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I did this post as part of another one which will appear elsewhere in BigFooty in the near future.
So I've put it up now for your opinion and comment.
Have your say - enjoy!!
"BEST TEAM
B: Bassett Rutten Hart
HB: Goodwin McGregor Begley
C: Reilly Ricciuto Burton
HF: Johncock Stevens Hentschel
F: Edwards Welsh Biglands
Foll: Clarke Thompson McLeod
Inter: Jericho Torney Bode Doughty
NEXT BEST 10 PLAYERS:
Bock
Hudson
Krueger
Masssie
Mattner
Perrie
Shirley
Skipworth
Stevens Scott
Watts
PLAYER PROFILES
Nathan Bassett
Under-rated defender who has played the majority of his footy at FB, which generally has seen him playing on much taller and heavier opponents. The emergence of Rutten as the FB in the latter half of the season saw him released to stand a lesser opponent either in the back pocket or HB flank. As a result he had an excellent finish to the season. Always gives a 100% effort, and hates to be beaten, leading at times to almost Percy Jones type dummy spits if he does.
Expected Role in 2005: Back pocket, HB flank, occasionally FB on smaller more agile FF’s.
James Begley
Injury prone defender/wingman who has a lot to offer if he can keep his body right, only managing 8 games in 2004, which followed only 12 games in 2003. Very quick and agile for a player of his height, 187cms, he’s a perfect match for the small forwards such as Matera, Milne etc, because he can equal them in their areas of strengths, and then has a huge advantage overhead. A fit Begley will add plenty to Adelaide’s chances in 2005 with his run and dash from the backlines.
Expected Role in 2005: Back pocket, HB flank, wing but mostly in defence minding the quick smalls.
Rhett Biglands
Vigorous strongly built high-leaping ruckman, who crossed the line with his vigour more than once in 2004 and spent some time watching on the sideline, playing only 12 games for the year as a result. Not a real thinking footballer. Neil Craig appears intent on resting him up forward to add that intimidation factor, making life a little easier for the other forwards while their opponents wonder where big Rhett is. Worked well IMO, and expect to see more of this in 2005.
Expected Role in 2005: Ruck, forward pocket.
Nathan Bock
21 Year old utility who at 193 cms is capable of playing in a variety of positions, and did just that in his first year at AFL level in 2004. Played in the last 18 games without a miss, in positions ranging from CHF, CHB, HF flank and HB flank. IMO he seems best suited to the role of a tall HB flanker. A journeyman type of player, he’ll be competing with others better qualified for the defensive positions, which means he may well have to rely on injury to others to get his chances in 2005.
Expected Role in 2005: A fill-in player, best suited to defence but who may also fill in up forward at times.
Matthew Bode
Courageous little bottom of the pack rover who both fell out of favour and suffered injuries in 2004, limiting his appearances to only 9 games. This followed a career best season in 2002 and a good 2003. Very good at winning a hard ball, but doesn’t always use it wisely once he’s done that. At 25 years of age, expect him to bounce back and force his way back as a regular in the best 22 - he’s certainly good enough. Can also be dangerous around goals from a FP with his left foot turn, but normally doesn’t get that luxury to play there.
Expected Role in 2005: On-baller, with occasional stints on a wing.
Brett Burton
What an enigmatic character this player is. Capable of the sensational, capable of the ridiculous, the Birdman is a one-man entertainment machine. Would love to see him played up forward, where his sensational leaping and marking could be put to good effect. However, he has massive aerobic capacity, which makes the club reluctant to move him from his familiar position on the wing. Had a very good year in 2004, although it was somewhat marred at times by burning the ball with poor disposal.
Expected Role in 2005: Wing, with the occasional cameo role up forward.
Matthew Clarke
31-year-old ruckman, who will almost definitely play his last year of AFL in 2005. Rarely, if ever, beaten for the tap, opposition teams have come to adapt to this over the years and try to feed off his somewhat predictable taps. Clarke had a good 2004 and was mixing his ruck work up a bit towards the end of the year, and there’s no doubt that when Clarke fires, so does the elite of Adelaide’s mid-field. His main weakness is that he gets far too little of the ball in field play, and struggles to take an overhead mark.
Expected Role in 2005: Ruck
Michael Doughty
Doughty enjoyed somewhat of a comeback year in 2004, returning to more like his 2002 form after a pretty ordinary 2003. Highly skilled, good pace, and played well either on the wing or as a rebounding HB flanker. Can lack courage at times. He must certainly wonder about the justice of the AFL system after Farmer performed that dog act on him, kneeing him in the head while lying on the ground, and was found to have no charge to answer!! Doughty is one of a bunch of players at Adelaide for whom the 2005 season will be critical as to whether they are retained at the end of 2005.
