Delisted Michael Close (2012-2017)

[dlanod]

Kerr - "He's going to have a really big frame when he finishes growing".

The Marco Paparone article described him as Brown's replacement, but 86 seems to be the one being groomed for that gorilla forward position.

He looks massive in Kerr's draft video. Now to hope if he can play as well.

 

[Haso]

He looks massive in Kerr's draft video. Now to hope if he can play as well.

There's a huge bump/shephard in that video of Kerr's that makes me very excited to see what he can do in later years. The aggression is clearly already there. I love it.

 

[Haso]

 

[BlackCaviar]

In that video he reminds be of brandon lade

 

[jackess]

In that video he reminds be of brandon lade

Same here!

 

[BlackCaviar]

hope he becomes a massive bulldozer smashing packs

 

[Bucking Beads]

He seems to have decent footskills and takes a good grab. Certainly plenty to work with. Add his endurance in and we could be onto a winner.

 

[Ruse]

HE seems slow off the mark this might be a problem at AFL level.

 

[Crimso]

Looks a bit in the Quentin Lynch mould.

 

[Surly Boy]

Close call
24 Nov, 2012

When Michael Close was selected with the Brisbane Lions’ final pick at the 2012 NAB AFL National Draft (No.32 overall), most fans were left searching the internet to find more information about the North Ballarat Rebels’ big man. But the Lions recruiters were more than familiar with the 18 year-old, having closely monitored his progress for some time.

At 195cm and with an elite running ability (he recorded a 15.6 beep test), the Lions saw Close as the sort of player who, after a few years of development, could potentially fill a key role up forward.

And what better mentor to learn from than superstar centre half-forward, and Lions Captain Jonathan Brown.

“I don’t want to get in his way, that’s for sure,” Close told lions.com.au.

 

[dlanod]

"I don't want to get in his way, that's for sure," Close told lions.com.au.

Well that's a step up on some of Brown's teammates and ex-teammates.

 

[BlackCaviar]

HE seems slow off the mark this might be a problem at AFL level.

you can tell that from one youtube video

 

[Grimreepah]

Link

Close, 18, said he had been caught by surprise when his name was called earlier than expected.
“I wasn’t really concentrating,” he said.
“It’s an amazing feeling.”
Close said Brisbane had shown plenty of interest in him leading into the draft.

 

[chopperduck]

HE seems slow off the mark this might be a problem at AFL level.

Running all day seems to be more his go, more like Browny style, constant running and leading, rather than just 1 strong lead using speed to get separation. Browny was never too quick either, but didn't stop him.

I like that Close seems to have a bit of aggression and some competitiveness to him. Those are traits you need for a bit forward. It's probably the 1 thing that i'd love to give Lisle.

 

[Bucking Beads]

I thought I read somewhere that his strengths are his mobility for a big man. I'd be surprised if he is that slow off the mark if his mobility is a strength.

 

[Fatcat08]

As Brown regularly has proven by the time you're on your third lead in 10 seconds and have covered the best part of 200m in the previous 30 seconds seconds speed tends not to matter as much

 

[Simba Moyo]

I'm willing to work with you help propagate this nickname.

Apologies for my ignorance but what's the deal with 86?

 

[Haso]

Apologies for my ignorance but what's the deal with 86?

Because he was Close, but

 

[Haso]

He's going to be a very wide lad.

 

[Grimreepah]

Close chosen by Brisbane Lions as 'project player'

Close said he was still pinching himself being part of the Lions set-up, although the first week for the three draftees has just been about meeting the players and coaches and watching how the senior players prepare and train.
"It's just unreal being here ... I can't believe it," he said.
"Monday we just watched the players train, Tuesday we did a couple of sessions and then had an ice bath, and Wednesday was a day off.
"We won't do the workloads the players do for a while just to avoid injuries."
Close is staying with established player Aaron Cornelius, but next week will move into a house with Sam Mayes and Marco Paparone who were also picked up in the draft.
The trio can expect a visit from Lions player welfare manager Manny Lynch - brother of Lions triple premiership player Alistair - who Close said would "explain the rules and teach us how to cook".

 

[Simba Moyo]

Love how they're all moving in together.

 

[Grimreepah]

Twitter

@5panish yeah loving it mate, great club. Only doing about 50% at the moment but hopefully work into it #sohot #lovinglife

 

[GoTheLions]

He is an exciting prospect for sure! With the right guidance from Brown and a few years in the Gym he could be a force up forward for us. Once again, like Mayes he seems like a well rounded Kid, looking forward to watching him play.

 

[Grimreepah]

Phil Partington (AFL Victoria Talent Manager for North Ballarat Rebels)

Michael had an interrupted year. His first half of the season was fantastic but after he injured his ankle it affected his Nationals campaign. At 197cms, Michael demonstrates elite endurance for his size and will shift into the AFL system very successfully.

 

[Bert Man]

A cousin of mine went to school with Close, by all reports he is dedicated and level headed!