Delisted Michael Close (2012-2017)

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I see a few in front of him. With West playing and Brown they're not the most mobile types so throwing Close in as well would really make it slow in the forward line.
 
You'd expect a second year kpp to get only the odd game here or there. If he can string together 1 or 2 good performances in a row he will be well ahead of schedule in his development. It's so hard to say what expectations we should have of a second round pick who was also our last live pick in a draft.
 
jjami15 said:
I see a few in front of him. With West playing and Brown they're not the most mobile types so throwing Close in as well would really make it slow in the forward line.
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close isn't that slow though. very good endurance plus fairly quick for a big fella. in the nab games he layed some very nice tackles inside forward 50
 

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No rush for Close this season. If he plays 1 or 2 senior games it will be good for him to have a taste, but really he is still only a 2 year KPF. Id like to see him dominate the 2nds like Lisle does, kicking bags and working hard. Next year is his year to work into the senior team with Brown likely gone. Will be a genuine vacancy for a KPF in the senior team.
 
chopperduck said:
No rush for Close this season. If he plays 1 or 2 senior games it will be good for him to have a taste, but really he is still only a 2 year KPF. Id like to see him dominate the 2nds like Lisle does, kicking bags and working hard. Next year is his year to work into the senior team with Brown likely gone. Will be a genuine vacancy for a KPF in the senior team.
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Would be nice, but it's hard to read much into NEAFL performances from our key forwards after what Cornelius and Lilse have done recently.
 
carnthemlions said:
Would be nice, but it's hard to read much into NEAFL performances from our key forwards after what Cornelius and Lilse have done recently.
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Agreed. I'm going to find it difficult to trust NEAFL form ever again. I won't be convinced of a player's improvement unless they perform in the seniors.
 
Haso said:
Agreed. I'm going to find it difficult to trust NEAFL form ever again. I won't be convinced of a player's improvement unless they perform in the seniors.
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The test has to be whether he can perform against AFL standard defenders- showed some good signs against decent GC defenders, but trusting pre-season form is similarly unhelpful. I'd take a few solid senior performaces and lacklustre NEAFL form over him kicking bags all season in the reserves any day.
 
charles202 said:
For me, Close has done enough to force his way into the round one team...this however may change when Staker or McGrath returns to full health.
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If he plays round one he's likely to be against another first gamer in Litherland, so that gives him an opportunity to get into the game. Provided, you know, the ball reaches our forwardline from time to time.
 
Very excited for him. I heard Sanderson state that his expectations for J-Pod was to get to the contest and if needed bring the ball to the ground and if he gets a goal or two that's a bonus. I have the same mind set for Close. It will be good for him to have Brown directing him from the back as well.
 
Inside Football player rating Rnd 1 Hawthorn Vs Brisbane Lions,

Struggled to get into the game to any degree and then subbed. 1/10 - Brett Anderson - Inside Football March 27, 2014
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Inside Football player rating Rnd 2 Brisbane Lions Vs Geelong,

Lonergan proved his master but conditions tough for him. Subbed out. 1/10 – Ben Casanella - Inside Football April 3, 2014
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Even though he's having statistically 'quiet' games, the coaches always seem pretty positive about him in the press and in the reserve wrap. It seems like he is doing what they're asking him to, or at least trying hard at the right things.
 
He's not exactly setting the world on fire. Averaging four disposals a game from his four games (from memory he was subbed twice). He's not good at contested footy and I suspect he's not good at knowing where to run. Defensively he's above average, but overall he isn't producing much to get excited about.
 
I think that they should give him the year up front and track his development. If he's not making the gains provided then he should be trialled down back. I know in the drafting forum that someone made note that Leppa would like another big KPD. Maybe we already have him.
 
Grimreepah said:
He's not exactly setting the world on fire. Averaging four disposals a game from his four games (from memory he was subbed twice). He's not good at contested footy and I suspect he's not good at knowing where to run. Defensively he's above average, but overall he isn't producing much to get excited about.
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Putting this into perspective- last night he had double the possessions of browny and kicked 2 more goals. Touch harsh on as 4th game kpf imo
 
Voss the boss said:
Putting this into perspective- last night he had double the possessions of browny and kicked 2 more goals. Touch harsh on as 4th game kpf imo
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Just trying to describe where he's at. Most young key forwards tend to find it difficult early on in their careers, so I don't really think it is that harsh to suggest Close is struggling to make the grade at this stage.
 

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Delisted Michael Close (2012-2017)

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