Sam Dunell .....can he be elevated?

[supersaints]

UNTRIED St Kilda rookie Sam Dunell is being touted as a possible late season debutant after starring in VFL affiliate Sandringham’s six-point victory over cellar dwellers Frankston on Sunday.
Source courier Mail (sorry unable to copy full report on my Iphone)

Have we got someone on the LTI list that enables Sam to be fast tracked , apparently dominated in the backline for Sandy when moved there yesterday. Apparently think he can play I'm any position will move to the cnter next week.
I have not seen any Sandy games (and only 2 Saints games this year) as I have moved to Tassys East coast to live.
So I rely heavily on the enlighted ones on this forum)

Not seen him but is he the possible answer to our backline deficiency?

Lots to get excited about some of our younger players !

[plugger66]

He can be elevated but I doubt he will. They will wait and see what injuries we get. As for our backline deficiency, I actually think in 2 weeks time we will have far to many backmen.

[magnifisaint]

UNTRIED St Kilda rookie Sam Dunell is being touted as a possible late season debutant after starring in VFL affiliate Sandringham’s six-point victory over cellar dwellers Frankston on Sunday.

Dunell, 22, who was recruited last year as a high-marking forward, was shifted to defence when Saints youngster Warrick Andreoli was forced out of the game in the first quarter with a serious shoulder injury.

The Old Melburnians recruit – son of Essendon premiership player, Frank – relished the opportunity, collecting 16 disposals in a dominant rebounding display.

Dunell’s meteoric rise is sure to be considered at the selection table with first-year coach Scott Watters trialing a bevvy of debutants this season.

“Look, I haven’t considered anything like that (having the opportunity to play AFL) yet,” Dunell said.

“I’m just a rookie so all I can do is just try and play as well as I can each week. It’s a simple week by week operation which seems to be working.”

Zebras coach Simon McPhee exposed plans to move Dunell’s into the midfield.

“He’s got great versatility, he’s very athletic, is very diligent and disciplines so it’s not surprise why he played well today,” McPhee said.

“He impressed me with how he responded to his new role in defense. We eventually want to move him up the ground and into the wing so today proved that he’s highly adaptable.”

Beau Wilkes booted five goals from his 15 disposals while former West Coast midfielder Adam Cockie (28 touches) and Tom Ledger (26) were prolific in the midfield.

[saintbrat]

and the link
http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/afl ... 6390600293


or
http://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/afl/st ... 6390600293

[skeptic]

will be interesting too see where he settles

WIlkes for example = good forward... lousy back

Dunnel from what I've read looks like a decent mid sized (?) forward. If he can make it up forward... well they're harder to find

Surprised to read he played down back.. good on him for being versatile

[Superstar]

I'm pretty sure all clubs can elevated a rookie after the mid way point of the year regardless of injury.

[felix]

Super saints , you have to love tassie east coast it's a pretty special place from the top to the bottom.

[Sick Nal Danto]

I've seen him, very nice mark and good kick both at goal and in play

His position is similar to the one Milera and Siposs currently have in the senior team

So would be hard, good recruit though

[BigMart]

I'm yet to see him even play an average game.... Great Ariel skills

[Dis Believer]

I'm yet to see him even play an average game.... Great Ariel skills

Would that be above his head, as in "aerial skills"? Or is he really into The Little Mermaid?

[borderbarry]

Be interesting to see who gets promoted, out of Dunnell, Ferguson,, and Curren. I imagine they all will at seasons end.

[BigMart]

All three have been excellent in their efforts... And deserve promotion

Wilkes or Archer must go.... A decision needs to be made there?? Unless Arch is developed as a defender...

Minchington and Staley can do another year... Minch has been surprising, loved what I saw of Staley yesterday.

[stkildathunda]

All three have been excellent in their efforts... And deserve promotion

Wilkes or Archer must go.... A decision needs to be made there?? Unless Arch is developed as a defender...

