2004 Squad Preview

[Asgardian]

The Cats turn for my 2004 preview, they showed some good stuff in 2003, but as a team ran out of puff, let's see if they can take some positive steps.

Gary Ablett jr:- The promise became tangible, looks to be more of a provider than old man
James Bartel:- Surprisingly had to fight for a game, mentally tough, seriously good kid
Mark Blake:- New kid, yet to see him play
Tim Callan:- Only had the one game, need to see more before judging
Paul Chambers:- I like him more as a K/P player than a ruckman, has some good nouse
Paul Chapman:- The kinda team player every club needs, no star, but solid
Joel Corey:- Classy, but not fast, midfielder, would like to see a bit more scoring pressure
Corey Enright:- looks better as a defensive-back playing midfielder, ala Jess Sinclair
Daniel Foster:- On his last chance, has physical attributes, maybe not smarts or confidence
Charlie Gardiner:- Strong in body, maybe a fat head, hasn't displayed much of a footy brain
Ben Graham:- Built like Tarzan, plays like Jane, a pity, he couldave been very good
Tom Harley:- Just about a complete defensive package, but not on the forward monsters
David Haynes:- Has some good games, but not consistent, a speculative trade
Josh Hunt:- Injuries may finish him, others have moved ahead of Josh
David Johnson:- Hasn't done enough, not enough mongrel when tagging, 2004 is last chance
Steve Johnson:- Likes a goal, & has the radar, not a classical type, but awkward & useful
James Kelly:- Learning some good long-term lessons, I think he's a real good midfielder
Steven King:- Strong aggressive mobile big guy, I think he's great, Achilles can be difficult
Kent Kingsley:- Didn't back up 2002, needs to do it every year to prove he's a true player
Paul Koulouriotis:- He has the ability, I think he'll be good for the Cats, & visa versa
Cameron Ling:- Cats blue collar midfielder, he proves hard work does pay off
David Loats:- Not too bad a pick up, has some strength & ruck know-how, not a star
Tom Lonergan:- Yet to get an AFL game
Andrew Mackie:- Yet to get an AFL game
Matthew McCarthy:- Impressive kid, good size & guts for a pack mark, bit of a mongrel kick
Darren Milburn:- Maturing nicely, keen on doing team stuff, frankly has surprised me
Brent Moloney:- Only seen a few times, goes okay with a strong approach, nice confidence
Cameron Mooney:- Good is damn good, bad is awful, too little discipline for me
Henry Playfair:- Showed a bit of promise, want to see more, seems a reasonable prospect
James Rahilly:- Injuries haven't helped, but he doesn't impress me as a long term option
Peter Riccardi:- Finds the ball & uses it well, is slowing up a bit, but team needs him
Jarad Rooke:- Gotta love his hard nosed determination, good concentration
Brenton Sanderson:- Defensive sweeper still doing the job, at this role, one of the best
Matthew Scarlett:- One of the best at full-back, but ffs, get a bloody hair-cut
Will Slade:- Spare part player, can do a bit of a lot, need to see more still though
Martthew Spencer:- New kid, yet to see him play
David Spriggs:- Millionaire player, but played like a buck/50, he'll come good, has ability
Kane Tenace:- New kid, yet to see him play
Cameron Thurley:- New kid, yet to see him play
David Wojcinski:- Talent & pace to be more than a defender, to go forward more I'm betting

Rookies:

James Allan}
Luke Buckland}
Shannon Byrnes} All new kids, yet to see them play
Jeff Smith}


A nice combination of young midfielders and young tall forwards, with a solid experienced defence, should make for an advancement up the ladder, but final predictions to come later.

 

[you_idiot]

Nice writeup, Asgardian. Really enjoyed the same thread you started on our board at this time a year ago.

Should be interesting reading for all of the regulars on this board.

 

[rizzo]

Great Post Mate

 

[JUBJUB]

Originally posted by Asgardian

Paul Chambers:- I like him more as a K/P player than a ruckman, has some good nouse

Ben Graham:- Built like Tarzan, plays like Jane, a pity, he couldave been very good

Chambers has played more as a K/P than ruck in the VFL .He's played CHB & FB.

Your not still bitter about Grahams last kick against Port this year,are you ?

 

[Asgardian]

Re: Re: 2004 Squad Preview

Originally posted by JUBJUB
Chambers has played more as a K/P than ruck in the VFL .He's played CHB & FB.

That's cool, naturally over here in SA I very rarely get to see any of the VFL stuff.
To me, Chambers moves like a K/P player who does the rucking in his zone, rather than the "all over the ground" ruckman. Not saying he's lazy, but he looks more comfortable when he can zone off, rather than having to be responsible for a Michael Gardiner type ruckman.

Originally posted by JUBJUB
Your not still bitter about Grahams last kick against Port this year,are you ?

Nawwwwwww, you should know me by now, lol, , I've already thrown the darts in his pic, so that's finished with.
Benny is infuriating, he could really have been one of the modern day greats, but something in his brain never clicked over. He has become content, below the surface, of having been a Cat captain, and a servicable player, who's waiting for his agent to tee up the big payday in USA as a kicker.

I dunno how true all that is, but that is the way it looks from several hundred kms away.

 

[ScouseCat]

Originally posted by Asgardian
Cameron Mooney:- Good is damn good, bad is awful, too little discipline for me

This is a trait which could be said about the whole team, especially during the last few years. We've shown on occasion that we have the ability to beat some of the best sides in the competition, however we also have the ability to lose to some of the worst, putting in some absolutely shocking performances. Our discipline can be a bit dodgy sometimes as well.

 

[PAfolwr]

Asgardian, what order are you doing these previews in?
Bit hard going through all the boards to work out the next one.

On another note, no "600 plus pages" response on this board this year.

 

[Fall Out Boy]

Originally posted by Asgardian

Charlie Gardiner:- Strong in body, maybe a fat head, hasn't displayed much of a footy brain

Charlie is anything but a "fat head" mate. Very intelligent kid, bordering on a genius. His problem is that he thinks TOO much.

Intellectuals don't make great footballers.

Excellent appraisal overall As. Pretty much spot on across the board.

 

[Healy]

I think Will Slade will be very good for us this year.

C'MON THE MIGHTY CATS GET IT ON!

