JADED'S 2006 PLAYER REVIEW

[Demonland 73,140]

by Jaded

With season 2006 done and dusted for the Melbourne Football Club Jaded takes a look at how each player performed and where she sees them going next season.

1 Simon Buckley

Age:19

Games: 0

Yet to make his AFL debut.

2 Nathan Jones

Age: 18

Games: 8

Season Averages:

Disposals: 14.1

Marks: 2.6

Tackles: 2.8

Clearances: 2.4

Inside 50's: 3

1%s: 2.8

Positives:

* is 18 and already has the body of a 25 year old,

* great hands in the packs, and definitely a good sense of where the ball is and how to get it out,

* hard and physical and therefore exactly what we need.

Negatives:

* it's hard to be negative when at 18, and in his first year, Jones was able to slot into the midfield and have an impact,

* his disposal could be better and he needs to be more accountable for his man going the other way.

What's Next?:

He will continue to improve over summer, and work closely with the midfield unit and our ruckmen. Doubt he could get much bigger, but will certainly adjust to the pace of AFL and have a huge impact next season. A big excitement factor.

Prediction:

Will become clearance buddies with McLean.

3 Clint Bizzell

Age: 30

Games: 0

Bad year for Clint, suffering from a foot injury and never making it into the side. At 30 years of age, and with his limited accountability, his place in the side appears to be gone. Younger players have overtaken him, and rightly so.

Is contracted, so will become a purely depth player.

4 Ben Holland

Age: 29

Games: 15

Season Averages:

Disposals: 10.7

Marks: 3.7

Tackles: 1.9

Rebounds: 1.9

1%s: 4.6

Positives:

* finally moved into his natural position in the backline, where his experience and ball-reading ability were pivotal,

* had some wonderful games on big forwards, and surprised many with his ability to defend against quicker opponents

Negatives:

* lacks speed and has the turning circle of The Titanic

* at 29, he isn't getting any faster, younger or more agile. He won't be around forever, which is not really his fault is it?

* his disposal is laughable at times, but is not so much of an issue down back.

What's Next?:

If he can keep up his form going into next season, he will continue to play. The danger is playing him if he doesn't have a match-up, as he turns into a benchwarmer. Hopefully he can continue to man up on the sort of forwards who always kill us, the gorillas.

Prediction:

Will tear Rocca apart on Queens Birthday once more.

5 Brock McLean warning: this is an extreme bias zone

Age: 20

Games: 18

Season Averages:

Disposals: 22.4

Marks: 5.1

Tackles: 4.8

Goals: 0.8

Clearances: 4.7

Inside 50's: 4.5

1%s: 4.3

Positives:

* a brilliant clearance player,

* great disposal,

* amazing leadership qualities,

* only 20,

* ranked 14th in the league for first possessions, 13th for inside 50's, 10th in clearances per game.

Negatives:

* His body… but I'm clutching at straws!

What's Next?:

What isn't? This kid is just about the greatest thing since sliced bread. Despite certain nuff-nuffs declaring that he has no scope for improvement, he continues to develop with every game. Hopefully his body can stand up and he can therefore improve his endurance and play close to 90% of game time. He is in our top 3 most important players, and a future captain. If he has another great year next year, we’re a big chance.

Prediction:

Top 5 in Brownlow in 2007.

6 Matthew Bate

Age: 19

Games: 13

Season Averages:

Disposals: 16.5

Marks: 5.9

Tackles: 4.1

Goals: 0.6

Clearances: 1.8

Inside 50's: 4.3

1%s: 3.5

Positives

* after spending a year with Sandy, Bate finally got to taste AFL,

* didn't seem overawed by the transition, and slotted nicely into the midfield rotation at times,

* great, smart player, who perhaps we didn't expect to see playing a role in the midfield this early.

* can kick a goal, and has a nice long kick on him,

* had the biggest impact on games of all the debutants.

Negatives

* tends to get lost in the midfield at times, although has no issue with positioning himself,

* needs to work on his endurance, and become more aware of his direct opponent. He isn't good enough to play a purely attacking role just yet.

What's Next?

The kid has a big future ahead of him, no doubt. Hopefully he can improve his fitness over the pre-season and play 22 games next season (make that 25, thanks). He will be a versatile player similar to Cameron Bruce, playing both in the midfield and up forward.

Prediction

Best 18 by the end of next year.

