Delisted Michael Close (2012-2017)

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He seems that way, just from seeing him talk. Don't think he is one we will need to push with training, seems the type that will always return in top shape after a break, and leave it all out on the training track. The guys who want it the most usually find a way to reach their goal.
 
Life lessons for young Lions
January 9, 2013
Sam Lord

The Brisbane Lions’ five first year players – Sam Mayes, Marco Paparone, Michael Close, Nick Hayes, and Jordon Bourke – headed to Melbourne on Monday to take part in the annual AFL Players’ Association Induction Camp at Etihad Stadium.

The two-day program included a number of eye-opening sessions designed to better prepare the latest crop of draftees for their journey as an AFL player.

Michael Close
“It’s been good to go through all the sessions – they speak about things like social media, life outside of football, management, and life setbacks – so it’s a good induction.”
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That's interesting to see. His draft profiles said he was a good runner, but the 15 beep seemed to be a bit of a one off. This result is reassuring that his running is a genuine strength.
 
Close, but no debut
February 21, 2013
Sam Lord

“I won’t be playing this weekend at Metricon, injured foot,” Close told Lions fans during his recent live online chat.

“I injured my foot about two weeks ago but (it’s) nothing major.”

“I would love to (play in one of the upcoming NAB Cup matches), but we’ll just have to wait and see.”

Close_Training-article.jpg
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Live chat transcript
February 21, 2013

Brett Sams: What is one of big things you think you need to improve to be a successful AFL player?
Michael Close: Hi brett, the major thing that i need to work on as a tall forward would have to be my marking.

Jess: Hi Michael, Was Jed your pick for captain?
Michael Close: Hey, yeah Jed was my pick for caption, i thought he suited that role very well.

Andrew: Who's being helping your on field work?
Michael Close: Adrian Fletcher has been working with me a fait bit as he is our forwards coach. He has been really good to me and helping me transition into this elite environment.

Andrew: what goals have you set for the season?
Michael Close: My goals have just been to get my body fit and to learn as much as possible. Games arent a focus for me as i am a project player

Andrew: How scary is the men's club? Or is all in their minds?
Michael Close: Not very scary for me as Browney takes them all.

Nate: You are a pretty decent size - are you able to go into the ruck?
Michael Close: Yeah hopefully i could do some back up ruck work this year cause i like playing there but it depends what the coaches want.

Andrew: back men are the salt of the earth
Michael Close: Thats very debateable i think
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Appears his foot injury might be worse than first thought. CM today says will miss two months.
 
WhiteLionFeva said:
Appears his foot injury might be worse than first thought. CM today says will miss two months.
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FWIW he was in a moonboot at metricon last week.
 
Close played down back in the intraclub match. We might see more of this when he returns from injury.
 

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Reserves Wrap: Round 4
April 16 2013

Fellow draftee Michael Close also got through his first official hit-out with the Lions after overcoming a foot complaint which delayed his pre-season.

“Michael started forward in first half and kicked a couple of goals, but we decided to send him back after half-time to give him a bit more game-time,” Harding said.

“He definitely knew he’d played a game of footy after the match.”

“We have to keep developing his game. Predominantly he’ll play as a forward, but if we can help his game by playing him in defence at times, then we’ll do it.”

“We’ve also got quite a few talls at our disposal, so sometimes we’ll need to move players back at different times.”
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Yesterday was the first time I had seen Close play and whilst still pretty raw, he is a likely type. The standout moment was his Jonathan Brown like mark-of-the-day in the second quarter. Whereas Paparone is very mobile, somewhat similar to Micth Clark, Close, in a year two looks as though he could be a genuine power forward if that is where they see him best suited. He looks the type that Burton and Hass could easily beef up to a Brown and Lynch type size.
 
If he can beef up and keep his endurance high that would make him an attractive option up forward. I just hope they don't mess with his head by playing him back too much - versatility is one thing but we need big goal-kicking forwards more than we need another tall utility.
 
dlanod said:
Is it a Longer frame or a Liam Jones frame? ;)
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Justin Clarke. ;)

But in all seriousness, I reckon probably more Drew Petrie long term.
 
Reserves Wrap​


One of the real positives for the Lions was the continued improvement of draftee Michael Close, who was among the team’s better players in a permanent forward role.​

“Closey’s gone forward in the last couple of weeks after playing down back for a few,” Harding said.​

“He seems to have settled well up there, and probably played his best game for the year on Saturday. He presented well and gave us a strong target. Hopefully that’s the standard he now brings every week.​

“He has a very good running ability, leads to the right spots, and is also quite strong and aggressive for a young bloke. They are all good traits to have as a forward.”​

“The forward line had a bit of a different look to it last week, with Close and (Hyundai Lions Academy prospect) Jono Freeman working together as the tall forwards,” Harding said.​
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Delisted Michael Close (2012-2017)

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