The hurdles we come up against as short players in the modern game
Modern day players can be categorised as running types with excellent foot skills and the physique of an elite athlete. Modern day midfielders must be able to win the contested ball (eg. Bartel, Ablett, Selwood), be brave over head and run maximum distance.
For the opposition to exploit the smaller player, match-ups will be orchestrated so that they play deep in defense on a taller opponent. Limited positions down back because of this factor!!
To play as a small crumbing forward who works extremely hard inside 50, you must be able to chase and harass, crumb the elusive opportunity (eg. Rioli, Chapman)
Opportunities are limited, spots on lists are at a premium BUT if we are genuine lovers of small players lets support Hawthorn in the finals series this year.
Geelong’s list of 2008 includes only four sub 180 cm players (Premiers of 2007) whilst their combaters have 10 sub 180cm players on the list.
Geelong
Byrnes 175, Djerrkura 176, Stokes 177, Chapman 179
Hawthorn
Bateman 175, Brown 177 , Clark 177, Crawford 174, Ladson 178, McGlynn 174, Mitchell 179, Osbourne 178, Rioli 177, Stokes 174
The modern day small has been monopolised by the explosive skills of indigenous players – quick pace and elusive goal kicking ability but that bald headed tough nut at Geelong (Chapman) and the St Kilda crumber in Milne, gives us all a chance.
There are no easy ways to reach the elite at both TAC Cup Under-18 level or on an AFL list. For the small player, it is harder because lists will only occupy 10 per cent in Geelong Senior AFL level and in TAC level, our leading team Murray Bushrangers 9 out of 46 players less than 20 percent are sub 180cm.
We can blame parents for our lack of centimeters but this is not going to help us reach our ultimate goal of performing at our best at the ultimate level possible. Excuses only go so far and chips on our shoulders don’t need to become logs.
We are born with what we have got and we will have many hurdles placed in front of us. It is the will to work and compete that will sort the true performers out. For example, Sam Mitchell at Hawthorn had to prove himself at VFL level before being drafted. His team mate Ben McGlynn was on the Hawthorn rookie list before earning a promotion to the senior list.
Yes there are great inspirational stories and true gladiators of small statue but don’t expect to get any free rides - hurdles will be placed in front of you consistently. Preparation is the major ingredient to a successful year. Get out do the work, so when the opportunity arises, you can grab it with both hands.
So get excellent beep test results, be a goal kicker, contest fiercely overhead and have a great will to be competitive and more importantly support Hawthorn this year in their finals campaign, and hope Buddy drops a couple for the smalls to mop up.
Leon Harris, AFL High Performance Coach
200 Club Player at 175 cm
Father of five boys – Sub 177cm
Last Modified on 27/01/2009 11:22
