Swans chat Sam Wicks

[liz]

I looked for an existing thread where this might fit, but couldn't find one. So figured Sam deserved a thread of his own.

I know we all recognise what a revelation Wicksy has been this season. But the team at AFL.com.au have provided some numbers to demonstrate just how good he has been as a small stopper this season. Navigate to about the ten minute mark of this video, and you'll find a list of who he has played on this year, and what their output has been. This suggests he's lowered his colours just once this season (against Collingwood, by Bobby Hill).

The Round Ahead: New coach bounce back theory, Swan's stunning scalps

[mcs]

I'll be the first to throw my hands up and say I didn't rate him being moved back, really thought he'd be fringe at best as he was up forward.


But he has been a very bright light for us in a disappointing season. Great to see him get some serious kudos for a fantastic season. And good on him for proving clueless doubters like me very, very wrong.

[dejavoodoo44]

I looked for an existing thread where this might fit, but couldn't find one. So figured Sam deserved a thread of his own.

I know we all recognise what a revelation Wicksy has been this season. But the team at AFL.com.au have provided some numbers to demonstrate just how good he has been as a small stopper this season. Navigate to about the ten minute mark of this video, and you'll find a list of who he has played on this year, and what their output has been. This suggests he's lowered his colours just once this season (against Collingwood, by Bobby Hill).

The Round Ahead: New coach bounce back theory, Swan's stunning scalps

And since this is his first year as a defender, then it's quite likely that he will improve further. I look forward to many years of him driving small forwards into the turf. And believe me, there's some small forwards, who I really like to see being driven into the turf.

[liz]

And since this is his first year as a defender, then it's quite likely that he will improve further. I look forward to many years of him driving small forwards into the turf. And believe me, there's some small forwards, who I really like to see being driven into the turf.

I like that he provides a bit of rebound as well as pure negation. As he becomes more experienced - and comfortable - with the defensive side of things, I hope he gains even more confidence to use his speed to run the ball out of defence a bit more.

[imuninformedtwo]

I like that he provides a bit of rebound as well as pure negation. As he becomes more experienced - and comfortable - with the defensive side of things, I hope he gains even more confidence to use his speed to run the ball out of defence a bit more.

Yep. The balance in his game is what has impressed me most.

I always quite appreciated the role he played up forward, perhaps more than others on here. But I admit to being surprised at just how well and quickly he’s adjusted to the role down back. We’ve tried a few through there in recent years. Ollie for example had the role at the start of last year, with Harry playing pure lockdown and Ollie a bit more on rebound. Harry is still keeping on now he’s recovered from injury, but Wicks has been a revelation and as you say, should only get better.

[Roadrunner]

Yep. The balance in his game is what has impressed me most.

I always quite appreciated the role he played up forward, perhaps more than others on here. But I admit to being surprised at just how well and quickly he’s adjusted to the role down back. We’ve tried a few through there in recent years. Ollie for example had the role at the start of last year, with Harry playing pure lockdown and Ollie a bit more on rebound. Harry is still keeping on now he’s recovered from injury, but Wicks has been a revelation and as you say, should only get better.

He is the most improved on our list this year- well done Sam!