Preview 2012 player preview.

[Old Skool]

Levi averaged 74% TOG.

Correct.

I divided his TOG by 22 and not 13.

Thanks very much for the correction.

 

[ShinbonerBaz]

Enjoying the write ups on the players Old Skool

Same, good stuff.

 

[kingsnapper]

Cheers OS. Great write up !
I'm looking fwd to seeing how Wright goes this year too. If his fitness has improved as they reckon, then it should be a breakout season for him. Got too many tools not to be a classy footballer ie nice kick, good mark and great football sense. Only question mark is his pace. But hopefully his other attributes compensate for that

2012 will be the year of the joeys.

 

[Black Diamond]

2) He WILL go forward as his career progresses.

Forward like to the square, or like Bartel?

 

[Old Skool]

Forward like to the square, or like Bartel?

Deep forward.

 

[Old Skool]

29) Brent Harvey: A truly outstanding footballer who has averaged 20 or more disposals per game, per season, for 10 of the past 11 seasons. Surely one of the most consistent players in the clubs history. From 2012 onwards I think we should assign Brent a forward pocket role and move Lindsay further afield. Goals needs to be Brent's mantra from now on, and I would like to see him crack the 40 goal mark for the first time in 2012.

30) Tom Curran: N/A

31) Cameron Delaney: Too soon to call. I'd like to see Cameron hold down a key position in the VFL for 2012.

32) Cruize Garlett: He made the track watchers sit up and take notice in the 2011 pre season and has received rave reviews for his pre season training in 2012. Cruizes inside work and work rate in general are excellent. His disposal (61%) seems to be the only thing keeping him out of the side, as I rate him well and truly amongst our best 25. A big year lays ahead where Cruize can cement a place in the side.

33) Matt Campbell: Flash finally got on the park for a period of time in 2011 after a hellish run with injury. When he is up and running he is an elite standard AFL small forward but we just haven't been able to see it often enough. Matt has kicked 3 or more goals in just 9 of his 67 games and he didn't even score a goal in 7 out of his 9 games in 2011. Matt has 67 games under his belt and is entering his 6th season. 2.9 tackles a games for a bloke that didn't kick goals in 7 out of 9 games in 2011 is also an ordinary return. He got his new contract, and IMO, he owes this footy club. If his fitness holds, then he MUST deliver in 2012. 22 games/70 tackles/35+ goals should be his aim.

34) Jamie MacMillan: A personal favorite that exudes poise and footy smarts. Some of his traits remind me of Guy McKenna. Best suited to playing behind the ball and setting up play. He can also switch in to the midfield. He has excellent disposal (75%), and also has decent overhead skills. I see Jamie cementing his spot in the side in 2012.

35) Aaron Black: Aaron reminds me of a classic full forward in the Matthew Lloyd/Jason Dunstall mould. On the couple of occasions I have seen him he has been sure skilled, and presents well on the lead. I haven't seen too much in the overhead /contested marking department and this puzzles me slightly when I read and hear about other North fans contemplating Black as a potential centre half forward. He needs to add bulk and work on his endurance, and if we can see Aaron play an uninterrupted season and 6 or more games at senior level, then I would rate that a pleasing result in 2012. Look to 2013 for Aarons arrival.

 

[Dan]

32) Cruize Garlett: He made the track watchers sit up and take notice in the 2011 pre season and has received rave reviews for his pre season training in 2012. Cruizes inside work and work rate in general are excellent. His disposal (61%) seems to be the only thing keeping him out of the side, as I rate him well and truly amongst our best 25. A big year lays ahead where Cruize can cement a place in the side.

Just look at him

 

[Deddy]

Great write up Old Skool.

 

[Husk]

Looking the goods is Cruize

 

[Old Skool]

36) Ayden Kennedy: Quick, tall and sure skilled, he could be anything. I'll just be happy to see an injury free season from Ayden in the VFL. An AFL debut would be a bonus. He doesn't turn 21 until October so time is still on his side.

37) Malcolm Lynch: Former Bulldogs and Port Melbourne player who has excellent skills, pace and party tricks. He will no doubt keep the pressure on Thomas and Campbell. Wait and see.

38) Majak Daw: Currently an incomplete footballer with some outstanding physical attributes. Majak needs to take a step forward and consistently stamp himself on VFL matches in 2012. I'm happy to give him more time, and I hope to see him play more of a key forward role in the VFL in 2012.

