Bailey 'Project Player' Development Plan 150

Just looking at some game statistics on the three young Melbourne project players coming through. It is widely recognised that Dean Bailey is a teacher of the game, and it thought maybe I could find a trend to how he develops his youngsters.

Here are three that I am closely watching…

GAMES 2008

Simon Buckley

ROUND 1, 2 – break - ROUNDS 8, 9, 10 – break (possibly to return this week)

Chris Johnson

ROUND 3,4 – break - 12, 13 (will most likely be in this weeks side)

Colin Garland

ROUND 1, 2, 3 – Break - 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13

It may mean nothing, but it seems Bailey is giving these kids a taste of the big time with a couple of games, shows them the standard they have to be at, sends them back to Sandy with hunger to play AFL footy, and brings them back 5 or so weeks later really wanting to play, knowing what to expect.

It’s worked for Garland, and Johnson is looking better for it. Buckley needs more work but if he comes back this weekend the trend continues.

It may seem simple but it may just be Bailey’s development plan. Giving these kids a taste, not putting the pressure on to dominate (ie Garland in his first few games), and bringing them back a month later with hunger and the standard set.

I dare say Valenti is being treated the same way… he was probably always going to be dropped, regardless of how he played. Bailey gave him the taste, then sent him back, and will bring him back a month later (ie. now)

Shane Valenti

ROUND 8, 9 – Break – (In contention this week)

Look forward to see how he handles Martin being a project player.

Sorry if this seems simple! But if a young player gets dropped, it may be a deliberate part of the development plan.

footy_minister

footy-minister along time between drinks. Your last post was in 2006 and now.

Bailey is a guru at devloping young talent. The guy knows his [censored] something Daniher struggled with.

footy-minister along time between drinks. Your last post was in 2006 and now.

You're right Neita3000... I joined demonland years ago and have read the site daily since.

I'm not much of a 'poster' though, as you can tell.

As many of us believe, Daniher's development skills are questionable to say the least. I like what Bailey has done so far.

footy_minister

Can someone explain his project plan for Jace Bode?

Good thread minister. Even though we're last I really like the way that Bailey is developing the list and how he is trying to change the (dare I say the word) 'culture' of the club.

You're right Neita3000... I joined demonland years ago and have read the site daily since.

I'm not much of a 'poster' though, as you can tell.

As many of us believe, Daniher's development skills are questionable to say the least. I like what Bailey has done so far.

footy_minister

Haha you're all good mate just noticed.

Bailey is a teacher only have to look at all his pre season mumbo jumbo.