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So with the bye coming this week, it's time for the usual mid year assessment for each player. I will go through each individual player and give them a grade which is relative to expectations. For example, Jake Long might have a better rating than Kyle Langford, but that's due to the higher expectations I have for Langford. Run down:
A+: Nearly perfect season so far
A: Excellent season so far
B+: Very good season so far
B: Good season so far
C+: Above average season so far
C: Average season so far
D+: Below average season so far
D: Poor season so far
E+: Very poor season so far
E: Terrible season so far
1. Andrew McGrath
AFL Games: 11
Relevant averages: 19.6 disposals, 3.2 tackles, 2.4 rebound 50's
Overall Grade: A+
Geez this bloke has been impressive defensively and offensively. He's getting the ball and using it well out of defence and shutting down his man every week. Favourite for the Rising Star and has become a fan favourite very quickly.
2. Tom Bellchambers
AFL Games: 4
Relevant averages: 34 hit outs, 3.5 tackles, 4.2 marks
Overall Grade: B
Has come back in with a point to prove. His workrate is up, getting more hit outs and been very aggressive at the stoppage. If he can spend more time forward it will only solidify his place in the side where we know he can be dangerous around goals.
3. Darcy Parish
AFL Games: 10
Relevant averages: 20.6 disposals, 4.4 marks, 2.9 inside 50's
Overall Grade: B
Darcy has just been continuing his improvement from last season. His praise hasn't been as lavish as before but he's just doing what's been expected of him so far this year. Hopefully he hits the scoreboard more often later in the year.
4. Jobe Watson
AFL Games: 11
Relevant averages: 25.6 disposals, 4.6 tackles, 10.3 contested possessions, 5.2 clearances
Overall Grade: B+
After a slow start to the year, Watson has taken a step up to the Watson of old, finding the ball inside a lot and giving it to our outside players advantages. He's still slowed down a lot and it will probably be his last year but it's good to see him back to near his best.
5. Brent Stanton
AFL Games: 7
Relevant averages: 16.1 disposals, 2.9 tackles, 1.7 rebound 50's
Overall Grade: D+
It's probably a bit harsh that I expected more of him than he's producing but Stanton it seems clear that Stanton signed on as a message of solidarity from the boys. He's a legend of the club and it will be his last year, let's hope he can help the VFL boys to a strong finals series.
6. Joe Daniher
AFL Games: 12
Relevant averages: 2.8 goals, 1.4 contested marks, 2.7 marks inside 50
Overall grade: A+
Joe Daniher, what a season it has been for him. After 12 games he has 34 goals and it won't stop there, he's on track for a 63 goal season. Currently third in the coleman and only 1 off the lead he'll be a very big chance of making the All Australian side due to his secondary ruck capabilities.
7. Zachary Merrett
AFL Games: 12
Relevant averages: 32.3 disposals, 5.5 tackles, 4.5 clearances, 3.9 inside 50's
Overall Grade: A+
Zach Merrett is arguably leading the best and fairest right now and has been super consistent all year. His ability to not only win the ball at a stoppage but spread and use the ball well (having the most metres gained of any player) has been elite and looks set to be in the All Australian side this year.
8. Martin Gleeson
AFL Games: 7
Relevant averages: 14.7 disposals, 4 marks, 2 rebound 50's
Overall Grade: C+
Gleeson has had an up and down season. He's been playing well for the most part and has finally settled defensively the past 2 games but has still made some errors with ball in hand. He'll be better post bye I'm sure.
9. Brendan Goddard
AFL Games: 12
Relevant averages: 27.4 disposals, 6 marks, 3.8 tackles, 4 clearances, 2.7 inside 50's
Overall Grade: A+
BJ has flown under the radar a bit but has had a stellar season where he may well be leading the best and fairest, playing inside, outside, doing everything you want from a gun midfielder. This has probably been his best season for the club and it will show in the best and fairest.
10. Aaron Francis
AFL Games: 2
Relevant averages: 0.5 goals, 3.5 marks, 1.5 marks inside 50
Overall Grade: C
Francis hasn't come on like many on here have wanted, hence the low grade. His tank is still not up to the requisite standard at AFL level and will hold him back still, but he's shown signs in the VFL and will be one to watch for 2019.
