http://www.theage.com.au/news/Robert-Walls/The-top-25/2005/03/18/1111086017149.html?oneclick=true
The top 25
The best of 2005
By Robert Walls
March 19, 2005
Wear and tear has knocked Michael Voss, Nathan Buckley and James Hird from the top of my best players list. They have been, and still are, mighty players, but time moves on and in the space of 12 months a couple of youngsters in Nick Riewoldt, 22, and Chris Judd, 21, have catapulted into the top three positions. As we enter season 2005, these are some of my good, bad and ugly assessments.
1. Nick Riewoldt (St Kilda)
The most exciting player to watch — full of courage, run and class. To average more than 12 marks and three goals a game, as he did in 2004, is sensational from a half-forward.
2. Warren Tredrea (Port Adelaide)
Not as flamboyant as Riewoldt, but rock solid with numbers that can't be ignored. A strong physical presence who controls the premiership team's forward line.
3. Chris Judd (West Coast)
The quickest, classiest midfielder in the game. Wins an enormous amount of hard ball in tight situations and kicks and creates more than 50 goals a season.
4. Matthew Scarlett (Geelong)
The game's best full-back. Durable, disciplined and confident enough to launch attacks from the last line of defence. Full-forwards hate playing on him.
5. Barry Hall (Sydney)
Now 28, it has been worth waiting to see Hall develop into the imposing figure that controls Sydney's front half. Quick, strong, aggressive and clever in ruck contests, he is now the complete player.
6. Chad Cornes (Port Adelaide)
Blossomed when moved from half-forward to centre half-back last year. Brilliant in the air, athletic and a thumping kick.
7. Nigel Lappin (Brisbane Lions)
The Brisbane veteran took his club's best and fairest and another All-Australian honour in 2004. Nobody reads the play better and he will run himself ragged to get to the next contest.
8. Jeff White (Melbourne)
Had a superb 2004. The All- Australian ruckman who not only dominates the hit-outs but accumulates close to 18 disposals a game. In effect he is two players in one.
9. Michael Voss (Brisbane Lions)
The most respected player in the AFL; the ultimate player's player. Plays at the one pace — 100 mp/h — from start to finish. Age and injuries are forcing him out of the midfield.
10. Simon Black (Brisbane Lions)
The most decorated 25-year-old in the game. Relentless in his pursuit of excellence. Sharp football brain, super-quick hands and forever helping teammates with his pinpoint disposals.
11. Mal Michael (Brisbane Lions)
The most physically imposing full-back in the game. Super disciplined, his spoils are long, strong and aggressive. Runs in a straight line at the ball, makes the opposition nervous and seldom lets the ball through.
12. Matthew Lloyd (Essendon)
Strictly a full-forward only and you hope the Bomber brains trust realises this. Excellent timer of leads, strong hands and an accurate kick.
13. Brendon Fevola (Carlton)
My favourite player to watch. Has got bigger and better. Super quick on the lead, strong hands and a long kick. Now doing the required hard work when he hasn't got the ball.
14. Peter Everitt (Hawthorn)
One of the best tap ruckmen and amazingly agile for a man of his size. Cunning reader of the play and good around the goals. Needs a challenge to get the best out of him.
15. James Hird (Essendon)
Keep your eyes fixed on Hird for a 10-minute period and you will see one of the most balanced footballers ever to grace our fields. Has the extraordinary vision to know where the ball is going, and how to put it to advantage.
16. Mark Ricciuto (Adelaide)
Respected by all. Tough, courageous, aggressive and persistent. Opposition coaches realise that, if Ricciuto is kept to a modest game, his team rarely wins.
17. Jason Akermanis (Brisbane Lions)
Matchwinner with explosive pace. Can turn a game in a 10-minute burst. Excellent kick on either left or right boot. Full of cheek and arrogance that riles opposition fans.
18. Fraser Gehrig (St Kilda)
His rating jumped enormously on the back of his All- Australian 2004 season. Powerful, quick and accurate around goals. Realistically his rating could fall just as quickly, as consistency isn't his trademark.
