5. Brent Stanton

[DaSawx]

Hopefully has a little more improvement in him

[matty lloyd the champ]

hope he plays this week, our hardest running midfielder

[Bombs Away]

Gun, big engine and good kick

[Merv Neagle]

Stanton on his own two feet

Steve Butler | August 31, 2007

THE AFL's answer to Forrest Gump he may be, but Essendon midfielder Brent Stanton no longer wants his football life to be like a box of chocolates.

The running machine does not want critics to be surprised by the performance he puts in out on the park. Instead he is hell-bent on producing a consistency that will help to rank him alongside the best players in the competition.

Regularly running up to 17 kilometres a game, the 21-year-old has cast off his trademark shyness and now believes he has the tools and maturity to match it with any opponent. He is keen to put that
theory to the test against West Coast at Subiaco Oval tomorrow as part of the emotion-charged farewell to his coach Kevin Sheedy and star teammate James Hird.

Stanton has this year been considered by some to be the game's next Robert Harvey. While he is humbled by the comparison with St Kilda's marathon man, he is far from awed.

"They're big shoes to fit in," Stanton said. "But it's a dream of mine to not just be one of the average footballers in the AFL, but one of the best players. He (Harvey) has obviously done that with two Brownlows and grand finals and whatever.

"He's one I based my game around as a kid and he's such an amazing player. For me to maybe be compared to him somewhere later down the track, that's a fantastic opportunity.

"But it's not just going to happen — I have to make it happen. West Coast are the best midfield in the comp and just to be able to come up against them and challenge myself, which I'm always happy to do, is an important thing for me to see where I'm at."

A little-known fact about the boy from Banyule, 21 kilometres north-east of central Melbourne, is that he played off a golf handicap of just three when he was 16 and still plans to become a golf coach when his football career has ended.

But with early tuition from former Bombers star Joe Misiti and current teammate Jason Johnson, and after matching strides with Mark Bolton earlier in the pre-season, running has emerged as his clear asset.

Stanton regularly competed at State level in cross-country in his student days and, like Hollywood's Forrest Gump, just loves to run.
"I've always just enjoyed running and it took my mind off other things — if anything was ever bothering me growing up, I'd go for a run," he said.

"If I was bored at home, I'd just go for a run. I never sat still at school or outside of school, I was always kicking the footy or mucking around with mates and I did a bit of high jump, as well.

"I always tried to keep myself busy and I'd never get a lift anywhere — I'd just walk instead. I don't know whether that's helped me now, but it seems to have so I'm not complaining."

Most footy fans see Stanton as a quiet kid who simply goes about his business. But he captained many of his junior teams and said he had slowly developed to the point where he now had eyes on one day captaining Essendon.

"I do want to captain the football side, there's no doubt about that — that's one of my aspirations," he said.
"But obviously I'm still a long way off that with Lloydy and a few other guys coming through. I'm just learning as much as possible in the way they go about their leadership skills and, hopefully, it helps me later on.

"I felt like I just had to find my feet in the first year and concentrate on my footy rather than make a personality of myself. That was my aim and once my footy started to come along, I got more confident.

"But if you ask any of my mates from school, they wouldn't say I was quiet. In an environment where people have made a mark for themselves, you don't want to come in and intrude on that and that was my main focus coming into an AFL club.

"My body's got a lot stronger in the last couple of years and I'm feeling more confident. When we've had everyone in the side, it's evened things out and you can come into your own."

Stanton was drafted with Essendon's first pick (No. 13 overall) in 2003 and now, with 75 AFL games now behind him, he looks back at the fortunate timing that will low him to be part of Hird's emotional final game.
"I've come through in the right era and I'm just honoured to have been able play with him — it's just amazing," he said.

"Obviously he's a good leader and he brings the best out of you as a person and a footballer and that's what I feel the Essendon Football Club is all about."

[Pawtucket Patriot]

Great article. Maybe his nick name should be Forrest from now on.

