8. Daniel Wells [Archive]

giantroo

27th March 2007, 06:25

Kangaroos fitness first rate, says Wells

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Brought to you by ROGER VAUGHAN, AAP

News Text

Kangaroos midfielder Daniel Wells expects his AFL team will reap the major benefits of their rigorous preparation through the middle of the regular season.
Wells and his teammates started their pre-season in mid-October, with the Kangaroos determined to beef up their fitness after last year's 14th placing.
"It was pretty tough physically, but probably the main aspect of it was mentally," Wells said of the pre-season.
"We did a couple of camps and it really tested you, how bad you wanted to play - it really took you to places where you probably never thought you could go.
"That's the whole idea of the camp and we'll see how it goes during the middle of the year.
"At the start everyone is up and going, nice and fresh ... after (round five), that's when the pace drops off a little bit and your mental toughness needs to come to the top."
Apart from the extra-long preparation, it has been an eventful off-season for the club.
They lost key forward Nathan Thompson for the year with a knee reconstruction, defender Jonathan Hay retired and speculation continues about their long-term future as they start playing games on the Gold Coast.
Thompson's injury in a trial match is a particularly savage blow for the club.
Wells said it was up to midfielders such as himself to contribute more goals and he wants to kick at an average of at least one per game.
"The onus has to go a fair bit back on the midfield, we have a more attacking brand (of football) this year and that should show with myself, Brent Harvey, Shannon Grant and also Lindsay Thomas, guys like that," he said.
Wells also agreed with a general perception that for the Roos to improve this year, he has to lift.
"It's (my) fifth year this year, so they have every right to say that, I need to step up and be a lot more consistent," he said.
"I showed a bit last year towards the consistency, but it needs to go up another level for myself to play well and for the team to make a (stand)."

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Star

1st April 2007, 15:13

Round 1

Wellsy first official hit out of the season was a performance that was all too familiar for his many fans. A dozen possessions, all of which hit a target, 2 or 3 scintillating runs through the midfield but as has been the case too often in the last 3 years, supporters were left wondering why he did not have a major impact on the game.

Was serviceable at best, not our worst but no where near the best that is now expected of him. Was the victim of a dubious holding the ball decision that cost North a goal and had an otherwise fairly forgettable day.

I'll mark it down as a less than inspiring first game and hope it is just a starting point for a season where he really should step up to the next level

Rating Round 1: 4/10
Average for Season 2007: 4/10 (1 game)

Star

8th April 2007, 20:13

Round 2

Although his numbers read okay and some people even squeezed him into the votes, I was a bit disappointed with his game today. Perhaps I expect too much of him but after a quiet week in Round 1, he was able to find a bit more of it today but didnt have the venom - read efficiency - with his disposal. He started like a house on fire but seemed to become a spectator as the game wore on, save for a brief patch in the last.

Was probably in our top half dozen but this type of performance must be the base to every game game he plays. A worst case scenario if you will.

The important thing is he has improved from last week and the same level of improvement in the next two games may see him at the standard that expectation demands.

Rating Round 2: 6/10
Average for Season 2007: 5/10 (2 games)

Star

16th April 2007, 22:30

Round 3

Further improvement from D.Wells in this weeks game. In some ways he mirrored his start against Port by providing the only real spark from either team by getting the ball inside 50 a number of times early. He followed up one himself and kicked the first goal.

In general I thought he was very good without being brilliant but his game hit a brick wall - almost literally - we he sustained a heavy knock in the 3rd quarter which saw him spend a long period on the bench. Despite this I thought he was easily in our top half dozen in an encouraging display. I would be hoping for similar improvement next week but signs are good that he has had some steady improvement each week.

Still has the ability to excite when he goes for a run, here's hoping we see more of it. Has possibly found that 'selfish' instinct on this games showing - time will be the judge whether it is a long term quality.

Rating Round 3: 7/10
Average for Season 2007: 5.7/10 (17 points from 3 games)

Star

21st April 2007, 22:17

Round 4

The fourth week in a row where he has shown improvement from the previous week. Ran, bounced, presented and I feel he added a dimension of toughness to his game tonight.

