2022 Player Reviews: #45 Andy Moniz-Wakefield

[Demonland 73,140]

The club’s Next Generation Academy selection from the NT Thunder surprised as an excitement machine with great agility and some excellent skill sets including accurate kicking. Promises a lot for the future.

"A product of the Next Generation Academy system, Moniz-Wakefield is yet to play an AFL game but was a member of the Casey Demons’ VFL premiership win. Signed a new contract in August to retain a spot on the rookie list for next season." - Herald Sun

Date of Birth: 26 October 2003
Height: 182cm
Weight: 71kg

Games CDFC 2022: 15
Goals CDFC 2022: 11

[DeeZone 10,107]

AMW has a great raft of skills with speed, agility and kicking standing out, he is a good size at  6’.0”. Could Andy be that lockdown defender that we are struggling to find or an outside mid with pace with great disposal skill? We have a couple of openings Andy feel free to seize your opportunities young man. Like the look of this kid.!!

[Davos 923]

Looks a player, based on the few times I've watched him anyway. 

Great shout re playing as a small defender @DeeZone.

[dazzledavey36 55,348]

Saw him take some pretty impressive contested marks in the air at times this year.

Has something really exciting about him that is is hard to put a finger on it.

Another full pre season and who knows next year.

 

[NeveroddoreveN 1,034]

Bit of X factor about him from what i have seen.  Doesn't get a heap of the ball, but seems to look good every time he has it.

Barely seen him waste a possession.  Massive upside if his skills translate to the higher level.  

Lots to work with, fingers crossed he develops quickly!

[deelusions from afar 1,861]

I remember when our last NGA player Bedford first came on the scene a lot of people questioned whether he'd make it - and it took him 4 years to get (semi) regular games at senior level and make an impact.

It feels like AMW has shown a bit more in his first season and probably has what I think is Bedford's greatest weakness - good foot skills.  Hopefully with greater fitness base he will be able to be more consistent in games 

[spirit of norm smith 16,589]

A solid first year from AMW. Certainly showed an ability to compete and tackling is a strong point. When used forward, he was able to score goals or assist set up scoring opportunities.   I agree that he could develop as a small defender in the style of Matty Whelan. Tough, hard,honest and skilled. 

[Tarax Club 3,960]

Admittedly have an interest in this young fella. As he is a local NT product from the Nightcliff Tigers FC. Who have in recent seasons successfully completed a triple premiership dynasty to now be the top dog in the NT AFL competition.
 

Controversially so in 2020-21 where the coach of the previously dominant St Mary’s team ungraciously slammed the umpiring. To taking the three ‘peat 2021-2022 by snatching victory from the claws of defeat kicking three goals in late time on. 
 
Notable former players include the younger Michael Maclean and an emerging Liam Jurrah. If some of that magic rubs off on Andy Moniz-Wakefield we definitely could have a player here.

The Nightcliff Tigers have a well reputed under age program of which AMW is a product. My mate who has been a junior coach there for many seasons is keenly following Andy’s progress. Indeed he alerted me when Andy was drafted to the Demons. He is full of praise for AMW’s under age achievements calling him a ‘champ’.
 

Sincerely hoping Andy is able to realise his talent with the MFC. Trusting that under the guidance of Choco Williams et al, he can roll up his sleeves and give it a ‘real crack’ in the big league.

Edited October 18, 2022 by Tarax Club
Go forward young man!

[Sydee 4,529]

AMW has talent but he needs to find a way to get involved in the game on a more consistent basis - this is obviously a challenge for many young players - hope he takes the next step in 2023 and really pushes for senior selection 

My dream is that he becomes our version of Shai Bolton (no pressure Andy 😀)