Autopsy 2025 AFL Round 3: Saints thrash Tigers

[dudeintheswamp]

I just watched the replay of this game and WOW! I haven't seen a St Kilda team work so hard for each other, be so selfless and enjoy each others efforts for a long long time. That is the type of unison and enjoyment you only see in the very best of football clubs.

If anyone has any doubt about the quality of kids coming through go back and watch this game. In a year or two these same kids will be absolutely dominating the game.

NWM is an outright star of the competition. His attacking game and kicking are elite, but so now are his defensive efforts. Some of his spoils and tackles in that game show he is a lot stronger than he appears. I absolutely loved that he also was prepared to fly the flag against Lynch when things were getting lively, shows how much he cares about his team mates.

Garcia is our version of Libartore he is like a dog with a bone. I cant remember ever seeing a kid attack every contest as hard as he does at such an early age. He is a little left foot centric but that will improve with time as he understands he has the pace to take opponents on.

Travaglia has shown I have absolutley no doubt he will become a very very good midfielder. The kid just competes and for his size he has the heart of a lion. Just imagine what he will be like when his builds some size.

Hall will become so important to our forward line, the team % things he does might go unrecognised by he is already above average. That on top of his ball use and ability to spot up team mates is elite.

Owens is Mr St Kilda! He will only get better and better as his confidence grows, he is already a bull of the competition with such a great attitude.

Windhager is only a baby as a midfielder and continues to improve, his work rate and attitude will ensure he becomes an absolute star. Josh Dunkley started as a tagger and I see a lot of him in Windy's game.

Collard what can I say, his defensive work rate and chase down tackles are sensational. Add that to his goal sense and the kid if he keeps working will have the AFL comp at his feet.

Wilson we all know he is a star in the making. He had one of his more quiter games but they will be few and far apart.

Keeler if supporters cant see the huge potential in this kid they are not being serious. He is still a baby body wise but watch when he builds into a mans body he will start dominating the competition. The love and energy shared by the indigenous kids playing together is infectous and will only grow - kudos to Bradley Hill he has done so much more for the club than what he shows onfield.

Caminiti already looks like an experienced defender and as his confidence grows so will capacity to take intercept marks. The kid will be the greatest recruiting bargain SOS has ever discovered.

Hastie is another who is quietly developing into a very good player. He is similiar to Webster completely fearless in the air and his kicking is a weapon and will get better as will his attacking game.

He is not a kid but people knock Ronnie Byrnes's disposals, but gees he hit some brilliant targets during the game. He does have the occasional fluffed kick but his effort and the remainder of his game well make up for it.

If these kids can bridge the gap between them and the senior players quickly the future is looking very bright Sainters! Add Higgins, Phillipou, King, Tauru, Barratt, Boxshall, Dodson and I believe Jack Carroll will make it and thats the nucleus of our next premiership side.

Has Premo hacked into your account or something?

 

[austinnn]

I'm not saying the win wasn't impressive but most of the Tigers players stopped trying after half time and Richmond only used holograms of players in the 4th quarter. We won't have it that easy again for the rest of the season.



Great for our newer players' confidence though and lovely to watch!

 

[SteeleSaints]

Has Premo hacked into your account or something?

When the club or players earn recognition or criticism they get it. I just dont wear the rose coloured glasses of others, I call things how I see them good or bad.
You are consistent still a wanting to be the smart arse!

 

[gringo2011]

I'm not saying the win wasn't impressive but most of the Tigers players stopped trying after half time and Richmond only used holograms of players in the 4th quarter. We won't have it that easy again for the rest of the season.



Great for our newer players' confidence though and lovely to watch!

I thought the Tigers were really good for a half but then lost their run.

 

[Joffaboy]

I thought the Tigers were really good for a half but then lost their run.

They completely lost their structure after halftime especially in their backs. How many 45 degree kicks hit a Saints forward on the tit with no body around them.

Also we got on top of clearances and we are a good finishing team, we get better the longer the game goes.
Still some real positives out of the game.


