Brett Meredith
Brett Meredith was drafted in 2007 at pick 26 and made an impressive debut in 2009, contributing through a combination of sleek skills and handy goal kicking to add some much needed class to the forward line-up. Much of his 2010 and 2011 season was hampered by injuries and an inability to find form in the midfield. This in conjunction with being overtaken by recent draftees has meant he made only three appearances in 2011, without recalls in the respective games that followed.
However, Meredith has great goal sense, an accurate and penetrating kick with slick hand skills and natural football smarts which has not been nurtured to their full potential. Meredith was first mentored (by Kirk) and trained for a role much like that of Kirk’s or Bolton, which conflicts with his natural outsider-mid type game of class and polish rather than inside grunt work. Whether this was to fill the shortage of emerging inside midfielders in 2009-10 or a vision of the coaches, his development has stagnated consequently.
This uncertainty regarding his team role and natural role coupled with recurring injuries has limited the ability he has had in physically imposing himself in games, and consequently often lingers around stoppages rather than actively imposing his presence, which has impeded his game. This is reflected through declining figures in nearly all aspects of the game from 2009 to 2011 (even factoring in the games played respectively).
Nevertheless, his 2009 form and natural playing style oozes class and polish that has not been properly utilised in 2011. Meredith unleashed as an outside midfielder setting up goals from a beautiful, long kick into the forward 50, is for lack of a better word, froth. Especially given Sydney’s heavily defensive ‘flood’ game plan, he would never be far from the goals if the ball was in the 50, which hence incorporates his natural forward skills. Thus, another option is that of a half-forward role, but given the present playing style, the two roles are essentially synonymous.
Nevertheless, his 2009 form and natural playing style oozes class and polish that has not been properly utilised in 2011. Meredith unleashed as an outside midfielder setting up goals from a beautiful, long kick into the forward 50, is for lack of a better word, froth. Especially given Sydney’s heavily defensive ‘flood’ game plan, he would never be far from the goals if the ball was in the 50, which hence incorporates his natural forward skills. Thus, another option is that of a half-forward role, but given the present playing style, the two roles are essentially synonymous.
The coaches clearly rate him, giving him opportunities despite much (bigfooty) controversy. As he is only in his early 20s, he has much time to improve and develop a role within the team that can best utilise his skills to complement Sydney’s line-up.
Player Review submitted by vonn