Expected Role in 2005: Wing or HB
Tyson Edwards
Has taken a step up every year for the past few years to the point that he is now one of the very elite players at West Lakes. Can play back, forward, and on-ball and performs no matter which position he’s playing. Reads the play beautifully, marks well for his height, and is the best 2-sided player that the Crows have. His performances in 2004 were no exception to this. Occasionally hangs onto the ball too long, because he hates disposing it without an opportunity to give the ball to a teammate, which is about the only area I can fault him in. A quality player.
Expected Role in 2005: A variety of positions, but mostly on-ball.
Chad Gibson
A strongly built high leaping 17 year old taken by Adelaide at the recent 2004 draft at pick 28. The youngster from Norwood is a KPP either forward or back, and has played a lot as a ruckman in his junior footy. Loves the tough stuff, but don’t expect to see him at AFL level until 2006 at least.
Expected Role in 2005: Learning his trade in the SANFL
Simon Goodwin
Yet another who had an injury wrecked season in 2004, managing only 10 games for the season. The dual All-Australian was certainly missed from the mid-field because at his best he is a prolific ball-getter. A tough hard-running player he generates drive whether on-ball or off of a HB flank. He also had an unlucky 2003, missing several games with a broken wrist. A fit Goodwin for the whole year would lift the Crows stocks enormously.
Expected Role in 2005: On-ball, HB flank.
Ben Hart
If Goodwin’s season was wrecked by injury, then Hart’s was shattered. After previously enjoying an almost injury free career, 2004 was a nightmare, with a recurring hamstring restricting the 4-time All-Australian to the princely sum of 6 games. Hart has the rare ability to take on talls and smalls and is the model of consistency, rarely if ever being beaten. He is the heart (no pun intended) of Adelaide’s defence along with the emerging McGregor. A fit Hart in 2005 will add a further lift to the Crows’ prospects, although as I write that hamstring appears to have calcified and is still giving Hart trouble. Not good.
Expected Role in 2005: Back pocket, HB flank.
Trent Hentschel
One of the bright spots for Adelaide in the emerging talent department. 2004 was Hentschel’s breakout year, with his natural talent finally coming on show. A beautifully balanced player, he has the agility of a small although tall enough to play either CHF or CHB, and performed well in either role. He has a great football brain, and is a good user of the ball. Can take a genuine speccy mark for good measure. Is even more value off a HF flank with a Perrie or a Stevens doing all the bullocking at CHF. Expect big things from Mr Potential, as his teammates have dubbed him, in 2005.
Expected Role in 2005: HF flank, CHF
Benjamin Hudson
Recruited from the VFL in 2003, Hudson is an ex basket-baller who has only been playing footy for the last 4 to 5 years, and is still on a learning curve. Has risen from the local Brisbane comp to AFL level in only 4 years, and he struggled with the rigors of an AFL pre-season this year. One thing he doesn’t struggle with is honesty or toughness, as he gives 100% for every minute he plays (wasn’t given enough minutes IMO), and proved to be very popular with the Adelaide fans for that reason when he played his 13 AFL games this year. Good skills and will improve even further in 2005 now that he is up to AFL fitness level.
Expected Role in 2005: Ruck
Luke Jericho
Exciting youngster who played 15 games at AFL level in 2004. Played well before his time, as he virtually went from West Adelaide Reserves to AFL, but showed that with a stronger attack on the ball he could well be a real player of the future. A superb athlete, he has electrifying pace, and a big leap, and at times reminds one of a young Modra. Capable of playing at FF, FP, HF, HB or wing and is a handy 189 cms tall. Will be improved by the experience this year, and is another player that would be expected to improve further in 2005.
Expected Role in 2005: HFF, FP, wing
Graham Johncock
Exciting young player with 70 games already under his belt out of a possible 72. Plays with dash, hard at it, and has good disposal. Strong mark overhead for his height. Plays well either on a HFF or HBF, but I much prefer him up forward because of what he adds to the forward line. Has had a good year in every one of his 3 years so far, and 2004 was no exception. Johncock is working hard on his fitness with an aim to becoming a permanent part of the mid-field in which he played in short bursts in 2004. One of the rising stars at West Lakes.