Sent from my SM-S908E using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[gringo2011]

They completely lost their structure after halftime especially in their backs. How many 45 degree kicks hit a Saints forward on the tit with no body around them.

Also we got on top of clearances and we are a good finishing team, we get better the longer the game goes.
Still some real positives out of the game.


Sent from my SM-S908E using BigFooty.com mobile app

We got brave too though. We were cutting them open with risky long kicks. Our skill levels have improved in a huge way. Or perhaps confidence as well.

 

[littlecreatures]

Love Stocker but him being out of a best 23 isn't that big of a surprise.

I would probably have him just in but with so many players making a case for inclusion early this season, it's not that outrageous a call.

To be fair, Stocker was impressive against Cats before going off concussed and we felt his loss in that second half

 

[tomjoad]

To be fair, Stocker was impressive against Cats before going off concussed and we felt his loss in that second half

Guys like Stocker are great to have in the team. Plays on edge, has presence, can roll through the mids if required...and is reasonably skilled.
He is an above average role player...and may still have another level or two to his game.

 

[Sarcoidevo]

Stocker brings energy & a great attitude ... can also pinch hit thru the middle

 

[luca77]

Guys like Stocker are great to have in the team. Plays on edge, has presence, can roll through the mids if required...and is reasonably skilled.
He is an above average role player...and may still have another level or two to his game.

Yeah, not every team is going to meekly roll over for us like the Tiges.

When we play the bigger, tougher teams Stocker will be handy, as shown against the Cats.

 

[Ads734]

Stock like Jimmy and Jones also fly the flag. In a team of youngsters you need guys who are gonna put their fist in it.

 

[Sarcoidevo]

Not sure we have seen the best of Stocker yet .... think he may have a lot more to give as he comes into his prime years .... he probably just needs a consistent run of games

His draft profile is pretty good reading

Liam Stocker​

Height: 183cm
Weight: 83kg
D.O.B: 23-01-2000
DRAFT ANALYSIS: "After missing the National Under 18 Championships with a broken jaw, he has rocketed into first-round calculations through dominant TAC Cup performances, which saw him recognised with the Morrish Medal as the league’s best player this season."
Leagues: Coates Talent League Boys

OVERVIEW
Having finished his schooling in 2017, Liam Stocker has had the benefit of absolute TAC Cup commitment this season and has flourished. The Haileybury product, who could follow in the footsteps of fellow 2017 alumni Andrew Brayshaw, Luke Davies-Uniacke and Aidan Bonar to be drafted in the first-round, has the rare ability to break games open. The 183cm midfielder initially caught the eye in round three of the TAC Cup season, with a damaging 21-disposal, two-goal display against the Calder Cannons at home. Stocker’s ability to rest deep in the forward-line and hit the scoreboard was also particularly notable in Round 3 of the TAC Cup, drawing comparisons to Richmond champion Dustin Martin as a result.
Missing Vic Metro’s crusade in the National Under 18 Championships with a broken jaw, Stocker’s name did not seem to feature in the conversation of 2018’s top prospects mid-year, but a dominant back-end of the TAC Cup season saw that change. The inside midfielder plays with aggression and tenacity and contributes in all facets of the game, having averaged 23 possessions (12 contested), six clearances, five inside 50s and five tackles from 12 games this season. His status as an elite midfielder became apparent when the Dragons hosted the Pioneers, gathering 35 disposals together with four marks, five tackles and a goal. The St Kilda supporter capped off a memorable season with the coveted Morrish Medal, recognised as the TAC Cup’s best-and-fairest, three votes clear atop the leader-board. It puts the talented junior cricketer in favourable company, with Richmond cult-hero Jack Higgins, Demons ball-magnet Clayton Oliver and Brisbane Lions Rolls-Royce Hugh McCluggage the past three recipients of the award

