(05-07-2018, 11:48 PM)Thryleon link Wrote:Shaun Hampson was one of the best sprint testers at the draft combine. He covered the ground well enough, but never looked quick. I seem to recall Tom Bell was an elite runner, but couldnt run for 4 quarters.
Most fans judge players by how they look on the TV, it's not relevant.
Think The Hyphen, think Weitering, then think Cripps leaving a stoppage this season, they all appear to lumber but Cripps breakaways show you that when they are clear and decisive they look fine.
Most of being quick is about clear thinking and not hesitating. You can be the fastest player on earth but if you don't know what to do you'll like hesitant and slow crap!
You can be treacle across the ground but appear lightning fast, like Sam Mitchell! Mitchell was not reactive, he is proactive!
The good players by time, because with experience they force nearby opposition to hesitate, those micro-dumby sell that gives them the extra step buys them so much time. But it comes with experience and confidence.
What good would being fast be if you had to compete one out with Diesel, he'd have you charging off in one direction while he disposes in the other!
The greatest ever in my opinion was Leigh Matthews, never fast, but hard to pin down because he'd buy himself time and space like no other player I've ever seen. Couple that with some incredible core strength to deal with the odd tackle Dusty style and you have a Goliath of the game!
"Ruck, ruck, ruck, ruck ....... Ruck, ruck, ruck, ruck"