Port Adelaide’s Connor Rozee draws comparisons to Judd, Ablett as new midfield role offers tantalising glimpse into the future
Port Adelaide midfielder Tom Rockliff has given second-year superstar Connor Rozee some high praise – comparing him to West Coast and Carlton champion and Geelong’s Gary Ablett Jnr.
Port Adelaide
Don't miss out on the headlines from Port Adelaide. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- ‘I’ll push my case’: Rozee’s bid for more midfield time
- How to get the most out of your Advertiser digital subscription
In the only AFL round that will be played for some time, Port Adelaide Rising Star runner-up Connor Rozee gave a tantalising glimpse of what life will be like as a midfielder.
The 20-year-old, who cut his teeth in his debut season last year as a forward and was edged out for the Rising Star award by Carlton’s Sam Walsh, played more than half a game as an onballer for the first time in his AFL career against Gold Coast on Saturday with stunning results.
Relive classic AFL matches from the 60s to today on KAYO SPORTS. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >
Spending 51 per cent of his time in the midfield and 49 per cent forward, Rozee ranked equal-first at Port for Champion Data ranking points with 125, alongside veteran onballer Travis Boak.
His 125 was a career-high, eclipsing the 119 he had against Sydney in round 21 last year.
The electrifying Rozee, who is fast, agile and oozes class, had 21 disposals, including 10 contested, eight score involvements, eight inside 50s, 380m gained and kicked a goal in the convincing 47-point win against the Suns.
His disposal efficiency was an elite 81 per cent.
While he did his best work in the midfield, he also ranked second at the club for forward half pressure points (30), illustrating his strong work ethic.
Rozee attended six centre bounces out of 18 in the Power-Suns clash.
Only Boak (16), Tom Rockliff (15) and Dan Houston (13) attended more.
In his 22 matches last season, Rozee spent 91 per cent of his time as a forward and just nine per cent in the midfield, winning Port’s goalkicking with 29.
But the North Adelaide SANFL product – selected at pick five at the 2018 national draft – promises to be an even better on-baller.
Midfield ball magnet Rockliff said Rozee had the world at his feet, drawing comparisons to Brownlow Medallists Chris Judd and Gary Ablett Jnr at the same age.
“Last year we saw what he could do down forward and now we’re seeing what he can do in the midfield,’’ Rockliff told The Advertiser.
“He brings a level of excitement there, speed, an ability to run and carry and take the game on and his ball use is exceptional as well.
“He can break games open and while we might only see him in patches through the midfield for the rest of this season, he’ll end up being a superstar in both positions – a player who can have a big impact around the ball and then go forward and hit the scoreboard.
“Eventually I can see him playing 70 per cent time as a midfielder and 30 per cent as a forward.
“It’s hard to compare players but there’s a little bit of Judd about him and a bit of Ablett.
“He’s such an exciting talent that I don’t see a ceiling with him at the moment and if he continues to progress in the way he projects he’s going to have an outstanding career.
“One of Connor’s great attributes – apart from his talent – is that he works so hard, he doesn’t rest and is never happy with where he’s at.
“He wants to continue to get better, which is a great mindset to have.’’
Football might be on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic but Rozee has given Power fans plenty to look forward to.