Review 2011 Player Ratings

[Kyptastic]

Essendon 2011 Player Ratings


I've never done anything like this before. I've honestly never thought too deeply about football prior to this year. Being at this site has opened my eyes and made me fall in love with the Essendon Football Club even more than I had been previously. Therefore, I figured I'd have a go at rating the players who played senior footy across this year and what I hope to see from them in the future.


NOTE: I will be going through players in Alphabetical order. I do have my biases (as all people do), so these ratings may not match yours for obvious reasons. I did try to watch all games this year, but I can't promise that my memory is great, particularly for earlier in the year.


Format
Name:
Games Played:
Average Possessions
Goals/Behinds
Rating
Comments
Areas for Improvement
Game/Moment of the Year
Going to aim to do 5 or so at a time. Depending on how busy I am, I might finish quickly or take a few days. Hopefully I will stick with this all the way through...

Ok, so here we go:

Name: Tom Bellchambers
Games Played: 13
Average Possessions: 10.8
Goals/Behinds: 8/2
Rating: 6.5
Comments: Breakout year (probably going to be saying that a lot) for Tom. His early season form was so strong that the club had to change the game plan to accomodate him and, although this contributed in some ways to our form slump in the middle of the year, was generally our number one ruckman for this time. Showed that he can clunk a mark and still ranked inside the top 20 in the league for hitouts despite only playing 13 games. Was forced out for balance issues and his infrequent appearances later in the season meant that he never really got any solid form, whilst Hille would play well anytime that his position in the team was threatened.
Areas for Improvement: Needs to work on his around the ground efforts, particularly if he's going to play first ruck. Needs more awareness of where to move when the ball is moving, although generally sets up well at set plays. Expect to see him as one of the two preferred ruckman in the team come Round 1 2012.
Game/Moment of the Year: 41 Hitouts against St Kilda. Monster effort.

Name: Alex Browne
Games Played: 2
Average Possessions: 2.0
Goals/Behinds: 0/0
Rating: 3
Comments: Very hard to judge a first year player , particularly one that played as the sub in both his appearances. Always seemed to try hard and demonstrated clean hands on occassions.
Areas for Improvement: Just needs more time. Don't expect him to be tearing it up next year as he's far too skinny. Can't see him playing more than 5 games next year.
Game/Moment of the Year: I was at his debut against Melbourne and thought he did alright, particularly in a couple of contested situations with clean hands.

Name: Jake Carlisle
Games Played: 7
Average Possessions: 14.3
Goals/Behinds: 3/0
Rating: 6
Comments: If it wasn't for our crippling injuries and Hurley being sent forward we may not have seen Jake this year. In some ways, however, it's been a blessing for Jake. Essendon fans can be confident that when Jake is on the field he'll not only compete well, but will win one on one contests. Took over Hooker's role quite well (although can't confidently stand the monster forwards yet) and played well forward when he had the freedom to do so.
Areas for Improvement: Other than another pre-season in the gym he needs to be settled in a position. Seems to be solid down back, but excites more as a forward. Can take big contested marks and kick straight. May be the Kosi to Hurley's Reiwoldt (except not as spudly).
Game/Moment of the Year: Contest against Sam Reid was great for the AFL as a whole. Two young key position players competing one on one was a great sight with Carlisle holding his own and probably beating him on the night, despite Reid's three goals.

Name: Travis Colyer
Games Played: 10
Average Possessions: 10.5
Goals/Behinds: 7/7
Rating: 5
Comments: Probably didn't reach the some of the levels he reached last year over an entire game, but demonstrated an ability to have an impact over a limited period of a game. His performances as the sub against Geelong and Port Adelaide had a major effect on Essendon winning both those games with great run and carry. His other games were less impressive, but injury did cruel him getting more than a handful of games together at a time.
Areas for Improvement: Still questions over his disposal, although at times he looked great. Needs to be prepared for more attention after some of his show stealing efforts and also needs to be able to play a full game.
Game/Moment of the Year: Hard to split between the Port and Geelong games. Had more of an impact agaisnt Port, but the quality of opposition means that, to me, his effort against Geelong was his best. Kicked a ripper goal against Carlton as well.

Name: Stewart Crameri
Games Played: 20
Average Possessions: 16.2
Goals/Behinds: 34/22
Rating: 8.5
Comments: If you backed Essendon to make the finals into Stewart Crameri being the Bomber's leading goalkicker I would congratulate you on your million of dollars and ask for a ride in your Delorean. Probably the biggest (and most pleasant) surprise was Crameri's rise as a bullocking forward, as good below his knees as above his head, with a burst of speed to kill off defenders. Became a very hard matchup for opposing teams because of this, although when we were at the nadir of our injury crisis he did struggle when being picked up by the opposition's best defender.
Areas for Improvement: Needs to work on his goalkicking, particularly between 20-40m's from goal. Hopefully his shoulder is right for a full preseason as a forward line of Hurley/Carlisle/Crameri/Resting Ruck where Crameri is getting the fourth best defender is salivating to think of.
Game/Moment of the Year: His big bombs from outside fifty or when being scragged by West Coast defenders were definite out-of-your-seat efforts. His game against Collingwood on ANZAC day, when he tore apart All-Australian Defender Harry O'Brien, was outstanding and where he announced himself to the competition. There was also the lolworthy moment of Houligate.

