Review 2016 player review

[robertg22]

I've had a bit of downtime this week so have put together a mini review of each player on the list for 2016. I'll put them in this thread across a couple of posts (haven't quite finished all of them yet either), feel free to let me know your thoughts, positive, negative or otherwise

Have included in there where each player finished in the Collingwood BigFooty MVP award (the didaka medal), see the thread here.


Alex Fasolo: Took some really big steps forward IMO and was a real standout for us early on. Was an outside chance for an All Australian gig part way through the season, after round 7 was sitting on 18.3. Looked like he was really blossoming into a leader of the forward line. Unfortunately like others he was cut down by injuries and while he did return (twice), he probably shouldn’t have. Hopefully the surgery fully fixes things and he has an uninterrupted preseason and has a proper run at it next season.

Best performance: Undoubtedly round 2 vs Richmond. Six goals straight and three goal assists. Will get the three brownlow votes too you’d imagine.

didaka medal finish: 9th – 10 votes.

Jordan De Goey: 2016 was a bit of a mixed bag for JDG. His NAB Challenge was unbelievable (in particular the Geelong game) where he looked poised to have a really big year. Unfortunately he didn’t live up to expectations and found himself in the VFL late in the year. Probably a case of second year blues but also being played out of position, IMO he is best suited to an inside mid role and spent the majority of the year on a HFF. Finished the year off very strongly though, with multiple goals in his last three games. He needs to clean up his disposal and work on getting rid of the ball quicker as he often gets himself into trouble.

Best performance: Probably round 21 vs the Dogs, provided a good target up forward (2.0, 3 marks inside 50 and 3 goal assists).

didaka medal finish: =23rd – 1 vote.

Brent Macaffer: Looked well off the pace in each of his four performances at AFL level, I am still staggered as to how he was voted into the leadership group. Has been a big part of the VFL set up, hopefully he can go on and help us have a great finish there. Congratulations on a good career, will always be a Collingwood premiership player.

Best performance: Probably round 16 vs GWS – did a job on H Shaw and kicked a goal.

didaka medal finish: 0 votes

Brodie Grundy: I feel like Brodie had two seasons for us this year. The first was him not even being selected as our ruckman for round 1 and coasting through each game, seemingly at the same pace in which he played 2014 and 2015. The second was after the bye where he was, along with Gawn, the best ruckman in the entire league. Averaged 16.9 touches, 23.4 hitouts, 3.6 clearances and 4 tackles up until the bye. Upped those numbers to 20.1 disposals, 31.3 hitouts, 4.1 clearances and 4.8 tackles post bye. Absolutely elite numbers and the best part? He’s only 22!

Best performance: Round 16 vs GWS – had his colours lowered early vs Mumford but bounced back dominated the game after quarter time and was BOG in the win.

didaka medal finish: 3rd – 38 votes.

Jamie Elliott: Along with the Swan injury this was the one that hurt us the most. Hoping like hell that he gets it right and can come back strong in 2017.

Tyson Goldsack: Only managed four games for the year which is the lowest by far since he arrived at the club at the end of 2006. Performed well at senior well when called upon but hard to see if he is a part of our plans moving forward or not. I think he still has something to offer, but am not convinced he is absolutely in our best 22.

Best performance: Probably round 15 vs Carlton but I’m not sure the coaching group felt the same as he was dropped back to the VFL after that game!

didaka medal finish: =21st – 2 votes.

Adam Treloar: He was everything we hoped he would be and more. Will be a very tight finish with Pendles for the Copeland and wouldn’t look at all out of place in the All Australian team. He had a bit of a dip in form after the bye but finished the year off with three clear best on grounds. May poll quite well in the Brownlow also. Love the kid, excited to watch him dominate the competition over the next 10 years. Bet he’s glad he didn’t pick Richmond also (yes Cotchin, you spoke too soon)!

Best performance: Quite a few stand outs but I’m going to go with his last vs Hawthorn. Didn’t touch it in the first quarter but still finished on 36 disposals, 10 clearances and seemingly kicked the match winning goal. Unfortunately was not the case!

didaka medal finish: 2nd – 49 votes.

