Tassie Players in the AFL

[kenrosewall]

Thought it was time to start a thread updating the progress of Tassie players in the AFL. I will try and update at the conclusion of each round:

ROUND 13

Grant Birchall (HAW)
10 kicks
10 handballs
2 marks
53 DT points

Brady Rawlings (NM)
6 kicks
15 handballs
5 marks
60 DT points

Matthew Richardson (RIC)
13 kicks
4 handballs
10 marks
3 goals
93 DT points

Jack Riewoldt (RIC)
6 kicks
2 handballs
5 marks
1 goal
45 DT points

Tom Collier (BRI)
8 kicks
9 handballs
3 marks
64 DT points

Brad Green (MEL)
12 kicks
12 handballs
5 marks
92 DT points

Colin Garland (MEL)
8 kicks
7 handballs
8 marks
64 DT points

Simon Wiggins (CAR)
5 kicks
11 handballs
6 marks
65 DT points

Sam Lonergan (ESS)
4 kicks
6 handballs
1 mark
43 DT points

Jason Laycock (ESS)
2 kicks
1 handball
1 mark
1 goal
13 hitouts
25 DT points

In total we had 10 players take to the field on the weekend. Good to see Tom Collier play well in his debut and live up to his pre-draft expectations.

The following AFL-listed players either didn't make their respective squads, are out injured or have retired in the current season:
Andrew Lee (ESS)
Sam Isles (COL)
Mitch Thorp (HAW)
Justin Sherman (BRI)
Brodie Holland (COL)
Russell Robertson (MEL)
Simon Taylor (HAW)
Peter Street (WB)
Tom Hislop (ESS)
Angus Graham (RIC)
Aaron Joseph (CAR)
Brodie Moles (GEE)
Tom Bellchambers (ESS)
Alex Grima (HAW)

[kenrosewall]

Further to the above post:

Injured

Brodie Holland (COL)- Listed as being out until Round 15 with achilles tendonitis doubtful that he would make the starting 22 at the moment even if fully fit.

Tom Hislop (ESS)- listed as available despite not playing for Bendigo on the weekend. Has had shoulder problems all season, and could squeeze into the starting 22 if fully fit

Andrew Lee (ESS)- most likely out for the rest of the season with a shoulder injury. Will be lucky not to be cut from the list at the conclusion of the season.

Simon Taylor (HAW)- has missed the last two weekes with a knee injury and will be a test again this weekend. Once fit, should return to the starting line-up in place of Renouf.

Russell Robertson (MEL)- will miss the remainder of this season as well as a fair chunk of 2009 after rupturing his achilles tendon in Round 10.


Played in the VFL

Sam Isles (COL)- Been playing well in the VFL recently, however it will be hard to break into a strong (even though losing) senior side. Got this from the Optimax on the Pies board from the weekend vs Williamstown " Iles same as cook get alot of the ball, makes some shit decisions and has very up and undre kicks that put players under pressure, his stats lie yes he gets alot not always fantastic quality though"

Mitch Thorp (HAW)- Big wraps on the lad, but hard to break into a Hawks forward line with the Buddy-Roughy show. Has been touted to play back and has done so for Box Hill this season. Names 2nd best for Box Hill on the weekend vs Frankston. Got this from Matsta1975 on the Hawks board "Thorp - Played very well , seems to demand the ball across half forward and one thing you could not doubt is his courage looked a class above BUT can not run out a quarter hard yet so physically he seems to be a way off but will make it". Calls for Thorp in for Boyle this weekend may see him play.

Justin Sherman (BRI)- Slow start to the season after an indifferent 2007. Back to playing some better footy the past month or so (correct me if I'm wrong Brisbane fans), with his natural attacking instincts coming through. Injured himself on Thursday in a routine weights session, hurt his back I think, and doesn't appear on any injury lists. Hopefully just the 1 week out and will get back in the seniors this week.

Peter Street (WB)- Have absolutely no idea how he is going in the VFL. Starting ruck for Williamstown and was reported on the weekend for charging. Will find it tough to get a spot in front of seniors starting ruck duo of Hudson and Minson. Injury to one of those two his only chance.