Name: Alwyn Davey
Games Played: 14
Average Possessions: 10.1
Goals/Behinds: 16/8
Rating: 5.5
Comments: A weird year for Alwyn. Out of the team early with injury, he lacked confidence for his first few games, and I don't think we saw the best of him at all this year. Apart from maybe the Bulldogs game, we never got the full package from Davey and in a team that lacks a quality small forward, he's having to play the crummer when he's much more of a defensive forward.
Areas for Improvement: It seems to all be about confidence for Davey. Needs to stay fit and avoid freak injuries (he clearly needs more calcium in his diet as his bones seem as brittle as glass). Always works hard and is going to get plenty of games next year unless we find the next Steven Milne. Also needs to, when finding himself on a larger player, use his pace instead of calling for it in a contested marking contest (although a lot of the blame for this should be placed on those kicking it to him).
Game/Moment of the Year: 4 goals against the Dogs and getting the reaction out of Easton Wood was quality, however his defensive job on Yarran against Carlton was probably his best team game for the year.

Name: Courtney Dempsey
Games Played: 4
Average Possessions: 12.5
Goals/Behinds: 0/0
Rating: 4
Comments: Looked the goods early - not only was his run and carry exhilirating, but he seemed to work well under the new defensive game plan of the best half-dozen rounds. Alas, he did his knee just when he was blossoming into the player we all want him to be.
Areas for Improvement: Would like to see him push up onto a wing, maybe rotating with a Dyson Heppell and get some Lovett like run out of him.
Game/Moment of the Year: Sharking the ball in front of a leading Barry Hall and taking off down the centre of the ground sticks with me as one of the most exciting moments of the year.

Name: Ricky Dyson
Games Played: 6
Average Possessions: 14.7
Goals/Behinds: 0/0
Rating: 4.5
Comments: Perennial emergency. Seemed to be on the way out despite good showings at Bendigo, but managed to get back into the team due to injuries. Apart from the Collingwood game never disgraced himself and always tried hard. Remains a good kick.
Areas for Improvement: Not much you can say really. An honest trier is what you'll get. May move on for more opportunities, but if he stays he'll be a reliable supporting player for the main cast.
Game/Moment of the Year: 100 games - hopefully you have an attractive missus, because the club wants you to be spending a lot of private time with her.

Name: Dustin Fletcher
Games Played: 19
Average Possessions: 15.2
Goals/Behinds: 1/0
Rating: 7.5
Comments: What else can you see about a man who has done it all and is still performing well after 19 years in the game. Played more matches this year than any since 2007 and wasn't suspended for once. Remains consistent, although there are signs that the end is a lot sooner than Essendon fans want. Still is hugely important to our side and can continue to have a major impact next year.
Areas for Improvement: He needs to start passing off some responsibility. Without Fletch to guide them, many of our backman have looked lost at times this year. That may be because we had such a rotating door of key backman (Hooker and Pears played 1 game together for the season IIRC), but other backman really need to stand up and take a leadership role.
Game/Moment of the Year: Long bomb against Carlton was vintage Fletch, whilst his battle with a retiring Barry Hall in round 21 reminded all the doubters just how good he could be on a key forward.

Name: Kyle Hardingham
Games Played: 22
Average Possessions: 15
Goals/Behinds: 1/0
Rating: 7
Comments: Started like a house on fire and his move to the backline made sense to those who had watched him at Bendigo last year. The sight of Hardingham leaping over a pack and killing a contest typified our new found defensive style early in the season. Was the only constant in the backline throughout the season and this may have taken its toll as the year progressed as Kyle's influence and composure faded, badly according to some observers. He may have been feeling the effects of his first full season of AFL football or playing roles that he's not suited to effected his judgement, but hopefully we see his reproduce the form of earlier in the season next year.
Areas for Improvement: Disposal and decision making are the key areas for Kyle to improve in. Too often did he stream out of defense and badly scrag a kick, or deliver it straight to the opposition. His spoils, which had been so secure earlier in the year, lack their penetration and led to opposition goals as his opponent waited down.
Game/Moment of the Year: Other than his mark against Carlton in the Elimination final, his big leaps over packs to spoil were the most pleasing aspect of his year.

 

[Wahooti Fandango]

Great work.

 

[Tassieboy]

Wowzas, nice read.

 

[Kyptastic]

Name: Alwyn Davey
Games Played: 14
Average Possessions: 10.1
Goals/Behinds: 16/8
Rating: 5.5
Comments: A weird year for Alwyn. Out of the team early with injury, he lacked confidence for his first few games, and I don't think we saw the best of him at all this year. Apart from maybe the Bulldogs game, we never got the full package from Davey and in a team that lacks a quality small forward, he's having to play the crummer when he's much more of a defensive forward.
Areas for Improvement: It seems to all be about confidence for Davey. Needs to stay fit and avoid freak injuries (he clearly needs more calcium in his diet as his bones seem as brittle as glass). Always works hard and is going to get plenty of games next year unless we find the next Steven Milne. Also needs to, when finding himself on a larger player, use his pace instead of calling for it in a contested marking contest (although a lot of the blame for this should be placed on those kicking it to him).
Game/Moment of the Year: 4 goals against the Dogs and getting the reaction out of Easton Wood was quality, however his defensive job on Yarran against Carlton was probably his best team game for the year.

