Mod. Notice 2011 Player Reviews

[Thermo]

So we're looking for people to do player reviews for our inaugural season in the AFL, 2011. (We're behind on this, my bad of course). For the moment this will put the Buddy Draft on hold.

This is part of a larger player review, collated in the new BigFooty Annual which will be downloadable as a PDF and widely distributed. All contributors will be recognised for their efforts. Seeing the player watch board needs sprusing up this is good timing and they will be reposted there.

Basically what we are looking for is

• Expectations for 2011
• Some stats & averages
• Overall performance
• Rating of player
• Where they go from here

How it should be formated:
Todd Bandfield player review

And here is the Melbourne Board Review and Geelong Board Review where you can look through and see some other peoples attempts.

If you need statistics, DT and SC scores try footywire. For individual game information try FanFooty.

Keep it to a 1 A4 page. We would love photos to be included but we can't use ones from the Herald Sun, Getty Images etc as they are all copywrited. If you have something you took, or someone you know who has given permission, please use one. Also, whoever you grab now you can keep on going with in the future. I know this is a bit of work, but should be fun.

Post below to grab a player, and then post your review in here.

 

[Thermo]

Player list:

Charlie Dixon - Sunny_ - Completed
Rex Liddy
Lewis Moss
Zac Smith
Jack Stanlake
Joel Wilkinson
Joseph Daye
Rory Thompson - Sunny_ - Completed
Tom Hickey
Marc Lock
Steven May
Liam Patrick - Sunny_ - Completed
Karmichael Hunt
Daniel Harris
Michael Coad
Sam Iles
Danny Stanley
Luke Russell
Maverick Weller
Matt Shaw - Sunny_ - Completed
Trent McKenzie - Thermonuclear Completed
Josh Toy
Hayden Jolly
Brandon Matera - vWestCoast - Completed
Taylor Hine
Piers Flanagan
Tom Nicholls
Jack Hutchins
Alex Keath
Nathan Bock - exile - Completed
Nathan Krakouer
Michael Rischitelli - Sunny_ - Completed
Campbell Brown
Jarrod Harbrow
Gary Ablett, Jr. - Sunny_ - Completed
Josh Fraser
Jared Brennan
David Swallow - exile - Completed
Harley Bennell - exile - Completed
Sam Day
Josh Caddy
Dion Prestia
Daniel Gorringe - TheSunGod - Completed
Tom Lynch
Seb Tape - Sunny_ - Completed
Jeremy Taylor
Jacob Gillbee
Nathan Ablett

 

[vWestCoast]

#32 Brandon Matera
2011 End of Season Review

by vWestCoast

Games: 12
Goals: 15
Best and Fairest:*
Dreamteam: 577 points; $166,700 (+ $69,100)
Supercoach: 614 points; $195,600 (+ $85,400)

VFL/AFL: 11914th player to appear, 6958th most games played, 3719th most goals kicked.

Gold Coast: 14th player to appear, 21st most games played, 4th most goals kicked.

After being selected as one of the twelve 17 year olds made available to Gold Coast two years ago, Matera knew what was expected of him. Combine that with his family history, expectations were pretty high. However after a near best on ground performance in round 5 against Port Adelaide, Brandon showed everyone what he can deliver.

After a steady start to the season, Gold Coast travelled to AAMI stadium confident of pulling off a win. Three minutes into the game Matera got his fourth goal for the year and his career. It was the beginning of a rising star nomination for the small forward from WA. Matera ended up scoring 1 brownlow vote, his first ever in his career but more importantly he played a lead role in the Suns' first win ever. If getting 21 disposals wasn't impressive enough Brandon kicked four goals for the match including 2 in the last quarter and setting up teammate Luke Russell for the sealer. Perhaps the most impressive part of the performance was how he responded to his critics that labelled him soft just a week before.

