LRT - Why has he improved?

[Sanecow]

Re: Re: Re: LRT - Why has he improved?

Originally posted by Ruckman

Originally posted by sanecow
improved?

Where the hell did I say that? Misrepresentation city!

[giant]

Re: Re: Re: Re: LRT - Why has he improved?

Originally posted by Sanecow

Where the hell did I say that? Misrepresentation city! [/B][/QUOTE]

LRT lover.

[Ruck'n'Roll]

Re: Re: Re: Re: LRT - Why has he improved?

Originally posted by Sanecow

Where the hell did I say that? Misrepresentation city! [/QUOTE]

Oh-oh, Sanecow's gone semi.

My error, I got confused with all the buttons and your Yazz quotation.

[Sanecow]

Just don't paint me as a hater!

[lachlanc]

have to say i just skimmed the previous argument and consigned it to the dustbin of history. I come to this site to see what people are saying about the Swans. I don't even know who you people really are - so why would i care about a little argument you may be having?

anyway, i think the subject of LRT's improvement is very interesting and can we get this thread back on that subject?

Certainly he seemed to improve about the same time as that SMH article, which mentioned the SOS connection. Whatever SOS is telling him, it sure is working (what are we paying him by the way - but it seems well spent whatever it is).

I used to have my heart in my mouth every time he had the ball waiting for him to mess up, but in the last month his disposal (apart from goal kicking!) has actually been pretty good as has his decision making. A couple of really intelligent handballs - I was aghast.

Also, he doesn't seem to be giving away as many stupid free kicks - almost every time he was in a marking contest he would seem to infringe but that has seemed to improve too.

He's a classic case of a "project" player starting to pay dividends for all the hard work, and as he's so young it may prove to be a good investment after all.

Agree with the comments on the input of those around him on the half-back line too.

[taurus]

Because the majority of RWOers called for his head earlier this year...

Seriously though, I was not that impressed with LRT's debut and surprised that others held very optimistic view. IMO He needed time and experience to play at AFL level and Roos' persistence has paid off.

I have been quite fond of his retard-like (but very hard working) defensive efforts in recent weeks. He needs to baulk up though..

[barry]

Originally posted by taurus

I have been quite fond of his retard-like (but very hard working) defensive efforts in recent weeks. He needs to baulk up though..

I dunno. If he follows the SOS/Fletcher mould, he's nearly there already. And he is quite strong. More work on holding his ground, but thats coming along.

I think he'll move to FB in a year or two.

[liz]

Originally posted by barry

I think he'll move to FB in a year or two.

Why? Roos has cited his athleticsm as being a key attribute - ie he is the one true tall in the team who has the motor to go with players like Riewoldt for a whole match.

I would say that he is being groomed for a permanent CHB role (to the extent that anyone is groomed for specific roles nowadays).

I'd have thought that Dempster is more likely to find himself as a FB in a couple of years.

[Ruck'n'Roll]

Originally posted by liz
I'd have thought that Dempster is more likely to find himself as a FB in a couple of years.

Dempster is interesting, in the firsts he usually minds small-mediums, but in the two's he was minding talls.

[barry]

Originally posted by liz
Why? Roos has cited his athleticsm as being a key attribute - ie he is the one true tall in the team who has the motor to go with players like Riewoldt for a whole match.

I would say that he is being groomed for a permanent CHB role (to the extent that anyone is groomed for specific roles nowadays).

CHB's role in most of our home games is reduced due to the size of the SCG. If LRT continues on with his development, the FB is the more important key position back line role that needs filling. Leo Barry is struggling with big blokes and is in his late 20's already.

Of course then we'll be down a CHB, so I guess it all depends on who we draft/recruit in the next few years.

I'd have thought that Dempster is more likely to find himself as a FB in a couple of years.

Is Dempster tall enough ?

[ugg]

Originally posted by barry
Is Dempster tall enough ?

He's right on the edge at 190cm, but then again Leo's only 185cm. Perhaps the lad still has room to grow.

[dimelb]

Originally posted by liz
he is the one true tall in the team who has the motor to go with players like Riewoldt for a whole match.

