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Below I have attempted to rank the Bulldog players who have played primarily at Williamstown and less than 2 games in the red, white and blue - using the A,B,C method.
I've broken down the players into two categories: Williamstown, and Rookies. I've tried to grade them regardless of whether they've played primarily at senior or reserve levels (unless the player's form has lead them to play at the lower level).
Williamstown
Boumann, Jarrad: B+
Had an impressive pre-season and looked set to start the year in the seniors. For what ever reason, began the year in the reserves and was rarely beaten playing primarily at CHB. He earnt a promotion and had some encouraging performances but had his colours lowered against the Bullants and was dropped back to the reserves last week, where he played well at both ends of the ground. Athletically gifted, what has been most impressive has been the improvement of his 'footy smarts'. He now knows when to give a chop out to his team mate, or when to stay at ground level and act as a link man out of defence. He can get better in this area but signs are encouraging. With added muscle after a big pre-season, I can see him sneaking a few games in the red, white and blue next year, playing as a utility at both ends of the gorund.
Callan, Tim: B
Has struggled with injury throughout the year, but his courage can never be questioned. Gotch has played him in a defensive midfield role in latter weeks, which Callan has performed well, adding another string to his bow. He has fallen behind Harbrow for the small defender spot, but is very handy back up when and if the time comes. He needs to keep putting up good performances to ensure his name is well and truly on the radar.
Cordy, Ayce: B+
Started the season very well, and looks comfortable at VFL level against much bigger bodies. At 203cm, he moves like Bobby Murphy - presents high up the ground, turns on a dime - it's impressive to watch. Played mainly as a floating half forward, his hands are phenomenal, and his ability to scoop the ball below his knees and then fire out a perfect hand ball will scare opposition defenders in years to come. He has also pinch hit in the ruck, and has held his own despite giving away plenty of weight advantage. He has slowed down in recent weeks, the toll of regular senior footy probably starting to take it's toll and the break coming at the perfect time. He needs to be managed carefully, as it would be pointless to run him into the ground in his first year. Will be a special player, but needs to put on at least 10kg over the pre-season to ensure he can have an impact at AFL level.
Everitt, Andrejs: B-
The major knock on him last year was that he lost that ability to surge forward and be an attacking weapon off half back. Thankfully, that aspect of his game has returned this year. Playing as either a 3rd tall or CHB, he has been solid defensively, yet there have been times where his body work one on one has been lacking. Everitt has added a harder edge to his game, picking himself up after getting crunched and making a contest straight after. His marking has been impressive and he has also moved forward a kicked a few goals. To get a recall, he needs to keep working on his body work and get a few cleansheets - I think Rocket believes he'll be a defensive liability at the moment. If he can shore up that side of his game, and continue to attack and use his footskills, I think he can get back in the Bulldogs team - particularly against teams who might try to stetch us down back.
Grant, Jarrad: C+
Started the year in good form and was promoted to the Bulldogs - since then he has gone missing. I've written a few times that his work rate just isn't good enough currently, and that his fitness levels are really restricting his football. He drops his head too quickly as the Willy players do look for Little and Rose on the lead, with Grant generally ignored. This could be due to those guys demanding the ball and leading multiple times - Grant usually gives one lead or points to a space. His hands have been good during the year, though last week against the Bullants he dropped two sitters early in the piece which set the tone for the rest of the game. He's a confidence player, and it's easy to tell early when he's 'on' or 'off'. Another thing that concerns me a little is that in my opinion, he just doesn't look like he enjoys himself out there. Hopefully the pressure of being the number 5 pick and our long, lost key forward hope isn't weighing him down. I don't think he'll play for the Bulldogs again this year - he needs to do everything he can to finish off the year strongly for Willy and then get himself fitter than ever over the pre-season.
Jones, Liam: N/A
I can't really grade Liam as I haven't seen him play since the pre-season and he has played primarily for Scotch, where he has featured in the bests multiple times. He did play one game for Willy reserves, and was dominant at CHF from all reports. Already blessed with a big body, his contested marking is a feature of his game. Ideally, he'll be developed as a power CHF, to complement Cordy as a leading half forward and Grant bursting from the goal square. I'll be interested to see him turn out for Willy reserves once the APS season finishes.
