So how did people rate Delaney's game?

[skeptic]

I'm unsure

[evertonfc]

Not great. Didn't quite seem adjusted. Reminded me of Luke Penny before he came to St Kilda (unsure of his body size, positioning, spatial awarness).

But I'm not bothered in the slightest. He needs games - lots of games, and fast. Plough 20+ into him this year. We need him to develop as a key back. He may not be the next Max, but he is a big body, and he has shown potential, and we need to keep faith with him.

He'll definitely improve. Just needs to get used to the role and the surroundings.

[Trixilver]

Turned the ball over more than anyone else I noticed - that's the unfortunate thing about being a defender.

Did okay in later parts of the game. But this is Melbourne, and they did have many forwards out anyway. So, we'll have to wait and see if we can ultimately sit back and watch him play comfortably.

[Trev from the Bush]

Played more like Delvene Delaney than Luke Delaney in the first half but he settled in well in the second half and will be a regular key defender for us. It would be a big call for him to star first up but, after a couple of shocking clangers in the second quarter, he played a serviceable game. Not a stand-out but he appears a better option at this stage than Zac Dawson did. And Zac is the player we have struggled to replace.

[Waltzing St Kilda]

Played more like Delvene Delaney than Luke Delaney in the first half but he settled in well in the second half and will be a regular key defender for us. It would be a big call for him to star first up but, after a couple of shocking clangers in the second quarter, he played a serviceable game. Not a stand-out but he appears a better option at this stage than Zac Dawson did. And Zac is the player we have struggled to replace.

Mmmm ... Delvene Delaney.

[saint6709]

Has a fair bit of work to do

[Toy Saint]

It's great to have a solid defender, his oponent did squat

[wolfpup]

I think its great to have a big bodied solid defender again to free up gwilt and others to do some more attacking work.

He caused turn overs but so did a lot of players. He is a good pickup.

[perfectionist]

Reminded me of Luke Penny before he came to St Kilda (unsure of his body size, positioning, spatial awarness)...

Luke Penny was a very good player at the Dogs which is why he cost us so much. In addition, he got a knee injury in his third season and there was doubt as to whether he would never fully recover (turned out to be right). Our new Luke was in and out of North, and his outs were due to his turnovers. He does have height, not something we are blessed with on the backline. I would move him back to the last line.

[mad saint guy]

I only saw the last 45 minutes of game play last night and Delaney was very impressive in that time. No turnovers that I noticed and he didn't lose a contest. Granted, he didn't have much competition but I was very happy from what I saw

[Zed]

Most noticeable number of clangers from someone on our side , at least 3 of which resulted in shots on goal. Did some good things also, and plenty to work with. Will be ok IMHO, but wasnt a fantastic debut

[PADDLEPOP1001]

Once he settles in could be a very solid player!

[bergholt]

I thought he was fine. Needs to take the Jason Blake strategy with disposal because he looks unlikely to be a great kick. But will win more one-on-ones than JB.

[8856brother]

Regardless of how he played, him being there allowed Gwilt to really get into the game. Gwilt was one of our best. He will be overjoyed Delany and Bruce were traded.

[BigMart]

His opponents were Fitzpatrick and Pederson

Two hacks at AFL level

I hope he makes better decisions with the footy in the future

[saintsRrising]

Defensive game very good..

Offensive game lacking at times. Remember though that as was first game, that you are still learning where your team-mates will be and have to take more time thinking on each disposal. After a number of games, you can be more instinctive on many occasions.

All in all looked good.

Will also looked better once "the general" Fisher returns to the backline.

[maverick]

For what we paid and what we expected, very good.
How many games has he played again?
Let's judge him after he has played a few more games in a row…..

[Bluthy]

I was worried about him early but in the second half he knuckled down and made some good one on one spoils. He doesn't look that big. His ball use is a worry, made a couple of bad turn overs. Need to see more of him. Would love to see Bruce in action to compare. Not sure who can match up with the GWS monsters.

[plugger66]

For what we paid and what we expected, very good.
How many games has he played again?
Let's judge him after he has played a few more games in a row…..

He has played AFL footy for 6 seasons so he has plenty of experience. He hasnt played many games because obviously didnt think he was good enough to play often enough. lets wait and see him play against better players. He is tall enough but he have more than that.

[maverick]

For what we paid and what we expected, very good.
How many games has he played again?
Let's judge him after he has played a few more games in a row…..

He has played AFL footy for 6 seasons so he has plenty of experience. He hasnt played many games because obviously didnt think he was good enough to play often enough. lets wait and see him play against better players. He is tall enough but he have more than that.

Agree.
The six seasons is fair enough, but playing in defence with a totally new back line will take time, and feeling comfortable at AFL level is a different thing.
There are many examples of players making it to a reasonable level later in their career due to opportunity...

[Johnny Favier]

I thought he got better as the game went on, probably just needs to become more familiar with the game style that Richo wants him to play and he should be right.

Just as importantly IMO, him being in the side allowed Jimmy to get off the chain a bit more than he has in the recent past.
I think this may be almost as important as the actual role he plays.

[Con Gorozidis]

Some howlers early but settled into it in the 2nd half.
Either way we will need him every week .

I'm thinking Delaney on that meat axe Patton and maybe try Gilbo on Cameron next week ?

[FQF]

Next week is the big test. Let's continue this thread then.

[maverick]

Next week is the big test. Let's continue this thread then.

Agree, the next 10 weeks are.
Last night was tougher than most give credit for, without a midfield to stop good ball, particularly early the defence was under pressure, they got 9 more inside 50s overall.
The quality of oppo was down, but it was a test.

[LTN16]

Will be a handy player for us structurally but please do not let him take the kick outs!!