Player Watch Harry DeMattia

[sr36]

Interesting decision. Essentially means he is signed for the next 3 seasons. Given he hasn't played a game yet and hasn't dominated VFL is it a bit premature? Club must have a higher opinion of him but whats the hurry. Would have thought seeing how he goes early 25 would be reasonable

They did the same with Ryan and Allan too. I don't really have an opinion either way on Ryan but some think he's no good and wouldn't be keen on him having another two years

 

[Kappa]

Interesting decision. Essentially means he is signed for the next 3 seasons. Given he hasn't played a game yet and hasn't dominated VFL is it a bit premature? Club must have a higher opinion of him but whats the hurry. Would have thought seeing how he goes early 25 would be reasonable

It's a risk vs reward

I think they signed him and Harrison now because their values are pretty much at minimum.

 

[Dtennent94]

I said in another thread that I could’ve seen DeMattia close to being delisted (not for certain, just a gut feeling that he may not make it).

I mean it wasn’t likely to happen due to a probable lack of draft picks with McGuane, our win-now motif and likely retirements, but I see him as low on the pecking order of the list.

I suppose Markov, AJ, Macrae, Reef, and Dean might have less leeway than HDM. Plus any older guys who drop off.

 

[sr36]

I suppose Markov, AJ, Macrae, Reef, and Dean might have less leeway than HDM. Plus any older guys who drop off.

Plus Sullivan and Long only got late one year extensions. I don't think we'll struggle to find list vacancies at the end of the year.

 

[ClaytonM]

Interesting decision. Essentially means he is signed for the next 3 seasons. Given he hasn't played a game yet and hasn't dominated VFL is it a bit premature? Club must have a higher opinion of him but whats the hurry. Would have thought seeing how he goes early 25 would be reasonable

I understand this position but if you think of our list what is the alternative?

If we let him go in the next two years how would we replace him? With another kid or a trade/free agent. We will be losing Peddles, Sidey, Howe, Elliot, Cox, Mitchell, Crisp very soon so any trade/free agents you would think would be targeted at replacing that enormous hole. So if he is replaced it will be with a kid who is no more likely to succeed as HDM.

I agree he hasn't shown a great deal and ideally you wouldn't have signed him for 2 more years. Unfortunately I just think that is where our list is at the moment. There is no alternative unfortunately. Like it or not.

 

[sr36]

I understand this position but if you think of our list what is the alternative?

If we let him go in the next two years how would we replace him? With another kid or a trade/free agent. We will be losing Peddles, Sidey, Howe, Cox, Mitchell, Crisp very soon so any trade/free agents you would think would be targeted at replacing that enormous hole. So if he is replaced it will be with a kid who one assumes is no more likely to succeed as HDM.

I agree he hasn't shown a great deal and ideally you wouldn't have signed him for 2 more years. Unfortunately I just think that is where are list is at the moment. There is no alternative.

Those oldies are unlikely to all go at once. It was only a couple of years ago that we added 5 mature recruits in the one period - without spending a first round pick on them - this year we added 3. It's not as difficult to add new players as you're suggesting.

 

[ClaytonM]

Those oldies are unlikely to all go at once. It was only a couple of years ago that we added 5 mature recruits in the one period - without spending a first round pick on them - this year we added 3. It's not as difficult to add new players as you're suggesting.

We handed over a first round pick again so maybe not difficult but painful.

Who of Pendles, Elliott, Sidey, Cox, Mitchell, Howe, Crisp, and Checkers do you think will be lining up round 1 2026?

At this point I see only Crisp and Checkers and by then they will be on the decline. You ain't winning a premiership in 2026 with Pendles. Sidey, Cox, Mitchell and Howe playing most weeks If at all.

Add to that McStay, DeGoey, Moore and Bruzzer will all be 30+ in 2026.