Expected Role in 2005: HFF, wing, on-ball, HBF
Chris Knights
Taken with Adelaide’s 5th and final pick at the recent National draft, this hard working mid-fielder was regarded by the club as a value pick up too good to pass up at that stage, although they were originally planning to save that pick for the PSD.
Expected Role in 2005: Learning his trade in the SANFL
Joshua Krueger
A high leaping athletic but rugged forward/ruckman capable of taking a strong mark, constant injury ensured that he had a wretched 2004, his first season on the Crows’ main list. He incurred a back injury in a pre-season internal trial and played very little game time at any level for the whole year. In the little time that he did have with Glenelg in the SANFL he showed his class until injured again. An injury free season would see him pressing strongly for a forward berth at AFL level..
Expected Role in 2005: Learning his trade in the SANFL, hopefully progressing to FF at AFL level.
Christopher Ladhams
A richly talented, highly skilled player with beautiful left-foot disposal, he was one of 2004’s major disappointments. After a first class 2002, he went backwards somewhat in 2003 and almost disappeared right off the radar in 2004. Rumours abound as to the cause of his demise, none of which appear to be football related, being more on the line of lifestyle and attitude. Whatever the reason, 2005 will be a critical year for Ladhams. If he regains his 2002 form it will be like getting a new player. If he doesn’t then we will get a new player.
Expected Role in 2005: He’ll be the master of his own destiny here, but based on 2004 form, there is no role. At his best – HF, wing, on-baller.
Ivan Maric
Giant strongly-built young ruckman taken at pick 28, which would have delighted Adelaide no end, to end up with both Meesen and Maric in the draft this year – a pair that could well prove to be our 10 year combination rucking combination from about 2006/7 onwards. An ex basket-baller with very limited football experience, he has enormous upside in the eyes of the good judges.
Expected Role in 2005: Learning his trade in the SANFL
Kris Massie
Has always played pretty well since coming to Adelaide in a trade for Eccles (who, you ask?) but at the same time has had some difficulty in establishing himself as a permanent member of the side. Tough as nails, and gives it 100% every time he steps out on the track, with his one weakness being a slight lack of pace. Main positions played are HB flank and wing, with his better performances being at HBF.
Expected Role in 2005: Just outside the best 22, but will play games – HBF, wing.
Martin Mattner
Promising young wingman or HB flanker who has a lot of good attributes, namely pace, courage, height and would be one of the most ferocious tacklers in the AFL. Just ask Robert Harvey or Shane Crawford about his tackling!! Also has a long left foot kick on him when running at full pace. Not the sharpest tool in the shed footy wise, and is always capable of a few clangers, but will improve over time with more AFL miles in his legs. Around the mark for the best 22 and will play games during the year.
Expected Role in 2005: Wing, HBF
Ken McGregor
Has developed into one of the best 3 CHB’s in the comp. Strong overhead and rarely ever beaten, Kenny has become the premier KPP down at West Lakes. Started life as a CHF and performed well when played there in bursts in 2004, with the victory against Port Adelaide in the first half of 2004 being one of those. Not as spectacular as a Leppitsch or a Cornes, but every bit as reliable. Potentially a future leader of the club.
Expected Role in 2005: CHB
Andrew McLeod
Fell from super-star status in mid 2003 to being just a good player with occasional flair by the end of 2004. Looked disinterested at times, and one would have to look at suggestions that he didn’t enjoy playing for the previous coach plus his recent marital bust-up as possible reasons for this decline. Whatever the reasons, Adelaide will be hoping for McLeod to return to his very magical best, when he can take a game apart and be a match-winner with his rare dash, balance and skills.
Expected Role in 2005: mid-field, HF
John Meesen
Taken by Adelaide with its first pick, pick 8, at the 2004 National draft, the Crows were ecstatic when the most promising ruckman in the draft slid down to their pick, as he was expected to be gone before then. They had no hesitation in abandoning what they thought would be their first pick in Wood, snaffling up Meesen with glee. The cards fell the Crows’ way on this occasion. As previously stated, Meesen and Maric will be groomed in 2005 to be the long term ruck pair for the Crows.
Expected Role in 2005: Learning his trade in the SANFL
Ian Perrie
Unfashionable, un-skilled CHF who has performed well in the last 3 years in games that Carey hasn’t played in. Has always seem over-awed when Carey was playing and seemed more content in keeping out of his way, rather than making the play. Always gives 100% and competes hard. Can take a strong overhead contested mark and that alone makes him unique in this Adelaide side. