2008 Player review - #8 James Frawley

[Demonland 72,225]

8. James Frawley [193 cm 82 kg 20.09.88 - 20 games (11 in 2008), 0 goals] - the tall young defender made slow but encouraging progress in 2008. Late in the season he was playing with more confidence and showing a lot of run out of defence. He has an awkward but effective kicking style and his defensive skills are improving all the time.

The club recently showed its faith by signing him to a further two year contract.

[waynewussell 5,764]

In 20 games I'm having trouble finding 20 moments that give me confidence in this lads future at MFC. Okay, be patient, our coaching panel certainly have been. I would welcome his 'arrival' in 2009 because he has the size and pedigree to become a versitile option. However, of all left on our list he generates the least enthusiasm from this supporter ATM.

[beelzebub 23,380]

I must confess..for a few games there I thought he was coming along...and then its all seemed to go to pot !!

Not convinced about this lad. Hopefully a good preseason (get used to reading that!! lol ) and some maturing will see him better equiped. Jury out !!

[Bring-Back-Powell 14,850]

Why do clubs sign 20 year olds on 2 year contracts who are yet to convince that they will be capable AFL players. I would've thought a 1 year contract would've been more appropriate in Frawley's (and Newton's) case. What happens if he languishes in the VFL next year...we're stuck with the player for the second year when he's actually delisting material and lacking trade currency.

I've been hard on Frawley. Hopefully he'll blossom next year and vindicate Cameron's decision in taking him at pick 12 back in 06'. I like it how he shows a bit of run and dash out of defense but can he actually stop his opponent from kicking goals? Didn't see his last few games of the year so would appreciate feedback.

[Guest Addam]

Lets be patient with Frawley. From the day he was drafted, with a very good pick, we knew it would take time for him to develop.

For now, its about giving him the right role. Dean Bailey will take care of this but at the moment I certainly dont want him on our opponents 1st, 2nd or 3rd best forward.

[H_T 3,049]

He has an awkward but effective kicking style and his defensive skills are improving all the time.

The club recently showed its faith by signing him to a further two year contract.

AN awkward kicking style much like his uncle.....hehe.

James will turn 21 years of age on Preliminary Final weekend (Saturday to be precise ), has shown steady progress. He's a big lad, designed to be perhaps a gorilla in defence. Still a fair bit of maturing to go. Let's see him progress further as he increases his strength, endurance, and skills.

[deanox 9,931]

a 20 KPD shows some promise and some poise at the top level. Body still isnt quite there but seems to have some smarts, a good punch and reasonable closing speed.

i have no problems with him getting 2 years, and I think that he is the type of player that will keep getting better as he gets older and stronger. surprised by the amount of people who want to write them off so young.

[beelzebub 23,380]

For mine the major problem I have with Frawley is that he simply seems all lost at sea at times as though the game is over whelming him at this level. Now this may abate as he gets used to it more and uses his ability..but to me, if youre going to be on that field you have to be useful, not a liability.On many days its a bit of a toss up as to which is hapening. You cant play like this .Its why were very very average on many days...not just because of him but because we have so many who are that split second behind being "IN" the game !!

Lets see if he steps up for 09

[deanox 9,931]

For mine the major problem I have with Frawley is that he simply seems all lost at sea at times as though the game is over whelming him at this level. Now this may abate as he gets used to it more and uses his ability..but to me, if youre going to be on that field you have to be useful, not a liability.On many days its a bit of a toss up as to which is hapening. You cant play like this .Its why were very very average on many days...not just because of him but because we have so many who are that split second behind being "IN" the game !!

Lets see if he steps up for 09

i agree with you somewhat although I have not noticed it to the detriment of the team. ie its not like his man gets away from him and he gets beaten. it seems to be more in attack that he gets lost, not sure whether to sit back or run forward and ending up standing somewhere in between...

[dazzledavey36 54,955]

why are people writing frawley off so sudden ffs!! he is only young and we need to be patient! if we can do it with warnock why not frawley!