Tom Langdon: Hard to judge him on 2016 because of injury. Had a couple of ordinary performances early (rounds 1 & 2 poor) and then looked good in rounds 3 and 4, then basically missed the remainder of the year with a knee, or was it an ankle? Like others I hope he gets over these issues and bounces back next year. Turns 23 next year and it will be a pivotal year for him as we’d be hoping that there would be a bit of competition for spots in the role that he plays.

Best performance: Round 3 vs St Kilda – was a poor day for the club but Langdon was one of our better performers, had 27 disposals and kicked his second career goal.

didaka medal finish: =16th – 4 votes.

Jesse White: I feel like Jesse has started to earn a small amount of respect from the Magpie faithful. He was inexplicably selected to play CHB on Jack Watts in round 4 (and went about as bad as could be) and then common sense prevailed and he returned to his ‘natural’ role as a forward. With Cloke leaving White’s going to be there abouts next year as we look to find the right mix of a support cast for Moore moving forward. His second half of the year was OK. He’s not going to get any better, but if our third tall/backup ruck option is kicking around 30 goals a year and dishing a few off, it helps.

Best performance: Round 22 against GC, had an equal career high 10 marks (3 contested) and kicked 3.4, probably should have kicked 6.

didaka medal finish: =10th - 9 votes.

Scott Pendlebury: This guy is an absolute champion and I feel he is actually underrated. Battled injuries both early and late in the piece, but still played 22 games and the vast majority were at the exceptional quality we’ve come to expect. For mine he’s still one of the top 5 or 6 players in the game but doesn’t get enough recognition. Has still got plenty of great footy left in him and will be a big part of our push for flag #16.

Best performance: Plenty of quality performances but possibly round 9 vs Geelong, his 26 disposals, 3 goals 6 clearances set up a good win over the Cats.

didaka medal finish: 1st – 54 votes.

Jarryd Blair: Blair’s not the most popular player on this forum and I’ve defended him in the past but am no longer particularly thrilled with him. As a senior player he goes missing far too often. Got injured and was straight back into the side. I don’t feel as though he should be an automatic selection but the coaches seemingly disagree with that. He is an unrestricted free agent, I can’t imagine there’d be a huge amount of people around here that would be devastated if he moved on.

Best performance: Round 5 vs Essendon – kicked 3 goals and had 16 disposals 7 tackles.

didaka medal finish: =18th – 3 votes

Matthew Scharenberg: Played the last two games of the year in 2015 and was starting to look somewhat comfortable in the ones. The knee injury was so unfortunate because we know what a talent he is. Fingers crossed he faces no further issues and gets a decent crack at it.

Taylor Adams: This kid is a bull. He doesn’t seem to get many plaudits externally but he’s right up there with anyone else in terms of importance to our side. One thing that stood out for me this year is the improvement he showed in his disposal which was the main knock on his game. Improved from 62.4% DE to 71.5% & reduced his clanger count despite increasing his average disposals. Filled a role across half back at times also which is something that we will use in the future to steady the ship. Unfortunately missed blocks of games early on, in the middle of the year and then didn’t play the last two. Turns 23 next year and will only get better.

Best performance: Round 19 vs West Coast, was BOG in our win with 36 disposals, 11 tackles, 8 clearances, 8 inside 50s.

didaka medal finish: 4th – 33 votes.

James Aish: I’ll admit I was one of many people who had some severe doubts about this kid based on what he dished up in the NAB and early part of the year. Was rightfully dropped and played some good footy in the VFL and earned a recall. He played some very solid football from round 15 onwards and gave us a glimpse into what he is capable of. Can play multiple roles, doesn’t panic, makes good decisions and uses the ball well which is somewhat uncommon at Collingwood! Still can drift in and out of games often but let’s not forget, he’s still 20 years old and his best is yet to come.

Best performance: Round 20 vs Richmond stands out for me, was probably our best performer on the night. 18 touches, 2 goals, 3 big contested marks.

didaka medal finish: =10th – 9 votes.