 

[benny's buddy]

Re: Re: Re: 2004 Squad Preview

Originally posted by Asgardian
Benny is infuriating, he could really have been one of the modern day greats, but something in his brain never clicked over. He has become content, below the surface, of having been a Cat captain, and a servicable player, who's waiting for his agent to tee up the big payday in USA as a kicker.

I dunno how true all that is, but that is the way it looks from several hundred kms away.

IMO, I blame Bomber Thompson for this. Benny was going great guns in the backline bombing the ball 80 metres from the sqaure until Bomber insisted on turning him into a forward.

I'm sure people will disagree but that's what I think.

 

[GeeCat]

Re: Re: Re: Re: 2004 Squad Preview

Originally posted by benny's buddy
IMO, I blame Bomber Thompson for this. Benny was going great guns in the backline bombing the ball 80 metres from the sqaure until Bomber insisted on turning him into a forward.

I'm sure people will disagree but that's what I think.

That's a fair point, but it could work the other way. If Benny was playing off the half forward line, then he has the ability to bomb the ball right into the danger zone that is the goalsquare. Our chances are more likely that we'll score if the ball is deep within our fifty as opposed to the ball being somewhere in the centre square when Benny is playing down back. Additionally, seeing as the backline is rather secure with Harley and Scarlett holding down the KPP posts, theoretically, the move to put Benny up forward as a marking forward would have looked particularly enticing seeing as Ben has a big body and is able to break packs as a leading CHF (Think Anthony Rocca and Jonathan Brown). Unfortunetely, it was not to be...

 

[storrma29]

graham

Ben grahams first half againts the weagles in perth last year showed how good he can be at ff/chf(kicking for goal let him down)
Im expecting a few handy games down fwd and a few down back without dominating.In other words more of the same ...sigh
Josh hunt has a few strings to his bow(pace aint one)booming kick, reads play well and body strength,his game against the lions at kp was a great example of him using his body strength to effect against the toughest going around.
Alas his shins more than his pace will hold him back.
The hard tracks of telstra dome,manuka and perth may disallow hunt to string a long run of games together,which he really needs to do this year
Ive been a huge fan of j hunt since i saw his first game(in the twos),but im becoming more pessimistic of his chances.

 

[Seb]

Well, it's another Saturday, the last Saturday of my holiday, so I thought I'd run through the Geelong list myself, analysing the boys.


Gary Ablett jr: - A very special kid. Having relived some of last year's disastrous form (through some old video tapes) he was the only player, along with Matthew Scarlett, Paul Chapman and Cameron Ling, to standout on a consistent basis. His disposal, nous and flair is something Geelong have definitely lacked over the last few years, and that, along with the name, is probably the major factor in all the hype surrounding the kid.

Played all 22 games, and featured in pretty much every single one. Such is the naivete of Thompson, he'll probably break down with a serious injury this year


James Bartel: - Oozes potential, in my humble opinion. He is definitely a kid to watch out for; however, like so many Geelong players, James has come to a crossroad in his career. After only managing 13 games (I say only because Ablett, a counterpart managed a staggering 22) in season 2003, he failed severely to make an impression on me and several supporters.

But, I watched him when he played for the Falcons - despite living down in Melbourne - and realised just how good Jimmy can be.

Plays a similar brand of football to James Kelly, classy and clever, but similarly to Kel, has to demand more time on the ground by way of good performances in the Wizard Cup/VFL campaign.

Mark Blake: One of the new kids on the block, whom I am awaiting with great anticipation to watch run around in the VFL.

From all reports, Mark could be the dynamic ruckmen-forward we've been searching for, for over a decade.

Tim Callan: A handy kid to have on the list, particularly when you really look at our defense.

Scarlett, Sanderson, Harley, Milburn, Monica, Graham and Rooke are predominately our defensive unit (One could extract Graham from the previous list). Excluding Rooke and Monica, the Geelong defense could be pertained to as 'young' or full of potential. Scarlett and Harley are entering their 'prime' but Dasher, Sando and Graham are quickly running out of time.

This is where the development of Callan and Spencer is absolutely essential and could be in many ways, tantamount to our success in future years. It's all very well having the best full back in the competition, but he needs others around to him to stand up and fight

On Callan personally, well I haven't really seen enough of him to comment, but from all VFL reports, the kid has got something pretty special.

Paul Chambers: I cannot fathom the original comment made by Asgardian. With all due respect, Chambers is predominately a ruckmen, with the ability to kick a few goals. But I personally wouldn't be lining up in in a key position.

Sadly for Paul, I think he will struggle to win a senior selection consistently in 04. From trying to read between the lines in the media, it looks as if Loats will be the prefered option to back up the Captain.

Personally, I like to see David earn his spot, and I'd give Paul the Guersney for round 1, providing he's fit and all that jazz.

Paul Chapman: The most underrated player by opposing clubs and their supporters. Incredibly tough and always pops up with a goal or two, and on the very odd occasion (2 - 5 times a season) a bag of 3.

Continuously, Chappy fires up the opposition. A second and third viewing on the Port Adelaide game was very special indeed. Chappy was instrumental in our heroic victory, kicking 3 telling goals and working well in tandem with Gazza Jnr.

An automatic selection on the forward flank, and perhaps if others (Read: Joel Corey, Bartel and Kelly) do not take their chance and improve dramatically, in the midfield.

Joel Corey: Needs to improve infinitely if he is going to continue to demand a regular senior selection. Joel has enormous potential and ability, and I will never dismiss nor strip him of that. Sadly however, after 4 seasons of football, Joel has failed miserably to live up to his potential, and if he has another season of inconsistency, Mark Thompson, Brian Cook and the newly appointed coaching staff, could very well be in talks with The Weagles and Fremantle Dockers, when the ever so strenuous and infuriating trade week comes around.

Corey Enright: Managed to slot nicely into our defense (Darren Milburn-esque of a few years back now ) and really earn his selection, especially toward the end of the season, when we were playing for draft picks :rolleyes

Realistically, Enright is in the same boat as Joel Corey. We've seen the potential but we've also seen the continual and horribly inconsistent performances. Perhaps a permanent position on the back flank is the best solution.

Needs to prove his worth this season, though.

Daniel Foster: Definitely on his last chance. The club, seeing the defensive problems, opted for Foster in place of Brent Grgic at the end of last season, IMO.