Name: Courtney Dempsey
Games Played: 4
Average Possessions: 12.5
Goals/Behinds: 0/0
Rating: 4
Comments: Looked the goods early - not only was his run and carry exhilirating, but he seemed to work well under the new defensive game plan of the best half-dozen rounds. Alas, he did his knee just when he was blossoming into the player we all want him to be.
Areas for Improvement: Would like to see him push up onto a wing, maybe rotating with a Dyson Heppell and get some Lovett like run out of him.
Game/Moment of the Year: Sharking the ball in front of a leading Barry Hall and taking off down the centre of the ground sticks with me as one of the most exciting moments of the year.

Name: Ricky Dyson
Games Played: 6
Average Possessions: 14.7
Goals/Behinds: 0/0
Rating: 4.5
Comments: Perennial emergency. Seemed to be on the way out despite good showings at Bendigo, but managed to get back into the team due to injuries. Apart from the Collingwood game never disgraced himself and always tried hard. Remains a good kick.
Areas for Improvement: Not much you can say really. An honest trier is what you'll get. May move on for more opportunities, but if he stays he'll be a reliable supporting player for the main cast.
Game/Moment of the Year: 100 games - hopefully you have an attractive missus, because the club wants you to be spending a lot of private time with her.

Name: Dustin Fletcher
Games Played: 19
Average Possessions: 15.2
Goals/Behinds: 1/0
Rating: 7.5
Comments: What else can you see about a man who has done it all and is still performing well after 19 years in the game. Played more matches this year than any since 2007 and wasn't suspended for once. Remains consistent, although there are signs that the end is a lot sooner than Essendon fans want. Still is hugely important to our side and can continue to have a major impact next year.
Areas for Improvement: He needs to start passing off some responsibility. Without Fletch to guide them, many of our backman have looked lost at times this year. That may be because we had such a rotating door of key backman (Hooker and Pears played 1 game together for the season IIRC), but other backman really need to stand up and take a leadership role.
Game/Moment of the Year: Long bomb against Carlton was vintage Fletch, whilst his battle with a retiring Barry Hall in round 21 reminded all the doubters just how good he could be on a key forward.

Name: Kyle Hardingham
Games Played: 22
Average Possessions: 15
Goals/Behinds: 1/0
Rating: 7
Comments: Started like a house on fire and his move to the backline made sense to those who had watched him at Bendigo last year. The sight of Hardingham leaping over a pack and killing a contest typified our new found defensive style early in the season. Was the only constant in the backline throughout the season and this may have taken its toll as the year progressed as Kyle's influence and composure faded, badly according to some observers. He may have been feeling the effects of his first full season of AFL football or playing roles that he's not suited to effected his judgement, but hopefully we see his reproduce the form of earlier in the season next year.
Areas for Improvement: Disposal and decision making are the key areas for Kyle to improve in. Too often did he stream out of defense and badly scrag a kick, or deliver it straight to the opposition. His spoils, which had been so secure earlier in the year, lack their penetration and led to opposition goals as his opponent waited down.
Game/Moment of the Year: Other than his mark against Carlton in the Elimination final, his big leaps over packs to spoil were the most pleasing aspect of his year.

 

[eth-dog]

Good read. Can't wait for the rest

 

[Kyptastic]

Name: Dyson Heppell
Games Played: 23
Average Possessions: 21.4
Goals/Behinds: 3/4
Rating: 9
Comments: It's been a while since any player has walked into the Essendon Football Club who's looked as comfortable at AFL level on from game 1 as Dyson Heppell has. Now looking like an absolute steal at number 8, Dyson's pinpoint passes, blind turns, sidesteps and copious amounts of time have been one of the major highlights of the season. Started on the half back line but moved up the ground as the season progressed. His deserved Rising Star win was a just reward from one of the most outstanding debut seasons in memory. Showed that he could play well under pressure and be a real driving force behind Essendon's climb up the ladder in 2011.
Areas for Improvement: He needs to stick his tackles - too often he was brushed off. That should just come as natural improvement as he builds a footballers physique. The hopeful return of Dempsey and Hibberd should mean that he is able to spend more time in the middle or on the wing, although he doesn't have the body to play extended minutes in the centre square. Had a poor elimination final and will want to atone for it next year.
Game/Moment of the Year: Where do you begin? The 360 spin out of trouble against Collingwood, the side steps past two Eagles on the wing of Subiaco or the millimetre perfect pass to Zaharakis speaks volumes of his quality. He was close to the best player against Collingwood on ANZAC day and in our victory against Geelong.