11. David Zaharakis
AFL Games: 12
Relevant averages: 22.8 disposals, 4.8 tackles, 3.5 inside 50's
Overall Grade: B
Zaka endured an average start to the season but in the past 5 games he's increased his output significantly to the point where he's been amongst the best in all five of them. Now playing that outside/inside midfielder role that he was very good at in the first half of 2016.
12. Mark Baguley
AFL Games: 12
Relevant averages: 2.2 tackles, 3.8 1%ers, 2.6 rebound 50's
Overall Grade: C
Baguley has had an average season so far. I know a few will disagree with this but with 3 poor games and 3 good games and 6 in between it means an average season. He's intercepting the ball better than before but his opponents have gotten off the leash a few times, like Betts and Elliott.
13. Orazio Fantasia
AFL Games: 12
Relevant averages: 2.1 goals, 2.5 tackles, 1.1 goal assists
Overall Grade: A
Raz started the year like a house on fire, averaging 3 goals/game after 5 and playing with great flair. He's dropped off slightly in the goals regard but is still on track for a 45 goal season which would be a great effort for the 22 year old.
14. Jordan Ridley
AFL Games: 0
Relevant Averages: N/A
Overall Grade: N/A
Ridley has only played 2 games at VFL level this year so it's hard to put a grade on him. Doubt we see him this year.
15. Josh Green
AFL Games: 10
Relevant averages: 1.2 goals, 2.9 tackles, 0.9 goal assists
Overall Grade: C+
Green has had some good games, some bad games but the important part for me is that he's only scored multiple goals on 3 occasions so far this year. He needs to hit the scoreboard most games to stay relevant in this side.
16. Josh Begley
AFL Games: 0
Relevant Averages: N/A
Overall Grade: C+
Begley has started the season in a solid fashion in the VFL, kicking 10 goals in his 9 games at the lower level. He seems to be earmarked for a forward/midfield role, similar to someone like Paul Chapman whilst he was at Essendon and Geelong
17. James Stewart
AFL Games: 5
Relevant averages: 1.4 goals, 3.6 marks, 3.2 marks inside 50
Overall Grade: B
Stewart started the season in the VFL and banged the door down for selection, and was rewarded with a gig in round 8. The big man has played the third tall role well since coming up to the seniors, with the forward line functioning the best it's been for a long time, being the most efficient inside 50 in the past 5 rounds.
18. Michael Hurley
AFL Games: 12
Relevant averages: 23.4 disposals, 7.3 marks, 6.8 rebound 50's
Overall Grade: A+
Hurley's first month was good by his standards but not much more, however it all clicked on ANZAC Day and it's been fantastic ever since. He's been in beast mode since then, having the most rebound 50's in the competition and launching Essendon's counter attack.
19. Kobe Mutch
AFL Games: 0
Relevant averages: N/A
Overall Grade: C+
Mutch has had a good start to the VFL season, and has impressed many watchers with his dual-sidedness and ability to make smart decisions in the VFL. May yet see a debut later in the year after being named emergency 3 times.
20. Jackson Merrett
AFL Games: 0
Relevant averages: N/A
Overall Grade: D
Merrett has been tried as a half back but it seems to be destined to fail, he can't crack the team and will ultimately be delisted at years end.
21. Dyson Heppell
AFL Games: 12
Relevant averages: 26.6 disposals, 4.2 tackles, 11.6 contested possessions, 4.1 clearances
Overall Grade: B+
It was a slow start to the season for Heppell but the captain has found his groove since around round 5, now increasing his workload inside and becoming the player we know and love. His second half to the year will be very important for the side
22. Matthew Leuenberger
AFL Games: 6
Relevant averages: 33.8 hit outs, 4.8 tackles, 1.5 marks
Overall Grade: C
Leuenberger has had an up and down season. He didn't play early and when he came back he didn't really push the envelope on making the spot his own. He needs to play well in the VFL for the rest of the year if he wants to get that spot back.
23. David Myers
AFL Games: 6
Relevant averages: 16.2 disposals, 1.5 tackles, 5.5 contested possessions, 1.5 clearances
Overall Grade: C
Myers has been slow starting this season after having a long term injury that kept him out for the first 6 games of the AFL season, and since then he's been slow to get adjusted to the pace of AFL. Given that most of the returning players have had similar issues I think he'll show why they've been keeping the faith post bye.
