Delisted Michael Close (2012-2017)

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2013 Review - by Caiphus

Not many of us knew who Michael Close was when he was drafted with our final pick in the 2012 National Draft, and as a first year key position his season didn’t particularly stand out to make anyone more familiar with him.

What we do know is that Michael has a good height, a decent sized frame for bulking in the future and a massive tank and from the little I have seen him play he has demonstrated some neat skills.

His most impressive performances were in the two NEAFL grand finals where he showed some ability as a forward while also clearing space for smaller attacking players to do their thing.


At this stage he looks to be a goal a game forward at most at senior level, but could come in for some games in his second year on the list, although after only one year it is way too early to be making any definitive calls.
 

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I can't wait to see Close at AFL level. There is plenty of hype regarding Liam McBean, but none about Close. I personally don't mind him being under radar.
 
Bert Man said:
I can't wait to see Close at AFL level. There is plenty of hype regarding Liam McBean, but none about Close. I personally don't mind him being under radar.
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McBean is a more exciting prospect than Close. Been performing twice as good at a better level too. Our youngsters don't usually generate much hype unless they're early picks like Aish, Rich and Mayes.

I'm not expecting him to kick many goals. But it will be nice to see how he competes in general at the next level.
 
From ressies and pre-season observations: can run, can mark, can kick...still learning to impose himself and generally how to play as a KPF. Doesn't get the pill often enough for his physical attributes. Not unreasonable for a 19yo KPF.
 
While Staker and fellow key forwards Jonathan Brown (foot) and Jordan Lisle (tight hamstring) watched from the boundary line, youngsters Michael Close and Jono Freeman put up their hands for a spot against the Hawks.

Close, in his second year, and Freeman, in his first, both took contested marks and kicked goals in promising displays.

Captain Jed Adcock said it was pleasing to see the young key position players perform so well.

"We've got quite a few young talls coming through and they'll be fighting for positions depending where Browny's at in round one," Adcock said.

"We've got some older players, but you expect these younger kids and younger tall forwards to get a game in the NAB [Challenge] and get a chance to shine and show everyone what they've got."
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http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-02-06/zorko-stars-onball
 

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I've seen enough now to want Close to be our first choice CHF this year. I don't think he's ready just yet to have consistent impact, but he has the highest ceiling of our other forward options, so it will be well worth the investment. I can see him gelling well with McGuane, Brown & the mozzies too.
 
Realistically if Close was to play every game how many goals would he kick. 20-25?

I can see the benefit in playing him, but I think we should be playing forwards who can kick 30+ (Brown, McGuane and Staker)

When thinking of comparision for Close I thought he was quite like Sam Reid.

If there was an injury he would be the first player to come in, but imo he won't be the first choice CHF. I'm happy to be proven wrong.
 
Inside Football Player Rating - BLvGCS - NAB Challenge 2.
6/10 –Ended with three goals in an opportunistic effort inside 50. Only 7 possessions.

-- Ben Casanella, Inside Football Thursday, February 27, 2014, Match Review BLvGCS
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He gets to good positions. Hope his marking improves quickly. I'm a big fan already but I would like to see him not just impose himself on a 2S game but dominate it first before getting too excited about his potential
 
We do place high expectations on our younger players! In saying that I do agree with the sentiment of his ability in being able to dominate in the twos first. I would hope to see a stretch in 1sts throughout the season, 2-3 games a few times to help further his development and take this back and to show it in the lower tier. For where he is at age wise we are all fairly happy but just want to see further growth with 2015/16 his year to play consistently in the firsts.
 
He has to play round 1. Who else is going to take his spot? Lisle, Paps? Lisle is soft and not up to AFL footy, and Paps is a bit off it atm needs a few more AFL preseasons. Has mobility, endurance and confidence all of which Lisle doesn't have at all does Close. Needs more mass in his legs and hips though which isn't a 12 month thing but it will take a few more years to get strong enough to hold his ground on 1v1. I agree to an extent that he should aim for St. Nick as his guide but I'm not convinced he can get the possessions that Nick was able to get which is odd considering his mobility. Needs to work on his game sense a bit but he is a deadeye dick in front of the goals.

I think he might be a bit more like a Gunston who is a gun who doesn't get a load of possies but hurts teams on the scoreboard. Have a lot of similar traits imo.
 

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Delisted Michael Close (2012-2017)

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