Another highly sought after midfielder is Josh Thomas (Collingwood) when up and running he is a strong inside midfielder with goal kicking capabilities. Strong attack at the ball and has tidy kicking skills. A player who has been mentioned on the collingwood board as a possible delisting through to a possible debutant come finals. Wonder why he isnt getting a game, can
Knightmare or
Snoop Dog enlighten us?
The only thing holding Josh Thomas back so far has been injury - ankles mostly but he seems ok now. Stoppage work and inside game as good as any on the Collingwood list. Reads the ruck taps as well as any, strong tackler, has a nice burst of speed and can break away from congestion. Uses it well by hand and foot and decision making in close excellent.
Not the most flexible by position and not a player you would rest as a forward or as a defender because it is his in tight game through the midfield that adds value to the team. He is underdone having not had a full preseason and has never had the opportunity to fully build his match fitness but if he can have a full preseason and stay healthy he can be another Luke Ball type hard inside player and could pretty quickly match his production if not exceed it through the midfield once that match fitness builds up.
I'd liken him to Nathan Foley but I consider Josh's inside game and ball use slightly better.
Exciting player and one I'd like to see retained but with our midfield depth one who at the right price could probably be traded for.
Moloney (I shouldn't be talking Essendon into this) but he was excellent for Melbourne in 2011 and while he has struggled to get a game this year if healthy and motivated is very good inside player. 29 next season so I can't imagine after the season he has had that he would be the most expensive free agent.