Name: Michael Hibberd
Games Played: 9
Average Possessions: 19.1
Goals/Behinds: 1/1
Rating: 6
Comments: Was probably expected to have the biggest impact of all our draftees this season, however injury held him back early on. Whilst shaky at first, as he strung some games together he began to look like the small defender we've been searching for, with his game against Geelong a real highlight. Injury and idiocy curtailed the rest of his season and he's going to have to work very hard to make up the ground he's lost over the past couple of months.
Areas for Improvement: Much like Hardingham, he needs to work on his disposal. Too often he shanked the ball coming out of defence. Can't afford to get sucked in by forwards and give away free kicks either. He also needs to develop some insults that are from the last 100 years if people are going to take him seriously.
Game/Moment of the Year: His manic efforts to prevent Steve Johnson from collecting the ball and then rebounding it from half back was his biggest moment for the year.

Name: David Hille
Games Played: 19
Average Possessions: 15.6
Goals/Behinds: 20.13
Rating: 6.5
Comments: He was going to be one half of the most dangerous ruck combination in the league prior to the year and his game in Round One seemed to prove that statement correct. However, he got injured and although he managed to play 19 games, he never got back to that level again, particularly against the better teams. Deep forward seems to be an option, but he still needs to play in the ruck to be valuable to the team. May have played his last season as a first choice ruck.
Areas for Improvement: If he plays on and wants to play a major role in season 2012, he needs to find away to get his leap back, otherwise he's going to find it increasingly difficult to have an impact in the middle, particularly against the stronger ruck divisions.
Game/Moment of the Year: Spectacular against the Bulldogs in Round 1, whilst was strong as a forward in Round 21 in the one point win over the Swans.

Name: Heath Hocking
Games Played: 17
Average Possessions: 19.0
Goals/Behinds: 9/8
Rating: 8
Comments: Continued on from last year's form, he arguably went past Jobe Watson as the most important player on the team. Has developed beyond being a stopper to a hard working and dangerous clearance player. Sets the tempo for the midfield and is growing as a leader by the game, although he really has to avoid leading with his elbow. It was no coincidence that his suspension also coincided with our midyear slump in form. Nullifies the opposition's number one midfielder and is also becoming a key player to stop for the rest of the competition.
Areas for Improvement: Needs to control his aggression and avoid getting suspended for a start. Would like to see him get more of the ball as well.
Game/Moment of the Year: Hanger against Richmond announced that he was more than just a tagger to the rest of the competition. Game on Judd in the Elimination Final was of top quality as well.

Name: Cale Hooker
Games Played: 13
Average Possessions: 15.2
Goals/Behinds: 0/0
Rating: 6.5
Comments: A year that started so strongly ended sadly on the substitutes bench against Port Adelaide, as a defender who had been as good as any in the league was exposed against the worst team in the competition. Let's not forget how strong and reliable he was at the start of the year where he was clunking contested marks like plucking apples. We looked like we'd found our reliable defender to replace Fletch and now there are people who are considering him, with the rise of Carlisle, superfluous and a tradeable commodity. In my mind, he's still crucial to our future plans and is a must keep as long as he can stay on the park.
Areas for Improvement: Fitness is a concern and he needs to be able to keep up with forwards on the lead and not just be able to outmark them in a contest. His disposal did seem to improve this year, but still needs some work.
Game/Moment of the Year: Holding Carlton at bay for the first quarter in round 4. Was literally a wall that day.

 

[Vass38]

Very nice read Kyptastic - keep it coming!

 

[raskolnikov]

Good work, though surely Fletch's moment of the year was his rundown of Yarran.

 

[Ben the Gooner]

*Garlett but I agree.

Great stuff Kyptastic!

 

[Kyptastic]

Good work, though surely Fletch's moment of the year was his rundown of Yarran.

Can't believe I forgot that, good pickup.

 

[raskolnikov]

*Garlett but I agree.

Yeah, Garlett sorry.

Can he outrun Fletcher? No Siree!!

 

[gO_bOmBeRz]

Great read.

 

[Kyptastic]

Name: Ben Howlett
Games Played: 23
Average Possessions: 18.5
Goals/Behinds: 9/5
Rating: 7.5
Comments: A very consistent year for Ben which is both a blessing and a curse. Was already reliable in the middle but his burst of speed down the wing showed itself more often this year. However, apart from a couple of games never really dominated against quality opposition, although this may have been because of the roles he was asked to play that he wasn't terribly suited to. His game against Geelong showed what he is capable of possession wise, but it was his tackling that really stood out across the year.
Areas for Improvement: If he's going to play a part in a premiership challenging midfielder he needs to get more disposals and make good use of it. If the team gains a player that can effectively play a run with role, it may release him to be more explosive.
Game/Moment of the Year: As said, his game against Geelong was his best for the year. Finishing in the top 5 for the AFL in tackles over the regular season is an astounding effort.