Angus Graham (RIC)- Needs to get in front of seniors ruck duo of Simmonds and Pattison. Was in the best for Coburg again on the weekend and is pushing for selection should a position open up for him.

Aaron Joseph (CAR)- Kicked a goal on the weekend for the Northern Bullants, however wasn't named in the best. Rookie-listed atm so would need a long-term injury in the seniors to be any chance.

Brodie Moles (GEE)- Kicked a goal and was named in the best players on the weekend vs Northern Bullants. Rookie listed (see Aaron Joseph).

Alex Grima (HAW)- Have no idea how he is going in the VFL. Rookie listed (see Aaron Joseph).

Tom Bellchambers (ESS)- Has been playing consistently well in the VFL, an made his debut for the senior team this year. If he can hold his form he may get a game over fellow Tasmanian Jason Laycock, who has struggled at the top level. Kicked a goal on the weekend vs North Ballarat, and it was suggested on the Bombers board that he was in their best players despite not getting a mention in the official list. Should get more senior games this year.

[Menza]

Well done Ken. Good thread. I will follow with interest.

[saints_]

Add Nathan Grima, is he out for the season but unlikely to have been in seniors anyway?

[kenrosewall]

Originally Posted by saints_

Add Nathan Grima, is he out for the season but unlikely to have been in seniors anyway?

Sorry mate, I overlooked adding him as I knew he had done his ACL at the start of the season. Here is an article on him that should get everyone up to speed on his predicament.

Nathan faces Grima outlook
Mark Robinson | February 29, 2008 12:00am

FOOTY fans won't know Nathan Grima, yet his AFL career might be over before it began. The 22-year-old late bloomer was into his fifth week as a North Melbourne rookie when, after a regular lead and mark exercise at Trinity Grammar, he hyper-extended his knee on landing.


Tough break: Kangaroos rookie Nathan Grima rests at home in Evandale, Tasmania, after a season-ending knee reconstruction.
Picture: Ross Marsden

In the time it takes to snap an anterior cruciate ligament, a 15-year journey that began at junior club Longford, then took him to the Tassie Mariners, South Launceston, the Tassie Devils, Central Districts and finally to the Kangaroos, came to a painful, soul-shattering halt.

Drafted in December, he was on crutches by mid-January and in rehab by February.

Come September, he might never be heard of again.

"I knew straight away," Grima said yesterday. "I heard it go, and it was heartbreaking when I heard the noise."

For the first two minutes, all he felt was the throbbing discomfort of a wrecked knee. Then came the calm.

"The pain went away and I thought, maybe it's not as bad as I thought, but when the doc came out to check, he knew straight away. It was a pretty bad feeling."

Sydney's Nick Malceski and Fremantle's Paul Hasleby might get all the headlines, and more than likely get back to the highest level, but for Grima, the road is far more daunting.

He is 22 and has a one-year contract with the Kangaroos.

AFL rules won't allow Grima to be put back on the rookie list next year. Although the Roos will investigate Grima's position, it is possible his career might read: five weeks training, 0 games, 0 goals.

"The first initial heartbreak was I've worked so hard to get here and I've done my knee and it's all over," Grima said.

"Like, I'm 22 and I haven't played any AFL footy.

"It's not like the bloke who's done his knee, and who has played 100 games and he knows he can also play at the level and he knows he's a required player. I'm still at the bottom of the pecking order.

"So, yeah, my initial thought was I'm never going to play AFL footy."

Rookie is the buzz word in the Grima family. Nathan is the older brother of Todd, 21, who was delisted by Geelong at the end of last year, and Alex, 18, who was put on Hawthorn's rookie list in December. Indeed, his is a strong sporting family.

His dad, Monty, played at representative level in the competitive north v south contests and his older sister, Holly, plays basketball for the Opals. She is currently playing in Italy and has her sights on Beijing.

Grima grew up at Evandale, home to a 1000 people and 15 minutes from Launceston.

Like most footy-mad Tassie kids, he wanted to make it on the mainland. Overlooked for consecutive national drafts, and not over-enthused about a potential AFL career, Grima left the state with Liston Medallist Ian Cullinan and joined South Australia's Central Districts.

He played every game in 2007, which culminated in a premiership and SANFL Team of the Year selection at full-back.