Jarrod Witts: Earned the #1 ruck role for round 1 and it was probably the right call at the time, but he’s now miles behind Grundy. Is too good for the VFL and would be good enough to play if Grundy ever got injured, but they cannot play together. His selection (alongside Cox and Grundy) on Queen’s Birthday was one of the biggest blunders Buckley has made as coach. I would move him on but not exactly sure what his currency is like, second round draft pick?

Best performance: Round 1 vs Sydney I guess but only two games played, so nothing to write home about.

didaka medal finish: no votes.

 

[robertg22]

Nathan Brown: He doesn’t really let us down defensively, but he’s not a top line defender overall and does almost nothing offensively. Still, he is better than Jack Frost as he doesn’t really make a huge amount of mistakes. He is a restricted free agent, would there be a huge market for his services though? I would personally sign him to a one year extension (two at a stretch) on the cheap and look to replace him as soon as possible.

Best performance: Was ok in round 1 vs Sydney.

didaka medal finish: =23rd – 1 vote.

Jonathan Marsh: I am glad he forced his way into the team half way through the year as I really feel he has something to offer. He definitely makes mistakes and provides some very nervous moments but those moments seemed to happen at fewer intervals as the year went on. He actually reminds me of a young Alex Rance, am not saying that he will necessarily get to the level Rance is at now but the ability is there. He’s almost a round 1 2017 lock for mine.

Best performance: Round 14 vs Freo, plenty of intercept marks and possessions and looked right at home.

didaka medal finish: no votes.

Travis Varcoe: It was ultimately a fairly disappointing year for Varcoe despite having a great first year with us in 2015. The hamstring injuries early in the season undoubtedly played a part in that, as he looked to be in great touch in the NAB Challenge. I feel as though we use him too much as a spare parts player too often rather than allowing him to settle in a role. He’s still a quality player/user of the ball but I would expect a fair bit more from him next year.

Best performance: Round 12 vs Melbourne – was close to our best player on Queen’s Birthday but not a great day for the club.

didaka medal finish: 15th – 5 votes.

Levi Greenwood: I’m not a massive Greenwood fan but he played some decent roles at times during the year. He managed 18 goals (4th at the club) and had 135 tackles which are respectable numbers, but it seemed as though we only assigned him run with roles on occasion. At North he seemed to get far more of the ball but I don’t know if that’s something we want, because his disposal is nowhere near AFL standard. Next year is a contract year and he’s obviously not going to get any better. Not sure he will be around in a couple of seasons.

Best performance: Probably round 9 vs Geelong. Shut down Selwood convincingly.

didaka medal finish: = 13th – 6 votes.

Ben Reid: How good was it to have a fit Ben Reid back in the side? Was not quite as good 1on1 as he was in his AA year, but his kicking out of the back half was a breath of fresh air. The intercept marking was back on display also and he seemed to form a pretty good tandem down back with Howe. A knee injury ultimately finished up his year, let’s hope it’s not going to impact his 2017 pre season and he can hit the ground running once again.

Best performance: Round 14 vs Freo, had 22 disposals, 12 marks and used the ball really well.

Tom Phillips: Was pick 58 (a lucky draft pick for us, thanks Swanny) in the 2015 draft so for him to break into the team is a pretty good achievement in itself. He didn’t look overly out of place either and played some decent footy at times. He moves well, ball use is decent and he has good size. Definitely something to work with.

Best performance: Round 22 vs Gold Coast, was unlucky not to get a Rising Star nomination with his 25 disposals, 1 goal, 5 tackles and 3 clearances.

didaka medal finish: no votes.

Steele Sidebottom: Steele will likely finish in the top 5 of our B&F but I feel somewhat disappointed with his year. Many times this year he’d start a game exceptionally well and then disappear late, which is not what you’d expect for a player with such elite endurance. He did appear to cop a few tags throughout the year and I am not sure he handled it that well. Also, his suspension after round 1 really hurt the team. Having said all of that he still had over 500 disposals and kicked 17 goals for the year. I just feel now that at age 25, Steele should be a bona fide A grade mid and he’s not. Maybe I’m being a touch harsh.