[beelzebub 23,380]

i agree with you somewhat although I have not noticed it to the detriment of the team. ie its not like his man gets away from him and he gets beaten. it seems to be more in attack that he gets lost, not sure whether to sit back or run forward and ending up standing somewhere in between...

Indecision is a fatal flaw ( or is that Fraw!! lol ) at AFL level. He really needs to get his head up to speed. quite possibly the rest will develop ok and he'll become truly useful.. At the moment for me he really is just plodding. Hopefuly his potential will start coming through in 09.

Im not writing him off..Im just not ticking his boxes yet !!

[H_T 3,049]

Coaches cliche's: One week at a time, We've ticked a few boxes, We'll concentrate on this week, It comes down to attitude.

Forum posters cliche's: Needs a full pre-season under his belt,....anymore?

[Guest Addam]

Obviously its an overrused cliche but in the case of Frawley it couldnt be closer to the truth.

With every pre-season, Frawley will get stronger and slowly work his way into the body he needs to make a proper impact at AFL level.

[Homer J 0]

Wouldn't have given two years on what he's produced so far. I've been hard on him from the outset. Will gladly be proven wrong, but it wont be in 2009.

[beelzebub 23,380]

Coaches cliche's: One week at a time, We've ticked a few boxes, We'll concentrate on this week, It comes down to attitude.

Forum posters cliche's: Needs a full pre-season under his belt,....anymore?

No....they wil do it

[Deefender 232]

James Frawley has what it takes above the shoulders.

I am full of optimism for him. No worries at all; will

only get better as time passes.

[Roost It 1,434]

For mine the major problem I have with Frawley is that he simply seems all lost at sea at times as though the game is over whelming him at this level. Now this may abate as he gets used to it more and uses his ability..but to me, if youre going to be on that field you have to be useful, not a liability.On many days its a bit of a toss up as to which is hapening. You cant play like this .Its why were very very average on many days...not just because of him but because we have so many who are that split second behind being "IN" the game !!

Lets see if he steps up for 09

For [censored]'s sake, he's played seasons 2007 and 08 for the MFC as a 19 and 20 year old underdeveloped backmen. Quite simply he's had a tough gig. He'll develop just fine. He's got a brain and he shows some dash. I'd say every listed player has been a liability at times over the last 2 seasons. For mine he'll develop over the next 2-3 years as his body fills out and he becomes part of a "team" as opposed to the rabble he's been playing with the last 2 years. Much like most of our list.

[beelzebub 23,380]

For [censored] sake he's in the AFL ..not little league.. You ought not be learning yor craft at this level..it should already be there..You ought to be honing it and bringing it up to speed.. He's not.. He is still at Footy School.. Maybe he should spend more time with Casey next year.. for shits sake !!

When you step onto the AFL field..you should be able to play footy properly..he cant...yet !! but he's not alone

[Jarka 767]

For [censored] sake he's in the AFL ..not little league.. You ought not be learning yor craft at this level..it should already be there..You ought to be honing it and bringing it up to speed.. He's not.. He is still at Footy School.. Maybe he should spend more time with Casey next year.. for shits sake !!

When you step onto the AFL field..you should be able to play footy properly..he cant...yet !! but he's not alone

I've been critical of Frawley in the past, but to be truthful he is a delevoping young defender who may or may not make it. The problem occured when we decided to pick him up in the first round of his draft (<_<), he was taken far too early which has put far too much pressure on the kid. We could have picked him up much later and then let him develop without the absurd pressure, if he was a thrid or fourth rounder then we'd probably be mroe satisfied with his form.

Sadly his case is not isolated - Molan, Dunn, Frawley. All taken far too early which resulted in unfair pressure for them to perform.

[Pepe Dee Pew 0]

I was at a function not so long ago where he spoke/answered questions. He has grown to 195cm since he was drafted. Has put a few Kegs on but was first to admit he needs a quite a few more. Has maintained pace.

Given he is still growing i think he will need more time to develop.

He may end up a very tall well built, quick defender!! Lets hope.