Go_Dogs
28-06-2010, 09:05 PM
I've got a little bit of time to kill tonight, so thought I would do a brief, player by player review up to the half way mark of the season, and give each player a rating out of 10 for their efforts thus far.
1. Jarrad Grant - Has played 9 games of the season thus far, surely surpassing the wildest of internal and external expectations. He's showcased his AFL qualities, being his leg speed and mobility for a taller player, his nous in reading of the play and seeing team mates in better positions, and his great ball handling skills including his marking, crumbing and handball ability. Now how he deals with the expectation of being our most promising young forward in years will be the challenge. 6.5/10
2. Robert Murphy - Poor old Murph has again battled a few injury concerns, however has strung 10 games together for the season. A recent move to the backline on the come back from another knee complaint seems to have re-energised Murph, and our side. He's such a quality player, and from the backline we'll be able to see his run and creativity at its best. He'll also add some extra marking power down back, and his reading of the play is sure to become a feature - hopefully soon enough him, Lake and Morris will be marking every opposition kick in the forward half. 6/10
3. Andrejs Everitt - Played 7 games of the season before going out with an ankle complaint, and not having yet returned. Whilst his form was not 'outstanding', his form was very pleasing - a return to the old. He showed increased intensity and running ability, and also took some great contested marks, showing he's no slouch in the air. His body work and exactly where to play him must continue to be issues for the MC, along with him not tearing the house down at Williamstown from all reports in the State League Forim, but I think he has to return, and soon. He's got a lot of AFL qualities, and if Goddard, and Mackie and these guys can get games (and have even with iffy form), Everitt should too. 5/10
4. Daniel Cross - After perhaps a sluggish start to the season by his standards, Crossy has been back in his better form in recent weeks. Sometimes I am critical of his handballing, after thinking he was the next Scott West for quite a while. His ability to put a team mate into a better spot, or release them into space with the handball has been down over the past few seasons. Whilst he has again been shut down at times, he has also again shown his ability to win a crucial clearance and release a player with better foot skills into space. As always, his contested and defensive work has been very solid. Hopefully he continues his upward trend towards September, where he may play a few shutdown roles inside, and hopefully beat his direct opponent with hurt factor too. 8/10
5. Matthew Boyd - Has again racked big numbers and been a very important player in the contested situation. His disposal and decision making have however come under question, and if must be asked if he at times attempts to do too much. He has certainly improved his skills in his time at the club, but he's still not an elite ball user, and as such, should try to play within his limits a little more at times. His ability to win the clearance has however been very important, and he adds good ball handling and grunt into our midfield mix. I sometimes wonder if he could rest up forwards, where his overhead ability and defensive efforts could be beneficial. 7/10
6. Brad Johnson - Brad hasn't had a great run with injury thus far, but I actually don't mind that. Like it or not, I still think Johnson is one of our most important players, and we will be very reliant on him having a great September. For those reasons, I'm glad he's had a bit of a slower build up and lesser work load over the first half of the season. Keeping his body primed is crucial. In his first match of the year, he played a blinder. His field kicking and decision making, as well as leadership, was outstanding. The following week, he wasn't as good (in fact, he was poor), and then subsequently missed a few more matches with injury. In his game back against West Coast he looked good. He's so dangerous, and his football smarts get better year after year. Once he and Baz have played a few more games together up forward, they should form a potent combination. (Not rated due to lack of football)
7. Shaun Higgins - One of many who has probably suffered a little from injury, not only missing a few games but playing at less than 100%. He has again been an important player, however hasn't quite taken that next step yet that many were hoping he would. He's a good ball user, sometimes great, and is very poised and great at identifying the best option. I'm not sure if his best spot will be in the midfield, as I think he is just too dangerous a player in the forward half. When Johnson and Akermanis move on, we are really going to need someone like Higgins to kick 40 goals a year (in fact, I argue we already do!), and I think he's capable. Hopefully he can get his body right, as he could be a real wildcard in September. 6.5/10
