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  1. #1
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    Welcome to the Bulldogs: Laitham Vandermeer

    Pick 37. Seems a bolter but an overage defender who adds pace and skill which we all wish to see more of.

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    Re: Welcom to the Bulldogs: Laitham Vandermeer

    Article here about him:
    https://www.sheppnews.com.au/@sport/...ham-vandermeer

    AFL Draft hope - Laitham Vandermeer

    Laitham Vandermeer is proof a top-age year at the Murray Bushrangers can be the added boost needed to press for a spot on an AFL list.


    Vandermeer returned alongside Nathalia’s Tom Boyd for another year in the system this year and was entirely dedicated to his time at the Murray Bushrangers.


    In contrast to last year, while he was in Year 12, Vandermeer spent most of his weekends playing football for his school side at Xavier College.


    The silky ball user said it was an enjoyable year and he was intent on ironing out any problems he saw in his own game.


    ‘‘It was good, I hadn’t played that much TAC Cup because I played school footy, so to play with the same boys each week (at the Bushies) was good,’’ Vandermeer said.


    ‘‘(My aim was) just mainly to improve my weaknesses, that was my main goal (which was) probably just my contested ball.
    ‘‘I maintained my strength and improved that.’’


    Vandermeer’s improvements had the Mooroopna talent included in the Young Guns match that pitted the best of the TAC Cup against VFL players before being named in the coveted Victorian Country under-18 side.


    He rebounded superbly off half-back in the first match of the AFL Under-18 Championships but, while the experience was beneficial to his development, an injury in the final game ended his season.


    ‘‘In the last game of the nationals against WA I just got a sling tackle, I don’t remember much, but I broke the collarbone,’’ Vandermeer said.


    ‘‘It was a surreal experience, I didn’t get the chance last year, so playing against all the best footballers helped improve my game.’’


    It was the second time he had broken the collarbone after previously injuring the same one, but a different part of it in 2013.


    ‘‘I just tried to maintain my recovery because I’d been through it before, so I knew what to do,’’ Vandermeer said.


    But he made a major impact in the first half of the season and after working full-time at Drives For Industry in Shepparton this year, Vandermeer will be eagerly listening to each AFL club’s pick.

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  4. #3
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    Re: Welcome to the Bulldogs: Laitham Vandermeer

    I've mentioned him a couple of times. He didn't get picked up last year but has done well this year.
    He will add some run to our backline.

    I'm quite happy with his selection at this point of the draft
    Western Bulldogs Football Club "Where it's cool to drool"

  5. #4
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    Re: Welcome to the Bulldogs: Laitham Vandermeer

    From the club website: AFL Draft hope - Laitham Vandermeer
    It always seems impossible until it's done. Nelson Mandela

  6. #5
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    Re: Welcome to the Bulldogs: Laitham Vandermeer

    Quote Originally Posted by choconmientay View Post
    From the club website: AFL Draft hope - Laitham Vandermeer
    Is it just me or is the next thing that happens after this picture us taken is Laitham is done for dropping the ball?
    Have you been reading those Roddy Doyle books again, Dougal!?


    I have, yeah Ted, you big gobshite

  7. #6
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    Re: Welcome to the Bulldogs: Laitham Vandermeer

    Rather short. Is there room for him and Dureya in the same side (who was also low 180s right?)

  8. #7
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    Re: Welcome to the Bulldogs: Laitham Vandermeer

    He is a little short but has a good leap so should be competitive on midsizers.

  9. #8
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    Re: Welcome to the Bulldogs: Laitham Vandermeer

    FFC: Established 1883

    Premierships: AFL 1954, 2016 VFA - 1898,99,1900, 1908, 1913, 1919-20, 1923-24, VFL: 2014, 2016 . Champions of Victoria 1924. AFLW - 2018.

  10. #9
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    Re: Welcome to the Bulldogs: Laitham Vandermeer

    Quote Originally Posted by hujsh View Post
    Rather short. Is there room for him and Dureya in the same side (who was also low 180s right?)
    Yes - in a couple of years. We'll see how he develops. Speed & skill is certainly what we need.
    Western Bulldogs: 2016 Premiers

  11. #10
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    Re: Welcome to the Bulldogs: Laitham Vandermeer

    Quote Originally Posted by hujsh View Post
    Rather short. Is there room for him and Dureya in the same side (who was also low 180s right?)
    All things are relative. Not short with Caleb down there.
    You don't develop courage by being happy in your relationships every day. You develop it by surviving difficult times and challenging adversity. ― Epicurus

  12. #11
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    Re: Welcome to the Bulldogs: Laitham Vandermeer

    Quote Originally Posted by hujsh View Post
    Rather short. Is there room for him and Dureya in the same side (who was also low 180s right?)
    He's got a massive vertical leap which might help a bit, plus he's very agile. He's not the quickest however which is a slight concern.
    Western Bulldogs: We exist to win premierships

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  14. #12
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    Re: Welcome to the Bulldogs: Laitham Vandermeer

    Quote Originally Posted by Greystache View Post
    He's got a massive vertical leap which might help a bit, plus he's very agile. He's not the quickest however which is a slight concern.
    He looks super quick in the highlights reel up now on the club website

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    Re: Welcome to the Bulldogs: Laitham Vandermeer

    Quote Originally Posted by Greystache View Post
    He's got a massive vertical leap which might help a bit, plus he's very agile. He's not the quickest however which is a slight concern.
    When he got picked the commentator on the coverage (the older super knoweldgeable bloke) just went: "Lightning quick!".

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    Re: Welcome to the Bulldogs: Laitham Vandermeer

    Quote Originally Posted by Dancin' Douggy View Post
    He looks super quick in the highlights reel up now on the club website
    3.07 over 20m is quite on the slow side and his 5m and 10m sprint times were slower than the average ruckman, but perhaps once he gets up to speed he's ok.

    He was at the top end of elite for vertical jump and agility so he's a good athlete overall.
    Western Bulldogs: We exist to win premierships

  17. #15
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    Re: Welcome to the Bulldogs: Laitham Vandermeer

    Welcome aboard, Mark!
    "It's over. It's all over."

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