Welcome to Hawthorn Pick 22: Kieran Lovell

[Jazny]

I'll never understand people's obsession with height in regards to midfielders...

Neither do Hawthorn recruiters, which is why you guys have been so successful.

 

[cryptor]

I'll never understand people's obsession with height in regards to midfielders...

I reckon when the ball is in dispute it spends far more time at ground level than it does in the air above head heights. Being closer to ground would logically be an advantage. Especially if you're stocky with strength through the hips and legs.

 

[mick]

Rare that players that small make it, but in Wrighty we trust.

I'd disagree, it is rare that a short player gets drafted, but when they do get drafted then I'd think they would be far more likely to be successful than players over 175 cm. There has been a height bias from AFL recruiters for over ten years, if you are looking for undervalued players then checking out the short ones is a great place to start. Much like Indigenous players were avoided by clubs, short players have been subject to terrible discrimination-Not only do I trust Wright, I think he is a bloody genius for looking at stats that actually matter. Look at our picks this year, one is a leading goalkicker the other dominated the Champion Data stats. The broken leg guy is also undervalued (if his leg gets better).

 

[Gralin]

Runs a bit like Poppy when he is zipping, looks strong through the hips already which is a bonus, rated well with speed, agility and endurance, find the ball, can learn off Sam, whats not to like?

 

[Stranglers]

The broken leg guy is also undervalued (if his leg gets better).

It's a catchy nickname.

 

[tige19]

Short players are always unfairly discriminated against, it is a shame because no doubt there are many that miss out that could be league players. I trust in Wrights selection and look forward to watching Lovell next year, he seems like he is ready for senior footy. Some glaring weaknesses he will need to work on - 1. He needs to become duel sided, currently he is heavily right sided - 2. Foot skills are wayward - 3. Defensive pressure needs to improve if he wants to be a senior footballer at Hawthorn

 

[Manila_Hawk]

I reckon when the ball is in dispute it spends far more time at ground level than it does in the air above head heights. Being closer to ground would logically be an advantage. Especially if you're stocky with strength through the hips and legs.

Totally agree with your comments Cryptor.

Lovell does seem to have that Mitchell/Matthews/Diesel stockiness, strong legs and low centre of gravity
(= keeps his feet and is hard to knock off the ball = lots of possessions).

As Tige19 pointed out above, he needs to work hard on being skilled with his left foot.

 

[Great 2008]

I'll never understand people's obsession with height in regards to midfielders...

Same. Mitchell does not have wings. The ball is generally around the stoppages / contested situation when he does his damage.

 

[QuietB]

I'd disagree, it is rare that a short player gets drafted, but when they do get drafted then I'd think they would be far more likely to be successful than players over 175 cm. There has been a height bias from AFL recruiters for over ten years, if you are looking for undervalued players then checking out the short ones is a great place to start. Much like Indigenous players were avoided by clubs, short players have been subject to terrible discrimination-Not only do I trust Wright, I think he is a bloody genius for looking at stats that actually matter. Look at our picks this year, one is a leading goalkicker the other dominated the Champion Data stats. The broken leg guy is also undervalued (if his leg gets better).

The Hawks have been brilliant at exploiting undervalued players.

1. Took Sheils bottom age
2. Poppy also 173cm and mature age
3. Smith as mature age recruit
4. Stratton mature age

 

[diggydig]

I'm still trying to get my head around an 18 year old who weighs 80kg and is only 174cm tall. Poppies official numbers are 173cm and 76kg. Kid must be a ball of muscle.

 

[The Lemon]

Thought he was a shit pick.

Looked at the youtube vids...wowee looks excellent. I think he will be great

 

[Dewnior]

I'm still trying to get my head around an 18 year old who weighs 80kg and is only 174cm tall. Poppies official numbers are 173cm and 76kg. Kid must be a ball of muscle.

Core strength are much more important measure than body or muscle mass

 

[whiteTiga2k]

Really impressed with his highlights package... Definitely something the coaches can work with. Works hard, I like!

 

[HawksILove]

Always liked this Kid from the start

 

[Coathanger]

Sadly for Woody this lad has already taken his spot. I was hoping he slid to our 3rd pick but Wrighty obviously thought he wouldn't be there.

 

[Kuuz]

Yet again, the word "elite endurance" pops up with another one of our draft recruits

Looking at his clips, he looks solid. Pretty amazing stats.

Wrighty even said he has a chance of featuring next year. Would be great to see him accelerate that quickly into the team.

 

[jimsim]

Didn't know who he was but am stoked with him now that i saw the highlights

 

[heh]

I too really enjoyed his highlights.
Has a right crack and think there is a bit to work with there.
It will be interesting to see how he comes on.

 

[kazzooka]

No need to worry about his height. He can play football. I don't think I've ever been concerned about poppy's height, especially when he's jumping on nic nat's head. If he was a defender there is the risk of being out marked but as a mid he'll get most of his ball off the ground, from handball receives or out in open space.



Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk

 

[Brishawk]

Highlights packages tend to show stuff being highlighted. Getting half a dozen kicks from your off-foot each week probably doesnt cut it.

There is a video that has every encounter with the footy in it from the game against nt and there are several check sides. He showed a strong preference to kick inside out. He will need to work on his opposite side so he can go to it naturally.

 

[Jaeger]

 

[JoondalupJ]

Welcome Keiran.

Welcome to the Hawks young man!

 

[Gold Member]

I'm thinking more Robbie Gray than Gaz.

Daniel Kerr... Right down to the matching shoulder tape.

 

[MisterBean]

Not sure if it means anything, but he is one of the few draftees of 2015 to already have a Wikipedia page.

 

[Mitchell Madness]

Daniel Kerr... Right down to the matching shoulder tape.

And hopefully minus the drugs