19. Nathan Buckley (Collingwood)
In 12 months, Buckley's stocks have dropped from Brownlow medallist in 2003, but can the body hold up in 2005? An exceptionally brilliant player in his prime, but, age and frayed hamstrings wait for no one.
20. Lenny Hayes (St Kilda)
Thrived on last year's captaincy. Just keeps on keeping on to cover enormous ground and win plenty of ball, especially in tough situations.
21. Luke Power (Brisbane Lions)
The youngest of the "Fab Five" but a genuine class act in his own right. Adaptable to play back, midfield or forward. With Voss and Akermanis spending more time forward, Power is now gaining a reputation as a tough centre-square player.
22. Scott West (Western Bulldogs)
A tireless midfield worker who gets in and under to earn more of the ball than any other player. Super fit and committed to excellence, West's six club best and fairests are testimony to his value to the Bulldogs over a long period.
23. Peter Burgoyne (Port Adelaide)
Over eight seasons, the Power midfielder has steadily made his mark. No longer an opportunist forward, Burgoyne has earned respect with the stronger way in which he now plays.
24. Chris Tarrant (Collingwood)
On song he is one of the most dangerous tall forwards about. Long, searching leads are backed up with a vice-like grip when ball and hands meet.
25. Chad Fletcher (West Coast)
This ball magnet from the west deservedly won All- Australian selection in 2004. Sets up in close at most ruck stoppages to win more than his fair share of leather. With creative handball, sets up countless "assists" for teammates.
10 on the rise (40 games or less)
These are the stars of the future. Some, such as Daniel Wells, are already nearing star status, even though he has completed only two full seasons of football.
1. Daniel Wells (Kang, 40 games)
2. Steve Johnson (Geel, 40 games)
3. Aaron Sandilands (Frem, 39 games)
4. Adam Cooney (WB, 19 games)
5. Jarrad Waite (Carl, 29 games)
6. Aaron Davey (Melb, 19 games)
7. Guy Richards (Coll, 12 games)
8. Andrew Mackie (Geel, 13 games)
9. Trent Hentschel (Adel, 21 games)
10. Richard Tambling (Rich, 0 games)
10 on the slide
Some players are realistic. They know that their bodies are struggling to hold up as the speed and the demands of the game increase. Some, such as Wayne Campbell, take the pressure off themselves and their club by announcing that this will be their last season. Others will need a push as they hang on to the limelight, dollars, lifestyle and challenges that AFL affords them. These players are on the brink as we enter 2005.
1. Ben Hart (Adel, 30 years old, 276 games)
2. Darryl White (BL, 31, 258 games)
3. Anthony Koutoufides (Carl, 32, 227 games)
4. Glenn Archer (Kang, 32, 252 games)
5. Chris Grant (WB, 32, 296 games)
6. Corey McKernan (Kang, 31, 237 games)
7. Nick Holland (Haw, 30, 176 games)
8. Stuart Maxfield (Syd, 33, 284 games)
9. Beau McDonald (BL, 25, 75 games)
10. Drew Banfield (WC, 31, 226 games)
10 who intimidate
AFL is a collision sport. Strong bodies come flying in from all angles. People get hurt. Reputations are made. Footballers such as Michael Voss and Glenn Archer are fair yet feared. Their opponents know they will run through whatever gets between them and the ball. Others, such as Byron Pickett, cause anxious moments, too. Pickett is more feared than respected for his hits, as his peers know that his recklessness can cause serious injury. Fraser Gehrig has the mad stare, Barry Hall the bad boy reputation of old. Brent Guerra is lethal off the centresquare line and Brendan Fevola, with the square jaw and shoulders and the enjoyment of the hit, is also building a reputation.
1. Barry Hall (Syd)
2. Michael Voss (BL)
3. Glenn Archer (Kang)
4. Jonathan Brown (BL)
5. Fraser Gehrig (St K)
6. Mal Michael (BL)
7. Jamie Charman (BL)
8. Brendan Fevola (Carl)
9. Brent Guerra (StK)
10. Byron Pickett (PA)
10 who frustrate
Players who don’t perform to their best frustrate their fans. Some are lazy, timid, undisciplined, injury-prone or just plain not smart enough to work on their weaknesses.