8 - Mitch Hahn - Mitch has had, in my humble opinion, a fairly disappointing season. He hasn't been our worst contributor, but he isn't having the same impact on matches, and isn't getting the same hurt factor with his possessions, or defensive/contested efforts. As has been alluded too elsewhere, Barry Hall coming in has meant Hahn doesn't have the same, clearly defined role as last year. It's an interesting one, because in my mind, having Hall should mean Mitch has the same or worse level of defender on him, and perhaps we just haven't been exploiting him enough. It's going to be a very important few months for Hahn as he tries to cement his spot in our 22 for September. Playing well in big matches, against the top sides will certainly help his cause. 4/10
9 - Lindsay Gilbee - Gilbee has really had a pretty good season. He has been able to get involved more frequently than he did last year for mine, and his field kicking has been very good. Having a few more options to run and carry the ball down back definitely helps release him more often, and it should allow him some time in the midfield too, where I think he could be very effective. The one aspect of his game that has let him down has been his kicking for goal, particularly from 50, which was his range not too long ago. From memory, did kick a good one last match against West Coast, so hopefully he can take some confidence from that. Crucial to our finals ambitions. 8/10
10 - Nathan Eagleton - Another who has been in and out a little bit because of injury. Eagleton has been a good contributor over the years, using his speed, gut running and long kicking to advantage. At this stage of his career, he is showing signs of fading in these departments, although at other times does still show these abilities. Like Hahn, he is one who'll want to play some good games against the better sides. He does have a very good record against Geelong (maybe not in last years PF?) and can be a damaging player when he finds space. Finding that space in high intensity finals contests is extremely hard though. Important month or so for the Eagle. 4.5/10
12 - Tom Williams - Has stayed on the park for 12 games thus far, which is very good given his injury history (touch wood). Whilst his form hasn't been outstanding, much like Everitt was doing, he has done his job most weeks. He has shown his marking ability, often late in games as he seems to grow in confidence throughout each match. His run and ball use has often been shown to be good, although he still at times can make simple mistakes. Defensively he has improved, although still has a bit of work to go before becoming one of the better CHB's in the business. He certainly improves our structures, and in my mind, is a walk up start for the best 22. 5.5/10
13 - Daniel Giansiracusa - Gia has had a solid - good year, perhaps even better, as I can sometimes undersell him a little. His great games have been outstanding. When Boydy missed a few, Gia took on some midfield responsibility, and showcased his gut running, decision making and ball use. He has in more recent weeks played the defensive forward role, and has done well doing this. I however think he is more value getting more possessions, as his work by hand in close, and field kicking are all excellent, and based upon his decision making. He's a very important player, and when he is up and running, we are a better side. Hopefully he can continue on with his form. 8/10
15 - Ben Hudson - mjp has long argued that Hudson is one of our 5 most important players (or better), and based on his form this year, I'd have to agree. Hudson has been outstanding. He regularly scraps and wins the ball, or creates another contest if he can't. His body work is also very good. This year, he has also gone forward or back and stuck a few marks, as well as continuing to work on his ability to get dangerous around the ground as a link up man. I question how his body holds up over the course of a season, as he has seen to dip in form in the latter stages, and I hope we are able to rest him at times and ensure he is jumping at the bit in September, cotton wool him and all that, he is that important. 8.5/10
16 - Ryan Griffen - I'll try not to gush too much, but Griff has been very good this season. He has continued to improve his midfield work, and has been showing off his trademark run and carry to great effect this year. His long kicking has been good at times, and I understand the directive would be to move the ball as quickly as possible, but I think he could lower the vision a bit more and try to spot up more shorter passes, as he can move the short passes very quickly so not much separation is required for the forward marking the ball. Another guy who is crucial to our September ambitions, and hopefully we'll see him dashing down the wing, kicking a few long goals last weekend of September. 8/10
17 - Adam Cooney - Has been back to his best, although a little patchy at times. When he's on, he's one of the Top 5 players in the competition. He's so quick and skillful outside, strong and dynamic inside. His ability to generate run has been very important. He's another player who I'd like to see kick more goals, but besides that, Adam is putting along very nicely. I really hope he's keen for a massive September, because if he turns it on, and so does Griff, we'll blow other sides out of the water. Perhaps another who could spend a bit more time resting forward, but he is just so dangerous, that I understand the need/desire to keep him in the guts. 8/10
That will do for tonight :)
Feel free to agree or disagree with my opinions....