Started well but unlike previous games was fairly consistent for the whole night.

Basically played the type of game we all expect him to play week in, week out. Here's hoping he has found the level expected of someone with his freakish skills. The run out of the centre for a goal in the final seconds is what we would expect him to do twice a week. Excellent game, shaded only by McIntosh for best afield honours. Well done Wellsy!

Rating Round 4: 8/10
Average for Season 2007: 6.25/10 (25 points from 4 games)

Harro

27th April 2007, 17:19

I like the fact he was shaded by McIntosh for BOG - keeps the spotlight off him.

Last 3 weeks - scores of 6,7,8 - nice momentum happening. If he played like that every week I'd be more than happy.

I liked how it was a balanced game - he wasn't wholly defensive or offensive. He would go get the hardball or tackle when required and then run forward and evade a tackler to kick a goal or set someone up when required.

Impressive start to the year, I hope he keeps it up.

Star

30th April 2007, 20:28

Round 5

The game Wellsy had to have. By that I mean he did not completely dominate but was a very valuable contributor and what's more he is kicking goals again.

From the outside looking in, it appears the recent calling for him to be more selfish (even though people on this board have been calling for it for a year now) may be paying handsome dividends.

Perhaps it is the 2 wines talking but he also looks a lot more assured this season and I like the way he is barking instructions. As Harro said above, it is good to see the focus on the likes of Hamish, Simmo and Boomer but I like Wellsy's season so far and even if he maintains this level it will be an excellent one, though I for one expect him to find the next gear very soon which has thus far alluded him in his career.

Rating Round 5: 7.5/10
Average for Season 2007: 6.5/10 (32.5 points from 5 games)

CrazyQ

8th May 2007, 14:15

Cmon Star ;)...

Star

9th May 2007, 22:09

Round 6

Ok, so I wanted to watch the reply to get a greater understanding following the most complete performance by the boys against the Swans. I know Wellsy again played well but wanted a greater appreciation of the importance of his game with respect to the other main players.

In a nutshell, it was 5 good games on the trot for D.Wells and I'd suggest his most complete performance so far. Not only did he make his 20+ possessions count but he was doing the things we admired him for as a first year player - tackling, harassing and running hard - features from his game that I felt had deserted him for a while. A further aspect I love seeing is him marshaling the troops which was back in spades.

A few more scintillating runs however even though I thought he was in our top 3 players and worthy of a vote, I will refrain from awarding the highest echelon of points due to the missed goals on the run which would really have been the icing on the cake. Has shown improvement in each of his last 5 outings and dare I say it is now the player we all know he can be. For fear of repeating myself, this is the level he must aspire to every week and to be fair, round 1 aside, this is where he has been for the last month and a bit. In fact he is so important that if he maintains this level and the likes of Hamish, Boomer, JWS and Shagga to name a few, play to their potential - we are finals bound and Wellsy is AA bound. Long way to go but signs are very encouraging.

Rating Round 6: 7.5/10
Average for Season 2007: 6.7/10 (40 points from 6 games)

Harro

11th May 2007, 14:27

I am watching the replay right now.

He copped a heavy tag from Crouch who went with him a nearly every step of the way. Daniel is just running so hard to get his possessions and he can then get his own anyway. Really impressive game.

Star

15th May 2007, 20:10

Round 7

Only had a couple of touches and was relatively ineffectual before a friendly fire clash with CJ brought about a premature end to his night and what looks like a few weeks on the sidelines at a time when we could ill afford to lose him.

His last 5 weeks were the best 5 he has strung together in his career. Can't wait to have him back fit and firing

Rating Round 7: Not rated
Average for Season 2007: 6.7/10 (40 points from 6 games)

Devil Fish

16th May 2007, 08:32

Round 7

His last 5 weeks were the best 5 he has strung together in his career. Can't wait to have him back fit and firing

[/B]

Indeed.

juzlyboy

2nd July 2007, 13:02

Very inconsitent but early this year was going good until his inury. Poor bloke hasnt had a break-out season yet.