7 Brad Miller

Age: 23

Games: 15

Season Averages:

Disposals: 12.4

Marks: 5.6

Tackles: 1.9

Goals: 0.3

Inside 50's: 1.3

1%s: 3.6

Positives:

* good mark,

* great work ethic and very competitive,

* runs all day, despite injury concerns,

* had a great game against Freo, after steady improvement in the last part of the season.

Negatives:

* Has no penetration in his kicking. In fact, for a forward he kicks like a defender,

* Is a confidence player, but lacks confidence,

* Is he a CHF or a CHB? He certainly doesn't kick enough goals at the moment to be a CHF.

What's Next?:

Miller has been a big talking point in 2006. Many people were quick to jump on the "Miller is Rubbish" bandwagon, but begged for forgiveness after his performance in the semi-final. No doubt Miller has had a poor season, due to a combination of injury woes, suspension and being moved around the ground. Will the debate of where he should play ever end? Hopefully it will after a strong pre-season, and improved kicking. If he can work on that part of his game, he will be a strong option at CHF.

Prediction:

Will be back in everyone's good books by the end of 2007

8 Alistair Nicholson

Age: 28

Games: 0

Positives:

* depth?

* can play on super slow, super immobile forwards. Can anyone think how many of those are left in the game?

Negatives:

* he is slow, and therefore cannot play on any forwards who rely on fast leading,

* his disposal figures are on the wrong side of ordinary,

* he is 28.

What's Next?:

Not much I'm afraid. Is contracted, but hopefully an injury-free season to our key backmen will see him continue to play for Sandy. He has always been an admirable trier, but we'll never win an AFL flag if he's at FB.

Prediction:

Will retire, otherwise last season.

9 David Neitz

Age: 31

Games: 21

Season Averages:

Disposals: 9.8

Marks: 5

Tackles: 1.4

Goals: 3.2

1%s: 2.2

Positives:

* our best, strongest, most productive forward,

* the one and only true leader in our side,

* after two ordinary season, the skipper returned to full fitness and had arguably his best season since he won the Coleman Medal,

* finished 5th in goals & 9th in contested marks.

Negatives:

* cannot keep going at this rate, and with little support at his age,

* how will his body feel next year, or the year after that?

What's Next?:

Nobody deserves a flag more than Neita. The man has carried this side for years, with absolutely no support. He had a brilliant season, and the equation is simple… another good one and we're a chance.

If he starts to decline, we're in big trouble as there is no replacement on the horizon. If anyone can handle that sort of pressure, it's Neita. Hopefully they nurse him through pre-season and manage him the way they did this season.

Prediction:

Will captain the side next year (bold hey?)

10 Daniel Ward

Age: 29

Games: 17

Season Averages:

Disposals: 18.8

Marks: 6.5

Tackles: 3.2

Clearances: 1.6

Inside 50's: 2.4

Rebounds: 2.9

1%s: 3.3

Positives:

* lots of pace and dash, even at 29,

* is not afraid to break the lines and provide a rebound option

* relatively hard at the contest, and won't take a backwards step

Negatives:

* disposal and decision making is very often poor,

* for a defender, his disposals average is very good, but how many of those kicks are damaging?

* not accountable. As a rebounding defender, he is not expected to play this opponent like a glove, but to be within a 10m radius is normally a good idea. Credit goes for his job on Milne in the final, but then again Milne did stuff up nearly every touch he had.

What's Next?:

He surprised a lot of people when he was selected and started to make an impact. Did he play above himself, or has he finally peaked at 29?

As much as his pace and dash is needed in a team that is not known for speed, his accountability and disposal don't make him a damaging enough player. Going into next season, if some of our kids do not overtake him for a spot, it would be a major concern, but not necessarily a reflection on Ward. He works hard, but he cannot compete with some of the truly excellent half back flankers going around at the moment.

Prediction:

Depth

11 Paul Johnson

Age: 22

Games: 2

Season Averages: (insufficient games played)

Positives:

* for someone who is 199cm tall, he has freakish ability below his knees,

* far more competitive around the ground than Jamar,

* is still very young and has scope for improvement,

* his last piece of play for the season was inspirational, and showed a willingness to work hard and chase. Very important in a big man.

Negatives:

* as a ruckman, he is average. Certainly behind White and Jamar,

* cannot take an overhead mark, which will prevent him from being a force up forward,

* injury prone.