[windyhill]

I will keep backing him for the Brownlow until either I run out of money or until he retires. In our top 3 footballers.

[matty lloyd the champ]

Stanton you are a gun
You have fast become my favourite player with lloydy.
He will win a brownlow medal in his career

[shellsta33]

Stanton is an absolute champion, should make all australian next year, very important to the club. With winda, lovet, watson and others should be our most important player next year and years to come.

[Crumpler83]

While I do agree that Stants is one of our more important players,I hope he spends the offseason working on his disposal by foot coz it lets him down at times. That said he is a gun and one of my fav. players.

[HarryH]

It seems I am the odd person out but I don't rate him that highly as others

I think he will be a good player for essendon in the coming years but his not a star. His kicking is below average, I don't think he goes in hard enough and his too hungry when he gets close to goals. I think Winder and Watson will be better midfielders for us

[KING-JAMES]

I was a big fan of stants but i have been watching an analyzing games since our season has ended and he really is a liability on the defensive end. He is just about the most unaccountable player going round and needs to fix that up before he enters the elite catagory. I hope work of summer is put into that aspect, and he continues to develop his skills by foot.

[ant555]

His kicking was ok until he injured his ankle. After that he lost any penertration he had and his kicking went backwards.
I agree with King James , he needs to find a defensive side.

[The Dustbin]

It seems I am the odd person out but I don't rate him that highly as others

I think he will be a good player for essendon in the coming years but his not a star. His kicking is below average, I don't think he goes in hard enough and his too hungry when he gets close to goals. I think Winder and Watson will be better midfielders for us

Your not alone. Is the worst kick in the AFL. His kicking has not improved in 4 years, still drops the ball with no guideance from hand to foot.

I would trade him if the right deal is presented.

[hulld]

i hope next year he doesn't look for as many cheap kicks. e.g. running behind a player in our defensive 50 for the easy handball.

we need him on the wings penetrating our forward line

[BabyBomber]

Is the worst kick in the AFL.

Exaggeration much? Ant is right, before his injury his kicking was actually very good, dunno what happened to it afterwards but he didn't seem to get it back. Had some great passes into the forward line in the last half of the year still which shows he has the ability but was far too inconsistent in the second half. But worst kick in the AFL? Not likely.

Yes needs to be more defensively accountable.

[The Dustbin]

Exaggeration much? Ant is right, before his injury his kicking was actually very good, dunno what happened to it afterwards but he didn't seem to get it back. Had some great passes into the forward line in the last half of the year still which shows he has the ability but was far too inconsistent in the second half. But worst kick in the AFL? Not likely.

Yes needs to be more defensively accountable.

No. I'll say it again, the worst kick in the AFL. Before he did his ankle his kicking was bad.

His turnovers by foot, kill us every game. :mad:

[windyhill]

I will keep backing him for the Brownlow until either I run out of money or until he retires. In our top 3 footballers.

Had a so so year, still polled reasonably. He will win it one year.

[Bomberz_pacers07]

was watchin essendon vs collingwood rnd 19 i think it was last yr wen we beat them...and stanton was bloody good...his ankle injury really stuffed up his year this year...because the way he would run and run last year was awsome...he'd get the ball on the half back line kick it to someone 70m out from goal then 10 secs later he would recieve the kick back 40m out from goal.
Next year injury free he will take another step and hopfully become the elite midfielder of Essendon.

[windyhill]

If we click he`ll win it. He`ll turn the plethora of one votes into two/threes. Umpires seem to love him as much as me. Just keep backing him, earlier the better.

[SOT4]

He's the closest of anyone in our team to winning one. He polls very well.

[HarryH]

We essendon supporters are an ambitious bunch. Stanton and brownlow really should not be said together. He can't kick. The other aspects of his game are ok but not great. The only thing he excels at is the ability to run all day

[Smyth94]

While most of BF are wetting themselves over Adcock, Stants has been giving that output for at least two years now and is ONLY 21. Easily the most underrated young Essendon player regarding opposition supporters.

