Over-rated / Under Rated #4: Rhylee West

[SonofScray]

Properly rated.

In my mind he fits a trope that we as Footscray fans find it easy to get around and that skews some of the assessments around him, his development and how the MC treats him. It might also work against him that expectations were for a superstar and what we have got so far is a foot soldier.

I think he is best 22 and in a trajectory to push into a space where we are getting really good value from him as a small forward hitting the scoreboard and going about it in a manner that sets a tone. He’s going to be a foot soldier, but if your foot soldiers have his pedigree and a ground floor like his, that’s not a terrible result.

[Vred]

C. Buying stocks in Westie, think his due for an even bigger year.
Watch this space.

[Uninformed]

Hoping he becomes our Gryan Meirs.

[Eastdog]

I’ll say B.

[Bornadog]

I don't rate West as a lock for best 22, although he played ok last season. To me he is overated and fans expect him to come straight in every week. He was not considered for finals in 2024 due to poor form and the MC made the right decision.

[Rusty12]

C
Under-rated.
His impact on winning is high compared to his salary and ease of opportunity.

[Dogs 24/7]

He's an battler who has some good games. Does he have that point of difference?

[ibonttobreakfree]

He was dominant on ball in the vfl finals run in 2023. I distinctly remember how often he would break tackles at that level. Early in 24 when the infamous triple r trio attend a few centre bounces I thought that he might be evolving into an afl on baller but that was short lived. I think his first few steps are reasonably quick but he doesn't have another gear after that first 10m. I think he is handy without being great. Don't know that he has much more growth in him given that he has been in the system for 5 or so years now. Reckon he might follow a similar path the hunter and seek a trade for more opportunities and a fresh start. Reality will hit and will realise that the dogs had been very good to him and he shouldn't have left. Could end up on the vafa before he is 30.

[jeemak]

He's an battler who has some good games. Does he have that point of difference?

He has exceptional hands and is crafty with his ball use and finishing. His handling in close is borderline elite which it needs to be given he lacks pace. These attributes on an off day make him look like a survivor, but on a good day which happened more often last year than it did in previous years make him look like a genuine contributor and a handful.

Needs to keep working his arse off, getting fitter and at mid-twenties become more consistent. If he does that we'll talk about what he can do, rather than what he can't.

[Brody23]

Solid B- Best 22 every good team has a few of his type.

[azabob]

One thing guaranteed with Westy is he brings out jeemaks inner caveman.

[jeemak]

One thing guaranteed with Westy is he brings out jeemaks inner caveman.

Someone needed to take Lachie Hunter's place.

[NAUGHTY100]

Thanks for the detailed response.
While I'm not really comparing him to others in terms of a ranking I can't see why adding an extra 5 goals is seen as a bridge too far for him
He's got some limitations but a couple of straighter kicks for goal and he's half way there to bridging that gap. With his defensive efforts that extra 5 goals in a season could make a big difference
Time will tell if last season performances can be improved on or if he is more or less at his limit.
We have a couple of players like Vandermeer and McNeil that he's going to challenge him plus the addition of M.Kennedy and Sanders looking for a spot up forward so there is some competition.

Agree in some respect Jasper, adding 5 more to his tally doesn't seem a big step sure , but my concern is the 25 goals that come before those extra 5 , can he or will he be able to continue his trajectory and achieve the levels he did last yeah , but having said that id love him to become our pressure small forward kicking 25 to 30 goals a year for years to come , but for me the jury is still out .

[Plums]

Solid B from me, though I really do love watching his attack and intent on the footy. He has an advantage over VDM in his ball handling skills but isn't quite there with the speed. Will be interesting to see how he goes this year, hopefully another step up, but after last year I would say properly rated,

[Jasper]

Agree in some respect Jasper, adding 5 more to his tally doesn't seem a big step sure , but my concern is the 25 goals that come before those extra 5 , can he or will he be able to continue his trajectory and achieve the levels he did last yeah , but having said that id love him to become our pressure small forward kicking 25 to 30 goals a year for years to come , but for me the jury is still out .

He's a workhorse I guess. I can see why some of our members don't rate him but I feel he plays his role and makes a good enough contribution.