(03-16-2024, 11:34 PM)Thryleon date Wrote:No. He was playing better than that. He wasn't a highlight reel player, he was just rucking well for a quarter or two and taking a strong mark every week that was eye popping. Then there is the fact that he hits the scoreboard, and genuinely creates panic when he drifts forward because he's athletic and can actually play as a forward.Yes, it seems pretty cut and dry.
Critics of TDK like to cherry-pick, when he rucks well they claim he can't hold marks, if he's hitting the scoreboard they will claim he was beaten in the ruck. Some of it is because they went early a year or two back calling him a dud and now they are happy to dig a hole just to stick to their guns, they sit quietly waiting for TDK to stumble so they can offer up the "told you so!"
FFS, how the hell can someone of TDK's stature and capability be some fans whipping boy? :o
btw., TDK's highlights aren't just as good as what opponents can do, they are often things other players his size just cannot do, stuff Grundy was previously capable of. Perhaps only a fit Draper is a current AFL equivalent.
If TDK becomes consistent in his output he'll be an object of AFL wide desire, now he is rapidly learning where to be and when, and he is also learning how to influence opponents using his positioning and presence, he is capable of getting to positions ahead of 95% of KPP opponents not just ruck opponents.
I watched last Thursday expecting the new rules to greatly benefit Nankervis, simple because they favour size and weight, but I was pleasantly surprised. TDK held his own, and when TDK found himself on the right side of the contest Nankervis couldn't go with him even if he started just an arm length away.
The Cats are still into him, they aren't going to let up, and others will join the fight to tear him away. They aren't interested in him because he's a highlight reel player.
"Ruck, ruck, ruck, ruck ....... Ruck, ruck, ruck, ruck"