Buku Khamis - What are our plans?

[Jasper]

We all know the Buku Khamis story and most of us love it.
He worked his way onto the list initially as a category B rookie and then onto the main list.
We also know he requested a trade to Carlton by they got caught up with other priorities and no deal was done.

With a year to go on his contract what will we do with Khamis in 2026?

Will he return to the back line mix?
Could he be used again up forward where we know he is an accurate kick?
Is there a role for him coming off the extended bench?
Or is he just a fill in when opportunities present option?

I'm interested in what the WOOF community thinks.

[GVGjr]

I've been having another look at a best 23 team and I think there might be some merit with him coming off the IC bench,
We might need his versatility.

[Hotdog60]

It's an interesting one for Buku. If the sub is gone, he could be an interesting utility who can relieve in the back half, front half, ruck and possibly wing.
I think his best spot is forward but if he can gain some endurance running on and off the bench could be his go.

Here's to me 6000 posts Watch Easty and BAD I'm catching up.

[mjp]

It's an interesting one for Buku. If the sub is gone, he could be an interesting utility who can relieve in the back half, front half, ruck and possibly wing.
I think his best spot is forward but if he can gain some endurance running on and off the bench could be his go.

Here's to me 6000 posts Watch Easty and BAD I'm catching up.

If you’ve got 3 positions you’ve got no positions.

6000 is amazing.

[Mofra]

He's in Andrejs Everitt territory for me. Can play, but is the 7th best in any position and is a fraction short for perhaps his best position.
He's actually decent as a deep, lead-out forward but there's a guy called Sam there who is incredible.

[Uninformed]

He's in Andrejs Everitt territory for me. Can play, but is the 7th best in any position and is a fraction short for perhaps his best position.
He's actually decent as a deep, lead-out forward but there's a guy called Sam there who is incredible.

Yes, Sam probably just shades him, but I am glad we kept Buku. Even if not best 23 he is very handy depth.

[Eastdog]

Happy we kept Buku. I got his signature a number of years ago at a family day at the Whitten Oval. Important depth player for our team. Hope he goes well in 2026.

[The Pie Man]

If he plays back, he’ll get dragged deep and exposed for lack of strength 1 v 1.

I’m not sure what he did wrong mid season as the 3rd tall forward, he was surprisingly made the sub (and kicked a very nice goal when he came on in that game) then was dropped for the remainder of the season.

If we see Darcy, Naughton & Croft as the starting 3 talls forward next year (I’m not sure Croft is ready based on VFL finals) then he’s in for a long year at Footscray.

[GVGjr]

If he plays back, he’ll get dragged deep and exposed for lack of strength 1 v 1.

I’m not sure what he did wrong mid season as the 3rd tall forward, he was surprisingly made the sub (and kicked a very nice goal when he came on in that game) then was dropped for the remainder of the season.

If we see Darcy, Naughton & Croft as the starting 3 talls forward next year (I’m not sure Croft is ready based on VFL finals) then he’s in for a long year at Footscray.

From what I understand the concern with Khamis was based on his inability to be competitive when the ball was on the ground and his endurance levels.
I agree that as a forward he had done quite well.

[Go_Dogs]

I had a crazy idea a few years ago he could be an effective wing with his ability to work forward / back and be helpful across both zones. His endurance and field kicking (albeit I haven’t seen / can’t recall much “in transition” ball movement) have always been the limitations. A creative way to get a bit of both of his capabilities via one role.

I like his as an intercept defender and system should prevent him being 1:1 deep, but he’s too similar in that regard to all our other key defenders.

He’s clearly a well liked member of our playing group and gives us depth and maybe a bit more.

[Mofra]

I had a crazy idea a few years ago he could be an effective wing with his ability to work forward / back and be helpful across both zones. His endurance and field kicking (albeit I haven’t seen / can’t recall much “in transition” ball movement) have always been the limitations. A creative way to get a bit of both of his capabilities via one role.

I like his as an intercept defender and system should prevent him being 1:1 deep, but he’s too similar in that regard to all our other key defenders.

He’s clearly a well liked member of our playing group and gives us depth and maybe a bit more.

TBH his tank has taken a long time to get to AFL standard - I'd think that a wing is perhaps the worst position on the ground for a guy who's endurance is not his strong point.

I like the guy but for his career and wallet it would have been better if we traded him to Carlton to give him regular senior gametime. I don't see him playing too much senior football next season.

[yoshi]

I’d move him back to defence with swingman potential if needed.

Had had some great games back there and just needs consistency. don’t see him ever beating out Naughts, Darcy, Croft as a fwd so defence is his best chance of survival

[GVGjr]

I had a crazy idea a few years ago he could be an effective wing with his ability to work forward / back and be helpful across both zones. His endurance and field kicking (albeit I haven’t seen / can’t recall much “in transition” ball movement) have always been the limitations. A creative way to get a bit of both of his capabilities via one role.

I like his as an intercept defender and system should prevent him being 1:1 deep, but he’s too similar in that regard to all our other key defenders.

He’s clearly a well liked member of our playing group and gives us depth and maybe a bit more.

To me he is a more natural forward. I doubt he has the endurance to play on a wing.
Could he be the 23rd player and cover a few spots for us?

[Stevo]

I’d move him back to defence with swingman potential if needed.

Had had some great games back there and just needs consistency. don’t see him ever beating out Naughts, Darcy, Croft as a fwd so defence is his best chance of survival

That seems to be a good role for him.

[Happy Days]

I think he’s only ever really looked like an AFL standard player as a forward, but you’d have to think he’s a long way back in the queue now. It’s a shame because I think we all like him but that trade was really the best outcome.