In many ways, 2007 was his final shot at glory.

And so, when Kangaroos recruiting manager Neville Stibbard rang him before the December draft, Grima got the shivers again -- the AFL dream was upon him.

He flew to Melbourne the night of the rookie draft and trained at Arden St the next morning.

"I thought it was the start," he said. "And because I was 22, and had played at state level, it wasn't as daunting or intimidating as it would have been if I'd got picked a few years earlier."

The Kangaroos will ask the AFL at the end of the year to change the rules on mature-age eligibility. Grima will be 23 in August and too old for 2009.

"They have been fantastic to me," Grima said.

"Even though I'm only contracted for one year, they told me not to think about next year and get the knee right."

At the end of the year his fortunes lie with luck and a considerate AFL.

"I'd give my left leg to play a game," he said. "To come this far now and not get the opportunity would be very disappointing.

"If you get to the level and you've given it your all and you are not good enough to make it, you could probably hack that. But to not get an opportunity . . . you'd feel pretty empty.

"I guess if it doesn't work out you just move on, I'll have to accept I'm never going to play.

"But I'm going to work hard and we'll see what happens."

Level-headed and family-loving, he said the spotlight would fall on younger brother Alex.

"The funny thing is we all got to the rookie list, but Toddy didn't get a game and he was looking at me, so hopefully Alex can put his hand up and get a kick for all of us."

[kenrosewall]

Have seen some good write-ups on Tom Collier's debut over the past couple of days. Appears Leigh Matthews was very impressed and it should ensure Tom is able to string at least 2-3 more games together. On the Brisbane board they are talking him up as the best debut game since Jarred Brennan.


Link

The options facing coach Leigh Matthews are sticking with what he knows and selecting a safe side each week that should earn a position between sixth and eighth, or rolling the dice with some kids who just may take the club to the next level? There's no better time than now to take a gamble.

Tom Collier is a good example of a young player who may improve this side with an extended run in the seniors.
The 18-year-old Tasmanian made his debut on Saturday night and his 17 possessions were on the sixth line of ball winners, impressive without being spectacular.
But it was the glimpses of how he will approach his football that was most encouraging, his instinct to break the lines and attack from defence.
"I thought he set it up well, he is a good kick of the footy, a good precise kick," Matthews said.
"It was certainly an encouraging first game, no doubt about that.
"Jason Roe wasn't available, and probably if he was Tom wouldn't have played, but you have got to take your half chances as a young player and if you do you get a second chance.
"You always want to give a young player a couple of games, we try to do that no matter how badly they go in their first game.
"But if you show early glimpses you'll get more than a couple."

[kenrosewall]

Link

2008 Victorian Football League Tribunal Results

Round 11
Peter Street - Williamstown
Guilty of Charging - 1 Match Suspension

[kenrosewall]

Thought I would have a look at the 3 young Tasmanians who were rookie-listed last year and what there chances are of getting on the senior list.

Aaron Joseph (CAR)



DOB: 04-07-1989
Height: 180cm
Weight: 76kg
Club: Tassie Mariners, Glenorchy

Hard running player who has an outstanding NAB AFL U18 Championships averaging 29 possessions and winning All-Australian honours. A 20m Sprint time of 2.91sec at the NAB AFL Draft Camp highlighted his speed, as well as recording a time of 7.91sec for the Agility Test - the quickest of all participants tested at the 2007 Camp. From Glenorchy F.C.

Draft History
2007 NAB Rookie Draft 1st round selection (Carlton) No. 2 overall

My Thoughts
It's hard to fiind details on possible elevation to the senior list (and team LT injuries for that matter), but it appears AJ is at least behind 2 others on the current rookie list in David Ellard (elevated for Andrew Walker who is listed out with a shoulder injury until Rd 14) & Michael Jamison (elevated for possibly Hadley or Houlihan???) who have both made their debuts.
Therefore you would assume he won't debut this year, unless Carlton have a string of LT injuries. On the Carlton board, they see to think he is thereabouts and comparisons have been drawn with a Nathan Foley-type player. Good Luck to the kid.





