Can anyone come up with an example where a player who could not naturally mark and was taught how to and improved?
I thought he was ok today and was at the ground.
Overall I reckon he is a 2/10 for marking. Can he be taught to get to a 6/10.
I am struggling to think of a tall that was hopeless at marking and was taught and became a servicable mark.
If he cant get to a 6/10 for marking he doesnt make it in my opinion as a Number 1 ruck if thats what we want him to be.
Nank in the side today and I reckon we run them close. Real close
Good question. Have posted this loads that the ability for tall guys to one grab mark (which is what you are talking about) can take time for years.
Of all the juniors seen, the Riewoldt's were the most natural at taking the ball at it's highest point as young footballers. Not many could.
Richo couldn't. He was a two grabber for years and got by on athleticism and reading the flight until he got his confidence and timing right to become one of the best high one grab marks we have seen. Benny Gale was the same. Couldn't one grab a beer passed from his brother Butch at the Star Bar on a Sunday night until he was mid 20's (or later).
Stephen Kernahan, Aaron, Sampillands, Buddy Franklin, Josh Kennedy, Max Gawn etc etc. The same.
Look at their contested mark numbers, they were largely two grab numpties until they were 25.
Now before anyone jumps on this post, gets ready to quote it, and says Leysy is comparing Samson to them (which happens all the time) - he aint.
Just saying, that replying to the Wriggly Worms question, that overhead contested one grab marking for big guys often and can take time. It's not unusual, like the examples above, to come in your mid 20's or so.
And that doesn't guarantee it will come, it could end up like Shaun Hampson and it never comes.
But to answer your question - there are some examples to your question Wriggles. It is an attribute that can come with time, perseverance and patience.
It's why so many ruck's shuffle from clubs in their mid 20's and suddenly elevate performance. It's when size and un-coordination meets strength, co-ordination and then confidence.
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