1. Jarrad Grant - Has played 9 games of the season thus far, surely surpassing the wildest of internal and external expectations. He's showcased his AFL qualities, being his leg speed and mobility for a taller player, his nous in reading of the play and seeing team mates in better positions, and his great ball handling skills including his marking, crumbing and handball ability. Now how he deals with the expectation of being our most promising young forward in years will be the challenge. 6.5/10
2. Robert Murphy - Poor old Murph has again battled a few injury concerns, however has strung 10 games together for the season. A recent move to the backline on the come back from another knee complaint seems to have re-energised Murph, and our side. He's such a quality player, and from the backline we'll be able to see his run and creativity at its best. He'll also add some extra marking power down back, and his reading of the play is sure to become a feature - hopefully soon enough him, Lake and Morris will be marking every opposition kick in the forward half. 6/10
3. Andrejs Everitt - Played 7 games of the season before going out with an ankle complaint, and not having yet returned. Whilst his form was not 'outstanding', his form was very pleasing - a return to the old. He showed increased intensity and running ability, and also took some great contested marks, showing he's no slouch in the air. His body work and exactly where to play him must continue to be issues for the MC, along with him not tearing the house down at Williamstown from all reports in the State League Forim, but I think he has to return, and soon. He's got a lot of AFL qualities, and if Goddard, and Mackie and these guys can get games (and have even with iffy form), Everitt should too. 5/10
4. Daniel Cross - After perhaps a sluggish start to the season by his standards, Crossy has been back in his better form in recent weeks. Sometimes I am critical of his handballing, after thinking he was the next Scott West for quite a while. His ability to put a team mate into a better spot, or release them into space with the handball has been down over the past few seasons. Whilst he has again been shut down at times, he has also again shown his ability to win a crucial clearance and release a player with better foot skills into space. As always, his contested and defensive work has been very solid. Hopefully he continues his upward trend towards September, where he may play a few shutdown roles inside, and hopefully beat his direct opponent with hurt factor too. 8/10
5. Matthew Boyd - Has again racked big numbers and been a very important player in the contested situation. His disposal and decision making have however come under question, and if must be asked if he at times attempts to do too much. He has certainly improved his skills in his time at the club, but he's still not an elite ball user, and as such, should try to play within his limits a little more at times. His ability to win the clearance has however been very important, and he adds good ball handling and grunt into our midfield mix. I sometimes wonder if he could rest up forwards, where his overhead ability and defensive efforts could be beneficial. 7/10
6. Brad Johnson - Brad hasn't had a great run with injury thus far, but I actually don't mind that. Like it or not, I still think Johnson is one of our most important players, and we will be very reliant on him having a great September. For those reasons, I'm glad he's had a bit of a slower build up and lesser work load over the first half of the season. Keeping his body primed is crucial. In his first match of the year, he played a blinder. His field kicking and decision making, as well as leadership, was outstanding. The following week, he wasn't as good (in fact, he was poor), and then subsequently missed a few more matches with injury. In his game back against West Coast he looked good. He's so dangerous, and his football smarts get better year after year. Once he and Baz have played a few more games together up forward, they should form a potent combination. (Not rated due to lack of football)
7. Shaun Higgins - One of many who has probably suffered a little from injury, not only missing a few games but playing at less than 100%. He has again been an important player, however hasn't quite taken that next step yet that many were hoping he would. He's a good ball user, sometimes great, and is very poised and great at identifying the best option. I'm not sure if his best spot will be in the midfield, as I think he is just too dangerous a player in the forward half. When Johnson and Akermanis move on, we are really going to need someone like Higgins to kick 40 goals a year (in fact, I argue we already do!), and I think he's capable. Hopefully he can get his body right, as he could be a real wildcard in September. 6.5/10
