2018 Player Reviews: # 42 Josh Wagner

[Demonland 66,180]

NOT ENOUGH MUSIC TO THE EARS

Josh Wagner had a solid start to the year taking part in the first five games but he fell out of favour with the selectors and spent the rest of the season playing mainly in defence at Casey.

Date of Birth: 29 June, 1994

Height: 189cm

Weight: 85kg

Games MFC 2018: 5

Career Total: 28

Goals MFC 2018: 0

 Career Total: 2

CDFC Games 2018: 15

CDFC Goals 2018: 1

Votes 2018 Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Memorial Trophy: 63 votes

[poita 3,673]

Wagner was okay in patches in the opening month, then his form seemed to drop right away when he returned to Casey. He would need a major form revival to earn himself a new contract at the end of next season, as he looks to be a long way out of the selectors' minds at present.

[layzie 29,539]

One more pre season and crack at it. Anything could happen but he does seem a little way down the pecking order.

[Cranky Franky 1,538]

A totally beige player.  Usually reasonable performer but really needs to step up if he wants to have a career at Melbourne.   Would help he he added some aggression to his game.  

[Nasher 33,162]

I know plenty don’t rate him, but to me he has AFL attributes; he’s strong, quick and tackles to hurt. That makes his season disappointing for me - got dropped as fallout from our worst team performance of the year besides the prelim after starting the year best 22, and never looked like getting picked again.

He’ll really want to put some heat on our mid defenders next year if he wants his stay at the MFC extended. As it is, he is behind Joel Smith who is no lock himself. Big challenge ahead, good luck to him.

[Diamond_Jim 11,968]

What was a bit worrying was that for a player in 2017 who was regarded as too good for VFL, his VFL form dropped off as 2018 continued.

Would need to be a Lazarus like turn around to get beyond 2019.

[WERRIDEE 5,239]

A list clogger even an ordinary VFL player. Surprised they gave him a 1 year deal can't see him playing past 2019.

[alpha33 277]

Agreed that he needs to pick up his game in 2019. In view of the exodus of many others who were regulars at Casey during the season, he will come in handy for depth and possibly might also be joined by his brother who IMO was a little more impressive.

[FlashInThePan 1,893]

Wow, I had forgotten he was on our list. He has never really seemed comfortable at AFL level. A couple of years ago his disposal seemed as if he was playing on the opposing team. Earlier in the year he looked a little better but just doesn’t seem to bring anything much to the team. They must rate him as they keep giving him chances but I haven’t seen anything to believe he would deserve a new contract. Good luck to him though.

[spirit of norm smith 13,274]

Agree.  Now a forgotten man.  Had some good traits with left foot disposal and courageous in the air. 

But had a poor 2018. Seems to have peaked and has lost his mojo and confidence.  

Needs to get in the gym and have someone tell him he can play.  Attitude must be crawl over nails to stay in the AFL.