Has had a horrible career really. Injury riddled and lacking in confidence, needs to establish himself in the Geelong defence, or as a running wingmen/forward flank.

Given that David Haynes - a forward flanker - has been recruited, he (Foster) will scarcely be given the opportunity to play forward with the likes of McCarthy, Graham, Playfair, Kingsley and Mooney ahead of him in the pecking order.

Having said that, the midfield is stacked with unproven and untried potential. If he can string some promising VFL games together, which, let's be honest, he has never managed to do, then he'll be in with a chance.

I'm expecting to be seeing him off in 9 months time. Sadly.

Charlie Gardiner: Ahh, the omnipresent word of 'potential' is being inserted again

Gardiner has some fierce competition (Mooney, Kingsley, McCarthy, Graham and Haynes) and needs to really lift his game if he wants to stay at the club.

Like I previously mentioned , he is one of so many Geelong players who have come to a crossroad in their career.

Given the rarity of quality forwards, I think Charlie will be permitted one more season after 04, but if his poor form permates into season 05 (He might star in 04, of course) then he will most definitely be shown the door.

Although, Mooney is still running around... :rolleyes

Ben Graham: To be honest, I think it has reached the stage where Benny is seen as a liabilty to the team. And I do not mean to degrade him as much as the comment does, but it's true.

His presence has stinted the development of our younger forwards, and like Benny's buddy said, I'm not sure whether it was solely Graham's fault for having such a promising, yet disappointing career.

I suppose one could argue, that he brought it upon himself, with all this talk of leaving Australia to play in America. He just always seemed to be in two minds, on every particular issue.

His position - was he a forward or a defender?
Geographically and personally, where was the better place for him to be - America or Australia?
Should he be the Captain of Geelong or not?

How can a player with such pressure and confusion hanging over his head, perform at an elite level on a consistent basis, especially when he was being targeted week in, week out by the opposing clubs.

In 04, I'd love to see Hinkley rekindled some Ben Graham magic. I'd love to see Benny turn into the player we all thought he would be, but when i try to pick Geelong's best 22, I can never find a spot for him and sadly, I think that resembles the path his career is going to take over the next 6 - 12 months.

Tom Harley: A very, very good team defender. Doesn't take the best forward, but always gets the second best and generally does his job superbly.

He and Scarlett make for the ultimate defensive unit for our club. And with Rookie and Callan developing, add to that the experienced old heads of Sanderson and Milburn (Possibly Enright, too) Geelong have one of the toughest and inpenetrable back lines in the competition.

Also loves to chat down at my local video store

David Haynes: Still reasonably young, and is definitely an antidote or remedy for the forward line problems. Whether he will succeed with such pressure behind him is another matter, but we can only hope

Played some decent games for the Weagles and apparently, is interested in playing in defense (read that somewhere). I look forward to seeing him in the hoops

Josh Hunt: Asgardian pretty much sums Josh up, sadly enough. Injuries have been a re-occurring hindrance for the prolific ball winning backmen. I just wish he could get over them, he has the grit/mongrel and determination the team needs to succeed.

He also can kick the ball back into play, something which desperately needs addressing to by the coaching staff.

David Johnson: I'm definitely not on the David Johnson bandwagon.

I think for a renowned speedster or quick runner, he's remarkably slow. Doesn't use the ball at all well, and struggles to crack into the senior side on a regular basis. And, to add to that, when he's in the senior side, makes some dreadful and crucial mistakes.

I would like to see him given the flick, but I'm willing to give him one more season. He's lucky Bomber still loves Essendon

Steve Johnson: Strikes me to have a slightly arrogant and conceited temperament - observed from seeing him chatting away at the VFL games.

However, he can definitely play football, and his bag of 6 goals against the Brisbane Lions really reiterates just how good he can be. On top of that, Steve is still young and will no doubt be an automatic selection if he can get over his ankle injury this season.

Knowing Geelong however, they'll bring him back a month too soon and he will hardly be able to walk, let alone run.

Due to his injury, I'm not expecting many stellar performances in 04, but I hope I'm wrong.

James Kelly: Love the kid. Decent disposal, superb second efforts and really has that touch of class, in the same mould as James Hird and Nigel Lappin.

Like Bartel, Corey and Enright, he needs to prove his worth by playing around 14 - 15 games, however 22 would be nice and should really be expected by the coaching staff.

I'm prepared to cut him a little slack, as he wasn't as physically mature as some of the other blokes. 3 years down the track however, and you have to start to increase the pressure on him to perform.

Steven King: Ahh, the Captain. We all know what Kingy is capable of, we've seen it all before. I'm just cursing the bastard relentlessly who decided to play him for several weeks after he had seriously damaged his achilles.

Will need desperately to be backed up this season, to prevent any further injury. I'd like to see Kingy win back the respect of the public and claim his throne as one of the best - if not the best - ruckmen in the competition.

And one things for sure, seeing Kingy back in action will definitely be worth the long dreary 6 month wait. The bloke is a star

Kent Kingsley: Drastic improvement on his 03 season is needed. Was a decent find in 02, however has lacked something since.

The general consensus seems to be, that Kingsley is more focused on his business oriented tasks, rather than his football.

Hopefully Kenny can rekindled the stellar performances of 02 for Kent as well I shan't be holding my breath however.

Paul Koulouriotis: Can't say I know a lot about Paul. From all reports he has some ability, just struggled to crack into the Port Adelaide midfield.

The funny thing is, with Francou coming back from a knee reconstruction and Nick Stevens departing, one would think that Port would want to keep all the midfield talent they had? Hmmm.

I'll wait before I comment, I think.

Cameron Ling: Love Lingy. He is the heart and soul of the Geelong team. The future Captain, and our superstar in the middle.

Pressing for 15 - 16 votes in the Brownlow this year I'd like to see him not get suspended, though. I hate having to watch him miss out for one measly week, just because Eddie can't hack him thrashing Buckers

David Loats: Very questionable recruit. Might bolster the VFL ruck stocks

Although, I do think he will take precedence over Chambers for the back-up ruck position, given he is supposedly a mobile forward as well...

Like Koula, I'll wait and see, before commenting.

Tom Lonergan: Hasn't played an AFL game, obviously but has shown plenty of signs on the VFL.

