Preview 2014 Most Improved?

[ftmch]

Interested as to who thinks people might be our most improved in the coming season?

Needn't be restricted to our young up and comers necessarily (though those are the ones with most upside), nor does 'improved' imply that they had a poor or substandard 2013 necessarily. Moreso who is going to make the biggest progression in their form and/or development, relative to last year.

FWIW, I reckon it could be Luke Brown. I know a few people think he is more of the staid, reliable type that probably won't evolve too much more from what we've seen, but I think he's got the potential to become one of the elite small defenders in the competition early in his career.

I also think Brodie Smith could be a contender - particularly if he's unleashed to the midfield (though I called this last year also, and it didn't quite eventuate).

Honourable mentions to Hendo, who could explode this year if he stays injury free and is allowed to settle into a position, and Brad Crouch, for obvious reason.

Thoughts?

 

[Drugs Are Bad Mackay?]

Haha, saw the thread and thought Brodie Smith straight away

 

[Wright Away]

Grigg. Will average over 20+ possessions a game.

 

[azza77]

After last years performances, am I allowed to list all 40 senior players that I wish to improve on last year?

But in all seriousness, I think it will be neck and neck between the 2 mentioned above, Smith vs Grigg. My money is Smith to edge Grigg just, mainly due to his age and being that tad older. Looked like he was going to breakout last year but that broken collarbone affected him a lot more than people thought it would and seemed to stunt his growth last year. With a full pre season im backing him to have a big one in 2014.

A real smoky for mine could be Jenkins. Oozed raw potential in 2012 and had a rough year in '13 being thrown into the deep end as our number one forward. The tough conditions could potentially have forced him to adapt quicker and fast tracked his development. One to keep an eye on...

On a side note, will be very interesting to see how B.Crouch goes with the famous '2nd year blues' hovering above his head. He has already been at the club for 2 years now and this will be his 3rd pre season with us, so he is probably well placed to avoid this tag and continue improving. However, after absolutely smashing all expectations in only his first year it will still be interesting to see whether he can build on these performances or whether he has a middle of the road year.

 

[Schulzycrow]

In this order..
Grigg has seen the light after a taster last season and is working his butt off and with VB injured game time is assured.
Smith was on the brink last season, but collar bone in practice match put paid to this. Into the midfield rotations or up onto a wing will see him really take off.
Crouch..will he suffer second year blues? Don't think so and this kid can only get better.
Otten, its taken a few years to get over his knee, but Andy O is going to pay back the club in spades to become a very dangerous swing man in both attack and defence.
Hendo...saw the potential last year and could become that hard HBF running sweeper we've missed since Bunji hung them up.
Lynch threw this one in because I think he has plenty more to offer. He can allow Walker when he comes back to stay around the 50 and be the lead up man and work his oppo over with his hard running and marking. Cleans up his disposal and the occasional brain snaps and he his going to be a nightmare match up.

 

[Allefgib]

The side.

I tried to start listing guys and you could almost fill a decent 22 of players who SHOULD improve this year and if they do - look out.

 

[spenze]

A real smoky for mine could be Jenkins. Oozed raw potential in 2012 and had a rough year in '13 being thrown into the deep end as our number one forward. The tough conditions could potentially have forced him to adapt quicker and fast tracked his development. One to keep an eye on...

I've re watched quite a few games of ours thanks to Foxtel and I am staggered I didn't notice how bloody good Jenkins field work is. He slowed down as the year went on but his ability to walk through tackles and give the ball off was really good. I'm hoping he has the opportunity to be second or third fiddle in our forward line this year because he will be dangerous.

In saying that, he will be hard pressed to beat Smith, guy oozes class

 

[huludicidal]

I'm going with Sam Kerridge.

VB's injury gives him first crack as our No.1 run-with player this season IMO. Of course, this may not eventuate as the coaching staff may prefer someone like Wright, Smith, Brown or even Lyons in this role, but Kerridge is the guy for me, and I'm backing him to become one of the best 6-8 taggers in the league, with a rare ability (for a tagger) to really hurt the opposition going the other way.

Luke Brown already finished top 6 in the B&F in 2013. While I think he still has improvement in him as a player, I'd take the same level of performance from him in 2014 in a heartbeat.

I'm expecting a bit of a sophomore slump from Crouch, but he'll still eventually be one of the top 10 mids in the league. 2015-17 will be his time to shine.

Jenkins is another who could really come on in 2014.

Smith is an obvious candidate if used correctly, and the key with him is staying injury-free.

Lyons, Grigg and Hartigan could also vie for this title if given regular opportunities. Grigg SHOULD be a walk-up start every week in 95% of supporters eyes including mine, but I'm not convinced that the coaching panel will agree with this. Green vests and/or occasionally being given the arse in favour of guys like Porplyzia and Mackay seem inevitable to me for Grigg in 2014. Hopefully I'm wrong as I'd like to see him play all games and not even be considered for the vest / SANFL if his form is good.