Star

7th July 2007, 11:52

Round 13

After a six week lay off, the prince on magic retruned for Arch's 300th, which will be referred to hereafter as 'Dish Day'.

In my opinion, had as good a return as could be hoped for, getting an early touch and linking up well. Spent a lot of time off the ground as would be expected but eased into the game and collected a dozen or so possessions. I'd expect an improved showing next week and hopefully by Round 15 he will be back to his brilliant early season form.

Rating Round 13: 5/10
Average for Season 2007: 6.4/10 (45 points from 7 games)

CrazyQ

11th January 2008, 01:38

How about a trade Star?

Wellsy for Big E?

Star

19th January 2008, 08:34

How about a trade Star?

Wellsy for Big E?

No, I am firmly committed this year, not going to let an injury and a few weeks on the sidelines deter me :o

Fairley

22nd January 2008, 21:03

Anyone know how his preseason is coming along? '08 the year of the Wells?

Chadwiko

23rd January 2008, 20:51

Anyone know how his preseason is coming along? '08 the year of the Wells?

Tearing them up on the training track from the reports i've heard. Making his team mates look silly in comparison :D

LuvtheKangas

15th February 2008, 08:15

Tearing them up on the training track from the reports i've heard. Making his team mates look silly in comparison :D

I'm hoping this is true - what do others with a bit of inside knowledge have to say?

If it is true, get on him for the Brownlow now!

Star

16th February 2008, 08:04

I'm hoping this is true - what do others with a bit of inside knowledge have to say?

If it is true, get on him for the Brownlow now!

Lets hope the groin scare last night doesn't delay his start to the season. Looked very likely last year before injuries.

I also think expectations have dropped a bit even to the point where supporters I know are writing him off.

This will be his year.

Star

24th March 2008, 17:44

Round 1, 2008

So I watched him in the warm up and he was moving freely - no issue with the recent injury scare although the merest doubt that he may lack a little match fitness

So I make the call that this is the start of his 'star' career.

What eventuated was simply crud and let me say I have flown the Wells flag many times in the face of mounting adversity against him

People tell me he looks disinterested and lazy and to be fair - he did just that today. We had guys like Davey burning off him which really hurt to watch.

The saving grace is he was ineffectual in Round 1 last year before stringing together half a dozen fine games before injury. My only hope is he does the same next week onwards. It's time

Rating Round 1: 1/10
Average for Season 2008: 1/10 (1 point from 1 game)

Mr Reliable

24th March 2008, 19:13

Fair call (from another staunch Wellsy defender).

Kangaman 94

27th March 2008, 17:17

Must improve or else he could be packing his bags after trade week

Star

27th March 2008, 18:14

Must improve or else he could be packing his bags after trade week

Hopefully he can count on your support...

NICK_ROOBOY83

28th March 2008, 00:00

Hopefully he can count on your support...

Pretty average rap up of his game.

budge11

28th March 2008, 16:01

Must improve or else he could be packing his bags after trade week

Round 1. And why would we trade him? What would other clubs give for him? I don't think anything more than a 2nd round and a player maybe; Daniel is worth more than that to our side.

Rooboy561

28th March 2008, 18:45

Hopefully Daniel can hit some real good form in the upcoming weeks.

Kangaman 94

29th March 2008, 14:47

I hope he hits some form or else trade week

2nd round draft pick plus a player is great

Has not dominated since round 4 2007
:confused:

DarwinRoo

29th March 2008, 14:57

I hope he hits some form or else trade week

2nd round draft pick plus a player is great

Has not dominated since round 4 2007
:confused:

Dont you mean Semi Final 2007.

You dont trade a player of Daniel Wells calibre.

harper

29th March 2008, 19:22

Dont you mean Semi Final 2007.

You dont trade a player of Daniel Wells calibre.

No one wants to trade good picks and players for a bloke that sleeps with the lights on. Harden up Wells, all you have been is unrealised potential. Hark! is that the sound of another disenchanted junior roo ripping a number 8 off the back of his jumper.