He was a regular goal kicker but if he is going to succeed and take the next step, like his counterpart Mackie, he needs to spend a few months in the gym.

A debut is definitely on the cards, however.

Andrew Mackie: See Lonergan, really. His only real hurdle being his weight.

Matthew McCarthy: Hopefully, Matty has had over 10,000 shots for goal by now with Billy Brownless standing right by his side, instructing him on every single one of those kicks.

If he can learn to kick the ball straight, he could well be a find. Needs to take the next step in 04 and will be given the job of full forward round 1. If he fails to deliver, 5 weeks in, you might have to travel all over Victoria to watch him play in the VFL

Darren Milburn: An old-head and a hard nut. Love Dasher in the defence.

There isn't a hell of a lot more to say about the fellow.

Brent Moloney: Wears the #32 Guernsey and definitely looks a find.

Strong body, confident and hard at it. Exactly the type of player Geelong need for their midfield. With Joel Corey, Kelly, Bartel and co being under enormous pressure to perform, he could well sneak under everybody's guard and take the world by storm

Wishful thinking? Let's wait and see shall we?

Cameron Mooney: My supplication... I plead: Please, Cameron, please put your head down and work your guts out to become a strong, quality and consistent centre-half-forward.

I'm tired of watching garbage and I've seen what you have to offer. Enormous potential you possess, and I just want you to fulfill it.

Okay, dreaming finished.

Realistically, Mooney needs to perform in 04 otherwise he'll be out the door in 6 - 8 months time

Henry Playfair: I most definitely have high hopes for big Henry. Now measuring in at 199 cm, with the ability to run in the ruck and take some pretty telling grabs up forward.

Has been living in the shadows ever since he arrived at Kardina Park, with Graham, Kingsley and Mooney being the preferred options up forward. Would like to see him given the chance to display his skill at CHF in round 1 against the Saints.

Omnipresent word: Potential. Now let's just fulfill it, Henry!

James Rahilly: Now David Clarke has packed his bags and headed down to Optus Oval, James Rahilly has won the well-acclaimed 'I can't kick' award.

I'll continue to cringe whenever he gets the ball, I just know it. I really question whether he even thinks before he kicks the ball.

Peter Riccardi: Needs to be used in spurts off the bench. Can be very damaging and a 1 - 2 goal average would be pretty handy for us.

Definitely is coming to the end, however.

Jarad Rooke: Jarad is a quality defender. Still young and learning the caper, but I just love the way he goes about his business. Tough, hard and incredibly courageous.

Tends to fall hellishly ill throughout the season, with an actual injury or some kind of illness i guess we'll never know. Hopefully, Rookie can get over whatever it is that sets him back in 04.

I for one love watching the kid.

Brenton Sanderson: An experienced and well-established senior player. Needs to improve his kicking of the ball back into play, however I feel that's more to do with the gameplan (read: coaching) rather than Brenton's actual ability to find targets and accurately deliver the ball to them.

Matthew Scarlett: Gun. Best full-back in the competition and that's all one can really say.

Will Slade: I'm not really a fan of Will. At times I find him dreadfully slow and struggle to watch.

I also believe he is well and truly at the bottom of the pecking order, plenty of players like him on the list. 5 appearances at best.

Matthew Spencer: I haven't actually seen him play, but from all reports, this kid could we be an absolute gun. I've claimed him from day #1.

I do not expect him to make an appearance in 04, however I wouldn't be surprised to see him, since he is so physically mature - according to Brenton Sanderson. I advise everybody to watch out for this kid

David Spriggs: The tenacious and resilient midfielder. Despite having a knee-reconstruction, and nearly claiming that prestigious award of the worst kick at the club (You know, the well-acclaimed one now held by James Rahilly) I believe Spriggsy still has the potential and skill to be somebody special.

Actually, scrap the skill part, he doesn't really have any. It is more so his personality and persistence that impresses me. The kid trains remarkably hard and has shown his determination in recovering from his knee injury.

Has a point to prove, knows how to prove it and knows what he has to do. Good luck Spriggsy, mate.

Kane Tenace: Haven't seen much of Kane, only read and heard some pretty special things.

Incredibly quick (short distance) and has been labelled by one of his teammates (Sanderson) as potentially the next Jason Akermanis. Now, that would be something. Or was that Thurley? Eck, I cannot remember.

I've also read comparisons of Judd and Tenace when GOALden Hawk and co were doing their phantom drafts. Seems like we could have somebody special there.

Cameron Thurley: Has already been maligned - well, the club was for choosing him in the draft, I suppose they are arguably the same thing.

Looks a bit like Paul Medhurst in the face - as was pointed out by Slim - and I'm hoping he plays like him That's just what we need, a reliable excitement machine.

David Wojcinski: At a crossroad. Has been at the club for 5 -6 years now and hasn't managed to hold down a regular senior selection.

We love his daring runs through the centre of the ground, but we don't see enough of them.

I always thought he was a tad too small to be playing in defense, so maybe we could experiment and try Monica on the forward line? A bit of speed and class couldn't go astray down there


Rookies:

James Allan: Very excited about the recruitment of James. Michael Turner thinks the kid is a star, and usually, Mick is pretty spot on. Obviously, the kid will have a battle on his hands nursing the knee, but I'm really looking forward to watching him in the VFL.

Luke Buckland: I know nooooothing.

Shannon Byrnes I would love to see the Shazza machine get a game in 04, but contrary to what you hear, I cannot see it eventuating. He is far too short and skinny to be considered yet, unless he has bulked up over the summer substantially.

Jeff Smith A star, as we all know.

-------------

I think after analysing the list, the amount of potential and unproven talent we have becomes abundantly clear. You have to commend Thompson for at least trying to build a young, quality side.

This year is the real test, however.

In closing: 9th Position, with the possiblity of scraping into the 8.

 

[GeeCat]

Originally posted by Shaitan
Well, it's another Saturday, the last Saturday of my holiday, so I thought I'd run through the Geelong list myself, analysing the boys.


Gary Ablett jr: - A very special kid. Having relived some of last year's disastrous form (through some old video tapes) he was the only player, along with Matthew Scarlett, Paul Chapman and Cameron Ling, to standout on a consistent basis. His disposal, nous and flair is something Geelong have definitely lacked over the last few years, and that, along with the name, is probably the major factor in all the hype surrounding the kid.

