If Kevin Sheedy really thinks Israel Folau can kick more than 40 goals for Greater Western Sydney in the 2012 AFL season, he can have odds of $26 on the prospect with us.
GWS coach Sheedy has been spruiking the 22-year-old rugby league convert’s talents, pointing out that he kicked more than 30 goals for the Giants last year, even though he spent four or five games in defence. Sheedy intends to play Folau at full-forward and in as many games as possible, but it is a massive step-up from the NEAFL to the AFL, especially for one who has played just one season of Australian Rules in his life.
Folau was renowned in league for his ‘marking’ ability but defenders in that game are not allowed to punch the ball away like AFL defenders do – with ferocity. He is a remarkable athlete and a determined competitor who kicked 31 goals last year, with a best of six and another bag of five, but I think anything over 20 goals in his first AFL season will be a win for big Izzy.
As a reference point, Folau’s fellow rugby league convert Karmichael Hunt kicked one goal in 15 games for the Gold Coast Suns last year, although he did not play as a forward target in the manner Folau is expected to. The Suns’ leading goalkicker in their inaugural season was Danny Stanley, with 20 goals (he played all 22 games). Stanley had previous AFL experience with Collingwood and has played the game all his life.
How many goals will Israel Folau kick in season 2012?
0-10 $2.30
11-20 $2
21-30 $6
31-40 $12
41+ $26
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