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Coaches Association Player of the Year

Swooper1987
in Melbourne Demons

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This is probably the best indication of a players season.  It is also representative of our season too.  Only three players on our list have polled votes in more than two games.  Gawn is on 53 having polled in 7 games; Oliver is on 38 having polled in 8 games (6 times he has polled 4 votes); and Harmes is on 18 from 4 games which includes our only perfect 10 for the season.

The following players have polled in two games - McDonald (16 votes); Salem (3 votes); Hunt (4);Jones (14); Viney (8); Frost (2); Fritsch (11) and May (3). Brayshaw, Melksham and Lewis have each recorded votes in one game.

I think that is broadly representative of our season. Gawn has dominated games; Oliver has been consistent but not spectacular; Harmes has had the odd cameo and the rest have been the very occasional glimpse of briliance - McDonald, Fritsch etc.  The only real surprise is Salem.  It has felt like his season has been much better than the three votes from two games that he has.

Edited by Swooper1987

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    Salem is a reliable, steady hand. He’s the grey man who almost goes entirely unnoticed. He should be in our top four B&F. 

    The leaderboard can be found here: https://www.aflcoaches.com.au/awards/the-aflca-champion-player-of-the-year-award/leaderboard/2019/20190118#leaderboard

    Edited by Ethan Tremblay

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    Salem has been ultra consistent with his mop up work and wins contests at an excellent rate for a flanker, but as reliable as he is with the ball he doesn't break the game open with line breaking or penetrating kicks. His best kicks come when he gets the ball in tight and can then find a disposal that opens the game up. In uncontested play he doesn't break it open like a Whitfield or even a Saad/McKenna type.

    He'd be a very good player in any team in the comp but to be a great player he might have to be moved to the midfield. Unfortunately without a reliable replacement we can't really risk moving him. Although there's really no better time to try it than now when the results don't matter all that much.

    I'd give Jack Viney the week off, move Salem in to the midfield, Josh Wagner to half back alongside Hibberd and Jones and bring in Baker on a wing.

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    •  
    14 minutes ago, Ethan Tremblay said:

    Salem is a reliable, steady hand. He’s the grey man who almost goes entirely unnoticed. He should be in our top four B&F. 

    The leaderboard can be found here: https://www.aflcoaches.com.au/awards/the-aflca-champion-player-of-the-year-award/leaderboard/2019/20190118#leaderboard

    I hope so ET.  Gven that Goodwin hasn't given him many votes doesn't bode well for him in the B&F.  Will be very disappointed if he isn't in the top 4.  Something is wrong if he doesn't get due recognition. 

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    Just now, DeeSpencer said:

    Salem has been ultra consistent with his mop up work and wins contests at an excellent rate for a flanker, but as reliable as he is with the ball he doesn't break the game open with line breaking or penetrating kicks. His best kicks come when he gets the ball in tight and can then find a disposal that opens the game up. In uncontested play he doesn't break it open like a Whitfield or even a Saad/McKenna type. If coaches voted for 6th-10th best on he'd get a lot of votes, but 1-5 you're going to go with the guys who broke the games open. Most of his best games have been when we've been thumped as well, so coaches are giving the votes to the guys from the other teams.

    He'd be a very good player in any team in the comp but to be a great player he might have to be moved to the midfield. Unfortunately without a reliable replacement we can't really risk moving him. Although there's really no better time to try it than now when the results don't matter all that much.

    I'd give Jack Viney the week off, move Salem in to the midfield, Josh Wagner to half back alongside Hibberd and Jones and bring in Baker on a wing.

     

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