Played all 22 games, and featured in pretty much every single one. Such is the naivete of Thompson, he'll probably break down with a serious injury this year


James Bartel: - Oozes potential, in my humble opinion. He is definitely a kid to watch out for; however, like so many Geelong players, James has come to a crossroad in his career. After only managing 13 games (I say only because Ablett, a counterpart managed a staggering 22) in season 2003, he failed severely to make an impression on me and several supporters.

But, I watched him when he played for the Falcons - despite living down in Melbourne - and realised just how good Jimmy can be.

Plays a similar brand of football to James Kelly, classy and clever, but similarly to Kel, has to demand more time on the ground by way of good performances in the Wizard Cup/VFL campaign.

Mark Blake: One of the new kids on the block, whom I am awaiting with great anticipation to watch run around in the VFL.

From all reports, Mark could be the dynamic ruckmen-forward we've been searching for, for over a decade.

Tim Callan: A handy kid to have on the list, particularly when you really look at our defense.

Scarlett, Sanderson, Harley, Milburn, Monica, Graham and Rooke are predominately our defensive unit (One could extract Graham from the previous list). Excluding Rooke and Monica, the Geelong defense could be pertained to as 'young' or full of potential. Scarlett and Harley are entering their 'prime' but Dasher, Sando and Graham are quickly running out of time.

This is where the development of Callan and Spencer is absolutely essential and could be in many ways, tantamount to our success in future years. It's all very well having the best full back in the competition, but he needs others around to him to stand up and fight

On Callan personally, well I haven't really seen enough of him to comment, but from all VFL reports, the kid has got something pretty special.

Paul Chambers: I cannot fathom the original comment made by Asgardian. With all due respect, Chambers is predominately a ruckmen, with the ability to kick a few goals. But I personally wouldn't be lining up in in a key position.

Sadly for Paul, I think he will struggle to win a senior selection consistently in 04. From trying to read between the lines in the media, it looks as if Loats will be the prefered option to back up the Captain.

Personally, I like to see David earn his spot, and I'd give Paul the Guersney for round 1, providing he's fit and all that jazz.

Paul Chapman: The most underrated player by opposing clubs and their supporters. Incredibly tough and always pops up with a goal or two, and on the very odd occasion (2 - 5 times a season) a bag of 3.

Continuously, Chappy fires up the opposition. A second and third viewing on the Port Adelaide game was very special indeed. Chappy was instrumental in our heroic victory, kicking 3 telling goals and working well in tandem with Gazza Jnr.

An automatic selection on the forward flank, and perhaps if others (Read: Joel Corey, Bartel and Kelly) do not take their chance and improve dramatically, in the midfield.

Joel Corey: Needs to improve infinitely if he is going to continue to demand a regular senior selection. Joel has enormous potential and ability, and I will never dismiss nor strip him of that. Sadly however, after 4 seasons of football, Joel has failed miserably to live up to his potential, and if he has another season of inconsistency, Mark Thompson, Brian Cook and the newly appointed coaching staff, could very well be in talks with The Weagles and Fremantle Dockers, when the ever so strenuous and infuriating trade week comes around.

Corey Enright: Managed to slot nicely into our defense (Darren Milburn-esque of a few years back now ) and really earn his selection, especially toward the end of the season, when we were playing for draft picks :rolleyes

Realistically, Enright is in the same boat as Joel Corey. We've seen the potential but we've also seen the continual and horribly inconsistent performances. Perhaps a permanent position on the back flank is the best solution.

Needs to prove his worth this season, though.

Daniel Foster: Definitely on his last chance. The club, seeing the defensive problems, opted for Foster in place of Brent Grgic at the end of last season, IMO.

Has had a horrible career really. Injury riddled and lacking in confidence, needs to establish himself in the Geelong defence, or as a running wingmen/forward flank.

Given that David Haynes - a forward flanker - has been recruited, he (Foster) will scarcely be given the opportunity to play forward with the likes of McCarthy, Graham, Playfair, Kingsley and Mooney ahead of him in the pecking order.

Having said that, the midfield is stacked with unproven and untried potential. If he can string some promising VFL games together, which, let's be honest, he has never managed to do, then he'll be in with a chance.

I'm expecting to be seeing him off in 9 months time. Sadly.

Charlie Gardiner: Ahh, the omnipresent word of 'potential' is being inserted again

Gardiner has some fierce competition (Mooney, Kingsley, McCarthy, Graham and Haynes) and needs to really lift his game if he wants to stay at the club.

Like I previously mentioned , he is one of so many Geelong players who have come to a crossroad in their career.

Given the rarity of quality forwards, I think Charlie will be permitted one more season after 04, but if his poor form permates into season 05 (He might star in 04, of course) then he will most definitely be shown the door.

Although, Mooney is still running around... :rolleyes

Ben Graham: To be honest, I think it has reached the stage where Benny is seen as a liabilty to the team. And I do not mean to degrade him as much as the comment does, but it's true.

His presence has stinted the development of our younger forwards, and like Benny's buddy said, I'm not sure whether it was solely Graham's fault for having such a promising, yet disappointing career.

I suppose one could argue, that he brought it upon himself, with all this talk of leaving Australia to play in America. He just always seemed to be in two minds, on every particular issue.

His position - was he a forward or a defender?
Geographically and personally, where was the better place for him to be - America or Australia?
Should he be the Captain of Geelong or not?

How can a player with such pressure and confusion hanging over his head, perform at an elite level on a consistent basis, especially when he was being targeted week in, week out by the opposing clubs.

In 04, I'd love to see Hinkley rekindled some Ben Graham magic. I'd love to see Benny turn into the player we all thought he would be, but when i try to pick Geelong's best 22, I can never find a spot for him and sadly, I think that resembles the path his career is going to take over the next 6 - 12 months.

Tom Harley: A very, very good team defender. Doesn't take the best forward, but always gets the second best and generally does his job superbly.

He and Scarlett make for the ultimate defensive unit for our club. And with Rookie and Callan developing, add to that the experienced old heads of Sanderson and Milburn (Possibly Enright, too) Geelong have one of the toughest and inpenetrable back lines in the competition.