Best performance: Undoubtedly round 5 vs Essendon on ANZAC Day. Was a dominating performance in a big win for the club.

didaka medal finish: 5th – 27 votes.

Lachlan Keeffe & Josh Thomas: Personally I wouldn’t have retained these two and they will have to do a lot to repay the faith we have shown in them.

Jack Crisp: Crispy wasn’t as dominant as he was in 2015 but still feel he had a pretty solid year. He is a genuine two way player who provides plenty of run for us going forward and is accountable going the other way. Still feel he is a big part of our future. According to an article I read recently he is 7th in the league for ‘pressure points’ (chasing/corralling/closing/physical pressure) which is a good reflection to the defensive edge he brings to the midfield.

Best performance: Probably round 9 vs Geelong – did a good job running with Dangerfield, had 24 touches, 8 tackles, 5 clearances, 8 inside 50s, 4 goal assists and a goal of his own.

didaka medal finish: 8th – 12 votes.

 

[robertg22]

Marley Williams: Probably the most disappointing player of 2016. He entered the season as our #1 small defender and ends it as someone who many would like to never see in the black & white again. His trademark run and carry out of the backline was there on display at times but his disposal seemingly got worse both by hand and foot. Had an early season injury that required him to come back through the VFL, but even at VFL level he wasn’t great. There is talk he may be traded back to WA and personally I would take whatever we can get for Marley.

Best performance: Possibly round 14 vs Freo – picked up 18 disposals and didn’t have a clanger.

didaka medal finish: no votes.

Matthew Goodyear: Earned a couple of senior games through solid VFL performances but didn’t really look up to it. Decent VFL performer but I don’t think he will be on the list next year.


Ben Sinclair: His output increased significantly and he really showed glimpses that he could be a valuable contributor at senior level. When he was on, he really looked at home across half back providing run and carry. His ball use was impressive and his 1on1 defending also top shelf at times. Unfortunately the concussions are a huge concern though.

Best performance: Round 17 vs Adelaide, was one of our best with 23 disposals.

didaka medal finish: =13th – 6 votes.

Tim Broomhead: I rate this guy’s potential as we have seen it in glimpses but he hasn’t been able to put it together for a variety of reasons. He is out of contract this year and I am not convinced he will be with us beyond 2016, but have a bad feeling that it could come back to bite us. Unsure what we could get as far as a trade goes, if it is something reasonable we may take it. Or we could roll the dice and keep him on the list and hope that he turns it around.

Best performance: Only played one full game, round 6 vs WC where he did nothing apart from kick 2 goals.

didaka medal finish: no votes.

Darcy Moore: Love this kid, but who doesn't? So talented and showed glimpses at times that he will be one of the very best key forwards in the game. Still has plenty of room for improvement in his game in that he doesn’t yet get quite enough of the ball, but he has all of the tools in particular elite contested marking ability. I’d love to see him use his blistering speed to get up the ground a little more but he is developing very nicely overall and every Pies fan should be very excited about his future.

Best performance: Gotta be his half of footy against West Coast. 3 goals, 5 contested marks (his previous best in a full game was 3).

didaka medal finish: =21st – 2 votes

Jackson Ramsay: Two years in a row now he has played seniors early, impressed, then we lost him for the year. This year though, in particular round 2 vs Richmond, he looked like a guy that had played 150 games. Showed a fair bit both defensively and offensively and looked like he could hold down a position in our best 22. I guess the only positive is that he did the ACL very early in the year and should be able to have a full preseason for next year.

Best performance: round 2 vs Richmond – 23 disposals, 7 marks and stood up late in the game to help us get the win.

didaka medal finish: =21st – 2 votes.

Travis Cloke: Now that it’s official and he is leaving the club, it’s important that we look back on his entire career positively because at his best he was an absolute star. Clearly is not the player he once was, his 17 goals in 2016 was the lowest mark since his second year (2006). Showed some good form at VFL level (as you would expect) but was still in and out of the senior team throughout the year. Unsure what is fair compensation at the trade table, but I expect the club have known this was coming and would have a few contingencies in place. Thanks for 246 games of service Travis!

