Hi all. With the season done and dusted I thought I’d rank how our list performed – player by player out of 10. I've included the players age, their 2018 stats and some commentary. Plus a rating or score. Note the scores I give are my opinion – so feel free to disagree as we all have our own biases.... I’ve broken the players down into forwards, mids, defenders and rucks – though some may be dual position so I’ve slotted them in where I can. If they haven’t played enough senior games I’ve given a progress rating instead of an actual rating. Interested in thoughts and feedback – again – feel free to disagree!
Defenders;-
Adam Saad
Age – 24, Games – 22, Goals – 0, ave disposals – 17.1, marks – 2.5, tackles – 2.5
Electric pace, ability to break lines, most bounces in the comp – what a pick-up! One of those players you go to the footy to watch, just lights up the stage whenever he gets the ball
Rating – 8
Michael Hurley
Age –28, Games –20, Goals – 0, ave disposals –21.7, marks – 7.8, tackles –0.8
Fantastic defender, our general down back. Had another great year, one of the best pairs of hands in the business. Still has a few years up his sleeve to be part of a team that tastes the ultimate success.
Rating – 7.5
Cale Hooker
Age –29, Games –22, Goals – 13, ave disposals – 16.9, marks – 7, tackles – 1.2
Really solid year for Cale – a fantastic intercept mark down back and a fantastic contested mark up forward. The debate will no doubt resume in the off season as to where his abilities are best used for the team – down back or up forward. Maybe he’s just the ultimate swinger
Rating – 7.5
Aaron Francis
Age – 21, Games – 5, Goals – 1, ave disposals – 13.2, marks – 6.4, tackles – 2.2
Is fast becoming my - and I’m sure a lot of other peoples favorite player. Courageous fightback from mental health issues and whilst this young man has only managed 5 games late season, it was enough to remind us why he was pick 6 in 2015. Assured and composed beyond his years – and great hands.
Progress rating – 6.5
Conor Mckenna
Age –22, Games –18, Goals – 7, ave disposals – 17.9, marks – 3.2, tackles – 1.7
The feisty Irishman had a great year – and him and Saad are like huge twin engine motors on a jetboat off the backline. Could have rated higher had it not been for some hunger pains in round 3 against the Bulldogs
Rating – 6.5
Jordan Ridley
Age –19, Games –3, Goals – 0, ave disposals –13.7, marks – 4.7, tackles –1.3
Defender who reads the game well and did not look out of place during his 3 senior games. Will likely be in the senor team much more in 2019
Progress Rating – 6
Brendon Goddard
Age – 33, Games –22, Goals – 3, ave disposals – 22.3, marks – 6.2, tackles – 1.7
Form was patchy at times and can understand why he wasn’t offered another contract. Will forever be remembered as a passionate player who was professional in his preparation, and did lots for the club during a real time of need. Well done Brendon
Rating – 5.5
Mason Redman
Age –21, Games –2, Goals – 0, ave disposals –20.5, marks – 7.5, tackles –2
Came into the team after some strong VFL form and didn’t disappoint until he got himself injured. Some have compared him to BJ with his ability to win the footy and make good decisions. Could be starting 22 round 1 in 2019
Progress Rating – 5
Margaret (Thatcher)
Age – 20, Games –0, Goals – 0, ave disposals – 0, marks – 0, tackles – 0
Young key-position defender had a really solid year in the reserves – look for him to debut early in 2019
Progress Rating – 5
Matt Dea
Age –26, Games –12, Goals – 0, ave disposals –13.9, marks – 4.8, tackles –1.2
Definition of depth player – comes into the team when required, does his job, and then often gets dropped only to fit a better player back into the team. Really solid contributor and should be rewarded with another year or two as he’s a reliable mid sized defender with lots of courage
Rating – 5
Patrick Ambrose
Age –27, Games –7, Goals –2, ave disposals –9.7, marks – 3, tackles –2.9
Couldn’t get on the park enough. Great runner and decent shut down defender who is versatile to play on all types of forwards. Still a question mark on his place in our best 22, and not a young player any more so 2019 a big year as it’s the final year of his contact
Rating – 5
Ben McNiece
Age – 26, Games –8, Goals – 0, ave disposals – 12.8, marks – 3.2, tackles – 1.9
Was in and out of the team and is yet to cement his position in the starting 22. Had some pretty decent games though and is certainly handy enough depth as a small defender
Rating – 5
Martin Gleeson
Age –23, Games –0, Goals – 0, ave disposals –0, marks – 0, tackles –0
Young defender with a touch of class. Was flying pre-season then injured and not sighted in 2018. Will be a good ‘recruit’ in 2019
Rating – 4.5
Michael Hartley
Age –25, Games –4, Goals – 0, ave disposals –12.5, marks – 5.2, tackles –1.5
Large powerful defender who is capable of playing on the big power forwards of the game but didn’t really show enough at senior level in 2018 to hold his spot. Needs a couple more tricks, but is out of contract now so not sure what the future holds…
Rating – 4
Midfield;-
Devon Smith
Age –25, Games –22, Goals – 17, ave disposals – 22, marks – 3.8, tackles – 8.4
Our best player for 2018, did everything – played inside and outside, kicked goals, and made tackles – well just a few. Is there a better tackler in the comp? Should rightly take out our best and fairest, and if we can recruit someone like Smith again in the off season we are top 4.
Rating – 9
Zach Merrett
Age –22, Games –22, Goals –5, ave disposals –26.8, marks – 3.1, tackles –6
Fantastic season by Merrett and hes still so young. Will be a great player for years to come and is an integral part to our plans for another flag assault over coming years. So good in heavy traffic, fantastic skills and attitude. Just a gun player
Rating – 8
Dyson Heppell
Age –26, Games –22, Goals – 10, ave disposals –26.5, marks – 5.5, tackles – 4
Captain courageous and great link up player. Not an inside bull, not really and outside player either –seems somewhere in between and always be involved in chains of possessions that lead to a positive outcome for the team. Very consistent and no reason he cant have a huge 2019
Rating – 8
David Zaharakis
Age –28, Games –17, Goals – 7, ave disposals – 25.6, marks – 5, tackles – 3.6
Will be 29 next season and heading into veteran territory now is Zakka, seemed like only yesterday when at 21 years old he kicked 31 goals in a season (2011). Overall though still a classy player - and he had a typical Zakka season really– racked up the possessions on the outside, 5 games with 30+ possessions, the only knock i have is I'd like to see him hit the scoreboard more.
Rating – 7
Andrew McGrath
Age – 20, Games – 20, Goals – 5, ave disposals – 19.9, marks – 3.9, tackles – 2.4
Fine young player who at only 20 has a big future. Still not sure where his best position is, but is versatile enough to play just about anywhere on the ground except ruck and key position. Lets hope he can continue to build in 2019
Rating – 7
Kyle Langford
Age –21, Games –16, Goals – 9, ave disposals –17.9, marks – 4, tackles –4.9
Breakout year for Kyle, is a starting 22 player now. Still looking for a little more consistency, but looks like he’ll become the inside mid we were all hoping for and in 2019 we could see big things from this guy
Rating – 6
David Myers
Age –29, Games –16, Goals – 10, ave disposals – 20.6, marks – 3.3, tackles – 3.8
Scratchy form early for Myers – injured and time in 2nds so nothing unusual for him, but didn’t look back after round 12 and became a crucial inside midfielder silencing some of his haters (including me). Will be interesting to see if his form and body can hold up again in 2019 - if it did it would be a real bonus.
Rating – 6
Matt Guelfi
Age –21, Games –15, Goals – 5, ave disposals –15.1, marks – 3.3, tackles –3.1
Did well to play 15 games and cemenet his spot in our starting 22 - look for him to build on a solid year. Doesn’t seem to have any outstanding capabilities, but does everything pretty well. Solid player
Rating – 5.5
Darcy Parish
Age –21, Games –15, Goals – 5, ave disposals – 20.3, marks – 3, tackles – 3.5
Played some good games but also spent a fair amount of time in the reserves and he's better than that. Needs more consistency but still only young and looks to have a bright future ahead.
Rating – 5.5
Dylan Clarke
Age –19, Games –1, Goals – 0, ave disposals – 9, marks – 1, tackles – 5
Young midfielder was given a taste of senior foot in 2018. Still a fair way to go before he’s even claissifed as depth, but is showing some posiotive signs with a few dominant games in the reserves.
