Josh did well to finish 14th after playing just 14 games. I liked the look of him as another rebounding half back flanker alongside Jayden Hunt. 

He was dropped and never played again this season. Did he fall out of favour with the match selectors? Will he remain on our list next year? What do others think on this one?

Did well during the first half of the year. I like him a lot, but I feel like he'll struggle getting a game with the likely recruitment of Hibberd and the return of Melksham.

16 minutes ago, Demon Jack said:

Did well during the first half of the year. I like him a lot, but I feel like he'll struggle getting a game with the likely recruitment of Hibberd and the return of Melksham.

Agreed.

Not much question on his retention on the list, though.  Second year on the rookie list for me.  

2 hours ago, Bobby McKenzie said:

Did he fall out of favour with the match selectors? 

Knee injury

 

Tired out badly towards the end even to the point at Casey as well.

Expecting a big year next year and one that i think will surprise a few around here.

I spoke to him at a function near the end of the season, just ran out of petrol after coming from NEAFL part time to AFL full time, coaches didn't want to break him, so rested, didn't have an injury as such, we joked that the only part of his body that wasn't sore were his eyebrows

Thanks, Saty.

it can be a massive step up in level to the AFL.  Surprised guys like Clarrie just keep on going ( even he was managed).  Think Josh is a definite keeper, and showed some really good stuff early in the season.  A nice rest, building his tank in the off season and getting ready for 2017 is in order.  

I think that there is a whole clutch of players that can come through as line-breaking half/back wingers, and another group of guys coming through as grunt inside mids.  This should give us great flexibility and options, and should support the Kamaze game style.  Just need to build the skills and awareness to reduce the errors. 

 

3 hours ago, Satyriconhome said:

I spoke to him at a function near the end of the season, just ran out of petrol after coming from NEAFL part time to AFL full time, coaches didn't want to break him, so rested, didn't have an injury as such, we joked that the only part of his body that wasn't sore were his eyebrows

So cute.

Players often say that peer recognition is the most satisfying. Clubs make nominations for the different categories.  The awards are decided all players in the comp.  http://www.aflplayers.com.au/

Warning Alert: picket fence - turn away now!

MFC nominees:  BEST FIRST YEAR NOMINEE: Josh Wagner

Interesting that Wagner got the nod ahead of Oliver for with 14/13 games played respectively.  Obviously highly thought of.  This suggests (to me) Wagner will be offered a contract on the main list for next year.

This nomination and that he has played a heap of games injured shows that he may become a very valuable player for us.

Went under the Demonland radar a bit in the second half.

Well done to him for winning this nomination especially as he did it as a Rookie.

Edited September 7, 20168 yr by Lucifer's Hero

interesting that the best first year player, and the break out player of the year are sponsored by DEMONLAND!

 

Maybe they should be in colour and the rest in b/w

Edited September 7, 20168 yr by ickey_11

Tracking beautifully. Impressive debut season that seemingly went under the radar.

He really did look like the answer to half back in his first 10 games. Tired badly - but something seriously to work with. Will be good to have him competing with the other half back flankers. 189cm - did he play any midfield time this year? I can't remember him being anywhere bar they back 50. 

Good first year. Tired as expected. Instructions should be to run and kick kick kick.

50/50 chance for upgrade. I think we should promote and show the faith. Maybe sign up until end 2018. 

When Wags gets a tank he'll be a beauty across half back. Poised, confident and mature.

His brother at Norf takes quite a good photo I hear.

Needs to tidy up his disposal by foot.

11 minutes ago, jnrmac said:

Needs to tidy up his disposal by foot.

Agreed but his attack on the ball, dash and fearlessness is fantastic.   Definitely the future along with Hunt. Long term better than Melksham and others.  

11 hours ago, hemingway said:

Agreed but his attack on the ball, dash and fearlessness is fantastic.   Definitely the future along with Hunt. Long term better than Melksham and others.  

Don't disagree with you there Mr H but I did notice on a few, probably 3 occasions, he could have forced the player with the ball over the boundary line and he was tentative at attacking the contest. The player kept the ball in play and got away. OMac has been guilty of the same thing. 

Not sure of they are being instructed to 'corral' them, whether they are nervous about being pinged for deliberate or whether there is a lack of urgency etc. They are both young and will learn but for mine they are slight flaws they both need to fix up.

39 minutes ago, jnrmac said:

Don't disagree with you there Mr H but I did notice on a few, probably 3 occasions, he could have forced the player with the ball over the boundary line and he was tentative at attacking the contest. The player kept the ball in play and got away. OMac has been guilty of the same thing. 

Not sure of they are being instructed to 'corral' them, whether they are nervous about being pinged for deliberate or whether there is a lack of urgency etc. They are both young and will learn but for mine they are slight flaws they both need to fix up.

Totally agree with this.  Terrific first year.  Also needs to be a bit more physical & aggressive at the contest like Hunt & Jetta.  Sometimes his approach is a bit timid & he reminds me of Garland.