Definition of a Key Position Player

[Bas]

In light of the Johnston not a KPP argument, I was wondering what defines a KPP?

Johnston is 192cm and regarded not being one. LRT is 195cm and I believe as being regarded as one. So is Jesse at 195cm.

However Craig Bolton was 189cm and he played at full back. Plugger was 191cm at Full Forward.

Some others:

Nick Reiwoldt - 193 cm
Jack Riewoldt - 195cm
Matthew Lloyd - 191 cm
Alistair Lynch - 193 cm
A. Rocca - 195 cm
W Tredrea - 194 cm
T Cloke - 197cm
J Roughead - 193cm
L Franklin - 196 cm.

It does seem the modern game requires taller players for key positions but what's the difference between Riewoldt and Johnston?

So is it height, weight, mojo or combination of each ?

[caj23]

The difference between Lewis and those you've mentioned is age

Most key position players don't hit their peak until their early to mid 20's as they need time to build up strength and endurance over the course of 4 - 5 preseasons.

There are very few key position players of Lewis' vintage having a significant impact at senior level

[BSA5]

LJ is a developing KPP, but he doesn't yet have the frame to play that role yet. A lot of being a KPP is having the strength to play as one. So, with that in mind, he wouldn't really be a KPP at senior level at the moment, but in a year or two he could well be. Of course, he might never quite develop the strength to hold down that role (in attack or defence), but ideally he would.

As for what defines a KPP, I'd say that if your main role is to present a target up forward, take contested marks, and be the last kick before the goals, or prevent an opponent doing this in defence, then you're a KPP. If your primary job is to run and provide an option on a flank, and then send it inside 50 TO the KPFs, then you're not. You're a flanker, like ROK in 05/06.

[liz]

It isn't necessarily about strength. I think "presence" is more significant, which might come via size and strength. Sam Reid is not overly strong yet but has the instincts of a key forward and is performing effectively in this role even though he is under developed physically. Plenty of others have shown at a young age that they have the instincts of a key position player even though it might take them a few years to be able to perform at a high level. Others do grow into the role as they get older, stronger and wiser.

[dimelb]

How big was G Ablett Snr?

[Mr Magoo]

Walsh and Johnston are the same height yet the one coming to the team is described as a KPP yet the one leaving is not (yet anyway). So its not always a matter of height and it seem to me that it must be a combination of factors - presence , balance, height , arm reach , vertical leap, timing , weight, speed . I think all of those things contribute to making a KPP. Hence why a tall but slowish ruckmen who doesnt have good timing is never really considered a KPP yet may on paper be tall enough and heavy enough to be a KPP.

[Bas]

Walsh according to the 2011 AFL Record has him as 195cm. In the last few days everyone has been saying he is 194cm.

Johnston is 192cm tall. Whatever 2 or 3 cms means.

Damn and I was hoping to convert Seaby into a KPP. Can they tie a steak to the back of his shorts and get a mad dog to chase him around in pre-season? If that doesn't speed him up then nothing will.

[Vonsteinman]

I think what makes the KPP is the ability to compete/hold one's own in a marking contest. I was going to say for a key forward to take a mark, but one thing Jesse White has proven on his better days (i.e that Hawthorn game at the SCG in 2010) is that you don't necessarily have to catch the thing to successfully play your role in a key forward position.

[Swansinger]

After watching the RWC , I suggest a KEY position player is a LOCK.

Aaaargghh - how much more of this tortuous summer must we endure til the cold winter nights return and FOOTY IS BACK ?!

[Bas]

After watching the RWC , I suggest a KEY position player is a LOCK.

Aaaargghh - how much more of this tortuous summer must we endure til the cold winter nights return and FOOTY IS BACK ?!

Cold winter nights have returned but no footy!!!!!! unless its on replay. A few more days till the draw. That will take up a few weeks of deciphering till trade day.