Name: Michael Hurley
Games Played: 18
Average Possessions: 15.4
Goals/Behinds: 27/22
Rating: 8.5
Comments: Where do you begin with the Adonis that is Michael Hurley? His attack on the ball is ferocious and his ability to crash packs seems great until you realise that he's going to get bigger and stronger makes the thought of Michael Hurley season 2014 absolutely salivating. At this stage, he is a better backman, and his jobs on stars like James Podsiadsly and Jack Reiwoldt were as good as any backman in the competition. That said, it's his work in the forward line, for someone who has spent so little time over his football playing career, that really has Essendon supporters looking forward. We all expected him to break a game open as a forward this year and, although it never quite eventuated, it must be just around the corner.
Areas for Improvement: As was mentioned earlier in the year by someone in the media, he needs to be able to find the easier possessions to lessen the strain on his body. Like Crameri, needs to improve his goalkicking, especially between 20-40 metres. The big thing relies with the medical staff, who need to make sure that his body is 100% fit for next year.
Game/Moment of the Year: Hard to pick one moment or game, but for me it's his game against Richmond where he denied Reiwoldt for three quarters and then went forward a provided the focus to get Essendon over the line.

Name: Leroy Jetta
Games Played: 23
Average Possessions: 15.1
Goals/Behinds: 27/9
Rating: 7
Comments: A season that started with such promise ended with a whimper for Leroy. He carried on some of his end of 2010 form into the first half of this year and really seemed to becoming a genuine midfielder. Whether he tired as the year progressed or was forced to play more forward due to our lack of a consistent small forward, he ended the year playing bit parts in the forward pocket. Whilst 27 goals is still a very good return, he lacked the confidence in the elimination final he had at the start of the year.
Areas for Improvement: Needs a tank to play midfield more often, although (speculation hat on) the plan may have been to play Jetta there first half of the year and Zaharakis in the middle for the second half to see how they would cope (speculation hat off). Needs to attack the ball harder as a forward pocket as too often he was worried off it by bigger bodied defenders.
Game/Moment of the Year: Whenever Jetta and Ryder combined was poetry in motion. His expertly roved goal against Geelong was very good as well.

Name: Sam Lonergan
Games Played: 12
Average Possessions: 17.5
Goals/Behinds: 4/1
Rating: 6
Comments: For a player of limited ability, we got the most out of Sam this year when he played. Settled well in the middle and it was a common sight to see Sam at the bottom of a pack dishing it out to those around him. That said, his injury came at a time when he may have been cementing his place in the team and others took the chance to get more time in the middle, including Melksham and Stanton. Currently very one dimensional player and, whilst he does what he does quite well, 17.5 possessions a game for a clearance player is low. Will need to try to add some more strings to his bow.
Areas for Improvement: As with many other players on the list, needs to improve his kicking, although he does have to get rid of the ball in tight situations. Has too many games where he has little to no impact (such as the Brisbane game). Not in my best 22, but would be a solid supporting player into the future.
Game/Moment of the Year: The Gold Coast game was his most complete game, but seeing him take a lot of the clearance responsibility off Jobe was the most pleasing aspect of his year.

Name: Nathan Lovett-Murray
Games Played: 14
Average Possessions: 16.2
Goals/Behinds: 2/2
Rating: 5.5
Comments: This was to be the year of Nathan Lovett-Murray. The sub rule had come in and everyone assumed that Nathan, with his athleticism, height and ability to play all over the ground meant that he would be perfect for that role. However, injuries to key personnel meant that NLM only played 3 or 4 games as the sub and was forced to fill in where he was required. When he did play sub, he lacked the impact of a Colyer that the sub role came to require, whilst he was never disgraced on the field, he was never outstanding.
Areas for Improvement: His aggressiveness is a useful asset for the team, but he needs to curb it at times to avoid silly free kicks. Another player who you know what you're going to get and it's a question of whether it will be good enough heading into the future.
Game/Moment of the Year: Putting Daniel Kerr on his backside was one of the best legal hits of the year.

 

[Kyptastic]

Name: Mark McVeigh
Games Played: 23
Average Possessions: 15.6
Goals/Behinds: 5/7
Rating: 7
Comments: A good effort for Spike to play all 23 games, the first time since 2007 he played over 20 games in a season. Generally benefitted from having less responsibility. His delivery remained solid and provided a hard body down back. Not perfectly suited to the small back role, tries his hardest every game, although some forwards were able to burn him off for pace.
Areas for Improvement: If we can get another year out of McVeigh like we did this year, then we'll be happy. Can't expect too much from him other than cameos in the midfield anymore.
Game/Moment of the Year: Turning back the clock against Richmond when we were decimated with injury and playing a great half in the midfield, although he couldn't sustain the effort for a full game or in the following weeks.

Name: Jake Melksham
Games Played: 23
Average Possessions: 16.7
Goals/Behinds: 6/8
Rating: 8
Comments: For a young player who is on the skinny side, there was always going to be inconsistencies in Jake's game this year and there were some quiet games earlier in the season. However, encourgaing signs of the player he will become emerged as the season progressed, without a doubt showcased by his best on ground performance against Geelong. Could become the inside/outside midfielder we've been craving. Doesn't mind getting in amongst the hard stuff and also showed some tenacity in the back line at times. Sandwiched between the Hurley/Zaharakis and Heppell drafts, he hasn't received the hype that the others have, but there are signs that he could at the very least match them in the future.
Areas for Improvement: Makes silly disposal mistakes trying to be too cute - these need to be ironed out of his game before they become a major issue. Needs more body mass to compete regularly with the top four teams and would like to see him kick more goals.
Game/Moment of the Year: His goal against Geelong was the highlight, not only because it won us the game, but because it capped off his best game for the club.