Some people go as far to label him a dud or just an "honest" player. Even some Essendon supporters don't give him enough credit (you know who you are).

IMO he was a shoe-in for the B&F before his ankle injury and I'm putting some $$$ on him for my Brownlow smokey in '08 - Gun :thumbsu:

[The Donners]

While most of BF are wetting themselves over Adcock, Stants has been giving that output for at least two years now and is ONLY 21. Easily the most underrated young Essendon player regarding opposition supporters.

Some people go as far to label him a dud or just an "honest" player. Even some Essendon supporters don't give him enough credit (you know who you are).

IMO he was a shoe-in for the B&F before his ankle injury and I'm putting some $$$ on him for my Brownlow smokey in '08 - Gun :thumbsu:

I'm one of those supporters that thinks he's simply honest. He makes little difference to the side whether he's in it or not IMO.

[Smyth94]

Thats fair enough...Hopefully you will be eating your words next year

[The Donners]

Thats fair enough...Hopefully you will be eating your words next year

I hope I do too!

[The Donners]

I'll elaborate why I don't rate Stanton highly:

Poor skills
Heart the size of a pea

[The Donners]

No. I'll say it again, the worst kick in the AFL. Before he did his ankle his kicking was bad.

His turnovers by foot, kill us every game. :mad:

100% agree.. along with McPhee, worst turnovers in the game!

[TheDon35]

100% agree.. along with McPhee, worst turnovers in the game!

Agreed although his disposal improved alot since 2006. In '06 it was shocking. Hopefully it improves again next year.

Not as bad a turnover bandit as Welsh and McPhee

[ant555]

Agreed although his disposal improved alot since 2006. In '06 it was shocking. Hopefully it improves again next year.

Not as bad a turnover bandit as Welsh and McPhee

I love people who call Welsh a turn over bandit. The guys has had a kicking eff of over 82% for the last 5 years. That indicates that he isnt actually a turn over bandit and is in fact better by foot than most in the side. When he kicks the ball 30 to 40 meters he uses the ball very well. What he hasnt done in the past is helped his team mates under pressure. Has been prone to turning in circles and handballing to guys under pressure.

Getting back to Stanton his kicking early this year was pretty good. Once his ankle problems started he kicking went backwards as he couldnt plant his foot on the run. He is not a great kick and probably never will be but he was coming along ok.
I dont think he will ever be a star mid but he can run all day and that can hurt sides late in games. Needs to be more aware of the defencive side of his game. He is only young and he will be more than handy.

[Longy413]

I'll elaborate why I don't rate Stanton highly:

Poor skills
Heart the size of a pea

Are you serious?

[The Donners]

Are you serious?

Yes. He can run all day.......... that's where the story ends.

[Longy413]

Wouldn't you need a heart of significant size in order to run all day?

[The Donners]

Wouldn't you need a heart of significant size in order to run all day?

Balls, heart... same thing! Doesn't put his body on the line.

[Longy413]

Got a series of examples when he should have but didn't?

[The Donners]

Got a series of examples when he should have but didn't?

No, all games. Watching him play is enough proof!

Some Essendon supporters overrate his ability! Knights' first plan is to rejig the midfield... first move will be to take Stanton out of there!

[Longy413]

If he's so bad, why does he get tagged so often?

[The Donners]

If he's so bad, why does he get tagged so often?

Who else is there to be tagged Longy? Opposition supporters don't rate him either! I am trying to be objective.

Watson and Stanton up against Bartel and Ablett... come off it mate, in the context of it they're terrible! Obviously AFL footballers aren't terrible but comparatively speaking they are!

Watson has one of the best handballs in the game, what does Stanton bring to the table? The fact he can run out a game? Well name a player from an opposing side that can't do that. (midfielders that is, don't mention Anthony Rocca!) :D

Under Sheedy it was the worst midfield by far in the competition, who were playing in that midfield?