The demographics of our list is not pretty. We have to retained some of our kids even if they ain't showing much at this stage. There is no real alternative. I am not saying I like it, just understand the position we are in. If HDM and some of the kids around home don't make it then we are in for some pain in a year or two.

 

[Dtennent94]

Plus Sullivan and Long only got late one year extensions. I don't think we'll struggle to find list vacancies at the end of the year.

Gee, I completely forgot about these two while writing my last post.

And settle down TradeDraft I’m happy to see Reef and Macrae apparently training well and of course I want to get a return on our top 25 picks we spent on them. They are 100% in the group who are just skating by to be on the list, though. Hopefully that changes next year!

 

[sr36]

We handed over a first round pick again so maybe not difficult but painful.

Who of Pendles, Elliott, Sidey, Cox, Mitchell, Howe, Crisp, and Checkers do you think will be lining up round 1 2026?

At this point I see only Crisp and Checkers and by then they will be on the decline. You ain't winning a premiership in 2026 with Pendles. Sidey, Cox, Mitchell and Howe playing most weeks If at all.

Add to that McStay, DeGoey, Moore and Bruzzer will all be 30+ in 2026.

The demographics of our list is not pretty. We have to retained some of our kids even if they ain't showing much at this stage. There is no real alternative. I am not saying I like it, just understand the position we are in. If HDM and some of the kids around home don't make it then we are in for some pain in a year or two.

In terms of the oldies gone at the end of the year, a lot will depend on injuries, but I think Howe and Elliott will play on and one of the old mids. But my point is you don't sign extensions to young blokes just because other blokes will leave. If they're not going to be good enough, you can replace them really easily. Membrey won't be the last old freeby we add. We could have added Tomlinson, Patful or younger blokes who'd shown a bit but not quite enough. We'd be silly to re-sign blokes unless we see a future for them.

 

[JuniorB]

In terms of the oldies gone at the end of the year, a lot will depend on injuries, but I think Howe and Elliott will play on and one of the old mids. But my point is you don't sign extensions to young blokes just because other blokes will leave. If they're not going to be good enough, you can replace them really easily. Membrey won't be the last old freeby we add. We could have added Tomlinson, Patful or younger blokes who'd shown a bit but not quite enough. We'd be silly to re-sign blokes unless we see a future for them.

We haven't seen much of HDM, due to him missing a big chunk of the season with a fractured finger, but I've seen enough of HH to think he'll be a really good player for us.

 

[PieBeast]

We haven't seen much of HDM, due to him missing a big chunk of the season with a fractured finger, but I've seen enough of HH to think he'll be a really good player for us.

This post should be in the Oxford Dictionary under the definition of utter fluff.

His finger injury was minor, he didn't miss a big chunk of the season and while he still might but to date he's shown absolutely nothing to suggest he'll be a really good player for us.

 

[cakewalk06]

This post should be in the Oxford Dictionary under the definition of utter fluff.

His finger injury was minor, he didn't miss a big chunk of the season and while he still might but to date he's shown absolutely nothing to suggest he'll be a really good player for us.

He said HH would be a really good player. Harvey Harrison. And HDM did miss a chunk of the season with a finger injury. About 10 weeks? Harry has time on his side

 

[South of the Yarra]

This post should be in the Oxford Dictionary under the definition of utter fluff.

His finger injury was minor, he didn't miss a big chunk of the season and while he still might but to date he's shown absolutely nothing to suggest he'll be a really good player for us.

Someone who injures their finger in early Feb and has still not returned to playing in Round 7 does not have a minor injury. The jury is out on the kid but a 10 week injury is not minor.

Injury Update: Emerging Pies close in on return, Club debut on the cards

Collingwood’s Head of High Performance Jarrod Wade has provided an Injury Update ahead of Thursday’s ANZAC Day clash against Essendon at the MCG.

www.collingwoodfc.com.au

 

[stormskye]

This post should be in the Oxford Dictionary under the definition of utter fluff.

