Putting on a show and entertaining the crowd is nothing new for the Aboriginal stars of our competition, but a growing number are now far more important to their sides than just a cameo performance. All of sudden, they’re actually becoming a crucial barometer, providing invaluable defensive pressure, electrifying speed at the stoppages and kicking big bags of goals.
The flashy skills and mercurial brilliance are, of course, still on show. But so is a new level of consistency that’s making these guys not just exciting to watch, but also precious commodities.
It all started on Friday night when Lindsay Thomas finally gave the Kangaroos an ‘X’ factor up forward.
Thomas’ individual stats were remarkable, with 17 disposals inside 50, 12 contested possessions, 8 tackles, 15 score involvements and 7 goals. His performance was the difference and ultimately won the game for North Melbourne.
The way he moved and positioned his body reminded me of Essendon legend Michael Long.
Now don’t get me wrong, I know this is a huge comparison to make, but if Thomas can find some consistency between his best and worst, he has the potential to one day perhaps be considered on the same pedestal.
Right now, he’s only 22 years of age, so let’s hope he takes plenty of confidence and belief from his best on ground performance.
Importantly, too, the Kangaroos moved the ball quickly into the forward line, daring to kick long inside 50 they were amply rewarded with more opportunities from one-on-one contests.
At the other end Carlton’s Eddie Betts played a lone hand for the Blues, booting 5 goals for the match. If not for Betts, Carlton would have lost by substantially more.
Speaking of giving more, is Geelong’s Travis Varcoe the most improved player in the competition this year?
He booted 5 goals in the Cats big win over the Bombers and is averaging 17 disposals and almost 2 goals a game. He’s certainly the most improved indigenous player.
Since returning to the side after an interrupted start to the season with a broken thumb, his pace and attack around the contest has helped energize the Cats season. It shouldn’t be overlooked how important Varcoe has become to the team structure, and I know it’s a big call amongst so many champions at Geelong, but I believe he is now one of the Cats key barometers.
For the Bombers, Alwyn Davey had one of the best games of his career.
Playing through the midfield and up forward he booted 3 goals and had 15 disposals. Dropped earlier in the year for his inability to find enough of the ball, Davey is working harder and now reaping the rewards for his effort.
And then there is Cyril Rioli.
Bruce McAvaney described him as ‘delicious’, and the way he’s playing at the moment truly is mouth watering stuff. There’s no denying his magic has played a significant part in Hawthorn’s mid-season revival.
The Hawks won their fifth straight against Adelaide on Saturday and Rioli’s 27 disposals, 11 score involvements and 9 tackles were simply brilliant.
His explosive speed and agility in heavy traffic is almost supernatural, and at times, even the opposition could do nothing else but watch the magic tricks unfold around them.
Let’s hope the show continues for a long while yet and the indigenous stars can continue to fire.
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