I read this somewhere.
Pretty switched on feller!
Overview
Graham Polak: 22 years of age. 195/6cms. 94kg.
- #4 2001 draft (Judd/Hodge/Ball).
- 2nd in the 2003 Rising Star, beating the like of Ball and Wells (who were playing a lot better than they are this season).
To me, it is clear he is a footballer with much potential. Drafted highly and thought upon very highly (many pre-draft had him rated as the outstanding player of the crop) as a very talented player.
Although you expect him to say it he seems to have a good attitude to coming to the club and wanting to do well. Has signed a long deal , seems to have a great attitude, wants to train hard and continue to hit the gym and becoming more imposing.
The Deal
A couple year back Polak would have commanded much more than Tarrent did today. To get him for and only (more or less) downgrading from #8 to #13, in a draft where outside the top 3/4 there is alot of good, even talent, is good buisness IMO.
From what I can work out, this is what went down. Swapping first rounders with Freo, and out 3rd for their 4th, whilst slightly upgrading our 4th via Collingwood.
In: Polak, #13, #60
Out: #8, #42
Wallace has stated: "I now regard us as having gained two first-round picks, as well as a second-rounder, in our recruiting endeavors." - more so who would have cost alot more a season or so ago. I am viewing the situation much the same.
Plough has had to choose his words very carfully after promising to never again give away a high draft pick.
Pick #13 in a strong draft, and we have managed to keep out 2nd rounder - which i think is very important and an underated top move by Miller his possie. A risk, no doubt but one well worth taking.
Miller has impressed yet again. Knew what he wanted and needed to do and did it well.
Future
All of the sudden our future spine (post Richo and co.), along with that dreaded black spot on our list – KPP, mid 20’s is looking a lot better.
In fact, a little something like:
FB: Thursfeild
HB: Polak
HF: Hughes
FF: Schultz
Ruck: Pattison
Bar Thusty the spine that looks like taking us into the next decade were all highly rated: Hughes (#24 - 2005), Pattison (#20 - 2004) Schultz (#12 - 2003) & Polak (#3 - 2002).
With Wallaces 'types'; Deledio, Meyer, JON, Raines, Polo, Tambling, etc. tall, skilled, running fleet (that he has invisioned and been modling since day dot) working the other positions – and life isn’t looking too bad.
The future, is all of a sudden alot more rosie, for some of the slightly more pessimistic amounst us, like my self.
Polak the footballer.
Does Polak have the potential to be our young, gun KPP? Our Rivers, Glass, Rutten type?
All Australia CHB material?
At 196ish he is a great hight. Polak has hit the gym hard in recent times knowing he needs to get strong and is now a good 94kg and looking to get bigger with a Paddy Bowden or Raines being able to do the job on the faster forwards.
For a big feller he reads the game very well (abit like Whitnall), has a vice like grab, and about as brave as they come.
Of course, on the other hand he might just be an out and out dud, and if so we have not had to wage too much to get the lad at the club. However, I think all the facts point to he having potential. Getting to that potential is another kettle of fish - yet Wallace has shown he could draft in the like of Paddy Bowden, Simmonds and Raines, Tuck, Pettifer and co.
Even as a forward (pinch hitting or otherwise) there is worst options. Richo (CHF), Schultz (FF) with Polak as the 3rd man might stretch a defensive.
Post-Trade week, I feel the club is in a better postion both in the long and short term than we were 7 days ago.
Forza Graham Polak.
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