Kangaman 94

29th March 2008, 19:43

Dont you mean Semi Final 2007.

You dont trade a player of Daniel Wells calibre.

He may have had 28 touches but Efficiency was down:eek:

Star

30th March 2008, 20:47

Round 2, 2008

A massive amount of anticipation for Daniel's game today by not just our supporters but football fans in general following the well publicized Round 1 effort or lack thereof and many 'supporters' calling for his head and opposition fans ridiculing him with taunts of being overrated.

Well, one swallow does not make a summer but DW would have felt some real heat entering this weeks game.

Started in the centre square which was almost a given with the coach allowing him every opportunity to perform. Daniel Jackson stood alongside him. DW provided the assist with our first two goals and had some handy and effectual other touches in the first term.

This was a teaser of things to come as he was fairly busy most of the day without completely ruling the roost, I haven't seen the final stats but did notice on the scoreboard he was the leading possession getter on the ground deep into the game. More importantly most were quality disposals.

His work ethic was greatly improved though not perfect. He did at one stage on the GSS wing pass off then run forward to receive the pass but I also recall two occasions (to be fair I was looking for them!) when I thought he may have run harder to create (then again, my League days are behind me!)

A game he had to have is probably the best summary and one that most supporters would expect as an average day in the office for a supremely talented and gifted player that after Round 1 is officially under achieving.

A 7/10 for me. Probably an extra point for the pressure he needed to endure in order to perform and the fact that I think he can improve so much more. At any rate it was great to see him in the thick of it. His round 3 onwards last year were excellent (before he got injured) so I am mildly excited he could repeat the dose - without the injury!

Rating Round 2: 7/10
Average for Season 2008: 4/10 (8 points from 2 games)

Mr Reliable

30th March 2008, 20:54

Very fair and comprehensive review.

And FWIW I reckon he could have run harder at least once, when he had that very instant come through the I/C in the 2nd 1/4 .

Star

30th March 2008, 20:59

Thought it would be nice to get these comments in a time capsule.

From both Laidley and Wells;

The Kangaroos' coach also praised midfielder Daniel Wells, who put in a strong game after being publicly criticised for a lack of work ethic against Essendon.

"It's a credit to himself. We spent a lot of time together this week," Laidley said.

"[What was said] will stay between us two, but the kid's got a lot of character. He's had some issues that he's working through and will continue to work through, and we'll be right by his side.

"We want people with great character at our football club, and Daniel tries to be the best person that he can, on and off the field."

Wells said he felt he worked harder this weekend after spending time soul searching following the negative reviews of his round one performance.

"After last week, and I don't want to harp on that, but I thought I let the club and the team down," he said.

"I got a lot of help from my teammates today and it was a great team effort. I worked closely with ‘Laids’, and we got the result we wanted."

Author: Jennifer Witham
8:57 PM Sun 30 March, 2008
kangaroos.com.au

Hunters Host #3

30th March 2008, 22:33

DW provided the assist with our first two goals and had some handy and effectual other touches in the first term.

His work ethic was greatly improved though not perfect.

Thorough review 'Star'. Amidst the pressure and anticipation to his game, Wellsy played well without dominating a satisfactory Richmond outfit.

In comparison to Rd. 1, his work ethic was much better, and note he had 7 inside 50's which is something we relatively expect with a player of Wells' calibre. Including 11 effective kicks, it highlights the value of having the ball in his hands.

Lets hope he can become a consistent performer and take it right to up the Hawks! :thumbsu:

Star

7th April 2008, 22:06

Round 3, 2008

From the outset I'll state that I was more disappointed in Wellsy's performance in this game than in Round 1. Was given every opportunity with plenty of time in the middle but half-a-dozen kicks was poor output once again.

Did have some handy assists by hand by I always think he is at his most destructive and most beneficial to us when delivering inside 50 by foot. A dirty day where again there were occasions that he was walking in the middle when some harder running seemed like the tonic.

