Tom Simpkin's 2013 Season

[Sainternist]

After last year's form, I thought he was going to play an integral part of our defensive structure before the season started. So far, just one senior game.

He hasn't been injured has he? If not, how is he fairing at Sandy?

Some are saying we need another defensive tall. At 191cm, he's not exactly vertically challenged.

[SainterK]

I reckon it's his lack of versatility that holds him back.

One dimensional?

[dcstkfc]

I reckon it's his lack of versatility that holds him back.

One dimensional?

Entirely. Our defensive unit is going OK, no need to make changes at the moment. Only bloke he could replace is Stanley

[Sainternist]

Only bloke he could replace is Stanley

Stanley is a forward. Pure and simple.

[SainterK]

Only bloke he could replace is Stanley

Stanley is a forward. Pure and simple.

Never looked comfortable to me forward, never, never ever.

[saintbrat]

simpkin late preseason injury and after a few hohum games at Sandy is now out with a quad injury.

[Sainternist]

simpkin late preseason injury and after a few hohum games at Sandy is now out with a quad injury.

Thanks for the update, Bratty.

[Spud02]

I reckon it's his lack of versatility that holds him back.

One dimensional?

Entirely. Our defensive unit is going OK, no need to make changes at the moment. Only bloke he could replace is Stanley

I really like Tommy, but this is on the money - couldn't displace any of our current back 6, with Wright an automatic inclusion when right to go.

[StNoodles]

I think Stanley is getting games ahead of Simpkin because the coaches know Tom won't be growing any taller. Stanley however could improve his defensive work. Possibly. At some point. They hope.

Personally I'd rather see Simpkin out there.

Stanley has all the physical attributes, but perhaps not the will/drive/aggression required.

[BigMart]

Simpkin is the Full Back we really need.... But just isn't big enough at AFL to play there.... Power forward just too big

He is not talented or offensive enough to displace Fisher, Gwilt, Roberton

[Scoop]

Simpkin is the Full Back we really need.... But just isn't big enough at AFL to play there.... Power forward just too big

He is not talented or offensive enough to displace Fisher, Gwilt, Roberton

Yep....

[Trev from the Bush]

Only bloke he could replace is Stanley

Stanley is a forward. Pure and simple.

Never looked comfortable to me forward, never, never ever.

Agree K. Come to think of it, I am yet to see him look comfortable anywhere on the field.

[Sainternist]

Hopefully Stanley doesn't become the next Kosi.

[lefty]

Only bloke he could replace is Stanley

Stanley is a forward. Pure and simple.

Never looked comfortable to me forward, never, never ever.

As if, he can take big pack marks. He also keeps a tall off Nick.

Stanley should go FF/Ruck, Simpkin to FB.

Simpkin was mint last year, he only struggles on the power forwards, ala Cloke, Leap'n Jack...

[Dr Spaceman]

....he only struggles on the power forwards, ala Cloke, Leap'n Jack...

As does everyone else currently on our list unfortunately

[southernsaint]

Would like to see him back in the side when he is over his injuries and found form. Would be good to see him and roberton in defence together thats our future. I would also like to see the gwilt tried up forward again to see how he goes...we need to try somethinge different up there.

[AccidentallyTim]

Only bloke he could replace is Stanley

Stanley is a forward. Pure and simple.

Never looked comfortable to me forward, never, never ever.

Just having his pace down back worries the opposition and we all know that when we bring the pressure game we can beat anyone.

He has a lot to learn as a defender but still relatively young so the opportunity and scope for improvement is there imo.

But just his size/reach and speed is worth sticking with and develop him for a career as a defender.

Not the worst option

[bigcarl]

Only bloke he could replace is Stanley

Stanley is a forward. Pure and simple.

Never looked comfortable to me forward, never, never ever.

It's not as if he's been a noted goal-kicker at any level of football.

[saint6709]

have posted on this topic before - that I think he needs to develop his offensive game - give his opponent something to think about and add some drive to our team - can he develop a tank and play like jobe Watson ??