2013 - Mid Season Report Card - The Defenders

[GVGjr]

Griffen 16# and I thought it might be interesting to have a look at how the club is going at the mid season in the groups like defenders, midfielders, forwards and even the coaches box.

We will have a look at the defenders starting with Jordan Roughead and then followed by Jason Johannisen, Dale Morris, Tom Young, Brett Goodes and one or two others.

[GVGjr]

Re: 2013 - Mid Season Report Card - The Defenders

Jordan Roughead
Season so far:
I'll be the first to admit I was more than a little skeptical on how Roughead would go as a key defender week after week but the coach certainly got this one right.
Roughead has been a strong defender taking on key forwards most weeks and has won most of these contests. He's proven he has the defensive skills and has certainly taken a leadership role. He's still learning and might run into a few bumps along the way but it's hard to find too much fault at this stage.
His possession count isn't great but his tackle count is up to nearly 3 per game and has certainly matured as a footballer. He has played all games so far.
Outlook:
I see Roughead as playing mainly as the key defender for the balance of the season but also being used in the ruck and up forward whenever needed.
He wont have easy in the 2nd half of the season because he will be pitted against some of the better players but for a youngster who is still learning how to be a key defender it will be an invaluable experience. I expect that his overall rating will slip by the seasons end.
Rating:
GVG A-
G#16 A-

[Mofra]

Re: 2013 - Mid Season Report Card - The Defenders

Worthy of note that Roughy is 3rd in the competition for 1%ers, I have no idea of what benchmarks the coaching staff are setting for him but that has to be a positive.

Dale Morris is 10th, after the injury he's had that is brilliant.

[Bulldog Joe]

Re: 2013 - Mid Season Report Card - The Defenders

Like what we have seen from Roughy. He is very composed and in fact I feel he has started his career as a key defender in a way that indicates he could get to a very high level.

[Bulldog Revolution]

Re: 2013 - Mid Season Report Card - The Defenders

Nice one GVG,

Good summary of where he's at

I see the area of improvement as his confidence with the ball in hand from the back half, particularly having the confidence to distribute, particularly via his left foot, which I think he avoids

[Cyberdoggie]

Re: 2013 - Mid Season Report Card - The Defenders

Roughy is starting very well but to be critical he will always have some difficulty with certain defenders because he's not particularly quick off the mark.

The fact that he has been doing so well is a huge credit to his footy smarts and ability to read the play and his opponent.

Moving forward I want to see him become more productive with the ball. He needs to accept that once the defending is done his job isn't. Don't leave it up to just JJ, Goodes and the smaller blokes, he can still be useful with the ball, Brian Lake has shown that as an example.

[Bornadog]

Re: 2013 - Mid Season Report Card - The Defenders

Roughead still have lots of improvement left in him but is making steady progress. I was a bit worried about his performance against Harry Taylor as it clearly showed he has a long way to go when he is playing against quality performers.

Interesting at a private function, Macca said recently that he may stay at Fullback, may go to CHB or another role in the future. He praised him for his attitude and the way he goes about his role at the club.

I would rate him a B at this stage.

[Maddog37]

Re: 2013 - Mid Season Report Card - The Defenders

I would give him a b+ and if he can continue to build his tank I still think he would have a major influence as a marking ruckman.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

Re: 2013 - Mid Season Report Card - The Defenders

I still see Roughead being best suited in the future as a key forward and pinch ruckman to support both Jones and Stringer and to give some relief to big Will.
His confidence and maturity has grown enormously since going to defence where he has been more than adequate. Our challenge would be to find another key defender and you would hope that Fletcher Roberts will emerge into a key back man.

[GVGjr]

Re: 2013 - Mid Season Report Card - The Defenders

Jason Johannisen
Season so far:
Johannisen has been one of the standout youngsters this season, really taking his game to the next level. He's added some significant size to his frame which now enables him to compete better defensively, whilst not losing any of his speed.

He's fast becoming a key component of our backline with his ability to first beat his man and then run hard forward to create a handball receive option.

He's averaging 11 kicks per game but needs to improve his tackle count. He has missed just one game so far. His two goals during the season are a testament to his ability to push right up the ground and influence play.

Outlook:
It's hard to not see JJ continuing to improve as his endurance and body continues to develop. I think he'll play his best football off half back. If he can continue to add the ability to run forward and impact the scoreboard, and continue to work on the defensive aspects of his game, he'll end this season as one of our most improved and consistent performers.

Rating:
G#16 B+
GVG B

[Remi Moses]

Re: 2013 - Mid Season Report Card - The Defenders

Like the sentiment on Roughead. Opponents quick off the mark trouble him, but he's a project defender who is improving.
Johannsien Always looked likely, but he's improved more than I even thought .
Hits the scoreboard, and has speed.

[Bornadog]

Re: 2013 - Mid Season Report Card - The Defenders

JJ has been great this season, his run and carry has been excellent and his kicking skills are also good.
B+

[Go_Dogs]

Re: 2013 - Mid Season Report Card - The Defenders

Brett Goodes
Season so far:
Started off making a liar out of all the recruiting managers and immediately impressed all and sundry with his kicking skills and poise. At least 3 of his first 5 games were quality ones.
Since Goodes served a two game suspension he has struggled on the field particularly with his kicking.

Goodes demonstrated in the last match against the Power how effective he can be playing as a loose man across the defensive half with his ability to read the play and cut off the oppositions kicks.

Outlook:
Goodes will hold his spot for the majority of the balance of the season and hopefully work through some of his recent form slump.

Rating:
GVG B
G#16 B-

[Go_Dogs]

Re: 2013 - Mid Season Report Card - The Defenders

Dale Morris
Season so far:
Dale has been a solid contributor this season after returning from his horrific injuries. He's averaging 12 disposals a game at 85% efficiency which is about par for the course with Dale who more often than not elects to take the safer options.

Most impressively he is averaging close to 7 1%'s per game and continues to be a much relied upon defender to first beat his own opponent but to also lead the backline and chop out for his team mates.

He's had a couple of poorer games which is to be expected after such a long lay off but reaches the mid-season break in great form with 2 very impressive performances against St Kilda and Port Power.

Outlook:
Hard to see Dale dropping off much as is his hallmark. He consistently does the team things and wills himself to each and every contest. I tend to think he's got another year left (at least) and given the late start to his career might have slightly more longevity than some similarly aged players.

Rating:
G#16 A- GVG B+

[F'scary]

Re: 2013 - Mid Season Report Card - The Defenders

Good thread. Bring on the Tom Yum review.