Bartlett's recovery draws recruiters

[GVGjr]

Bartlett's recovery draws recruiters



GEELONG Falcons goalkicking midfielder Callum Bartlett has emerged as a possible first-round selection in this year's NAB AFL Draft, despite a knee injury ruining his 2009 season.

Bartlett, who tore his anterior cruciate ligament in the pre-season, remains right in the thoughts of AFL recruiters because of his diligent rehabilitation after his knee reconstruction.

The general view in recruiting circles is that he is certain for the top 30, however, there is also a school of thought behind him sneaking into the top 17.

It is understood Bartlett met with several clubs at last month's NAB AFL Draft Camp, including the Brisbane Lions, Fremantle, Hawthorn, Melbourne and the Sydney Swans.

The Hawks don't enter the draft until No.39 and it's unlikely the North Geelong product will last that long.

One talent identifier described Bartlett as similar to a "longer-kicking Luke Power".

In 2008, Bartlett played 17 of a possible 20 matches for Geelong Falcons and although he was noted for his agility, his disposal by foot was another strong feature of his game.

During the 2007 NAB AFL Under-16 Championships, Bartlett, representing Vic Country, had the most handball receives for his side.

[Bulldog Revolution]

Re: Bartlett's recovery draws recruiters

Do you think he is firming as our first pick GVG?

[GVGjr]

Re: Bartlett's recovery draws recruiters

Do you think he is firming as our first pick GVG?

I don't think so because he's more of a 2nd round selection but he is super impressive.

Here's some highlights that I have just found.

There is a part there where he turns on the jets at about the 1 minute 20 mark that really makes you notice him.

[anfo27]

Re: Bartlett's recovery draws recruiters

I don't think so because he's more of a 2nd round selection but he is super impressive. H

Here's some highlights that I have just found.

There is a part there where he turns on the jets at about the 1 minute 20 mark that really makes you notice him.

After looking at those highlights he reminds me a little of Heath Black. Seems to have a bit more toe than Heath.

[GVGjr]

Re: Bartlett's recovery draws recruiters

After looking at those highlights he reminds me a little of Heath Black. Seems to have a bit more toe than Heath.

A smaller version of Luke Hodge?

[Bulldog Revolution]

Re: Bartlett's recovery draws recruiters

A smaller version of Luke Hodge?

Thats what his left footed kicking action reminds me of

Looks a good player

[GVGjr]

Re: Bartlett's recovery draws recruiters

Thats what his left footed kicking action reminds me of

Looks a good player

He's got pace and has good depth with his kicking. Probably doesn't get enough of the ball and needs a bit more of a defensive mindset but there is plenty to work with. He's had some injuries which might deter a few clubs.

[The Doctor]

Re: Bartlett's recovery draws recruiters

Looks more like Eagleton to me.

[anfo27]

Re: Bartlett's recovery draws recruiters

A smaller version of Luke Hodge?

I thought just the way he moved reminded me of Heath Black even his kicking style at times.

Are you saying Luke Hodge in terms of the type of player he is?

[GVGjr]

Re: Bartlett's recovery draws recruiters

Are you saying Luke Hodge in terms of the type of player he is?

No just the way he runs and kicks. Doc might be onto something as well with his assessment.

Mind you I don't mind your assessment either.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Re: Bartlett's recovery draws recruiters

Eagleton's never really had the blistering pace/agility that Bartlett does though. IMO Callum is more similar to Aaron Davey in that he's able to side step players while maintaining his pace. Both lethal by left foot and adequate on the right.

Like Davey did at the very beginning (and GVGjr explained), Bartlett needs to work on the defensive side of his game. IIRC he was averaging around 16 possessions per game before his inury which isn't too bad. Hard to really judge him on this year because of it, but a few other players (Tapscott) are only averaging around 16-18 too.

[lemmon]

Re: Bartlett's recovery draws recruiters

Looks like a good prospect, nice skills, good acceleration and pace as well as agility. The big question is whether he can add that extra string too his bow and win his own contested footy.
He reminds me a touch of Daniel Wells in the way he cuts through the opposition but I can see the comparisons with Hodgeys kicking style.

[soupman]

Re: Bartlett's recovery draws recruiters

I don't think so but he is super impressive.
Here's some highlights that I have just found.

There is a part there where he turns on the jets at about the 1 minute 20 mark that really makes you notice him.

That is an impressive clip. He really takes them on and covers alot of ground very quickly. There is one play in there where he goes from half back to the centre circle in about 2 seconds.

I'm curious as to his ability to hit up forwards though because most of those plays involved sprinting for 15 steps and kicking it long to the hotspot, which won't neccessarily work at AFL level.

I definitely want him though, he looks great.

[Cyberdoggie]

Re: Bartlett's recovery draws recruiters

Thats what his left footed kicking action reminds me of

Looks a good player

His kicking looks like Eagleton's to me.

Bit of a spray and pray when he kicks long but seems more accurate short.

His willingness to run through the middle is super impressive though.
If he doesn't get much of the ball it would be interesting to see how he goes against bigger and more experienced opponents that know his tricks.

[Go_Dogs]

Re: Bartlett's recovery draws recruiters

His kicking looks like Eagleton's to me.

Bit of a spray and pray when he kicks long but seems more accurate short.

I certainly thought of Hodge, just the action more than anything.

His little right foot effort under pressure that got to the right spot wasn't bad either, although it seems he'll certainly favor the left.

As GVGjr said, his speed is very impressive.