39) Cam Pederson: The surprise packet of 2011. Cam is the perfect swing man who only needs to show consistency and raise his possession count in order to cement a spot in the side. He is sure skilled at ground level, can take a contested mark and has an excellent disposal deficiency (80%). IMO, he is in contention for the hotly contested CHF/CHB or 2nd ruck positions

40) Ben Mabon: A talented kid with very good skills and co-ordination for a big man, who is still physically a fair way off senior football. Look to 2013 and beyond.

41) Aaron Mullet: Another rookie that came from the clouds in 2011, Aaron debuted with a highly promising 17 disposal debut v Freo which had all the North fans buzzing. He looks to have all the skills required to provide the much needed link man we require coming out of defence. Aaron just needs to get his endurance up, as he certainly struggled to run out an AFL match. He will be one of the players I will be watching closely in the pre-season matches.

42) Scott McMahon: He hit any remaining knockers out of the ball park in 2012, and I was slightly disappointed he did not receive an AA squad nomination. As the midfield builds, this will occur. He''s the first bloke picked in our back line now and has all the attributes of a top shelf defender. His only slight weakness is a lack of speed, but on 99% of occasions he makes up for it with his elite level football smarts, otherwise he has it all, guts, smarts, excellent hands, good disposal (80%) and he can play tall also. He enters 2012 as a 25 year old and is about to enter the prime of his career.

 

[TennisPlayerAndy]

41) Aaron Mullet: Another rookie that came from the clouds in 2011, Aaron debuted with a highly promising 17 disposal debut v Freo which had all the North fans buzzing. Now on the playing list, he looks to have all the skills required to provide the much needed link man we require coming out of defence. Aaron just needs to get his endurance up, as he certainly struggled to run out an AFL match. He will be one of the players I will be watching closely in the pre-season matches.

I think he is still on the Rookie List is Fishy.

 

[Old Skool]

Yep, fixed. I'll be surprised if he doesn't end up getting promoted.

 

[Old Skool]

44) Max Warren: A skilled, smart midfielder who "doesn't have one deficiency" aside from consistency according to his TAC coach. He'll most likely need a good 12-18 months in an AFL environment. I'll be keeping a close eye on him in 2012.

45) Brad Mangan: A member of the powerful Murray 2008 TAC side which has thrown up gems in Ziebell, Sidebottom, Rockliff and Sams Reid and Wright, Brad was also expected to be drafted and apparently missed only due to a lack of commitment. He's 190cm/95 kg so there will be no serious size development required and he plays tall for a bloke that would be considered undersized for a KPP. He'll play in defence and I expect him to debut in 2012 and take to senior football as if he has played 50 games already. I'll be very surprised if he doesn't get elevated on to the senior list.

46) Ben Speight: Quick and skilled, he only needs to add endurance to become a regular senior player. Ben is on the fringe, and he needs to take the next step in 2012.

?) Sam Gibson: A mature, fit ball magnet from the VFL who I will look at closely.

 

[Old Skool]

The heat is seriously on for spots now. No more "tomorrows" for North in 2012.

Rucks: Goldstein is as safe as houses and McIntosh will be next in line from Daw and Mabon who is still some way off. Pederson is placing strong pressure on Hamish as a part time ruckman/utility if Hamish can't deliver around the ground.

Inside midfielders: Swallow, Ziebell, Cunnington and Greenwood will fill the primary roles with Garlett close behind.

Outside midfielder/rebounding defenders: Bastinac, Wells, MacMillan and Atley should be locks with Anthony, Richardson and Mullet in strong contention.

Medium defenders: Scotts McMahon and Thompson are certainties with the veteran Firrito rounding out the numbers. Brad Mangan will be putting serious pressure on this group.

Key defenders: The most hotly contested spots on the list with Grima and Hansen expected to get first crack. Robbie Tarrant and Luke Delaney are expected to come in to contention.

High forwards: I expect Thomas, Adams, Harper and Wright will all be locks with Speight breathing down their necks.

Deep small forwards: Harvey is of course a certainty, with Campbell next in line and the exciting Lynch keeping Campbell honest.

Key forwards: Petrie and Edwards are certainties with the impressive Pederson and the super talented Black hotly pressing for the 3rd spot along with ruckman cum forward Hamish McIntosh.

Conclusion: We finally have true depth in every position for the first time in a decade.

