Most improved so far this season?

[Jarka 767]

Three quarters of the way into the season and I've got a feeling the club will start to manage the list more now (ie tanking ), so which players do you nominate as most improved?

Grimes - I can feel a bit of mancrush coming on

Frawley - Ok, I admit it, I wrote him off last year. I still think he's got a bit to go with his decision making and disposal but he's turning into a solid defender.

Sylvia - Still has the odd brain fart but he's starting to get his head in the right place. His highs have been sensational, but what's more impressive is his lows are becoming less regular.

Moloney - Love his passion and developing into a real leader.

[Jerry Lundergard 420]

I would have to say Bate has improved his consistency this season. He got dropped late last season, so it's been a welcome return to form for the Master.

Frawley has definitely stepped up this year, and Garlands injury has probably fast tracked his development by having him play on more dangerous forwards this season.

[jabberwocky 2,301]

Agree with all of those.

Mark Jamar despite being injured for much of the year has had a fair impact in the games he has played, including those against good opposition. Makes me believe that if he can stay on the park and nail a few set shots he would become one of the better ruckmen in the comp.

[deeflog 679]

Would have loved to have seen more of Meesan and Spencer, we know what we are going to get from Russian and although i think he has improved himself he can not be relied upon as a stand a lone ruckman.

Petterd has shown some improvement in a different position, and may have found his position

But for mine the most improved is Frawley. I can't think of an opponent that has totally dominated him this season, big or small.

[Doggo 32]

Frawley for me. Just looks so much stronger and has exceptional balance now. Was always going to ground in body contests in previous years. This year his balance has been a feature of his game.

Sylvia also deserves a mention. Prior to his turnaround, people were writing him off as a lazy, no-talent hack. I think it's fair to say he far from that, and if he can continue to improve and stay consistent, he'll be one of our best in years to come.

Edit: Don't know how anyone has missed it, myself included, but how about Aaron Davey's improvement this year?!

Has gone from a flashy, inconsistent small forward/occasional wingman, who many wanted to trade, to a reliable running utility capable of playing a number of roles, and arguably our best player. Definitely our most skilled.

If we were a better team, he'd be a monty for AA selection.

I was also thinking about Moloney, but i believe his form prior to doing his shoulder last year was pretty good (would've been close to leading the b&f at that stage), so he hasn't so much improved other than in terms of fitness/staying on the park. IMO he's showing now what i've always believed he was capable of, but couldn't do because of injury.

Edited July 21, 2009 by Doggo

[Hannabal 4]

Three quarters of the way into the season and I've got a feeling the club will start to manage the list more now (ie tanking ), so which players do you nominate as most improved?

Grimes - I can feel a bit of mancrush coming on

Frawley - Ok, I admit it, I wrote him off last year. I still think he's got a bit to go with his decision making and disposal but he's turning into a solid defender.

Sylvia - Still has the odd brain fart but he's starting to get his head in the right place. His highs have been sensational, but what's more impressive is his lows are becoming less regular.

Moloney - Love his passion and developing into a real leader.

It's a good list. Add davey.

Sylvia for me.

[rpfc 28,306]

Good thread, Jarka.

Before mentioning players, and a lot have already been mentioned, I will say the biggest improvement has been handballing across the board.

I know we still are not great, and our gameplan demands almost flawless distribution by hand, but handballing last year was a debacle.

Davey, Moloney, Warnock, and Rivers have been everpresent which is fantastic. Davey would be on AA radar if we would have won a few more games. And Beamer would be firming for next years captaincy by the week.

Frawley, Bate, Sylvia, and Jones have also improved and been more consistent. It's amazing to think that a few months ago posters thought Bate should be dropped. He's kicked 17 goals in his last eight games.

And then there are those that have come out of nowhere to impress - Grimes, Jurrah, Jetta, Bennell, and Cheney.

Morton and Petterd have, this year, played their best games and their worst games of their short careers but their talent is there to see and, hopefully, these two stay at Melbourne as both will be heavily courted by GC17.