24. Craig Bird
AFL Games: 0
Relevant averages: N/A
Overall Grade: D+
Bird hasn't enjoyed a fantastic season, but has been doing his part in the VFL and helping the kids develop down there. He'll probably be cut at years end but will go as a premiership player and Essendon fans will be appreciative of his effort in 2016.
25. Alex Morgan
AFL Games: 0
Relevant averages: N/A
Overall Grade: D+
Morgan had a season to forget in 2016, and this season he's improved but is still below where he needs to be from what I've seen. He needs a big second half of the year to stay on the list. Can't see him making his debut this season.
26. Cale Hooker
AFL Games: 12
Relevant averages: 1.9 goals, 6.2 marks, 2.4 contested marks, 2 marks inside 50
Overall Grade: A
Hooker has had a very good season after converting to a key forward. Kicking 23 goals so far, he's on track for a 40 goal season and a big shut up to all the "Hooker is no forward" naysayers (myself included).
27. Mason Redman
AFL Games: 0
Relevant Averages: N/A
Overall Grade: C
Redman debuted last season and has had a solid season this year in the VFL, splitting time between half forward, half back and midfield. He's probably outside our best 30 right now but will be better in 2-3 years time once he gets his muscle mass.
28. Mitch Brown
AFL Games: 4
Relevant averages: 5 marks, 2.8 rebound 50's, 5.2 1%ers
Overall Grade: C+
Brown has been solid when he hasn't been injured, doing the job defensively in his four games this year and will likely come back in after the bye to help our defensive stocks.
29. Patrick Ambrose
AFL matches: 5
Relevant averages: 3.4 marks, 2.2 tackles, 5.2 1%ers
Overall Grade: B+
Ambrose had a great start to the season but a quad injury will keep him out until round 17 and was rewarded with a 2 year contract extension for his great start to the season. Automatic best 22 unless Brown and Michael Hartley can push him out in the next 4-5 weeks.
30. Kyle Langford
AFL Matches: 4
Relevant averages: 1 goal, 4.5 marks, 2.8 tackles, 1.7 marks inside 50
Overall Grade: D+
End of last year many supporters were hopeful of this player stepping up to another level in 2017 but it hasn't eventuated. He's been super recently in the VFL but that isn't what we've wanted, and many are hopeful he can translate that to AFL level post bye.
32. Travis Colyer
AFL Games: 12
Relevant averages: 17.7 disposals, 3 tackles, 3 inside 50's
Overall Grade: C
Colyer's had a down season, he started off like a house on fire but had been disappointing in the past couple of months but let's hope that he can get better after the bye.
33. Jayden Laverde
AFL Games: 0
Relevant averages: N/A
Overall Grade: N/A
Hasn't played a game. Move on.
34. Jake Long
AFL Games: 0
Relevant averages: N/A
Overall Grade: C+
After a slow start to the VFL Long has been electric in the past month and has shut the naysayers who were saying that he was a guarantee to get delisted at the end of the year. He's a big chance of an end of year promotion next year
36. Michael Hartley
AFL Games: 8
Relevant averages: 5.8 marks, 3.4 tackles, 11.2 1%ers
Overall Grade: B
Hartley started the season okay, got dropped, his form dipped upon return but has had a good month or so since then, most recently giving Charlie Dixon a bath in a 70 point victory against Port. Has the most 1%ers per game in the AFL, showing how quality his spoiling is.
37. Dylan Clarke
AFL Games: 0
Relevant averages: N/A
Overall Grade: C+
Clarke has shown some excellent signs in the VFL as a potential extractor for the Dons but his kicking leaves a lot to be desired. He's unlikely to debut this season and will spend most of the season getting his tank up and his kicking better.
38. Sam Draper
AFL Games: 0
Relevant averages: N/A
Overall Grade: C+
Draper has shown incredible signs for a player that only started playing 18 months ago, his ability at the stoppage has many VFL watchers excited and understanding why he was taken at pick 1 of the rookie draft last season.
39. Heath Hocking
AFL Games: 1
Relevant stats: 10 disposals, 3 tackles, 3 clearances
Overall Grade: D
Has been very slow this season, and probably should have retired at the end of last year.
