Originally Posted by
Ludwig
O'Riordan has to keep improving, just like any young player, if they want make or keep their spot in the senior side. My point is that he is tracking well and if he continues on a normal development progression, he should be very solid player. For O'Riordan to continue his development, yet lose his spot in the side anyway, would almost shut the door for him at the Swans. He's a lot better than a depth player and if he doesn't play senior footy for us, he's probably heading for another club.
Because of the push back on Stoddart and Ling, I'm going to break my own selection rules and award the 2019 Ludwig Future Star award to both Stoddart and Ling. I thought KB's comments on Ling were generally encouraging, without saying that he's over the hump with his injuries. If he's one of those unlucky players that lose a promising career due to injury, there's nothing to be done. We can name plenty of others, like Nathan Freeman and perhaps Paddy McCartin.
Barring injury setbacks, I've been very impressed by the kind of game that both Stoddart and Ling bring to the table. They share a lot of similar traits. The are quick and evasive runners. They have good vision. They kick well and with penetration. They are competitive and physical players, despite being a bit slim at this stage of the game. These are the kind of attributes that usually make for a successful AFL career. I think both will become very good players and important components of our rise up the ladder.
I'm really thrilled with the players we selected in the draft this year. But I'm not forgetting promising young players working on their craft though the NEAFL. Let's not throw out the bathwater with the baby.
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