Go_Dogs
28-07-2007, 04:18 PM
By now we would all have our own thoughts as to who needs to go, who should stay, who could be potential trade bait and the types of players that we should be drafting for. Here is my attempt as to perhaps what I would like to see going forward from this point.
Addison - Has shown enough to warrant selection, and his aggression at the ball and contest has been very pleasing. His disposal and decision making let him down at times, but those are areas that the coaching staff can make improvements on. He is a part of our plan going forward and could become a 150+ game player for us.
Akermanis - Hasn't set the world on fire, but hasn't been as disappointing as some will suggest. His workrate, knowledge and experience are crucial and he'll be an important player for the next few years.
Baird - Has had a disappointing 2007, especially on the back of his impressive 2006. I still feel that Baird can offer something as a lead up forward, similar to the role that Hansen plays at WC. He's good on the lead and has good hands. He's been trialled in the backline a bit this season also, and if he can convince the coaching staff that his personal issues are behind him, and he's ready to have a big pre-season and big dip next year, I think he will figure in our plans. His recent form and getting back in the Werribee 1's team has been pleasing. Not too sure where his future lies, but one who I feel is worth persisting with.
Boyd - Been one of our standout performers this year, and once West/Cross are back can probably slot back into a more negating role in which he has proven himself to be very successful in. Reasonably young and certainly a big player in us going forward.
Cooney - Has again struggled a bit with his consistency, but overall his year has been pleasing. He's an exciting, skillful goal kicking midfielder, so he certainly has all the attributes and ticks the boxes. His defensive efforts have improved his year, and if he continues to work hard will be one of the best players to put on a Dogs uniform. He can play forward too, and I wouldn't mind seeing him one out more often if he's struggling with a tag.
Cross - Another standout performer before injury. His work rate alone lifts our team, helps us create space and he's as hard as they come. His contested marking is also a feature of his game, as is his tackling and ability to win the ball in traffic and inside packs. A key to our future, no doubt.
Darcy - Tough one. If we had another developing ruckmen who had a bit of potential I'd say it would most definitely just about be curtains for Darcy. The fact that we don't means that he could quite possibly play on next year. There are concerns over his ability to get back to some level of consistent form, and if he cannot get himself to a level of consistent performance (not asking for the world, just a bit of consistency), he could still be a very useful player next season.
Eagleton - Been a great performer most of the year, and finally seems to be getting a bit more recognition. Still on the right side of 30 and will be an important player for at least another 3 years. He has his flaws, but as far as run and carry players go, with his speed and ability to goal from outside 50 he's still a needed player.
Everitt - This lad has been impressive, very impressive. Actually feel he could have started playing a bit earlier than he did, and he will certainly be an important player for us going forward - either down back, up forward or through the midfield. His potential is almost limitless as he's a good athlete with excellent skills and a good head on him, I think he'll play a lot of senior football as a midfielder ala Chad Cornes, eventually.
Faulkner - One that will come under a lot of scrutiny and will most likely be gone at the end of the year. Cam has a lot of qualities that I think we could use, however his application and dedication must be questioned, and with his limited opportunities this year, it seems pretty clear what his fate will be. His fitness and disposal/decision making his downfalls.
Giansiracusa - Hasn't stepped up to that next level this year, like a lot predicted he would. His 2005 and 2006 were better years, although his 2007 has been relatively pleasing it hasn't been a break out year for Gia. His ability to use the ball is important, as is his vision and decision making. He throws himself into the contest too, which is pleasing. Going to be an important player if we are to make a serious challenge for a flag in the next 5 years, and I'd even like to see him played off a half back flank.
Gilbee - Has sometimes been shut out of games this year, but continues to be our general down back setting up a lot of play with his great skills. His run and carry has also been impressive, and he's definitely in the plans going forward.
Grant - Most likely will retire at the years end, which I feel is probably the right move as sad as it is. Age is catching up, and I feel that he's going to struggle with soft tissue injuries if he continues to play.
Griffen - In my eyes, our most important player going forward. Had struggled this year with injury prior to his knee, but the kid is the complete package and will be a very dominate midfield player. Ticks all the boxes, and is a leader. I'd like to see him be our next captain.
Hahn - Definitely a needed player going forward, his bash and crash is very important and I'd like to see him play more as a midfielder first, forward second next year. His engine has been surprisingly good this year for mine, and I think thats where he's most use to us. A team player, who will do what is asked.
Harbrow - Has been very impressive, and his attitude and 'coach-ability' are obvious strengths, his defensive efforts pleasing and he has a bit of dash, which is great. Definitely in our plans moving forward, and could also be a potential leader too.