40. Ben Howlett
AFL Games: 4
Relevant averages: 14.5 disposals, 2.8 tackles, 2.8 inside 50's
Overall Grade: D+
Howlett seems to be the first choice player of himself, Bird and Hocking, playing 4 games. He's been okay so far and will probably retain his place on the list.
41. Ben McNiece
AFL Games: 2
Relevant averages: 2.5 tackles, 2.5 rebound 50's, 3.5 1%ers
Overall Grade: C+
McNiece has exceeded expectations so far this season, being a general in defence and shutting down a couple of good small forwards in his couple of AFL games. Look for him to step up in the best 22 next year.
43. Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti
AFL Games: 12
Relevant averages: 1.6 goals, 3.4 tackles, 2.7 inside 50's
Overall Grade: B+
Played most of last season off half back, Walla has been great forward in his last 13 games (last game last year was forward), kicking 23 goals. This season he's on track to kick nearly 40 goals as a secondary small forward, which would be an amazing effort.
44. Shaun McKernan
AFL Games: 2
Relevant averages: 24.5 hit outs, 4 marks, 3 tackles
Overall Grade: C
McKernan is an okay 3rd in line ruck. However after 9 seasons in the AFL, time must have run out on his career.
45. Conor McKenna
AFL Games: 8
Relevant averages: 16.9 disposals, 2.8 rebound 50's, 1.1 running bounces
Overall Grade: B+
McKenna had a couple of okay games to start but after being shown the faith to keep him in his last month has been excellent, taking the game on and breaking lines for the Dons, reminding many of the way Pierce Hanley started his AFL career
47. James Kelly
AFL Games: 10
Relevant averages: 20.8 disposals, 3.2 tackles, 3.3 rebound 50's
Overall Grade: A
Professional. Leader. So smart. Nothing more needs to be said.
49. Matthew Dea
AFL Games: 5
Relevant averages: 5 marks, 2 tackles, 4 1%ers
Overall Grade: C+
Has played whilst we were short a key defender and has done his job admirably but undersized means that he can leak goals. Solid depth and will be retained next year.
Overall, what do you guys think? Have I got it right? Wrong? Somewhere in between?
A+: Nearly perfect season so far
A: Excellent season so far
B+: Very good season so far
B: Good season so far
C+: Above average season so far
C: Average season so far
D+: Below average season so far
D: Poor season so far
E+: Very poor season so far
E: Terrible season so far
1. Andrew McGrath
AFL Games: 11
Relevant averages: 19.6 disposals, 3.2 tackles, 2.4 rebound 50's
Overall Grade: A+
Geez this bloke has been impressive defensively and offensively. He's getting the ball and using it well out of defence and shutting down his man every week. Favourite for the Rising Star and has become a fan favourite very quickly.
2. Tom Bellchambers
AFL Games: 4
Relevant averages: 34 hit outs, 3.5 tackles, 4.2 marks
Overall Grade: B
Has come back in with a point to prove. His workrate is up, getting more hit outs and been very aggressive at the stoppage. If he can spend more time forward it will only solidify his place in the side where we know he can be dangerous around goals.
3. Darcy Parish
AFL Games: 10
Relevant averages: 20.6 disposals, 4.4 marks, 2.9 inside 50's
Overall Grade: B
Darcy has just been continuing his improvement from last season. His praise hasn't been as lavish as before but he's just doing what's been expected of him so far this year. Hopefully he hits the scoreboard more often later in the year.
4. Jobe Watson
AFL Games: 11
Relevant averages: 25.6 disposals, 4.6 tackles, 10.3 contested possessions, 5.2 clearances
Overall Grade: B+
After a slow start to the year, Watson has taken a step up to the Watson of old, finding the ball inside a lot and giving it to our outside players advantages. He's still slowed down a lot and it will probably be his last year but it's good to see him back to near his best.
5. Brent Stanton
AFL Games: 7
Relevant averages: 16.1 disposals, 2.9 tackles, 1.7 rebound 50's
Overall Grade: D+
It's probably a bit harsh that I expected more of him than he's producing but Stanton it seems clear that Stanton signed on as a message of solidarity from the boys. He's a legend of the club and it will be his last year, let's hope he can help the VFL boys to a strong finals series.
