2009 Player review

[the_champ_2004]

I know there have been a few of these done already but these are the official long reviews the club are publishing. They are putting one out every day so if i don't put one up someone else feel free.

 

[the_champ_2004]

1 Leon Davis

2009 season
In his 10th season at the club, Leon Davis arguably enjoyed a career-best year in the black and white stripes. The 28-year-old spent more time in the midfield than in seasons past and thus increased his disposal output, averaging a career-high of 20.5 per game.

Davis was rewarded for his 2009 efforts with a place in the AFL All-Australian forward line (first time in his career) as well as polling his best return at the Brownlow with 10 votes.

The Perth-native signed a two-year contract extension earlier this season to keep him at the club until the end of 2011.

2009 highlights
Round 9 v West Coast: Davis made the most of his home coming with a 32-disposal and three-goal effort in front of a packed Subiaco Oval. Without five of its first-choice forwards, Collingwood relied on Davis’ scoring efforts with a memorable performance in a round celebrating Indigenous players.

Round 15 v Western Bulldogs: In a one-point thriller under the roof on Sunday afternoon, Davis electrified the crowd in a breakout third term booting three majors while collecting eight touches. He finished the match with four goals which tied for his highest return of the year (Davis kicked four against Richmond in Round 20).

Paul Hudson (forward assistant coach) says: Being chosen All-Australian is a magnificent achievement. He did statistically have a good year. His conversion was down for the classy player he is (59.3%) and it's something he needs to work on.

G 23
K 15.3 @ 65%
H 5.2 @ 88.3%
D 20.5@ 70.9%
M 4.7
G 1.5 (35)
B 1
T 4.2
C 2.1

 

[the_champ_2004]

2 Sean Rusling

2009 season
It was a groundhog year for the injury-plagued utility, only managing seven VFL matches this season. After recovering from his third shoulder reconstruction, the 22-year-old made a return through the VFL in Round Six, impressing coaches with a role down back, before a sickening collision in the final minutes saw him miss two weeks with a fractured cheekbone. Two consecutive appearances in the VFL were followed by another stint on the sidelines (seven weeks) with a hip flexor injury.

Rusling, who was drafted as a forward, could play a role down in defence next season after spending the majority of his time there in the VFL this year.

2009 Highlights
Round Six v Coburg Tigers: In his first match of the year, Rusling looked at home in defence, picking up 15 possessions and four marks. In limited game time the young Magpie proved why the coaching staff have kept their faith in him. His tenacity for the disputed ball combined with his quality of usage only adds further excitement to the potential of this prospective star.

Gavin Brown (VFL head coach) says: He was unfortunately injured at times in between the seven games he played. The pleasing thing was he got through the season and played the last few games. He will have his first full preseason since he has been here. His shoulders are fine. He predominantly played down back this year and I would think he will start there again next year and see how he progresses.

2009 VFL statistics
G K H D M
7 3.6 5.3 8.9 2.0

 

[the_champ_2004]

3 John McCarthy

2009 season
After playing in the final six AFL games last year, John McCarthy’s 2010 season got off to a slow start with the midfielder sustaining a hamstring injury in the opening round of the VFL season. He returned for two matches in the middle of the home-and-away season before he was forced to the sidelines for another two months.

A return to the park at the end of the year saw the 19-year-old produce some encouraging numbers, including consecutive matches with over 20 disposals which warranted a late season elevation to the seniors.

McCarthy returned to the VFL after the qualifying final loss and proved a welcome addition to the side during its finals campaign. He notched 22 disposals and kicked two goals in the semi final win over Williamstown.

2009 Highlights
Round 19 v Frankston: A win over Frankston saw the VFL Magpies clinch a finals berth for the first time since the side was established in 2008. McCarthy served as the catalyst for the Magpies’ 76-point win, with 10 possessions and two goals in the first term. The midfielder finished the match with 26 touches and a performance worthy of a recall to the senior side the following week.