STRENGTHS

• Aggression
• Explosiveness
• Leadership
• Vertical jump
• Size

Stocker’s aggression, explosiveness and tenacity combine to make the oft-used term ‘midfield bull’ quite the fitting description, while he leads through his commanding voice and — more importantly — his actions. Indeed, while Stocker can often be heard ordering direction, his unrelenting attack on the ball is likely to inspire teammates wherever he plies his trade in future. In addition, the midfielder’s versatility, on show when resting at full-forward, is another feature likely to catch the attention of multiple clubs ahead of the 2018 draft. The type of player that makes opposition defences nervous, he presented a constant threat when deployed out of the goal-square. At 83 kilograms, Stocker’s size caused headaches for opposition midfields throughout the season, making him an AFL-ready prospect for 2019.
Stocker showed through the finals series he can play through adversity, which he did while having a clear shoulder injury. He has shot up the draft boards from last season to this year after a huge pre-season and his consistency since coming back from his broken jaw has been noticeable. It is how he earned the Morrish Medal with many best on grounds through Sandringham's season which was mixed, often playing in a team missing its top players through school football, but his game never wavered. Even upon their return, Stocker's consistency remained. He also achieved a massive 85cm running vertical jump at pre-season testing, which is why he can play effectively up forward

IMPROVEMENTS

• Endurance
• Durability

Stocker’s game does not present any obvious flaws, but by his own admittance, his endurance could improve, stating “I’m not really fit enough to be an outside mid, so I base myself on the inside and try to get as many clearances as I can”, after being presented the Morrish Medal. While seen as an inside midfielder — focusing on winning contested ball ahead of running all day — his endurance may yet need to improve for AFL level next season. Another potential question mark could arise over Stocker’s durability, who apart from a broken jaw, sustained multiple niggles throughout the season, playing just 12 of a possible 20 TAC Cup games

DRAFT PROJECTION: 10-25

SUMMARY
Liam Stocker is simply one of the best midfielders in this year’s draft crop. He appears ready to play against men and would be a strong chance to do so at AFL level in 2019 if he can get his body right early on with a full pre-season behind him. Stocker is an elite inside midfielder who bursts out of stoppages, is dangerous when drifting forward, tackles hard and takes marks around the ground. His ability to have an influence throughout four quarters is very good and expect him to be high on a lot of club's draft boards.

 

[ScrappyDo]

When the club or players earn recognition or criticism they get it. I just dont wear the rose coloured glasses of others, I call things how I see them good or bad.
You are consistent still a wanting to be the smart arse!

Easy tiger...

 

[ScrappyDo]

Guys like Stocker are great to have in the team. Plays on edge, has presence, can roll through the mids if required...and is reasonably skilled.
He is an above average role player...and may still have another level or two to his game.

He's dropped some weight as many have suggested and seems better for it. Hopefully this will be his year coz we're better for having him out there.

 

[gringo2011]

Not sure we have seen the best of Stocker yet .... think he may have a lot more to give as he comes into his prime years .... he probably just needs a consistent run of games

His draft profile is pretty good reading

Liam Stocker​

Height: 183cm
Weight: 83kg
D.O.B: 23-01-2000
DRAFT ANALYSIS: "After missing the National Under 18 Championships with a broken jaw, he has rocketed into first-round calculations through dominant TAC Cup performances, which saw him recognised with the Morrish Medal as the league’s best player this season."
Leagues: Coates Talent League Boys

OVERVIEW
Having finished his schooling in 2017, Liam Stocker has had the benefit of absolute TAC Cup commitment this season and has flourished. The Haileybury product, who could follow in the footsteps of fellow 2017 alumni Andrew Brayshaw, Luke Davies-Uniacke and Aidan Bonar to be drafted in the first-round, has the rare ability to break games open. The 183cm midfielder initially caught the eye in round three of the TAC Cup season, with a damaging 21-disposal, two-goal display against the Calder Cannons at home. Stocker’s ability to rest deep in the forward-line and hit the scoreboard was also particularly notable in Round 3 of the TAC Cup, drawing comparisons to Richmond champion Dustin Martin as a result.
Missing Vic Metro’s crusade in the National Under 18 Championships with a broken jaw, Stocker’s name did not seem to feature in the conversation of 2018’s top prospects mid-year, but a dominant back-end of the TAC Cup season saw that change. The inside midfielder plays with aggression and tenacity and contributes in all facets of the game, having averaged 23 possessions (12 contested), six clearances, five inside 50s and five tackles from 12 games this season. His status as an elite midfielder became apparent when the Dragons hosted the Pioneers, gathering 35 disposals together with four marks, five tackles and a goal. The St Kilda supporter capped off a memorable season with the coveted Morrish Medal, recognised as the TAC Cup’s best-and-fairest, three votes clear atop the leader-board. It puts the talented junior cricketer in favourable company, with Richmond cult-hero Jack Higgins, Demons ball-magnet Clayton Oliver and Brisbane Lions Rolls-Royce Hugh McCluggage the past three recipients of the award