8 - Mitch Hahn - Mitch has had, in my humble opinion, a fairly disappointing season. He hasn't been our worst contributor, but he isn't having the same impact on matches, and isn't getting the same hurt factor with his possessions, or defensive/contested efforts. As has been alluded too elsewhere, Barry Hall coming in has meant Hahn doesn't have the same, clearly defined role as last year. It's an interesting one, because in my mind, having Hall should mean Mitch has the same or worse level of defender on him, and perhaps we just haven't been exploiting him enough. It's going to be a very important few months for Hahn as he tries to cement his spot in our 22 for September. Playing well in big matches, against the top sides will certainly help his cause. 4/10
9 - Lindsay Gilbee - Gilbee has really had a pretty good season. He has been able to get involved more frequently than he did last year for mine, and his field kicking has been very good. Having a few more options to run and carry the ball down back definitely helps release him more often, and it should allow him some time in the midfield too, where I think he could be very effective. The one aspect of his game that has let him down has been his kicking for goal, particularly from 50, which was his range not too long ago. From memory, did kick a good one last match against West Coast, so hopefully he can take some confidence from that. Crucial to our finals ambitions. 8/10
10 - Nathan Eagleton - Another who has been in and out a little bit because of injury. Eagleton has been a good contributor over the years, using his speed, gut running and long kicking to advantage. At this stage of his career, he is showing signs of fading in these departments, although at other times does still show these abilities. Like Hahn, he is one who'll want to play some good games against the better sides. He does have a very good record against Geelong (maybe not in last years PF?) and can be a damaging player when he finds space. Finding that space in high intensity finals contests is extremely hard though. Important month or so for the Eagle. 4.5/10
12 - Tom Williams - Has stayed on the park for 12 games thus far, which is very good given his injury history (touch wood). Whilst his form hasn't been outstanding, much like Everitt was doing, he has done his job most weeks. He has shown his marking ability, often late in games as he seems to grow in confidence throughout each match. His run and ball use has often been shown to be good, although he still at times can make simple mistakes. Defensively he has improved, although still has a bit of work to go before becoming one of the better CHB's in the business. He certainly improves our structures, and in my mind, is a walk up start for the best 22. 5.5/10
13 - Daniel Giansiracusa - Gia has had a solid - good year, perhaps even better, as I can sometimes undersell him a little. His great games have been outstanding. When Boydy missed a few, Gia took on some midfield responsibility, and showcased his gut running, decision making and ball use. He has in more recent weeks played the defensive forward role, and has done well doing this. I however think he is more value getting more possessions, as his work by hand in close, and field kicking are all excellent, and based upon his decision making. He's a very important player, and when he is up and running, we are a better side. Hopefully he can continue on with his form. 8/10
15 - Ben Hudson - mjp has long argued that Hudson is one of our 5 most important players (or better), and based on his form this year, I'd have to agree. Hudson has been outstanding. He regularly scraps and wins the ball, or creates another contest if he can't. His body work is also very good. This year, he has also gone forward or back and stuck a few marks, as well as continuing to work on his ability to get dangerous around the ground as a link up man. I question how his body holds up over the course of a season, as he has seen to dip in form in the latter stages, and I hope we are able to rest him at times and ensure he is jumping at the bit in September, cotton wool him and all that, he is that important. 8.5/10
16 - Ryan Griffen - I'll try not to gush too much, but Griff has been very good this season. He has continued to improve his midfield work, and has been showing off his trademark run and carry to great effect this year. His long kicking has been good at times, and I understand the directive would be to move the ball as quickly as possible, but I think he could lower the vision a bit more and try to spot up more shorter passes, as he can move the short passes very quickly so not much separation is required for the forward marking the ball. Another guy who is crucial to our September ambitions, and hopefully we'll see him dashing down the wing, kicking a few long goals last weekend of September. 8/10
17 - Adam Cooney - Has been back to his best, although a little patchy at times. When he's on, he's one of the Top 5 players in the competition. He's so quick and skillful outside, strong and dynamic inside. His ability to generate run has been very important. He's another player who I'd like to see kick more goals, but besides that, Adam is putting along very nicely. I really hope he's keen for a massive September, because if he turns it on, and so does Griff, we'll blow other sides out of the water. Perhaps another who could spend a bit more time resting forward, but he is just so dangerous, that I understand the need/desire to keep him in the guts. 8/10
That will do for tonight :)
Feel free to agree or disagree with my opinions....