Minchington and Staley can do another year... Minch has been surprising, loved what I saw of Staley yesterday.

Why must Wilkes go? Been played out of position by Watters and when he did play forward he kicked 3 goals in half. Another lazy 5 yesterday in VFL proves he is a great forward. Thats 16 goals in 5 matches in VFL this year.

For mine, Archer is one that will/should be delisted unless as u say they throw him down back like they did for bit last season.

[HitTheBoundary]

Minchington and Staley can do another year... Minch has been surprising, loved what I saw of Staley yesterday.

For those of us that don't know much about Staley; what type of player is he and what in particular did you love about him yesterday?
Also, how fast is Dunell, who does he compare to?

[saintsRrising]

On Sam:

IMO has all the skill and talent assets to play AFL footballer.

He has that "something' that seem to define players that are a bit special and can make it. Looks to be a "natural"

I saw it in Jack early on, in Stanley (though ina different way)...and I see it in Dunnell.

The other parts of the equation though is whether he has the "mental" toughness and "hunger" to work hard enough at his game to make it. At present he needs to apply himself more throughout the game. Players like Jones, Blake and Baker have excelled in this to play games in front of more gifted colleagues. Being a "natural" is not enough and moreso in this era of professional AFL where all players are drilled so thoroughly.

Can he step up? Time will tell. But yes he has the raw goods to be a good AFL player. There is a lot for the coaches to develop.

[BigMart]

Dunnell is 6'3" in the old but due to his body type moves extremely well.... You see this in a lot of medium talls these days they move exceptionally well for their height...... But he has got terrific hands so is excellent overhead too...

He would be similar in some ways to
Embley, Walker, Clarke, Mackie, Birchall type..... Tall flanker, can play as a runner or taller if needed.... A real utility...

Staley
Competed in the air, almost two pack grabs and showed courage. Body needs more size obviously, but 6'4" and can take a contested catch.
He reminded me of Jarryd Allen.... Similar playing style and size, not as advanced as he was year 1
Only concern.... Might be a bit slow?

[HitTheBoundary]

Thanks for the info.

[noob]

Easily our best rookie.

[bobmurray]

Good to see these NEW recruiters have gotten in some players with development potential..

If they can do it again at year's end then the future won't be quite as bleak....

[BigMart]

The recruiters have been excellent in the past two seasons....

I can think of three poor selections out of about 12 or so.... That's a good hit rate

A couple of overlooks..... But what has been taken has reasonable.
Lack do <21 KPP talent is a concern

[supersaints]

Super saints , you have to love tassie east coast it's a pretty special place from the top to the bottom.

Thanks Felix live in Bicheno, but I do miss seeing the Saints live

On Sam I thought he may be a replacement for Blake or even Goddard ( if he leaves ... Hope he stays)
He's around 190 cm apparently can play a few positions third forward or back or a taller player through the middle

Thanks for the heads up from those that have seen him

I was interested, as a mate of mine is well in with the Bummers , he reckons that they thought they would pick him up with their second pick my mate reckons he will make a good AFL player.
I'll just keep my fingers crossed!!

[mick13]

Took Ross and Dunnel off the Dons by the sounds of it. Let's make them into something special in front of their eyes

[Heidelberg_Saint]

Finey said last night that Michington would be the first player promoted onto the rookie list, apparently highly thought of by the coaching staff. We only have 38 out of 42 players on our Senior list, I'm sure we could elevate without waiting for an injury. Problem for Dunnell is, who does he replace? Now moved to the backline, getting Fish back necxt week, all spots seem to be taken, while the mid Forwards roles appear full as well.

[PJ]

The only elevation I would go with would be a KPP - Ferguson. He may need more time but at 20 or whatever he is his body should hold up.

[BigMart]

Ferguson would not be a KPP at AFL level at this stage, may never be... He is a very similar size and player to Gilbert. More a running HB than a KPP.