Name: Angus Monfries
Games Played: 22
Average Possessions: 17.9
Goals/Behinds: 31/12
Rating: 8
Comments: This was Angus's best year for the club. In terms of his career, it included the most goals he's kicked(in a year where he played further up the ground than he ever has), best conversion ratio, highest average possessions and, most pleasingly, highest tackles per game came. In the words of Hird, he 'became a man'. There were still some growing pains - his best game only came after he failed to contain Graham Johncock up until he went off injured. However, he did seem to learn from these poor moments, quelling Robert Murphy's influence in round 21. Stood up in the Elimination final, putting his head over the ball and backing into packs to take contested marks.
Areas for Improvement: Where Angus goes from here depends on how the coaches see his role. If he is going to play further up the ground, he needs to work on his tank so he can consistently have an impact on games. Must ensure that he's focused from the beginning of matches as he cannot afford to let his opponents off the leash.
Game/Moment of the Year: Adelaide game obviously sticks out as he, along with Zaharakis, dragged us over the line. His games against the Bulldogs and Carlton showed a level of maturity that we haven't seen from him previously.

Name: David Myers
Games Played: 14
Average Possessions: 19
Goals/Behinds: 2/4
Rating: 7
Comments: Another player who had his best year for the club, David benefitted from a coach who wanted to get as many games into him as possible. Having to fill roles in defence due to injuries, he performed admirably and provided some nice drive from the back 50. A couple of times when he looked settled in the side he got injured, but it was a sign of the esteem he is held in by the coaching panel that he was almost always straight back into the side. Other than the Brisbane game, was never really on for a full match, but some of his football this year justified his draft pick and shows that the future is bright for David, as long as he can stay on the park.
Areas for Improvement: As has been pointed out elsewhere, he has the propensity to fade late into games - fitness must be improved. If he is going to play as a defender, he must improve overhead. Making correct choices with his disposal is also an area he must work on.
Game/Moment of the Year: The Brisbane game showed that playing as a half-back sweeper may be his ideal role until he builds a tank for the midfield. His goal from 70 against Collingwood and run past half the Swans side in Round 20 were also exciting moments.

Name: Tayte Pears
Games Played: 9
Average Possessions: 12.4
Goals/Behinds: 0/0
Rating: 5
Comments: A bit of a nothing year for Tayte. Missed the first half of the year due to injury and never managed to get a run on. Always looked half a pace too slow and wasn't able to compete at 100%. Showed glimpses of his best, but always broke down before he could consolidate that form.
Areas for Improvement: Just get him fit and in the side for a full season and he'll be All Australian.
Game/Moment of the Year: Blanketing Kurt Tippett when Hurley was moved forward reminded us all just how good he is going to be when fit.

 

[Kyptastic]

Name: Brent Prismall
Games Played: 8
Average Possessions: 16.2
Goals/Behinds: 1/1
Rating: 5.5
Comments: It was looking good for Brent after the game against Carlton. Not in the best 22 at the start of the year and gaining a spot through injuries, he had finally been stringing senior games together. He had also steadily improved his output until he was our best midfielder against Carlton. Tragically, after a sharp inside 50 against Collingwood he injured his good knee and there are now major doubts as to where he sits. Whilst the club did the right thing offering him a new contract, it remains to be seen whether he can overcome these setbacks and play consistent football.
Areas for Improvement: It's going to be all mental for Brent. Doing both your knees must be gutting for a person and he'll need to be extremely mentally tough to come back from this. Hopefully he does, because he can play a role in our future success.
Game/Moment of the Year: His first quarter against his old club, Geelong, was pivotal in keeping us in that game, whilst his match against Carlton was one of his best four quarter performances.

Name: Kyle Reimers
Games Played: 15
Average Possessions: 10.7
Goals/Behinds: 27/17
Rating: 6.5
Comments: A year in which Kyle fluctuated between the exquisite and the disgusting, highlighted by his shocking performance as the sub against Collingwood, followed by an 8 goal haul against the Gold Coast. Managed to establish himself in the team and had a run of 3-4 good matches towards the end of the season, with his games against the Bulldogs and Swans being the highlights. Hard to judge small forwards because of their reliance on those up the field to have an influence, but 27 goals is a solid return.
Areas for Improvement: His defensive efforts have improved without a doubt, but he does need to focus on them more considering the type of football being played today. Getting better at judging when to go for goal and when to pass it off, but still makes some poor choices. Aggression needs to be focused into areas which help the team. Would like to see him get more time on a wing or, if his defensive efforts continue to improve, off the half-back line.
Game/Moment of the Year: Four goals against Sydney which featured some exhilarating plays and his first half against the Dogs where he played a part in setting up 7 or 8 goals.