It's unfortunate that the worth of a season can revolve around one win, but that is where my head is at the moment. But, we have seen some great signs this season regardless of what we get in November.

[rpfc 28,306]

I missed the point of the thread didn't I?

Davey and Frawley have taken huge strides - but it would be difficult to go past Sylvia.

He is coming off a low base though...

[45HG 1,539]

Tough question to answer, in terms of nailing down the criteria.

I wouldnt say Grimes, as we always thought he was gold and he has simply had the chance to show his glorious ways. (Though I suppose if you compare his season with his game last year then you could, but I wouldn't).

Sylvia would be close to it. Was pushing into form last year but couldn't quite hit it, but had 7 very good weeks (3 blinders and 4 good games). As I said a few weeks ago, however, if he doesn't return to the side in good form it would merely be 1/3 of a good season.

Moloney has improved significantly. Uses the ball better and smarter IMO, is improving in his role and finding more of the ball.

Frawley has been very good. I thought he had it in him, he is beginning to display the positive elements of his game on a regular, more balanced, basis. For instance his attack on the ball is being tempered with his ability to mind an opponent effectively.

Meesen would've been a shoo in.

I would argue that Petterd isn't the most improved - again, he's showing the similar positives we had all previously seen in him, it's just that he's now showing them in damaging situations.

Aaron Davey - not quite in the white hot form that he began in, and the role he was being used in was a little bit controversial and arguable to its merits. His was a career seemingly going backwards IMO, this year has proved that he is versatile with improvement left in his game/role.

Bate - becomming a more consistent player.

All-in-all: I have no clue. But would probably go with throwing a hat over a few. For the fun of the exercise, I will go with Frawley as he seems to tick the traditional boxes of the award (young player, struggled to find a spot previously, held down a post, massive improvement in his game).

[Doggo 32]

Meesen would've been a shoo in.

I'd agree with that, although he could've done absolutely ANYTHING and it would've been an improvement on the crap he served up last year. He was hardly even VFL standard.

That was a low base if ever there was one...

[Adam The God 30,174]

I would have to say Bate has improved his consistency this season. He got dropped late last season, so it's been a welcome return to form for the Master.

Yep, I agree. The start to his year, from about Round 1 to 5 or 6 wasn't great, but since then, he's been regularly kicking goals. He seems to have developed a little bit of footy smarts too. I thought his thought process was slow last year and his decision making therefore poor, but this year, he seems to be making less mistakes and hopefully that continues. He's also improved his set shot, out of sight this year. IMO, he was a bet shot on the run last year, but now I believe he's better from a set shot. But to be honest, I'd back him from almost anywhere on the 'G.

I've been very impressed with Grimes' development and improvement. While, Morton has come on leaps and bounds. With another 30 or 40 games under both their belts, they'll be great players.

Meesen also showed something, but more impressively, Jamar has easily been our best ruckman. He's even been taking pack marks!

[deeflog 679]

Yep, I agree. The start to his year, from about Round 1 to 5 or 6 wasn't great, but since then, he's been regularly kicking goals. He seems to have developed a little bit of footy smarts too. I thought his thought process was slow last year and his decision making therefore poor, but this year, he seems to be making less mistakes and hopefully that continues. He's also improved his set shot, out of sight this year. IMO, he was a bet shot on the run last year, but now I believe he's better from a set shot. But to be honest, I'd back him from almost anywhere on the 'G.

I've been very impressed with Grimes' development and improvement. While, Morton has come on leaps and bounds. With another 30 or 40 games under both their belts, they'll be great players.

Meesen also showed something, but more impressively, Jamar has easily been our best ruckman. He's even been taking pack marks!

