coveted? well done Luke anyway

[saintbrat]

http://www.triplem.com.au/melbourne/spo ... -4g18.html

Luke Ball Overcomes Injury To Win Coveted Award
James Brayshaw 17 June, 2009 - 2:03 PM

I am a big fan of the Saints' work in 2009 and a lot of that stems back to the people they have doing the 'heavy lifting'.

Not only really talented footballers, but also high quality people, people whose character is starting to reflect the clubs performance. I am speaking of Leonard Hayes, Nick Riewoldt, Max Hudgton and this week's Triple MVP, Luke Ball.

A massive introduction into the AFL for Luke, of course a part of the much hyped 'big three' with Chris Judd and Luke Hodge in the best draft the game has ever seen, certainly at the top end.

While Judd and Hodge were going from strength to strength, Luke Ball was battling his own body. Playing elite AFL football is hard enough without having to nurse a young body through debilitating, long term, explosive speed sapping injury.

Ball and the Saints furiously denied there was any problem through this period. Like all footballers and clubs they refused to dive into the 'excuse bag', and that is to be admired. But he was 'just going' for a couple of years there and it was sad to watch. A bit like a thoroughbred getting beaten around the training track by a Clydesdale.

What I loved about Luke was he never dropped off his work rate on field, never wavered in his commitment to his club and his mates, and never became despondent when things weren't going his way.

For this reason, now that they are going his way, I am delighted for him. He comes into the Footy Show on a semi-regular basis and he is a beauty. He and Campbell Brown were on a while back and I remember thinking what a joy they were to have around.

This season he is getting better and better and while the talk seemingly always surrounds Dal Santo and Montagna and Hayes, 'Lukas' is just getting the job done. Winning contested footy unflinchingly and distributing it with great skill.

If the Saints win the ultimate prize there will be no-one who deserves to bask in it more than Luke Ball. He's done some hard yards in his time, harder yards than he should have had to endure.

So this week, the Triple MVP goes to one of my favourites, Luke Ball.


comment (2)
andy says
ball was good...but i'd go with zac 'rocca' dawson.

amazing to nail that final shot.

[borderbarry]

Zac Dawson is fast becoming the most over-rated player at St.Kilda.

[desertsaint]

Zac Dawson is fast becoming the most over-rated player at St.Kilda.

heresy! he's already well ahead of max, and by seasons end will be ranked alongside sos as the great fullback of the game - that's if he hasn't won the coleman!
...apparently...

[BallBanger]

Zac Dawson is fast becoming the most over-rated player at St.Kilda.

Has a long way to go before passing gwilt/milne

[Seaford_Saint]

Great article from Brayshaw..... I could hardly seen McGuire at et penning something so genuine about another club.

Love you Bally!!! You are the most important "inside" player when we are at our best....

[WinnersOnly]

I think his lack of pace and kicking skills really cost us when we play quicker opponents. Yes he has battled a debilitating injury and IMO he has also been played when perhaps he should not have been. Other players might not have been so courageous - but we have to ask ourselves has it been to his and the teams long term detriment.

I love the guys approach and effort but I think his lack of running ability in todays game is affecting his ability to even get to the in under contests first.

LYON is only playing him for 60-70% match time which if fully fit would not be the case. If fit and running strongly he would be a match winner for us -but as it stands IMO he is struggling to maintain his position in the side.

IMO now is the time to give him a break and get ARMITAGE or another younger player into the side and get BALL 110% before the lead into the finals...

If this is good as he can be injury wise, then it is time for him to stand aside and let an able bodied/skilled player step in and take his position. Otherwise come finals it wil cost us dearly....

[plugger66]

I think his lack of pace and kicking skills really cost us when we play quicker opponents. Yes he has battled a debilitating injury and IMO he has also been played when perhaps he should not have been. Other players might not have been so courageous - but we have to ask ourselves has it been to his and the teams long term detriment.

I love the guys approach and effort but I think his lack of running ability in todays game is affecting his ability to even get to the in under contests first.

LYON is only playing him for 60-70% match time which if fully fit would not be the case. If fit and running strongly he would be a match winner for us -but as it stands IMO he is struggling to maintain his position in the side.

IMO now is the time to give him a break and get ARMITAGE or another younger player into the side and get BALL 110% before the lead into the finals...

If this is good as he can be injury wise, then it is time for him to stand aside and let an able bodied/skilled player step in and take his position. Otherwise come finals it wil cost us dearly....

Pretty sure they have a rest this week. He should stand aside for who? What player is better in the seconds? That is complete rubbish. He plays only 70% because of the way he plays. And finally why will he cost us dearly come finals time?

[WinnersOnly]

quote]Pretty sure they have a rest this week. He should stand aside for who? What player is better in the seconds? That is complete rubbish. He plays only 70% because of the way he plays. And finally why will he cost us dearly come finals time?[/quote]

ARMITAGE, STEVEN, EDDY can all run and kick over a jam tin they win!

Plays 70% because he doesn't have the running capacity.