Name: Michael Ross
Games Played: 2
Average Possessions: 10
Goals/Behinds: 0/0
Rating: 3.5
Comments: Rewarded for good form in the VFL, Ross benefitted from playing almost a full game against Collingwood where, after a shaky start, settled into the temp of the game to gain 19 possessions and didn't look at all out of place at AFL level. Didn't get as much of an opportunity against the Swans.
Areas for Improvement: Just needs time under a good training regime - it's too early to tell whether he'll make it or not, but if what we've seen is his current base, he may turn out to be a bargain pick up at 80.
Game/Moment of the Year: Settling into the pace of the game nicely against Collingwood.

Name: Patrick Ryder
Games Played: 23
Average Possessions: 12.7
Goals/Behinds: 27/15
Rating: 8
Comments: A year that looked like it was going off the rails in the middle of the season, but Paddy finished off strongly. Of all the big men, struggled with the three ruck experiment and seems much more comfortable floating through the forward line rather than being the number one target. Ruck is clearly his best position and was the most effective ruckman in the comp at finding a target out of the bounce in the second half of the season. Getting the age where ruckman mature and will be the best in the competition if he can play at a high intensity for an entire year.
Areas for Improvement: Intensity needs to improve in all games as when he's down, often Essendon is down. Starting to show some major leadership qualities as well and needs to provide this around the ground.
Game/Moment of the Year: His game on Travis Cloke keeping him out of the game until junk time was one of the best defensive efforts of the year. As a ruckman, his games against Geelong and Sydney were critical in Essendon beating more fancied opponents, whilst his second halves against Richmond and Adelaide played a big part in swinging the momentum in those contests.

Name: Henry Slattery
Games Played: 8
Average Possessions: 10.1
Goals/Behinds: 0/1
Rating: 4
Comments: A year where Slats was pushed out of the team about midway through the season and couldn't regain his place, despite a large injury list. Is probably on his way out, although could still provide useful depth into the future.
Areas for Improvement: If Slats could improve his disposal and pace, he would find himself more regular games.
Game/Moment of the Year: Keeping LeCras relatively quiet against West Coast.

 

[Vass38]

Just my opinion but I think you've rated Lonergan a litle low at 6 - equal with Hibberd & behind Hille? I think he had a much better year than both those guys...

 

[Kyptastic]

Just my opinion but I think you've rated Lonergan a litle low at 6 - equal with Hibberd & behind Hille? I think he had a much better year than both those guys...

Yeah, I can see that. He did only play half the games for the season and I still think he's too much of a one dimensional player, but from where he came from previously he could easily be rated up towards the 7 mark.

Playing only half the games ended up costing him in my ratings.

 

[Kyptastic]

Name: Brent Stanton
Games Played: 21
Average Possessions: 24.8
Goals/Behinds: 15/14
Rating: 9.5
Comments: Our best player for the year and should be a deserved Chrichton Medallist. After a small blip in form from round 7-9, Brent stood up, providing an example and leadership for a young midfield in the absence of captain Jobe Watson. His ability to run and find the football was never questioned, but huge question marks on his defensive pressure, inside ball use and whether he could break a tag were answered conclusively in Brent's favour. Has almost become a complete midfielder, running hard both ways, providing help in defense, going forward to kick goals and, most impressively of all, tackling ferociously. If we can get 3-4 years of this quality out of Brent Stanton in his prime, we'll be doing quite nicely.
Areas for Improvement: Many of the areas that Brent struggled with in previous years have been improved on this year. Kicking can still let him down at times.
Game/Moment of the Year: 14 tackles whilst still finding plenty of the ball against Collingwood was huge. Tackle on Menzel against Geelong also typified his new game style. 39 possessions against the Dogs was his most complete game for the year, whilst he was one of the few who was still running strongly in the Carlton tie that helped keep the Bombers in it.

Name: Jobe Watson
Games Played: 17
Average Possessions: 26.2
Goals/Behinds: 15/11
Rating: 8.5
Comments: The first seven rounds of the season proved to the rest of the competition what Essendon fans had known for a couple of years - Jobe Watson was one of the elite midfielders in the game. He took his game to another level, freed from the burden of winning all the clearances by both a new game plan and other players stepping up, he demonstrated his creativity and brilliance with several best on ground performances that should see him leading the Brownlow for a part of the year. Alas, persistent injury curtailed his season and, unable to consistently string games together, he never reached those same heights. However, signs that Essendon no longer rely on Jobe to have 35 possessions to win games should demonstrate that the team is going in the right direction.
Areas for Improvement: Obviously, keeping him on the park is the major concern with Jobe. A match fit Watson remains an important cog in the Essendon machine. Had a poor elimination final and, as Captain, will want to atone for that in the years to come.
Game/Moment of the Year: His games against the Bulldogs and St Kilda at the start of the year showed just how complete his game had become. Whilst he didn't reach the same heights later in the year, played a crucial role in getting over the Swans by a point.

