Another impressive display from Viv last night. Since he has come into the side I thought he has played really well. Wins the ball inside and outside and actually is a pretty decent kick of the ball. Hopefully this form gives him greater confidence going into pre season and he attacks all summer.

I could see him being in our best 22 next year if he has a good run at it.

Thoughts.

I thought he was decent in the first few games, I've pretty much thought of him as a first year player since he pretty much had never played.

The last few games he has done well, I see a lot of upside. Seems pretty good in traffic and doesn't panic.

It's not hard to see why he was so highly rated by freo fans and staff

Michie is a keeper for sure

He actually looked to hit targets in a manner vaguely similar to Cotchin - dinky little 20-30m hit-up passes.

He didn't follow up the way Cotchin does, however.

Unfortunately, this meant that nine times out of ten the person he passed to then sat on it like an egg rather than keep the ball moving.

Michie gets a pass though, as at least he has shown he can get the ball and not immediately turn it over.

He actually looked to hit targets in a manner vaguely similar to Cotchin - dinky little 20-30m hit-up passes.

He didn't follow up the way Cotchin does, however.

Unfortunately, this meant that nine times out of ten the person he passed to then sat on it like an egg rather than keep the ball moving.

Michie gets a pass though, as at least he has shown he can get the ball and not immediately turn it over.

Trouble is that we turn it over so many times that any player following up tends to see the ball sail over their head as it is rebounded from the turnover. The same happens a lot at Casey. I also think they have been assigned a player and they are concentrating on that player to the detriment of any attacking moves. Its like watching 18 taggers at times. Have a look at how often players are not watching the ball, run past the opposition who have the ball, swiveling their heads looking for their man. No attack, purely defense hence no scores.

I think that the more and more Mich plays, the more he will look comfortable as an AFL player.

I take two huge positives out of his game:

1. He is able to find the footy, he doesnt languish around 12 disposals (not usually), but rather goes and collects the hard footy.

2. He has good hands and great awareness. Both are key to making a quality midfielder.

I think we could have a really good footballer on hands here.

Runs hard, takes first option, hits targets. Already ahead of half the list. Will be dangerous when he builds a tank.

Yes. Good signs. Michie is one on my list for Round 1, 2015.

Let's drop him to Casey for first half of the next season so that he comes back second guessing and shot.

It you had to choose whether Michie or our other speculative recruit in Riley would go and cement a best 22 spot you'd probably back Michie.

Runs hard, takes first option, hits targets. Already ahead of half the list. Will be dangerous when he builds a tank.

And confidence. Only played 5 games and probably finish with 6. He is a bit of an introvert and will benefit from these last 4 games. In my opinion was kept in the magoos too long which dented his confidence. They learn nothing in the 2s.Same goes for Salem. Not sold on JKH yet but he would benefit from playing in the ones.

It you had to choose whether Michie or our other speculative recruit in Riley would go and cement a best 22 spot you'd probably back Michie.

Just glad they both look like actual footballers

This is an upgrade over Blease, Tapscott, Strauss, Nicholson etc etc

Just glad they both look like actual footballers

This is an upgrade over Blease, Tapscott, Strauss, Nicholson etc etc

Riley disposal is pretty poor. Wouldn't call him an upgrade.

Edited August 24, 201410 yr by dazzledavey36

Good player. Enough said.

Viv won't ever be a game-breaker, but he's streets ahead of most of our list in the simple fact that he rarely stuffs it up. He wins his own ball, has good hands and can be trusted to make a decent decision and hit his target over 30-40m.

Riley disposal is pretty poor. Wouldn't call him an upgrade.

I think Riley's disposal problems comes from his work rate, rather than lack of concentration and effort unlike others on our list. As he gets more support and a better fitness base things will improve. His tackling is elite as is his attack on the ball. Also can kick a goal. Plenty of upside I believe.

Riley disposal is pretty poor. Wouldn't call him an upgrade.

Maybe on occasion at AFL level but his disposal was quite good today.

The Cotchin comparison was a good one. The fact that he spent most of the season at Casey is pretty telling. If we cant get the extra yard side of his game up and running, the two-way running, spreading and the defensive efforts, it'll say more about the MFC development than Michie, IMO. He really looks to have the right tools (minus the speed factor) but is slowly learning about the bigger picture.

Viv won't ever be a game-breaker, but he's streets ahead of most of our list in the simple fact that he rarely stuffs it up. He wins his own ball, has good hands and can be trusted to make a decent decision and hit his target over 30-40m.

Sounds like A Paul Roos special.

Viv won't ever be a game-breaker, but he's streets ahead of most of our list in the simple fact that he rarely stuffs it up. He wins his own ball, has good hands and can be trusted to make a decent decision and hit his target over 30-40m.

This i agree with, completely. However, what he will eventually do, is help our potential game-breakers (such as Tyson, N Jones.. ext). By help, i mean, give them the ball from the inside.

Some weeks we may not notice how well he is playing, but rather, will be an unsung hero.

Here's my observation from a Casey game, late June vs Williamstown. The action I describe took place within about 20-30m of where I was standing. :

#163 bjDee

Back on the topic of today's game, I had a good look at Michie at times today. In no way did he do enough to be considered for promotion but gee he shows some good old fashioned footy skills. Saw him shark the ball and look upfield for a disposal option. Hard against the boundary, downwind, kicking against the wind. Willy players coming at him from the left side. He was about to dispose, then pulled the ball in and sidestepped one player coming in from his left. Was about to dispose again, and again another enemy came flying in from the left. Michie at the last minute baulked and sidestepped a second time and then sent the ball forward cleanly to a contest further along the boundary, having no other real options. It happened within the space of about 2-3 seconds but looked so smooth and beautiful to watch.

Looks to me like he has some serious talent. Wish he could get amongst it more and really prove his worth.

I missed the West Coast game, but I've been impressed with Michie since he's come back into the side. The one thing I've noticed about all the Roos recruits is they all exhibit great balance. Salem, JKH and even Riley. Viv is no exception.

Another impressive display from Viv last night. Since he has come into the side I thought he has played really well. Wins the ball inside and outside and actually is a pretty decent kick of the ball. Hopefully this form gives him greater confidence going into pre season and he attacks all summer.

I could see him being in our best 22 next year if he has a good run at it.

Thoughts.

Not sure about Michie yet - think he needs to improve a bit - that said - he is way ahead of a a great number of the others.

A positive out of tonight is Viv playing well again. A full pre season and I reckon he will be in our best 22 next year. His disposal by foot is actually quite good.

Cant wait to see him play more games next year.