Lynch, Malcolm: C-
Oh, Malcolm - the biggest tease on our list. He's played the majority of the year in Willy reserves and has shown he is clearly above the level, but when promoted to the senior team, he goes missing. When 'on' he uses his blistering pace to run down defenders and lock the ball in the 50. He uses his silky skills to weave around the opposition and bring his teammates into the game. When he's 'off' it's as if he's not on the ground. He stops running, doesn't demand the ball, he just floats around. His career is teetering on the edge right now and he has to decide whether he is prepared to work his butt off every game, earn a spot in the seniors and prove to the coaching staff that he is worth investing another season in. I'm fearful that his potential will never be fulfilled and a talent will be leaving the kennel at the end of the year.
O'Keefe, Guy: A-
Guy started the year with a bang, kicking 5 goals against Collingwood. He's been a solid contributor every week, with the difference between his best and worst quite small. His ability to bring others into the game through good disposal and vision is a real tick on his game, as is his sense around the goals. The query on him is his foot speed and his tank - he'll never be the quickest on the ground, but he hasn't struggled to run out games which suggests his fitness is good. He's knocking on the door at the moment, and he just needs to keep putting up good performances and he'll get a run with the Bulldogs before the end of the year - he could slot in as a small forward if Rocket decides to rest Johnno or Aker. The best of the Bulldogs at Willy level this year.
O'Shea, Paul: N/A
Injured all year, I think he'll struggle to maintain his spot on the list if he doesn't get an opportunity to show his wares by the end of the year. From what we saw pre-season, he is still extremely raw.
Reid, Sam: B+
Blessed with a great build, he has been a consistent performer throughout the year. He works well with Skipper and O'Keefe, and has become more of an attacking weapon - running ahead of the play and getting the ball inside 50. He's very strong overhead and has great acceleration. The query on him continues to be his kicking - his ball drop is awkward and his action definitely has a Queensland tinge. I hope he can be squeezed in for a game at the highest level as I think his hardness and pace are good attributes. He needs to keep racking up big numbers and ensure his work rate is high. His defensive game can also improve.
Roughead, Jordan: B
He had an impressive pre-season before injuring his shoulder. This set him back a few weeks and meant he had to start in the reserves. His tap work has been great and his work around the ground has been impressive also. His kicking has sometimes been iffy, but in general his disposal is very good for a big man. He looks comfortable deep in attack when thrown forward, and is capable of clunking big pack marks. Has been BOG the last few weeks and will play seniors this week. I would've graded him higher if he was playing this well in the seniors - I'm hopeful he'll get an A grade at the end of the year. A very promising ruck man, he'll form a good partnership with Minson in a few years.
Skipper, Wayde: A-
Has done everything in his power to stay on the radar. He had a fantastic pre-season, so much so I thought Minson might get a run at Willy at some stage. He has probably dropped off slightly in the past 2 weeks, coinciding with Willy losing. Skip has pretty much been the lone ruckmen, generally giving his mids first use. He hasn't really gone forward as much this year, but has been good around the ground. Unfortunately, I think he'll be gone at the end of the year, with Roughead coming through, but he's decent backup if disaster strikes and Huddo or Will goes down.
Stack, Brennan: B-
Struggled with injury and form, but broke through (somewhat suprisingly) for a Bulldog debut. I don't think he's been great at all this year, but he's shown glimpses. Struggles to stay in the game for 4 quarters, and like Lynch, goes missing for extended periods. He is good overhead and has an impressive leap - if it all comes together he'll be a very good player. I'll be interested to see how he goes this week after being sent back to Willy. Hopefully with the confidence that he's on the radar, he'll go from strength to strength.
Wight, Cameron: C+
Playing primarily at full back/deep in defence, he's been solid without really impressing. You get the feeling he's treading water, and has been kept around purely as back up if Lake/Williams/Tiller/Everitt all go down. He has been thrown forward with mixed results, but honestly, Cam will be gone at season's end.
Wood, Easton: C
Played in the NAB Cup and was impressive against Essendon. Has all the athletic gifts to become a good footballer - pacy, strong and tall. He's still raw, but I love his attack on the ball - never shirks an issue. His kicking, whilst massively improved on last year, still needs work. He has struggled with injury (shoulder) in recent weeks, but I think he's coming along nicely, considering he was drafted as a project player.
Rookies
Daniels, Jamason: C+
Has only recently come back into the reserves from a hip/quad injury, and has improved with each outing, culminating in a great game last week. He's a good size, and loves the contested stuff, yet he's pacy and loves to run and carry when given the opportunity. He's also good overhead, however his kicking can be hit and miss (more hit than miss thought). He had a great pre-season and looked destined to play the year in the seniors until curtailed by his injury. If his form keeps trending up he'll be in the seniors soon. A bargain rookie pick IMO.