STRENGTHS

• Aggression
• Explosiveness
• Leadership
• Vertical jump
• Size

Stocker’s aggression, explosiveness and tenacity combine to make the oft-used term ‘midfield bull’ quite the fitting description, while he leads through his commanding voice and — more importantly — his actions. Indeed, while Stocker can often be heard ordering direction, his unrelenting attack on the ball is likely to inspire teammates wherever he plies his trade in future. In addition, the midfielder’s versatility, on show when resting at full-forward, is another feature likely to catch the attention of multiple clubs ahead of the 2018 draft. The type of player that makes opposition defences nervous, he presented a constant threat when deployed out of the goal-square. At 83 kilograms, Stocker’s size caused headaches for opposition midfields throughout the season, making him an AFL-ready prospect for 2019.
Stocker showed through the finals series he can play through adversity, which he did while having a clear shoulder injury. He has shot up the draft boards from last season to this year after a huge pre-season and his consistency since coming back from his broken jaw has been noticeable. It is how he earned the Morrish Medal with many best on grounds through Sandringham's season which was mixed, often playing in a team missing its top players through school football, but his game never wavered. Even upon their return, Stocker's consistency remained. He also achieved a massive 85cm running vertical jump at pre-season testing, which is why he can play effectively up forward

IMPROVEMENTS

• Endurance
• Durability

Stocker’s game does not present any obvious flaws, but by his own admittance, his endurance could improve, stating “I’m not really fit enough to be an outside mid, so I base myself on the inside and try to get as many clearances as I can”, after being presented the Morrish Medal. While seen as an inside midfielder — focusing on winning contested ball ahead of running all day — his endurance may yet need to improve for AFL level next season. Another potential question mark could arise over Stocker’s durability, who apart from a broken jaw, sustained multiple niggles throughout the season, playing just 12 of a possible 20 TAC Cup games

DRAFT PROJECTION: 10-25

SUMMARY
Liam Stocker is simply one of the best midfielders in this year’s draft crop. He appears ready to play against men and would be a strong chance to do so at AFL level in 2019 if he can get his body right early on with a full pre-season behind him. Stocker is an elite inside midfielder who bursts out of stoppages, is dangerous when drifting forward, tackles hard and takes marks around the ground. His ability to have an influence throughout four quarters is very good and expect him to be high on a lot of club's draft boards.

It looked like he was training well in the off season, the fittest and quickest he's been. His pace was always a bit off and he seemed a bit too solid for agility. He's fined his body down and looks like his attitude has gone up to a level where he feels at home. He's got heaps of potential still. 68 games and just turned 25. That's usually when players start their rise and consistency kicks in.

 

[CursingFijian]

Shout out to the Sainter at the Richmond cheer squad end. Must have loved every minute of that last quarter.

 

[Diehard Saint]

It looked like he was training well in the off season, the fittest and quickest he's been. His pace was always a bit off and he seemed a bit too solid for agility. He's fined his body down and looks like his attitude has gone up to a level where he feels at home. He's got heaps of potential still. 68 games and just turned 25. That's usually when players start their rise and consistency kicks in.

From the outside looking in, Stocker appears to have the mental health issues he suffered at Carlton under control.

Might be, just like Wood, their second club gets the best of them. I’ve always been bullish about him. Hes got the presence and toughness we need in the backline and appears to be somewhat of a leader too. Right in the prime age now.