He had another great performance against the Lions in the first ever Q clash kicking 2.2 while setting up multiple other goals. Matera's form dropped off mid season after a groin injury stopped him from flying back to his home state to take part in the game against the Eagles in round 11. Then an abdominal strain sidelined him for another few weeks.

In round 23 Matera managed to return to take on Melbourne but struggled to adjust to the tempo of AFL footy again after a stint out of the game and only managed 18 disposals and failed to kick a goal. His performance could be forgiven considering he was in his first ever AFL season.

However Matera wasn't happy with his performance and it showed the week after against the Hawks. Almost inspiring the team to a win once again, in a performance very similar to the Port game he got another single brownlow vote but unfortunately couldn't get the scoreboard in Gold Coast's favor. Matera got the most goals for the Suns' and also got the most disposals besides his skipper Gary Ablett. He ended up with 3.1 and 26 disposals.

Overall Matera showed Gold Coast fans that they have a player on their hands. Mixing dominant performances with consistent output, there is plenty to work with. Despite not being considered big enough for the AFL in 2011 he managed to do his job and some. When he adds some more weight on during the pre season there is a huge chance he could finish top 5 for the best and fairest next year. It's hard not to get excited when you have quality kids like this around.

 

[Sunny_]

Not bad, V! You did miss out one detail, but can be forgiven since the Suns aren't your primary team. Matera came back for the Freo game as a sub. I think with one minute to go in the second quarter he came on and kicked a goal. Was pretty good!

But in playing that Freo game he re-injured himself, putting him out till the latter games of the season. Wasn't quite ready to come back.

Regarding my own. Can we pick 2 or more, since we don't have many Suns supporters here?

Since he's still available, I'll take Gary Ablett as my first pick, although it might be a bit bigger than typical A4 size considering who he is.

I also wouldn't mind taking Rory Thompson and Michael Rischitelli if we can take more than one. Keep me posted Thermo. If you'd rather the second players we do be less high profilers, let me know.

 

[vWestCoast]

Cheers Sunny. Will wait to see if Thermo wants to do him still. If he doesn't mind I'll add it in but really Gold Coast supporters should get first crack.

 

[Thermo]

Matera is all yours mate, I'll nab someone else. Thanks for chipping in!

 

[vWestCoast]

Thank mate

Will wait a week or two and see if an other players need doing.

 

[Thermo]

Not bad, V! You did miss out one detail, but can be forgiven since the Suns aren't your primary team. Matera came back for the Freo game as a sub. I think with one minute to go in the second quarter he came on and kicked a goal. Was pretty good!

But in playing that Freo game he re-injured himself, putting him out till the latter games of the season. Wasn't quite ready to come back.

Regarding my own. Can we pick 2 or more, since we don't have many Suns supporters here?

Since he's still available, I'll take Gary Ablett as my first pick, although it might be a bit bigger than typical A4 size considering who he is.

I also wouldn't mind taking Rory Thompson and Michael Rischitelli if we can take more than one. Keep me posted Thermo. If you'd rather the second players we do be less high profilers, let me know.

I'll limit it to two selections at a time, so take your pick of Rory and Risch (but if you finish your two and feel like more, no issue).

 

[Sunny_]

I'll limit it to two selections at a time, so take your pick of Rory and Risch (but if you finish your two and feel like more, no issue).

No problem Thermo. I'll take Rory. So that'd be Gaz and Rory to start me off!

 

[exile]

I'm up for this! I'll have a look around in the next few days and make a start on one, or maybe a couple.

 

[Thermo]

Great when you've selected yours let me know and I'll reserve them.

 

[exile]

I'll take Bock & Bennell to start off with.

After that, I'd be up for doing Prestia & Lynch's review's if no one else has taken them.

 

[Sunny_]

#16 - Rory Thompson

Height: 200cm
Games: 8
Goals: 2
Debut: Round 16
Recruited: Southport

A Man Reborn

As the only local boy in the senior list for the Gold Coast Suns, it took a long while for Thompson to make his mark.