Progress rating – 4.5
Trent Mynott
Age –18, Games –0, Goals –0, ave disposals –0, marks – 0, tackles –0
Played a couple of ripping reserves games, still a fair way off senior footy. Coming along nicely enough though and we could see him debut in 2019
Progress rating – 4.5
Kobe Mutch
Age –20, Games –3, Goals – 1, ave disposals –16, marks – 4.7, tackles –1
Owns it at reserve level and finds the ball well enough at senior level, but need to have more of an impact if he’s to force selectors to pick him in the senior team each week. Still young and developing but 2019 is an important year for kobe
Progress Rating – 4.5
Travis Colyer
Age –27, Games –8, Goals –2, ave disposals –13.4, marks – 3.9, tackles –2
Plenty of zip but that’s about it – need more from a guy with his level of experience. Borderline best 22 now we have other pacey players in the team, and not sure what his role is – wing? Small forward? Our of contract at the end of 2019 and may be more a depth option next year
Rating – 4.5
Jake Long
Age –22, Games –2, Goals – 1, ave disposals –13.5, marks – 3.5, tackles – 5
Son of a gun - pretty good twos player but has struggled to have an impact at AFL level.
Rating – 4
Forwards;-
Jake Stringer
Age –24, Games –20, Goals – 30, ave disposals –14.6, marks – 3.7, tackles – 2.6
Our best forward. This one time party boy is a human wrecking ball, bulldozer type player who can do freakish things. 30 goals a great return in his 1st season at the club, could have been more if he didn’t spend time in the midfield – where he was also a part-time ruckman! Great acquisition for the club well done Jake - just don’t party too hard in the off season!
Rating – 8
Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti
Age – 25, Games – 22, Goals – 26, ave disposals – 12.3, marks – 3.4, tackles – 4.5
Started slowly but really came on strong in the 2nd half of the year. Creates pressure by simply being in some proximity to the ball and has a unique ability to make tackles when seemingly out of the contest. 26 goals a great reward for effort also.
Rating – 7
Orazio Fantasia
Age –23, Games –13, Goals –20, ave disposals –15.5, marks – 4.2, tackles –4.9
Gun small forward sometime midfielder. Hopefully can play most if not all games in 2019, as he had his share of injuries this year and we really missed his silk and class when he didn’t play.
Rating – 7
SMACK
Age –28, Games –10, Goals –16, ave disposals –13.3, marks – 5.6, tackles –2.1, hitouts – 8.1
Really good performace this year after coming into the team when Daniher went down only to get injured himself late in the season. Provides a great contested marking option up forward and if he doesn’t mark it brings the ball to ground and contests. Handy enough back-up ruck as well/ can also do freakish things on occasion and has plenty of X-factor
Rating – 6.5
Mitchell Brown
Age –27, Games –14, Goals –18, ave disposals –13.4, marks – 6.6, tackles –1.6
Versatile big man who played mainly forward after injuries to Daniher,McKernan and Stewart. Not sure where he sits when all are fit, but had a good year none the less providing lots of run and a good marking option up forward and 18 goals also a decent return from Brown
Rating – 6
Mark Baguley
Age –31, Games –20, Goals – 20, ave disposals –11.6, marks – 4.8, tackles –3.6
Veteran small defender who became a small forward in 2018 and kicked 20 goals! Well done Bags. Not sure where he sits in 2019, could be starting 22 at least early in the year, but you’d think the likes of Begley and other youngsters will push him out. Still – a gutsy performance from Baguley in 2018
Rating – 6
James Stewart
Age –24, Games –11, Goals – 15, ave disposals –12.6, marks – 5, tackles – 1.6
Was one of our few shining lights early season, but not sighted after round 11 after injury issues and spending time in the reserves. When in form is an agile big man with a good tank and hands, and has done enough to earn another 2 years. Will be competing with McKernan and Brown for the 3rd tall forward position in 2019
Rating – 5.5
Joe Daniher
Age –24, Games –7, Goals – 8, ave disposals –13.9, marks – 5.6, tackles – 1.3
