lettheboysplay
Senior List
- Jun 17, 2015
- 264
- 399
- AFL Club
- Geelong
- Other Teams
- Chicago Bulls, Cubs
Lever is a good defender, but Cockatoo's presence cannot be underestimated. To have defenders and mids from the opposition thinking about a player like they would with Nakia is priceless. His pressure, his intensity and his ability to break lines is very rare, don't underestimate the impact that has on the mindframe of opposition players.Lever was always a more logical pick for us in my opinion.
Other reason for trading up was that Peter Wright may have still been on the board.
Also there is a chance they really really wanted cockatoo, still though, i think a conversation would have been had.
I'm very happy with his development and I feel we are a better side with him in. When he gets more time and composure and ability to read the AFL game better, we will see him become an explosive and exciting presence in the Dangerfield mould. Doesn't happen overnight for players like that. It takes time. Lever would be handy, but our backline is functioning pretty well without him - he's a natural defender and positions himself beautifully but he isn't a once in a generation player. Nakia potentially is.
That's a risk to assume the best of players, but it's certainly one I'm willing to take.