As a forward/ruck, Thompson appeared to be in an ill fated position. Not only was there plenty of young forward options that the Suns had access to that were above his skill level, but there were also plenty of ruck stocks. To be worthy of a senior call-up, he needed to shine. He needed to kick goals consistently.

He didn't.

Appearing to struggle in the twos, a decision by Reserves coach Shaun Hart potentially saved his career mid-season. As a one-off, he was thrown in the back-line to see how he would go. Much to the surprise of Hart, McKenna and his teammates, Thompson was one of the best players on the day. Rory hasn't looked back since. He made his senior debut in round 16, and missed only one game after this.

Reborn as a tall defender, Rory proved to not only have the height to go with the opposition forwards, but also the size. His sheer bulk helped him out immensely, with an added bonus that he was not taking the oppositions Key Forward, a job usually taken by Nathan Bock.

His playing style appears to be simple. If he can't get in a good position to take the mark, just punch it. Indeed, Thompson's spoiling ability is something well noted by Suns fans, something that his added height and size helps with.

Perhaps a bonus for Thompson is that while he has been reborn mostly as a defender, he still has the skills as a forward and ruck. He will never be a solid forward option, but the round 22 game against the Crows showed that he's able to swing forward and kick ripper goals if needed.

With a booming kick that can accurately hit a target from 60 meters away, Rory has very much cemented himself as a starter in the 22. One can almost see him becoming a Merret like spoiler in the future, at least until he can better learn to position himself against the competitions best forwards.

Asked how he felt about the discovery, Bluey McKenna said that he was 'ecstatic', a token felt by many Suns fans. It's difficult to believe he has played less than 10 games, and looks certain to take the AFL world by storm in the 2012 season.

With another pre-season in him, it would not be surprising from this Suns fan to see a rising star nomination from him in the 2012 season.

 

[exile]

Nathan Bock

2011 End of Season review

by Exile

Games: 21
Goals: 2
B&F Result: 2nd
DT: 1685 (ave: 80.2)
SC: 1970 (ave: 93.8)
Recruited from: Adelaide Crows

---

On August 17, 2010, Nathan Bock became the first player to announce he will be joining the Gold Coast Suns for their inaugural season.

Shortly after Bock’s decision, Nathan Krakouer also announced he would be pursuing a career with the Gold Coast Suns. Suddenly, the floodgates opened as the two Nathan's broke the shackles for the rest of the mature-age recruits.

As did many of the new recruits, Bock took the criticism on the chin, wanting to establish that the best isn’t behind him, as he strived towards aiding the development of the young suns through the upcoming 2011 season.

As one of the senior players in the team, Bock was named as vice captain to Gary Ablett for the Suns’ inaugural season. Although the potential of the side was relatively unknown, the expectation was that the mature-age recruits would perform, which is exactly what Bock did.

However, the first ever game for the Suns in Round 2 against Carlton confirmed how much of an uphill battle 2011 would be, with a 119 point defeat in front of a 28,000 strong crowd at the Gabba. Bock provided reasonable output throughout the game, however this was overshadowed by the “deer in the headlights” performance from the rest of the Suns’ squad filled with 12 first gamers.

Bock began to find his feet with more respectable games against the Bulldogs in Round 3 and Melbourne in Round 4, before the highlight of the season in Round 5 against Port Adelaide. Unfortunately, a minor knee injury in the second quarter limited him for the remainder of the game. Whilst in the short term, the Suns won the game in a remarkable last quarter comeback. However, during the last quarter, a hit on Trengove landed him a week's suspension, meaning Bock missed the Essendon game, which resulted in a display that desperately lacked his experience in defence.

In a performance that broke many records the Suns lost by 139 points, bringing them back to earth from the euphoria of the previous week. Throughout the 2011 season, the Essendon game was the only game Bock didn’t feature in, as he recovered to face the Lions the following week.