6. Joe Daniher
AFL Games: 12
Relevant averages: 2.8 goals, 1.4 contested marks, 2.7 marks inside 50
Overall grade: A+
Joe Daniher, what a season it has been for him. After 12 games he has 34 goals and it won't stop there, he's on track for a 63 goal season. Currently third in the coleman and only 1 off the lead he'll be a very big chance of making the All Australian side due to his secondary ruck capabilities.
7. Zachary Merrett
AFL Games: 12
Relevant averages: 32.3 disposals, 5.5 tackles, 4.5 clearances, 3.9 inside 50's
Overall Grade: A+
Zach Merrett is arguably leading the best and fairest right now and has been super consistent all year. His ability to not only win the ball at a stoppage but spread and use the ball well (having the most metres gained of any player) has been elite and looks set to be in the All Australian side this year.
8. Martin Gleeson
AFL Games: 7
Relevant averages: 14.7 disposals, 4 marks, 2 rebound 50's
Overall Grade: C+
Gleeson has had an up and down season. He's been playing well for the most part and has finally settled defensively the past 2 games but has still made some errors with ball in hand. He'll be better post bye I'm sure.
9. Brendan Goddard
AFL Games: 12
Relevant averages: 27.4 disposals, 6 marks, 3.8 tackles, 4 clearances, 2.7 inside 50's
Overall Grade: A+
BJ has flown under the radar a bit but has had a stellar season where he may well be leading the best and fairest, playing inside, outside, doing everything you want from a gun midfielder. This has probably been his best season for the club and it will show in the best and fairest.
10. Aaron Francis
AFL Games: 2
Relevant averages: 0.5 goals, 3.5 marks, 1.5 marks inside 50
Overall Grade: C
Francis hasn't come on like many on here have wanted, hence the low grade. His tank is still not up to the requisite standard at AFL level and will hold him back still, but he's shown signs in the VFL and will be one to watch for 2019.
11. David Zaharakis
AFL Games: 12
Relevant averages: 22.8 disposals, 4.8 tackles, 3.5 inside 50's
Overall Grade: B
Zaka endured an average start to the season but in the past 5 games he's increased his output significantly to the point where he's been amongst the best in all five of them. Now playing that outside/inside midfielder role that he was very good at in the first half of 2016.
12. Mark Baguley
AFL Games: 12
Relevant averages: 2.2 tackles, 3.8 1%ers, 2.6 rebound 50's
Overall Grade: C
Baguley has had an average season so far. I know a few will disagree with this but with 3 poor games and 3 good games and 6 in between it means an average season. He's intercepting the ball better than before but his opponents have gotten off the leash a few times, like Betts and Elliott.
13. Orazio Fantasia
AFL Games: 12
Relevant averages: 2.1 goals, 2.5 tackles, 1.1 goal assists
Overall Grade: A
Raz started the year like a house on fire, averaging 3 goals/game after 5 and playing with great flair. He's dropped off slightly in the goals regard but is still on track for a 45 goal season which would be a great effort for the 22 year old.
14. Jordan Ridley
AFL Games: 0
Relevant Averages: N/A
Overall Grade: N/A
Ridley has only played 2 games at VFL level this year so it's hard to put a grade on him. Doubt we see him this year.
15. Josh Green
AFL Games: 10
Relevant averages: 1.2 goals, 2.9 tackles, 0.9 goal assists
Overall Grade: C+
Green has had some good games, some bad games but the important part for me is that he's only scored multiple goals on 3 occasions so far this year. He needs to hit the scoreboard most games to stay relevant in this side.
16. Josh Begley
AFL Games: 0
Relevant Averages: N/A
Overall Grade: C+
Begley has started the season in a solid fashion in the VFL, kicking 10 goals in his 9 games at the lower level. He seems to be earmarked for a forward/midfield role, similar to someone like Paul Chapman whilst he was at Essendon and Geelong
17. James Stewart
AFL Games: 5
Relevant averages: 1.4 goals, 3.6 marks, 3.2 marks inside 50
Overall Grade: B
Stewart started the season in the VFL and banged the door down for selection, and was rewarded with a gig in round 8. The big man has played the third tall role well since coming up to the seniors, with the forward line functioning the best it's been for a long time, being the most efficient inside 50 in the past 5 rounds.
