Preview 2020 Blues Pre-Season Player Preview Series

[Matty411]

Fortuitous timing on the Jack article. Did they take my idea or did I take theirs? Am I a member of the Blues' media team? Either way, here we go.

2020 Blues Pre-Season Player Preview Series

Player Name: J. Silvagni

Guernsey #: 1

Nickname/s: SOS, SOJ, JSOS

2019 Senior Games: 17

2019 Key Stats: Disposals: 235 (13.8) Marks: 73 (4,3) Contested possessions: 95 (5.6) Tackles: 62 (2.6) Clearances: 49 (3.7) Score involvements: 75 (4.4)

Height: 194

Weight: 89

Injury concerns: Nil

Primary Role: Midfield/Forward/Tagger/Mr Fix-it

Best 22 Status: 22nd-25th

Strengths: Versatility, doesn’t give up, currently best Silvagni playing AFL, self-confidence

Weaknesses: Still lives at home, absence of defined best position, known to occasionally crack jokes about Jo’s cooking

What he said: “I think it’ll be similar to how I played the back half of last year,” Silvagni said of his 2020 role. I was playing forward with a bit of midfield time. I’m still interested in tagging and taking up a few of those roles throughout the year. That’s where I’ll position myself over the pre-season.”

The 411: Striking up 50 games in 2019, the elder of the next SOS generation played a variety of roles – showing versatility and hunger for senior footy. He’ll be looking to lock in a week-to-week best 22 spot in 2020 – continuing on his acuity as a role-player in David Teague’s side.

Bigfooty best case: Best case scenario for Jack in 2020 would be to have a fantastic summer and start in the Best 18 come Round 1 – playing 22 games for the first time in his career, becoming an important and reliable part of the senior side in the process.

Next up: Paddy Dow

 

[Matty411]

2020 Blues Pre-Season Player Preview Series

Player Name: P. Dow

Guernsey #: 2

Nickname/s: Dowy, Paddy Wow

2019 Senior Games: 19

Key Stats: Disposals: 271 (14.3) Marks: 40 (2.1) Contested possessions: 127 (6.7) Tackles: 50 (2.6) Clearances: 49 (2.6) Metres gained: 4136 (217.7)

Height: 187

Weight: 83

Injury concerns: Nil

Primary Role: Midfield/Half-Forward

Best 22 Status: Just inside the 22

Strengths: Burst speed, clearances, commitment, great kid.

Weaknesses: Consistency, endurance, kicking, questionable hair game.

What they said: “We encourage all of our young players to play to their strengths. He was able to win the ball in close and use some of his power out of congestion and stoppage,” VFL Coach Josh Fraser.

The 411: Dow pushed his games tally to 39 in 2019, with the young midfielder expected to eclipse 50 games in the middle of 2020. The former #3 pick was forced to ply his trade in the VFL then across half-forward at times in his second year, all part of his footy education as the club rates him highly. Coming into his all-important third year, the responsibility rests on Paddy’s shoulders as to how he responds. Big pre-season coming up.

Bigfooty best case: As fans, I’m sure most of us would love to see Dowy become a staple at stoppages alongside Captain Cripps to play 22 games in 2020. To do that though, he’d do well to should attach himself to Diesel’s hip this pre-season in a bid to improve his midfield craft and kicking efficiency. A few extra sessions with Ed Curnow wouldn’t go astray as well. If he can work hard over the next 4 months and hit Round 1 at full ‘Paddy Wow’ pace, there’s no reason why he can’t push over 20 touches a game and become one of our top rotation midfielders in the senior team.

Next up: Marc Murphy

 

[Matty411]

2020 Blues Pre-Season Player Preview Series

Player Name: M. Murphy

Guernsey #: 3

Nickname/s: Murph, Skip, Junk (see 2014 Driving with Sam Pang)

2019 Senior Games: 19

Key Stats: Disposals: 483 (25.4) Marks: 88 (4.6) Contested possessions: 162 (8.5) Tackles: 65 (3.4) Clearances: 64 (3.37) Metres gained: 7333 (386)

Height: 180

Weight: 80

Injury concerns: Nil

Primary Role: Midfield/Wing

Best 22 Status: Key Player, Leader

Strengths: Class, clutch finisher, leadership, consistency, high-production

Weaknesses: Can occasionally go missing when team is doing poorly, fan whipping boy, just way too nice a guy

What they said: “The main things I tried to instil in the younger players was preparation, lifting the standards across the group and getting young players to understand the professionalism they needed to apply in all areas of life”.

“‘Murph’ was one who was always on board that train, he jumped on really early. It’s one of the reasons he’s played 250 games and also be able to play them at such a high level.” – Chris Judd ahead of Murphy’s 250th game.

