Re: NAB Challenge: Carlton vs. Essendon Sunday 28th Feb
Reply #307 –
OK, whether it be Hampson, Kreuzer, Watson, etc., etc. it really doesn't matter. The real issue is trying to turn natural on-ballers or defenders into a lead up targets, it just doesn't work!
The real problem is that AFL coaches are generally megalomaniacs who think they could coach a slug to a Coleman Medal if they could get it to listen. All their failures are because the kid didn't listen, ask Mick Malthouse!
I see this at TAC Cup level every year, where athletes often get picked in preference to natural footballers because the lunatic coaches think if the kid has elite fitness they can be taught the rest. Last TAC season there was a kid roughly the same size as Lockett but with Reiwoldt like endurance, he made it into one of the final TAC squads without being able to kick 30m, he could handball farther than he could kick! 
I'm afraid these American experiments are very much an example of this. The vast majority will be fails because they have no aptitude for the game beyond basic training drills, and we all know training drills mean nothing on game day, just ask Liam Jones!
See I don't mind the Irish and American experiments. They come through the rookie system and you may unearth something special. I agree though that taking athletes over footballers on the main list is not desirable anymore. Old fashion footballers are now worth there weight in gold I reckon. It is preferable if they have some zip and mobility, just not necessarily athletic freaks though.