Some irony in the one eye catching break from the middle was stopped short by the umpire due to a Hawthorn infringement in the centre square.

Can't take much more of this from DW, I honestly hope he turns the corner and fast.

Rating Round 3: 4/10
Average for Season 2008: 4/10 (12 points from 3 games)

Morcosovich

9th April 2008, 12:29

Honestly Wells has been virtually pathetic, regardless of his good game against richmond, was it really that good there werent any big run downs and there werent any sprinting to the 50 and kicking a goal on the run. He is playing better but its not like hes got an injury so he should be pushing himself harder, tell me in the last 3 games when uve really seen wells sprint.

Wells is definately one of the most skillful players in the afl but he chooses not to use it. I think he needs 1 on 1 coaching to work on why he was so good at the past and why he isnt now.

Carnthe

9th April 2008, 12:45

Morcosovich

9th April 2008, 13:11

If he is injured it would explain abit but nothing has been mentioned. And honestly if he is injured i wouldnt play him, id rather he be 100% than 70% hes not being very influential so id rather he be 100% than not. I just want wells to be doing what Lovett did for essendon on the weekend, what lovett did is why i love wells the most.

Star

13th April 2008, 19:43

Round 4, 2008

Wells was on a bit of a hiding to nothing today and like many of his team mates was quite wasteful with the numerous opportunities he had. With the spotlight on his work rate, again I thought he was good in this area without being great.

He does continue to do a number of nice team things that do not get measured on the stats sheet. Will always look for the shepherd after giving off a hand pass, a clever knock-on today at the Punt Rd end when surrounded by 3 opponents resulted in a goal and a further tackle that resulted in a direct goal were some of the things that may get glossed over in some summaries.

I must admit to frustration on two occasions when DW was running toward goal, about 70-80 out with the opportunity to run to 50m yet dished off. What happened to this 'selfish' streak that surfaced for about 5 minutes last year.

All in all, just above average, these are the sort of games he should be absolutely dominating. Still, he looked like he wanted to be out there today and here's hoping he ain't far away from exploding for the good.

Rating Round 4: 6/10
Average for Season 2008: 4.5/10.0 (18 points from 4 games)

Morcosovich

15th April 2008, 09:32

I admit he has improved more by every game so the future is bright. And his pressure on the ball carriers was alot better than previous weeks, great tackles a few dives for the ball. The thing is wells is turning into a simmo,harris,swallo,rawlings and not another harvey which we desperately need. Wells/Harvey have the potential to be the Abblet/Bartel of geelong. Harvey is already in brownlow medal form but is wells?. I watched some old games of when wells first came into the picture and by god he was fantastic he was so entertaining i nearly creamed :P.

Another thing why isnt he taking shot on goal, he'll constantly handball just before the kick for goal. Its like hes afraid he'll miss. THIS IS AFL there is no space for afraid of missing. Im not tacking the micky out of wells but all hes become is another average midfielder and not a winner of games.

I suspect he needs 1 on 1 coaching of some sort, wouldnt we have drills of running to the 50 and kicking a goal on the run?. Harvey's goal in the last quarter of the melbourne game is exactly what we need from wells, carried the ball and took a shot from about 52-55 out (btw didnt think harvey could kick 55 m) and got us a good late goal.

It'd be hard to see that i rate wells in my top 3 players at north but he needs to be criticized. We all saw what davey did to us on last saturday, do we see wells ever do that?

Star

27th April 2008, 19:18

Round 5, 2008

I was overseas for the Round 5 game versus the Pies and had to wait 6 days to watch a reply. Daniel's most solid game for the season in my opinion in that he was a fairly consistent contributor for most of the night and mainatined a very good (though as far as I could tell, not excellent) workrate.

Rating Round 5: 7/10
Average for Season 2008: 5.0/10.0 (25 points from 5 games)

Star

27th April 2008, 19:20

Round 6, 2008

Started off very well this week and while a high standard was maintained, I thought he was on the fringe of busting the whole thing open. His second efforts were awesome - on one occasion he lost his footing but buttered up with a great second effort.

