Expectations of our Players 2009 Part 1

[jabberwocky 2,301]

Just recording my thoughts. Obviously I am going of be off the mark with a few come the end of the year.

BAIL

Expected to play senior footy in 2009. Bailey has certainly endorsed him as one who will "surprise a few". I think he will get opportunities possibly with some tagging or defensive roles. He is said to have the engine for the these jobs. Will be competing with Dunn, Bartram and possibly Bell for this role.

BARTRAM

Has the pace, engine and intensity. Struggles with decision making and skills. If our list improves as I believe it should will be on the fringe of selection come the middle of the year.

BATE

Has shown the ability to mark strongly and kick goals from 50. Will get a lot of opportunity purely because we do not have a lot of players with this abilty. Doesn't get off the ground by a long way. Some have noted his poor turning circle and his difficulties below his knees. He has a lot of upside but needs to improve his consistency. Hopefully this will come with confidence and perhaps a better structure and more influential midfield.

BELL

Like Bartram but with more of an upside physically. His decision making and excecution really worry me. Like Bartram I expect that he may struggle to hold down a senior position, especially with the emergence of several promising defenders.

BENNELL

Another player endorsed by the coach. Said to have all the attributes of a classy half back/wingman. We definitely need this type of player moving into the future.

BLEASE

From the clips I have seen and the descriptions given he sounds like a Dale Thomas type. Don't expect to see him this year.

BRUCE

Gets the pill, moves well in traffic. Disposal is not elite but not nearly as bad as some here would believe. Like many of our players I feel gets tarred with the "can't" kick brush because of a lack of system and limited options up the ground due to an inexperienced and fearful footy team.

BUCKLEY

One of the few players in our team with the strength and pace to really break the lines and beat opposition zones. In a footy team with more system, confidence and upfield winners could be a very dangerous player. Really exciting prospect. I would like to see him continuing to lay tackles, spoils, apply pressure. Probably our most athletically rounded midfielder.

CHENEY

Surprised me with his marking strength and skills in the NAB cup game. Looks composed and courageous. Possibly has some physical deficiencies (pace) that may prevent him from taking the next step, but may end up a reliable cover for injuries and will put pressure on Bartram and Bell purely because he is a beter "footballer".

DAVEY

We want the ball in his hands. Has great skills and makes good decisions. With Buckley the only other player capable of putting a hole in the oppositions' zones with his pace and elusion. I believe that either a lack of endurance or fear of injury (hamstrings) prevent him from wreaking the havoc on opposition teams that he could. If he averages 25 touches for the year we will have a greatly improved result, if he can stay on the park.

DUNN

Despite the calls for him to be played as a tall forward I don't believe he has the tools. Looks all at sea in marking contests. Was a good tagger last season but needs to do more. Has the physical attributes but there is something missing. Seems like a determined individual but perhaps lacks intensity in a tough contest. May find himself on the fringe midyear if other players put thier hands' up.

FRAWLEY

So far has failed to put his hand up and own a position. Has been touted a a KPP by some and also as a running flanker but has so far not been able to own either role. Hopefully with increased strength and confidence he will improve, and i think he will. Has shown pre-season that he is more equipped mentally and physically to push into the side to become part of a very competitive defensive unit, perhaps from the pine.

GARLAND

Has surprised everybody with his rapid devlopment. A player who has the athletic ability, brains and skills to play any position, a true utility. Also a very determined individual. If he continues his current development could really be a top line player.

GREEN

Regardless of what people say, is one of the most courageous at the club. A very good player who can play in most position and does it well. Would like to see him spend more time up forward this year, especially as we look to have other options in the backline. Could kick 30-40 goals if we stay competitive for the year.

GRIMES

Heartbreak for the kid to have a recurrence of his injury. He looks to have the class and brains to be a very good player. I really hope that injury doesn't prevent him for reaching the heights.

JAMAR

The big hearted ruckman tries hard and puts in. Struggles skill wise and not as mobile as the modern ruckman needs to be. Doesn't have the athleticism or height to mix it with the top line ruckmen. Can take a mark occasionally in the forward line but often shanks the kick. Is a stopgap ruckman until a better option presents(see Jake Spencer).

JETTA

I like everything I hear about this kid and apparently has his fair share of mongrel which we really need. Can apparently run, kick, mark, tackle and kick a goal. All sounds great! From Bailey's comments I don't expect him to play much senior footy this year but he may be the sort of player who cant be ignored for selection.

JOHNSON

Has all the attributes but for some reason can't consistently take a game by the scruff of the neck. He has pace, endurance, strength and can take a grab. Hasn't been able to consistently perform in the fwd line. Has upside as a ruckman as a extra midfielder but cant match it with the big ruckmen especially at the bounces. Will be used as second ruck/fwd this year but would like to see him played as a marking wingman ala Richo. I like him, he needs to do more.

JONES

A player who in my opinion struggled with the expectations that he put on himself last year. He wins the footy, can sometimes crash through with strength and is a good kick. He needs to understand that he cant do all of these things all of the time. Would help to have a stronger midfield and some handball options around him. Is a very good footballer and with some mental reprogramming will make huge inroads this year.

[mo64 5,874]

....

Good work dandeeman. Hard to disagree with any of your assessments.

[angryfijian 25]

I concur with your thoughts.

[Lil_red_fire_engine 11,177]

Just recording my thoughts. Obviously I am going of be off the mark with a few come the end of the year.

JONES

A player who in my opinion struggled with the expectations that he put on himself last year. He wins the footy, can sometimes crash through with strength and is a good kick. He needs to understand that he cant do all of these things all of the time. Would help to have a stronger midfield and some handball options around him. Is a very good footballer and with some mental reprogramming will make huge inroads this year.

Already off the mark with this one......................

[titan_uranus 25,020]

Must agree with BRFE above.