Also loves to chat down at my local video store

David Haynes: Still reasonably young, and is definitely an antidote or remedy for the forward line problems. Whether he will succeed with such pressure behind him is another matter, but we can only hope

Played some decent games for the Weagles and apparently, is interested in playing in defense (read that somewhere). I look forward to seeing him in the hoops

Josh Hunt: Asgardian pretty much sums Josh up, sadly enough. Injuries have been a re-occurring hindrance for the prolific ball winning backmen. I just wish he could get over them, he has the grit/mongrel and determination the team needs to succeed.

He also can kick the ball back into play, something which desperately needs addressing to by the coaching staff.

David Johnson: I'm definitely not on the David Johnson bandwagon.

I think for a renowned speedster or quick runner, he's remarkably slow. Doesn't use the ball at all well, and struggles to crack into the senior side on a regular basis. And, to add to that, when he's in the senior side, makes some dreadful and crucial mistakes.

I would like to see him given the flick, but I'm willing to give him one more season. He's lucky Bomber still loves Essendon

Steve Johnson: Strikes me to have a slightly arrogant and conceited temperament - observed from seeing him chatting away at the VFL games.

However, he can definitely play football, and his bag of 6 goals against the Brisbane Lions really reiterates just how good he can be. On top of that, Steve is still young and will no doubt be an automatic selection if he can get over his ankle injury this season.

Knowing Geelong however, they'll bring him back a month too soon and he will hardly be able to walk, let alone run.

Due to his injury, I'm not expecting many stellar performances in 04, but I hope I'm wrong.

James Kelly: Love the kid. Decent disposal, superb second efforts and really has that touch of class, in the same mould as James Hird and Nigel Lappin.

Like Bartel, Corey and Enright, he needs to prove his worth by playing around 14 - 15 games, however 22 would be nice and should really be expected by the coaching staff.

I'm prepared to cut him a little slack, as he wasn't as physically mature as some of the other blokes. 3 years down the track however, and you have to start to increase the pressure on him to perform.

Steven King: Ahh, the Captain. We all know what Kingy is capable of, we've seen it all before. I'm just cursing the bastard relentlessly who decided to play him for several weeks after he had seriously damaged his achilles.

Will need desperately to be backed up this season, to prevent any further injury. I'd like to see Kingy win back the respect of the public and claim his throne as one of the best - if not the best - ruckmen in the competition.

And one things for sure, seeing Kingy back in action will definitely be worth the long dreary 6 month wait. The bloke is a star

Kent Kingsley: Drastic improvement on his 03 season is needed. Was a decent find in 02, however has lacked something since.

The general consensus seems to be, that Kingsley is more focused on his business oriented tasks, rather than his football.

Hopefully Kenny can rekindled the stellar performances of 02 for Kent as well I shan't be holding my breath however.

Paul Koulouriotis: Can't say I know a lot about Paul. From all reports he has some ability, just struggled to crack into the Port Adelaide midfield.

The funny thing is, with Francou coming back from a knee reconstruction and Nick Stevens departing, one would think that Port would want to keep all the midfield talent they had? Hmmm.

I'll wait before I comment, I think.

Cameron Ling: Love Lingy. He is the heart and soul of the Geelong team. The future Captain, and our superstar in the middle.

Pressing for 15 - 16 votes in the Brownlow this year I'd like to see him not get suspended, though. I hate having to watch him miss out for one measly week, just because Eddie can't hack him thrashing Buckers

David Loats: Very questionable recruit. Might bolster the VFL ruck stocks

Although, I do think he will take precedence over Chambers for the back-up ruck position, given he is supposedly a mobile forward as well...

Like Koula, I'll wait and see, before commenting.

Tom Lonergan: Hasn't played an AFL game, obviously but has shown plenty of signs on the VFL.

He was a regular goal kicker but if he is going to succeed and take the next step, like his counterpart Mackie, he needs to spend a few months in the gym.

A debut is definitely on the cards, however.

Andrew Mackie: See Lonergan, really. His only real hurdle being his weight.

Matthew McCarthy: Hopefully, Matty has had over 10,000 shots for goal by now with Billy Brownless standing right by his side, instructing him on every single one of those kicks.

If he can learn to kick the ball straight, he could well be a find. Needs to take the next step in 04 and will be given the job of full forward round 1. If he fails to deliver, 5 weeks in, you might have to travel all over Victoria to watch him play in the VFL

Darren Milburn: An old-head and a hard nut. Love Dasher in the defence.

There isn't a hell of a lot more to say about the fellow.

Brent Moloney: Wears the #32 Guernsey and definitely looks a find.

Strong body, confident and hard at it. Exactly the type of player Geelong need for their midfield. With Joel Corey, Kelly, Bartel and co being under enormous pressure to perform, he could well sneak under everybody's guard and take the world by storm

Wishful thinking? Let's wait and see shall we?

Cameron Mooney: My supplication... I plead: Please, Cameron, please put your head down and work your guts out to become a strong, quality and consistent centre-half-forward.

I'm tired of watching garbage and I've seen what you have to offer. Enormous potential you possess, and I just want you to fulfill it.

Okay, dreaming finished.

Realistically, Mooney needs to perform in 04 otherwise he'll be out the door in 6 - 8 months time

Henry Playfair: I most definitely have high hopes for big Henry. Now measuring in at 199 cm, with the ability to run in the ruck and take some pretty telling grabs up forward.

Has been living in the shadows ever since he arrived at Kardina Park, with Graham, Kingsley and Mooney being the preferred options up forward. Would like to see him given the chance to display his skill at CHF in round 1 against the Saints.

Omnipresent word: Potential. Now let's just fulfill it, Henry!

James Rahilly: Now David Clarke has packed his bags and headed down to Optus Oval, James Rahilly has won the well-acclaimed 'I can't kick' award.

I'll continue to cringe whenever he gets the ball, I just know it. I really question whether he even thinks before he kicks the ball.

Peter Riccardi: Needs to be used in spurts off the bench. Can be very damaging and a 1 - 2 goal average would be pretty handy for us.

Definitely is coming to the end, however.

Jarad Rooke: Jarad is a quality defender. Still young and learning the caper, but I just love the way he goes about his business. Tough, hard and incredibly courageous.

Tends to fall hellishly ill throughout the season, with an actual injury or some kind of illness i guess we'll never know. Hopefully, Rookie can get over whatever it is that sets him back in 04.

I for one love watching the kid.

