2018: The Year of AFB

[Spartan Eagle]

He's a machine and smashes the line on most runs. He's improved out of sight over the last year playing off the bench. Now he's got an opportunity to get more minutes due to Lussick's injury. 2018 is supposed to be the year of the Dog but in my humble opinion it's going to be the The Year of AFB.

Below is a good article showing his stats and on a more personal level how he has matured. I feel that he's ready to take his game to the next level . What do you guys think?

https://www.nrl.com/news/2018/02/28/addin-fonua-blake-has-bright-future-at-manly-sea-eagles/

 

[40 years an eagle]

I think we all want your infectious, positive evaluation of him to bear fruit. I also think you are right in being excited by his growth.
A big, young, strong, mobile, aggressive prop is absolutely priceless and I like the progress this KID has been showing.

He is looking more and more like growing into someone that will command the respect to dare the opposition to Molon Labe!

I hope so and let the gods shine on him.

 

[globaleagle]

"I'm actually a one-way man – I go forward," he said.

lol, awesome.

I think AFB was saying last year that he needed and wanted to step it up a gear and so far there really seems to be that desire and fire in him.

At 22, I'm hoping (expecting?) that he has an excellent year this year and he'll turn into a brilliant prop for us over the years.

 

[maxta]

I reckon he is of massive importance to the 2018 season.
Has shown glimpses of huge potential and appears to have maintained his power, yet now far fitter, which is a recipe for improvement, as his game time will also increase without losing the impact.
Up with Kapow for raw power and he seems to intimidate the opposition forward pack.
Is no longer a rookie, but a proven powerhouse, who will bend the line and give the momentum in the middle....playing footy off the back of his carries is a must.

 

[BOZO]

A*F*B is A *Fcking* Beast .

 

[Tomay]

If we are going to really push the good teams this season, we need someone like AFB to take it to the next level in the props to give us go forward and sting when Marty goes off. He’s definetly got the talent to do it.

 

[manlyfan76]

Next headline i want to see is: "The 200m twins".

 

[Briza]

If you look at all teams in the nrl most have 1 enforcer, manly potentially have 3 if lussick can pull his finger out.

 

[Fluffy]

AFB has looked very good in the trials and played some long minutes.

All bodes well.

 

[Kiwi Eagle]

I'm a bit torn on his role. He could handle starting and lay a platform there, but I enjoy him coming on after 15-20mins as well as it makes him harder to handle for the guys with a bit of work under their belts already

 

[Spartan Eagle]

I'm a bit torn on his role. He could handle starting and lay a platform there, but I enjoy him coming on after 15-20mins as well as it makes him harder to handle for the guys with a bit of work under their belts already

That's true, but sometimes it is good to establish dominance early on and get a roll on happening. Whatever capacity TB utilises him starter / off the bench, he will be a handful. I think playing with big Marty last season and especially at the world cup has given him a massive sense of self belief.

 

[The Insomniac]

He's a machine and smashes the line on most runs. He's improved out of sight over the last year playing off the bench. Now he's got an opportunity to get more minutes due to Lussick's injury. 2018 is supposed to be the year of the Dog but in my humble opinion it's going to be the The Year of AFB.

Below is a good article showing his stats and on a more personal level how he has matured. I feel that he's ready to take his game to the next level . What do you guys think?

https://www.nrl.com/news/2018/02/28/addin-fonua-blake-has-bright-future-at-manly-sea-eagles/

What is the extent of Lussick's injury by the way ???

 

[Spartan Eagle]

What is the extent of Lussick's injury by the way ???

Last i heard he would be out for 4-6 weeks. I don't know if that includes pre-season. That was announced on Feb 19.

 

[The Indian]

If AFB goes to that next level like many think he will this year , with Marty we have pretty much the best starting front row in the league over the next few seasons.

 

[Dee Why Eagle]

lost JWH when he was young & promising...
AFB may make up for that

 

[TimmyQ]

lost JWH when he was young & promising...
AFB may make up for that

What will take Addin from a good player to the elite level will be when he hits the ball 'on the burst' more regularly. Its amazing he makes 5 + post contact metres sometimes virtually ambling into the defensive line. Get pumping those legs hard big fella before the line and you'll be another Taumalolo 😉

 

[Fluffy]

What will take Addin from a good player to the elite level will be when he hits the ball 'on the burst' more regularly. Its amazing he makes 5 + post contact metres sometimes virtually ambling into the defensive line. Get pumping those legs hard big fella before the line and you'll be another Taumalolo 😉

you must have missed the stats, Taumalolololo is about a metre behind AFB

 

[TimmyQ]

you must have missed the stats, Taumalolololo is about a metre behind AFB

I know the stats mate and hes #1 - I was saying if he actually gets a head of steam up before making all those post contact metres he'd be even more effective. Simples!

 

[ALinda]

Top thread, well said @Spartan Eagle. AFB seems to have matured and stepped up from 2017, perhaps since playing in the World Cup. He's certainly been one of our best in both the trial games and hopefully this augurs well for 2018 for AFB.

 

[Class of 96]

I reckon you’re right on the money Spartan. This kid is bloody good already and has his best years ahead of him. With AFB and Marty on fire, we are going to seriously hurt teams.