Best performance: Round 16 vs GWS for sure, even though that glove may have been slightly on the unfair side!

didaka medal finish: =16th – 4 votes.

Rupert Wills: The tackling machine! From watching him in the VFL a few times at the start of the year he looked as though he could have an impact at senior level, and he didn’t look out of place. Seems to lack endurance and spends more time on the bench than your average mid but seems to have a future at the top level. I like his ability to break a tackle (reminds me of Patrick Cripps in this sense as he uses his height to advantage) and clearly knows how to lay one himself. Was equal leader in the league with 8.6 tackles per game.

Best performance: Round 20 vs the Tigers, had 20 disposals, 8 tackles, 4 clearances and a goal.

Alan Toovey: Has been a real warrior for us over a long period of time and we wish him well. Was never the same player after he did his knee in that horrible ANZAC Day game in 2013. We need him to impart some knowledge on one of the younger players at the club in how to beat Jack Darling, he kicked 4 on us last time.

Best performance: Kept Menzel to one goal in round 9.

didaka medal finish: 0 votes.

Brayden Sier: Seemed to be a strange pick on the draft night and certainly didn’t set the world on fire in his debut season at VFL level. Has time on his side (he’s only 18 years old still), hopefully he makes some inroads next year. The lack of senior football for him though puts the #35 guernsey arrangement into question though, I don’t know anyone that thinks this is a good concept. Hopefully we just give it to Josh Daicos and be done with it.

 

[Maggie5]

Great write up and makes it so much easier for comment and I agree with you in almost every assessment.

You make a couple of good points about Blair but I think it is up to someone to push him out of our 22 and don't believe that there is someone there yet.
Had 105 tackles this year and a high number led to forwards having a kick on goal. Is able to get out the back of opponents and provide a clear option on the forward line,many times marking undefended.
I compared his stats this year to Puopolo and he is really not that far behind and worthwhile considering that Puopolo plays in a stronger team.

 

[robertg22]

Dane Swan: What a champion. Deserved to go out on a high, not the way he did. Football can be so cruel sometimes.

Brayden Maynard: For a 19 year kid has copped his fair share of criticism. Early in the year it was somewhat warranted as there were a few too many decision making errors being made. But the longer he stayed in the team the more comfortable he looked. I think he’s going to be a good player for us over a long period of time. I love his attack on the footy and his long kicking is also a highlight.

Best performance: Round 20 vs Freo, had 22 touches off half back and was one of our best performers on the night

didaka medal finish: =21st – 2 votes.

Jeremy Howe: Didn’t really have much of a preseason and looked fairly average in his first few games as a forward. Many were questioning the trade given that Seedsman and Kennedy were playing well for their respective sides and our guy was struggling. Fast forward to the end of the season, BK and Seeds can’t even get a game and Howe has put together a great season across half back for us and will likely be top 10 in our B&F. I hope he stays down back as he has a great ability to get up and spoil but is also generally very assured by foot.

Best performance: Round 10 vs the Bulldogs, was probably BOG even though we lost the game. Dominated down back with 28 disposals and 12 marks.

didaka medal finish: 7th – 15 votes.

Ben Crocker: Like Phillips, being a late draft pick it was great to see him get a chance to play seniors. Definitely played a few more than he would have if the list was injury free, but he certainly didn’t disgrace himself. Has a good set of hands and is a decent shot at goal. Kicked two bags of 3 goals in his 10 games.

Best performance: Round 23 vs Hawthorn, kicked 3.

didaka medal finish: no votes.

Josh Smith: It’s always nice to get a player off the rookie list that contributes in the way that Smith did. May have been in the team from round 1 but the ankle injury he suffered against Geelong in the NAB challenge delayed his start. He knows how to find the ball, averaging almost 21 touches per game. Lacks a bit of pace and I am not sure he will get a whole lot better than he is now, but does he need to? An honest toiler that seems to give his all week in week out.

Best performance: 35 disposals and a goal vs Gold Coast in round 22.

didaka medal finish: =10th – 9 votes.

Tim Golds: His recruitment was questionable at best and I see no reason why he will be with us next season.

