One game in and the criticism of AFL code-jumpers Karmichael Hunt and Israel Folau has already begun. Of course, it was none other than the outspoken and now-retired Jason Akermanis leading the charge labelling the duo “glorified dribblers”.
In a practice match on Sunday, Folau failed to collect a single possession as Greater Western Sydney were easily accounted for by Sydney Swans reserves.
There was no sign of the former Brisbane Bronco’s high-leaping marks, and at a standard far below AFL level his performance must be slightly alarming, even if GWS coach Kevin Sheedy won’t admit as much.
On Saturday night, Hunt made his AFL debut but hardly caught the eye with seven disposals as the Gold Coast Suns were smashed by Carlton by 119 points.
There was no sign of the big bumps and crunching tackles which Suns coach Guy McKenna had hinted Hunt might unleash.
That prompted Akermanis, speaking on FoxSports’ The Back Page, to say they don’t know what they’re doing.
I’m sure Akermanis wasn’t the only person in Australia who took note of the performances of Hunt and Folau on the weekend and perhaps shook their head and thought to themselves “I knew they wouldn’t make it”.
I’m pretty confident there’s a lot of doubters about this whole code-jumping procedure. After all, the AFL openly admitted it’s essentially about marketing the game in the expansion regions. Yes, they’ve admitted that!
But looking beyond the skepticism which plenty share, we shouldn’t forget these pair were in their debut matches; Hunt in the AFL and Folau in Aussie Rules footy. Give them time before making a judgement.
The reality is these are two rookies. Of course, they are two highly-paid rookies which increases the scrutiny on them.
But what else could have been expected? I hear you say maybe a few possessions, but cut Folau a little slack, because as Sheedy said “he has played 1 ½ hours of footy in his life”.
As for Hunt, I fancy there’s been a fair few AFL footballers who have managed just seven possessions on their debut.
What’s damning for most observers, though, is that Hunt didn’t show the positive signs many hoped. But it shouldn’t be forgotten he’s a gifted athlete learning on the job.
Folau admitted after Sunday’s match he struggled with the pace of the game and found it difficult to read the play.
As most feared, these aspects will be parts of the game the pair will struggle to learn. But given time they may adjust and given their athleticism who knows what they can be?
To think – as athletic as the pair may be – that they could simply switch codes and instantly look comfortable and be quality players is a bit naïve. We must question what we are expecting of them?
Of course they’ve got to add value to the side, but like any rookie and first-team player that takes time.