Lightning McQueen wrote:Swamp Donkey wrote:
I actually had a look into this last night, because I find it quite bemusing most years.
Balak have some ripping senior colts players, who really are quite dominant at senior colts level - they always do. I find it quite bemusing that guys like Charlie Arbon who made his A grade debut in 2013 and kicked 4 in an A grade match last season, Jacob Butterfield (times in best - 14; goals - 54 in the colts in 2015), Jake Michael (TIB - 11), Dillion Michael (TIB - 10) etc etc, I could go on.... seemingly being held back to play in the Senior Colts to maximise their chances of winning a senior colt flag, rather than being given game time in the A grade which would undoubtedly benefit and fast track their footy development. These kids have played 4 A grade games between them in 2015 and I just can't understand why, particularly when the A grade has won just 5 matches. Obviously there must be good reason (I'm sure a couple of them may not be physically ready) and the coaches involves have good intentions for these kids, but for me, I'd want to be developing them into A graders as soon as they show a bit. In fact, if each of these lads had played 4-5 A grade matches this season, imagine their confidence levels in a senior colts final. Anyway, just my opinion of course and each club to their own.
Perhaps they want them to get more meat on their bones? Charlie was pretty lightly framed when he debuted, as were Curnow and Coombe from Longies, it's all good getting games into them but can be detrimental if they get chucked around too much in their first few games.
No matter how talented a kid is, it's always a worry stepping them up to senior level, most you'd rather skip the reserves but they have the rest of their lives to play senior footy.
I get that part for some kids that a tiny. But in the main I disagree. This is the Adelaide Plains FL - kids are not going to get smashed up. Has Charlie Arbon not grown since 2013?