Adam Oxley: Poor year from Oxley. Is signed until the end of 2018 for some reason also. I don’t see him as being in our best 22 moving forward. I guess he is a handy utility, but will need to have a big year next year.

Best performance: Round 3 vs St Kilda, had 25 touches and a goal.

didaka medal finish: =18th – 3 votes.

Corey Gault: The big tease. His NAB and intraclub form suggested that he may have turned the corner and could be a big part of our team moving forward. We were wrong, and he is not. Had 11 touches, 7 hitouts and 7 clangers across his two games in the seniors. Will not play for us again.

Jack Frost: Started the year as our first choice full back and ended it as a battling VFL player. Is a handy backup player but his fumbling, poor ball use and inability to stay on his feet are huge concerns. Another one who is out of contract, I wonder if we’ll look to rookie list him again if no one is interested in a trade.

Best performance: Tough, but possibly round 10 vs the Dogs where he had 13 touches and took 6 marks.

Mason Cox: Cox is a great story in that coming from a college basketball/soccer background, to play any games at all is a huge achievement, but he showed some signs of real ability. Kicked multiple goals in 7 of his 11 games. He enters the 2017 season as a 26 year old and has a long way to go, but if he can be a 40 goal per year, 10 hitouts & 10 disposals per game player, is that good enough? Has to be close.

Best performance: 4 goals and 11 hitouts against Brisbane a good effort for his 4th game.

didaka medal finish: =21st – 2 votes.

Darrean Wyatt: Was OK in a couple of early VFL/VFL trial games, but seemingly got worse as the season went on. May get another year but wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t, like Ben Richmond.

 

[robertg22]

Great write up and makes it so much easier for comment and I agree with you in almost every assessment.

You make a couple of good points about Blair but I think it is up to someone to push him out of our 22 and don't believe that there is someone there yet.
Had 105 tackles this year and a high number led to forwards having a kick on goal. Is able to get out the back of opponents and provide a clear option on the forward line,many times marking undefended.
I compared his stats this year to Puopolo and he is really not that far behind and worthwhile considering that Puopolo plays in a stronger team.
View attachment 283418

I agree Maggie, and have used Puopolo as a basis of comparison myself in the past. The main problem for me is that his goal scoring/assist numbers are far below that of PP. Compare 2.4 (goals+assists) per game vs 1.2 for Blair and it doesn't look as good. Blair had a few games where he went completely missing yet he continues to be selected unconditionally.

 

[Baird]

Good summary, agree with everything. Though Goldsack's best game was definitely against WB

 

[robertg22]

Good summary, agree with everything. Though Goldsack's best game was definitely against WB

You're probably right, and he wasn't dropped after that game lol.

 

[robertg22]

I remember doing one of these a few years back & just found the old thread. Some interesting/embarrassing calls by me, including saying Wood would play 150 games for us
https://www.bigfooty.com/forum/threads/2009-player-review.637077/

 

[Saintly Viewed]

Dane Swan: What a champion. Deserved to go out on a high, not the way he did. Football can be so cruel sometimes.

Brayden Maynard: For a 19 year kid has copped his fair share of criticism. Early in the year it was somewhat warranted as there were a few too many decision making errors being made. But the longer he stayed in the team the more comfortable he looked. I think he’s going to be a good player for us over a long period of time. I love his attack on the footy and his long kicking is also a highlight.

Best performance: Round 20 vs Freo, had 22 touches off half back and was one of our best performers on the night

didaka medal finish: =21st – 2 votes.

Jeremy Howe: Didn’t really have much of a preseason and looked fairly average in his first few games as a forward. Many were questioning the trade given that Seedsman and Kennedy were playing well for their respective sides and our guy was struggling. Fast forward to the end of the season, BK and Seeds can’t even get a game and Howe has put together a great season across half back for us and will likely be top 10 in our B&F. I hope he stays down back as he has a great ability to get up and spoil but is also generally very assured by foot.

Best performance: Round 10 vs the Bulldogs, was probably BOG even though we lost the game. Dominated down back with 28 disposals and 12 marks.

didaka medal finish: 7th – 15 votes.

