2009 Rookie Draft - Robert Hicks (Pick 7)
DOB: 2/09/91
Height: 175.9cm
Weight: 67.1kg
Club: Calder Cannons, TAC Cup
Video:
http://bigpondvideo.com/AFL/230214What the recruiters say:Robbie is an explosive small forward/midfielder who split his 2009 season between the Calder Cannons, his school Penleigh Essendon Grammar and representing Victorian Metro in the NAB U18 National Championships.
Robbie is a tremendous athlete, with great pace and lateral movement. His strengths lie in his ability to hit stoppages at speed and break from the contest. Robbie actually ran a 10.7 sec 100m time in 2009 to qualify for the Pacific Games however the games were contested as Robbie chose to fulfil Victorian metro commitments. At the Draft Camp in Canberra, he ran an impressive 2.96 sec for the 20m sprint while also running a 24.04 sec time for the repeat sprint which ranked him 2nd overall.
In the U18 National Championships, Robbie averaged 2 goals per game from his small forward position with 3.4 against NSW in game 2. With a little luck from a couple of errant bounces he may have finished with at least 5 goals. Significantly, Robbie continued his output with a 4 goal haul against eventual championship winners WA on their home ground of Subiaco. As Vic Metro struggled early, Robbie was thrust into action off the bench with a goal in his 1st minute on the ground.
Due to school football and U18 championships commitments, Robbie managed only 6 games for his TAC club, the Calder Cannons where he again averaged 2 goals per game. His best performance was a 16 possession, 5 straight goal haul against NSW-ACT in round 2.
Robbie will add pace and goal kicking ability to our list in the years to come. He is also very strong overhead for a player of his size and has the explosive speed to shake his defender and come to the ball in the air.
Robert Hicks in his own words:What type of player are you?
I believe I am a very quick, skilful player, who can kick goals and hit targets. I'm a player who has the ability to run someone down from behind.
Which AFL player do you feel you resemble, and why?
Alwyn Davey and Cyril Rioli because of their elite pace and their ability to win the ball and kick goals.
What are your strengths as a footballer?
Pace, skills and marking overhead on the lead.
What parts of your game would you like to improve?
Body-work one on one, defensive pressure in the forward line and timing of my front and centres/converting.
Which AFL team do you support and how did you come to barrack for them?
Essendon. My mum and family barrack for Essendon and I grew up next to Windy Hill, with James Hird being my favorite player.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career so far, and why?
My Dad, Ashley. As a kid I used to watch him play for Port Melbourne in the VFL and then when my career started as a junior, was coached by him. I trust him still with feedback on how I am playing and look for advice from him before and after games.
http://www.richmondfc.com.au/Season2010/2009NationalDraft/RobertHicks/tabid/15509/Default.aspx
