Players who need a big year

[zoe1617 11]

Jefferson, Adams, Laurie, woewodin, sestan and Fullerton need to show something this year .  

 

[dazzledavey36 55,308]

The whole playing list.

[rpfc 28,726]

28 minutes ago, dazzledavey36 said:

The whole playing list.

Surgical analysis.

[dazzledavey36 55,308]

5 minutes ago, rpfc said:

Surgical analysis.

Well it's true.

[rpfc 28,726]

8 minutes ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Well it's true.

Quite. 

(To camera) And that’s all the show we have for you today. I hope that helps. You can spend the extra 59 minutes in your life GOING OUTSIDE FOR ONCE.

See you in March.

[dazzledavey36 55,308]

2 hours ago, rpfc said:

Quite. 

(To camera) And that’s all the show we have for you today. I hope that helps. You can spend the extra 59 minutes in your life GOING OUTSIDE FOR ONCE.

See you in March.

I'm confused by this response @rpfc? If you want me to break it down further then I will, only because that what you were elaborating too.

When i say its a big year for our whole playing list, i say that to include the regular depth players at Casey. I'm not someone that sees those guys as simply filling in the numbers. Now days depth is just as important then ever before.

For our team to take the next step further into finals, we need everyone playing at their optimum level week in week out. Now i know this is difficult on the more younger players so you alter your expectationonnthose guys. But pressure for spots could not be more crucial for 2025 then we've seen over the last couple of years.

We saw the complete lack of depth when we were hit with injuries this year and guys like Fullarton, McAdam, Laurie simply failed to step up when we needed them too. When Gawn went down with injury the fact we had to use a makeshift ruckman in Petty/JVR ahead of both Verrall and Fullarton just shows that if you're not in form at VFL level that it has a huge ripple effect on our senior team. Clearly they have identified this as a need and went got Tommy Campbell. 

Guys going into their last year of their contracts such as Billings, Spargo, Fullarton, Woewodin, McDonald, Melksham, Hore, Sestan, Verrall are fighting for their careers and I would hope this gives them the extra motivation to really push themselves. If they're putting pressure on our senior AFL players through their own form at VFL level then that's a healthy place to be in.

In terms of our main AFL regulars. Majority of those guys simply need to stand up and perform next year if we are aiming to get back into finals. 

Guys like Salem, Oliver Sparrow, Lever, Bowey, Petty all simply had a poor year through combination of injury and inconsistency of form. Realistically majority of the names listed haven't performed at their best since the 2021 season so I think the microscope is going to come hard on them if they dish another poor year.

We need another spike of incline for guys like JVR, Windsor, Rivers, Pickett, McVee, Tholstrup, Turner and I'll even add Matt Jefferson because we saw a huge improvement this year in his Casey performance compared to year one, so he's definitely on the track track.

These guys could play a crucial role in taking that next step. I could easily see JVR kicking over 40 goals next year. Another year where's he's gain valuable experience and more maturity in his body. He wants to be the top dog and he's certainly got all the attributes to be.

Then it's guys like Gawn, Petracca, May and Viney. We just need them to be doing their thing once again. They've carried and performed on such a consistent level for a number of years now that you just become accustomed to the level of expectations. If all four can stay fit and healthy throughout the year then it will go a long way to determine if we can play finals.

Edited November 28 by dazzledavey36

[Engorged Onion 10,223]

If you’re still trotting out a complete lack of depth as a reason, then you’ve drunk the media koolaid. Or at least institutionalised to it.  It’s not the mythology of ‘one soldier in, one soldier out’. When your best players are out injured or playing somewhat crocked and you expect another player to merely fill that talent void, then you’ve got unrealistic expectations.

If I could be stuffed, I’d either find or develop an injury ladder vs real ladder position for the last 15 years and low and behold there is a significant causation/correlation.

Edited November 28 by Engorged Onion

[DemonWA 3,936]

Charlie Spargo is the first to come to mind for me. Hasn't been able to get on the park. Tidy player when available. Career on the line you'd imagine. 

I think Van Rooyen, Tuner and Petty all need to show more this year too. Need our big forwards to be a reliable source of goals, and not rely on Fritsch and Pickett to be our main avenue. 