Brenton Sanderson: An experienced and well-established senior player. Needs to improve his kicking of the ball back into play, however I feel that's more to do with the gameplan (read: coaching) rather than Brenton's actual ability to find targets and accurately deliver the ball to them.

Matthew Scarlett: Gun. Best full-back in the competition and that's all one can really say.

Will Slade: I'm not really a fan of Will. At times I find him dreadfully slow and struggle to watch.

I also believe he is well and truly at the bottom of the pecking order, plenty of players like him on the list. 5 appearances at best.

Matthew Spencer: I haven't actually seen him play, but from all reports, this kid could we be an absolute gun. I've claimed him from day #1.

I do not expect him to make an appearance in 04, however I wouldn't be surprised to see him, since he is so physically mature - according to Brenton Sanderson. I advise everybody to watch out for this kid

David Spriggs: The tenacious and resilient midfielder. Despite having a knee-reconstruction, and nearly claiming that prestigious award of the worst kick at the club (You know, the well-acclaimed one now held by James Rahilly) I believe Spriggsy still has the potential and skill to be somebody special.

Actually, scrap the skill part, he doesn't really have any. It is more so his personality and persistence that impresses me. The kid trains remarkably hard and has shown his determination in recovering from his knee injury.

Has a point to prove, knows how to prove it and knows what he has to do. Good luck Spriggsy, mate.

Kane Tenace: Haven't seen much of Kane, only read and heard some pretty special things.

Incredibly quick (short distance) and has been labelled by one of his teammates (Sanderson) as potentially the next Jason Akermanis. Now, that would be something. Or was that Thurley? Eck, I cannot remember.

I've also read comparisons of Judd and Tenace when GOALden Hawk and co were doing their phantom drafts. Seems like we could have somebody special there.

Cameron Thurley: Has already been maligned - well, the club was for choosing him in the draft, I suppose they are arguably the same thing.

Looks a bit like Paul Medhurst in the face - as was pointed out by Slim - and I'm hoping he plays like him That's just what we need, a reliable excitement machine.

David Wojcinski: At a crossroad. Has been at the club for 5 -6 years now and hasn't managed to hold down a regular senior selection.

We love his daring runs through the centre of the ground, but we don't see enough of them.

I always thought he was a tad too small to be playing in defense, so maybe we could experiment and try Monica on the forward line? A bit of speed and class couldn't go astray down there


Rookies:

James Allan: Very excited about the recruitment of James. Michael Turner thinks the kid is a star, and usually, Mick is pretty spot on. Obviously, the kid will have a battle on his hands nursing the knee, but I'm really looking forward to watching him in the VFL.

Luke Buckland: I know nooooothing.

Shannon Byrnes I would love to see the Shazza machine get a game in 04, but contrary to what you hear, I cannot see it eventuating. He is far too short and skinny to be considered yet, unless he has bulked up over the summer substantially.

Jeff Smith A star, as we all know.

-------------

I think after analysing the list, the amount of potential and unproven talent we have becomes abundantly clear. You have to commend Thompson for at least trying to build a young, quality side.

This year is the real test, however.

In closing: 9th Position, with the possiblity of scraping into the 8.

Pretty much sums everything up. Great effort; I agree with the summaries on most players barring one or two.

However with Joel Corey, I believe you're being a little too harsh on the bloke. He usually draws the oppositions no.1 tagger every week and if you look at his stats from this season...

Player Statistics - Joel Corey
Season
AFL 2003 Premiership Season

Round Date vs. K H P M HO T FF FA G B
ROUND 1 30/03/2003 Western Bulldogs 15 13 28 5 2 4 1 1 1 0
ROUND 2 06/04/2003 Kangaroos 17 13 30 5 0 6 1 0 1 0
ROUND 3 12/04/2003 Collingwood 10 9 19 1 0 1 4 2 1 0
ROUND 4 19/04/2003 Melbourne 13 11 24 2 1 3 1 1 0 2
ROUND 5 27/04/2003 St Kilda 9 2 11 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
ROUND 6 04/05/2003 Brisbane Lions 12 12 24 4 0 0 1 0 1 0
ROUND 7 10/05/2003 West Coast 16 12 28 8 0 4 0 2 0 1
ROUND 8 18/05/2003 Sydney 7 5 12 2 0 4 0 0 0 0
ROUND 9 25/05/2003 Hawthorn 22 9 31 7 1 3 2 0 1 0
ROUND 10 01/06/2003 Adelaide 15 5 20 3 1 5 4 0 0 0
ROUND 11 08/06/2003 Carlton 3 5 8 2 0 4 0 0 0 0
ROUND 12 14/06/2003 Fremantle 11 6 17 3 0 2 0 1 0 1
ROUND 13 27/06/2003 Essendon 15 9 24 6 0 2 1 1 1 0
ROUND 14 06/07/2003 Port Adelaide 7 2 9 2 0 5 1 2 1 0
ROUND 15 12/07/2003 Richmond 9 6 15 3 0 2 0 2 0 1
ROUND 16 20/07/2003 Western Bulldogs 6 6 12 4 0 1 1 0 0 0
ROUND 17 26/07/2003 Kangaroos 8 7 15 3 0 1 1 0 1 0
ROUND 18 02/08/2003 Collingwood 11 6 17 5 1 5 1 1 0 1
ROUND 19 08/08/2003 Melbourne 10 4 14 2 0 8 0 1 0 0
ROUND 20 16/08/2003 West Coast 12 3 15 2 1 2 0 1 1 0
ROUND 21 23/08/2003 Brisbane Lions 10 8 18 3 0 4 0 1 0 0
ROUND 22 30/08/2003 St Kilda 12 4 16 6 0 3 0 1 0

...their not half bad to warrant such criticism. He's averaging 19 possies and just over 3 tackles a game with the oppositions tagger regularly breathing down his back. I think it's fair to say he was one of our better midfielders last year (behind Ling and Ablett [when in the midfield]). And if you look at fellow draftees from his year, he's been playing better footy than the likes of Fiora, L.Brown, Roach, and Cupido. Sure he still needs to improve his game drastically but I don't think he's one of those blokes who needs to have an absolute stellar year to stay on the list.

 

[Seb]

Originally posted by GeeCat
Pretty much sums everything up. Great effort; I agree with the summaries on most players barring one or two.