Mulligan, James: B-
He was injured during pre-season and the first few games of the season. Came back and looked terrible in his first outing for the reserves. Thankfully, his form has improved steadily since. Played as the starting full back, his one and one work has been great, rarely being beaten in the air. He also has an attacking aspect to his game, rebounding the ball and thumping the ball forward when given the chance. Went off with injury in the first quarter - hopefully nothing serious as I think he's worth perservering with. In his second rookie year, I've seen him do things which I believe make him worth keeping on next year, as he is big enough to take the gorilla forwards (something we lack if Lake goes down).
Ogle, Chris: C-
A hard one to grade. He is so raw, and coming from so far back that he has seemed completely lost at times. His decision making has at times been baffling and he makes silly skill errors. BUT - his work rate can't be questioned. He's always busting his butt to provide an option, and he does have good attacking instincts. His field kicking has improved as the season has gone on. It'll be interesting to see his development over the second half of the season - if he can squeeze into the seniors for a game or two he's done a very good job.
Shaw, John: B
A work horse ruckman in the Hudson mold. His tap work has been very good, and he has clunked some good marks when thrown forward. His kicking for goal is hit and miss, something he needs to work on. He'll never be great around the ground but he has a build that means he could hold his own physically at the higher level if need be. He's behind Skipper and Roughead, but with Skipper most likely going at the end of the year, Shaw may get elevated. At this stage, if I had to choose between retaining Shaw or Mulligan I'd probably just choose Mulligan and look to draft another ruckman.
White, Henry: C+
He's played a mix of senior and reserves footy, mainly off half back. He's well balanced, and clean with his disposal. He generally makes good decisions but he struggles to put together four quarters. He is quite pacy but with JD now added to the list (who I rate higher), he could struggle to stay at the Kennel next year. Gotch obvously likes his work rate however as he has slotted him in to a strong Willy midfield.
Wow, that got a little bit out of hand!
I'd love to hear other's thoughts on the above, particularly those who disagree
I've broken down the players into two categories: Williamstown, and Rookies. I've tried to grade them regardless of whether they've played primarily at senior or reserve levels (unless the player's form has lead them to play at the lower level).
Williamstown
Boumann, Jarrad: B+
Had an impressive pre-season and looked set to start the year in the seniors. For what ever reason, began the year in the reserves and was rarely beaten playing primarily at CHB. He earnt a promotion and had some encouraging performances but had his colours lowered against the Bullants and was dropped back to the reserves last week, where he played well at both ends of the ground. Athletically gifted, what has been most impressive has been the improvement of his 'footy smarts'. He now knows when to give a chop out to his team mate, or when to stay at ground level and act as a link man out of defence. He can get better in this area but signs are encouraging. With added muscle after a big pre-season, I can see him sneaking a few games in the red, white and blue next year, playing as a utility at both ends of the gorund.
Callan, Tim: B
Has struggled with injury throughout the year, but his courage can never be questioned. Gotch has played him in a defensive midfield role in latter weeks, which Callan has performed well, adding another string to his bow. He has fallen behind Harbrow for the small defender spot, but is very handy back up when and if the time comes. He needs to keep putting up good performances to ensure his name is well and truly on the radar.
Cordy, Ayce: B+
Started the season very well, and looks comfortable at VFL level against much bigger bodies. At 203cm, he moves like Bobby Murphy - presents high up the ground, turns on a dime - it's impressive to watch. Played mainly as a floating half forward, his hands are phenomenal, and his ability to scoop the ball below his knees and then fire out a perfect hand ball will scare opposition defenders in years to come. He has also pinch hit in the ruck, and has held his own despite giving away plenty of weight advantage. He has slowed down in recent weeks, the toll of regular senior footy probably starting to take it's toll and the break coming at the perfect time. He needs to be managed carefully, as it would be pointless to run him into the ground in his first year. Will be a special player, but needs to put on at least 10kg over the pre-season to ensure he can have an impact at AFL level.