Matthew Pavlich is considered by many to be a superstar, but, until he puts in a season as a key forward, he will not be the equal of a Tredrea, Riewoldt or Jonathan Brown. He needs to be given opportunity in the hot seat.
Essendon’s Damian Cupido shows plenty but delivers little — only 42 games in five seasons.
Can Leon Davis get a kick in the midfield? Will Danny Jacobs take on opponent responsibility? And will Jade Rawlings stand up and be strong in contested situations?
1. Jade Rawlings (WB)
2. Damian Cupido (Ess)
3. Nick Davis (Syd)
4. Danny Jacobs (Haw)
5. Jeff Farmer (Frem)
6. Matthew Pavlich (Frem)
7. Lance Whitnall (Carl)
8. Jarred Brennan (BL)
9. Leon Davis (Coll)
10. Dean Rioli (Ess)
10 best trades
There are no guarantees that players who leave one club for another will prosper. However, Port Adelaide’s premiership team of 2004 had nine players who came from other AFL clubs. That gives hope to the following:
1. Brad Ottens (Rich/Geel) 129 games
2. Josh Carr (PA/Frem) 105 games
3. Troy Simmonds (Frem/Rich) 104 games
4. Tyson Stenglein (Adel/WC) 106 games
5. Callum Chambers (WC/Carl) 54 games
6. Nathan Thompson (Haw/Kang) 119 games
7. Blake Caracella (BL/Coll) 160 games
8. Mark McGough (Coll/StK) 37 games
9. Aaron Fiora (Rich/StK) 78 games
10. Brent Moloney (Geel/Melb) 23 games
------------------------------------------------------
Very good list(s) from Throbbie, although I still can't work out why Barry Hall is a top 5 player. Excellent player, definite top 20, but not top 5!
Otherwise, I've borderline got respect for Balls' opinion...but then I just have to think back to previous years to realise that this could simply be an abberation!!
The top 25
The best of 2005
By Robert Walls
March 19, 2005
Wear and tear has knocked Michael Voss, Nathan Buckley and James Hird from the top of my best players list. They have been, and still are, mighty players, but time moves on and in the space of 12 months a couple of youngsters in Nick Riewoldt, 22, and Chris Judd, 21, have catapulted into the top three positions. As we enter season 2005, these are some of my good, bad and ugly assessments.
1. Nick Riewoldt (St Kilda)
The most exciting player to watch — full of courage, run and class. To average more than 12 marks and three goals a game, as he did in 2004, is sensational from a half-forward.
2. Warren Tredrea (Port Adelaide)
Not as flamboyant as Riewoldt, but rock solid with numbers that can't be ignored. A strong physical presence who controls the premiership team's forward line.
3. Chris Judd (West Coast)
The quickest, classiest midfielder in the game. Wins an enormous amount of hard ball in tight situations and kicks and creates more than 50 goals a season.
4. Matthew Scarlett (Geelong)
The game's best full-back. Durable, disciplined and confident enough to launch attacks from the last line of defence. Full-forwards hate playing on him.
5. Barry Hall (Sydney)
Now 28, it has been worth waiting to see Hall develop into the imposing figure that controls Sydney's front half. Quick, strong, aggressive and clever in ruck contests, he is now the complete player.
6. Chad Cornes (Port Adelaide)
Blossomed when moved from half-forward to centre half-back last year. Brilliant in the air, athletic and a thumping kick.
7. Nigel Lappin (Brisbane Lions)
The Brisbane veteran took his club's best and fairest and another All-Australian honour in 2004. Nobody reads the play better and he will run himself ragged to get to the next contest.
8. Jeff White (Melbourne)
Had a superb 2004. The All- Australian ruckman who not only dominates the hit-outs but accumulates close to 18 disposals a game. In effect he is two players in one.