What's Next?:

Hopefully he suffers no long term affects from the shoulder reconstruction, and can continue to work on his marking and ruck work. He could be a nice addition to our forward line as a resting ruckman, but will find it difficult as long as Jamar and White are performing their ruck duties well. Could he be moulded into a defender?

Prediction:

Will keep finding his feet, and play about 10 games.

12 Colin Sylvia

Age: 20

Games: 17

Season Averages:

Disposals: 12.4

Marks: 4

Tackles: 4.4

Goals: 0.6

Clearances: 1.6

Inside 50's: 2.2

1%s: 3.9

Positives:

* nice user of the ball,

* ferocious tackler and loves a contest,

* great mark for his size,

* good kick for goal.

Negatives:

* has delusions of grandeur, or at least plays like he does,

* doesn't get involved in the play enough, but it has to be said that he isn’t a forward, and he has had injury problems preventing him from running hard,

* often waits to tackle the man with the ball, instead of going for the ball himself,

* his body… will it ever allow him to get the best out of himself?

What's Next?:

Sylvia could become anything. If he can get over all his fitness issues, he'll be able to play where he truly shines, the midfield. Needs to go get his own ball, instead of expecting others to serve it to him on a silver platter. If Sylvia stays fit and has a significant impact in the midfield, our chances of winning a flag will certainly increase.

Prediction:

Will arrive!

13 Adem Yze

Age: 29

Games: 24

Season Averages:

Disposals: 19.8

Marks: 5.4

Tackles: 2.8

Goals: 1.2

Clearances: 1.9

Inside 50's: 3

1%s: 2.8

Positives:

* talented, very talented. Always was a great kick and can manufacture a goal like no one else,

* his durability undoubtedly a genetic mishap. At 28 (29 this week), he is not showing any signs of slowing down,

* ranked 4th in the AFL for kicks.

Negatives:

* selfish and lazy,

* when he is up forward, he refuses to chase his man. When he is in the middle, he refuses to man up. When he is down back, he never introduces himself to his opponent. Basically, he is as unaccountable as they come,

* refuses to take the hits, and never goes when it’s his turn. Prefers to soccer the ball off the ground, instead of picking it up with both hands.

What's Next?:

Yze is the single most infuriating footballer on our list. *sigh*

He can turn it on and play well, but he never does that when the team is in strife. After 250 odd games, he is far too comfortable in the side, and it shows. He has absolutely no urgency and does not do the team things. He is unlikely to change, but it would be nice if Daniher stopped selecting him when his form did not warrant it. It simply makes no sense why this man, above all others, gets an easy ride. Regardless of where he plays (and some advocate for him to play only up forward), he will continue to be ineffective if he plays like a millionaire, too scared to take the hits.

Prediction:

Won't change, but will drive many supporters to seek therapy.

14 Lynden Dunn

Age: 19

Games: 11

Season Averages:

Disposals: 9.8

Marks: 3.9

Tackles: 2.2

Goals: 1.2

1%s: 2.7

Positives:

* despite spending the majority of last season with Sandringham reserves, didn't seem overawed when he debuted,

* Has a good goal sense, and a nice straight kick,

* Decent speed and very good below his knees.

Negatives:

* At 19 years of age, one can understand why Dunn is not yet ready for that CHF role. To put it simply, he isn't tough enough yet. His slight frame, and his lack of aggression means that he has a lot of work to do over summer.

What's Next?:

Gym work in the summer, and some boxing sessions with Carroll and Byron to toughen him up. If he can become more physically imposing, he will slot nicely into our forward line, maybe not as a CHF forward, but definitely as a key tall.

Prediction:

Will play the majority of games next year, with great success.

15 Nick Smith

Age: 22

Games: 1

Season Averages: (insufficient games played)

Positives:

* remained injury free for an entire season (record?),

* tall and strong and can take a mark,

* is only 22, despite being around for what feels like a lifetime.

Negatives:

* is not a ruckman,

* very slow and immobile

What's Next?:

After a stunning return of 4 games in 4 years (for a grand total of 7 disposals), it's hard to see Smith retained. With such limited opportunities, you can’t make a realistic judgement, and after all, he just turned 22. But the question has to be asked, are we wasting our time?

Prediction:

Gone (although if we manage to clear out our list, I'd keep him. HE IS ONLY 22 PEOPLE!)