Everitt, Andrejs: B-
The major knock on him last year was that he lost that ability to surge forward and be an attacking weapon off half back. Thankfully, that aspect of his game has returned this year. Playing as either a 3rd tall or CHB, he has been solid defensively, yet there have been times where his body work one on one has been lacking. Everitt has added a harder edge to his game, picking himself up after getting crunched and making a contest straight after. His marking has been impressive and he has also moved forward a kicked a few goals. To get a recall, he needs to keep working on his body work and get a few cleansheets - I think Rocket believes he'll be a defensive liability at the moment. If he can shore up that side of his game, and continue to attack and use his footskills, I think he can get back in the Bulldogs team - particularly against teams who might try to stetch us down back.
Grant, Jarrad: C+
Started the year in good form and was promoted to the Bulldogs - since then he has gone missing. I've written a few times that his work rate just isn't good enough currently, and that his fitness levels are really restricting his football. He drops his head too quickly as the Willy players do look for Little and Rose on the lead, with Grant generally ignored. This could be due to those guys demanding the ball and leading multiple times - Grant usually gives one lead or points to a space. His hands have been good during the year, though last week against the Bullants he dropped two sitters early in the piece which set the tone for the rest of the game. He's a confidence player, and it's easy to tell early when he's 'on' or 'off'. Another thing that concerns me a little is that in my opinion, he just doesn't look like he enjoys himself out there. Hopefully the pressure of being the number 5 pick and our long, lost key forward hope isn't weighing him down. I don't think he'll play for the Bulldogs again this year - he needs to do everything he can to finish off the year strongly for Willy and then get himself fitter than ever over the pre-season.
Jones, Liam: N/A
I can't really grade Liam as I haven't seen him play since the pre-season and he has played primarily for Scotch, where he has featured in the bests multiple times. He did play one game for Willy reserves, and was dominant at CHF from all reports. Already blessed with a big body, his contested marking is a feature of his game. Ideally, he'll be developed as a power CHF, to complement Cordy as a leading half forward and Grant bursting from the goal square. I'll be interested to see him turn out for Willy reserves once the APS season finishes.
Lynch, Malcolm: C-
Oh, Malcolm - the biggest tease on our list. He's played the majority of the year in Willy reserves and has shown he is clearly above the level, but when promoted to the senior team, he goes missing. When 'on' he uses his blistering pace to run down defenders and lock the ball in the 50. He uses his silky skills to weave around the opposition and bring his teammates into the game. When he's 'off' it's as if he's not on the ground. He stops running, doesn't demand the ball, he just floats around. His career is teetering on the edge right now and he has to decide whether he is prepared to work his butt off every game, earn a spot in the seniors and prove to the coaching staff that he is worth investing another season in. I'm fearful that his potential will never be fulfilled and a talent will be leaving the kennel at the end of the year.
O'Keefe, Guy: A-
Guy started the year with a bang, kicking 5 goals against Collingwood. He's been a solid contributor every week, with the difference between his best and worst quite small. His ability to bring others into the game through good disposal and vision is a real tick on his game, as is his sense around the goals. The query on him is his foot speed and his tank - he'll never be the quickest on the ground, but he hasn't struggled to run out games which suggests his fitness is good. He's knocking on the door at the moment, and he just needs to keep putting up good performances and he'll get a run with the Bulldogs before the end of the year - he could slot in as a small forward if Rocket decides to rest Johnno or Aker. The best of the Bulldogs at Willy level this year.
O'Shea, Paul: N/A
Injured all year, I think he'll struggle to maintain his spot on the list if he doesn't get an opportunity to show his wares by the end of the year. From what we saw pre-season, he is still extremely raw.
Reid, Sam: B+
Blessed with a great build, he has been a consistent performer throughout the year. He works well with Skipper and O'Keefe, and has become more of an attacking weapon - running ahead of the play and getting the ball inside 50. He's very strong overhead and has great acceleration. The query on him continues to be his kicking - his ball drop is awkward and his action definitely has a Queensland tinge. I hope he can be squeezed in for a game at the highest level as I think his hardness and pace are good attributes. He needs to keep racking up big numbers and ensure his work rate is high. His defensive game can also improve.
Roughead, Jordan: B
He had an impressive pre-season before injuring his shoulder. This set him back a few weeks and meant he had to start in the reserves. His tap work has been great and his work around the ground has been impressive also. His kicking has sometimes been iffy, but in general his disposal is very good for a big man. He looks comfortable deep in attack when thrown forward, and is capable of clunking big pack marks. Has been BOG the last few weeks and will play seniors this week. I would've graded him higher if he was playing this well in the seniors - I'm hopeful he'll get an A grade at the end of the year. A very promising ruck man, he'll form a good partnership with Minson in a few years.