My 2012 starting 22:

B - McMahon, Hansen, Thompson
HB-MacMillan, Grima, Firrito
C - Wells, Ziebell, Bastinac
HF-Thomas, Wright, Adams
F - Harvey, Petrie, Edwards

R - Goldstein, Swallow, Greenwood

Int- Cunnington, Harper, McIntosh

Sub - Atley.

Emerg - Garlett, Anthony, Pederson

A lot revolves around where the coach plays Hansen, and Firrito and McIntosh will both want to be on their game from round 1.

 

[year of the roo]

From what I saw, Maxy Warren has a bit of work to do on his endurance. But body wise, he looks as AFL ready as I have seen a first year draftee for quite some time. Skills looked neat enough, without being a feature.

Sam Gibson looks destined to play Ziebell's role while he is out. Jack has been spending plenty of time with him, I don't think that is a coincidence.

Mangan will need a little more time than Gibson, I reckon. He looks like a park footballer, not an AFL footballer to me. But I think he will get there. He will have his eye on Spud and Thompson's spots.

Speight will get there. He's a bloody star on the training track.

 

[Old Skool]

From what I saw, Maxy Warren has a bit of work to do on his endurance. But body wise, he looks as AFL ready as I have seen a first year draftee for quite some time. Skills looked neat enough, without being a feature.

Thanks, he certainly intrigues me.

Sam Gibson looks destined to play Ziebell's role while he is out. Jack has been spending plenty of time with him, I don't think that is a coincidence.

You think he will get the gig over Cruize?

Mangan will need a little more time than Gibson, I reckon. He looks like a park footballer, not an AFL footballer to me. But I think he will get there. He will have his eye on Spud and Thompson's spots.

I see your point as Mangan presents as an old fashioned scrapper, but he was rarely beaten in one on ones in the VFL and has more than a touch of "Shinboner", a trait for which I must profess a weakness.

Agree with the medium defender contention, although he does have a history of being able to go forward and play an effective role.

Brads main problem is that he lacks the zip to go with the small quick forwards, and whilst certainly having the strength and overhead ability to play key defence, he will probably be found wanting in the height department.

He'll surprise a few if and when he gets a crack, I'm certain of that much, and the kid is still only 20.

Speight will get there. He's a bloody star on the training track.

He's as electrifying as Boomer and Wellsy when he is up and going, we just need to see it more often. Mental application will be the only thing that could hold him back as a footballer.

 

[GarnerSmash]

Nice work Tef. Cheers for the effort.

Interesting you have Hansen at FB. I'm not of the opinion that he is best suited to positions where he will be required to wrestle with an opponent as often as not so would be inclined to swap him to CHB or CHF.

I agree that it will be very interesting to see how Scott manages the dual ruck situation and what impact that has on Pedersen and how he is utilised. There is the argument that having H and Pedo in the side along with the other talls makes us top heavy so one has to make way. Apparently H is fitter than he has ever been so I think we can expect very strong competition for that second tall forward/second ruck position, although I would not discount using Pedo in a true utility role, much like Mark Roberts. I can see him off a wing or as a lead up forward/high forward option.

Very true comment re depth too, although it will only be considered real depth if we play finals footy, otherwise whats the point in having 30+ blokes who can play at AFL level?

Re Mango, he obviously has a lot of work to do on his conditioning, how much is dependent on what role Scott sees him playing. I reckon he should be on as heavy a load as possible, within reason of course, up till he is in a position to be promoted. I reckon he will have an Adams like impact.

 

[year of the roo]

You think he will get the gig over Cruize?

It's possible. I like Cruize a lot and have notice all the work he has done over the last year or 2 to improve his body shape, his endurance and his skills. He has come a long way. Plenty of water to go under the bridge until round 1, the NAB Cup will tell us a lot. I'd expect both of those guys to feature prominently.

Gibson is almost 3 years older than Cruize. So it wouldn't be that much of a surprise, I don't think.

I see your point as Mangan presents as an old fashioned scrapper, but he was rarely beaten in one on ones in the VFL and has more than a touch of "Shinboner", a trait for which I must profess a weakness.

Agree with the medium defender contention, although he does have a history of being able to go forward and play an effective role.

My opinion of him comes from the recent training session, some YouTube footage and some very limited viewing of him at Werribbe (when I wasn't focusing much of non-aligned players).

He looked good going forward during his Bushrangers days, but how often has he played forward whilst at Werribee? It might take him some time to adjust if we see him as a forward option.

Brads main problem is that he lacks the zip to go with the small quick forwards, and whilst certainly having the strength and overhead ability to play key defence, he will probably be found wanting in the height department.