However with Joel Corey, I believe you're being a little too harsh on the bloke. He usually draws the oppositions no.1 tagger every week and if you look at his stats from this season...

Player Statistics - Joel Corey
Season
AFL 2003 Premiership Season

Round Date vs. K H P M HO T FF FA G B
ROUND 1 30/03/2003 Western Bulldogs 15 13 28 5 2 4 1 1 1 0
ROUND 2 06/04/2003 Kangaroos 17 13 30 5 0 6 1 0 1 0
ROUND 3 12/04/2003 Collingwood 10 9 19 1 0 1 4 2 1 0
ROUND 4 19/04/2003 Melbourne 13 11 24 2 1 3 1 1 0 2
ROUND 5 27/04/2003 St Kilda 9 2 11 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
ROUND 6 04/05/2003 Brisbane Lions 12 12 24 4 0 0 1 0 1 0
ROUND 7 10/05/2003 West Coast 16 12 28 8 0 4 0 2 0 1
ROUND 8 18/05/2003 Sydney 7 5 12 2 0 4 0 0 0 0
ROUND 9 25/05/2003 Hawthorn 22 9 31 7 1 3 2 0 1 0
ROUND 10 01/06/2003 Adelaide 15 5 20 3 1 5 4 0 0 0
ROUND 11 08/06/2003 Carlton 3 5 8 2 0 4 0 0 0 0
ROUND 12 14/06/2003 Fremantle 11 6 17 3 0 2 0 1 0 1
ROUND 13 27/06/2003 Essendon 15 9 24 6 0 2 1 1 1 0
ROUND 14 06/07/2003 Port Adelaide 7 2 9 2 0 5 1 2 1 0
ROUND 15 12/07/2003 Richmond 9 6 15 3 0 2 0 2 0 1
ROUND 16 20/07/2003 Western Bulldogs 6 6 12 4 0 1 1 0 0 0
ROUND 17 26/07/2003 Kangaroos 8 7 15 3 0 1 1 0 1 0
ROUND 18 02/08/2003 Collingwood 11 6 17 5 1 5 1 1 0 1
ROUND 19 08/08/2003 Melbourne 10 4 14 2 0 8 0 1 0 0
ROUND 20 16/08/2003 West Coast 12 3 15 2 1 2 0 1 1 0
ROUND 21 23/08/2003 Brisbane Lions 10 8 18 3 0 4 0 1 0 0
ROUND 22 30/08/2003 St Kilda 12 4 16 6 0 3 0 1 0

...their not half bad to warrant such criticism. He's averaging 19 possies and just over 3 tackles a game with the oppositions tagger regularly breathing down his back. I think it's fair to say he was one of our better midfielders last year (behind Ling and Ablett [when in the midfield]). And if you look at fellow draftees from his year, he's been playing better footy than the likes of Fiora, L.Brown, Roach, and Cupido. Sure he still needs to improve his game drastically but I don't think he's one of those blokes who needs to have an absolute stellar year to stay on the list.

True.

If we're going to challenge teams in the top echelon however, Joel will need to improve.

That average has to be up around the 25 disposal mark, with Lingy averaging a similar amount.

 

[Fall Out Boy]

My criticism of Smithy is his lack of consistency.

Yes he gets a tagger, but quality players still find a way to get the pill.

Has a long way to go if he wants to be a quality AFL midfielder.

 

[Seb]

Originally posted by phatandphreaky
My criticism of Smithy is his lack of consistency.

Yes he gets a tagger, but quality players still find a way to get the pill.

Has a long way to go if he wants to be a quality AFL midfielder.

Spot on.

Joel does notch up the odd 25 - 30 possessions in the one game; however, his form the following week, as the above evidence shows, can vary from as little as 8 - 10 kicks and handballs a match.

Quite simply, Joel needs to be getting the pill 20 times a match, consistently. None of these games where he finds himself in the cold, touching it around 8 - 10 times.

 

[GeeCat]

Originally posted by Shaitan
True.

If we're going to challenge teams in the top echelon however, Joel will need to improve.

That average has to be up around the 25 disposal mark, with Lingy averaging a similar amount.

I agree with the fact that Joel will have to drastically improve his game and play good consistent 20+ possession games of footy if he is to become an elite midfielder that his potential suggests he can be; yet I think it's fair to say that he has performed reasonably in his few seasons at the club and that labelling him a complete failure in living up to his potential is being that little bit too harsh ("Joel has failed miserably to live up to his potential").

 

[Seb]

True, I was a tad harsh.

But, I'm willing to give him this season and perhaps a little more.

 

[storrma29]

smithy

ya never know, king mooted to spend time up fwd this year
smithy and kingy could resume their love affair in fwd 50
smithy might be our small crumber 40 -50 goals

 

[Seb]

Re: smithy

Originally posted by storrma29
ya never know, king mooted to spend time up fwd this year
smithy and kingy could resume their love affair in fwd 50
smithy might be our small crumber 40 -50 goals

Erm...no.

Heard of Thurley...wait, that's probably not the most ideal question to ask... Chappy or Ablett?

 

[storrma29]

thurley

spot on seb...oops shaiten(sorry you sound like a poster from another board )thurley aint the ideal question to ask because as you know he is unlikely to fill that role for us
my post was merely following your theme that smithy was on the brink of being traded
a move fwd might help re invigorate him
This post is tounge in cheek as was the first
smithy as a fwd would be as silly as .......say ling going fwd

 

[Seb]

Re: thurley

Originally posted by storrma29
spot on seb...oops shaiten(sorry you sound like a poster from another board )thurley aint the ideal question to ask because as you know he is unlikely to fill that role for us
my post was merely following your theme that smithy was on the brink of being traded
a move fwd might help re invigorate him
This post is tounge in cheek as was the first
smithy as a fwd would be as silly as .......say ling going fwd

Yep, I know mate

 

[swarvay]

what are we expecting from our rookies, Tenace, Blake, Spence< buckland and Allan? if we were to elevate some1 frm the rookie list which would we chice?

 

[Seb]

Originally posted by swarvay
what are we expecting from our rookies, Tenace, Blake, Spence< buckland and Allan? if we were to elevate some1 frm the rookie list which would we chice?

A VFL Premiership for one.

Kane Tenace will play a handful of games 5 - 4. But, the kid I really want to see given a guernsey is Shannon Byrnes.