18. Michael Hurley
AFL Games: 12
Relevant averages: 23.4 disposals, 7.3 marks, 6.8 rebound 50's
Overall Grade: A+
Hurley's first month was good by his standards but not much more, however it all clicked on ANZAC Day and it's been fantastic ever since. He's been in beast mode since then, having the most rebound 50's in the competition and launching Essendon's counter attack.
19. Kobe Mutch
AFL Games: 0
Relevant averages: N/A
Overall Grade: C+
Mutch has had a good start to the VFL season, and has impressed many watchers with his dual-sidedness and ability to make smart decisions in the VFL. May yet see a debut later in the year after being named emergency 3 times.
20. Jackson Merrett
AFL Games: 0
Relevant averages: N/A
Overall Grade: D
Merrett has been tried as a half back but it seems to be destined to fail, he can't crack the team and will ultimately be delisted at years end.
21. Dyson Heppell
AFL Games: 12
Relevant averages: 26.6 disposals, 4.2 tackles, 11.6 contested possessions, 4.1 clearances
Overall Grade: B+
It was a slow start to the season for Heppell but the captain has found his groove since around round 5, now increasing his workload inside and becoming the player we know and love. His second half to the year will be very important for the side
22. Matthew Leuenberger
AFL Games: 6
Relevant averages: 33.8 hit outs, 4.8 tackles, 1.5 marks
Overall Grade: C
Leuenberger has had an up and down season. He didn't play early and when he came back he didn't really push the envelope on making the spot his own. He needs to play well in the VFL for the rest of the year if he wants to get that spot back.
23. David Myers
AFL Games: 6
Relevant averages: 16.2 disposals, 1.5 tackles, 5.5 contested possessions, 1.5 clearances
Overall Grade: C
Myers has been slow starting this season after having a long term injury that kept him out for the first 6 games of the AFL season, and since then he's been slow to get adjusted to the pace of AFL. Given that most of the returning players have had similar issues I think he'll show why they've been keeping the faith post bye.
24. Craig Bird
AFL Games: 0
Relevant averages: N/A
Overall Grade: D+
Bird hasn't enjoyed a fantastic season, but has been doing his part in the VFL and helping the kids develop down there. He'll probably be cut at years end but will go as a premiership player and Essendon fans will be appreciative of his effort in 2016.
25. Alex Morgan
AFL Games: 0
Relevant averages: N/A
Overall Grade: D+
Morgan had a season to forget in 2016, and this season he's improved but is still below where he needs to be from what I've seen. He needs a big second half of the year to stay on the list. Can't see him making his debut this season.
26. Cale Hooker
AFL Games: 12
Relevant averages: 1.9 goals, 6.2 marks, 2.4 contested marks, 2 marks inside 50
Overall Grade: A
Hooker has had a very good season after converting to a key forward. Kicking 23 goals so far, he's on track for a 40 goal season and a big shut up to all the "Hooker is no forward" naysayers (myself included).
27. Mason Redman
AFL Games: 0
Relevant Averages: N/A
Overall Grade: C
Redman debuted last season and has had a solid season this year in the VFL, splitting time between half forward, half back and midfield. He's probably outside our best 30 right now but will be better in 2-3 years time once he gets his muscle mass.
28. Mitch Brown
AFL Games: 4
Relevant averages: 5 marks, 2.8 rebound 50's, 5.2 1%ers
Overall Grade: C+
Brown has been solid when he hasn't been injured, doing the job defensively in his four games this year and will likely come back in after the bye to help our defensive stocks.
29. Patrick Ambrose
AFL matches: 5
Relevant averages: 3.4 marks, 2.2 tackles, 5.2 1%ers
Overall Grade: B+
Ambrose had a great start to the season but a quad injury will keep him out until round 17 and was rewarded with a 2 year contract extension for his great start to the season. Automatic best 22 unless Brown and Michael Hartley can push him out in the next 4-5 weeks.
