I don't know that we overrate
more than anyone else... it's the nature of forums such as this to rush to judgement. Big bold statements that will catch peoples attention. Patience isn't the order of the day, or is something that's happened in past tense.
My observation has been that most players are in the system for around 5 years before I have a real read on them. The exceptions are obviously those who come out and dominate, Judd's and Selwoods. There are far more examples of players I've written off going on to be superb than vice versa, though often someone I get excited about as a youngster turns out to be a GOP... especially talls. Occasionally, a GOP turns around and impresses me, ala Petrie this year.
Talls take longer, smalls can often have more impact immediately but the development curve is shallower.
At this stage I'm pretty satisfied that Eddy, Armitage and Gilbert are going to be AFL players (all have had really good games in their first few years, are still learning and growing into being pro athletes... they'll achieve what has been their best more consistently, and their best will improve), and though I've had no indication any of them will be a star yet, they're all still young enough it could happen, so I'm hopeful. None are rising star type excitement (Gilbo had some moments last year), but all have shown they can handle the speed and intensity of the grade.
I'm still undecided on Geary. From reports he's gotten to the stage of too good for the V, but looks lost on the big stage. Needs to set himself for a big preseason in '09.
Raph and Gwilt have the talent, but they're in a position where they either need to play some faultless footy for a while, or dominate to an extent that the occasional brain freezes are outweighed... ala Goddard's '06 season.
McEvoy, Howard, I haven't seen enough to know. Steven I haven't seen since preseason.
The grass is always greener, and being a sportsfan is about hope. Maybe we overrate them, but that's the nature of the game. The kids are like babies, every good thing impresses us, and it's easier to forgive the gaffes. And as long as we continue to fill up the pipe with new youngsters, we know we'll see another star eventually. I'd bet that at least one player named in this post is regarded as a star 5 years from now.