[johnmason]

Watson has one of the best handballs in the game

WOW! look out opposition teams watson is going to send a 60m handball through for a goal!!??? lol



i agree with others that stanton needs to find a defensive side to his game.

soft??? dont think so but do we actually have any hard players in our whole team? look at us against the hawks we are SH..T scared of every player.

Stants is the most consistent midfielder we have. by a long long long way.

kicking needs to improve yes but has been since this year until injury.

so donner pull your head out and have a proper look.:thumbsu:

[The Donners]

WOW! look out opposition teams watson is going to send a 60m handball through for a goal!!??? lol



i agree with others that stanton needs to find a defensive side to his game.

soft??? dont think so but do we actually have any hard players in our whole team? look at us against the hawks we are SH..T scared of every player.

Stants is the most consistent midfielder we have. by a long long long way.

kicking needs to improve yes but has been since this year until injury.

so donner pull your head out and have a proper look.:thumbsu:

Greg Williams won 2 brownlow medals with the best handball in the league!



As for comparing him to the other midfielders in the team Sheedy controlled, that's like putting up John Howard versus Kevin Rudd, they're both shit but at the end of the day you have to pick one of the bastards!

Well if you want to play Stanton in the middle don't expect to be playing finals anytime soon... or at all!

Seems as though opposition supporters may rate him after all:

http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=391115

[Smyth94]

Who else is there to be tagged Longy? Opposition supporters don't rate him either! I am trying to be objective.

Watson and Stanton up against Bartel and Ablett... come off it mate, in the context of it they're terrible! Obviously AFL footballers aren't terrible but comparatively speaking they are!

Watson has one of the best handballs in the game, what does Stanton bring to the table? The fact he can run out a game? Well name a player from an opposing side that can't do that. (midfielders that is, don't mention Anthony Rocca!) :D

Under Sheedy it was the worst midfield by far in the competition, who were playing in that midfield?

It doesn't matter what opposition supporters think - it's what the coaches and players think :thumbsu:

[The Donners]

It doesn't matter what opposition supporters think - it's what the coaches and players think :thumbsu:

It doesn't matter what opposition supporters think, what coaches think or what players think, it's what wins you matches :thumbsu:

[DaSawx]

Who else is there to be tagged Longy? Opposition supporters don't rate him either! I am trying to be objective.

You don't tag just for the sake of it, if he was as bad as you say he is opposition players would just need to run off him all the time.

And a lot of opposition fans do rate him.

Watson has one of the best handballs in the game, what does Stanton bring to the table? The fact he can run out a game? Well name a player from an opposing side that can't do that. (midfielders that is, don't mention Anthony Rocca!) :D

Stanton was developing an effective disposal before he did his ankle, he can have a very penetrating kick inside 50 when healthy

Under Sheedy it was the worst midfield by far in the competition, who were playing in that midfield?

and that is Stanton's wrong doing? there was plenty wrong with the midfield under Sheedy.

Knights will be working with over a dozen players on a lot of different things to make the midfield more competitve

[The Donners]

You don't tag just for the sake of it, if he was as bad as you say he is opposition players would just need to run off him all the time.

And a lot of opposition fans do rate him.



Stanton was developing an effective disposal before he did his ankle, he can have a very penetrating kick inside 50 when healthy



and that is Stanton's wrong doing? there was plenty wrong with the midfield under Sheedy.

Knights will be working with over a dozen players on a lot of different things to make the midfield more competitve

You are kidding me aren't you? So what you're saying is he's the best of a bad bunch???

[whirl]

Knights' first plan is to rejig the midfield... first move will be to take Stanton out of there!

Seems unlikely.

[DaSawx]

You are kidding me aren't you? So what you're saying is he's the best of a bad bunch???

The midfield under Sheedy lacked skill (from multiple players), teammwork, work rate, accountability.

It will take improvement from different players to make it work effectively.

Taking Stanton out won't make it magically better.