The 411: The former skipper was back to his best in 2019, finishing the season in exceptional form. Murphy ranked equal first for goal accuracy at the Blues – kicking 12 goals for the season (8th overall) and also finished equal 4th for goal assists, proving his importance to the team’s attacking mindset – a key focus for Teague’s blueprint going forward. He also topped the charts for inside 50s in 2019 – 4 more than any other player despite playing just 19 games. Regardless of age, Murphy will continue to be a key pillar of our midfield – providing delivery to a young forward line and leadership at key moments. Expect another good year for a veteran starved of success.

Bigfooty best case: After seeing Murphy excel under Teague in the second half of the year (following a return from broken ribs no less), we will all be expecting another great year for Murph. His body seems in great nick and no longer needs to carry the midfield, so can drift forward with a bit more freedom and enjoy his footy more in 2020. If he can keep his production similar to last year and kick a few more sealers like he did against Freo this year, we’ll be a far better side for it.

Next up: Lochie O’Brien

 

[Matty411]

2020 Blues Pre-Season Player Preview Series

Player Name: L. O’Brien

Guernsey #: 4

Nickname/s: LOB,

2019 Senior Games: 17

Key Stats: Disposals: 211 (12.4) Marks: 80 (4.7) Uncontested possessions: 158 (9.3) Tackles: 19 (1.1) Inside 50s: 38 (2.2) Metres gained: 4387 (258.1)

Height: 185

Weight: 78

Injury concerns: Nil

Primary Role: Wing

Best 22 Status: 22nd-25th

Strengths: Running ability, kicking, commitment, durability.

Weaknesses: Low production, very little contested game and tackling, inconsistency.

What they said: Assistant coach Brent Stanton works closely with Lochie, and was quick to show praise: “Lochie’s on a really good path,” Stanton said. “He’s an exciting kid to work with in wanting to learn and get better.

“[He has shown] what he can bring to our football team and that’s his run, his decision-making and especially his kicking and finish.”

The 411: Here’s the thing: Lochie is highly rated internally and for good reason. He’s a great kid with a strong willingness to make it at the top level. He has an elite running capacity and a great kick. He struggled – like many – in the first half of the year under Bolton’s system, but he gained more confidence and freedom with Teague in charge – and his results improved. His stat differential from his first six games (Bolton) to last 11 (Teague) where he didn't miss a game, improved across the board - with his disposals rising by 3.2 per game, marks by 0.6, 1.5 more effective disposals and spending an extra 8% time on ground.

Bigfooty best case: O’Brien is only just 20 with 35 games already under his belt. Like his fellow draftee Dow, LOB will have more competition for spots in 2020 – particularly with the likes of Newnes and Martin coming in. But with time, his inner drive and natural ability will see him become a very good player. If the Navy Blue #4 can demand and/or get more of his own ball in 2020 – pushing up to around 15-20 touches a game and getting on the end of a few more cream goals, he’ll be well on his way to becoming the player we hoped for when he was drafted in the top ten 2 years ago.

Next up: Sam Petrevski-Seton

 

[Matty411]

2020 Blues Pre-Season Player Preview Series

(Above: Petrevski-Seton looks forward to taking his game to yet another level in 2020)

Player Name: Sam Petrevski-Seton

Guernsey #: 5

Nickname/s: SPS, Samo, Halls Creek Cowboy

2019 Senior Games: 22

Key Stats: 420 (19.1) Marks: 87 (3.95) Contested possessions: 176 (8) Tackles: 94 (4.36) Clearances: 46 (2.09) Metres gained: 5175 (235.2)

Height: 182

Weight: 78

Injury concerns: Nil

Primary Role: Midfield/Half-back

Best 22 Status: Best 22

Strengths: Decision-making, durability, class, flexibility, tackling

Weaknesses: Consistent impact on the game, can take easy option too often (which is improving), consistent ball-winning ability

What they said: “He’s one of those players where if you get the ball in his hands, the game almost stops a little bit,” Assistant Coach, Dale Amos said.

“This year has certainly been a breakout year for him.”

The 411: SPS played every game in 2019 (one of just 3) for the second year running – cementing himself as a durable mainstay in our senior side. After impressing early in the midfield, he struggled to hit his ceiling again before a move down back breathed fresh air into the Halls Creek Cowboy’s – and our backline’s – season. Petrevski-Seton’s games tally is up to 64 now, and one gets the feeling that he’ll be a genuine star – not unlike our own #9 – before he hits the 100 mark.

