2013 - Mid Season Report Card - The Defenders

[Go_Dogs]

Re: 2013 - Mid Season Report Card - The Defenders

Tom Young
Season so far:
Tom has played 9 games for the Dogs so far this season and has been a big surprise packet after pre-season reports indicated there may be some concerns about his ability to step up at AFL level.

Tom is averaging 17 disposals a game at 68% efficiency, just over a third of his possessions are contested and he gets a few rebound and forward 50 entries a game.

His role has mainly been that of a third tall but he has shown his versatility that he can play on smaller types too, whilst also demonstrating he isn't a true KPD. His ability to leave his man when need be and be poised with his decision making are becoming trademarks of his game.

He needs to continue to build his fitness levels up.

Outlook:
Young looks likely to finish the season strongly and should be back in the senior side shortly. I wonder if he'll miss a few games as the season moves on given the need to balance his and Talia's development.

I see him becoming an important part of our best 22 and expect his role to be valued pretty highly by the coaching staff come seasons end.

Rating:
G#16 B

[Bulldog Revolution]

Re: 2013 - Mid Season Report Card - The Defenders

Interesting grades so far, and part of the high marks awarded reflect the moderate expectations that would have been held for Roughie, JJ, Goodes and Young.

All our inexperienced players and have had their ups and downs.

I see Young as needing to improve significantly to hold his place in the team. He's been surprisingly good, but he's also had a few bad games at times, and his disposal and decision making needs to continue to improve.

[Bornadog]

Re: 2013 - Mid Season Report Card - The Defenders

I don't see Tom Young and Talia fighting for the same position. To me Talia will end up being either the Fullback or CHB and Tom Young as a third tall eventually replacing Morris.

[Go_Dogs]

Re: 2013 - Mid Season Report Card - The Defenders

I don't see Tom Young and Talia fighting for the same position. To me Talia will end up being either the Fullback or CHB and Tom Young as a third tall eventually replacing Morris.

Agreed - definitely see them ending up that way, but at present I can see them competing for a spot insofar as we may struggle to play both of them along with Roughead and Morris in the back six. Roughead and Morris are certainties (barring injury) for mine, so one of Young or Talia seem likely to miss out at times, depending on the opposition and form.

[Go_Dogs]

Re: 2013 - Mid Season Report Card - The Defenders

The Fringe Defenders - Mark Austin, Lukas Markovic and Christian Howard
Season so far:
Austin, Markovic and Howard have managed 6 games between them this year and still sit on the outer of the best 22.

Both Austin and Markovic have been used in varying roles this year, both spending time in defence and attack, with Markovic also providing some chop out in the ruck duties. Both have had difficulties in transitioning their games to the point they demand selection. Markovic has probably been the pick of the 2, currently sitting on 5 goals for the season.

Howard has struggled to gain a berth in the side and in his one game managed 9 disposals and 1 tackle.

Outlook:
It appears as though Austin may struggle to regain a spot in the senior side although is a good insurance policy should we suffer an long term injury to a key or medium sized defender.

Markovic is the more likely to regain a spot in the senior side because of his versatility to be able to spend a few minutes in the ruck. He seems to lack the pace to be a defender at AFL level, but has shown he has an ability to read the play and can take a mark and kick a goal up forward. He may get more opportunities but his long term outlook isn't particularly strong.

Howard really needs to continue to develop his game at Williamstown and knock the door down for selection. Thus far he has been unable to do so but it seems the club is working hard to ensure he has plenty of opportunity to rack up the touches in the VFL. I think we'll see a bit more of Howard as the season progresses, but I'm not overly confident in his ability to develop his game to the required standard at present.

Rating:
G#16 Austin C-, Markovic C+, Howard D

[KT31]

Re: 2013 - Mid Season Report Card - The Defenders

Great work fella's., love the reviews.
Although Tom Young IMO should be a B+.
Brett Goodes saved his B- this week otherwise I would have him as a C+.

[F'scary]

Re: 2013 - Mid Season Report Card - The Defenders

Great work fella's., love the reviews.
Although Tom Young IMO should be a B+.
Brett Goodes saved his B- this week otherwise I would have him as a C+.

Agree Bluey Young B+. Great value for a pick 71 swap.

[always right]

Re: 2013 - Mid Season Report Card - The Defenders

Agree Bluey Young B+. Great value for a pick 71 swap.

Yep...I had him down as depth fodder only when we got him and couldn't understand what he add to the list. Seriously underestimated him. Not saying I was wrong....just mistaken.