ToraToraTora said:
We need some flash in the side. A player that will just burn off guys cos he can. Imagine Deledio waxing with Cockatoo. Not only would it look good, it would help us score more often and faster and unpredictably. That what p!sses me off more than anything about the way we play. Work too hard to score. Reliance on 3-4 ways to score. Grand Final day you didn't know who would bob up next and they've still got their rock in Roughhead. And they all just know where to put it and where to go. It's SYSTEM but it's also pace and skill.
For me
12. Cockatoo
33. Gore if he's there or someone similar. If not, more pace.
Cocky & Dusty in tandem, now that's something I'd love to see. Anyhow, here's my updated profile.
Nakia Cockatoo (Northern Territory Thunder)
186 cm, 86kg
Midfileder
Let me start by saying Cockatoo is just about the finest athlete in this year's draft class, he is a true power athlete in every sense of the word. He recorded the 6th fastest repeat sprint in the history of the combine, to put that into some perspective, his time of 23.93 was faster than both Patrick Dangerfield & Cyril Rioli at the equivalent age. To add to that impressive achievement he also featured in the top 10 for jumping, scored 29/30 in the kicking test, ran a 13.9 beep test and an 8.51 in the agility test, all after having a lengthy lay-off . He is what I would consider the perfect athlete for a midfielders role.
So how has he drifted out of first round calculations? This could well be a case of out of sight, out of mind. Unfortunately for Nakia he sustained a stress fracture in the foot which saw him sidelined for the entire season, apart from the curtain raiser on grand final day. During the combine he duly went through his medical and passed with flying colours, fortunately for him there would be no repeat of the Trengove saga.
Examining his performance in the Allies versus AIS game, one could only look on in absolute awe as he put on one of the great performances in front of a packed MCG crowd. Not only did he outshine the more highly fancied prospects in Heeney & Weller, but he produced a highlight reel which many would fail to achieve over an entire season. Complete with a running goal, Houdini like ducking & weaving and moves straight from the Dustin Martin book of 'don't argues', he collected BOG honours and all but ensured he would be selected near the top of the draft order.
So the question is how much can we take from one match? Well, from my perspective it was enough to suggest he has the potential to be a true A-grader and a complete midfilelder much like his kindred spirit Dusty Martin. Going back to 2013, he was perhaps the most promising underager aside from his AIS team mate Lachie Weller. But like any tale with a twist, Cockatoo actually took the honours in their head to head battle in round 5 of last year, collecting BOG honours after delivering yet another complete performance. In that match he managed 17 disposals, 3 clearances, 8 tackles, 4 inside 50's and 3 rebound 50's. To cap it off he hit the scoreboard registering 1 goal 2 behinds.
Projecting into the future, Cockatoo has the makings of Mr Versatile given his athletic qualities & strong inside credentials. Over the course of his 2013 campaign he averaged 5.9 tackles which placed him 3rd overall, 8.4 contested possessions a game and even had stints in the ruck. His coaches at the Thunder have thrown him everywhere on the park which bodes well for his AFL apprenticeship, he has a willingness to learn which hasn't gone unnoticed by all including Chris Scott who mentored him whilst he trained with the Kangas.
The sky is the limit for Cockatoo, his injury has been untimely but it has presented itself as a golden goose for whoever selects him with a double digit draft pick. All things considered Cockatoo presents as a very special player who seems destined to become another footballing showstopper.