A year Joe would like to forget - should have been managed better and arguably not played as much with injury issues, but club persisted with his given his importance to the team. Lets hope there’s no long term impact and Joe starts 2019 with the same type of form he was in back in 2017
Rating – 5
Josh Begley
Age –20, Games –5, Goals – 3, ave disposals –9.4, marks – 2.2, tackles –1.8
Was going well before getting injured. Medium sized forward who is tough and has good goal sense, could be a real weapon if he improves in 2019 and cements his place in the 22
Rating – 5
Jayden Laverde
Age –22, Games –7, Goals – 5, ave disposals –13, marks – 3.9, tackles – 2.6
Seems to have all the physical attributes to be a great player, but is injury prone and only managed 7 games with 2 or 3 decent ones. Yyet to find any real consistency or cement his position in the best 22. 2019 a make or break year – if hes still at the club…
Rating – 5
Josh Green
Age –26, Games –7, Goals –8, ave disposals –9.6, marks – 1.7, tackles –2.6
Green is a gun, one of the best players in the AFL – please give him another year - because he is Josh Green
Rating – 4.5
Jordan Houlahan
Age –19, Games –0, Goals – 0, ave disposals –0, marks – 0, tackles –0
Project medium forward who hasn’t progressed as we would have wished this year. Needs to improve significantly in 2019 to keep his spot on the list
Progress Rating – 4
Jackson Merrett
Age –25, Games –2, Goals – 0, ave disposals –11.5, marks – 3.5, tackles – 2
Some decent performances and reserves level, but unable to cut it in the AFL. Has always been a fringe/depth player who never really found his feet at the club despite being given many chances. Has not been offered a contract in 2019
Rating – 3.5
Luke Lavender
Age –22, Games –0, Goals – 0, ave disposals –0, marks – 0, tackles –0
Cricketer who is trying AFL, so far its not working…
Progress Rating – 3.5
Rucks;-
Bellcho
Age –29, Games –20, Goals –8, ave disposals –11.4, marks – 3.7, tackles –1.4, hotouts – 32.9
Our premier ruckman who really had a top notch season. Can look slow and lumbering at times, but his ruckwork is sublime and can match it with the best ruckman in the comp. look for him to have another solid 2019
Rating – 7.5
Sam Draper
Age –19, Games –0, Goals –0, ave disposals –0, marks – 0, tackles –0
Reserves ruckman who is coming along nicely. Should see him debut and hopefully play a few games in 2019
Progress rating – 6
Luey
Age –30, Games –2, Goals – 0, ave disposals –11, marks – 0.5, tackles –3.5, hitouts – 22.5
Good reserves ruckman but not sure he still has what it takes at AFL level. Will be interesting to see if he’s offered another contract with Bellcho, & SMACK ahead of him, and Draper coming through
Rating – 5
Defenders;-
Adam Saad
Age – 24, Games – 22, Goals – 0, ave disposals – 17.1, marks – 2.5, tackles – 2.5
Electric pace, ability to break lines, most bounces in the comp – what a pick-up! One of those players you go to the footy to watch, just lights up the stage whenever he gets the ball
Rating – 8
Michael Hurley
Age –28, Games –20, Goals – 0, ave disposals –21.7, marks – 7.8, tackles –0.8
Fantastic defender, our general down back. Had another great year, one of the best pairs of hands in the business. Still has a few years up his sleeve to be part of a team that tastes the ultimate success.
Rating – 7.5
Cale Hooker
Age –29, Games –22, Goals – 13, ave disposals – 16.9, marks – 7, tackles – 1.2
Really solid year for Cale – a fantastic intercept mark down back and a fantastic contested mark up forward. The debate will no doubt resume in the off season as to where his abilities are best used for the team – down back or up forward. Maybe he’s just the ultimate swinger
Rating – 7.5
Aaron Francis
Age – 21, Games – 5, Goals – 1, ave disposals – 13.2, marks – 6.4, tackles – 2.2
Is fast becoming my - and I’m sure a lot of other peoples favorite player. Courageous fightback from mental health issues and whilst this young man has only managed 5 games late season, it was enough to remind us why he was pick 6 in 2015. Assured and composed beyond his years – and great hands.