Hargrave - A required player who can play at either end of the ground. His run has been pleasing this year, and he's continued to play some big roles down back. In the plans going forward without a doubt.
Harris - Required player, obviously. Standout performer this year, and I think forward line duties beckon.
Higgins - Whilst he has been pleasing this year, his defensive efforts and workrate must improve if he's going to be an elite midfielder. He has smarts, vision, poise and knows where the goals are. If he can improve his fitness and willingness to do the hard, team things will be a star. Definitely in the plans going forward.
Hill - Didn't set the world on fire last night and probably wasn't quite ready for AFL, but at the same time did some pleasing things and certainly looks like he has enough talent and positive attributes to work with. I like the potential elements he offers with speed, and marking.
Hughes - I've been happy with his year, although I think his 2006 back in Norwood was slightly better. For mine, his run and disposal are good and he should be persisted with either on the RL again or perhaps on the senior list. His defensive efforts seem to be an area of concern, and something that Gavin will be working on. Not too sure where he lies, but I feel he's got enough upside to persist with.
Johnson - What needs to be said. Probably can play as a forward for at least another 2-3 years.
Lynch - Very slight of body, but has been pleasing. Can kick a goal, crumb and mark. I don't think he'll ever put on a heap of bulk, but his agility will make up for that. Going to be an exciting player to watch, and his defensive ability in the F50 will be very important.
McCormack - Sadly had his year almost ruined by injury, as surely he would've been playing quite a few games this year. I've liked what I've seen of him, he's tough and has a nice foot. Not the quickest player on the list, but one with enough upside and seems like he could play a role in the team perhaps as a negating mid or BP. He will be persisted with I think.
McDougall - his attitude hasn't been all that pleasing, although it was always stated publicly that it was to be a development year for him. Not too sure where he lies, but potentially could be a backmen/forward/part time ruck. Would like to finish his year off strongly.
McMahon - has often been critised of late, and his performance the second half of the season hasn't matched that of his first 6 weeks where he was one of our best players. I'd like to see him free'd up from the backline and played forward of centre a bit. Could be a potential trade bait, but I want to see Jordie play out his days as a Dog.
Minson - Has struggled this year and is now injured. Definitely in the plans going forward though.
Morris - Definitely in the plans going forward, required player.
Murphy - As above.
O'Shea - Has been pleasing too. For such a young kid, he'd be getting a lot out of the experience and playing in a better standard competition than he would have back in Qld. His fearless attack on the ball and contest gets me excited, and I think he could prove to be a beauty. Will get at least 2 more yeas of development before any decisions are made, unless he has a shocker next year.
Pask - Has been pleasing in his role as a spare, safeguard tall. Not sure if he'll make it onto the senior list, but could be a possible player down back or up forward. Perhaps worth persisting with one more year on the RL or perhaps even on the senior list if his form warrants it. His attitude and ability to work and train hard is pleasing.
Power - For mine, he's gone. Has been given numerous opportunities but hasn't grasped them. He seems to have all the skills and attributes but his inability to spot up targets by foot, and to play the role given to him will cost him. Could be a potential trade too.
Ray - Has had a good year, his defensive side is improving, his marking has improved with his bigger frame, and although not known for throwing himself into contests, has improved on that aspect greatly this year for mine. Still struggles with his decision making at times, but is certainly an important player going forward. Could be a potential trade too, but I think he's well liked in the group and has shown enough to suggest that we should definitely persist with him. A lot of upside.
Robbins - Another who I feel will be gone. He's very limited and his defensive work rate is not what it was last year. Too often goes missing for long periods of matches and his lack of versatility at least over the last few years will cost him I feel.
Skipper - Wasn't too bad last night, but he doesn't really fit in anywhere and doesn't have any excellent attributes. Will be lucky to survive, but due to our ruck shortage, who knows.
Stack - Haven't seen a lot of him, but his speed and power will be exciting. I have high hopes. Will be given time to develop, next year expect to see a lot more of him.
Street - Has been OK this year, but not great. He's slowly improving, but his best is still not really THAT good, and his worst is pretty darn dreadful. Will be retained, but needs to continue to work on his tap work, and ability to stick a mark. He's got to throw his body around a bit more too.
Tiller - I was reasonably pleased with what I saw of him last night, another one like Baird, and will definitely get persisted with for another year. If he can keep his body right, could be an important player as early as next year.