[efcboy]

i live just down the road from windy hill and was very happy to see stants run past me in my street at about 8.30pm last wednesday night. he's obviously doing extra work outside the norm which is a credit to his work ethic. he reminds me of a young robert harvey the way he trains and conducts himself. his endurance will be awesome in 2008 and he is clearly essendon's no1 midfielder.

[Merv Neagle]

http://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/news_imagesize.asp?imagefile=/images/07/r11-1.jpg (http://www.essendonfc.com.au/images/07/r11-1.jpg)
http://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/news_imagesize.asp?imagefile=/images/07/r17-gsp-22.jpg (http://www.essendonfc.com.au/images/07/r17-gsp-22.jpg)


Stanton must deliver on potential

Monday, 24 December 2007
A consistent performer week-in, week-out this year, Brent Stanton impressed fans with his massive engine and his ability to run out a game with momentum.

Given the honour of wearing hallowed number five on his back next season, it shows that it is not only fans but also champions of the game such as Hird, who see this young man’s unlimited potential.

2007
Games – 20
Goals – 11
Kicks – 332
Marks – 139
Handballs – 147
2007 Fan’s ranking: 6.95/ 10

2006
Games – 22
Goals – 12
Kicks – 332
Marks – 134
Handballs – 153
2006 Fan’s ranking: 7.79 / 10
2005
Games – 19
Goals – 13
Kicks – 252
Handballs – 100
2005 Fan’s ranking: 7.80/10
What some of the Essendon fans had to say:
Brent has become a quality midfielder who just lacks a couple of mates to help him in the middle at the moment. He must be busting for the likes of Davey and Lovett to get in there with him. (Shaun Ellis)

Brent continues to build his position as a key midfielder and just needs to increase his work rate another 10% to move into champion status. (Jeff Hammond)

The marathon man has a big 2008 ahead of him. He needs to stay injury free in order to lead a hard-running Essendon midfield. (Nicholas McHattie)

He has had a great year and is a key part of our midfield. Brent could be a potential Brownlow Medallist if he can get all aspects of his game right. His gut-running through the middle was vital on many occasions this year and, when he missed games mid-year, we struggled big time. (Alex Fair)

His endurance and efforts to get where he needs to are first rate. Hopefully he continues to raise the bar. (Scott Illingworth)


http://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/news.asp?nid=5543

[Windas_Magic]

Stants is one of our better mids but i think that if there was one part of his game he has to work on, it would be his itensity. He sometimes looks to casual and looses his man at bounces and really doesnt chase and try and put a lot of pressure on his opponent. He has a great running ability and i think his skills are underrated, but i'd really like to see a bit of anger in him.

[Slattery_20]

Can't wait to see him fit again, 2nd half of season 07 he wasn't really there
That said, I probably will vomit first time I see that jumper without the man in it

[Slattery_20]

Greg Williams won 2 brownlow medals with the best handball in the league!



As for comparing him to the other midfielders in the team Sheedy controlled, that's like putting up John Howard versus Kevin Rudd, they're both shit but at the end of the day you have to pick one of the bastards!

Well if you want to play Stanton in the middle don't expect to be playing finals anytime soon... or at all!

Seems as though opposition supporters may rate him after all:

http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=391115
I am shocked at that
Absolutely shocked
Have you actually watched a game since 2005?

[Slattery_20]

No. I'll say it again, the worst kick in the AFL. Before he did his ankle his kicking was bad.

His turnovers by foot, kill us every game. :mad:
I'm double shocked

[Slattery_20]

I'm one of those supporters that thinks he's simply honest. He makes little difference to the side whether he's in it or not IMO.
Triple (I think) shocked. The bloke's our best midfielder, & in our top few footballers. He's certainly a more reliable kick and made less turnovers than the bloke he inherited the jumper from. FACT(he also probably does a bit more on the defensive than that bloke...). But one got away with it, and one gets slammed for it? Interesting the gloss that a Brownlow, captaincy, & a premiership or two can put on perceptions :D

[thebigboy]

i live just down the road from windy hill and was very happy to see stants run past me in my street at about 8.30pm last wednesday night. he's obviously doing extra work outside the norm which is a credit to his work ethic. he reminds me of a young robert harvey the way he trains and conducts himself. his endurance will be awesome in 2008 and he is clearly essendon's no1 midfielder.


Ever since he's come into the side he's always looked like he was willing to put in the hard yards to become an elite player. If his preperation and dedication is the same as Robert Harvey then we will have some sort of player on our hands (we already do for that matter).

Ill go as far to say that his brownlow odds could be quite good value next season.

[The Dustbin]

I'm double shocked

After seeing his kicking in the first half on Sat, nothing has changed over the summer. I'm not sure if I've ever seen a guy miss target after target going forward.

[gg-bomber]

After seeing his kicking in the first half on Sat, nothing has changed over the summer. I'm not sure if I've ever seen a guy miss target after target going forward.

We must have been watching a different game then, i thought his kicking was very good.

[The Dustbin]

We must have been watching a different game then, i thought his kicking was very good.

Good in the warm up, yes. Ordinary in the first half, average in the second half.

[gg-bomber]

Good in the warm up, yes. Ordinary in the first half, average in the second half.

Who's disposal did you think was good then??

Stanton and Hocking were the two that stood out for mine. Both hit several targets lace out on the chest.

[kelvin_sheedy]

When people have a beef about a player it doesn't matter what they do they'll always hold a grudge.

Stanton could have 99% efficiency but people like Dustbin will only remember the 1% and waffle on and on about it.

[TheDon35]

Disposal has been questionble but he's improved it out of site. Now one of the best kicks at the club.

[The Dustbin]

Who's disposal did you think was good then??

Stanton and Hocking were the two that stood out for mine. Both hit several targets lace out on the chest.

Hocking yes. Stanton NO.

[Merv Neagle]

http://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/news_imagesize.asp?imagefile=/images/08/mmRd-03-20.jpg (http://www.essendonfc.com.au/images/08/mmRd-03-20.jpg)
Brent Stanton kicks on the run.


The number 5 guernsey drives Stanton

Friday, 7 March 2008
Following his 36 possession, four goal game against West Coast, Essendon midfielder Brent Stanton has revealed the number 5 guernsey - inherited off James Hird this year - provides him with strong motivation.

"You don't really realise it when you are out there playing but, before the game, when you put it on it hits you and you want to do it proud and also all the other players that have worn it before you," he said.

"It's been a great honour so far and always will be and if it works for me that will be good. Having this number is a great opportunity."

Stanton said after two practice matches and a tough three or four months during pre-season he is ready for Round 1.

"I was surprised at the pace when I played my first NAB Cup game last week and playing on a big ground tonight against West Coast was good too.

"It was important to have a good blow-out before Round 1.

"I have been working hard on every area I could of my game over the pre-season and it seems to be paying off."

Not known for his goal kicking, Stanton said he wants to make himself more of threat in 2008.

"I want to try to help the forwards out and hurt the opposition and I want to bring that into my game and make it an attribute this year," he said.

"I will be happy to get as many goals as I can but I have no targets, just as long as it helps the team that is the most important thing.

"The main thing is that I need to concentrate on my role and if we can all stick to our roles we will win more game. I need to focus on my running and especially hard running in each game.

"We want to win as many games as possible, we have a lot of enthusiasm this year with all the young guys and, if we can keep that, it will help us win more games."

http://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/news.asp?nid=5619

[rines]

i know i know, only a preseason game.. but the wc game should surely help certain supporters to realise, we have a potential star on our hands...

[TheDon35]

i know i know, only a preseason game.. but the wc game should surely help certain supporters to realise, we have a potential star on our hands...

Looking the goods isn't he. Will need to take next step this year if we are to challenge for the finals. Very important to our progression as a side.

[acebomer]

afl.com.au has named stanton in the centre for the don's best 25. He should trun from just a ball carrier into a quality inside midfielder with watson. :)

[Merv Neagle]

afl.com.au has named stanton in the centre for the don's best 25. He should trun from just a ball carrier into a quality inside midfielder with watson. :)

He will never be an inside mid.