His finger injury was minor, he didn't miss a big chunk of the season and while he still might but to date he's shown absolutely nothing to suggest he'll be a really good player for us.

I guess the coaches have a different view

 

[Mollythedolly]

Interesting decision. Essentially means he is signed for the next 3 seasons. Given he hasn't played a game yet and hasn't dominated VFL is it a bit premature? Club must have a higher opinion of him but whats the hurry. Would have thought seeing how he goes early 25 would be reasonable

Injury interrupted 2024 but I thought he started to show something in the backend of the season.

 

[76woodenspooners]

Interesting decision. Essentially means he is signed for the next 3 seasons. Given he hasn't played a game yet and hasn't dominated VFL is it a bit premature? Club must have a higher opinion of him but whats the hurry. Would have thought seeing how he goes early 25 would be reasonable

I’ve wondered if clubs factor in considerations such as ability of the player to take out a mortgage and set down roots.

For example, in Ed Allan’s case - we quickly extended his stock 2 year contract to 4 years (he hadn’t played a senior game either) - maybe we identified he was a quality person with a great attitude and huge potential, so by locking him into 4 years we weren’t just binding him by contract, we were also possibly allowing him to take out a mortgage and set down roots and reduce risk of any possible “go-home” factor.

The “go-home” thing may also apply to Harrison. Plus he wouldn’t be the first player we’ve given a generous extension to after they’ve done their ACL. We provide them with some security of tenure so they can focus on their rehab knowing they’ve got solid opportunities on the other side.

Harry’s case seems less clear. Maybe the club do see he has a great future and are happy to give him security of tenure that might be needed for a mortgage? Or maybe his opportunities to get a game in 2025 are heavily tied to durability of aging players (Eg: Howe) which would be a bit of a lottery - and they want him to feel / know the club are investing in him long term? Or maybe it might have something to do with locking in players ahead of the Tasmanian concessions being announced?

Or maybe it’s all just basic salary cap management - putting the big rocks in the 2026 & 2027 jars before we worry about the small ones?

 

[sr36]

This post should be in the Oxford Dictionary under the definition of utter fluff.

His finger injury was minor, he didn't miss a big chunk of the season and while he still might but to date he's shown absolutely nothing to suggest he'll be a really good player for us.

Your miscomprehension of the post you're quoting suggests putting something in a dictionary won't help.

 

[sr36]

I’ve wondered if clubs factor in considerations such as ability of the player to take out a mortgage and set down roots.

For example, in Ed Allan’s case - we quickly extended his stock 2 year contract to 4 years - maybe we identified he was a quality person with a great attitude and huge potential, so by locking him into 4 years we weren’t just binding him by contract, we were also possibly allowing him to take out a mortgage and set down roots and reduce risk of any possible “go-home” factor.

The “go-home” thing may also apply to Harrison. Plus he wouldn’t be the first player we’ve given a generous extension to after they’ve done their ACL. We provide them with some security of tenure so they can focus on their rehab knowing they’ve got solid opportunities on the other side.

Harry’s case seems less clear. Maybe the club do see he has a great future and are happy to give him security of tenure that might be needed for a mortgage? Or maybe his opportunities to get a game in 2025 are heavily tied to durability of aging players (Eg: Howe) which would be a bit of a lottery - and they want him to feel / know the club are investing in him long term? Or maybe it might have something to do with locking in players ahead of the Tasmanian concessions being announced?

I think it's as simple as if they think a bloke has the attributes, and has shown the attitude and work ethic to improve they get given four years anyway whether it's a series of extensions or an early extension like we've done with Allan, HDM and Ryan. Locking in the 4 years early reduces the risk of them being poached if they're looking good or bidding up their year 3 and 4 contracts.

 

[Kirby]

This post should be in the Oxford Dictionary under the definition of utter fluff.

