Cripps Bontempelli Merrett Kelly - the next big 4?

[blitzer]

In what was a supposedly a down year for Bont, and a massive season for Merrett, when really there wasn't much difference between the two.

All i know is Merrett was better than Bontempelli in 2017 and I see no reason why that's automatically going to change in 2018. If anything Merrett has developed and passed Bontempelli who was well ahead of him in his first 2 years.

The difference between Merrett and Bontempelli was overrated even in 2016 - with only one brownlow vote difference despite Merrett playing in a side that only won 3 games.

We heard all these arguments all preseason in 2017 as well, how Bontempelli was so much better than the rest blah blah and the actual season comes and he doesn't do anything special.

 

[ManOfClay]

When Bont’s nothing special is still AA squad worthy that is a good indicator of the player he is

 

[conrad_437]

All i know is Merrett was better than Bontempelli in 2017 and I see no reason why that's automatically going to change in 2018. If anything Merrett has developed and passed Bontempelli who was well ahead of him in his first 2 years.

The difference between Merrett and Bontempelli was overrated even in 2016 - with only one brownlow vote difference despite Merrett playing in a side that only won 3 games.

We heard all these arguments all preseason in 2017 as well, how Bontempelli was so much better than the rest blah blah and the actual season comes and he doesn't do anything special.

Yeah Merrett had a good year, but his expectations were so much lower and he exceeded them - and good on him for doing so. Bont had the expectation that he was a Brownlow fancy (he was second favourite) and while he played well during the year, he had trouble with consistancy and therefore didn't perform as well as expected. While there may not have been much difference in the impact of their performances, Merrett's have been talked up because of the lower expectations and Bont's have been talked down because he was expected to possibly be the game's best player.

Bont still has much more development left in him and definitely has the highest ceiling of the four, whether you rate him first or second.

If you want to go on Brownlow votes, then Bont is so obviously better seeing that he recorded four more votes in a 'down year'.

Doesn't do anything special lol - top 10 in Brownlow, captain of the 22under22 side (again), in the AA squad, second best & fairest before turning 22...

 

[eth-dog]

He's also the only one of the four who can kick on his opposite foot.

Merrett's kicking on his right is pretty bloody good. Not as good as his left, but I'd still have him on his right over many at Essendon on their preferred.

 

[Orange Agent]

Kelly isnt the greatest kick. He has games where he looks Judd-like elite, then has games where he Fyfes it up.
very inconsistent.
If i was to use disposal by foot as a measure, Merrett > Bont > Cripps > Kelly.
Cripps is pretty underrated here, probably because he spends 90% of his time doing the heavy lifting for Carlton, which means when he isnt hand balling it, he's injured

FWIW, I still think Bont gives you the better bang for buck player, as he has the height to play multiple roles and play them well.
The dogs should use him more as a mobile CHF the way Carlton use Curnow. They have the midfield to allow for it.

Merrett is still the better player with ball in hand.

Lol. This is hysterical. Just the vibe of the thing right?

 

[Orange Agent]

Cripps had the most contested possessions and clearances of almost anyone (i think he's top 2 both stats all time) in their first fifty games.

How is that "potential" he's putting in the performances.

It's result of circumstances. When the club you play for has a bare cupboard you get chucked in at the deep end. Most developing players with potential of inside roles are eased in once their body has matured.

 

[schmuttt]

Merrett better than Bont? Please.

 

[Jobe Watson]

If you want to go on Brownlow votes, then Bont is so obviously better seeing that he recorded four more votes in a 'down year'.

Who else was going to take votes off him in that Dogs team?

 

[Benny78]

Still waiting for one of them to become as good as Selwood. It goes:
Ablett
Selwood
Danger
Martin
Pendle
Fyfe
Kennedy
Even Alex Rance

Then these big 4 spuds.

 

[conrad_437]

Who else was going to take votes off him in that Dogs team?

Who else was going to take votes off Merrett in that 2016 team?

 

[akiva]

Merrett is Sam Mitchell with speed!

 

[ManOfClay]

Merrett is Sam Mitchell with speed!

More like lachie hunter with better foot skills.

He’s nowhere near as good in close as Mitchell

 

[akiva]

More like lachie hunter with better foot skills.

He’s nowhere near as good in close as Mitchell

But he will be

 

[ferrisb]

Fantasia is better than Cripps.

Pinocchio, Alice in Wonderland and fittingly Dumbo are better than Fantasia

 

[citizen-erased]

Still waiting for one of them to become as good as Selwood. It goes:
Ablett
Selwood
Danger
Martin
Pendle
Fyfe
Kennedy
Even Alex Rance

Then these big 4 spuds.

Pendles ahead of Selwood.
And if Rance is being considered, then so should Buddy, who i would have just behind Ablett.

 

[citizen-erased]

Lol. This is hysterical. Just the vibe of the thing right?

which part?

 

[Orange Agent]

which part?

the first line.

 

[citizen-erased]

the first line.

His kicking was very inconsistent this year.
Particularly on goal. He would have games where he would look like the best kick in the league. But then others he would be off.
I dont doubt consistency will come. And i reckon he's tracking to be the best of the bunch, as he can play both inside and outside and be a goal threat.

but if we're talking how good they are with ball in hand consistently, Merrett is better.

Merrett's kicking on his right is pretty bloody good. Not as good as his left, but I'd still have him on his right over many at Essendon on their preferred.

strange comment that one. If anything, Merrett is the better of the two on both feet.

 

[ManOfClay]

. If anything, Merrett is the better of the two on both feet.

Absolutely not.

 

[citizen-erased]

Absolutely not.

Merrett gets comparisons to being a Sam Mitchell clone, who is the best two footed player i've seen.
Bont has a lot of tools in his shed, but i cant say i've noticed that he is particularly good on both sides the way i've seen it with Merrett.

 

[SCRAY72]

Merrett gets comparisons to being a Sam Mitchell clone, who is the best two footed player i've seen.
Bont has a lot of tools in his shed, but i cant say i've noticed that he is particularly good on both sides the way i've seen it with Merrett.

Best I've seen Aker and Leon Cameron.

 

[citizen-erased]

Best I've seen Aker and Leon Cameron.

Aker a close second behind Mitchell. He had the ability to kick freak goals from either side, that's for sure.

this thread is making me miss footy....how many days left.

 

[SCRAY72]

Aker a close second behind Mitchell. He had the ability to kick freak goals from either side, that's for sure.

this thread is making me miss footy....how many days left.

I here you.

 

[ManOfClay]

Bont has a lot of tools in his shed, but i cant say i've noticed that he is particularly good on both sides the way i've seen it with Merrett.

Watch him more then. He’s a beautiful kick on either foot. With a lot more penetration than Merrett

 

[Milanista28]

I'd back Bonts opposite as better than Zachs.