Walsh - As we continue to cry out for a key forward I think we'll retain Walsh. Injuries have burnt him in his time here, but he has the potential to be an important player and will be one we persist with, or at least should, especially if the draft isn't very deep.
Addison - Has shown enough to warrant selection, and his aggression at the ball and contest has been very pleasing. His disposal and decision making let him down at times, but those are areas that the coaching staff can make improvements on. He is a part of our plan going forward and could become a 150+ game player for us.
Akermanis - Hasn't set the world on fire, but hasn't been as disappointing as some will suggest. His workrate, knowledge and experience are crucial and he'll be an important player for the next few years.
Baird - Has had a disappointing 2007, especially on the back of his impressive 2006. I still feel that Baird can offer something as a lead up forward, similar to the role that Hansen plays at WC. He's good on the lead and has good hands. He's been trialled in the backline a bit this season also, and if he can convince the coaching staff that his personal issues are behind him, and he's ready to have a big pre-season and big dip next year, I think he will figure in our plans. His recent form and getting back in the Werribee 1's team has been pleasing. Not too sure where his future lies, but one who I feel is worth persisting with.
Boyd - Been one of our standout performers this year, and once West/Cross are back can probably slot back into a more negating role in which he has proven himself to be very successful in. Reasonably young and certainly a big player in us going forward.
Cooney - Has again struggled a bit with his consistency, but overall his year has been pleasing. He's an exciting, skillful goal kicking midfielder, so he certainly has all the attributes and ticks the boxes. His defensive efforts have improved his year, and if he continues to work hard will be one of the best players to put on a Dogs uniform. He can play forward too, and I wouldn't mind seeing him one out more often if he's struggling with a tag.
Cross - Another standout performer before injury. His work rate alone lifts our team, helps us create space and he's as hard as they come. His contested marking is also a feature of his game, as is his tackling and ability to win the ball in traffic and inside packs. A key to our future, no doubt.
Darcy - Tough one. If we had another developing ruckmen who had a bit of potential I'd say it would most definitely just about be curtains for Darcy. The fact that we don't means that he could quite possibly play on next year. There are concerns over his ability to get back to some level of consistent form, and if he cannot get himself to a level of consistent performance (not asking for the world, just a bit of consistency), he could still be a very useful player next season.
Eagleton - Been a great performer most of the year, and finally seems to be getting a bit more recognition. Still on the right side of 30 and will be an important player for at least another 3 years. He has his flaws, but as far as run and carry players go, with his speed and ability to goal from outside 50 he's still a needed player.
Everitt - This lad has been impressive, very impressive. Actually feel he could have started playing a bit earlier than he did, and he will certainly be an important player for us going forward - either down back, up forward or through the midfield. His potential is almost limitless as he's a good athlete with excellent skills and a good head on him, I think he'll play a lot of senior football as a midfielder ala Chad Cornes, eventually.
Faulkner - One that will come under a lot of scrutiny and will most likely be gone at the end of the year. Cam has a lot of qualities that I think we could use, however his application and dedication must be questioned, and with his limited opportunities this year, it seems pretty clear what his fate will be. His fitness and disposal/decision making his downfalls.
Giansiracusa - Hasn't stepped up to that next level this year, like a lot predicted he would. His 2005 and 2006 were better years, although his 2007 has been relatively pleasing it hasn't been a break out year for Gia. His ability to use the ball is important, as is his vision and decision making. He throws himself into the contest too, which is pleasing. Going to be an important player if we are to make a serious challenge for a flag in the next 5 years, and I'd even like to see him played off a half back flank.
Gilbee - Has sometimes been shut out of games this year, but continues to be our general down back setting up a lot of play with his great skills. His run and carry has also been impressive, and he's definitely in the plans going forward.
Grant - Most likely will retire at the years end, which I feel is probably the right move as sad as it is. Age is catching up, and I feel that he's going to struggle with soft tissue injuries if he continues to play.
Griffen - In my eyes, our most important player going forward. Had struggled this year with injury prior to his knee, but the kid is the complete package and will be a very dominate midfield player. Ticks all the boxes, and is a leader. I'd like to see him be our next captain.
Hahn - Definitely a needed player going forward, his bash and crash is very important and I'd like to see him play more as a midfielder first, forward second next year. His engine has been surprisingly good this year for mine, and I think thats where he's most use to us. A team player, who will do what is asked.
Harbrow - Has been very impressive, and his attitude and 'coach-ability' are obvious strengths, his defensive efforts pleasing and he has a bit of dash, which is great. Definitely in our plans moving forward, and could also be a potential leader too.