Smother attempts, jumping, spoiling and excellent pressure. Looks to be close to reaching his best efforts so far which to this point would be rounds 2-6? last year before being injured the first time.

Rating Round 6: 7/10
Average for Season 2008: 5.3/10.0 (32 points from 6 games)

B-Rock

27th April 2008, 19:22

I thought the work rate of Wells was fantastic today. He didnt dominate but he is not looking lazy out there anymore and is doing the little things that gave him the rep he has.

Star

8th May 2008, 22:59

Round 7, 2008

Was fairly busy early and very busy late but Daniel seemed to go missing when most needed this week.

Interestingly, every time I was about to scream 'where is bloody Wells' he would pop up with a touch although I do think his efficiency was well down this week though he did run the lines a few times and did some usual teasing.

Not our worst on a miserable night but still waiting for that 'big one'.

Rating Round 7: 5/10
Average for Season 2008: 5.2/10.0 (37 points from 7 games)

Star

18th May 2008, 22:11

Round 8, 2008

Had hardly touched it (perhaps one disposal) before falling awkwardly on his knee and sending a massive scare through the camp. Did not look good at all as he hobbled off, assisted by a couple of trainers. The fall itself looked pretty innocuous if you disregard him smashing his knee into the turf.

I was quite surprised to see him chase a ball on the outer wing about 40 minutes later and what's more, looked like he wanted to be out there.

Warmed into the game and showed his class the longer it went collecting about 16 disposals and kicking a lovely goal on the run from 50m. Continues to tease like hell and just when I am about to go looking for him, he pops up.

I'm still convinced he is 'about to turn the corner' - I just hope it happens soonish!

Rating Round 8: 6/10
Average for Season 2008: 5.4/10.0 (43 points from 8 games)

Star

1st June 2008, 22:57

I've been OS for 2 weeks so have only read comments on here about Wells game against the Bulldogs which by all accounts was very good before getting injured.

I have a tape of the game to watch and will update my seasons review on the great man shortly

chubbspeterson

20th June 2008, 18:10

He was good against freo, especially coming of yet another injury. I just think if he was 100% fit, with no injuries, he'd be killing it. He's not far off a brillant game, just needs the confidence back.

Star

22nd June 2008, 12:21

Round 9, 2008

Came to play against the doggies and went down at a crucial time with the game well in the balance. Showed some really good signs, running and linking up well as well as some quality forward 50 entries. Pity he wasn't out at the final siren.

Also worried about his knee which looks like it will have to be managed for his career now.

Rating Round 9: 7/10
Average for Season 2008: 5.5/10.0 (50 points from 9 games)

Star

22nd June 2008, 12:22

Round 10, 2008

Missed with knee injury

Average for Season 2008: 5.5/10.0 (50 points from 9 games)

Star

22nd June 2008, 12:23

Round 11, 2008

Missed again with knee

Average for Season 2008: 5.5/10.0 (50 points from 9 games)

Star

22nd June 2008, 12:26

Round 12, 2008

Nothing much positive to come out of this game but thought Wellsy was a rare shining light especially considering he was returning from injury.

Again, hard to be positive but I thought he was far from our worst and probably could have damaged further by missing some very kickable goals.

Rating probably takes into account his return after a couple of weeks lay off.

Rating Round 12: 6/10
Average for Season 2008: 5.6/10.0 (56 points from 10 games)

Star

22nd June 2008, 12:29

Round 13, 2008

Was not our best today but gee, he was very good. From the first contest where he hurt his knee and gave many a heart murmur, you could see that he was switched on. Ran incredibly hard and offered an option all day. I suspect he likes playing against the Hawks as he has had some previous stand out performances.

Along with Harro and Boomer it looked a classy midfield outfit, he should be rapt with his efforts today as I was. Not far away now...if only that knee would hold up

(He explained after the game it 'locks' up for 5 or 10 mins then goes back to normal, though it sounds like he is finally understanding the rigours of the game and dealing with close checkers. Exciting times for him)

Rating Round 13: 8/10
Average for Season 2008: 5.8/10.0 (64 points from 11 games)

Paddy_Mac

28th June 2008, 22:44

One of the very few shining lights tonight. Very happy with his game tonight. Hopefully he builds on that.