Brodie Moles (GEE)



DOB: 07-11-1985
Height: 183cm
Weight: 84kg
Club: Tasmanian Devils, Glenorchy

Medium midfielder who impressed at VFL level in 2007 with the Tasmanian Devils.Has good skills and is well balanced. Can play as a forward or midfielder.

Draft History
2007 NAB Rookie Draft No. 16 overall (Geelong)

My Thoughts

Drafted as a mature age player, and has performed well for Geelong in the VFL recently after being out for a month or so in May. Geelong have had a pretty good run with injuries, and Matthew Egan is the only LT injury and he has been replaced on the senior list by Shane Mumford, I think. The vibe on the Cats board seems pretty positive towards him, although he needs to work on his engine, and the feeling is that he can be a very good VFL player, but maybe isn't up to it at the next level. Will find it tough to break into the senior squad and it looks doubtful he will get a game unless he gets one or two lucky breaks along the way.








Alex Grima (HAW)




DOB: 20-09-1989
Height: 184cm
Weight: 77kg
Club: Tassie Marniers, North Launceston

Speedy midfielder or half-back with neat skills. Identified as a good decision-maker and solid in one-on-one situations. Strong overhead and reads the play well. Represented Tasmania at under-18 level last year.



Draft History
2007 NAB Rookie Draft No. 16 overall (Hawthorn)

My Thoughts
Cameron Stokes (elevated due to hawks only having one veteran on the list) is well ahead of him as he has played a fair bit already this year. Season ending injuries to Max Bailey and Beau Muston leaves a couple of spots on the senior list, however it appears the Hawks are reluctant to elevate any of their rookies just yet. Feeling on the Hawks board is he won't make it and will be cut at year end, which will be dissapointing for the most promising of the Grima boys.


Link
Link

[kenrosewall]

I noticed some discussion had started up on the future of Andrew Lee with the Dons and whether he would secure a place on the senior list come next year. Apparently he is due for a return to footy in 3-4 weeks after a long lay off with injury.

Link

Andrew Lee



DOB: 01-07-1986
Height: 196cm
Weight: 93kg
Club: Tas U/18, Burnie Dockers

Failed to play a senior game in 2007 after making his debut in 2006. Had been troubled by osteitis pubis and last year had shoulder problems. The young Tasmanian could develop into a handy key-position player and looks best suited to centre half-back.

Draft history
2005 NAB AFL Draft 2nd round selection (Essendon) No. 30 overall.

My Thoughts
Managed 5 games in the 1's last year and never quite found his feet. Injury hasn't helped as well as possibly being played out of position. If he can get fit, he may get a couple of games toward the end of the year (assuming the Bombers are well out of the finals race) to prove he deserves a spot. Still developing and is a big unit.

[kenrosewall]

Sam Isles (COL)



DOB: 19-06-1987
Height: 185cm
Weight: 83kg
Club: Tas U/18/Clarence

After impressing during four games late in his first season at the club in 2006, Iles managed a further three appearances throughout 2007, including an excellent 19-possession performance in the round 14 win over the Saints in the wet at the MCG, where he showed poise and precision in the difficult conditions. Unluckily couldn't cement a spot in the Collingwood side, despite regularly being among Williamstown's best players and racking up big numbers in the midfield at VFL level. Possesses excellent endurance and speed, and neatly disposes of the football, Iles is one of the emerging young Collingwood midfielders pushing hard for a more permanent senior position.

Draft History
2006 AFL Pre-Season Draft 1st round selection (Collingwood) No. 2 overall

My Thoughts
Has managed 7 senior games, so obviously the Pies believe he is still thereabouts. Will battle to gain a senior spot, with a host of promising youngsters on the Pies list. Probably will make a very good VFL footballer, but is not quite up to the next level. I wish the boy well, and hope he keeps giving it his all.

Link

Angus Graham (RIC)



DOB: 16-04-1987
Height: 200cm
Weight: 93kg
Club: Currie (Tas)/Assumption College/Calder U18

The retirement of ruckmen Trent Knobel and Ray Hall has opened the door for Graham, who has spent the past two years developing on Richmond’s rookie list. The former Assumption College student broke through for his AFL debut against Geelong in round 18 last year, playing one further match before injuring his ankle. Will be given time to mature and could become a valuable big man.