16 Travis Johnstone

Age: 26

Games: 23

Season Averages:

Disposals: 21.8

Marks: 5.4

Tackles: 3.9

Goals: 0.5

Clearances: 3/3

Inside 50's: 4.3

Rebound: 3.5

1%s: 3.6

Positives:

* the best, most intelligent ball user in the side,

* 5th in the league for total kicks & 16th for inside 50's,

* has improved his tackling skills, to adhere with new team rules,

* his body is standing up for the second year in a row.

Negatives:

* cannot take the point kick-ins (a pet hate of mine!),

* still prone to inconsistency, and had a shocker in finals,

* very unaccountable. While it isn’t his primary role, he needs to pay more respect to his opponent.

What's Next?:

Hopefully will continue to improve and find that consistency from 2005 (which dropped slightly in 2006). No doubt that for us to win a premiership, Johnstone needs to be at his best. Using him off the bench in the first quarter seems like a good option, but again if he could improve his endurance he’d be even harder to tag.

Prediction:

AA in 2007

17 Chris Johnson

Age: 20

Games: 9

Season Averages:

Disposals: 12.3

Marks: 4.8

Tackles: 2.4

Inside 50's: 1.8

1%s: 2.6

Positives:

* lovely user of the ball,

* tall (189cm) but yet very athletic,

* can play a variety of positions with ease.

Negatives:

* has to improve his urgency and attack on the ball. He tends to drift in and out of games, and needs to do more to cement a spot in the side,

* could probably become a little harder at the contest as well. He is very much an outside player, but if he wants to play in the backline, he needs to be harder.

What's Next?:

CJ probably didn't get the sort of opportunities this season that he should have. Ward got on a roll, and Bartram and Bell were doing good defensive jobs, which didn’t leave much room for CJ. In our quest to find quality, skilled rebound defenders, we tend to overlook CJ. He is highly skilled, and hopefully will take over from Ward in an attacking defender role. He was recruited alongside McLean and Sylvia, so it really is time for him to start producing.

Prediction:

Will cement a spot in the 22

18 Brad Green

Age: 25

Games: 23

Season Averages:

Disposals: 22.1

Marks: 6.9

Tackles: 3.2

Goals: 0.5

Clearances: 1.6

Inside 50's: 3.7

1%s: 3.5

Positives:

* has become a lot harder at the ball and the contest,

* found his place in the side, with a wing/back-flanker role,

* has become far more accountable and a lot less flashy,

* his leadership really shone through. Probably our best leader for the year, aside from Neita.

Negatives:

* his kicking, once a strength, now a weakness. An ankle injury could be the cause,

* still goes missing for long periods of time, and can have plenty of possessions but little influence on a game.

What's Next?:

Green took a huge step forward this year. He turned from a flashy forward and try-hard midfielder, into an honest and hard working wingman. Hopefully next year will bring more of the same, but with improved kicking. Should be rested up forward more.

Prediction:

Will be named as our stand-alone vice captain next year.

19 Clint Bartram

Age: 18 Games: 22

Season Averages:

Disposals: 11.2

Marks: 3.8

Tackles: 5

Goals: 0.3

Clearances: 0.4

Inside 50's: 1.2

1%s: 4.6

Positives

* drafted at pick 60, and despite his slight frame, Bartram played a valuable role in the side,

* managed to shut down some very good players, both in the midfield and down back. He may not have won every battle, but he never lost the willingness to fight,

* great work-rate and attack on the ball. Is ranked 18th in the league for tackles,

* didn't seem to have any issues with endurance, and in fact spent very little time on the bench,

* our most consistent debutant. Should win best first-year player award.

Negatives

* his kicking can let him down at times. Needs to work on disposals by foot,

* slight frame, but will hopefully continue to grow with another pre-season under his belt.

What's Next?

Onwards and upwards for Bartram. Will continue his run with roles, and therefore free Junior to play a more attacking game. Could possibly be moulded into another small defender, a la Whelan.

Prediction

Best 18 by the end of next year.

21 Daniel Bell

Age: 21

Games: 11

Season Averages:

Disposals: 12.3

Marks: 4.2

Tackles: 4.2

Clearances: 0.2

Rebounds: 2.9

1%s: 5.2

Positives

* biggest positives came over the last month, as Bell overcame both his injuries and his apparent lack of awareness.

* big, strong, and quick, but above all hard at the contest. Ferocious tackler, with good accountability.

* did some solid defensive jobs towards the end of the year, and seems comfortable playing on the last line

Negatives:

* injuries continue to hammer his body.

