Luke Ablett

[Jeffers1984]

Looks like he is finally starting to show why we have persisted with him for so long.
All he needed was to find more of the pill so he could use his neat skills and booming kick to our advantage.

He has shown great determination over the years and it is finally paying off for him.

Well done NOG!

[satchmopugdog]

You're right, he did some really, really good things on Sat. He has become more relaxed so his instincts have come into play and he is really determined to get to the contests. I find myself giving him votes in the TLM and would never have dreamed of that last year.

[Schneiderman]

Is it just me or is he the most naturally gifted dual-footer in the team?

His two shots that went through both came from his right foot, and I'm sure he passes just as well with both feet. I recall that the booming 55m kick for goal against Essendon came off his left (he was on the right boundary at the time).

[stellation]

Originally posted by Schneiderman
Is it just me or is he the most naturally gifted dual-footer in the team?

Would be close. Nicky D kicks daisy cutters with his wrong foot, Luke looks to chip it just a little more on his left than when kicking with his right.

[Ruck'n'Roll]

He's still not the safest shot for goal although that can change (just ask Nick Davis).

[SimonH]

I owe the guy a retraction. Throughout most games this year, he's consistently proved me wrong when I thought he wouldn't make the grade.

Through 2004 and previously, I was mystified at the faith shown in him at selection (or thought it was surname-based). He isn't large enough for a key spot, but wasn't fast enough to be on the ball or on the wing, wasn't getting very much of the pill and (most crucially) just seemed to lack good instincts when he did get it.

He's improved out of sight in most areas this year-- I reckon in the Essendon game he even beat another player in a foot-race for the ball! He seems to have more time with the footy now, whereas previously he was always on the verge of getting tackled. And of course he's always had that fantastic booming kick. Now that he's found his range in front of the sticks (well-- I know it's only one game, but it's a start), it ain't too bad to be able to pass the ball to a guy who takes the mark a few metres outside 50 and know that he'll make the distance without straining. Anyone else noticed how he's MO'L's #1 choice of short-kick pass-off whenever Micky takes a mark outside 45?

[Ablett_20]

Yeah, he's defiantley playing alot better then he has been! Acctually one of my favourite players now as u can see on my username

[liz]

Originally posted by SimonH
He's improved out of sight in most areas this year-- I reckon in the Essendon game he even beat another player in a foot-race for the ball!

He's actually pretty quick by foot - not in the Aaron Davey league but certainly quicker than Bolton or Kirk. He was given the Judd-job when we played WC and although Judd certainly had the better of the contest overall, there was no indication that Ablett was lagging behind him all day.

[punter257]

agreed about ablett, going well at the moment.

those 2 set shots on the weekend were sensational and never looked like missing. booming kick obviously and we should be using him as a target around the 50 when a flood is applied against us.

hope he can keep it up and continue to improve

[NMWBloods]

There was one that never looked like hitting - OOBOTF!!

[Dave]

Originally posted by SimonH
Anyone else noticed how he's MO'L's #1 choice of short-kick pass-off whenever Micky takes a mark outside 45?

Magic has commented recently how he wishes he could kick as strongly as NOG.

[Schneiderman]

Originally posted by NMWBloods
There was one that never looked like hitting - OOBOTF!!

Just a clever way to keep your ratio up

[smasher]

NOG is one of the most improved players in the AFL.Some would say ability is in his genes,maybe,but you still have to use them and train and work hard as any other player.He could give a few of his teammates kicking lessons as this is a real strength of his game.NOG is one player I have actually enjoyed watching play this year.

[Ruck'n'Roll]

Originally posted by Dave
Magic has commented recently how he wishes he could kick as strongly as NOG.

Given that MOL's effective range is down to about 35 metres, I bet he wishes he could kick as far as Ablett.