[dazzledavey36 55,308]

19 minutes ago, Engorged Onion said:

If you’re still trotting out a complete lack of depth as a reason, then you’ve drunk the media koolaid. Or at least institutionalised to it.  It’s not the mythology of ‘one soldier in, one soldier out’. When your best players are out injured or playing somewhat crocked and you expect another player to merely fill that talent void, then you’ve got unrealistic expectations.

If I could be stuffed, I’d either find or develop an injury ladder vs real ladder position for the last 15 years and low and behold there is a significant causation/correlation.

I'm guessing this is aimed at my post?

I never said that depth is filling talent for talent. You're never going to replace guys like Gawn and Petracca but you can fill them soldiers that can come in and still impact fairly well at AFL. Unfortunately we didn't even have those. We got rid of those soldiers in Harmes, Jordon and Dunstan and replaced them with no one.

If you look at Brisbane as an example they did that with Kiddy Coleman and Linc McCarthy as soon as they went down with ACL injuries and then with their number one ruckman in Big O when he went down. Darcy Fort was able to come in and not only compete but nullify Grundys influence

The timing of Luke Dunstans career was unfortunate. Felt like he would have actually been handy depth this year in the midfield. Someone that could have provided solid experience, bigger body and able to win you 20-25 touches of the footy and take a load off Oliver and Viney.

Timing is everything. 

Edited November 28 by dazzledavey36

[Engorged Onion 10,223]

1 minute ago, dazzledavey36 said:

I'm guessing this is aimed at my post.

I never said that depth is filling talent for talent. You're never going to replace guys like Gawn and Petracca but you can fill them soldiers that can come in and still impact fairly well at AFL. Unfortunately we didn't even have those. We got rid of those soldiers in Harmes, Jordon and Dunstan and replaced them with no one.

If you look at Brisbane as an example they did that with Kiddy Coleman and Linc McCarthy as soon as they went down with ACL injuries and then with their number one ruckman in Big O when he went down. Darcy Fort was able to come in and not only compete but nullify Grundys influence

The timing of Luke Dunstans career was unfortunate. Felt like he would have actually been handy depth this year in the midfield. Someone that could have provided solid experience, bigger body and able to win you 20-25 touches of the footy and take a load off Oliver and Viney.

Timing is everything. 

It was and maybe I just particularly rankled about ‘depth’ commentary as It’s typically wafer thin. We were unlucky with significant injuries or significantly compromised players playing throughout the year, and so are most teams. Anyway you’re typically insightful, detailed and thoughtful. 

[rpfc 28,726]

1 hour ago, dazzledavey36 said:

I'm confused by this response @rpfc? If you want me to break it down further then I will, only because that what you were elaborating too.

When i say its a big year for our whole playing list, i say that to include the regular depth players at Casey. I'm not someone that sees those guys as simply filling in the numbers. Now days depth is just as important then ever before.

For our team to take the next step further into finals, we need everyone playing at their optimum level week in week out. Now i know this is difficult on the more younger players so you alter your expectationonnthose guys. But pressure for spots could not be more crucial for 2025 then we've seen over the last couple of years.

We saw the complete lack of depth when we were hit with injuries this year and guys like Fullarton, McAdam, Laurie simply failed to step up when we needed them too. When Gawn went down with injury the fact we had to use a makeshift ruckman in Petty/JVR ahead of both Verrall and Fullarton just shows that if you're not in form at VFL level that it has a huge ripple effect on our senior team. Clearly they have identified this as a need and went got Tommy Campbell. 

Guys going into their last year of their contracts such as Billings, Spargo, Fullarton, Woewodin, McDonald, Melksham, Hore, Sestan, Verrall are fighting for their careers and I would hope this gives them the extra motivation to really push themselves. If they're putting pressure on our senior AFL players through their own form at VFL level then that's a healthy place to be in.

In terms of our main AFL regulars. Majority of those guys simply need to stand up and perform next year if we are aiming to get back into finals. 

Guys like Salem, Oliver Sparrow, Lever, Bowey, Petty all simply had a poor year through combination of injury and inconsistency of form. Realistically majority of the names listed haven't performed at their best since the 2021 season so I think the microscope is going to come hard on them if they dish another poor year.

We need another spike of incline for guys like JVR, Windsor, Rivers, Pickett, McVee, Tholstrup, Turner and I'll even add Matt Jefferson because we saw a huge improvement this year in his Casey performance compared to year one, so he's definitely on the track track.