* awareness and decision making not the greatest. While he doesn't panic, he sometimes makes really ordinary decisions, which is a shame because his disposal by foot can be very good

What's Next?:

Hopefully he can stay injury free and continue to play at this level. Bell is very much a confidence player, so the more games he gets, the better he’ll become. As his body and mind adapts to AFL, we may see him utilise his speed and strength in the midfield.

Prediction

Next year, to the wing!

22 Brent Moloney

Age: 22

Games: 7

Season Averages:

Disposals: 15.3

Marks: 3.9

Tackles: 2.6

Clearances: 2.6

Inside 50's: 4.1

1%s: 1.7

Positives:

* big, long, accurate kick,

* hard at the ball and the man

* decent inside player, very good outside player

* is very important in delivering the ball into the forward 50

Negatives:

* it's hard to assess Moloney's season. When he played, he was clearly bothered by his groin, but even so, his numbers are not bad.

* he can be a little one dimensional, by always choosing to kick long

* not the most accountable midfielder

What's Next?:

A full pre-season, and a quick recovery from OP. If he can get himself back to full fitness, he’ll be a walk-up start in our side once again. He is very important to our midfield make-up, and our attacking style of play (when we choose to play it).

Prediction:

Will struggle to play a full season because of the long term affects of his injury (I hope I’m wrong!)

23 James McDonald

Age: 29

Games: 24

Season Averages:

Disposals: 23.6

Marks: 4.9

Tackles: 6.9

Goals: 0.2

Clearances: 4

Inside 50's: 3

1%s: 5.6

Positives:

* had his best season to date,

* first in the league for tackles, 7th for disposals, 8th for 1%ers, 5th for handballs, 11th for clearances,

* the most honest, hardest working midfielder in the team. Will put his head over the ball every time, and tackle at every opportunity,

* hasn't lost his defensive side,

* our most consistent player in 2006

Negatives:

* very hard to find negatives for our AA midfielder.

* at 29 he won't get much better… will he?

* lacks polish in his disposals.

What's Next?:

Hard to say. At 29, he won’t get any better. If he can match his output from this year, our chances of winning a premiership will be greatly enhanced. Should his form drop, he will revert back to doing purely defensive jobs. Either way, he will continue to be the heart and soul of our midfield.

Prediction

Will no longer be "the most underrated player in the AFL",

24 Russell Robertson

Age: 27

Games: 23

Season Averages:

Disposals: 10.6

Marks: 4.6

Tackles: 1.8

Goals: 1.9

Inside 50's: 1.4

1%s: 2.7

Positives:

* Great contested mark, despite carrying multiple injuries

* Always gives a contest and takes second best defender

* Ranked 20th in the league for contested marks & 17th for goals

Negatives:

* Finished with 44 goals this year, compared with 73 last year (taking his average goals per game from 3.2 to 1.9). Injuries are without a doubt the reason for his drop

* His accuracy has not been as good as last year, possibly due to that knee?

* Was at times not accountable enough for his man and did not give chase.

What's Next?:

It's hard to judge Robbo given he was carrying both a knee and a shoulder injury, and looked just about done by Round 20. He fought admirably given his injuries, and the dominance of Neitz. 44 goals is not a bad result, but no doubt his output and accountability needs to improve. With a proper rest, Robbo will be as good as new and back to his marking best.

Prediction:

Will return to the Robbo of old in 2007.

25 Nathan Brown

Age: 30

Games: 8

Season Averages:

Disposals: 16.4

Marks: 6.6

Tackles: 2.4

Goals: 0.4

Clearances: 1.2

Inside 50's: 2.4

1%s: 1.9

Positives

* Brown never changes. He will always give you 100% and has the biggest heart on the field.

Negatives

* the game is, very sadly, passing him by. His disposals, decision making and accountability have always been shaky, but especially now.

* overtaken by Bell and Bartram down back, and rightfully so.

What's Next?:

Tough call. He has been such a great servant of the club that you have to go with your heart on this one. Might stay on for another year, provide some help for the boys coming through and play some odd games when required.

Prediction:

Last season.

26 Heath Neville

Age:18

Games: 0

Yet to make his AFL debut.

27 Jared Rivers

Age: 21

Games: 22

Season Averages:

Disposals: 13.8

Marks: 5.5

Tackles: 3

Rebounds: 2.2

1%s: 7.4

Positives:

* genius ball reader,

* courage by the bucket-loads,

* very good user of the ball, and mark,

* ranked 2nd in the league for 1%ers,

* is comfortable deep in defence or further up the field.