There's also Goodes of course - though he isn't at his best as a run-with player IMO.

[Leeroy]

LRT - why has he improved?

I don't check this site too often, so I'm a bit behind the LRT debate, but...

In one of his first few games, against Richmond, he was playing forward and kept his feet and his head, kept the ball alive near the goalsquare for someone else to gather and score. I figured then that he had real potential, despite his lack of Australian Football experience. He'd experienced topline Rugby (for his age) and knew something of the pressures and requirements of professional sport.

LRT's improvement this season has been phenomenal. Early on, he spilled easy marks and was pushed out of contests. I was in Melb for the Carlton match and noticed an uplift in his form that day. In the last month, he's been holding marks, kicking and handballing with confidence and doing good work in the body contests. I don't care what his hair's like (it's nowhere near as long as mine.)

NOG's improved outa sight, but I think LRT's gone one better, 'cos he came off a lower skill/brain base to start with. NOG's a better player when he doesn't stop to think too much. Same with LRT.

Remember the hopes we had for Saddington a few years back? Sadly unfulfilled, but I think LRT is a better bet because he has already shown a willingness to get down and dirty (perhaps due to his rugby background) that Saddo never really displayed, despite his superior marking and kicking skills.

Good luck to the kid. The development of younger players is a barometer of any football team, whether AFL or NFL or anything in between.

[The Boot]

Re: LRT - why has he improved?

Originally posted by Leeroy
I don't check this site too often, so I'm a bit behind the LRT debate, but...

In one of his first few games, against Richmond, he was playing forward and kept his feet and his head, kept the ball alive near the goalsquare for someone else to gather and score. I figured then that he had real potential, despite his lack of Australian Football experience. He'd experienced topline Rugby (for his age) and knew something of the pressures and requirements of professional sport.

LRT's improvement this season has been phenomenal. Early on, he spilled easy marks and was pushed out of contests. I was in Melb for the Carlton match and noticed an uplift in his form that day. In the last month, he's been holding marks, kicking and handballing with confidence and doing good work in the body contests. I don't care what his hair's like (it's nowhere near as long as mine.)

NOG's improved outa sight, but I think LRT's gone one better, 'cos he came off a lower skill/brain base to start with. NOG's a better player when he doesn't stop to think too much. Same with LRT.

Remember the hopes we had for Saddington a few years back? Sadly unfulfilled, but I think LRT is a better bet because he has already shown a willingness to get down and dirty (perhaps due to his rugby background) that Saddo never really displayed, despite his superior marking and kicking skills.

Good luck to the kid. The development of younger players is a barometer of any football team, whether AFL or NFL or anything in between.

A good analysis.

[Legs Akimbo]

Re: LRT - why has he improved?

Originally posted by Leeroy
I don't check this site too often, so I'm a bit behind the LRT debate, but...

In one of his first few games, against Richmond, he was playing forward and kept his feet and his head, kept the ball alive near the goalsquare for someone else to gather and score. I figured then that he had real potential, despite his lack of Australian Football experience. He'd experienced topline Rugby (for his age) and knew something of the pressures and requirements of professional sport.

LRT's improvement this season has been phenomenal. Early on, he spilled easy marks and was pushed out of contests. I was in Melb for the Carlton match and noticed an uplift in his form that day. In the last month, he's been holding marks, kicking and handballing with confidence and doing good work in the body contests. I don't care what his hair's like (it's nowhere near as long as mine.)

NOG's improved outa sight, but I think LRT's gone one better, 'cos he came off a lower skill/brain base to start with. NOG's a better player when he doesn't stop to think too much. Same with LRT.

Remember the hopes we had for Saddington a few years back? Sadly unfulfilled, but I think LRT is a better bet because he has already shown a willingness to get down and dirty (perhaps due to his rugby background) that Saddo never really displayed, despite his superior marking and kicking skills.

Good luck to the kid. The development of younger players is a barometer of any football team, whether AFL or NFL or anything in between.

I agree with everything you say but for the bit about the hair. Something has to be done.