These guys could play a crucial role in taking that next step. I could easily see JVR kicking over 40 goals next year. Another year where's he's gain valuable experience and more maturity in his body. He wants to be the top dog and he's certainly got all the attributes to be.

Then it's guys like Gawn, Petracca, May and Viney. We just need them to be doing their thing once again. They've carried and performed on such a consistent level for a number of years now that you just become accustomed to the level of expectations. If all four can stay fit and healthy throughout the year then it will go a long way to determine if we can play finals.

I was just making a joke. Appreciate the deeper response tho.

As for depth - it’s all about who they are replacing IMO. Most can play a role.

[Bombay Airconditioning 6,408]

Fritsch.

But let’s get the ball in there quicker and let him beat his opponent in one v one.

[58er 6,538]

10 hours ago, zoe1617 said:

Jefferson, Adams, Laurie, woewodin, sestan and Fullerton need to show something this year .  

 

Really that is not going to make a great difference if they only improve marginally.

Jefferson you have nominated was probably the biggest improver in the club last season. He is almost a lock in for Senior games early in the season judging by 2024 and his already promising performances at pre season training. 

But the rest played either fairly standard AFL and reasonably good standard to some standout Casey games. For all of them to improve to AFL standard is asking a lot as some eg McAdam and Fullarton were hardly knocking any door down for fulfil a really meaningful depth role. 

Laurie Woewodin had plenty of opportunities but just couldn’t really nail down a regular spot and Sestan and Adams were although both are promising were never any real chance fit AFL experience. 

My point really is this group would not be expected despite their talent to make a great lift in our Finals fortunes unless a major acceleration occurred in form with Jefferson excepted. 

indeed players like Lever Salem Spargo Petty Fritch Bowey had poorer seasons and can go back to a level of 2021 hopefully.

The realistic hope of our team in bouncing back to Finals is that JVR Turner Chandler AMW go to another level of improvement and that the stars like Viney Trac Clarry Maysie Gawny Kossie Lingers McVee and The Duke have injury free years plus consistently high standard of play to inspire a resurgence similar to 2021.

Also newcomers Langford Lindsay and Sharp have super first years to provide fresh young legs and lead our team to play a more exciting brand of footy that will not only be successful but get our fans also buoyant about chances of another tilt at Top4 and the Flag. 

And it goes without saying that the Coaches especially Goody are under pressure and Chaplin also to manufacture a sharp and organised goal scoring forward line to win matches. 

[Timothy Reddan-A'Blew 5,269]

Kalani White.

[tiers 2,843]

They all do, including us as supporters.

[Maldonboy38 6,405]

Lots of players need to lift, but for those who need to prove themselves or show something to get/hold a place in the 22:

Sparrow. I still reckon he has it, hopefully he can find his right spot, stay there and explode. 

Spargo. The forgotten man. His delivery inside F50 was a thing of beauty and remains one of the weakest parts of our game. 

Two others who I am really keen to see but are too young to have to prove anything yet, are Verrall and Jefferson. 

[Bendigo_Demon 405]

The only players on our list who I believe can hold their heads high after last season are Gawn, Viney, McVee, and Windsor. Everyone else needs to lift. 

[Bay Riffin 1,478]

On 28/11/2024 at 12:21, Deemania since 56 said:

Sparrow certainly could make a difference - there is still a good deal about him that could erupt, be utilised for 'team' purposes and at the individual level. He has some great skills, a great physique, an excellent kick for distance and a stubbornness to take the knock in possession/handballing/pick-ups. I expected his turn of form from earlier stages, last season ... however, these attributes seldom came together. I still believe that he has hidden explosive, dominant and commendable upsides to his potential .... his confidence needs a boost to really 'go for it' at every opportunity ... possibly a latent and currently hidden asset lies within his 'feeder' roles with team members rather than the long bomb to upfield hopefuls. Come on, Spaz, there is much that you could offer and by now, to exploit in the game plan. 

with Windsor, Rivers adding to our midfield and a couple more young guns, i'd train him up as a tagger. Strong, good skills but i dont think he's a natural reader of the play, he'd be better used nullifying an opposition star. 