Skipper, Wayde: A-
Has done everything in his power to stay on the radar. He had a fantastic pre-season, so much so I thought Minson might get a run at Willy at some stage. He has probably dropped off slightly in the past 2 weeks, coinciding with Willy losing. Skip has pretty much been the lone ruckmen, generally giving his mids first use. He hasn't really gone forward as much this year, but has been good around the ground. Unfortunately, I think he'll be gone at the end of the year, with Roughead coming through, but he's decent backup if disaster strikes and Huddo or Will goes down.
Stack, Brennan: B-
Struggled with injury and form, but broke through (somewhat suprisingly) for a Bulldog debut. I don't think he's been great at all this year, but he's shown glimpses. Struggles to stay in the game for 4 quarters, and like Lynch, goes missing for extended periods. He is good overhead and has an impressive leap - if it all comes together he'll be a very good player. I'll be interested to see how he goes this week after being sent back to Willy. Hopefully with the confidence that he's on the radar, he'll go from strength to strength.
Wight, Cameron: C+
Playing primarily at full back/deep in defence, he's been solid without really impressing. You get the feeling he's treading water, and has been kept around purely as back up if Lake/Williams/Tiller/Everitt all go down. He has been thrown forward with mixed results, but honestly, Cam will be gone at season's end.
Wood, Easton: C
Played in the NAB Cup and was impressive against Essendon. Has all the athletic gifts to become a good footballer - pacy, strong and tall. He's still raw, but I love his attack on the ball - never shirks an issue. His kicking, whilst massively improved on last year, still needs work. He has struggled with injury (shoulder) in recent weeks, but I think he's coming along nicely, considering he was drafted as a project player.
Rookies
Daniels, Jamason: C+
Has only recently come back into the reserves from a hip/quad injury, and has improved with each outing, culminating in a great game last week. He's a good size, and loves the contested stuff, yet he's pacy and loves to run and carry when given the opportunity. He's also good overhead, however his kicking can be hit and miss (more hit than miss thought). He had a great pre-season and looked destined to play the year in the seniors until curtailed by his injury. If his form keeps trending up he'll be in the seniors soon. A bargain rookie pick IMO.
Mulligan, James: B-
He was injured during pre-season and the first few games of the season. Came back and looked terrible in his first outing for the reserves. Thankfully, his form has improved steadily since. Played as the starting full back, his one and one work has been great, rarely being beaten in the air. He also has an attacking aspect to his game, rebounding the ball and thumping the ball forward when given the chance. Went off with injury in the first quarter - hopefully nothing serious as I think he's worth perservering with. In his second rookie year, I've seen him do things which I believe make him worth keeping on next year, as he is big enough to take the gorilla forwards (something we lack if Lake goes down).
Ogle, Chris: C-
A hard one to grade. He is so raw, and coming from so far back that he has seemed completely lost at times. His decision making has at times been baffling and he makes silly skill errors. BUT - his work rate can't be questioned. He's always busting his butt to provide an option, and he does have good attacking instincts. His field kicking has improved as the season has gone on. It'll be interesting to see his development over the second half of the season - if he can squeeze into the seniors for a game or two he's done a very good job.
Shaw, John: B
A work horse ruckman in the Hudson mold. His tap work has been very good, and he has clunked some good marks when thrown forward. His kicking for goal is hit and miss, something he needs to work on. He'll never be great around the ground but he has a build that means he could hold his own physically at the higher level if need be. He's behind Skipper and Roughead, but with Skipper most likely going at the end of the year, Shaw may get elevated. At this stage, if I had to choose between retaining Shaw or Mulligan I'd probably just choose Mulligan and look to draft another ruckman.
White, Henry: C+
He's played a mix of senior and reserves footy, mainly off half back. He's well balanced, and clean with his disposal. He generally makes good decisions but he struggles to put together four quarters. He is quite pacy but with JD now added to the list (who I rate higher), he could struggle to stay at the Kennel next year. Gotch obvously likes his work rate however as he has slotted him in to a strong Willy midfield.
Wow, that got a little bit out of hand!
I'd love to hear other's thoughts on the above, particularly those who disagree
A pretty good description so far this year from what i have seen! I am also worried they are going to run Cordy into the ground. The signs were there before the break. Grant has also concerned me. From what i have heard he was nearly dropped this week! Maybe the break will be good for him also. Maybe it is the mental stress of the next big thing!! Keep up the good work
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