Gavin Brown (VFL head coach) says: Poor old Johnny Mac was just injury plagued all year. He didn’t have a preseason because of the operation on his knee and then he did his hamstring and had no continuity what so ever. He was a bit under done. Hopefully it’s over and done with and with the way he took to the final month of footy, there could be great things coming from him next year.

2009 VFL statistics

G K H D M G
9 9.0 7.9 16.9 3.9 0.9

 

[the_champ_2004]

double post

 

[the_champ_2004]

4 Alan Didak

2009 season
The 2006 Copeland Trophy winner enjoyed a wonderful season, contributing in 20 games while spending more time in the midfield. Originally drafted as a midfielder from the SANFL, Didak fitted in smoothly to the new role averaging a career-high in disposals (25.5) while not dropping off in front of goal averaging one major a game (2008 averaged 1.3).

In the second half of the season, Didak was confronted with close attention from his opponents, a factor he will have to contend with for the rest of his career. In Round 20 against Richmond, Didak proved he was up to the challenge getting the better of Jake King for the match, collecting 27 disposals and slotting two goals in a match up lasting 97 minutes.

2009 highlights
Round 12 v Sydney: Arguably one of the best performances of the year, Didak collected over 30 possessions for just the second time in his career (34). His ball usage was particularly impressive, disposing it on both sides of his body at 88% efficiency. The win at Telstra Stadium showed the AFL world that Collingwood and Didak were a force to be reckoned with in September.

Round 13 v Fremantle: Didak posted his third straight 30-plus disposal effort with 39 on Saturday afternoon at the MCG. In a big win over Fremantle, Didak polled three Brownlow votes for the second straight week. He also kicked two goals which continued his hot streak of two or more for the fourth consecutive match.

Paul Hudson (assistant forwards coach) says: Another one who had a good purple patch through the middle stages of the year. Had a pretty good year overall as far as statistics go. One thing I found with Didak is because he can play in the midfield and up forward, I was trying to get him to understand the balance with his work rate by being in the midfield. If he is going to be getting kicks at halfback I want him kicking goals as well. I think 20 goals and 12 behinds is average for him. I think he is capable of kicking 30 or 40 goals and it’s that balance he needs to work on.

2009 AFL statistics

G K H D M G B T C
20 17.9/68.7% 7.6/85.5% 25.5/73.7 5.1 1.0 0.6 1.9 3.0

 

[the_champ_2004]

5 Nick Maxwell

2009 season
It was an extremely impressive season for Nick Maxwell, who took the reins from Scott Burns as the Collingwood skipper. After a shaky start to the season which saw Maxwell miss rounds four and five through suspension (rough conduct), the 26-year-old played in the final 20 matches of the year and was a standout in September. He relished his new role down back, playing as a loose man in defence, which led to an average of four more possessions a game than in 2008 (13.4 in 2008 and 17.9 in 2009).

He was awarded for his efforts with several prestigious accolades during the Copeland Trophy night including the RT Rush Trophy (runner-up in the best and fairest), the Gavin Brown award (leading desire indicators), and the Bob Rose Trophy (best player in finals - tied with Heath Shaw).

Mick Malthouse was extremely complimentary of the skipper when the head coach addressed the audience during the Copeland Trophy night.

“I think it would be fair to say in the 25-odd years that I have coached, you have got the hallmarks and the making of one of the all-time great captains. Because you are selfless, you do aim high, you take people with you and (when) you look over your shoulder, there will be a stream of people following you and I think that’s one of your greatest attributes.”

2009 highlights
Round Nine v West Coast: In an important away match for the club, Maxwell led from the backline collecting 29 possessions and 12 marks. He played on a range of opponents including Ben McKinley and Quinten Lynch and managed to hold them goalless for the entire match. He polled three Brownlow votes for the match, the first for his career.

