Eli

[saint6709]

No post for this kid ? Thought he showed some real promise - seemed to time his run on the ball well -a few times he got to the ball as he hit top speed

[Schillaci]

Looked great. Prepared to hold the ball and use his pace to break away. Looks like we got a bargain. On the evidence of that one game I'm surprised he wasn't wanted in the draft.

[Toy Saint]

Reminded me of Milne in the U17's

It would be fantastic if he could develop into a Milne.

Needs to develop AFL standard endurance running.

[PADDLEPOP1001]

Great endurance was still running his guts out at the end!

[saintspremiers]

His goal was awesome.

But what the coach would've liked most is when he got the ball on the wing late in the game and instead of madly running off forward he stopped, propped and waited for options to appear up forward. Very mature thing to do for a kid.

[3rd generation saint]

Looked a little out of place early, which would be attributed to not being used to the pace of the game at this level.
However, once he got that run and goal, it lifted his confidence and he started to look like he belonged out there.
If he keeps kicking goals like that every week and with a name of Eli, will be the new cult figure.
A promising first up run and shows the promise of the future.

[BigMart]

Good signs as a small fwd/small mid

All you want from a kid, is a glimpse he can play... And he puts his head over it.

He did

[remboy]

First time I've seen him play. Was expecting a forward pocket specialist but I think he's got more strings to his bow than that. Not sure if he'll be a genuine mid but he could certainly push up the ground and be very creative.

[BigMart]

He's never really played as a small fwd before even at senior state league level... Wing/HF/HB and even on ball


He will follow a path like Jack Steven... Al be it, maybe not at that level

[Johnny Favier]

This kid is going to be a very good player for us.

He already has what a lot of first year players lack, and that's a big tank.
Along with half of our team, he'll benefit greatly by stringing together a good run of consecutive games to get his confidence up....not that he seems to lack much confidence anyway.

[Trev from the Bush]

He didn't get a lot of the ball but we got quality results whenever he took possession. You have just got to remember he is only 18. He was composed at all times and showed he has many more sticks than just beng a Milney wannabe. Reminded me a lot of Daisy Thomas in his first season and not just for the crook hair. A lot to like about Eli.

[BringBackMadDog]

watched Eli pretty closely last night, one thing for sure he is a very smart player, runs to the right spot every time. He will definitely be a very good player for us.

[StPeter]

Showed lots of promise. Loved the buzz that went through the crowd whenever he had the ball!

[Pleasing]

The Daisy Thomas comparisons are the most apt to my eye. Most impressive thing for me was he looks like a one touch player doesn't fumble and can collect the ball at full pace without missing beat. Thought he looked to hand it off a little too much as a first gamer trying to fit in to the team, will find more of it and get used more by teammates once they build confidence in one another.

Also my son loves him already and has started an Eli scrapbook with this mornings press photos

[GrumpyOne]

Impressive debut.

Don't think his body is up to AFL yet, and he'll probably drop back to Sandy mid-season. But after a year on the weights and another pre-season, he'll win a couple of games for us.

[SainterK]

Will make life hard for TDL this year IMO

[BigMart]

Daisy Thomas is a bigger guy than you would think at near 6'2" and much stronger overhead.... Not a spacey as Eli

Both good runners, both long hair

[Sainternist]

Looked very lively. Fast, good footwork and great kick of the ball. Exciting future ahead for this youngster.

[evo]

He is still 18, I think if we had drafted him at pick fifty something we would be rapt.

[gringo]

His work rate was high for a kid and willing to go at any ball. the same goes for Dunstan. The kids that played state league seniors slot in much quicker. Very exciting player and can't wait for more. He is listed at 73 kgs but 3 would be hair and another couple clothing. He is one to watch.

[White Winmar]

The last time I got this excited about a first gamer was when I first laid eyes on "little Aussie Jones"!

[stinger]

Daisy Thomas is a bigger guy than you would think at near 6'2" and much stronger overhead.... Not a spacey as Eli

Both good runners, both long hair

eli is a collingwood six footer..... 181cm

[fugazi]

His goal was awesome.

But what the coach would've liked most is when he got the ball on the wing late in the game and instead of madly running off forward he stopped, propped and waited for options to appear up forward. Very mature thing to do for a kid.

Exactly right. Did not panic and cough it up....must've felt like an eternity out there on the wing, but he waited.

[Goldy]

Geez I hope Milney is involved with his development in some form. New cult hero?

On another note, good to see Kosi at the game.

[sasaint]

I was on his bandwagon from when he was drafted. His highlight reel looked great. I can see him being a regular this season like Dunstan. Also looking forward to seeing our third first round draft pick too who I think will also make Saints hearts beat a little faster. Just a great draft year for the Saints.