For the remainder of the season, commentators and supporters sang his praises as he delivered what the Suns had expected of him, providing a solid base in defence and consistently containing the oppositions key forwards week in week out. Although he did not make the initial squad of 40 for the All Australian squad, many believed he deserved a spot based on his form and how he carried the youngsters around him through a painstaking season.

Throughout the year, Bock’s versatility was on show as he returned to his early days as a footballer and played portions of games later in the season up forward. Unfortunately, this backfired when a betting plunge on him kicking the first goal against Hawthorn in Round 24 led to an official investigation by the AFL. As a result, Bock was fined $10,000 and suspended for the first 2 games of the 2012 season for leaking inside information. An honest mistake, Bock faced the media and acknowledged his wrong-doing, taking the shine of a great year.

Bock’s 2011 has not only opened a new chapter on his career, but highlighted his class and determination for success. By the time the new season comes around, Bock will be 29 years old, but expectations still remain high; to lead the side and contribute on and off the field. Yet, the job at hand becomes slightly easier with 30 odd youngsters having gained an AFL season as well as another preseason under their belts.

 

[TheSunGod]

Daniel Gorringe

OK – I don’t normally get into writing these reviews, but as I’m laid up at home with a sore back and nothing to do until I have to go back to work next week, I decided to watch a couple of our earlier games, namely Round 2 V the Bulldogs and Round 3 V the Demons at the Gabba.

One player who caught my eye who has not received much attention lately other than for his role hosting Suns TV episodes (and doing a mighty fine job too I must add – seems to be a great clubman), is Daniel Gorringe, our number 10 pick from the 2010 National Draft and widely considered to be the best ruckman of his age group in Australia at the time.

Stats (for those interested in the these things)

Age: 19 years 7 Months
DOB: 02/06/1992
Height: 200cm
Weight: 88kg*
Games: 7
Goals: 2
Dreamteam: $118,600
Supercoach: 139,200

Daniel managed to play 7 games in his and the club's debut season in the AFL, with consecutive games from Rounds 3 – 5, Round 7 in the first QClash, and Rounds 13, 15 and 16. His season was interrupted by a hamstring injury suffered in the Rd 7 game V Brisbane, and ended with an ankle injury sustained whilst playing against the NT Thunder in the Rd 16 NEAFL game in Cairns during July.

His best game IMO, was his debut against the Bulldogs in Round 2, where he managed 15 disposals, took 4 marks not including a screamer (see vid below) which was disallowed (touched ball), and kicked a nice goal from about 45 metres. All up Daniel managed an average of just 8.3 disposals, 1.3 marks, and 3.7 hitouts per game. Hardly inspiring but he was subbed off or injured on at least 2 occasions.


[YOUTUBE]UOveYPCKy4o[/YOUTUBE]


However clocking up impressive stats mean very little to our younger players (especially our young rucks and KPPs) at this stage of their development. What I and many other longtime football watchers are looking for is glimpses of ability that project well for the future. In Daniel’s case, re-watching the early games against the Dogs and Dees gave me great optimism for Daniel as an AFL player and the team’s future as well. Although not overly tall for a ruckman, Daniel has the build to bulk-up nicely with a broad set of shoulders and is no doubt much heavier than the 88kg he is currently listed at*. He already appears to have bulked up significantly this pre-season. He could end up as our baby-faced assassin!!

He is surprisingly agile and great with the ball below his knees for a young man of his size, possesses very good skills by both hand and foot, takes one grab marks, is a good tap ruckman and kicks fluently at goal when he gets the opportunity. He just “moves well” to use the old footy cliché. From watching him play it is clear he has a good football brain and even at this young age tends to hold onto the ball until the best option presents itself. He is confident enough in his ability to weave and baulk his way around opponents and does not panic when he gets the ball.

