

It's okay that he's slow but you can't have too many of them. If we lose the stoppage and Fyfe, Cerra, Blakely and Valente are there, good luck getting the ball back.

Still think he's great value at that pick. But very concerned about our inside mid speed especially moving into the future.

Especially with the 6-6-6 centre clearances.

I rewatched a couple of the SA U18 games this weekend. Valente isn’t slow, he just isn’t fast. He looks a lot like a slightly quicker version of Mundy. Just seems to find the ball, and when he has it, you can relax because you know he’ll hit a target.

We are looking a little slow for inside/outside players. This is where SHill and (gulp) Walters are quite important. Maybe a couple of the following can develop a bit more of an inside game to help out: Langdon, Tucker, Bewley, or Carter. Actually, Crowden would be quite handy if he can build his AFL tank!