Negatives:

* will he ever get bigger? Currently he is 92kg,

* struggles against super strong forwards due to his size,

* plays as a loose defender too much, as opposed to having a quality opponent, which he is capable of shutting down.

What's Next?:

If he can get himself up to 96kg, not only will he get injured less often, he'll be able to compete against bigger opponents. He’ll continue to improve, and it’s a credit to him that he bounced back after an ordinary 2005. Would love to see him get bigger jobs. He is very capable!

Prediction:

Leadership group in 2007.

28 Phillip Read

Age: 26

Games: 5

Season Averages:

Disposals: 13.4

Marks: 5.2

Tackles: 5.8

Goals: 0.2

Clearances: 1

Inside 50's: 1.6

1%s: 2.8

Positives:

* hard and loves to tackle,

* can find the ball,

* knows how to annoy the opposition.

Negatives:

* average to below average ball use/disposals,

* nut case and gives away too many stupid free kicks.

What's Next?:

He's 26, but I doubt very much he’ll improve. Read is a goer, he plays hard and tries hard, but he is no premiership player. His disposals and frequent brain-fades make him a liability more than an asset. We drafted him because we needed aggression, sadly that's about the only criteria he meets, and we have plenty who are better at that now. If he gets another contract, it will be purely for insurance purposes.

Prediction:

Gone.

29 Michael Newton

Age: 19

Games: 0

Yet to make his AFL debut.

30 Simon Godfrey

Age: 25

Games: 16

Season Averages:

Disposals: 14

Marks: 3.7

Tackles: 2.9

Clearances: 1.2

Inside 50's: 3.1

1%s: 2.7

Positives:

* Godfrey is Godfrey. When he plays, you know exactly what you're going to get from him,

* has the endurance and fitness to run all day, and doesn't shy away from the contest. Will give you 100% every time he steps onto the field.

Negatives:

* his negatives are well publicised. He can’t kick, his decision making is ordinary, and his tagging ability seems to get less effective every season.

What's Next?:

He is a Daniher favourite, for his endeavour and work ethic. He is only 25, so I can't see him being delisted. Will remain as depth, and play when required.

Prediction:

Will still miss targets by foot

31 Paul Wheatley

Age: 25

Games: 7

Season Averages:

Disposals: 12.4

Marks: 5.3

Tackles: 2

Inside 50's: 2.1

Rebounds: 3.7

1%s: 2.6

Positives:

* nice long kick,

* good reader of the play,

* good pace,

* the right size and height to play small or tall,

* very good at point kick-ins (probably his biggest asset).

Negatives:

* not hard enough, or urgent enough at the ball or contest,

* consider that he was drafted alongside Bruce, Green and Whelan, he is yet to establish himself as a permanent fixture in the side.

What's Next?:

His future at Melbourne doesn’t look great. Injuries have held him back this season, but overall it's hard to see where he fits in the side. Could probably play a similar role to Rivers, but is not ahead of him. Could play on the wing, but would not get a game ahead of the likes of Green, Bruce or TJ. His lack of aggression is what really hurts him. The club could look at trading him, as he is only 25 and does have a nice set of skills on him.

Prediction:

Trade bait

32 Cameron Bruce

Age: 26

Games: 23

Season Averages:

Disposals: 23.3

Marks: 7.6

Tackles: 4.2

Goals: 0.9

Clearances: 1.8

Inside 50’s: 3.6

1%s: 5.1

Positives

* started the season like a house on fire, showing his sublime talents once again,

* played some vital roles, both in defence, in the midfield and up forward. The most versatile player in our side, he really is "Mr. Fix It",

* to his credit, has become harder at the contest, and more accountable. Is also winning more of his own ball, which makes him even more dangerous,

* Ranked 10th in the league for marks, 13th for uncontested possessions.

Negatives

* faded along with the rest of the side, possibly due to injuries,

* ranked 12th in the league for errors, a damning statistic for someone so talented!

* his kicking is downright shocking at times, especially in front of goal,

* his leadership skills are still being questioned, after failing to lift in the last part of the season and in the finals.

What's Next?

Bruce is capable of almost anything. If he finally finds the consistency in his game (and being injury free for a whole season will help!), our chances will increase dramatically. Hopefully he can improve his kicking over summer.

Should not be in the leadership group next season.