Mark Neeld (assistant forward coach) says: In his first year as captain he led very well and took his own game up a notch in terms of work rate, possessions gained and also his marking was another area he really improved on. He was second in the Copeland Trophy which tells you he had a very good year.

2009 AFL statistics

G K H D M G B T C
23 8.9/74.6% 9.0/89.3% 17.9/81.8% 6.3 0.1 0.1 2.6 0.6

 

[the_champ_2004]

6 Tyson Goldsack

2009 season
In his third season at the club, Tyson Goldsack played in 12 senior matches while contributing in nine VFL games.

The 22-year-old was unable to maintain a regular position in the AFL side due to the success of the backline and will be one of the many players battling for a senior position before Round one.

Goldsack improved his disposal efficiency this season in the AFL working it by foot at 83.1% (71.1% in 2008) while by hand at 81.5 % (74.1 % in 2008).

Adding to his finals experience, Goldsack played in both the semi final against Adelaide and in the preliminary final loss to Geelong and now has featured in seven finals matches which will prove invaluable experience for a player early on in his career.

A strong second half of the 2009 season saw Goldsack play eight matches from Round 13 to the end to the year (he missed five during this period).

With 45 AFL games under his belt, Goldsack's 2010 season should see him blossom into a consistent player that Mick Malthouse and his coaching staff can count on to stand up to September pressure.

2009 highlights

Round 19 v Adelaide: Goldsack stepped up in a pivotal away match for the club collecting 14 disposals and seven marks. He was used in a number of positions and displayed his versatility both in the backline and through the midfield. His work over the offseason on his defensive skills was evident racking up a season-high five tackles.

Mark Neeld says: Tyson was in and out at the start of the year, then found some consistent form in the VFL, was promoted and managed to not only hold his spot but contribute to what the back six were trying to achieve. He's athletic, can kick long and has a bit of pace.

2009 AFL statistics

G K H D M G B T C
12 5.9/83.1% 5.4/81.5% 11.3/82.4% 3.2 0.1 0.0 2.8 0.5

2009 VFL statistics

G K H D M T
9 6.8 6.9 13.7 2.9 3.7

 

[the_champ_2004]

My net has stuffed up, can someone please finish these up?

 

[collingwood1992]

7 Paul Medhurst

http://www.collingwoodfc.com.au/newsfeatures/news/newsarticle/tabid/5586/newsid/86201/default.aspx

After having an injury interrupted preseason, Paul Medhurst's 2009 year never reached its full potential.

The 2008 All-Australian was forced to miss six consecutive rounds (7-12) with an ankle injury (played in VFL in Round 10 during AFL bye week) and to his credit was able to show some strong form on his return, but two poor finals performances saw the 27-year-old omitted from the preliminary final.

He managed to play 18 senior matches, an impressive number considering he was hampered by a serious ankle problem.

Medhurst’s minutes per game were well down from last year, averaging 84 minutes per game compared to 104 in 2008.

A clear run over the next three months should help the forward regain his 2008 form.

2009 highlights
Round four v Brisbane: After kicking three goals the week before in the loss to Geelong, Medhurst shined in what was a must-win match for the club at the Gabba. He proved the match winner booting four goals including two in the third term. Trailing by 10 points at the main break, the forward took a strong mark in the opening minute of the third and slotted a tough shot from a tight angle. Moments later he tacked on his third for the match, kicking true from the side of his boot to put the Magpies ahead for the first time.

Paul Hudson: It was a frustrating year for Medhurst. Both for the coaches and him personally. I think having been dropped during the finals was indicative of that. We know that he was under an injury cloud. He will be the first to admit that his preparation this year and last year was chalk and cheese. He knows what he has to do for 2010. A really strong preseason and he will be right to go.