Ben Crocker: Like Phillips, being a late draft pick it was great to see him get a chance to play seniors. Definitely played a few more than he would have if the list was injury free, but he certainly didn’t disgrace himself. Has a good set of hands and is a decent shot at goal. Kicked two bags of 3 goals in his 10 games.

Best performance: Round 23 vs Hawthorn, kicked 3.

didaka medal finish: no votes.

Josh Smith: It’s always nice to get a player off the rookie list that contributes in the way that Smith did. May have been in the team from round 1 but the ankle injury he suffered against Geelong in the NAB challenge delayed his start. He knows how to find the ball, averaging almost 21 touches per game. Lacks a bit of pace and I am not sure he will get a whole lot better than he is now, but does he need to? An honest toiler that seems to give his all week in week out.

Best performance: 35 disposals and a goal vs Gold Coast in round 22.

didaka medal finish: =10th – 9 votes.

Tim Golds: His recruitment was questionable at best and I see no reason why he will be with us next season.

Adam Oxley: Poor year from Oxley. Is signed until the end of 2018 for some reason also. I don’t see him as being in our best 22 moving forward. I guess he is a handy utility, but will need to have a big year next year.

Best performance: Round 3 vs St Kilda, had 25 touches and a goal.

didaka medal finish: =18th – 3 votes.

Corey Gault: The big tease. His NAB and intraclub form suggested that he may have turned the corner and could be a big part of our team moving forward. We were wrong, and he is not. Had 11 touches, 7 hitouts and 7 clangers across his two games in the seniors. Will not play for us again.

Jack Frost: Started the year as our first choice full back and ended it as a battling VFL player. Is a handy backup player but his fumbling, poor ball use and inability to stay on his feet are huge concerns. Another one who is out of contract, I wonder if we’ll look to rookie list him again if no one is interested in a trade.

Best performance: Tough, but possibly round 10 vs the Dogs where he had 13 touches and took 6 marks.

Mason Cox: Cox is a great story in that coming from a college basketball/soccer background, to play any games at all is a huge achievement, but he showed some signs of real ability. Kicked multiple goals in 7 of his 11 games. He enters the 2017 season as a 26 year old and has a long way to go, but if he can be a 40 goal per year, 10 hitouts & 10 disposals per game player, is that good enough? Has to be close.

Best performance: 4 goals and 11 hitouts against Brisbane a good effort for his 4th game.

didaka medal finish: =21st – 2 votes.

Darrean Wyatt: Was OK in a couple of early VFL/VFL trial games, but seemingly got worse as the season went on. May get another year but wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t, like Ben Richmond.

Great write up Rob.
Great great shame about Swan.
Total sadness in the way it cruelled him. But he was a super star elite player.
We missed him this year and we will miss him next year.

Terrific read.

 

[TradeDraft]

Great write up and makes it so much easier for comment and I agree with you in almost every assessment.

You make a couple of good points about Blair but I think it is up to someone to push him out of our 22 and don't believe that there is someone there yet.
Had 105 tackles this year and a high number led to forwards having a kick on goal. Is able to get out the back of opponents and provide a clear option on the forward line,many times marking undefended.
I compared his stats this year to Puopolo and he is really not that far behind and worthwhile considering that Puopolo plays in a stronger team.
View attachment 283418

Pupulo looks to have way more Impact in the Game then Blair

 

[PepperFace]

Great write up and makes it so much easier for comment and I agree with you in almost every assessment.

You make a couple of good points about Blair but I think it is up to someone to push him out of our 22 and don't believe that there is someone there yet.
Had 105 tackles this year and a high number led to forwards having a kick on goal. Is able to get out the back of opponents and provide a clear option on the forward line,many times marking undefended.
I compared his stats this year to Puopolo and he is really not that far behind and worthwhile considering that Puopolo plays in a stronger team.
View attachment 283418

Other than height there isnt too much similar about these two. Puopolo plays an attacking role and has a defensive player on him.....he is also an aerial threat. Blair is a defensive forward....who doesnt not impact heavily on the game.

 

[PepperFace]

Adam Oxley: Poor year from Oxley. Is signed until the end of 2018 for some reason also. I don’t see him as being in our best 22 moving forward. I guess he is a handy utility, but will need to have a big year next year.