[Blind Blink]

Stanery is a ledgend, love him, yeh really needs to step up this season.

[sens_bombers]

Now that Hirds gone, I think my favourite player is a tie between Stanton and Lucas

[Santoz]

I'm from Bendigo and play footy on a weekend so I don't get to watch many of our games live, but from what I saw today, this bloke is as weak as piss. There comes an instance in every game when pretty much every player has to "go" and from what I saw today, Stanton doesn't cut the mustard when he has to put his head over the footy or his body on the line. I really rated this bloke from what I've seen on the tv but seeing him live is a big dissapointment. He squeals for the ball (even when he's out of position) and expects the ball to move through him every time. He demands the ball like he's owed a kick from team mates and to make things worse, when he was given the ball today, he absolutely butchered it. His defensive game needs a hell of a lot of work in my opinion too. A massive dissapointment ...

[hulld]

he is a good player, but he isn't as good as he thinks he is. he just needs to realize that the number 5 jumper isn't a license to do as you like

[lemon chicken]

Its beginning to annoy me when i see this bloke running deep in defence behind a player with a mark or free kick, arms wide out pleading for the ball. Make decent position up the ground and you may just earn a kick. Id start playing him on a Forward Flank till he comes back to earth. And sew a zero on the end of his jumper till realises he isnt the best player in the team.

[The Dustbin]

Its beginning to annoy me when i see this bloke running deep in defence behind a player with a mark or free kick, arms wide out pleading for the ball. Make decent position up the ground and you may just earn a kick. Id start playing him on a Forward Flank till he comes back to earth. And sew a zero on the end of his jumper till realises he isnt the best player in the team.

Agree. Again his kicking was rubbish. :mad:

[The Dustbin]

Credit where credit is due.

Brent's field kicking tonight was excellent. Did miss the one hit up, missing McPhee but that's it.

:thumbsu:

[lamaros]

Credit where credit is due.

Brent's field kicking tonight was excellent. Did miss the one hit up, missing McPhee but that's it.

:thumbsu:

Good to see people acknowledge it. Two decent games in a row from him. If he and Houli can keep it up (and improve, even) we might have a bit more to look forward ot when Lonergan and McVeigh get back into the team from the middle.

[The Dustbin]

Good to see people acknowledge it. Two decent games in a row from him. If he and Houli can keep it up (and improve, even) we might have a bit more to look forward ot when Lonergan and McVeigh get back into the team from the middle.

I've been one of his biggest critics with his kicking. Tonight he was exceptional.

:thumbsu:

[Merv Neagle]

His kicking was very good, but he squibbed it in the middle by not taking the extra steps needed to take the mark.

[lamaros]

His kicking was very good, but he squibbed it in the middle by not taking the extra steps needed to take the mark.

If we're going to point out the mistakes every player made we'll be here all night. :rolleyes: And we will be spending less than average time talking about Stanton and more about others.

[Merv Neagle]

If we're going to point out the mistakes every player made we'll be here all night. :rolleyes: And we will be spending less than average time talking about Stanton and more about others.

Just balancing the ledger.

Plenty of praise for him but he wasn't all good.

A mistake is one thing, choosing not to go is another.

[matty lloyd the champ]

Does stanton have a right or left handed handpass?
He was handpassing on his left on the footy show and looked a bit ordinary, and since he kicks with his right I'm not really sure.

[danzan22]

Stants is leading our Tackle count for the season with 38, equal wth Slattery, imo he really has improved his defensive game.

[hulld]

his last month has been really good. has stepped up and is playing like a player who is relishing the responsibility of being our number 1 midfielder

[Slattery_20]

his last month has been really good. has stepped up and is playing like a player who is relishing the responsibility of being our number 1 midfielder
:thumbsu:
Exactly

[The Dustbin]

Well am I going to do a back flip. Stant's disposal has improved a hell of a lot. Credit to himself and the coaching staff. Seems not as rushed when he has possession and he now gets balanced and looks to steady before kicking when on the run. Massive improvement.