 

[Elder van Berlo]

A real smoky for mine could be Jenkins. Oozed raw potential in 2012 and had a rough year in '13 being thrown into the deep end as our number one forward. The tough conditions could potentially have forced him to adapt quicker and fast tracked his development. One to keep an eye on...

Excellent call. He's the one IMO.

I also expect at least one of Kerridge/Lyons to make the leap this year.

 

[Schulzycrow]

Yep JJ without the pressure of being the number one target and having someone like Pods around the club can only help his development, even if it mean eventually JJ pushes him out of the forward line.

 

[Vader]

Almost easier to name those who are not expected to show massive improvement - Thompson, VB (due to injury), JPod, Betts, Porps.. essentially our most senior players. I think Pets, Jaensch & Martin have long since hit their talent limit as well.

On the other hand, I do expect to see considerable improvement from Reilly, having slimmed down noticeably and no longer carrying the excess baggage that held him back last year.

Then there's the kids who have been previously named as well.

 

[Allefgib]

I've re watched quite a few games of ours thanks to Foxtel and I am staggered I didn't notice how bloody good Jenkins field work is. He slowed down as the year went on but his ability to walk through tackles and give the ball off was really good. I'm hoping he has the opportunity to be second or third fiddle in our forward line this year because he will be dangerous.

In saying that, he will be hard pressed to beat Smith, guy oozes class

Jj was top 4 in my list before I said the whole team. Love what he showed and has plenty of upside.

 

[jackster83]

Has to be Jacobs.

We need him to bring our midfield (particularly Thommo) into the game. Holding marks and not tapping it straight down the throat of unmarked opposition forwards would be a big help too.

 

[Big Trozza]

Mitch Grigg is the obvuious one in my opinion. Literally everyone who's been interviewed and everyone I've talked to has said the kid is just dominating the preseason. With the potential and class he showed last year we could see something very special.

Also if Smith finally gets moved to the midfield he will prove how big a jet he is.

Plenty of others too at the AFC. Exciting times!

 

[Allefgib]

Has to be Jacobs.

We need him to bring our midfield (particularly Thommo) into the game. Holding marks and not tapping it straight down the throat of unmarked opposition forwards would be a big help too.

Was second on my list. ..

 

[AFC979810]

For me its Porps.

Without Vince and now VB he will spend 60% running through the middle with 40% up forward.

Will average 17 possessions, 1.5 goals per game and finish top 10 in the B&F.

 

[Vader]

For me its Porps.

Without Vince and now VB he will spend 60% running through the middle with 40% up forward.

Will average 17 possessions, 1.5 goals per game and finish top 10 in the B&F.

In which competition? I assume you're referring to the SANFL?

 

[Jarman3]

Cam Ellis Yolmen.

This year will be his year we really truly mean it this time, honest.

 

[Deaneus!]

Mitch* Grigg, will be a good chance for the Rising Star.

* yes i originally put Shaun, and then thought hey he's got the same name as Mitch, the Richmond guy.

 

[weekend at bernies]

Has to be Jacobs.

We need him to bring our midfield (particularly Thommo) into the game. Holding marks and not tapping it straight down the throat of unmarked opposition forwards would be a big help too.

I'm with you, Big Sauce back to his best we are automatically a better side. Sauce for AA

 

[Paladin]

Almost easier to name those who are not expected to show massive improvement - Thompson, VB (due to injury), JPod, Betts, Porps.. essentially our most senior players. I think Pets, Jaensch & Martin have long since hit their talent limit as well.

On the other hand, I do expect to see considerable improvement from Reilly, having slimmed down noticeably and no longer carrying the excess baggage that held him back last year.

Then there's the kids who have been previously named as well.

Why will Reilly improve from slimming down but Porps wont? Makes no sense.

I think Mackay and Wright will dramatically improve on 2013 form. Smith however will take the cake and be a star in 2014.

 

[azza77]

Shaun Grigg, will be a good chance for the Rising Star.

Sorry who?

 

[Skippy231]

I'm picking Smith for my most improved but i recon Sam Shaw is a very good chance.

 

[Vader]

Why will Reilly improve from slimming down but Porps wont? Makes no sense.

I think Mackay and Wright will dramatically improve on 2013 form. Smith however will take the cake and be a star in 2014.

I don't think Porps' problems were necessarily weight related. I think his shoulder is pretty much shot, limiting his ability to mark the ball overhead and his ability to tackle. He's never had an engine big enough for more than the odd cameo in the midfield - and now we have a multitude of forwards who have gone past him in the pecking order.

 

[Tex200]

I'm going out way past left field even - nominating McKernan.

He copped a massive kick in the pants during trade week. I'm still a believer in his talent and I think the trade week episode might just be the thing which flicks the switch.