If you were Simey D, what traits do you look for in a KPP?

[stefoid]

All the obviously good 'complete package' KPPs go in the top 5, if there are any at all in a given draft. And then you are dealing with players who tick less and less boxes as you drop down the order.

Which boxes, in order of priority, do you require ticked before you even consider a KPP in the 20s? List your top 3.

you know, out of: speed, agility, aerial contests, ground contest, endurance, physical presence, smarts, decision making, kicking, etc...
For mine Ill go:

1) aerial contest: seems a no brainer but the reason KPPs exist at all is to compete for the ball in the air, and hopefully mark it. I cant understand bothering to draft any KPP player is was poor at aerial contests at any pick.

2) physical presence: again, why bother to draft any KPP who isnt aggressive at the contest, or cant handle impact?

3) smarts: Given we are dealing with 'NQR' players who dont exhibit all the traits youd like, Ill go with Smarts for number 3. If a player has smarts they can paper-over physical deficiencies to a certain extent.

[Greystache]

Re: If you were Simey D, what traits do you look for in a KPP?

Scott Clayton valued the attributes of key position players in order as agility, speed, ground contest.

So that being the case I would go with;

Aerial contest, physical presence, smarts.

A player can't be lumbering obviously, but you're more likely to make a key position player out of a kid who's big, strong, attacks the ball in the air, and is smart, than you are out of a skinny athlete with no competitive instincts who you think 5 years in the gym will transform.

[LostDoggy]

Re: If you were Simey D, what traits do you look for in a KPP?

Scott Clayton valued the attributes of key position players in order as agility, speed, ground contest.

So that being the case I would go with;

Aerial contest, physical presence, smarts.

A player can't be lumbering obviously, but you're more likely to make a key position player out of a kid who's big, strong, attacks the ball in the air, and is smart, than you are out of a skinny athlete with no competitive instincts who you think 5 years in the gym will transform.

Given that criteria, SC made some strange selections.

Agree with whats been written so far. The other hard factor when assessing a KPD is scope for improvement/upside. For example, if you were picking a KPD for next year, you would take a solidly built player who has been elite within his age group for years like a Kieran Collins, however when assessing a Collins vs a Ben MacKay, you're comparing to a 7 cm taller frame that is more athletic but has more developing to do, and a player that is less experienced but improving rapidly.

Given talls are usually at their best 24-30, the traits (given you are generally comparing 18 year olds) are less about what they can do now, more about where they are likely to be in 5-10 years. On that level, a MacKay vs a Collins becomes far trickier.

[Mofra]

Re: If you were Simey D, what traits do you look for in a KPP?

Aggression, teachability, decision making.

Let's be honest - Roberts was our best KPD this year despite being one of the least athletic players we have on the list. He's teachable, aggressive when he spoils (something Morris is good at too - spoil with the chest and fist at the same time), very teachable and makes good decisions.
Being slow he generally cuts the angles well and plays to the percentages (corralling KPFs to the flanks) so I guess I'm using him as the prototype for some attributes being able to compensate for others.

[Maddog37]

Re: If you were Simey D, what traits do you look for in a KPP?

Big guys need to be aggressive, balanced and be able to kick the ball.

[Bornadog]

Re: If you were Simey D, what traits do you look for in a KPP?

Big guys need to be aggressive, balanced and be able to kick the ball.

and the ability to take contested marks.

[The Doctor]

Re: If you were Simey D, what traits do you look for in a KPP?

How about can they play?

1. Can they get it?
2. Can they handle it?
3. Can they dispose of it?
4. Can they win it back?

[boydogs]

Re: If you were Simey D, what traits do you look for in a KPP?

I'll go aerial contest, smarts, speed. It's easier to get stronger than it is to get faster

[stefoid]

Re: If you were Simey D, what traits do you look for in a KPP?

How about can they play?

1. Can they get it?
2. Can they handle it?
3. Can they dispose of it?
4. Can they win it back?

Those are pretty broad categories, and the premise of this question is if they 'can play' they are already gone at 20+.

[soupman]

Re: If you were Simey D, what traits do you look for in a KPP?

Just on what Dalrymple looks for in a player, a poster on BF has put together an analysis of the types of player we have recruited to indicate what Dalrymple looks for.

This is the link to the post.

[Twodogs]

Re: If you were Simey D, what traits do you look for in a KPP?

That's a terrific analysis.

Does Dalrymple put much stock in family? I know a lot of recruiters say they make a point of rating the families and try to meet each one on their list.

[lemmon]

Re: If you were Simey D, what traits do you look for in a KPP?

Another question is how do we evaluate the attributes of key forwards and backs differently? Why do Carlisle and Hurley struggle up forward but are AA quality backs whereas C. Grant could do it anywhere? Running capacity comes into it for mine, the ability to work up and back but still compete is a huge advantage whereas Lake, Rutten, Glass etc weren't notable distance athletes in comparison

[Cyberdoggie]

Re: If you were Simey D, what traits do you look for in a KPP?

I think Roberts is good because he reads the ball very well in the air, knows how to position his body relative to the forward at the same time and reading the flight. These are his biggest strengths, he doesn't need to come charging in and fly horizontally like Liam Jones. Much like Lake Roberts can keep it relatively simple, yet consistent and usually come out on top because he is in the best position and knows how to defend it with his body.

Add to that he's very reliable kick for a tall defender.


I'm sure Roberts wouldn't of tested very well at the combine, which shows you how much harder it is to find key defenders.
They don't have to be athletically gifted and they don't have to be pretty. I can understand a recruiters reluctance to pick some of these players that aren't beautiful to watch in highlights packages. How would you justify that with your first pick you selected a player like Andrew Dunkley for example. Some eyebrows would be raised, it makes sense that recruiters may often go for the easier guaranteed return of a smaller mid or a flashy running player.

SD has been around long enough now and has had good success at identifying players with a large upside when drafted.
He has rebuilt a list with a small army of mids, mostly small in stature.
Tall wise we haven't seen him do much with live draft picks at the pointy end. Z Cordy father/son, was a steal but a no brainer. So this really will be a mystery for us. I do get the feeling that SD will look to more running players with great foot skills early on and look for a tall later. Seems to be the way he works.