Valente was never top 10, he might have been a pick in the late teens but definitely early 20's. I didn't think he'd slip past the Eagles first pick but he did and we get to reap the rewards.
He's a specific type of player and one we need so it works fantastically for us. We need more of those bigger bodied inside bulls like Barlow and Mundy and Valente is our man. He's a great kick too when given space similar to Mundy so he can be damaging with the footy.
I like pretty much everything about his game except maybe his pace. He can be a little flat footed and slow to accelerate but similar to a Mundy or Pendlebury, he can move sideways and create a bit of separation with his footy smarts and footwork in heavy traffic. I don't see it as a problem and with Neale and Mundy opening up a spot for him, he's just what we're after.
I reckon he's better than Foley too although Foley is home grown which is probably why the OOFTIT's preferred him. Valente is a fantastic character from all reports though so I wouldn't think a go home factor would apply, he'll expend blood, sweat and tears for the club and be one of us.
