Linton Lodger wrote:He's not ready yet, but I think he will be our next skipper and hopefully sooner rather than later.
While I agree in principle about his leadership qualities I reckon a more senior guy is needed. Luke may need development for the future role but this would be about 2-5 years away IMO.
I really am a believer in picking out needed leadership attributes first, then determining what is suitable for a team leader. Its not jus a pick me hands up thing although the initiative would be a blessing in disguise.
We need the experience to be sure the game plan is well understood, the roles of players needs to be crystal clear and some way of demonstrating the need at times is also required. The leadership attributes can be catregorised as softer, development, show by example but its good to have vision, integrity and authenticity to make the decisions whether theses are just soft coaching instruction or fierce directives to install accountability.
It takes experience to grasp all that. Too early and you run the risk of flummixing a player who would perform as a good contributor in the leadership group and never getting to that next stage as captain.
It took Roo time to get the decision making right mostly and moderate the instructional needs within a game. Sometimes it required him to use his ability to turn a game or simply support midfield or backlines or provide some game balance and clear orders (soft or hard line) to meet the game plan. Players with just 4 years are there yet despite having some aspects covered.
This is why I am amazed the club has allowed the team experience wane and build too many players of the same game experience. That would make it hard for players like Dunstan as he has to get the respect of the players and they match or better his experience to a large degree. Team balance is not just about player size but about balance in responsibility and turning heads at times to generate a spark within the team. It takes time.
Midfield clearances and clear winners are needed to make an effective forward line.
You need to protect the ball handler to increase posession efficiency