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11
Robert Heatley Stand / Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Pre Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Last post by ElwoodBlues1 -
We are not really a development club, we prefer our kids at a more readymade level.
Development and the need for instant and sustainable success every year only allows for kids like Walsh, Smith and probably Walker who can walk in round 1 and look the part. Kids on slow burn tend to end up in the twos vegetating and treading water until their contracts run out and the cycle starts again..
13
Blah-Blah Bar / Re: Shawny’s concerns about Victorian and Australian Governments
Last post by ElwoodBlues1 -
Quote from: LP – on
Quote from: DJC – on
It will be interesting to follow the Liberals' response.  On election night there was talk of reclaiming the centre, doing more to counter the rejection by female voters, and reducing the influence of non-parliamentary powerbrokers.  Again, time will tell.
The Vic problem will be the Liberals selling their soul as is already being touted by the likes of Kennett, they will burn Vic to try and benefit the NSW dominated Feds..
Yep Kennett wants the Libs/Nats teaming up with One Nation to oust Labor if that happens and it works then I reckon it's a forgone conclusion it will happen at Federal level .
16
Blah-Blah Bar / Re: General Discussions
Last post by Professer E -
COVID taught this lesson but nobody learnt from it.
Classic case....the Lithium refinery built in Perth at great expense.  Now mothballed because the output can't compete with Chinese supply.  Bottom line - if you want secure (local) supply it people have to buy it, or support it with subsidies and/or tariffs to make it competitive with imports.
18
Robert Heatley Stand / Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Pre Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Last post by Lods -
It always amazes me that definitive judgements are made on 19 year olds.

I suspect that there are many discarded by the system that had they been held onto would have developed into more than handy players...but that's the system that exists.

"Oh, but they never showed anything once they were let go"
Of course they don't!
They're cut loose from a high performance system.
There livelihood is greatly reduced and they have to juggle work and football.
Dreams are shattered and self doubt takes over.
Their motivation may still be there, but the development becomes so much harder.

The skinny 19 year old and the 12 kg heavier 22 year old are completely different athletes.
It will always be a case of 'what might have been' for many.
20
Robert Heatley Stand / Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Pre Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Last post by madbluboy -
https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/42038414/afl-draft-power-rankings-november-2024-extended-top-50-prospects-bolters-sliders

This was a super strong draft that batted deep and this was a pretty comprehensive list.

1. Jagga Smith (October rank: 1)
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro
MID, 181cm
National Champs: 4 games, 29.3 disposals, 6.8 clearances, 4.8 marks
Talent League: 12 games, 33.8 disposals, 7.9 clearances, 0.6 goals

Jagga is the 'can't miss' prospect, an inside midfielder with insatiable appetite for the contest. He's brilliantly creative, intelligently snaking into pockets of space and releasing outside runners before hitting the turbo to stay involved in transition. Smith accumulates a mountain of the ball and demands opposition attention with his ability to break open the game with class and precision. He well and truly ended any concerns around his size with brilliant VFL exploits, and now ends his top-age season where he began it for ESPN - at No. 1.

Best traits similar to: Zak Butters

35. Ben Camporeale - Carlton father-son
Glenelg/South Australia
MID, 186cm
2024 Champs: 4 games, 26.8 disposals, 4.5 clearances, 3.8 tackles
SANFL U18s: 6 games, 31.7 disposals, 6.7 clearances, 4.0 tackles

More has been spoken about the Camporeale twins than just about any draft prospect this season. Ben has been a dominant inside midfielder over the past two seasons, wrenching the ball out of the clinches and moving it forward at all costs. The knocks on Camporeale are his foot skills and athletic profile. They're valid criticisms, but if Ben can become an elite contested possession winner it won't matter as much. Twin brother Lucas is a wingman that will also make his way to Carlton.

Best traits similar to: Tim Taranto

36. Harry O'Farrell
Calder Cannons/Vic Metro
DEF/FWD, 196cm
2024 Champs: 2 games, 4.0 disposals, 1.5 marks
Talent League: 5 games, 9.0 disposals, 3.0 marks, 0.4 goals

O'Farrell is an excellent key defensive prospect, long and rangy with swingman capabilities. He missed chunks of the season through injuries and hasn't shown an awful lot with the ball in his hand, but should remain in high demand as a lockdown key defender.

Best traits similar to: Jack Buckley

Lucas didn't make the ESPN top 50.