With the sub rule now in place for good it appears, the need for effective mobile ruck-forwards is perhaps greater than ever. Zac and Daniel in tandem could cause some major headaches for opposition coaches in years to come. My only problem is trying to fit Daniel, Zac Smith, Tommy Lynch, Sam Day and Charlie Dixon into the same team. That is a very tall forward line. A nice problem to have though. Barring injuries, and with less rotations expect more game-time from Daniel Gorringe in 2012. At this stage the logical replacement for Josh Fraser who is nearing retirement. Daniel has recently extended his contract to the end of 2013 and is on the record as saying he is loving life on the Gold Coast playing with the Suns. I for one am looking very forward to watching is development over the next 3 - 4 years. An exciting player.

 

[Thermo]

Nice one TSG. Updated the list.

 

[exile]

Harley Bennell

2011 End of Season review

by Exile

Games: 14
Goals: 14
B&F Result: 10th (equal with Trent McKenzie)
DT: 941 (ave: 67.2)
SC: 960 (ave: 68.8)
Recruited from: Peel Thunder

---

After being touted as one of the most exciting players of the 2010 draft, Harley Bennell was selected with pick number 2 overall by the Gold Coast Suns, behind David Swallow. With the high rate of homesickness in indigenous players in the AFL, many believed the some 3000km distance between his new club and his hometown would prove too much for Bennell.

Along with many others, his first game of AFL was a shock to the system, coming in a big loss at the hands of Carlton. However, there were scattered glimpses of brilliance which had the potential to develop and shine through as the season progressed.

It didn’t take long for Bennell to face his first club infringement, missing a compulsory training session the week prior to the Round 4 clash against the Demons. Although recalled the week later for the club’s historic first win against Port Adelaide, Bennell was on ‘strike one’.

Following the big loss against Essendon in Round 6, Bennell was one of many dropped to the reserves, unable to force his way back into the team back until Round 11 against West Coast. As is the case with many clubs, when games are played in players home states, they are allowed one extra day at home before returning to the club that evening. Along with Western Australian products Swallow & Matera, Bennell stayed in Perth, however he wasn’t on the flight back the following day. Arriving back on the coast on Tuesday, Bennell was given a club-imposed suspension, not able to return to the seniors until the leadership group have given permission.

By Round 16, Bennell had regained the trust and was named to face Sydney. Confronting the media, he stated he slipped back into what he used to do growing up when visiting family whilst in WA. During his suspension, Bennell took up an offer to move in with teammate Karmichael Hunt and his partner Emma. The change in lifestyle turned his season around, as the then 18-year old stated he ‘feels at home every time he walked through the door’.

Fantasy-wise, Bennell wasn’t a high scorer, being consistently around 70 points in both SuperCoach and DreamTeam. Yet, the fantasy points aren’t an accurate representation of how well he played. Throughout 2011, Bennell displayed his clean hands and silky smooth moves, quickly becoming a crowd favourite. Smothers, one-hand pick-ups, precision passing, he has it all. Two occasions throughout the season stand out as just a sample of what’s yet to come.

Against Port Adelaide in Round 5, a smother on a kick-out in the dying minutes led to the goal to give the Suns the lead. Yet his true potential shone in Round 24 against the Hawks when his pace, agility and skill was a highlight in a close loss. Numerous times did we see the number 37 glide down the wings of Metricon, and in one special passage of play up the middle, on a turnover which saw him run 100 meters to kick truly.

After a slowish start, 2011 proved to be a somewhat successful season for Bennell, with a few hiccups along the way. With the right people around him, hopefully he can stay with the Suns long term and live up to his potential. His skill and finesse has already won over the fans, all he needs now is self-commitment to not only the club but himself.

 

[exile]

I'll take Swallow & Hutchins as my next two.

 

[Thermo]

Doing my best to keep the list updated via the iphone, tad tricky.

Sunny_ still want to take Risch?

 

[Sunny_]

Doing my best to keep the list updated via the iphone, tad tricky.

Sunny_ still want to take Risch?

Sure. I have the GAJ one nearly done. Just been a bit delayed with returning back to Australia.

Would love to take Riska though!