His finger injury was minor, he didn't miss a big chunk of the season and while he still might but to date he's shown absolutely nothing to suggest he'll be a really good player for us.

It’s amazing that you could get so much wrong in one post. That’s a very special skill set. Congratulations!

 

[Granit1962]

I said in another thread that I could’ve seen DeMattia close to being delisted (not for certain, just a gut feeling that he may not make it).

I mean it wasn’t likely to happen due to a probable lack of draft picks with McGuane, our win-now motif and likely retirements, but I see him as low on the pecking order of the list.

I suppose Markov, AJ, Macrae, Reef, and Dean might have less leeway than HDM. Plus any older guys who drop off.

I was surprised also - to me based on limited vision, he seems one of the least likely recruits we have ever had to make it. Hope to be wrong. Hoping he is more impressive live, that the snippets I have seen don’t do him justice, and have to trust that the club see’s some good things in him.

 

[sr36]

I was surprised also - to me based on limited vision, he seems one of the least likely recruits we have ever had to make it. Hope to be wrong. Hoping he is more impressive live, that the snippets I have seen don’t do him justice, and have to trust that the club see’s some good things in him.

He certainly didn't scream out that he knew what he was doing in his VFL games. But if you believe the hype his professionalism and drive to improve is outstanding. One of Fly's mantras is rewarding positive behaviour. Worst case scenario, he becomes one of the many who gets 4 years and doesn't kick on, meanwhile you've sent a message to the group about the behaviours you value and reward, increasing the likelihood that others get the best out of themselves.

 

[Granit1962]

He certainly didn't scream out that he knew what he was doing in his VFL games. But if you believe the hype his professionalism and drive to improve is outstanding. One of Fly's mantras is rewarding positive behaviour. Worst case scenario, he becomes one of the many who gets 4 years and doesn't kick on, meanwhile you've sent a message to the group about the behaviours you value and reward, increasing the likelihood that others get the best out of themselves.

Good point - while important, hope it is not ‘just’ for his leadership skills. To me it seems like a ‘no win decision’. What was the rush. If that is the case, I would have least waited until he shows a bit more in terms of AFL skill. Expect the coaches see things we don’t and as you say, his professionalism helped get it over the line. To me TJ seems a far better prospect - whom I would not have been surprised to hear an extension.

 

[swoop42]

Some people are so impatient.

The kid has been on the list for 1 year and his first preseason was interrupted due to a not insignificant finger injury.

If memory serves me correctly his form spiked right towards the end of the VFL season (and might have been associated with a move away from half back? Jen?) with 2 consecutive 23 disposal games. Laid a season high of 7 tackles in the final match of the year.

- Harry DeMattia

vfl.aflmstats.com

 

[sr36]

Good point - while important, hope it is not ‘just’ for his leadership skills. To me it seems like a ‘no win decision’. What was the rush. If that is the case, I would have least waited until he shows a bit more in terms of AFL skill. Expect the coaches see things we don’t and as you say, his professionalism helped get it over the line. To me TJ seems a far better prospect - whom I would not have been surprised to hear an extension.

Tend to agree. Im big on game sense and think it's hard to develop and get the vibe that there's an over emphasis on attributes and attitude with our youngster's and an under emphasis on game sense.

 

[Granit1962]

Tend to agree. Im big on game sense and think it's hard to develop and get the vibe that there's an over emphasis on attributes and attitude with our youngster's and an under emphasis on game sense.
[/

Some people are so impatient.

The kid has been on the list for 1 year and his first preseason was interrupted due to a not insignificant finger injury.

If memory serves me correctly his form spiked right towards the end of the VFL season (and might have been associated with a move away from half back? Jen?) with 2 consecutive 23 disposal games. Laid a season high of 7 tackles in the final match of the year.

- Harry DeMattia

vfl.aflmstats.com

I watched good portions of both those games. There was definitely improvement - even though not so convincing. I think the comments are less about writing him off, rather about locking him in too early.