He's a bona fide 'tweener all right!

He'll surprise a few if and when he gets a crack, I'm certain of that much, and the kid is still only 20.

Yeah, he's 3 years younger than Lynch and 5 years younger than Gibson so as long as he doesn't totally bomb, he will almost certainly be given more time to improve. He's only a year older than Mullett too, who will likewise be given plenty of time.

 

[year of the roo]

Re Mango, he obviously has a lot of work to do on his conditioning, how much is dependent on what role Scott sees him playing. I reckon he should be on as heavy a load as possible, within reason of course, up till he is in a position to be promoted. I reckon he will have an Adams like impact.

Good comparison actually.

Very different players, sure. But they are a lot alike in many aspects. Patch took a while to 'make it' due to injury and also needing to improve various aspects of his game.

Similar to Richo, we must be careful not to expect too much too early just because they were drafted in their 20s. They will still take some time.

This differs to Lynch and Gibson, who are as ready made as anything. If they don't crack it into AFL level this year, they may not get another.

 

[Old Skool]

He looked good going forward during his Bushrangers days, but how often has he played forward whilst at Werribee?

He made his way to Werribee in 2010 but copped a busted jaw after playing only 2 matches and missed the rest of the season. He played predominately in defence in 2011 when I saw him play and got better and better as the season progressed. His BOG effort on Fevola in the finals was a real eye catcher, and he also gave Hahn a hiding in the preliminary final when Werribee were flogged.

Keep in mind we're talking about a 190cm, 20 year old kid with 2 VFL pre-seasons, and 20 odd games of senior football under his belt.

Grima, Thompson and Firrito certainly weren't playing to that level at 20 years of age. Brad could end up playing centre half back.

 

[Old Skool]

Interesting you have Hansen at FB. I'm not of the opinion that he is best suited to positions where he will be required to wrestle with an opponent as often as not so would be inclined to swap him to CHB or CHF.

I don't think Lachie has any problem "spoiling" in defence, it's when he has to hold up a pack and actually take a mark that he currently gets in trouble.

I can't see Lachie getting involved in too many wrestles with gorillas, IMO he would sit off a forward slightly and come in late to spoil. As we all know, if Lachie gets an unimpeded run at the contest, he will very rarely get out marked.

He also has some pretty good second up defenders to give him a chop out if the opposition bomb the ball in long and he would kill most gorillas on the rebound.

Of course, he and Grima are interchangeable depending on the opposition. I expect Hurley to line up at full forward in round one, and I would send Lachie to him.

 

[Passmore]

Nice work OS, interesting and enjoyable read.

A couiple of observtions:

1. There's not too many blokes on the list, including rookies, who don't appear physically capable of playing senior footy and having an impact in 2012

2. Apart from maybe Max Warren, all rookies appear capable of stepping up to senior level in 2012. The knock on effect of multiple rookies playing senior footy is the pressure it will place on senior listed players to hold their spots for 2013 given the apparent upcoming "superdraft". Every player is going to need to attack 2012 as if their (football) life depends on it.

 

[year of the roo]

You're absolutely right Passmore. Gone are the days when we would have genuine duds playing in the senior side every week. Not gonna name names.

I think we have a player or 2 who probably won't advance their AFL careers any further with us, but I wouldn't call them duds.

 

[Passmore]

No doubt some blokes will fall by the wayside as others step up, it's the nature of footy. I'm sure we all have opinions on who they might be, but I'm happy to watch it all unfold without any preconcieved predjudices. Well I'll try

Most years. most team will have 5-6 skinny kids on the senior list, let alone the rookie list, who just aren't physically ready. We have Mabon, and possible Cam Delaney and Max Warren, although I've never laid eye's on him, just going by reports, so I stand to be corrected there. Kennedy and Curran, due to injury may still be in the developmental phase, however physically they appear strong enough.

This is far and away the best shape our list has been in for a decade plus. The only blokes who age will probably catch up with within the next five years are Harvey and Petrie with possibly Firrito, McIntosh, Edwards and Wells at the end of that five year period.

List management, in the past 4-5 years, has been outstanding. We are now in a position where we have a youthful, balanced list and competition for places. It's now up to the lads to deliver.

 

[Old Skool]

This is far and away the best shape our list has been in for a decade plus.

IMO, it's the best list of assembled youth since the early 90's and depth wise it is arguably better.

However, will the same calibre of top end talent emerge from this group?

This remains to be seen. We need a top quality young forward to step up.