9. Michael Voss (Brisbane Lions)
The most respected player in the AFL; the ultimate player's player. Plays at the one pace — 100 mp/h — from start to finish. Age and injuries are forcing him out of the midfield.
10. Simon Black (Brisbane Lions)
The most decorated 25-year-old in the game. Relentless in his pursuit of excellence. Sharp football brain, super-quick hands and forever helping teammates with his pinpoint disposals.
11. Mal Michael (Brisbane Lions)
The most physically imposing full-back in the game. Super disciplined, his spoils are long, strong and aggressive. Runs in a straight line at the ball, makes the opposition nervous and seldom lets the ball through.
12. Matthew Lloyd (Essendon)
Strictly a full-forward only and you hope the Bomber brains trust realises this. Excellent timer of leads, strong hands and an accurate kick.
13. Brendon Fevola (Carlton)
My favourite player to watch. Has got bigger and better. Super quick on the lead, strong hands and a long kick. Now doing the required hard work when he hasn't got the ball.
14. Peter Everitt (Hawthorn)
One of the best tap ruckmen and amazingly agile for a man of his size. Cunning reader of the play and good around the goals. Needs a challenge to get the best out of him.
15. James Hird (Essendon)
Keep your eyes fixed on Hird for a 10-minute period and you will see one of the most balanced footballers ever to grace our fields. Has the extraordinary vision to know where the ball is going, and how to put it to advantage.
16. Mark Ricciuto (Adelaide)
Respected by all. Tough, courageous, aggressive and persistent. Opposition coaches realise that, if Ricciuto is kept to a modest game, his team rarely wins.
17. Jason Akermanis (Brisbane Lions)
Matchwinner with explosive pace. Can turn a game in a 10-minute burst. Excellent kick on either left or right boot. Full of cheek and arrogance that riles opposition fans.
18. Fraser Gehrig (St Kilda)
His rating jumped enormously on the back of his All- Australian 2004 season. Powerful, quick and accurate around goals. Realistically his rating could fall just as quickly, as consistency isn't his trademark.
19. Nathan Buckley (Collingwood)
In 12 months, Buckley's stocks have dropped from Brownlow medallist in 2003, but can the body hold up in 2005? An exceptionally brilliant player in his prime, but, age and frayed hamstrings wait for no one.
20. Lenny Hayes (St Kilda)
Thrived on last year's captaincy. Just keeps on keeping on to cover enormous ground and win plenty of ball, especially in tough situations.
21. Luke Power (Brisbane Lions)
The youngest of the "Fab Five" but a genuine class act in his own right. Adaptable to play back, midfield or forward. With Voss and Akermanis spending more time forward, Power is now gaining a reputation as a tough centre-square player.
22. Scott West (Western Bulldogs)
A tireless midfield worker who gets in and under to earn more of the ball than any other player. Super fit and committed to excellence, West's six club best and fairests are testimony to his value to the Bulldogs over a long period.
23. Peter Burgoyne (Port Adelaide)
Over eight seasons, the Power midfielder has steadily made his mark. No longer an opportunist forward, Burgoyne has earned respect with the stronger way in which he now plays.
24. Chris Tarrant (Collingwood)
On song he is one of the most dangerous tall forwards about. Long, searching leads are backed up with a vice-like grip when ball and hands meet.
25. Chad Fletcher (West Coast)
This ball magnet from the west deservedly won All- Australian selection in 2004. Sets up in close at most ruck stoppages to win more than his fair share of leather. With creative handball, sets up countless "assists" for teammates.
10 on the rise (40 games or less)
These are the stars of the future. Some, such as Daniel Wells, are already nearing star status, even though he has completed only two full seasons of football.
1. Daniel Wells (Kang, 40 games)
2. Steve Johnson (Geel, 40 games)
3. Aaron Sandilands (Frem, 39 games)
4. Adam Cooney (WB, 19 games)
5. Jarrad Waite (Carl, 29 games)
6. Aaron Davey (Melb, 19 games)
7. Guy Richards (Coll, 12 games)
8. Andrew Mackie (Geel, 13 games)
9. Trent Hentschel (Adel, 21 games)
10. Richard Tambling (Rich, 0 games)
10 on the slide
Some players are realistic. They know that their bodies are struggling to hold up as the speed and the demands of the game increase. Some, such as Wayne Campbell, take the pressure off themselves and their club by announcing that this will be their last season. Others will need a push as they hang on to the limelight, dollars, lifestyle and challenges that AFL affords them. These players are on the brink as we enter 2005.
