I like this Hampson trade. Now.
When we took Chaplin I posted that we'd taken a bloke who most of his career had been a HBF pretending to be a HFF. And I vividly remember a game in 2011 where I said to a fellow student that I would give him $50 is Chaplin touched the ball above chest height for the entire game. He didn't.
But in 2012 Chaplin had a break out year. He was rested for the last four rounds(?) and but for that would have gone close to Port's B&F. In 2013 Chaplin demonstrated that he had emerged as a key back. Still not strong overhead he positions himself beautifully and but for the odd blooper gave us much needed structure and quick positive use. He had grown into his paws, largely. (Except for that final - ouch. Very bad. I put it down to immaturity.)
Shaun Hampson. He's been injured for 2012 and 2013. Crucial years as a 24yo and 25yo. So his development has been stymied.
One of the hallmarks of his game as a young ruck was his Gumpus. Luke McGun would guffaw at the worst of young Shaun Hampson. I had concluded, a couple of years ago, that he was an athlete (possibly blind or *smile*) playing the game.
Another drawback, Shaun Hampson is not built for the game. Sure, he's massive but he's broad-shouldered, lean hipped and a bit leggy. He's a diver not a footballer. (I wonder what Megan Gale sees in him.)
But. The bloke can clunk. And moves to the holes well, using his body naturally to protect his passage to the ball. Sometimes.
This is something I didn't know about him - he jumps off the right or of both (basketball) and is totally amby when palming. He makes brilliant decisions in a nano and can be very effective.
Costs us 250k for three(?) years and may yet bloom.
And pick 28.
We approached them. Blair wants Hampson. You don't poach a borderline senior ruck for much less. And here's the thing - Carlton poached Warnock (the bloke who maimed Ivan in that final). Warnock is on a big long contract. They can't trade Warnock. He has to play next year. So does Kreuzer. Hampster can't. Just 250K? And our panel thinks he has it. 28 was fine if they're right.
Structurally, Ivan is factored in as I see it. I'm onboard with the two rucks makes us better school. The thing I want to say about the structural importance of this recruit is that IMO Richmond was aerially weak in 2013. We need men in the air. A contest is a lot. Maybe Hampson will give us what we need.
One more thing, Hampson gets air.
Next year, if we're bleeding at the ruck contests, we can send in someone who can jump (high) with the single instruction - he must not influence the ball.