Progress rating – 6.5
Conor Mckenna
Age –22, Games –18, Goals – 7, ave disposals – 17.9, marks – 3.2, tackles – 1.7
The feisty Irishman had a great year – and him and Saad are like huge twin engine motors on a jetboat off the backline. Could have rated higher had it not been for some hunger pains in round 3 against the Bulldogs
Rating – 6.5
Jordan Ridley
Age –19, Games –3, Goals – 0, ave disposals –13.7, marks – 4.7, tackles –1.3
Defender who reads the game well and did not look out of place during his 3 senior games. Will likely be in the senor team much more in 2019
Progress Rating – 6
Brendon Goddard
Age – 33, Games –22, Goals – 3, ave disposals – 22.3, marks – 6.2, tackles – 1.7
Form was patchy at times and can understand why he wasn’t offered another contract. Will forever be remembered as a passionate player who was professional in his preparation, and did lots for the club during a real time of need. Well done Brendon
Rating – 5.5
Mason Redman
Age –21, Games –2, Goals – 0, ave disposals –20.5, marks – 7.5, tackles –2
Came into the team after some strong VFL form and didn’t disappoint until he got himself injured. Some have compared him to BJ with his ability to win the footy and make good decisions. Could be starting 22 round 1 in 2019
Progress Rating – 5
Margaret (Thatcher)
Age – 20, Games –0, Goals – 0, ave disposals – 0, marks – 0, tackles – 0
Young key-position defender had a really solid year in the reserves – look for him to debut early in 2019
Progress Rating – 5
Matt Dea
Age –26, Games –12, Goals – 0, ave disposals –13.9, marks – 4.8, tackles –1.2
Definition of depth player – comes into the team when required, does his job, and then often gets dropped only to fit a better player back into the team. Really solid contributor and should be rewarded with another year or two as he’s a reliable mid sized defender with lots of courage
Rating – 5
Patrick Ambrose
Age –27, Games –7, Goals –2, ave disposals –9.7, marks – 3, tackles –2.9
Couldn’t get on the park enough. Great runner and decent shut down defender who is versatile to play on all types of forwards. Still a question mark on his place in our best 22, and not a young player any more so 2019 a big year as it’s the final year of his contact
Rating – 5
Ben McNiece
Age – 26, Games –8, Goals – 0, ave disposals – 12.8, marks – 3.2, tackles – 1.9
Was in and out of the team and is yet to cement his position in the starting 22. Had some pretty decent games though and is certainly handy enough depth as a small defender
Rating – 5
Martin Gleeson
Age –23, Games –0, Goals – 0, ave disposals –0, marks – 0, tackles –0
Young defender with a touch of class. Was flying pre-season then injured and not sighted in 2018. Will be a good ‘recruit’ in 2019
Rating – 4.5
Michael Hartley
Age –25, Games –4, Goals – 0, ave disposals –12.5, marks – 5.2, tackles –1.5
Large powerful defender who is capable of playing on the big power forwards of the game but didn’t really show enough at senior level in 2018 to hold his spot. Needs a couple more tricks, but is out of contract now so not sure what the future holds…
Rating – 4
Midfield;-
Devon Smith
Age –25, Games –22, Goals – 17, ave disposals – 22, marks – 3.8, tackles – 8.4
Our best player for 2018, did everything – played inside and outside, kicked goals, and made tackles – well just a few. Is there a better tackler in the comp? Should rightly take out our best and fairest, and if we can recruit someone like Smith again in the off season we are top 4.
Rating – 9
Zach Merrett
Age –22, Games –22, Goals –5, ave disposals –26.8, marks – 3.1, tackles –6
Fantastic season by Merrett and hes still so young. Will be a great player for years to come and is an integral part to our plans for another flag assault over coming years. So good in heavy traffic, fantastic skills and attitude. Just a gun player
Rating – 8
Dyson Heppell
Age –26, Games –22, Goals – 10, ave disposals –26.5, marks – 5.5, tackles – 4
Captain courageous and great link up player. Not an inside bull, not really and outside player either –seems somewhere in between and always be involved in chains of possessions that lead to a positive outcome for the team. Very consistent and no reason he cant have a huge 2019
Rating – 8
David Zaharakis
Age –28, Games –17, Goals – 7, ave disposals – 25.6, marks – 5, tackles – 3.6
Will be 29 next season and heading into veteran territory now is Zakka, seemed like only yesterday when at 21 years old he kicked 31 goals in a season (2011). Overall though still a classy player - and he had a typical Zakka season really– racked up the possessions on the outside, 5 games with 30+ possessions, the only knock i have is I'd like to see him hit the scoreboard more.