Name: Andrew Welsh
Games Played: 6
Average Possessions: 8.0
Goals/Behinds: 2/0
Rating: 4.5
Comments: A sad sight for Essendon supporters was that of Andrew Welsh in the substitutes vest against Geelong, having played his best half of football for a couple of years which was crucial to the Bombers taking it up to the undefeated Cats. Could never get a run of games into him and, whilst he kept putting his body on the line, he does not have the athleticism required to play the modern game.
Areas for Improvement: It's hard to see where he fits going forward. Unless he dramatically improves his fitness, he would be exposed as a tagger and small defender. Played well as negating forward, but that position also requires pace that he doesn't seem to have.
Game/Moment of the Year: Completely nullifying the impact of Matthew Scarlett in the first half against Geelong.

Name: Jason Winderlich
Games Played: 4
Average Possessions: 11.2
Goals/Behinds: 6/0
Rating: 4
Comments: A year of what could have been for Jason. Reinvigorated like so many others, was playing with class and skill until, like Dempsey, he was cut down too early in the season. Whilst he was playing he demonstrated great nous in the forward 50, kicking goals, applying defensive pressure and directing traffic. His loss was greatly felt as the forward line lost much direction and multiple players were tried to fill the role Winders had been playing.
Areas for Improvement: All about confidence in his knees for Jason, as well as getting match fitness back.
Game/Moment of the Year: 3 goals against St Kilda shows what we lost later in the year.

Name: David Zaharakis
Games Played: 23
Average Possessions: 20.5
Goals/Behinds: 31/17
Rating: 8.5
Comments: Started the season as a half forward flanker, ended as a line breaking midfielder with an eye for a running goal. His transition to the midfield bore fruit sooner than many had expected and the sight of David bursting from a pack and delivering it crisply into the forward line is an extremely encouraging sign for the future. Has become a match winner, as games against Richmond and Adelaide demonstrated and has the ability to life those around him with a supreme effort. Showed that he could perform well in the midfield even when the team was doing poorly, although had an average, by his new standards, Elimination Final.
Areas for Improvement: Needs to make sure he can consistently have an influence on games - his amazing second half against Adelaide came on the back of a dismal first half where he had only 2 possessions. His set shots for goal also came under scrutiny for a period.
Game/Moment of the Year: The sight of Zaharakis launching the ball from fifty running full bore became a regular occurance, with his efforts against Richmond and Adelaide particularly exhilarating.

 

[Kyptastic]

Could a mod please edit the title to show that the list is complete please?

________________________________________________________________

Player Rankings for the 2011 season

9.5 - Brent Stanton
9 - Dyson Heppell
8.5 - Stewart Crameri, Michael Hurley, Jobe Watson, David Zaharakis
8 - Heath Hocking, Jake Melksham, Angus Monfries, Paddy Ryder
7.5 - Dustin Fletcher, Ben Howlett
7 - Kyle Hardingham, Leroy Jetta, Mark McVeigh, David Myers
6.5 - Tom Bellchambers, David Hille, Cale Hooker, Kyle Reimers
6 - Jake Carlisle, Michael Hibberd, Sam Lonergan
5.5 - Alwyn Davey, Nathan Lovett-Murray, Brent Prismall
5 - Travis Colyer, Tayte Pears
4.5 - Ricky Dyson, Andrew Welsh
4 - Courtney Dempsey, Henry Slattery, Jason Winderlich
3.5 - Michael Ross
3 - Alex Browne

___________________________________________________________

Well, that went quicker than I expected, but was an almost carthartic way to end the season. Looking at the list, I feel quietly confident about where the club is heading. It may take a couple of years, but I expect us to be challenging for a flag with this list.

Any comments on my ratings? Criticisms? Would like to see some other people's opinions on how the players went this season.

 

[aidancdaman]

Nitpicking here, but you left out Zaha's stats .

Can't really find anything to disagree with there. The whole ratings system looks about right for mine.

 

[rines]

very rare you read another person's assessment of the list and year and agree with most of what is being said!

Top job.. the only things I would change is to have watson on 9 with Heppell.. I really thought he had a good year and when he was out/injured it showed. And Myers didn't quite hit a 7 for me, prob closer to 6.5.

Other than that I have appreciated reading your comments and I agree it all looks pretty good from here!

 

[Kyptastic]

very rare you read another person's assessment of the list and year and agree with most of what is being said!

Top job.. the only things I would change is to have watson on 9 with Heppell.. I really thought he had a good year and when he was out/injured it showed. And Myers didn't quite hit a 7 for me, prob closer to 6.5.

Other than that I have appreciated reading your comments and I agree it all looks pretty good from here!

I can see where you're coming with Watson, especially since the start of his year was a 10. I was a little disappointed with his Elimination Final performance, but he could quite easily be rated higher.

With Myers, a lot of his rating is based on where he's come from - this was the most games he's played in a season, he was 6th for average disposals and he did a commendable job in a position he's not really suited to. Then again, he is one of my favourite players, so I could be a bit biased in that regard.

 

[lamaros]

Your ratings are absurd, but I congratulate your effort.

 

[Kyptastic]

Your ratings are absurd, but I congratulate your effort.

In what way?

 

[lamaros]

In what way?

Far too high in general, as the main one. For a team that finished 8th and got smashed in a final you'd can't really justify so many 7+ scores.

I think ratings are for people too lazy to write actual thoughts. Seeing how you have done this I'd just leave the ratings out. Your comments are generally well considered.