waynewussell

2008 Player review?????????

Valenti can play, and on some occasions he made a better contribution than our more seasoned mid-fielders. I think he can improve at this level and should be given more opportunities to do so in 2009. A good back up for Brock & Jones if injuries strike them down.

I'm only doing this because I haven't missed a number up till now. However, IHNFI about Spencer... for this reason I expect him to rocket into Sheehan's top 100 at 23 with a bullit by the start of 2010!

I was one who saw some good in Nathan, still do. A reliable mark, good reader of the traffic, reasonable disposal skills, good closing speed, and unintimidated! I loved the way he could shake a Mitch Hahn like a rag-doll or join a melee with intent. He was forced to play on bigger opponents on most occasions and usually kept them in check with a mix of footy smarts and controlled agression. However, when he turned this agression on our own he had gone too far! Time to move on! Good luck with the Anger Management and AA sessions!

A long time in the making, Jamar could be the best centre circle ruckman we have on our list at the moment. He doesn't seem to have the self-belief to take him to the next level. He sometimes demonstrates a sudden lack of smarts on the field as well. It just may be that he needs to be told he is the man for the whole season before he steps up to the required level, and that is a risk. One can understand why the footy department will be leaving no stone un-turned in pursuit of a better option through the trade and draft options available.

The case for Wonna' is about value added. My kids are still fighting over who saw him first and who gets to wear his number. The best two bits of recorded Demons in 2008 were the little fella's springing scissor jumps in front of the goal-square faithful and Jimmy hugging Wonna's dad after we chalked up a rare win. Wonaeamirri did tail-off, but that was under the weight of carrying the spirit of the team and its long-suffering supporters across the abyss that was the year that wasn't! Can't wait to see him develop further in 2009.

Been on the list for some time, looked impressive in pre-season work that I witnessed but never given enough games to settle... that is until Bailey arrived. On the evidence provided by his 4th in B&F, the cockroach is very pleased with his progress. In fact, Warnock must be marked as THE big improver of 2008. I like his courage and team ethic. he is quick enough to provide run in future. I hope he can follow up with even more improvement in 2009. If that is the case we have found ourselves a long term solution to one major defence problem.

I'll be brief... gifted, star -quality in abundance, untouchable! Produced goal and mark of the year for MFC in 2008. I look forward to his brilliance lighting up this depressed football club in an injury free run at it in 2009.

If we get Seaby Trent's case is somewhat weakened. I can not offer anymore than that on this unknown quantity.

Jeff was the highest leaping hit man of the era prior to the second centre circle. He also managed at least one memorable hanger in every season leading up to his injury problems. Let's not forget the horrific injuries Jeff had to overcome. Cat's King tried to kick his head over the Members Stand on the way to crushing Jeff's face in... a callous act that rivals Michael Long in 2000 GF in my book. That was after the shin gash that was threatening to turn gangrenous...with amputation being a distant possibility. Enter the Rules of the Game Committee to add the second circle, which ironically was about restricting ruckman injuries! I first saw Jeff close up at the MFC Luna Park Family Day. It was soon after we recruited him from Freo. I remember thinking how youthful and quiet our next Great White Hope seemed. Since that day he treated me to many magic moments on our beloved "G". He was one of the first tap ruckmen who had the motor to play a midfield role... he racked up midfielder-like stats on a number of occasions in his hay-day, and was always at the top of the tap-out list (all of this at a mere 194 cm!!!!). The one thing he lacked was that bit of mongrel we like to see in a big man. Jeff doesn't seem to have an angry bone in his body. The fact that he has survived so long in what can be a brutal game speaks volumes for his character. Thanks for the memories Jeff!

Who cares if anyone here would have given Bruce a vote? The reality is that Cameron is a great Melbourne story. How many of you watched him going around in the ressies when they played at Punt road? Bruce continues to defy the odds... He is worthy of support and admiration... yes even from the coulda-beens who frequent these boards.

Heard on SEN that Jack got the third fastest speed test for all time during draft week... Nice! Two speed Demons in a week!!

Exceeded expectations... Good spoiler 1 on 1, seems cool under pressure, took the best option on most occasions in defence. Height and spring impressive assets. Now believes he belongs... so expect further rapid development in 2009. Running ability a pleasant surprise, gives him cred for further opportunities up the ground.

My memory of the tackle suggests it was at Telstra Dome... but then again...

Cameron Bruce came to the club on Hird-like draft numbers... he developed to the point where he was being compared to the great man and was our first choice to play on Hird v Bombers. Pre-Guerra he was a hot Brownlow topic but injury and confidence issues have plagued him since. I know he still has some trade currency but I prefer him in a leadership role with MFC. We have a very young list and Cam is a genuine positive role model. He also happens to be a versatile footballer who can play anywhere...

That's the sort of contribution we expect from Wheats every season. He is handy, and the raking kick is a valuable extra. He is versatile without ever being a physical threat. He is reliable, consistent and has currency in trade talks (that bit puts him at some risk after such an abysmal year overall). Wheatley is now one of the first picked...

Thought he played well in one NAB game, reading the play and rebounding well... but then again I may have been confusing him with somebody else. Put it this way, after that performance I was surprised that he didn't surface again in 2008. Still an unknown quantity, but wouldn't it be great if he maturned into a gun!

It doesn't look good for this most courageous and dour of our defenders. The body won't stand up... continuing a great line of such afflictions under the Norm Smith curse!

Was impressive at a few of the early Trinity training sessions. Injuries took their toll.

remember the raves about his running ability during pre-season? One must ask WHY he wasn't given any games in 2008 during one of the bleakest periods in the clubs modern history. If it was because the coach didn't think he had anything to offer. well... what the hell!!!! If it was because he was down on confidence and form due to injury etc. etc. then let's hope to God he makes massive inroads in 2009. Otherwise, one of the worst selections this decade!

After obvious highlights in 2007, I kept hoping for more of the same in 2008 only to be disappointed. Rarely held on to the contested grabs he went for, not quick and seemingly one-dimensional. I was impressed with some of his second and third efforts but they rarely led to us getting possession of the ball. I'm over him!

Seems to be hard at it and uncompromising, that's a mix that we are in desperate need of. Can only hope that he comes along in leaps & bounds in 2009.

What a potent combination... height and extreme pace... I like the lad!

Always sneaks under the radar. I expect another couple of years from this legend of understatement.

Remember Robbo has been carrying knee injuries for a couple of sesons now. This break may help clear that problem up... therefore a return of pace (that which he had anyway) and leap. The down side is that some don't ever comeback from the type of rupture he had. Conclusion, if he is able to comeback at all he will be a very good addition to our struggling attack.