His goal kicking this year has also been very very good. :thumbsu:

[BomberDog]

Yep - I will also put my hand up as a reformed doubter.

But I am concerned about one thing - has anyone else noticed Stanton looking dead tired over the last 2 weeks? Against Collingwood he was struggling to get any pace up in the first quarter. I didn't keep a close eye on him yesterday, but the statistics said he was quiet again.

I am worried that he and the rest of the Bombers will hit the wall soon in a game...

[ant555]

I have waited a while for this, mainly becasue i unloaded on Stants after the Carlton game but i have to say a few things about him.
His efforts this year have been pretty good. He looks to have worked on finding a bit more contested footy and his tackling which is great. His overall offence has been very good and his disposal has been better each year.
Now there is still one thing that annoys the crap out of me that is still in his game. Now i only have this critisism of him becasue i belive it is stopping him from being a very good midfileder. The problem is he does not have a liking for putting his body on the line for his team mates. Again today i saw him pull out of two contests where he simply had to go. The result was easy possession to the Crows and two goals.
Stants when it is your turn it is your ****ing turn! It is not bloody good enough to be selective when it come to going in hard at the ball!
You have to get out of the habit of running along beside blokes calling for soft handballs and start getting in behind your team mate and offering protection for the ball carrier. FFS man you could be one of the better mids in the game but you let yourself down by not doing the team things all day.
The shepherding thing extends to training as well. I have had a look at Stants at training and any drill that invovles a handball to a team mate he never finishes of his work. Just about every player on the list follows up their handball by getting in behind the player recieving the ball and works on that element of protecting your team mate. Not Stants , he simply handballs off and jogs off to the next position.
If this sort of crap is allowed to continue then we will never amount to anything. Other side will know we are soft and they will walk all over us.
Brent Stanton pull your bloody finger out and show that you can be the A grade midfielder you could be and show a bit of leadership in the middle by doing the "TEAM" thing rater than the "ME" thing.!!!!!

[kelvin_sheedy]

He's stopped competing the last few weeks.

I usually cut him some slack but today was disgraceful.

He looks like he needs a rest.

[dirtywhitepacker]

Ant, that is exactly what I was thinking and how I was feeling during the game today. I just reserved my thoughts for fear of everyone jumping on my back saying "give the guy a break". This is honest criticism about the flaws in his game. It's there for all to see... Unfortunately...

[Windas_Magic]

Whilst i agree with the above comments, he has still improved on his game immensly this year and has played some really good football. He's only 22 and still has that 3-4 years before he peaks so i think he's coming along nicely at the moment.

For us this season, he is:
1st Kicks
1st Disposals
1st Inside 50's
1st Bounces
3rd Handballs
3rd Marks
3rd Tackles

[ant555]

Whilst i agree with the above comments, he has still improved on his game immensly this year and has played some really good football. He's only 22 and still has that 3-4 years before he peaks so i think he's coming along nicely at the moment.

For us this season, he is:
1st Kicks
1st Disposals
1st Inside 50's
1st Bounces
3rd Handballs
3rd Marks
3rd Tackles

All very good although i dont agree with your thoughts on him being 3 to 4 years away from his best. He has played over 70 games now. He is just about to reach his prime.
I do not mind that he is mainly an outside player. That is his best role. I don't expect him to be playing a Sam Lonergan style game.
What he does by pulling out of contests or not bothering to shepherd is show a complete lack of respect to his team mates and the jumper.
There are two or three moments in every game whrere you simply have to do what you don't want to do and you can not be selective about when you wan't to go in hard for the team.
It is also not all that bloody hard to put on a bit of a shepherd or run a player of his line. It is team stats that win matches and not 5 more possible possesions for individuals.

[retroparty]

Lift your game or don't wear the jumper.