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Some Cause For Hope
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Re: Some Cause For Hope
The million dollar question is - Does Heath have the genetics to build his aerobic capacity to the level required of an AFL ruckman or forward?Impatient Sainter wrote: ↑Tue 16 Jan 2024 3:06pm Heath is significantly better playing forward than any other young ruckman we have had on the list, possibly matching Marshall in that regard. Marshall has the advantage of being a great aerobic runner, which Heath lacks, but I project Heath to be similiar to an Ivan Soldo / Lloyd Meek type player.
Heath is still only 21yo and most ruckman dont mature until they are 24-25yo, his strength and ruck craft will improve with age, but there is no doubt he needs to find a way to improve his aerobic running capacities if he is to become a worthy Marshall replacement.
Also note that forwards run harder and further than the rest of the team as they have to cover just about the whole ground. You probably run less as a follower/ruckman than a forward.
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Re: Some Cause For Hope
If Keeler can prove he can go back into defence and intercept as part time ruckman and establish himself in that role with Campbell, and Heath going forward in a part time role, then Keeler is the man.Impatient Sainter wrote: ↑Tue 16 Jan 2024 3:06pmHeath is significantly better playing forward than any other young ruckman we have had on the list, possibly matching Marshall in that regard. Marshall has the advantage of being a great aerobic runner, which Heath lacks, but I project Heath to be similiar to an Ivan Soldo / Lloyd Meek type player.
Heath is still only 21yo and most ruckman dont mature until they are 24-25yo, his strength and ruck craft will improve with age, but there is no doubt he needs to find a way to improve his aerobic running capacities if he is to become a worthy Marshall replacement.
He is 20 and already looked better than Heath coming off no preseason and never having played senior football, while moving half the country away from his quiet little country town.
If Keeler stays fit then Heath can take over from Campbell in the VFL when he retires to a coaching role somewhere and be back up ruckman to Marshall.
Keeler is a better footballer and athlete by any proverbial you could mention.
- Impatient Sainter
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Re: Some Cause For Hope
I agree Keeler is the better footballer but can he become a full time ruckman is the question? I guess he is similiar to Marshall when he came to the club, he thought he was a key forward rather than a ruckman. Keeler said in his pre draft interviews that he doesnt see himself as a ruckman and prefers to play a key forward role. Obviously he will play where the club most needs him, which makes it interesting that he is now being groomed as a key defender. If he can develop in any key role he will be an asset to the team, as will Heath IMO given time.CQ SAINT wrote: ↑Wed 17 Jan 2024 2:12amIf Keeler can prove he can go back into defence and intercept as part time ruckman and establish himself in that role with Campbell, and Heath going forward in a part time role, then Keeler is the man.Impatient Sainter wrote: ↑Tue 16 Jan 2024 3:06pmHeath is significantly better playing forward than any other young ruckman we have had on the list, possibly matching Marshall in that regard. Marshall has the advantage of being a great aerobic runner, which Heath lacks, but I project Heath to be similiar to an Ivan Soldo / Lloyd Meek type player.
Heath is still only 21yo and most ruckman dont mature until they are 24-25yo, his strength and ruck craft will improve with age, but there is no doubt he needs to find a way to improve his aerobic running capacities if he is to become a worthy Marshall replacement.
He is 20 and already looked better than Heath coming off no preseason and never having played senior football, while moving half the country away from his quiet little country town.
If Keeler stays fit then Heath can take over from Campbell in the VFL when he retires to a coaching role somewhere and be back up ruckman to Marshall.
Keeler is a better footballer and athlete by any proverbial you could mention.