2009 AFL statistics

G K H D M G B T C
18 8.6/57.4% 3.9/76.1% 12.6/63.3% 5.3 1.2 1.1 1.6 0.3

2009 VFL statistics
G K H D M T
2 6.0 4.0 10.0 3.5 3.1

 

[collingwood1992]

8 Harry O'Brien

http://www.collingwoodfc.com.au/newsfeatures/news/newsarticle/tabid/5586/newsid/86237/default.aspx

In his fifth season at the club, Harry O’Brien has proven he is an integral part of the Collingwood back six. He was one of five Magpies to play in every match (25) and averaged a career-high in disposals (16.1) while maintaining his accuracy at 83.6%, the best at the club.

Once again O’Brien showed he can play on a range of opponents and effectively limit their impact during a game. His 2009 scalps included Adam Goodes, Daniel Bradshaw, Aaron Davey and Eddie Betts.

O’Brien electrified the crowd this season with five goals all kicked from outside the 50 metre arc. His long accurate kick forced his opponent to maintain a close eye on the defender when the Magpies moved the ball forward.

The 22-year-old came fourth in the Copeland Trophy which was his best result and his second-straight top-five finish (fifth in 2008).

He also received the Darren Millane Trophy for best clubman.

O’Brien has established himself as a supporter favourite through his desire to reach out to the fans with online social media. A member of Facebook and Twitter, the affable defender keeps supporters up to date with the latest happenings in his life.

With already 85 games under his belt, O’Brien will only continue to develop until he solidifies himself as one of the league’s best down back.

2009 highlights
Round 4 v Brisbane: After allowing nine first half goals to the home side, O’Brien and his teammates held the potent Brisbane attack to only one major after the main break. O’Brien blanketed Daniel Bradshaw for 88 minutes and held him goalless (Bradshaw was held goalless in only three matches this year). O’Brien also limited the forward's impact with Bradshaw picking up six possessions against him (the second lowest number of the year).

Round 15 v Western Bulldogs: The Brazilian was at his best in the one-point win which showcased the defender’s ability to play a number of roles in one game. O’Brien touched up Josh Hill, Jason Akermanis and Robert Murphy during the hard fought contest and only allowed one goal to slip through from Mitch Hahn in what was a high scoring game.


2009 AFL statistics

G K H D M G B T C
25 9.2/80.4% 6.9/87.8% 16.1/83.6% 4.2 0.2 0.0 1.8 0.7

 

[DThomas]

Re: 8 Harry O'Brien

Not to be a party pooper, but isn't this a violation of the new rules about posting articles?

 

[Pie eyed]

Re: 8 Harry O'Brien

Not to be a party pooper, but isn't this a violation of the new rules about posting articles?

I don' think those rules would apply to stuff generated by the club.
They are not in the business of profit from news. These articles are for the information of members, of which many of us are and I can't see how reproducing them here is any different from emailing them to a friend.

JB you may like to confirm this if you are lurking?

 

[DThomas]

Re: 8 Harry O'Brien

I don' think those rules would apply to stuff generated by the club.
They are not in the business of profit from news. These articles are for the information of members, of which many of us are and I can't see how reproducing them here is any different from emailing them to a friend.

JB you may like to confirm this if you are lurking?

Oh ok, thanks for clearing that up. Sorry everyone.

 

[mdc]

Re: 8 Harry O'Brien

I don' think those rules would apply to stuff generated by the club.
They are not in the business of profit from news. These articles are for the information of members, of which many of us are and I can't see how reproducing them here is any different from emailing them to a friend.

I agree to an extent, but to be fair I'm not really sure it makes a lot of sense to reproduce the articles in their entirety when a link would suffice.

I'll leave the ones already up for now, but links and/or interesting tid-bits only from now on please guys.

 

[the_champ_2004]

Re: 8 Harry O'Brien

I agree to an extent, but to be fair I'm not really sure it makes a lot of sense to reproduce the articles in their entirety when a link would suffice.

I'll leave the ones already up for now, but links and/or interesting tid-bits only from now on please guys.

no worries, my bad