Matt Ling

[dejavoodoo44]

The full set of photos is great. Fantastic for Matt and his family to have as a memento of his first game.

I was really pleased that he got to celebrate a win, as he's gone through so much interminable rehab, while other, possibly less talented players, from his draft, have gone on to forge viable AFL careers.

[Ralph Dawg]

I thought Ling had a decent first game. It felt a bit like Nick Smith was back.

He looked composed. Nothing flashy just did his job. I certainly did not have my heart in my mouth every time he had the ball, unlike watching other defenders in recent times.

[aguy]

Very happy to see Ling play. Definitely one of the better games for a defender 1st game. Usually I find the first gamer defenders look off the pace and get out bodied and out run. He looked neither. Didn’t get a while lot of the ball until the final quarter but didn’t look deer in the headlights either ( like I think Melican often looks ).

[Ludwig]

I can't wait for Ling to adjust to the pace of the game at AFL level, although he only seemed a little rushed for a 1st gamer. He has the ability to create time and space, is an elusive and fast runner and can find and hit targets. I think he'll became a fan favourite.

[royboy42]

Looking like a deer in the headlights isn't always a bad thing.
Leo Barry looked like that nearly every possession he ever had. Worked o.k. for him.
Oh, and LRT had the same look...worked ok for him too.
But, I agree that Ling was lovely and calm looking under pressure.
I reckon he'll be around a long time.

Very happy to see Ling play. Definitely one of the better games for a defender 1st game. Usually I find the first gamer defenders look off the pace and get out bodied and out run. He looked neither. Didn’t get a while lot of the ball until the final quarter but didn’t look deer in the headlights either ( like I think Melican often looks ).

[giant]

His last quarter was his best which is always a good sign. Could see him quickly adapting to the pace.

I was screaming at him before that ball up in the second qr to get on Wingard more closely (I don't know why, I was in the second stand of the Trumper, do I really think he's gonna hear me?), but he learned the hard way you need to play closer than that. But has the look of someone who will learn quickly I think.

[707]

Looks like a footballer which is a good start.

After two years of mainly rehab, is now a mature body, looked composed in play to me. The fact they've identified a position for him and getting expert one on one from Nick Smith gives Matt every chance to have a long and successful career.

[Markwebbos]

Matt's written about finally getting to make his debut last week.

My time finally arrived

Contains this nugget:

"Nick Smith has also been a great mentor for me. He gives lots of tips about positioning and getting to the right spots early, and he’s helped me change my mindset to make me more accountable. I used to think if my opponent got a quick shot on goal out of a pack it was just bad luck, but Nick’s helped me realise you can stop everything."

[MattW]

Matt's written about finally getting to make his debut last week.

My time finally arrived

Contains this nugget:

"Nick Smith has also been a great mentor for me. He gives lots of tips about positioning and getting to the right spots early, and he’s helped me change my mindset to make me more accountable. I used to think if my opponent got a quick shot on goal out of a pack it was just bad luck, but Nick’s helped me realise you can stop everything."

Great piece. Well done, Matt. Studying outdoor recreation and ecotourism is a bit different for a footballer.

Love that quote about learning from Nick Smith. Some of Matt's positioning did stand out for a first-gamer.

[Mark26]

Love that quote about learning from Nick Smith. Some of Matt's positioning did stand out for a first-gamer.

He's certainly lucky to be learning from the best small shut down defender in recent times. Long may the legacy of Smooch live on! And let's hope Ling can have a good stint now.

[111431]

He's certainly lucky to be learning from the best small shut down defender in recent times. Long may the legacy of Smooch live on! And let's hope Ling can have a good stint now.

if he ends up being half as good as Smooch he will be a good find

[Melbourne_Blood]

I hope he still retains the dash and flair that we drafted him for. Didn’t use a first round pick on a lockdown small defender .


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[dazedjosh]

I hope he still retains the dash and flair that we drafted him for. Didn’t use a first round pick on a lockdown small defender .

It might be that with 3 years of foot and achilles injuries he's lost a yard of pace, he might still be quick enough to play against the dynamic small forwards over short bursts but then dashing off the backline at full pace may be a step too far.. He seemed cool under pressure on debut though, and still has a good kick, so a smart lockdown small who can distribute from the backline would be a pretty good result after his injury history. If he could give us 150-250 games like Smith then that would be a great result considering what he's been through.

[Melbourne_Blood]

It might be that with 3 years of foot and achilles injuries he's lost a yard of pace, he might still be quick enough to play against the dynamic small forwards over short bursts but then dashing off the backline at full pace may be a step too far.. He seemed cool under pressure on debut though, and still has a good kick, so a smart lockdown small who can distribute from the backline would be a pretty good result after his injury history. If he could give us 150-250 games like Smith then that would be a great result considering what he's been through.

If that is the case ( that he’s lost a yard ) , then I agree with you . I just hope we aren’t deliberately turning a naturally attacking player into a dour defender. Hopefully he’s learning that defensive side from Smith to compliment the attacking aspect of his game, not abandon it. Especially when we desperately need some attacking flair off half back.


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[Ralph Dawg]

His disposal by foot was a bit off yesterday. I remember watching his highlights from his draft year and he looked elite by foot. Hope yesterday was just an aberation.