Re: Post Game Parlay: AFL 2019 Rd 3: Carlton vs Sydney
Reply #211 –
I reckon you're selling him short.
OK - you disagree but don't state it like it's fact that 2018 was a rubbish year for O'Brien's. It was actually pretty good by the finish when he'd gone past Dow - I thought anyway. Had 20 and 22 disposals in those last 2 games (and used the ball really well) for a young guy with a light body in a putrid team that is a sensational effort.
I was glad to see him playing 2s this year though as I do wish some of these very light-framed kids got a lot more time to develop off-Broadway before being thrown to the hungry pack of wolves that is our supporter base.
Hmmm.
O Brien was less than convincing in year 1. The question marks over his selection appeared last season, and they remain this season. I think calling it second year blues is being generous and agree with WAsurfer that it implies his first year was at least goodish to use some slang english.
I was unconvinced by him last year, and remain so this year. Sure, they might be second year blues, but he is the category of never was rather than has been.
We had a bloke named Kane Lucas on our list once. This appears to be history repeating.
https://afltables.com/afl/stats/players/K/Kane_Lucas.html
Like you though, Im willing to give him some time. The expectations on these youngsters is astronomical sometimes, but in this case the issue isnt his performance its the lack of promise in the performances.