Oppo Camp Non Giants AFL discussion

[PaythePerryman]

When he left it felt like addition by subtraction and it played out that way too. He seems a great bloke, but he's similar to Rockliff for the Lions - a candidate to be the best player on a bad team, but at best a middling option on a good one. He's fantastic at winning the ball and getting around the ground, but those turnovers are brutal and we had way too much overlap with his strengths (and a fair bit with his weaknesses). It was very similar to Toby in the middle - people forget how average his disposal was by foot when he was getting 35 disposals a game.

I thought we'd miss Hopper more, but the way it's worked out with his injuries I think that was a massive bullet dodged.

I think you make some good points there for sure.
I just think we got belted in centre clearance last year and scored primarily on rebound....which is fine but if we could win clearances as well we would start to truly dominate. I think his power, tackling and skills would have seen us win it in 2023 when our mids fell apart.
I do however agree that his kicking inside fifty leaves a lot to be desired so maybe Ward is a better option but in my heart of hearts I don't think so.
On the Toby thing....he was very young and I think with Stringer in the mix up forward this year we might see more of Toby in the middle. He has the tank for it and his ball winning ability is second to none. His creativity with his kick is impressive and I'm sure he'll link up nicely.
With the size of Green and Callaghan (and Leake in future) that Hopper trade really has been one sided in our favour.
Our transition away from contested football as well....not sure if the Tigers felt they needed more of that in their game but plenty of Tigers fans aren't stoked with his output (has been injured though).
Ultimately it was the right choice for the club absolutely no doubt in my mind. And a brave list decision as well.
I think the balance of our list right now is the best it's ever been. Need an extra mid but I think we will find him from Rowston/Leake this year.