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Posted (edited)

I agree with 'Monoccular' ... "The team" is where we'll hopefully see the greatest improvement (and in particular, our style of play)

Nathan Jones might take it up to another level or 2 (he's our best player but you can always get better)

For dramatic improvement, it could be any number of players ... Watts, Trengove, Toumpas, Viney, Frawley, Grimes and McDonald could all get a lot better. Hopefully Frawley can recapture his 2010 form. Garland is another one who can take it to another level.

There's quite a number in all reality. The upside is that there aren't many of our players who can't improve their own game quite substantially (leaving aside all our new players, where it's difficult to make a judgement)

Roos should be able to get the best out of the better players and also, get the most out of the rest. We'll need 6 players to have 'A' grade years if we're going to march up the ladder (or close to 'A' grade years - in other words, 6 players need to have very good season's)... it's entirely possible.

The other vital position where we need to get a lot better is our main Ruckman/Follower. Someone has to make that position his own without any fear of his spot being questioned. If all our tall timber are fit it might be Clark (if he's fit) Otherwise, one of our ruckmen has to put his hand up and start having a real influence.

Edited by Macca
  • Like 3

Posted (edited)

The interesting part about improvement is that given good structures and a game plan that can be executed, improvement becomes easier.

For example - Jordie McKenzie - limited talent. Undeniably courageous and will always be found at the bottom of the pack.

For the last two years we have had zero spread so he would get the ball and see nothing but congestion and our players standing next to him with opponents on them.

Watching the likes of Cross and Vince peel off on Friday night - seeing some spread gives the likes of McKenzie more simple options than he hasn't had for the last two years.

That may mean that he will become a better player not because of more ability but because of playing in a better team.

It is not coincidence that players at Hawthorn and Geelong improve rapidly - some players that I would venture are no better than some on our list. They shine because of disciplined structures.

Edited by nutbean
  • Like 4
Posted

Howe was impressive. Gets my vote with Dom Barry the bolter.

I'm not a bookie but I'm pretty confident that Dom Barry wont play a senior game in 2014 .He needs another year at least at Casey. He was so raw last year that I really think this year is equivalent to his first year.

Posted

The interesting part about improvement is that given good structures and a game plan that can be executed, improvement becomes easier.

For example - Jordie McKenzie - limited talent. Undeniably courageous and will always be found at the bottom of the pack.

For the last two years we have had zero spread so he would get the ball and see nothing but congestion and our players standing next to him with opponents on them.

Watching the likes of Cross and Vince peel off on Friday night - seeing some spread gives the likes of McKenzie more simple options than he hasn't had for the last two years.

That may mean that he will become a better player not because of more ability but because of playing in a better team.

It is not coincidence that players at Hawthorn and Geelong improve rapidly - some players that I would venture are no better than some on our list. They shine because of disciplined structures.

And the Good players around them!

  • Like 1

Posted (edited)

"Most improved" is always a bit of a double edged sword, or a trick question.

Does it mean someone who had a real cr@p year becoming ordinary, or someone who had a really good year becoming absolutely brilliant?

That is why i picked THE TEAM.

Edited by monoccular
Posted

Considering How we went last year Maybe the better question is who will reach AFL standard

Posted

My first Supercoach selection for this year was Frawley because with a decent coach, and some midfielders who know how to defensively spread, he will be back to his arrogant, monstering, attacking football.

But Trenners will be our most improved by a long way. A full preseason, no captaincy burden, and some other good footballers in the midfield to help him and Jones. At his best he is intelligent, has great vision, is a very good mark, is a great kick for goal, and a mongrel when he tackles.


Posted

And the Good players around them!

probably the biggest point that I didnt articulate too well.

Posted (edited)

I agree with most that it will be one of the following:

Trengove

Grimes

Toump

Strauss

Howe

Dawes

I still have my doubts with regards to Watts ability to put head over ball. Thats what I will be looking for in the Geelong game.

I think Viney will lead from the front - but thats no real big surprise - was great when he got on the park last year.

Also expecting a big year from Tyson - but he wasn't here last year so doesnt really count (Michie - same).

Edited by Young Dee

Posted

My first Supercoach selection for this year was Frawley because with a decent coach, and some midfielders who know how to defensively spread, he will be back to his arrogant, monstering, attacking football.

But Trenners will be our most improved by a long way. A full preseason, no captaincy burden, and some other good footballers in the midfield to help him and Jones. At his best he is intelligent, has great vision, is a very good mark, is a great kick for goal, and a mongrel when he tackles.

Mine was Watts, he should rack them up as a midfielder.

Can be picked either down back - or up forward - in the supercoach.

Vince, Tyson, Hogan and JKH look the goods as well.


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