Re: Pre game postulations: AFL 2021 Rd 4: Carlton vs Gold Coast on the Gold Coast
Reply #24 –
Generally agree but maybe Paddy deserves one more week? Line ball imo.
I thought Paddy was reasonable and put in on Sunday, even though he didn't get the ball much. He could be (crosses fingers...) one of these 'slow burn' players who needs experience and consistent game time to elevate himself to the next level, but in the end becomes an absolute gem. If we drop him every time he doesn't get 20 touches, it will be back to the start. Given our midfield is a work in progress, I would prefer to see him have another 4-5 games at least - if he hasn't progressed by then, at least we will know.
Going back a ways, as a young kid, I can remember watching Bruce Doull play for his first three years and the general consensus among those sitting around me at the time was that he was a very average performer. Then he moved from #4 to #11 (out of a sense of 'I'm not worthy') and the rest is history. Maybe Paddy should cash in his #2 (which must weigh very heavily on his back) and find a non-descript number like #38.....