Best performance: Round 3 vs St Kilda, had 25 touches and a goal.

didaka medal finish: =18th – 3 votes.

Bullshit?

 

[robertg22]

Bullshit?

http://www.collingwoodfc.com.au/news/2016-03-10/four-for-the-future

Oxley rounds out the four re-signings, completing his transition from a rookie-listed player to a senior-listed Magpie by signing on for a further two years until the end of 2018.

Unfortunately not. Hopefully we can trade him for O'Meara, straight swap should do it

 

[Saintly Viewed]

In this years review, what game was the single best individual game this season?

To me (by a large margin) the best individual game was by

Alex Fasolo v Richmond, with 6 goals.

That's my winner for the year.

 

[robertg22]

In this years review, what game was the single best individual game this season?

To me (by a large margin) the best individual game was by

Alex Fasolo v Richmond, with 6 goals.

That's my winner for the year.

Good question. That was up there, also I think Steele's ANZAC Day performance was very good. Treloar's game (well, his 2nd/3rd/4th quarters) vs Hawthorn was huge also.

 

[Leviathan Pie]

I'm glad OP isn't letting Sidebottom off the hook, kills us week in, week out with bullshit dinky 15-20m passes that often result in an opposition goal. He really should be in the 'elite' category, but he's not.

 

[robertg22]

I'm glad OP isn't letting Sidebottom off the hook, kills us week in, week out with bullshit dinky 15-20m passes that often result in an opposition goal. He really should be in the 'elite' category, but he's not.

Yeah agree with that. Always kicks the ball far too low, looks great when it comes off but doesn't enough. His second half of the year was poor. Still, he's our 4th best mid, which is probably a good position to be in.

 

[noideaatall]

Great work. Going to work through this player by player sort of thing.
Fasolo: finally lived up to his potential. Exciting to see what he can be if remains injury free over the next years.
JDG: totally agree with your assessment. Definitely played out of his best position but that is a bonus in that the experience will serve him well down the track and helped develop what were limited skills in the forward zone. The last few games indicate improvement. Will be at least an A grade player for us in future years.

 

[robertg22]

Fasolo: finally lived up to his potential. Exciting to see what he can be if remains injury free over the next years.

Completely agree, a forward line of him, Elliott, Moore is something pretty talented to build around.

JDG: totally agree with your assessment. Definitely played out of his best position but that is a bonus in that the experience will serve him well down the track and helped develop what were limited skills in the forward zone. The last few games indicate improvement. Will be at least an A grade player for us in future years.

Hope you're right there, I have plenty of faith in him also.

 

[Greening Magic]

I'm glad OP isn't letting Sidebottom off the hook, kills us week in, week out with bullshit dinky 15-20m passes that often result in an opposition goal. He really should be in the 'elite' category, but he's not.

Don't tell Wayne Carey who completely ignore his mistakes and carries on about how elite Steele is.
I love Steele but we all know there's a bad clanger coming at some stage.

 

[robertg22]

Don't tell Wayne Carey who completely ignore his mistakes and carries on about how elite Steele is.
I love Steele but we all know there's a bad clanger coming at some stage.

He has a few elite traits but needs to be more consistent quarter to quarter. Maybe he's not far off a career breakout year.

 

[Saintly Viewed]

He has a few elite traits but needs to be more consistent quarter to quarter. Maybe he's not far off a career breakout year.

Elite runner is Steele.
Does odd errors as discussed, but in running etc is elite

 

[robertg22]

Elite runner is Steele.
Does odd errors as discussed, but in running etc is elite

Certainly is. He doesn't need to improve that much to be an 'elite' player overall, just needs to not go missing as often and dispose of the ball more efficiently.

 

[Saintly Viewed]

Certainly is. He doesn't need to improve that much to be an 'elite' player overall, just needs to not go missing as often and dispose of the ball more efficiently.

Fair critique.
Agree.
The one thing he gets extra credits for in my view, is he plays well at the big dance.
A very solid A - type eg Pendlebury is A+ and a fit Reid is A