Moore14

6th July 2008, 12:38

Yeah he's got lots of talent and when he gets in form he's extremely dangerous to the opposition.

Star

6th July 2008, 13:13

I've been away for a couple of weeks and will post report after watching the reply for the second time shortly.

As an aside, I was at a function last night when a heated footy 'discussion' ensued and I was asked 'What is wrong with Wells'.

My frank and very abrupt response was "Nothing!". Aside from the lay off for injury and a couple of poor games I think his output for the season has been prett good. I have him pointed for a 6/10 season so far in a team running 10th. Like everyone else, I want more but he is far from the major disappointment that some make him out to be. The upside is, we have not but will see his best over the next 5-8 years.

chubbspeterson

11th July 2008, 00:39

He's getting back to his best, he just needs to get through games uninjured and fully fit, and he'll kill it. Was good the last couple.

Star

14th July 2008, 22:06

Round 14, 2008

Hard to be positive after we threw away this game but it was hard not to continue to be impressed with the rebirth of Wells.

Is in the middle of a purple patch where he is not only getting a bit of it but his use is up to the highest standard. The only criticism I would have at present is he was unsighted a couple of times when the game was in the blance which is a tad unfair given his work rate with and without the ball continues to climb.

Has been great since his return from injury but I'd love to see him really stamp himself from here on.

Rating Round 14: 7/10
Average for Season 2008: 5.9/10.0 (71 points from 12 games)

Star

14th July 2008, 22:10

Round 15, 2008

Was lucky enough to be at tonights game and for the first time, possibly ever Wells looked like a real leader. He demanded the ball and was the go-to man we all know he can be.

Ran with authority and his disposals were very creative. He set off a vibe that made one feel very comfortable when the ball was in his hands. Looks to be on the verge of breaking in to the next level and becoming one of the game's elite. God knows that would be handy now.

On the basis of tonight's performance, he pushes his average for the season to 'above average' which I think is a fair rating and a long way from the early season criticism. Needs to keep improving and make 20 quality possessions the rule rather than the exception with peaks beyond that. Wrapt with his last month.

Rating Round 15: 7/10
Average for Season 2008: 6.0/10.0 (78 points from 13 games)

Star

3rd August 2008, 07:59

Round 16, 2008

Starting to run into some good form. The one thing I again noticed about Wells, for the second week in a row was his massive leadership on the field. He was very much a 'general' tonight orchestrating many plays and most importantly was very much a 'go to' man particularly around the 50m arc. I've said it a few times in my reports this year but is on the verge of 'bursting' and really ripping it apart.

Rating Round 16: 8/10
Average for Season 2008: 6.1/10.0 (86 points from 14 games)

Star

3rd August 2008, 08:00

Round 17, 2008

They tell me he was up over 26 possessions for the 6th time. Looks okay on the stat sheet but most importantly continued to propel quality ball into the forward 50m. Despite his possessions, I thought he had one or two quiet periods though that could be unfair with bench rotations etc. Still, has continued some good form, probably the best of his career now and the hope is he has set a new minimum expectation of which todays game would be it.

Rating Round 17: 7/10
Average for Season 2008: 6.2/10.0 (93 points from 15 games)

Star

3rd August 2008, 08:02

Round 18, 2008

Weird game for Wellsy and probably emerged as our best player by the end of it. Opened up confidently before going down with a knee injury that looked a lot worse than it was. He then made a great recovery and picked up a lot of it in the second quarter before copping a stray elbow - perhaps not so stray crap umpiring - in the face and went off again. The third coming was the best and he swept beautifully across half back. Despite 30-odd touches, I didnt think he was as penetrating in this role as he is pumping it into 50. Very good game nonetheless.

Rating Round 18: 8/10
Average for Season 2008: 6.3/10.0 (101 points from 16 games)