30. Kyle Langford
AFL Matches: 4
Relevant averages: 1 goal, 4.5 marks, 2.8 tackles, 1.7 marks inside 50
Overall Grade: D+
End of last year many supporters were hopeful of this player stepping up to another level in 2017 but it hasn't eventuated. He's been super recently in the VFL but that isn't what we've wanted, and many are hopeful he can translate that to AFL level post bye.
32. Travis Colyer
AFL Games: 12
Relevant averages: 17.7 disposals, 3 tackles, 3 inside 50's
Overall Grade: C
Colyer's had a down season, he started off like a house on fire but had been disappointing in the past couple of months but let's hope that he can get better after the bye.
33. Jayden Laverde
AFL Games: 0
Relevant averages: N/A
Overall Grade: N/A
Hasn't played a game. Move on.
34. Jake Long
AFL Games: 0
Relevant averages: N/A
Overall Grade: C+
After a slow start to the VFL Long has been electric in the past month and has shut the naysayers who were saying that he was a guarantee to get delisted at the end of the year. He's a big chance of an end of year promotion next year
36. Michael Hartley
AFL Games: 8
Relevant averages: 5.8 marks, 3.4 tackles, 11.2 1%ers
Overall Grade: B
Hartley started the season okay, got dropped, his form dipped upon return but has had a good month or so since then, most recently giving Charlie Dixon a bath in a 70 point victory against Port. Has the most 1%ers per game in the AFL, showing how quality his spoiling is.
37. Dylan Clarke
AFL Games: 0
Relevant averages: N/A
Overall Grade: C+
Clarke has shown some excellent signs in the VFL as a potential extractor for the Dons but his kicking leaves a lot to be desired. He's unlikely to debut this season and will spend most of the season getting his tank up and his kicking better.
38. Sam Draper
AFL Games: 0
Relevant averages: N/A
Overall Grade: C+
Draper has shown incredible signs for a player that only started playing 18 months ago, his ability at the stoppage has many VFL watchers excited and understanding why he was taken at pick 1 of the rookie draft last season.
39. Heath Hocking
AFL Games: 1
Relevant stats: 10 disposals, 3 tackles, 3 clearances
Overall Grade: D
Has been very slow this season, and probably should have retired at the end of last year.
40. Ben Howlett
AFL Games: 4
Relevant averages: 14.5 disposals, 2.8 tackles, 2.8 inside 50's
Overall Grade: D+
Howlett seems to be the first choice player of himself, Bird and Hocking, playing 4 games. He's been okay so far and will probably retain his place on the list.
41. Ben McNiece
AFL Games: 2
Relevant averages: 2.5 tackles, 2.5 rebound 50's, 3.5 1%ers
Overall Grade: C+
McNiece has exceeded expectations so far this season, being a general in defence and shutting down a couple of good small forwards in his couple of AFL games. Look for him to step up in the best 22 next year.
43. Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti
AFL Games: 12
Relevant averages: 1.6 goals, 3.4 tackles, 2.7 inside 50's
Overall Grade: B+
Played most of last season off half back, Walla has been great forward in his last 13 games (last game last year was forward), kicking 23 goals. This season he's on track to kick nearly 40 goals as a secondary small forward, which would be an amazing effort.
44. Shaun McKernan
AFL Games: 2
Relevant averages: 24.5 hit outs, 4 marks, 3 tackles
Overall Grade: C
McKernan is an okay 3rd in line ruck. However after 9 seasons in the AFL, time must have run out on his career.
45. Conor McKenna
AFL Games: 8
Relevant averages: 16.9 disposals, 2.8 rebound 50's, 1.1 running bounces
Overall Grade: B+
McKenna had a couple of okay games to start but after being shown the faith to keep him in his last month has been excellent, taking the game on and breaking lines for the Dons, reminding many of the way Pierce Hanley started his AFL career
47. James Kelly
AFL Games: 10
Relevant averages: 20.8 disposals, 3.2 tackles, 3.3 rebound 50's
Overall Grade: A
Professional. Leader. So smart. Nothing more needs to be said.
49. Matthew Dea
AFL Games: 5
Relevant averages: 5 marks, 2 tackles, 4 1%ers
Overall Grade: C+
Has played whilst we were short a key defender and has done his job admirably but undersized means that he can leak goals. Solid depth and will be retained next year.
Overall, what do you guys think? Have I got it right? Wrong? Somewhere in between?
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