Jared Rivers – It's been well-documented that he hasn't been able to play much in the past few years, so to get 20 games out of Jared was really pleasing. He showed a lot of courage going back with the flight. Jared has become a leader in defence, particularly with Matty Whelan and Paul Wheatley not playing a lot of football this year. He really stepped up in that department. Jared only had half a pre-season and had a consistent season, so this will be a springboard for next year. He will have a bigger impact in 2010, because he is a smart player club – Sean Wellman on Melbournefc.com.au

Underestimated around D'land circles. Smart player.

Spent this year getting faith back in his body. Now lets see him raise his standards next year.

Spent this year getting faith back in his body. Now lets see him raise his standards next year.

Agree... Can't believe the criticism/lack of support from MFC fans. Rarely beaten, plays his role as well as any. Only issues have been due to injury. This is disappointing but no reason to be blind to his obvious value when on the park, which he managed to achieve for the greater part of 2009. Puts his body on the line, doesn't get pushed around, and at an age where he can have a positive influence on the younger players around him.

Underestimated around D'land circles. Smart player.

As usual I agree with you 100% HT. Rivers is a very, very, very good defender and spiritual leader at our club, the fact he got this season under his belt puts him in good stead for next year. I'm looking forward to seeing Rivers back to his 2004 form next year, my favourite player at the MFC!

Underestimated around D'land circles. Smart player.

I think it's the opposite.

Anyway, good to see Rivers finally getting out on the park for a significant amount of time.

It'll be interesting to see how he travels next year.

One of the best in the comp as the loose man.

But fans thinking he can hold down FB or CHB are kidding themselves.

I think it's the opposite.

So you think Rivers is a 'Dumb' player ?

So you think Rivers is a 'Dumb' player ?

The 'french typesetting', the misdirection - this post has it all.

well... probably wont win any more friends than I dont already have... Jared will need to have a really good preseason and really step up in '10. Iseriously think he's the most over rated player on these forums. Im not interested in what a player "might be" ...just what he IS !! Now I suppose the Jared train can reel out a plethora of excuses and reasons as to why he ISNT as good as the hype.

Hes not quick..but has a pretty sure pair of hands. He has smarts but is easily run off. I just see him differently I suppose. Happy for him to rub my nose in it in '10.. balls in his court.

One of the best in the comp as the loose man.

But fans thinking he can hold down FB or CHB are kidding themselves.

Agree. And how do you counterattack as the loose man when you lack leg speed and your disposal skills are flaky?

Lacks a few strings in the bow for mine.

Expect and hope more broadly skilled younger players fulfill what we need for the future in defence.

The 'french typesetting', the misdirection - this post has it all.

Exquisite side-step. Harv's has nothing on you.

Exquisite side-step. Harv's has nothing on you.

Haha, thanks. I don't think he's a 'dumb' footballer by any stretch.

I do think he might be the most over-rated player we have (excluding kids that are often assessed almost solely based on potential).

That's not to say that he's a bad footballer, but he doesn't take a key forward and doesn't hurt the opposition when we have the ball.

One of the best in the comp as the loose man.

But fans thinking he can hold down FB or CHB are kidding themselves.

Yeah that. He got easily out bodied and left behind on the lead far too many times this year.

It was great to see Riv. overcoming his injury woes, but IMO he is still a fair way off his best. Still has his trademark courage, ability to read the play and his marking / spoiling ability, but I think he may have lost a yard and his disposal let us down at some critical times during the season. IMO he is now clearly behind Frawley and Warnock as a tall defender, and if Garland returns to the backline, his place in our best 22 might be in doubt come the end of 2010. Let's hope he benefits from a full pre-season and returns to his very best next year.

winning the rising star was a great sign of things to come

His progress has been dissapointing and yes being injured doesnt help either

tends to mouth off when its not gaining the side anything

being agressive is fine but not to the teams detriment

Overall not a huge fan to be honest

Handy player at best with flashes of brilliance

Easily Melbourne's best defender.

winning the rising star was a great sign of things to come

His progress has been dissapointing and yes being injured doesnt help either

tends to mouth off when its not gaining the side anything

being agressive is fine but not to the teams detriment

Overall not a huge fan to be honest

Handy player at best with flashes of brilliance

well summed up...

& hardly our best defender.

Easily Melbourne's best defender.

agree

Easily Melbourne's best defender.

Not any more

Easily Melbourne's best defender.

Yep. 2004 to 2006 perhaps.

It's 2009 Clint.

Not in my top 3 tall defenders.

Rivers is a good footballer and Frawley is catching up to his level with some really promising development. Although Warnock battles hard I feel his the most ovveratted footballer. No one outside of Melbourne actually rates this guy because he has no offense side to his game. His decision making is disgraceful and way below AFL standard. Defensively he is solid and always battles hard but he is the worst decision maker. Sometimes he doesnt even make a decsison and just handballs erratically. In this day and age I dont feel its acceptable. How the hell did he finish fourth in our best and fairest last year let only keep Frawley out of the side.

A full pre season will silence the doubters. A great player that we are lucky to have.

His leg speed isnt good which prevents him playing on talls like Fevola and Riewoldt.

This pre-season he hopefully becomes quicker. If not, he should continue playing the same role Maxwell has for Collingwood.