Just on Bate, i really think he struggles having the oppositions 1st or 2nd best defender on him, he needs a Robbo, Jurrah or hopefully Watts around him to be that 3rd forward option which he really likes

[Hellaintabadplacetobe 4,294]

Yep, I agree. The start to his year, from about Round 1 to 5 or 6 wasn't great, but since then, he's been regularly kicking goals. He seems to have developed a little bit of footy smarts too. I thought his thought process was slow last year and his decision making therefore poor, but this year, he seems to be making less mistakes and hopefully that continues. He's also improved his set shot, out of sight this year. IMO, he was a bet shot on the run last year, but now I believe he's better from a set shot. But to be honest, I'd back him from almost anywhere on the 'G.

I've been very impressed with Grimes' development and improvement. While, Morton has come on leaps and bounds. With another 30 or 40 games under both their belts, they'll be great players.

Meesen also showed something, but more impressively, Jamar has easily been our best ruckman. He's even been taking pack marks!

Frawley easily! Bate, was playing very good footy 2 years ago, had an ordinary year last year and the start of this year but has stepped back up in the past 5 or 6 weeks. For me I can`t say he has improved when he has simply got back to what we know he can do and IMO can still do better yet!

Chip on the other hand barely raised a yelp last year and looked totally out of his depth. He has totally transformed this year, bulked up, and now takes on his opponent on a regular basis. Great to see his progression after thinking he just might not make it!

Sylvia deserevs a mention. Has been fantastic this year

[Adam The God 30,174]

Frawley easily! Bate, was playing very good footy 2 years ago, had an ordinary year last year and the start of this year but has stepped back up in the past 5 or 6 weeks. For me I can`t say he has improved when he has simply got back to what we know he can do and IMO can still do better yet!

Chip on the other hand barely raised a yelp last year and looked totally out of his depth. He has totally transformed this year, bulked up, and now takes on his opponent on a regular basis. Great to see his progression after thinking he just might not make it!

Sylvia deserevs a mention. Has been fantastic this year

Wow, I forgot about Frawley! I agree. He's had a great year. And Colin had a fantastic month and a bit of footy.

[flog 20]

Frawley easily, would go close to most improved in the AFl

[Einstein 1]

I think it's a good sign that we can easily name a good handful of players that we believe has improved this season.

Clearly Davey, Sylvia and Frawley are the standouts.

I also like the way Bate has battled through the season. It's been a tough task working weekly up in our forwardline and he is going to be a far better player once we get some targets around him. But even still he leads our goalkicking currently with 23 and leads us in goal assists with 15 which is equal 13th in the league.

Of the youngsters, well it's hard to say Grimes since we didn't really see him last season all but one game, but he looks like he's on a steady improvement from week to week.

And although he only played a handful of games, I really liked what I saw of Maric this year. I think he's going to be a very good player.

[dee-luded 2,959]

2. Nathan Jones - an improved year

4. Jack Watts - shown raw talent

5. Brock McLean - guts with injuries

7. Brad Miller - just steadily going

8. James Frawley - coming of age

10. Cale Morton - on & off

12. Colin Sylvia - starting to mature

16. Jack Grimes - climbing that beanstalk

18. Brad Green - showing courage/leardership

19. Addam Maric - more time needed

20. Colin Garland - pain for gain

22. Brent Moloney - flying the flag

25. Kyle Cheney - will be player

26. John Meesen - what a surprise

27. Jared Rivers - I'm not sure

29. Michael Newton - learning to play

30. Tom McNamara - a class lad

33. Austin Wonaeamirri - pain for gain

34. Stefan Martin - filling in nicely

36. Aaron Davey - another stringed bow

37. Matthew Warnock - rock of gibraltar

39. Neville Jetta - showing some promise

40. Mark Jamar - starting to mature

41. Rohan Bail - an interesting prospect

43. Jamie Bennell - run 'n' carry

46. Sam Blease - next years project

47. James Strauss - looking forward 2010

48. Liam Jurrah - the best story

Rookies:

42. Jake Spencer - looking forward 2010

49. Jordie McKenzie - with baited breath

50. Rhys Healey - haven't seen enough

1. Simon Buckley? - I'm not sure

3. Clint Bartram? - guts 'n' heart

6. Matthew Bate? - good last month

11. Paul Johnson? - I'm not sure

14. Lynden Dunn? - good he's learning

15. Ricky Petterd? - guts 'n' heart

21. Daniel Bell - good he's learning

23. James McDonald - guts 'n' heart

24. Russell Robertson - thanks for inspiration

31. Paul Wheatley - time will tell

32. Cameron Bruce? - good last month

45. Matthew Whelan? - flying the flag

35. Trent Zomer - where to start

38. Danny Hughes - courage under fire

44. Shane Valenti? - gutsy in under

[flog 20]

I think it's a good sign that we can easily name a good handful of players that we believe has improved this season.

And although he only played a handful of games, I really liked what I saw of Maric this year. I think he's going to be a very good player.

Really agree with your first coment but cant agree on maric. I have been hoping to see a bit from him since he arrived but to date not much has really impressed me. Turned the ball over frequently and couldn't get into the game for long enough. Agree he could be a good player but is one that needs to lift

[Roost It 1,434]

1. Frawley

2. Sylvia

3. Davey

others improving or showing good signs: Jurrah, Grimes, Petterd, Bate, Bennel, Jetta, Watts.

[beelzebub 23,313]

Three quarters of the way into the season and I've got a feeling the club will start to manage the list more now (ie tanking ), so which players do you nominate as most improved?

Grimes - I can feel a bit of mancrush coming on

Frawley - Ok, I admit it, I wrote him off last year. I still think he's got a bit to go with his decision making and disposal but he's turning into a solid defender.

Sylvia - Still has the odd brain fart but he's starting to get his head in the right place. His highs have been sensational, but what's more impressive is his lows are becoming less regular.

Moloney - Love his passion and developing into a real leader.

I mentioned elsewhere Im still not convinced Beamer is there... but he's definitely heading in the right direction. Grimes , Sylvia (sigh) and Frawley as mentioned by yourself have come on.

Jurrah just gets better....so we better just rest him..lol.

I think the standout this year in many ways is Aaron Davey. He has definitley takenb it upon himself to realise all he can be. He does this under the glare and gaze of all and sundry. That takes guts. He has for mine, been the spiritual leader of this clan all year. If the club felt inclined to reward him with a cap id be certainly an approver.

Before his injury even Meesen seemd to be taking a step forward and the Russian is answering his critics ( ummm.. I'll just be over there.. ) and playing much more a multi faceted game.

There are others but these come to mind.

[beelzebub 23,313]

Really agree with your first coment but cant agree on maric. I have been hoping to see a bit from him since he arrived but to date not much has really impressed me. Turned the ball over frequently and couldn't get into the game for long enough. Agree he could be a good player but is one that needs to lift

[censored]..wait til Maric is fit... he WILL become something quite special.

[H_T 3,043]

Three quarters of the way into the season and I've got a feeling the club will start to manage the list more now (ie tanking ), so which players do you nominate as most improved?

Grimes - I can feel a bit of mancrush coming on

Frawley - Ok, I admit it, I wrote him off last year. I still think he's got a bit to go with his decision making and disposal but he's turning into a solid defender.

Sylvia - Still has the odd brain fart but he's starting to get his head in the right place. His highs have been sensational, but what's more impressive is his lows are becoming less regular.

Moloney - Love his passion and developing into a real leader.

Good summary. Mine are Grimes, Sylvia, Frawley, Davey. Moloney for mine has always been the same, it's just he is now injury free and playing consistent footy.

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

1. Grimes

2. Sylvia

3. Frawley

4. Davey

5. Warnock

6. Jamar

7. Moloney

8. Martin

[Adam The God 30,174]

What do we think of Morton's season, as we don't seem to be mentioning him much?

[beelzebub 23,313]

Cales progress has been good, but intermiitant. He needs to solidify his presence out there and impact. He's doing ok ( but for a few less memorable games ) and I think we often foget he's only 19. He'll be far more polished come his 50th