1. Ben Hart (Adel, 30 years old, 276 games)
2. Darryl White (BL, 31, 258 games)
3. Anthony Koutoufides (Carl, 32, 227 games)
4. Glenn Archer (Kang, 32, 252 games)
5. Chris Grant (WB, 32, 296 games)
6. Corey McKernan (Kang, 31, 237 games)
7. Nick Holland (Haw, 30, 176 games)
8. Stuart Maxfield (Syd, 33, 284 games)
9. Beau McDonald (BL, 25, 75 games)
10. Drew Banfield (WC, 31, 226 games)
10 who intimidate
AFL is a collision sport. Strong bodies come flying in from all angles. People get hurt. Reputations are made. Footballers such as Michael Voss and Glenn Archer are fair yet feared. Their opponents know they will run through whatever gets between them and the ball. Others, such as Byron Pickett, cause anxious moments, too. Pickett is more feared than respected for his hits, as his peers know that his recklessness can cause serious injury. Fraser Gehrig has the mad stare, Barry Hall the bad boy reputation of old. Brent Guerra is lethal off the centresquare line and Brendan Fevola, with the square jaw and shoulders and the enjoyment of the hit, is also building a reputation.
1. Barry Hall (Syd)
2. Michael Voss (BL)
3. Glenn Archer (Kang)
4. Jonathan Brown (BL)
5. Fraser Gehrig (St K)
6. Mal Michael (BL)
7. Jamie Charman (BL)
8. Brendan Fevola (Carl)
9. Brent Guerra (StK)
10. Byron Pickett (PA)
10 who frustrate
Players who don’t perform to their best frustrate their fans. Some are lazy, timid, undisciplined, injury-prone or just plain not smart enough to work on their weaknesses.
Matthew Pavlich is considered by many to be a superstar, but, until he puts in a season as a key forward, he will not be the equal of a Tredrea, Riewoldt or Jonathan Brown. He needs to be given opportunity in the hot seat.
Essendon’s Damian Cupido shows plenty but delivers little — only 42 games in five seasons.
Can Leon Davis get a kick in the midfield? Will Danny Jacobs take on opponent responsibility? And will Jade Rawlings stand up and be strong in contested situations?
1. Jade Rawlings (WB)
2. Damian Cupido (Ess)
3. Nick Davis (Syd)
4. Danny Jacobs (Haw)
5. Jeff Farmer (Frem)
6. Matthew Pavlich (Frem)
7. Lance Whitnall (Carl)
8. Jarred Brennan (BL)
9. Leon Davis (Coll)
10. Dean Rioli (Ess)
10 best trades
There are no guarantees that players who leave one club for another will prosper. However, Port Adelaide’s premiership team of 2004 had nine players who came from other AFL clubs. That gives hope to the following:
1. Brad Ottens (Rich/Geel) 129 games
2. Josh Carr (PA/Frem) 105 games
3. Troy Simmonds (Frem/Rich) 104 games
4. Tyson Stenglein (Adel/WC) 106 games
5. Callum Chambers (WC/Carl) 54 games
6. Nathan Thompson (Haw/Kang) 119 games
7. Blake Caracella (BL/Coll) 160 games
8. Mark McGough (Coll/StK) 37 games
9. Aaron Fiora (Rich/StK) 78 games
10. Brent Moloney (Geel/Melb) 23 games
------------------------------------------------------
Very good list(s) from Throbbie, although I still can't work out why Barry Hall is a top 5 player. Excellent player, definite top 20, but not top 5!
Otherwise, I've borderline got respect for Balls' opinion...but then I just have to think back to previous years to realise that this could simply be an abberation!!
