Wheatley

[btdemon 475]

I was never a big fan of Wheatley, but his game on Q's B impressed me. He and Biz policed the backline beautifully and I felt confident when ever he had the ball. His disposal was fantastic and always worked to our advantage upfield. There seems to be a new rhythm to our defence which was missing earlier in the year. Maybe these two being back is the key?

[Pepe Dee Pew 0]

I agree he has been good since he has been back in the team.

He seems to have muscled up a bit. He looks bigger. Has anyone else noticed he looks bigger/stronger than previoius years?

[CarnTheDees 52]

Difference is that ND has finally realised that he isn't a defender. Has been played more as a winger and has thrived.

[Nasher 33,187]

Difference is that ND has finally realised that he isn't a defender. Has been played more as a winger and has thrived.

Pardon? He is a defender and he has been played in the defensive 50. That's why he's always present to take the kickins.

[Kit Walker 210]

Pardon? He is a defender and he has been played in the defensive 50. That's why he's always present to take the kickins.

I thought he was playing as a genuine winger but pushing back to take kick-ins (as TJ did until recently).

[Straight Sets Simon 23,113]

Pardon? He is a defender and he has been played in the defensive 50. That's why he's always present to take the kickins.

Johnstone isn't a defender...

EDIT: Sorry, I didn't see Kit's post.

[deanox 8,885]

yeah i thought he's been lining up on the wing...

but he has played great footy the last few weeks hasnt he...

[Alan Smithee 0]

yeah i thought he's been lining up on the wing...

but he has played great footy the last few weeks hasnt he...

Yep. I think it may have been an achilles or ankle injury he had pre-season. I had seen him working a lot on his running, speed drills etc.

He looks a bit quicker to me atm and he is reading the play well.

I won't go overboard as as Allen Jeans once said some words along the lines of 'the moment you think you're a good player is the moment you aren't'............or something like that.

[demonfanjezza 1]

Certainly has improved in the last few years-- he looks like an around player: can play in defence, wing, and forward as required.

Keep up the good work

[Real Demon 232]

Been a long time fan of Wheaters.........when he is on song, he is a very good player for us!

Contrary to posts in other threads I have read, he should not be traded or delisted at year end.

[Jumping Jack Clennett 1,648]

Wheatley must be one of the best two lor three in the Afl at 50m. passes.

[Little Goffy 12,848]

Very happy with Wehatley's return and good form.

Best stats of his career in the time since he came back, and his possessions have been pretty effective. Has also provided good support rebounding across half-back, where we get bogged down a lot.

And those kick-ins aren't even counted on his disposal tally, so he must be handling the pill 30+ times a game.

Admittedly, Collingwood was pretty weak at controlling the kick-ins which made Wheatley look particularly effective, but you can't complain about his performance so far.

As for looking stronger - definately. And he's a very good kind of stronger, too - actually looks less bulky while having more power and still retaining running strength. Pretty much ideal.

Very good stuff from a player we we're all starting to fear we'd seen the last of at AFL level.