Re: Pre-Game Potential: AFL 2019 Rd 8: Carlton vs. Collingwood
Reply #67 –
WASurfer, O'Brien is/was an elite runner at TAC Cup level, we do not get to see him make much use of it at the moment given the role they have him playing. I cannot comment on the kicking.
In fairness as the kids get through their 1st and 2nd pre-seasons, they build lots of muscle and strength but it initially seems to take a toll on their speed and aerobic capacity. Also they are still beginners at the recovery game, some of the older AFL heads tell you it takes 4 or 5 years to get the art of recovery sorted.
I'm happy to see where this kids goes in another year or two.
Is part of what you see an effect of trying to thread the needle at AFL level, some inexperience around issues like how quickly AFL opponents can cover and close space versus lower levels?
I don't agree on this point, Lucas was a man child while O'Brien is a skinny!