Bigfooty best case: All eyes will be on Samo in the preseason to see where he lines up – in and around the midfield or off the half back, where he began to settle at the tail end of the season. Heading into his fourth season, we should expect our #5 to start to assert himself on the field a little more – giving us a few more 25-30 disposal, Brownlow vote-worthy games to excite the fans and show us what he’s capable of. Either way, his journey to becoming an A-grade player is on track – and it is a joy to watch.

Next up: Kade Simpson

 

[Matty411]

2020 Blues Pre-Season Player Preview Series

(Above: Kade Simpson returns for his 37th preseason ahead of the 2020 season)

Player Name: Kade Simpson

Guernsey #: 6

Nickname/s: Simmo, Evergreen, Old Man River, Has your pension kicked in yet, mate?

2019 Senior Games: 18

Key Stats: Disposals: 366 (20.3) Marks: 85 (4.7) Contested possessions: 96 (5.3) Tackles: 46 (2.6) Rebound 50s: 101 (5.6) Metres gained: 7333 (407.4)

Height: 183

Weight: 75

Injury concerns: Nil

Primary Role: Half-back

Best 22 Status: Best 22 Veteran

Strengths: Durability, loyalty, courage, leadership, consistency, rebound

Weaknesses: Some could argue his output is slowing down, but he’s 62 years old – so perspective, people!

What he said: Ever focused on making the team better, Simpson’s comments in April, 2019 were typical of what we’ve come to expect: "I'm pretty old fashioned in that if you're working hard, your luck will turn," Simpson said. "That is what I have been preaching. I am nearly 35 and I am working as hard on my game as I probably ever have, extra touch, extra vision, that sort of stuff."

The 411: Kade Simpson is now a living legend at Carlton. He’s just 3 games away from equalling the great John Nicholls as the third-most capped Blues player in the club’s history – putting him in rare company. But Kade isn’t content just ticking over the games counter, nor is he making up the numbers. His end to the year under Teague was unbelievable – including 2 x games (v Crows and Tigers) where he gathered 31 and 33 touches and a combined 16 marks. Judging by his early return to the 2020 preseason, our veteran isn’t done just yet.

Bigfooty best case: Playing his entire career at the playing weight at sub-80kg and playing in just 6 finals across his 325 games, the Navy Blue faithful want nothing more than to see their courageous, skinny veteran play a few more games in September before he hangs up the boots. As long as his body holds up (is still yet to play less than 16 games in a season since 2005), he’ll be a staple in our backline – driving us to every win possible and giving us 110% on the field. Here’s hoping we can snag a finals berth for the old man in 2020.

Next up: Matthew Kennedy

 

[Matty411]

2020 Blues Pre-Season Player Preview Series

Player Name: Matthew Kennedy

Guernsey #: 7

Nickname/s: Bam Bam, Plugger

2019 Senior Games: 10

Key Stats: Disposals: 107 (10.7) Marks: 27 (2.7) Goals: 11 (1.1) Contested possessions: 54 (5.4) Disposal efficiency: 71 per cent Score involvements: 40 (4)

Height: 190

Weight: 88

Injury concerns: Nil

Primary Role: General Forward

Best 22 Status: Depth/25-30th

Strengths: Goal kicking, contested ability, toughness, cheeky smile

Weaknesses: Durability, speed, endurance, takes forever get his coffee order out

What they said: Kennedy’s new Senior Coach was impressed with his role-playing ability this season: "He played centre-half forward as a junior in senior footy out in the country, but he was only about 15 or 16 (years old),” Teague said.

"He presents well at the ball, he's a beautiful kick and he has ended up getting quite a few shots over the last month, so he's been valuable for us."

The 411: The boy from Collingullie was forced to shrug off persistent injuries to earn his chances in 2019. But when Kennedy came back into the side, it wasn’t as a midfielder but rather as a specialist forward – a role he played the entire run home, troubling the score sheet near every week. He finished the season with 11 goals from his 10 games. With a growing list of young midfielder waiting their turn; and a fit and firing forward line in Teague’s sights for next season, topped off with the romantic return of fan-favourite Eddie Betts – Kennedy will need one hell of an offseason to stake his claims for a Round 1 berth.

Bigfooty best case: The former Giant was recruited at the backend of 2017 with the view to becoming a long-term foil for Co-Captain Cripps in the centre square. He’s yet to live up to that expectation – with just 22 games in 2 seasons. Many of us would still love for the young bull to shine over the offseason and burst onto the scene in 2020 as a regular midfield distributor in our 22, or even develop his game further as a reliable avenue to goal (25 goals would be a nice breakeven). Either way, with the Blues added (and continually improving) depth, Matty Kennedy’s chances will dry up if he doesn’t deliver on the promise sooner rather than later so 2020 looms as make or break.

