Importance Rankings: 2010

[blynd_freddie]

From the OP, I assume “importance” means stop this player and you are on the road to stopping Brisbane, I’ll have ago at looking at a possible best 22 but from a slightly different angle…

Having had a quick squiz at the best scoring and best defensive teams over the last decade [2000-09 inclusive], one or the other has made the Grand Final in all bar two of the last ten AND there is also a distinctive pattern.

In the years 2000, 01, 02, 04 the team that had the highest points scored ‘For’ in the H&A games played in the GF. [In 03 the 2nd best scoring team won the GF]

In the years 2009, 08, 07, 06 the best defensive team or the club that had the least kicked ‘Against’ them for the H&A season made the GF. [in 05 the 2nd best defensive team won the GF]

Sure I may have over simplified the above example by not comparing inside 50’s, rebounds, marks inside 50, clearances and even stoppages over the same period but I’d hate to cloud such a clear trend with additional stats… I would also like to point out that 2009 was also a year where the lowest total of points had been scored in the last 10 years. **NB Although... there are already suggestions that 2010 will bring about a far more attacking game plan by those teams seeking to reach this years finals].

1: Merrett
If you’ve interpreted the above as I have then a team that aspires to become a grand finalist requires a solid defensive unit with a dominant leader of the back half troops, Daniels our man. Should Maguire be in our best 22 then Rog must become, [if not already] our defensive General ala Fletcher or a Scarlett in 2010, aided by a Clark or Staker roaming the backline as required.
2: Clark
Any improvement on 09 and I believe he is capable, will be a bonus. Arguably the best player on our list and during the latter half of 09 was our most important player.
3: Black
Simon is the engine room an amazing player whose football hand, eye and brain co-ordination makes him one of the AFL’s elite but for how much longer?
4: Brown
Has the respect of the football world, an aura that fuels a man crush… in blokes - bloke kinda way…
5: Fevola
God help the oppersitions defence with one eye on Browny and the other on Fev better pack a couple of extra match day shorts into the kit if Clarko starts to regularly slip forward looking to bust a pack.
6: Rich
Currently learning from the masters, Black and Power on field and Voss on the track. Don’t worry about his ceiling this kid will continue to improve on 09 foundations – how long before he is announced as the best kick EVER?
7: Leuenberger
Almost the perfect scenario returning from injury… with Clark number 1 ruck, Leuey will be able to continue to develop… IMO still a bit of a way from a breakout season but I feel the signs will be there come the end of 2010.
8: McGrath
Arguably one of the better small defenders in the AFL in the second half of last season. Ash played a role not dissimilar to a Gilbee, Newman, Guerra and McLeod. Easily his best ever year – it is vitally important he continues and this does not become just a purple patch of form.
9: Patfull
The addition of a Staker and/or Maguire should be a boon for Patfull, I cannot sum it up any better than POBT, “Still the club's best option on the wider ranging, athletic forwards like Riewoldt, Franklin and Goodes but also may get a sweeper role who has an attacking licence. That flexibility sees him make the top 10”
10: Drummond
Attacking/rebounding from defence a brilliant link player that can quickly send the ball over blocking zones with a raking left foot bomb. Drummond played 20 of a possible 24 games last year for a total of 65 since debuting five seasons ago in 2005. The importance of a stable back line cannot be understated. Drummo must play 20+ games again in 2010.
11: Sherman
An amazing athlete, in 09 was our leading TOG midfielder with 91%, and also our leading midfield scorer with 30 goals, 22 behinds – He is vitally important to success of the lions in 2010 and if he can continue to improve his goal scoring to say an average of two per game and increase his disposals/efficiency from 20.7 and 71% to above his obtainable 2006 numbers of 22 and 77%, then he will go close to deserving an AA nomination.
12: Brennan
His importance is his x factor and being such a difficult player for the opposition to match up - he can blow a game apart in a quarter. It now seems he can be relieved from his 2nd ruck duties but will still be used as a third up but he must learn to tap/knock the ball to advantage and stop trying to pluck it from the air at every stoppage. Again consistency, not only game by game but during every quarter of each match is the only thing holding Jared back from a higher ranking.
13: Stiller
I also feel tagging is an underrated roll and hence have rated his importance accordingly. I do hope that Stiller can make this roll his own and improve to become a proactive run with player. As POBT has stated “others may disagree but sides rarely play without a tagger”. Staker, Selwood and Rischitelli are others in line but IMO Stiller is currently our #1
14: Staker
“IF” we are to make the GF this year the importance of the role/s Staker plays this year may well be a governing factor. Brent has the size and motor but the question that needs to be answered is… does he have any more ability than say a Jason Roe? Potentially yes but you don’t make the GF on potential.
15: Power
If the suggestions of Luke playing more of a forwards role this year are true then it is vitally important that he kicks 30+ goals.
16: Collier
Tommy must step up in 2010 his line breaking burst during last years NAB game vs Ess was mouth watering. He is another with size and grunt that could put the fear of… into an opponent standing between him and the ball or goals, surely not another that can average 20+ in the twos but struggles at the next level.
17: Redden
I think we’ve all noticed the stairs this kid has started to climb, his first 11 games were in the QAFL, being named in the best 9 times forced his selection in the seniors. He played the next 10 rotating through half forward and the middle off the bench. His 71% TOG and an average of 14 disposals per game will only increase along with his importance within the teams midfield structure.
18: Polkinghorne
This kid might have a quiet persona off the field but on it he’s as hard at the ball as the best. Great footy mind and very strong over head for someone at 183cms. One that I hope the club treats very well and is not overcome by a ‘go home factor’.
19: Adcock
Jed on his day can be a match winner, one of his major assets is his ability to moved around from defence and through the middle. It seems as though he has ‘traded places’ with McGrath – The importance of Jed to regain his 07 form may well be reflected by the lions ability to be successful come September.
20: Hawksley
Starting to come of age – the strength of preseason performances by him and others from here down may determine round 1 selection.
21: Rischitelli
Again totally agree with POBT’s view – the competition for spots is now on, it comes down to match ups and that old cliché… team balance.
22: Johnstone
There are young kids ready to bleed for this spot… What’s it gunna be TJ?
23: Selwood
Voss will be demanding form by every player but if attitude slips Troy will be straight in to show the others what is expected.
24: Maguire
Form and game plan unknown – may well be the greatest steal of the draft.
25: Sheldon
Another on the cusp of selection, I would rather check preseason form, has plenty of ability but still needs to show improvement on 2009
26: Clarke
Just haven’t seen enough in recent years
27: Buchanan
Waiting on preseason form
28: Raines
Waiting on preseason form
29 Proud
I could well need to swap with Collier – Love to watch him play hard ball, now is the time to show us what you’ve got Albie.
30: Charman
May well be the best ruckman not playing AFL in 2010
31: Austin
Another on the cusp – love this guy, could also be swapped with Collier up the list.
32: Rockliff
If he has developed run in his legs, may well get more than a few games up forward.
33: Hanley
Injury free, I’d play him. Another that will force his way into the team given half a chance.
34: Cornelius
Will certainly play if circumstances require… please don’t play him as a defender at training Vossy.

I think the joy in doing something like this is the realisation of the depth and experience PLUS the hypothetical that a rookie or two may well debut during the year.