Make or Break year - Who's potentially out of favour?

[LostDoggy]

Most of us seem fairly happy with the new draftees (as we usually are based almost entirely on what recruiters have said).

Who, at this early stage, do you feel have moved down the pecking order at the club?

BMac will undoubtably give everyone a chance to impress over the preseason/NAB Cup.

With the draftees making up a mix of potential hard-nosed, dedicated midfielders/KP forwards and defenders - some like Clay Smith tipped to slot right in, who of the squad players can you see spending the year at Willy (and the next year delisted)?

Brodie Moles: Fell out of the squad (i don't think he was ever in favour) with Libba having a decent first year, Wallis playing some games, the emergence of Dalhaus, and battling injuries. Ward has gone but i don't see him taking that 'care-free' role on the ball. if Coons gets to fuill fitness there's another spot Moles will miss on.

Others?

[Mofra]

Re: Make or Break year - Who's potentially out of favour?

Brodie Moles: Fell out of the squad (i don't think he was ever in favour) with Libba having a decent first year, Wallis playing some games, the emergence of Dalhaus, and battling injuries. Ward has gone but i don't see him taking that 'care-free' role on the ball. if Coons gets to fuill fitness there's another spot Moles will miss on.

I think with the lack of outside running options we have Moles is one who could surprise.

Addison is one who could struggle with Libba set to establish himself and Smith given chances as he develops.
Gilbee & Shaggy have been great club servants, but they're not getting any quicker and Shaggy has the niggles that have curtailed him since late 09

[LostDoggy]

Re: Make or Break year - Who's potentially out of favour?

Hope I'm wrong, but all our fringe trades (Vespa, DJ, Moles) will struggle I think. All our recruits were brought it to create competition in the mid-range part of our list which is where these guys would have slotted into if they were good enough, but I think they'll end up being mainly depth players, which, unless we have a lot of injuries, means that they are only one quiet season away from a delisting. BMac may be looking for a Travis Varcoe type though, which either of Moles or DJ could theoretically play.

Mulligan and Hooper are lucky to be on the list and will be very unlikely to get a game throughout the year, so for guys who have been in the system for a few years I guess you can say it's a make or break year for them too.

[the banker]

Re: Make or Break year - Who's potentially out of favour?

I think the NAB Cup and pre season are critical for Vez, Wallis, Addison, Moles, DJ, Roughead.

Mulligan and Hooper I dont think will play a role.

Players I am looking forward to rising are Smith, Tutt, Libba

[Sedat]

Re: Make or Break year - Who's potentially out of favour?

I think the NAB Cup and pre season are critical for Vez, Wallis, Addison, Moles, DJ, Roughead.

I'd have also thought Cordy would want to get his skates on if he is to have a sustainable medium to long term AFL career. Hopefully he is having the best pre-season of his life and getting his body ready for the rigours of the AFL.

[DOG GOD]

Re: Make or Break year - Who's potentially out of favour?

If Bmac wants hard bodies and players who really give it all, players like Grant and Higgins could be in for a rude awakening. Gia will also need to be more consistant in this area. Hopefully BMac wont play guys based on name, but based on what he want them to do.

But i agree with others that players like Mulligan, Hooper, Moles and Addison are just list cloggers, with Gilbee and Hargrave on thin ice.

[Maddog37]

Re: Make or Break year - Who's potentially out of favour?

I think the NAB Cup and pre season are critical for Vez, Wallis, Addison, Moles, DJ, Roughead.

Mulligan and Hooper I dont think will play a role.

Players I am looking forward to rising are Smith, Tutt, Libba

Wallis and Ruff would not be in danger at years end though either way IMHO.

[Ghost Dog]

Re: Make or Break year - Who's potentially out of favour?

If Bmac wants hard bodies and players who really give it all, players like Grant and Higgins could be in for a rude awakening. Gia will also need to be more consistant in this area. Hopefully BMac wont play guys based on name, but based on what he want them to do.

But i agree with others that players like Mulligan, Hooper, Moles and Addison are just list cloggers, with Gilbee and Hargrave on thin ice.

I have faith in Brody Moles.

[jazzadogs]

Re: Make or Break year - Who's potentially out of favour?

I would expect Gilbee, and probably Hargrave, to retire at the end of 2012.

Mulligan and Hooper would need to do something extraordinary to gain an extra year.

Depending on contract situations, I would suggest that DJ, Vez, Addison and Moles are the next 4 in the firing line. All have shown various levels of ability, but it will be how they fit into BMac's gameplan that determines their future. On exposed AFL form I would say I'm most confident in Moles and Vez, but who knows what could happen.

Can't imagine that any of Cordy, Roughead, Wallis etc are at the make-or-break stage as of yet. Would love to see all three play regular senior football though.

[Bulldog Joe]

Re: Make or Break year - Who's potentially out of favour?

I would expect Gilbee, and probably Hargrave, to retire at the end of 2012.

Mulligan and Hooper would need to do something extraordinary to gain an extra year.

Depending on contract situations, I would suggest that DJ, Vez, Addison and Moles are the next 4 in the firing line. All have shown various levels of ability, but it will be how they fit into BMac's gameplan that determines their future. On exposed AFL form I would say I'm most confident in Moles and Vez, but who knows what could happen.

Can't imagine that any of Cordy, Roughead, Wallis etc are at the make-or-break stage as of yet. Would love to see all three play regular senior football though.

Pretty well agree with this.

With 5 top 50 picks next year we will need to make space and that does not account for any of our rookies who may earn an upgrade.

I also think Grant needs to show some heart or he will also add to that list under threat.

[chef]

Re: Make or Break year - Who's potentially out of favour?

Minson for me, if he can't hold down the number 1 ruck next year than his career in the AFL is over.

[jazzadogs]

Re: Make or Break year - Who's potentially out of favour?

Minson for me, if he can't hold down the number 1 ruck next year than his career in the AFL is over.

I think this would depend on a lot on what kind of replacement we can get for him, and how well Roughy, Cordy and Campbell (is that the rookie ruckman's name?) come on.

I fully expect Will to at least be a serviceable number one ruck though, and will be very disappointed if he's unable to hold down the spot.

[Remi Moses]

Re: Make or Break year - Who's potentially out of favour?

Cannot believe some are saying it's a make or break year for Wallis. Staggered to be honest
Agree with others talked about.

[the banker]

Re: Make or Break year - Who's potentially out of favour?

It wasn't a question of make or break year, but who had slipped down the order, or who may be out of favour.

I think both Wallis and Roughead struggled with the pace of the game this year. Roughead doesnt have the pressure coming from below ATM, but Wallis has quite a few ahead of him I think. Obviously I, like everyone, want him to develop into a star of the comp, but I think he needs to show he can step up in speed of thought and movement to press for a place in our best 22.

[Dazza]

Re: Make or Break year - Who's potentially out of favour?

Sherman anyone?

BMac wants quality people who go in hard for the ball.