Rating – 7
Andrew McGrath
Age – 20, Games – 20, Goals – 5, ave disposals – 19.9, marks – 3.9, tackles – 2.4
Fine young player who at only 20 has a big future. Still not sure where his best position is, but is versatile enough to play just about anywhere on the ground except ruck and key position. Lets hope he can continue to build in 2019
Rating – 7
Kyle Langford
Age –21, Games –16, Goals – 9, ave disposals –17.9, marks – 4, tackles –4.9
Breakout year for Kyle, is a starting 22 player now. Still looking for a little more consistency, but looks like he’ll become the inside mid we were all hoping for and in 2019 we could see big things from this guy
Rating – 6
David Myers
Age –29, Games –16, Goals – 10, ave disposals – 20.6, marks – 3.3, tackles – 3.8
Scratchy form early for Myers – injured and time in 2nds so nothing unusual for him, but didn’t look back after round 12 and became a crucial inside midfielder silencing some of his haters (including me). Will be interesting to see if his form and body can hold up again in 2019 - if it did it would be a real bonus.
Rating – 6
Matt Guelfi
Age –21, Games –15, Goals – 5, ave disposals –15.1, marks – 3.3, tackles –3.1
Did well to play 15 games and cemenet his spot in our starting 22 - look for him to build on a solid year. Doesn’t seem to have any outstanding capabilities, but does everything pretty well. Solid player
Rating – 5.5
Darcy Parish
Age –21, Games –15, Goals – 5, ave disposals – 20.3, marks – 3, tackles – 3.5
Played some good games but also spent a fair amount of time in the reserves and he's better than that. Needs more consistency but still only young and looks to have a bright future ahead.
Rating – 5.5
Dylan Clarke
Age –19, Games –1, Goals – 0, ave disposals – 9, marks – 1, tackles – 5
Young midfielder was given a taste of senior foot in 2018. Still a fair way to go before he’s even claissifed as depth, but is showing some posiotive signs with a few dominant games in the reserves.
Progress rating – 4.5
Trent Mynott
Age –18, Games –0, Goals –0, ave disposals –0, marks – 0, tackles –0
Played a couple of ripping reserves games, still a fair way off senior footy. Coming along nicely enough though and we could see him debut in 2019
Progress rating – 4.5
Kobe Mutch
Age –20, Games –3, Goals – 1, ave disposals –16, marks – 4.7, tackles –1
Owns it at reserve level and finds the ball well enough at senior level, but need to have more of an impact if he’s to force selectors to pick him in the senior team each week. Still young and developing but 2019 is an important year for kobe
Progress Rating – 4.5
Travis Colyer
Age –27, Games –8, Goals –2, ave disposals –13.4, marks – 3.9, tackles –2
Plenty of zip but that’s about it – need more from a guy with his level of experience. Borderline best 22 now we have other pacey players in the team, and not sure what his role is – wing? Small forward? Our of contract at the end of 2019 and may be more a depth option next year
Rating – 4.5
Jake Long
Age –22, Games –2, Goals – 1, ave disposals –13.5, marks – 3.5, tackles – 5
Son of a gun - pretty good twos player but has struggled to have an impact at AFL level.
Rating – 4
Forwards;-
Jake Stringer
Age –24, Games –20, Goals – 30, ave disposals –14.6, marks – 3.7, tackles – 2.6
Our best forward. This one time party boy is a human wrecking ball, bulldozer type player who can do freakish things. 30 goals a great return in his 1st season at the club, could have been more if he didn’t spend time in the midfield – where he was also a part-time ruckman! Great acquisition for the club well done Jake - just don’t party too hard in the off season!
Rating – 8
Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti
Age – 25, Games – 22, Goals – 26, ave disposals – 12.3, marks – 3.4, tackles – 4.5
Started slowly but really came on strong in the 2nd half of the year. Creates pressure by simply being in some proximity to the ball and has a unique ability to make tackles when seemingly out of the contest. 26 goals a great reward for effort also.
Rating – 7
Orazio Fantasia
Age –23, Games –13, Goals –20, ave disposals –15.5, marks – 4.2, tackles –4.9
Gun small forward sometime midfielder. Hopefully can play most if not all games in 2019, as he had his share of injuries this year and we really missed his silk and class when he didn’t play.