Draft History
2007 rookie elevation (Richmond).


My Thoughts
Has 2 senior games to his credit from last season. Definately has potential, and as we all know, big men take longer to develop. Still 2 relatively young ruckmen ahead of him at this stage in Simmonds and Patterson, so it will be difficult to gain opportunities without injury playing a part. Served his apprenticeship on the rookie list for 2 years, and Richmond obviously see enough potential in him to elevate Angus to the senior list. Has had good form in the VFL and I feel he may make it as a 2nd ruckman to Simmonds next year.


Link



Tom Bellchambers (ESS)



DOB: 09-07-1989
Height: 200cm
Weight: 99kg
Club: Tassie Mariners/Northern Bombers

A young Launceston ruckman, he will be given plenty of time to develop. Had a solid 2007 season with the Tassie Mariners and also played in the VFL with the Devils. Averaged 31 hit-outs a game with the Mariners.

Draft History
2008 NAB AFL Pre-Season Draft 2nd round selection (Essendon) No. 8 overall.

My Thoughts
Was fortunate enough to see his debut senior game vs Hawks a few weeks ago, and while it wasn't a game to remember, it did show that he can get a spot if you take fellow Tasmanian Jason Laycock out of the equation. Has been performing well for Bendigo so far this year and may see more senior games this season. Still developing as per Angus Graham, and the vibe amongst Bombers supporters is that he will make it.

Link

[kenrosewall]

Good to see a small write-up on Nathan Grima's future with the North Melbourne Football Club. The Roos have made an application to the AFL to change the rookie rules to allow a player who is yet to play an AFL game to remain on the rookie list regardless of age. They seem pretty confident in getting this rule change, and given the lengths the Roos have gone to, they seem pretty keen to have him as a rookie next season. Hopefully then he can get his body right and prove himself good enough to be elevated to the senior list. Good Luck to him.

[kenrosewall]

Following the teams being named yesterday, it appears we might add to the list of Tasmanians playing in the AFL this weekend.

Justin Sherman has made his way back into the team after a weigh training mishap, and has been named on the ground ensuring he should get a run against the Dees.

Link

[kenrosewall]

ROUND 14

Grant Birchall (HAW)
10 kicks
17 handballs
10 marks
1 goal
98 DT points

Brady Rawlings (NM)
6 kicks
17 handballs
3 marks
70 DT points

Matthew Richardson (RIC)
5 kicks
7 handballs
4 marks
1 goals
48 DT points

Jack Riewoldt (RIC)
9 kicks
3 handballs
2 marks
1 goal
58 DT points

Justin Sherman (BRI)
9 kicks
8 handballs
6 marks
70 DT points

Tom Collier (BRI)
7 kicks
5 handballs
1 marks
39 DT points

Brad Green (MEL)
20 kicks
10 handballs
15 marks
1 goal
145 DT points

Colin Garland (MEL)
6 kicks
7 handballs
5 marks
46 DT points

Simon Wiggins (CAR)
7 kicks
6 handballs
9 marks
1 goal
68 DT points

Sam Lonergan (ESS)
7 kicks
7 handballs
1 mark
1 goal
54 DT points

Jason Laycock (ESS)
4 kicks
4 handball
2 mark
6 hitouts
37 DT points

In Summary:
11 played
Richo did a hammy
Brad Green was close to BOG in Dees win

[Gibbke]

KRW - that photo of Alex Grima above:

1) It that Brett Geappen next to him?

2) Is that the Box Hill win last year?

3) Can I use this photo on my site?

[kenrosewall]

Originally Posted by Gibbke

KRW - that photo of Alex Grima above:

1) It that Brett Geappen next to him?

2) Is that the Box Hill win last year?

3) Can I use this photo on my site?

Gibbke

1) It's actually Brodie Moles, not Alex Grima, and I'm pretty sure it is Brett Geappen next to him

2) No idea I'm afraid, but since we won hardly any games last year, and one of our wins was against Box Hill then its a fair chance (2 wins- Bendigo in Rd 1 and Box Hill in Rd 14)

3) I pinched it from rizzo on the Cats board- need to ask him I guess
http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=402100