Player Watch Wil Parker

[Jen2310]

I think he has a future but I'm just trying to work out what his position would be. He is a neat kick but clearly not a long one. He is average paced and shortish. Any suggestions?

atm a half back rebounding defender. But I think he could have the qualities to play on the wing. He's got good skills.

 

[domus]

atm a half back rebounding defender. But I think he could have the qualities to play on the wing. He's got good skills.

But he doesn't seem to have the pace a rebounding flanker requires. I do think he has something about him. He has a tough streak which belies that baby face.

 

[Go Woods]

In what position?

I think HB to start with, release IQ to a wing.
Longer term could transition to the midfield, needs a couple of big preseasons tho.

 

[Jen2310]

But he doesn't seem to have the pace a rebounding flanker requires. I do think he has something about him. He has a tough streak which belies that baby face.

he's def tough.
Remember that run down tackle he made a few weeks back?

Will be interesting to follow his development.

 

[domus]

I think HB to start with, release IQ to a wing.
Longer term could transition to the midfield, needs a couple of big preseasons tho.

Was he a midfielder in the U 18s?

 

[Jen2310]

Was he a midfielder in the U 18s?

Never got the chance given he was in and out because of cricket, never really did a full footy pre-season because of it. And then went to cricket. I think they wanted to give him some mid time but wasnt fit to the standard because of his balancing the sports

 

[Harry O]

Can say same thing for Sidebottom

I think if any here watched Heath Shaw’s first 2 games at the end of one season, they would agree young Will has been better so far at the same stage. And look how that turned out

 

[Harry O]

Never got the chance given he was in and out because of cricket, never really did a full footy pre-season because of it. And then went to cricket. I think they wanted to give him some mid time but wasnt fit to the standard because of his balancing the sports

There was also the whole Covid thing going on

 

[magpies42]

But he doesn't seem to have the pace a rebounding flanker requires. I do think he has something about him. He has a tough streak which belies that baby face.

Was thinking he could play the Targum Lockyer role…a bit of everything really well.

 

[Pendles!]

I think if any here watched Heath Shaw’s first 2 games at the end of one season, they would agree young Will has been better so far at the same stage. And look how that turned out

Heath had stand out traits though. Not sure what Wil offers that’s elite. Ball winning as a junior I guess.

 

[Jelly Bean]

I think if any here watched Heath Shaw’s first 2 games at the end of one season, they would agree young Will has been better so far at the same stage. And look how that turned out

So every player who plays poorly in their first two games is going to be as good as Heath Shaw?

 

[Jelly Bean]

I think HB to start with, release IQ to a wing.
Longer term could transition to the midfield, needs a couple of big preseasons tho.

I don't think IQ would be a very good wingman. He doesn't link up very well, or run and carry all that well, and isn't a great kick. He isn't all that clean under pressure either.

He is playing in his best spot - a deep small defender who excels when he is one on one with a small forward (especially in contested situations).

 

[Scodog10]

So every player who plays poorly in their first two games is going to be as good as Heath Shaw?

It was a bit of a silly comment, but given Parker was able to hold his own except for one moment (3rd Q when he allowed Cameron goal side in a marking contest so got burned down the wing) I think Saturday was encouraging.

On the night of Rd 0 he was still a cricketer and whilst I’m getting glimpses of the Shaw era (iffy skills, questionable pace and inability to get the ball) I think it says a bit that the club are prepared to go with him this early. Of all the guys on the list I’m most hopeful of getting a full pre-season in it’s him and Allan.

A final one from Saturday though. I was disappointed in Moore running past for the handball when Parker took that SOG. The drive by handball was a low % option and I would have preferred Darcy give him a Markov style pump up as he was going back.

 

[Apex36]

Writing off a kid who’s been able to come in and get selected for senior games ahead of better credentialed players, off the back off 3 years out of the game and no preseason is weird.

The kid clearly has a future.

 

[Apex36]

I don't think IQ would be a very good wingman. He doesn't link up very well, or run and carry all that well, and isn't a great kick. He isn't all that clean under pressure either.

He is playing in his best spot - a deep small defender who excels when he is one on one with a small forward (especially in contested situations).

He’s literally been playing on the wing for the past few weeks and playing well at that. Have you not noticed?

 

[Horaceg]

Writing off a kid who’s been able to come in and get selected for senior games ahead of better credentialed players, off the back off 3 years out of the game and no preseason is weird.

The kid clearly has a future.

I agree with this, understand how important preseasons are to improving the physical side, skill development, understanding of games styles and structures, developing trust with teammates, everyone needs to remember this kid has never had one and he’s playing AFL right now. He’s been half in and half out in his development years and now totally committed in an elite environment and at most times looks to be at the level.

He’s a Cat B, he’s a free hit and currently getting games. Don’t understand any knock on this kid, his journey should be celebrated.

I’m not saying he will shoot the lights out but he’s as good a chance as any of our fringe players not best 22.

 

[cakewalk06]

Was thinking he could play the Targum Lockyer role…a bit of everything really well.

Don’t know him. Game of Thrones?


Nah seriously would be great if he had the tank to play like Tarks. Also Lockyer was a great kick and finisher.

 

[stormskye]

remember the early days of Maynard? Murphy? Toovey? Etc etc

Oh and some other bloke called Richard’s who (including me) we had delisted 12months ago.

Let give him at least a preseason…

 

[rand corp]

Kid can obviously play the game, just needs a pre-seasom or two and he will be a walk up start each week.

 

[Kappa]

Kid can obviously play the game, just needs a pre-seasom or two and he will be a walk up start each week.

If he can improve his pace over the preseason, yes.

He was on Charlie Cameron for a little bit and Charlie got 2 metres on him in just over a second

 

[ElliottsMaggies]

If he can improve his pace over the preseason, yes.

He was on Charlie Cameron for a little bit and Charlie got 2 metres on him in just over a second

Tbf, Charlie can do that on most players.

 

[Pie eyed]

He’s literally been playing on the wing for the past few weeks and playing well at that. Have you not noticed?

Kicked a goal both weeks too.
Thought he has been very good on the wing personally.

 

[neilk]

He’s literally been playing on the wing for the past few weeks and playing well at that. Have you not noticed?

Makes sense with Josh Daicos moving to HB.

 

[Kappa]

Tbf, Charlie can do that on most players.

When he's playing defense he'll have to cover quick small forwards.. right now he is no where near capable physically.

 

[dardy33]

If he can improve his pace over the preseason, yes.

He was on Charlie Cameron for a little bit and Charlie got 2 metres on him in just over a second

Charlie gets 2 meters on just about the whole comp.