AF 2016 Profile: Rory Laird

[Mr.Craig]

Rory Laird



29/12/93 178cm/77kg Defender

Career Games - 57

2015 Averages - 12.6 kicks, 11.9 handballs, 5.8 marks, 2.5 tackles

2013 AF Ave: 71.3
2014 AF Ave: 61.1
2015 AF Ave: 88.3

2015 Scores - 91, 96, 43, 49, 77, 99, 99, 54, 109, 110, 100, 76, 107, 77, 104, 69, 92, 123, 100, 93, 86

Scores Under 60
Scores Over 100


Profile

Back when Laird got drafted there was an element of excitement by those in the know about his potential to be a handy fantasy player. He had a promising first season but vests, injuries and negative roles took a toll on his scoring the following year. All that changed in 2015 with Rory given the freedom to roam around half back, racking up the ball and often taking 7+ marks in a game. His entire season was impressive but he was particularly damaging from Round 9 onwards, averaging 26 disposals and a massive 95.8 points per game. He finished the season as the eigth highest averaging defender, and given that the players above him are generally getting on in age or have the potential to lose their defender status it makes Laird a very attractive target for 2016.

The negatives are that Rory relies on his marking and possessions to put in those big numbers, he may be a hard nut but his tackle stats are poor. There is also the potential for him to be used in a negating role occasionally. It's also worth noting that his rise in numbers just happened to coincide with the absense of Matthew Jaensch from the team. Regardless, Laird should be considered for a starting position in your AF side.

Pros - Big ball winner, plenty of marks, young player, good consistency

Cons - Low tackle numbers, could be neagtively affected by Jaensch's return


Prediction - 81-86

Inside Football Player Rating - http://www.aflplayerratings.com.au/Ratings/Player/117224/Rory-LAIRD
Adelaide Crows Profile - http://www.afc.com.au/player-profile/rory-laird

Mr.Craig's Call

[Football Factory]

Haha nice one MrCraig .. not sure hard choice. Don't normally spend much on my backline and probably will have others in front of him depending on positional changes next year ? definitely keep him in mind though, great season.

[fanTCfool]

His confidence will be sky high, genuine young-gun. Gotta be up there in the B&F too.
Like many, will be watching his pre-season form, and with a decent price, I'll snap him up!