Prediction

AA wing in 2007

33 Byron Pickett

Age: 29

Games: 20

Season Averages:

Disposals: 14.7

Marks: 5

Tackles: 3.3

Goals: 0.4

Clearances: 1.8

Inside 50's: 3

1%s: 3.3

Positives:

* he brought to our side exactly what we hoped he would … aggression and experience,

* very good user of the ball and can read the play well,

* scares the crap out of opposition players, and can generally impose himself on a match just by bumping someone off the ball.

Negatives:

* overweight and unfit, and therefore cannot run out matches,

* looks disinterest at times, and could do more to get involved.

What's Next?:

A long, long, LONG pre-season in the gym and away from Krispy Kremes. He needs to improve his fitness and his endurance, so that he can become more involved in the play. If he does that successfully, he'll continue to play an important role as an aggressor and leader of "I'm going to make you cry like a girl" brigade.

Prediction:

Will trim down over summer (fingers crossed).

34 Jeff White

Age: 29

Games: 24

Season Averages:

Disposals: 16.9

Marks: 5.8

Tackles: 2.5

Goals: 0.5

Clearances: 2.5

Inside 50's: 1.9

1%s: 3.5

Positives:

* 2nd in the league for hit outs despite spending less time on the ground than ever before,

* Mobile and athletic despite his size and age,

* Good user of the ball and a decent mark.

Negatives:

* how many of his hit outs have been to advantage?

* the circle has affected him, and the older he gets, and the bigger his opponents become, the less effective he'll be.

* does not have the sort of impact around the ground like he used to. This could be due to higher rate of rotation with Jamar

* is hopeless up forward, which doesn't make him nearly as versatile as he should be.

What's Next?:

He'll continue to be our number one ruckman, but we cannot expect him to keep carrying the load. He is only 195cm, which in today's game, is barely tall enough to be a KPP let alone a ruckman. His athleticism hasn’t dropped off, and he has a big motor. We need to utilise those aspects and demand for a bigger output around the ground. Will be 30 when the season starts, so will most likely have a reduced role in the ruck, to preserve him for finals.

Prediction:

Will have a reduced role

35 Ryan Ferguson

Age: 24

Games: 3

Season Averages: (insufficient games played)

Positives:

* courage, almost stupid at times. And a great work ethic, make for a very likable player,

* good reader of the ball, and can play that loose defender role quite well.

Negatives:

* at 24, Ferguson isn't getting any bigger. Put simply, he is too slight to take a key forward, and is not likely to overtake Rivers for the third tall position,

* not the most accountable defender, and quite often he gets caught behind his man. If you're constantly running with the flight of the ball, you're not necessarily doing your job as a defender.

What's Next?:

If Ferguson is not traded, he will continue to be on the cusp of selection. As depth, he is very good and could be quite handy if Rivers is injured.

Prediction

Will be traded and enjoy more opportunities at another club.

36 Aaron Davey

Age: 23

Games: 21

Season Averages:

Disposals: 15.2

Marks: 3.8

Tackles: 4.6

Goals: 1.7

Clearances: 2.2

Inside 50's: 3

1%s: 4

Positives:

* continued to improve, showing more consistency in the first half of the season,

* his evasive skills and speed are, and always will be, what makes him such a wonderful player to watch, and a hard match-up,

* puts enormous pressure on opposition players,

* goal kicking has improved dramatically from last year.

Negatives:

* still has a problem with being hot and cold throughout matches, which is probably the nature of what he is… a mercurial goal sneak,

* lost his cool in finals, and has yet to play a dominant role in that pressure atmosphere,

* is ranked 18th in frees against, and 2nd in errors. Again, the nature of his game means that those stats will be hard to improve.

What's Next?:

The thing that Davey really needs to work on, is his mental resilience. While his work-rate is there, he needs to take that extra step towards maturity. With another pre-season under his belt, a bigger role in the midfield is possible.

Prediction:

Will learn to tackle front-on.

37 Matthew Warnock (rookie list)

Age: 22

Games: 2

Season Averages: (insufficient games played)

Positives:

* big but very agile

* quick off the mark and is therefore capable of playing on fast leading forwards

Negatives:

* hard to judge someone who has only played 2 games, and is just 22.

* his biggest issue appears to be disposals, but as a defender, he could get away with that!

* Needs to put on more muscle, as he is only 92kg and currently could be pushed aside by stronger opponents.

