Ferocity vs. Poise

I attended the Saints Sydney game last night with a friend, purely as an AFL spectator. I came with the intent to study the play of two players in particular - St. Kilda stars Lenny Hayes and Nick Dal Santo. I decided to watch these two in a bid to help my own game, and perhaps learn a few things. Here's what I gathered...

Lenny Hayes

-The ferocity and sheer intensity in which Hayes attacked the ball from the first bounce was truly the stuff of legend. In the first passage of play he went for the ball and whoever was around it with fire I've never seen before.
-Around stoppages Hayes mauled his direct opponent, shredding the tag with sheer strength and tenacity. Hayes had numerous opponents who for the most part succeeded in limiting his impact. At times Hayes could be seen to be fighting off his tagger trying to get free as the ruckman was making contact with the ball.
-It was interesting watching Hayes when he didn't have the ball. Hayes was constantly running, mainly through the corridor, and never slowed to anything less than a jog. The only times he was still was watching someone lineup for goal.
-Hayes generally patrolled the middle of the ground, and the shallow wing, always about a kick ahead of the play.
-Hayes was limited to just 7 kicks and 10 handballs, but he made them count. His handballs in close packs were terrific, and he always put in the extra effort to put on a block and shepherd.
-His kicking was good too, hitting a target inside 50, and using the ball responsibly.
-His leadership was very good as well, directing players to pick up loose men time and time again.
-All in all he had a pretty quiet game, but he made his possessions and especially his presence count.

Nick Dal Santo

-I spent much more time observing Hayes than Dal Santo, but in the final quarter and in the time Hayes was on the bench, I watched Saint Nick.
-Dal Santo started on a half-forward flank, spent some time in the back-pocket, but played the bulk of his game on the ball.
-Dal Santo didn't cover nearly as much ground as Hayes, and could often be seen walking.
-Dal Santo's disposal of the ball was virtually flawless. Of his 15 kicks and 4 handballs I can't remember one that didn't reach its desired destination.
-Nick Dal Santo has a technically perfect kicking action. He releases the ball perfectly, makes clean connection, and is balanced magnificently. Weight transference isn't such a big issue because of his supreme balance.
-Dal Santo isn't a one-dimensional kick of the football either. On display Saturday night were Dal Santo's well placed lofted kicks to the running target or lead, as well as his across the body spear passes inside the forward 50.
-The perception that Dal Santo is strictly a receiver is perhaps warranted, but a tad naive. Dal Santo has superb hands, and time after time he can be seen gathering the ball one-handed in the middle of a congested situation.
-The highlight of the game came with a freaky one-handed mark from Dal Santo, which was followed by a perfectly waited kick to hit a target 15m out from goal.
-Nick Dal Santo is a star make no mistake. He has exquisite skills, unmatched poise and unreal balance. What separates him from superstar status is his general inability to win his own football. He's a player that needs space to utilise his game, and that's why he's better suited as a receiver-type.

The final verdict

Lenny Hayes and Nick Dal Santo are completely different players. Lenny Hayes is fearless lionheart, Dal Santo is the debonair skill-set. Dal Santo has a better feel for the ball and uses the ball better than Hayes, but Hayes is harder at the ball and much better at winning his own football. Ultimately though Hayes workrate and on-field leadership eclipses Dal Santo. Compared strictly as individuals Dal Santo is the superior player. But looking at the greater picture, and taking on-field influence into account you'd take Lenny Hayes every single time.