Next up: Matthew Kreuzer

 

[Matty411]

2020 Blues Pre-Season Player Preview Series

Player Name: Matthew Kreuzer

Guernsey #: 8

Nickname/s: Kreuz, Tractor

2019 Senior Games: 15

Key Stats: Disposals: 196 (13.1) Marks: 30 (2) Contested possessions: 137 (9.1) Tackles: 34 (2.3) Clearances: 84 (5.6) Hitouts: 467 (31.1)

Height: 200

Weight: 101

Injury concerns: Finished the year well but for now we'll say 'TBA'

Primary Role: Ruck

Best 22 Status: Best 22 Veteran

Strengths: Work around the ground, heart, leadership, loved by the masses, team barometer

Weaknesses: Staying on the park for more than 3 months of the year

What he said: Barring disaster, Kreuzer is likely to re-commit to the club to see out his career – such is his love for the Navy Blue: “Carlton has been a big part of my life,” Kreuzer said.

“I’m at the back end now and I’m seeing these young kids come through. I’m just trying to pass on as much knowledge and experience as I can.”

The 411: After missing the opening month of season 2019, Kreuz returned to the senior side and was consistent for the most part across the year. Still missing another 3 games (Rounds 7, 19 and 20) after his return in Round 5, he continued to show his importance to the side when fit – including a few standout games that come standard for a Matthew Kreuzer season. The big lug averaged over 30 hitouts a game for just the second time in his career and will enter 2020 as an uncontracted player. Now 30 years young, it will be a crucial year for the big man.

Bigfooty best case: The club recruited a viable foil and replacement for our heart and soul ruckman in Marc Pittonet during the Trade Period, who – along with young TDK – will put more pressure on MK than ever before. Like Simpson and Murph, Kreuz has been here through a lot of dour times and so deserves to experience some success as he enters the last phase of his career. If Russell can get Kreuz on the field for another 18-20 games in 2020, he will help us to a few more wins off his back alone – hopefully then committing to being a Bluebagger for life.

Next up: Some guy by the name of Patrick Cripps

 

[Matty411]

2020 Blues Pre-Season Player Preview Series

(Patrick Cripps caps off another outstanding year with the 2019 ALFPA MVP)

Player Name: Patrick Cripps

Guernsey #: 9

Nickname/s: Crippa, The Extractor

2019 Senior Games: 20

Key Stats: Disposals: 560 (28.0) Marks: 62 (3.1) Contested possessions: 340 (17) Tackles: 123 (6.2) Clearances: 170 (8.5) Inside 50s: 62 (3.1) Goals: 13

Height: 195

Weight: 92

Injury concerns: Nil

Primary Role: Midfielder

Best 22 Status: Captain and Best 22

Strengths: Contested beast, leadership, brings others into the game, absolute f**** star

Weaknesses: Consistent scoreboard impact

What they said: Fellow Patrick of the Dangerfield variety was glowing of his praise for the Carlton Superstar: “Patrick has had a super season and his ability in contested situations is as good as any player I’ve seen,” Dangerfield said.

“As a midfielder, he can do it all on the inside and outside and, with his huge frame, he’s like a key forward in the air. His ability to back it up week-after-week despite an up and down season for the Blues is a huge reason he’s been able to secure the MVP.”

The 411: There are no more superlatives to describe our co-captain after back to back All-Australian nods; an AFLPA MVP; runner up in ‘Best Captain’ – elevating himself into the competitions truly elite. Three games stand out above his many outstanding performances in 2019. 30 touches (19 contested), 12 tackles and 2 goals in Round 4 v Suns; his perfect 38 disposal, 4 goal effort to give us the win against the Lions at the Gabba in Round 12; and his 24 contested, 39 disposal masterclass in our win over the Crows in Round 19. With another year into our youngsters, it’s scary to think that there may yet be improvement in our superstar still to come. He is, after all, yet to turn 25.

Bigfooty best case: At this point, Cripps has nothing to prove but at a personal level, you can bet he’ll be trying to up his game even more to help the side climb the ladder and get some team success while he’s in his prime. I can see an All-Australian/Brownlow year coming in 2020 should we get a few more wins under our belt. Honestly, after seeing him so down and struggling in the middle rounds (before Bolts was sacked) – I’ll be happy if we just see a happy Crippa enjoying his footy for 22 rounds (and beyond). He is possibly the greatest player we’ve had at the club in a long time, and I just bloody love him. Emblazoned his #9 onto my personal guernsey after his first year and have loved his meteoric rise even more. Never leave, Paddy.

Next up: Harry McKay