Pre-Game Potential: AFL 2019 Rd 8: Carlton vs. Collingwood

[LP]

EB I made the comment about O'Brien last year after seeing lots of games on TV (not always the best way to judge I acknowledge) but then seeing the game against Brisbane at the GABBA live when he turned it over by foot about 5 times in one quarter. If his kicking was a knock on him prior to the draft, you have to ask yourself, what attributes DID they see that warranted such a high draft pick?

WASurfer, O'Brien is/was an elite runner at TAC Cup level, we do not get to see him make much use of it at the moment given the role they have him playing. I cannot comment on the kicking.

In fairness as the kids get through their 1st and 2nd pre-seasons, they build lots of muscle and strength but it initially seems to take a toll on their speed and aerobic capacity. Also they are still beginners at the recovery game, some of the older AFL heads tell you it takes 4 or 5 years to get the art of recovery sorted.

I'm happy to see where this kids goes in another year or two.

Is part of what you see an effect of trying to thread the needle at AFL level, some inexperience around issues like how quickly AFL opponents can cover and close space versus lower levels?

..........because he is a top ten pick he will get more chances than most but is looking a bit like Kane Lucas  and that dont doesnt bode well for his future.

I don't agree on this point, Lucas was a man child while O'Brien is a skinny!