What's Next?:

With Holland almost at the end, and Nicho's career appearing to be over, Warnock becomes very important. If he can have a big pre-season in the gym, he will play a role in defence next year. We still seem to be one KP defender short, so the opportunity is there. After spending two years doing an apprenticeship with Sandy, he could be the extra key defender we're looking for.

Prediction:

Permanent promotion from rookie list and surprise packet of 2007.

38 Daniel Hughes (rookie list)

Age:19

Games: 0

Yet to make his AFL debut.

39 Shane Neaves (rookie list)

Age:19

Games: 0

Yet to make his AFL debut.

40 Mark Jamar

Age: 23

Games: 22

Season Averages:

Disposals: 4.5

Marks: 2.3

Tackles: 1.9

Goals: 0.5

Clearances: 1.1

1%s: 2

Positives:

* took a big step this season in the ruck,

* his tap work is very good, and was pivotal in some games where White was ineffective,

* ranked 19th in the league in total hit outs,

* has the size to trouble big ruckman,

* can take a big grab and kick goals (even under pressure).

Negatives:

* disposals average is deplorable. Less than 5 possessions a game is just not good enough. Needs to get a lot more involved in games,

* he is virtually immobile. He can’t run with opposition ruckman, so when he isn’t rucking it’s forward or bench.

What's Next?:

He has overtaken Paul Johnson, but that could change very quickly. No doubt he provides good service in the ruck, and at the moment that is what we need. However, with the decline of White, Jamar will get more responsibility and bigger jobs. He has improved his fitness from last year, but needs to take that extra step to become more competitive around the ground.

Prediction:

Will do 55%+ of the rucking in 2007

41 Nathan Carroll

Age: 25

Games: 23

Season Averages:

Disposals: 7.5

Marks: 5.3

Tackles: 1.5

Rebounds: 3.6

1%s: 4.1

Positives:

* out of the wilderness, came Carroll and took over the Full Back position

* continued his surprising form in late 2005, and grew into the position with every game.

* did some great defensive jobs, and has significantly improved his Disposals and attack on the ball

* is not afraid to leave his man and create the rebound, and definitely doesn’t shy away from the rough stuff

Negatives

* with only 40 games experience, Carroll is still raw.

* was smashed by a super strong, fast, forward in Bradshaw, and can get caught on the lead sometimes,

* his disposals, while improving, can still be shaky

What's Next?:

Eighteen months ago, we wanted him gone.

Twelve months ago, we thought his late form was a fluke.

This season, he was being talked about in the same breath as Rutten and Glass for the AA Full Back position. If he continues to improve at this rate, we’ll be a better side for it. Another full pre-season, and with the confidence he gained this year, he will have another solid season in 2007.

Predictions

Look out for a red & blue Mohawk in the pre-season, and a "Nicho" beard.

42 Andre Gianfagna (rookie list)

Age:19

Games: 0

Yet to make his AFL debut.

43 Jace Bode (rookie list)

Age:19

Games: 0

Yet to make his AFL debut.

44 Shannon Motlop

Age: 28

Games: 3

Season Averages: (insufficient games played)

Positives:

* has decent speed and evasive skills,

* ok at VFL.

Negatives:

* very poor at AFL,

* not hard enough at the contest, and generally just seems lost on the field,

* is he actually fit enough to play AFL?

What's Next?:

We took a punt on Motlop when Troy passed away, and it hasn't worked. Very hard to judge someone on 3 games, but we've seen more than enough last year. He was given an opportunity, but couldn’t grab it. Possibly the transition back into AFL was too big a task.

Prediction:

Delisted

45 Matthew Whelan

Age: 26

Games: 19

Season Averages:

Disposals: 15.8

Marks: 4.9

Tackles: 3.3

Rebounds: 3.6

1%s: 4.4

Positives:

* or best (and only?) small defender,

* accountable but also smart enough to know when to leave his man and attack,

* ferocious tackler and unwavering in his attack on the ball.

Negative:

* has rotten luck with injuries, especially when finals are concerned.

What's Next?:

There is not much more that Whelan can do. He is one of the best small defenders in the competition, and if he occasionally received some help, he could become more damaging by leaving his man and attacking. His Disposals is excellent, and we only wish everyone tackled like him. The question is, if we found someone to do the shut-down job, could we use him for pace and creativity off the half-back line?

The key for Whelan next year is to manage his body. He'll be 27 by the time next season starts, but he is so important to our team that we cannot afford to lose him to injury at crucial times.

Prediction:

Will be given more freedom as Bell and Bartram take on defensive roles.