 

[Sunny_]

#9 - Gary Ablett

Height: 182cm
Games: 20
Goals: 18.17
B&F: 1st.
AA: Captain.
Brownlow: 7th
Recruited: Geelong.
DT Average: 112.2

The Little Master

It's fair to say that the inaugral Captain of the Gold Coast Suns was under just a little bit of scrutiny as he entered the 2011 season. Many said he would continue on with his career as he did at the Cats -- continuing to be a champion of the game. Others said that without the great players around him that he had at the Cattery, he would flounder. While opinions were mixed, it's fair to say that all eyes were on him. He was the first high-profile player to be lured away, and is currently on the most money of any AFL player, on a contract that spans five years.

Perhaps it did not start as well as it could have. Completing only 20% of the pre-season due to injuries and post-op recoveries from 2010, Ablett did not run out in Suns colours until round 2 against Carlton. Gary himself was serviceable, although many could see that he was far from his best.

Slowly yet surely, Ablett worked his way back into form. Despite missing the round 4 game against Melbourne (which itself was highly scrutinized), Gary came back into great form and helped the Suns win their first match against Port in round 5. While Gary himself only had 26 touches, he was crucial in inspiring his team to rally from 30 points behind at the start of the fourth quarter. He was, as many saw, a true leader and Captain.

Ablett blossomed from there, leading the way for his young charges. Despite the added attention he received and lack of support from his team-mates, Gary continued to be a shining beacon. Regulary attaining 30+ possessions was not beyond him, forcing himself back onto the notice of many DT'ers. Indeed, by round 10 or 11, many had started to elect to have Ablett as the Captain in Dream Team over Dane Swan, a true indicator that he had returned to his best. Even against his old team Geelong, Ablett managed to attain 31 possessions.

While his team-mates started to tire as the season progressed, Ablett appeared to take it up another gear. With 39 possessions in round 22 against the Crows and 43 possessions against the Hawks in round 24, he tried his best to win the game off his own boot.

His skills and ability were recognised on B&F night, when Ablett won the it by a clear 100 votes. In addition, he polled particulary well in the Brownlow, sparking interest regarding how well he would have gone if the Suns won more than three games.

His season was capped off by attaining All Australian honours, achieving Captaincy of the squad. Some thought that this was a mistake, enquiring as to how the Captain of a wooden spoon side could win such an award. However, it is of the opinion of many that his skills could not be ignored. It was recognised quite widely that his sheer ability to Captain a side and his leadership was second to none. Ablett would direct his team while on the field, and in some cases even pull players aside after particular passages of play. His ability to inspire his team and rally them was clear to all.

It is difficult to see exactly how Ablett will do next year. With his young team-mates now having some experience behind them, one expects that Ablett will have an easier time on the park. He will be protected more, and able to weave his magic more often. Yet with this said, it promises to be another difficult year for the Champ, something which he himself has stated.

Suns Coach Guy 'Bluey' McKenna is particulary excited about what Ablett will do in 2012. In stark contrast to the 2011 pre-season where Ablett was injured and recovering for most of it, Gary has completed 80% of it thus far, suggesting that he really might have 'another gear' in him.

 

[supernova_]

I dont mean to nitpick Sunny, but perhaps change "The Little Master" for Gaz to something else

The Little Master = Sachin Tendulkar!!

Son of God perhaps?

Great write up though, you've done well!

 

[Sunny_]

I dont mean to nitpick Sunny, but perhaps change "The Little Master" for Gaz to something else

The Little Master = Sachin Tendulkar!!

Son of God perhaps?

Great write up though, you've done well!

It took me a Google to find out who that was. Still applies if you don't know cricket.

 

[exile]

It took me a Google to find out who that was. Still applies if you don't know cricket.

you don't know who sachin tendulkar is?!

but seriously, either one is fine i guess. i have heard gaz being called the little master before.

 

[Sunny_]

America isn't big into cricket. I know of a few cricket names from my stints in Oz, but they're Australian, not from India.