It will cost us because his opponent cuts us up on the break - plus he can not hit a target more than 30 metres away, he has become the modern day Paul CALLERY.

[plugger66]

quote]Pretty sure they have a rest this week. He should stand aside for who? What player is better in the seconds? That is complete rubbish. He plays only 70% because of the way he plays. And finally why will he cost us dearly come finals time?

ARMITAGE, STEVEN, EDDY can all run and kick over a jam tin they win!

Plays 70% because he doesn't have the running capacity.

It will cost us because his opponent cuts us up on the break - plus he can not hit a target more than 30 metres away, he has become the modern day Paul CALLERY.[/quote]

Do you have stats on how long Armo, Steven and Eddy are playing at Sandy. Who are his oponents who have cut him up this year? Did you know Lenny has only averaged 70% game time this year. Has his running capacity down or is he just stuffed when he comes off because he works so hard. Lastly have you been to most of the Sandy games this year to see these other guys play because if you had you would realise kicking isnt a great feature of the 3 guys you mentioned.

[mbogo]

And who exactly is gonna get the same in and under clearances, possessions and tackles as Luke?
Coz they must be REALLY ripping it up at Sandy

[Moods]

I love the fact that ppl are desperate for these third tier players to be given a go at the expense of proven seasoned players. Maybe these 3rd tier players should be brought in, so we learn to appreciate our seasoned players.

[emmdee]

Well said James Brayshaw, the application shown on the field by luke is the character building stuff that glues a team together and demands 100% effort from other team mates. Thanks Luke for the many centre clearances you have helped orchestrate so far this season...

[rexy]

Luke Ball, senior player, very important to the side, positives out weigh the negatives, natural leader, best 22. Period

[bobmurray]

The only downside i find with Ball is he can barely kick over a jam tin...

[PJ]

The only downside i find with Ball is he can barely kick over a jam tin...

Just as well there are no jam tins in the modern game.

Speaking of jam

I think his lack of pace and kicking skills really cost us when we play quicker opponents. Yes he has battled a debilitating injury and IMO he has also been played when perhaps he should not have been. Other players might not have been so courageous - but we have to ask ourselves has it been to his and the teams long term detriment.

I love the guys approach and effort but I think his lack of running ability in todays game is affecting his ability to even get to the in under contests first.

LYON is only playing him for 60-70% match time which if fully fit would not be the case. If fit and running strongly he would be a match winner for us -but as it stands IMO he is struggling to maintain his position in the side.

IMO now is the time to give him a break and get ARMITAGE or another younger player into the side and get BALL 110% before the lead into the finals...

If this is good as he can be injury wise, then it is time for him to stand aside and let an able bodied/skilled player step in and take his position. Otherwise come finals it wil cost us dearly....

Got to agree with Plugger here your stats and suggested back ups to replace Luke are fanciful at best. What's your next theory??!!

[Milton66]

This would have to be one of the silliest, dumbest threads I've read (mine included).

Everyone knows that jam comes in a jar. FFS, jam tin?

Anyway, back on topic. He playes 70% because RL has stated that he rotates Ball and Hayes for the clearances... hence keeping them fresh.

Bally is a pile driver. Anyone expecting him to kick like BJ or run like Judd need to have their hand removed.

Armo, Steven blag blah blah. Not good enough to displace our 22nd player picked each week, yet people want Ball dropped for one of them?

OMFG!

[plugger66]

This would have to be one of the silliest, dumbest threads I've read (mine included).

Everyone knows that jam comes in a jar. FFS, jam tin?

Anyway, back on topic. He playes 70% because RL has stated that he rotates Ball and Hayes for the clearances... hence keeping them fresh.

Bally is a pile driver. Anyone expecting him to kick like BJ or run like Judd need to have their hand removed.

Armo, Steven blag blah blah. Not good enough to displace our 22nd player picked each week, yet people want Ball dropped for one of them?

OMFG!

I couldnt have said it better myself matter of fact I think I did.

[Milton66]

That's because you are really me, posting under a different nic. Although you mucked it up in the other thread by replying to yourself with the same nic.

[Jimmy1972]

Hands off Donkey Boy!! Strength Through Loyalty!!!!!!!

[PJ]

That is a seriously bad shot of Ross on your avatar J1972. He looks like an old country and western singer after a big night on the p#ss.

[Solar]

That is a seriously bad shot of Ross on your avatar J1972. He looks like an old country and western singer after a big night on the p#ss.

great call, looks like he just wants to cuddle that football and cry about that country gal who left him....

[Jimmy1972]

Should I change it? I think its very 80's. Ross rembering the Fitzroy days.

Could win the Archibald

[Jimmy1972]

Do I have to change it

[PJ]

Just needs a white bandana round the neck & a stetson.

SLIM LYON singing a few of his camp side favorites:

"You picked a fine time to leave me Harveeee"

"Tie the kangaroos down sport"

& "Old McQualter had a farm"

[Jimmy1972]

How is that?