Rating our list 2021: Laitham Vandermeer 23

[Hotdog60]

Hi All,

During the off season I thought I would start our list rating again. I won't included the new recruits as there is nothing to go on and I'll leave out desisted and retired players as there is no point.

Like last time I'll count down from the highest number to the lowest but I thought the poll rating this time will go on a different tack and get Woofers thoughts on how they rank from Elite to Below Average.

I hope current performance doesn't reflect on last years assessment.

[Hotdog60]

https://s.afl.com.au/staticfile/AFL%20Tenant/AFL/Players/ChampIDImages/XLarge2022/1005000.png?i10c=img.resize(scale_height:0.504)

Laitham Vandermeer is a hard-running utility, who was recruited via pick number 37 in the 2018 NAB AFL Draft. A line-breaker who can use his speed and agility to rebound from the defensive 50, Vandermeer has typically been deployed in the forward-line as of late. the 22-year-old has a penetrating kick and uses it well to gain quality metres for his side. Broke through for his AFL debut in Round 2, 2020 against St Kilda, and went on to play 12 senior matches. Was named the Chris Grant Best First-Year player that year. Managed a further 11 games last season, including the elimination final, semi-final and preliminary final. Was also the unused medical sub in the Grand Final at Optus Stadium.
LINK (https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/players/1931/laitham-vandermeer)

[EasternWest]

Too soon to really say, but I have my doubts.

[bornadog]

Too soon to really say, but I have my doubts.

I voted average, but he may be below at this stage. Has potential but needs more experience and he has shown some ability.

[boydogs]

Was great at the start of last year, lots of potential

[Hotdog60]

I've gone with Below average he has a bit of work to do which may only come with experience. Has a nice turn of pace and aggression but can undo a lot of his good work with his disposals. If he can tidy that up he is a handy asset.

[Mitcha]

Starting to worry about him. Looks best suited off half back but we are well covered in this area. Has good speed but questionable decision making and poor by foot. One of Bevo's favourites so will get a fair run at it.

[GVGjr]

I like what VDM potentially brings us as a forward but the gap between his good footy and poorer efforts is noticeable.
Now inconsistent performances with younger players isn't anything new but I wonder if a change in position might be in order for him as Mitcha mentions?

[macca]

I like what VDM potentially brings us as a forward but the gap between his good footy and poorer efforts is noticeable.
Now inconsistent performances with younger players isn't anything new but I wonder if a change in position might be in order for him as Mitcha mentions?

I wonder if this will even out there once he gets more games and matures? Would like him to make it to 50 games but I have my doubts from last game .

[Ghost Dog]

A victim of VFL not being in full swing during covid? Needs to get the basics right?

[Hotdog60]

I think I have a new role for Vanders.
I was watching the round so far and although I'm not a Kane Cornes fan he mentioned that May had asked one of the Dogs players why we didn't tag Christian Petracca and the response was we don't tag.
This is a worry and they show a little bit of vision of how he was given to much latitude so my thought is that if Bevo wants to go with a hard tag on the oppositions best player could Vanders be the man as he has pace and he tackles with intent.

[Grantysghost]

I think I have a new role for Vanders.
I was watching the round so far and although I'm not a Kane Cornes fan he mentioned that May had asked one of the Dogs players why we didn't tag Christian Petracca and the response was we don't tag.
This is a worry and they show a little bit of vision of how he was given to much latitude so my thought is that if Bevo wants to go with a hard tag on the oppositions best player could Vanders be the man as he has pace and he tackles with intent.

Not a bad suggestion. I thought R.Smith or Dunkley during the game. Petracca is next level ATM, serious Dusty vibes. Nobody tagged Martin either for some reason.

[GVGjr]

I think I have a new role for Vanders.
I was watching the round so far and although I'm not a Kane Cornes fan he mentioned that May had asked one of the Dogs players why we didn't tag Christian Petracca and the response was we don't tag.
This is a worry and they show a little bit of vision of how he was given to much latitude so my thought is that if Bevo wants to go with a hard tag on the oppositions best player could Vanders be the man as he has pace and he tackles with intent.

While I think it's a good suggestion at the moment I think he would be a mile off it. Perhaps he needs some lock down roles on wingers or forward flankers first rather than the more elite players in the competition.

[Hotdog60]

While I think it's a good suggestion at the moment I think he would be a mile off it. Perhaps he needs some lock down roles on wingers or forward flankers first rather than the more elite players in the competition.

We should get Picken in to do some specialist coaching or Libba senior. :)

[Testekill]

He's competitive and aggressive but he undoes a lot of good work with awful skill execution. I've gone below average because he just hurts us too much with ball in hand.