Hargrave - A required player who can play at either end of the ground. His run has been pleasing this year, and he's continued to play some big roles down back. In the plans going forward without a doubt.
Harris - Required player, obviously. Standout performer this year, and I think forward line duties beckon.
Higgins - Whilst he has been pleasing this year, his defensive efforts and workrate must improve if he's going to be an elite midfielder. He has smarts, vision, poise and knows where the goals are. If he can improve his fitness and willingness to do the hard, team things will be a star. Definitely in the plans going forward.
Hill - Didn't set the world on fire last night and probably wasn't quite ready for AFL, but at the same time did some pleasing things and certainly looks like he has enough talent and positive attributes to work with. I like the potential elements he offers with speed, and marking.
Hughes - I've been happy with his year, although I think his 2006 back in Norwood was slightly better. For mine, his run and disposal are good and he should be persisted with either on the RL again or perhaps on the senior list. His defensive efforts seem to be an area of concern, and something that Gavin will be working on. Not too sure where he lies, but I feel he's got enough upside to persist with.
Johnson - What needs to be said. Probably can play as a forward for at least another 2-3 years.
Lynch - Very slight of body, but has been pleasing. Can kick a goal, crumb and mark. I don't think he'll ever put on a heap of bulk, but his agility will make up for that. Going to be an exciting player to watch, and his defensive ability in the F50 will be very important.
McCormack - Sadly had his year almost ruined by injury, as surely he would've been playing quite a few games this year. I've liked what I've seen of him, he's tough and has a nice foot. Not the quickest player on the list, but one with enough upside and seems like he could play a role in the team perhaps as a negating mid or BP. He will be persisted with I think.
McDougall - his attitude hasn't been all that pleasing, although it was always stated publicly that it was to be a development year for him. Not too sure where he lies, but potentially could be a backmen/forward/part time ruck. Would like to finish his year off strongly.
McMahon - has often been critised of late, and his performance the second half of the season hasn't matched that of his first 6 weeks where he was one of our best players. I'd like to see him free'd up from the backline and played forward of centre a bit. Could be a potential trade bait, but I want to see Jordie play out his days as a Dog.
Minson - Has struggled this year and is now injured. Definitely in the plans going forward though.
Morris - Definitely in the plans going forward, required player.
Murphy - As above.
O'Shea - Has been pleasing too. For such a young kid, he'd be getting a lot out of the experience and playing in a better standard competition than he would have back in Qld. His fearless attack on the ball and contest gets me excited, and I think he could prove to be a beauty. Will get at least 2 more yeas of development before any decisions are made, unless he has a shocker next year.
Pask - Has been pleasing in his role as a spare, safeguard tall. Not sure if he'll make it onto the senior list, but could be a possible player down back or up forward. Perhaps worth persisting with one more year on the RL or perhaps even on the senior list if his form warrants it. His attitude and ability to work and train hard is pleasing.
Power - For mine, he's gone. Has been given numerous opportunities but hasn't grasped them. He seems to have all the skills and attributes but his inability to spot up targets by foot, and to play the role given to him will cost him. Could be a potential trade too.
Ray - Has had a good year, his defensive side is improving, his marking has improved with his bigger frame, and although not known for throwing himself into contests, has improved on that aspect greatly this year for mine. Still struggles with his decision making at times, but is certainly an important player going forward. Could be a potential trade too, but I think he's well liked in the group and has shown enough to suggest that we should definitely persist with him. A lot of upside.
Robbins - Another who I feel will be gone. He's very limited and his defensive work rate is not what it was last year. Too often goes missing for long periods of matches and his lack of versatility at least over the last few years will cost him I feel.
Skipper - Wasn't too bad last night, but he doesn't really fit in anywhere and doesn't have any excellent attributes. Will be lucky to survive, but due to our ruck shortage, who knows.
Stack - Haven't seen a lot of him, but his speed and power will be exciting. I have high hopes. Will be given time to develop, next year expect to see a lot more of him.
Street - Has been OK this year, but not great. He's slowly improving, but his best is still not really THAT good, and his worst is pretty darn dreadful. Will be retained, but needs to continue to work on his tap work, and ability to stick a mark. He's got to throw his body around a bit more too.
Tiller - I was reasonably pleased with what I saw of him last night, another one like Baird, and will definitely get persisted with for another year. If he can keep his body right, could be an important player as early as next year.
Walsh - As we continue to cry out for a key forward I think we'll retain Walsh. Injuries have burnt him in his time here, but he has the potential to be an important player and will be one we persist with, or at least should, especially if the draft isn't very deep.