Welcome to Collingwood #13 Harry DeMattia

[Magpie Russ]

My son's assessment

Bailey Smith
Height: 185cm
Weight: 79kg (83 by some accounts)

STRENGTHS
• Endurance
• Contested ball-winning
• Kicking
• Leadership
• Attitude
• Versatility


Harry DeMattia
Height 185cm
Weight 78kg (as heavy as 84 by some accounts)

STRENGTHS
• Competitiveness

• Kick penetration

• Leadership

• Speed

• Tackling

• Versatility

The main distinction and where Bailey Smith might have a slight edge is pure ball winning, where Smith found much more of the ball as a junior and also potentially class.

But that’s why Bailey Smith went Pick 7 and DeMattia Pick 25.

But they play the same way and DeMattia has scope to be like Smith.


If there is a class difference then HDM has as much chance (if not more) of justifying Pick 25 as Smith has of Pick 7.

Cf Smith draft highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5gOKtCmIVw

[burnsy17]

His “highlights” don’t fill me with much confidence!

But WTF would I know! Hopefully he comes good and learns how to bounce a footy and not kick helicopters

[Boot]

Harry Demattia reminds me a bit of that Collingwood premiership hero from 2010 Ben Johnson. Speedy, left footer and determined tackler. Speed is good and has clear leadership traits. A faster upgrade on Trent Bianco?
In Hine we trust and I'll be interested to see what Hine specials are drafted by the Pies tonight.

[Pies2016]

I always get a bit frustrated when I read the pre judgements ( especially the knocks) on any new draftee. At pick 25, you will always come with areas that require significant improvement. Good recruiting understands what areas can be fast tracked versus those that will prove more difficult. The club obviously believes a number of his shortfalls can be improved, while also understanding some limitations will likely remain throughout his career. That’s ok, Pendlebury was never quick by foot and Harvey was long considered too short to make it.

Whether we agree or not, the club obviously identified speed around the ball as a priority ( as per their supposed trade targets and the bid on Swans academy player, Cleary ) Given that was their focus, then DeMattia was seen as the next best to fill that need. He comes into one of the best development programs in the competition, so he lacks for nothing and now it’s over to you, Harry. As for us supporters, let’s just keep an open mind and allow the kid some time to develop into the best player he can be at AFL level.

[Charlie Oneeye]

Harry Demattia reminds me a bit of that Collingwood premiership hero from 2010 Ben Johnson..

I think a perfect comparison. Love it.

Harry looks a far better kick, lol

[BazBoy]

[Kingsofclutch]

I think a perfect comparison. Love it.

Harry looks a far better kick, lol

Bit bigger too, but lacks a flag like Benny, we'll have to get onto that.

[think positive]

I always get a bit frustrated when I read the pre judgements ( especially the knocks) on any new draftee. At pick 25, you will always come with areas that require significant improvement. Good recruiting understands what areas can be fast tracked versus those that will prove more difficult. The club obviously believes a number of his shortfalls can be improved, while also understanding some limitations will likely remain throughout his career. That’s ok, Pendlebury was never quick by foot and Harvey was long considered too short to make it.

Whether we agree or not, the club obviously identified speed around the ball as a priority ( as per their supposed trade targets and the bid on Swans academy player, Cleary ) Given that was their focus, then DeMattia was seen as the next best to fill that need. He comes into one of the best development programs in the competition, so he lacks for nothing and now it’s over to you, Harry. As for us supporters, let’s just keep an open mind and allow the kid some time to develop into the best player he can be at AFL level.

i agree

as for this one, he certainly has speed, bloody good 0-10 sec too! so much enthusiasm, apparently really invested in the game, ill take it!

[Take_a_Screamer]

[BazBoy]

Back -to-back. What does Harry know that we don’t???

[Podpicken]

Some harsh judges here. I really like the selection. Speed, tackles hard, can hit a target clearly (described as having 'elite' disposal). You've got to remember we've got the best coach in it, a crackerjack development team, and not to mention Pendles, Maynard, Sidebottom, Daicosx2 and the likes tweaking/improving his game and game day roles.
Better watch this space, I reckon.

[DT]

Speaks like a coach. Phenomenal. If he can play will be superb

[Dave The Man]

Some harsh judges here. I really like the selection. Speed, tackles hard, can hit a target clearly (described as having 'elite' disposal). You've got to remember we've got the best coach in it, a crackerjack development team, and not to mention Pendles, Maynard, Sidebottom, Daicosx2 and the likes tweaking/improving his game and game day roles.
Better watch this space, I reckon.

Though a Knock on him is his Composure

[stui magpie]

[Dave The Man]

Sounds he could come a Defensive Player/Tagger type