Rating – 7
SMACK
Age –28, Games –10, Goals –16, ave disposals –13.3, marks – 5.6, tackles –2.1, hitouts – 8.1
Really good performace this year after coming into the team when Daniher went down only to get injured himself late in the season. Provides a great contested marking option up forward and if he doesn’t mark it brings the ball to ground and contests. Handy enough back-up ruck as well/ can also do freakish things on occasion and has plenty of X-factor
Rating – 6.5
Mitchell Brown
Age –27, Games –14, Goals –18, ave disposals –13.4, marks – 6.6, tackles –1.6
Versatile big man who played mainly forward after injuries to Daniher,McKernan and Stewart. Not sure where he sits when all are fit, but had a good year none the less providing lots of run and a good marking option up forward and 18 goals also a decent return from Brown
Rating – 6
Mark Baguley
Age –31, Games –20, Goals – 20, ave disposals –11.6, marks – 4.8, tackles –3.6
Veteran small defender who became a small forward in 2018 and kicked 20 goals! Well done Bags. Not sure where he sits in 2019, could be starting 22 at least early in the year, but you’d think the likes of Begley and other youngsters will push him out. Still – a gutsy performance from Baguley in 2018
Rating – 6
James Stewart
Age –24, Games –11, Goals – 15, ave disposals –12.6, marks – 5, tackles – 1.6
Was one of our few shining lights early season, but not sighted after round 11 after injury issues and spending time in the reserves. When in form is an agile big man with a good tank and hands, and has done enough to earn another 2 years. Will be competing with McKernan and Brown for the 3rd tall forward position in 2019
Rating – 5.5
Joe Daniher
Age –24, Games –7, Goals – 8, ave disposals –13.9, marks – 5.6, tackles – 1.3
A year Joe would like to forget - should have been managed better and arguably not played as much with injury issues, but club persisted with his given his importance to the team. Lets hope there’s no long term impact and Joe starts 2019 with the same type of form he was in back in 2017
Rating – 5
Josh Begley
Age –20, Games –5, Goals – 3, ave disposals –9.4, marks – 2.2, tackles –1.8
Was going well before getting injured. Medium sized forward who is tough and has good goal sense, could be a real weapon if he improves in 2019 and cements his place in the 22
Rating – 5
Jayden Laverde
Age –22, Games –7, Goals – 5, ave disposals –13, marks – 3.9, tackles – 2.6
Seems to have all the physical attributes to be a great player, but is injury prone and only managed 7 games with 2 or 3 decent ones. Yyet to find any real consistency or cement his position in the best 22. 2019 a make or break year – if hes still at the club…
Rating – 5
Josh Green
Age –26, Games –7, Goals –8, ave disposals –9.6, marks – 1.7, tackles –2.6
Green is a gun, one of the best players in the AFL – please give him another year - because he is Josh Green
Rating – 4.5
Jordan Houlahan
Age –19, Games –0, Goals – 0, ave disposals –0, marks – 0, tackles –0
Project medium forward who hasn’t progressed as we would have wished this year. Needs to improve significantly in 2019 to keep his spot on the list
Progress Rating – 4
Jackson Merrett
Age –25, Games –2, Goals – 0, ave disposals –11.5, marks – 3.5, tackles – 2
Some decent performances and reserves level, but unable to cut it in the AFL. Has always been a fringe/depth player who never really found his feet at the club despite being given many chances. Has not been offered a contract in 2019
Rating – 3.5
Luke Lavender
Age –22, Games –0, Goals – 0, ave disposals –0, marks – 0, tackles –0
Cricketer who is trying AFL, so far its not working…
Progress Rating – 3.5
Rucks;-
Bellcho
Age –29, Games –20, Goals –8, ave disposals –11.4, marks – 3.7, tackles –1.4, hotouts – 32.9
Our premier ruckman who really had a top notch season. Can look slow and lumbering at times, but his ruckwork is sublime and can match it with the best ruckman in the comp. look for him to have another solid 2019
Rating – 7.5
Sam Draper
Age –19, Games –0, Goals –0, ave disposals –0, marks – 0, tackles –0
Reserves ruckman who is coming along nicely. Should see him debut and hopefully play a few games in 2019
Progress rating – 6
Luey
Age –30, Games –2, Goals – 0, ave disposals –11, marks – 0.5, tackles –3.5, hitouts – 22.5
Good reserves ruckman but not sure he still has what it takes at AFL level. Will be interesting to see if he’s offered another contract with Bellcho, & SMACK ahead of him, and Draper coming through
Rating – 5
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