[Sydee 4,529]

9 minutes ago, Bay Riffin said:

with Windsor, Rivers adding to our midfield and a couple more young guns, i'd train him up as a tagger. Strong, good skills but i dont think he's a natural reader of the play, he'd be better used nullifying an opposition star. 

Sparrow as a tagger is not a silly suggestion imo - we saw with James Harmes who was always at his best when given that role that some players seem to thrive thrown a challenge to nullify an opposition star 

Could be worth a go 

[adonski 12,410]

The Big 5...

• Clayton Oliver - get the obvious one out of the way first
• Jake Bowey - his output at AFL level hasn't matched the natural ability the guy has, expecting (hoping) for a big year from him. Ticks all boxes besides being big.
• Disco Turner - impressed me this year up forward, reckon he's got break out year written all over him
• Matt Jefferson - a make or break year for Jeffo. Completed his apprenticeship and should be playing more AFL games than VFL games in season 2025 if his progress is on the right track. I'm a believer. 
• Christian Salem - one of our best players when fit, will we every see a 20+ game season from him again? We really miss his IQ and ball use when he's in form.

[jnrmac 20,154]

On 29/11/2024 at 21:14, Bendigo_Demon said:

The only players on our list who I believe can hold their heads high after last season are Gawn, Viney, McVee, and Windsor. Everyone else needs to lift. 

Langdon and TMac played well

[Diamond_Jim 12,624]

On 29/11/2024 at 21:14, Bendigo_Demon said:

The only players on our list who I believe can hold their heads high after last season are Gawn, Viney, McVee, and Windsor. Everyone else needs to lift. 

Max could improve his centre bounce connection work.

(Sticks head beneath the parapets but our centre clearance work has not been clean for a while. To some extent it's also Oliver's decline in form that he has the ability by hand to turn a crowded possession into an attacking move.)

Edited December 1 by Diamond_Jim

[DeeZone 10,072]

1 hour ago, jnrmac said:

Langdon and TMac played well

Not to mention Rivers and Windsor.

[picket fence 17,458]

On 28/11/2024 at 14:43, Lord Travis said:

Big year for Dees to be competitive again? Or big year to keep their career on track?

If it's big year for Dees to be competitive, then it's our A graders and core leaders like Trac, Clarry, Gawn, May, Lever, Viney. Pretty self explanatory. We saw what happened when most of them were injured or not firing this year, and it will continue to happen if they don't perform and lead again like 2021-2023.

If it's a big year for their own careers, we have a fair few but here are the ones that stand out to me:

Petty - Obviously struggled with injury in 2024, but his season was poor and for position and experience he was rated one of the worst players in the league. He's not a natural forward. Send him back to defence.

Bowey - Not convinced he makes it longer term without a position change. He started his career well, but has regressed in the years since, to the point where IMO he has minimal impact on games. We rarely see his supposedly elite kicking, and he doesn't have the speed or skillset to be made into a pure lockdown small defender either. He should be tried at half forward and used similar to how Spargo was a few years back in an attempt to improve our forward connection issues. I respect his bravery in attacking the ball, but he needs to impact games or he's wasting a crucial spot in the team as a rebounder off half back that doesn't actually rebound.

Sparrow - Regressed and isn't up to AFL midfielder standard on output. Coming into his seventh season now and career best is averaging 17 touches. He needs a big season or he'll no longer be best 22 as other youngsters pass him. He had a big opportunity to step up in 2024 as he was fit and ready to step into a core midfield role with the loss of Trac and other depth, but he didn't step up and looks likely to be overtaken and be depth/delisted. Had decent success off half back as a junior, could potentially be trialled there.

Laurie - Coming into his fifth year he needs to establish himself in the team or he's delist material (despite inexplicably being given a contract extension). Appears one of JT's biggest misses.

Salem - I rate him highly and don't feel his 2021 season is given credit or kudos. He's constantly injured though, and when he returns from injury he struggles. His impact on games this past few years has been minimal, and at 30 years old next year he needs to fire and lead. OOC 2026, so he's likely only got two seasons left before he's cooked if he can't get himself fit and performing.

McAdam - 30 year old who battled injury and form. Given we essentially traded ANB for him, we need him best 22 and playing his role. Likely will be delisted end of 2025.

Agree 110% with all of this!

[Dr. Gonzo 24,266]

Excluding the obvious, Sparrow and Jefferson.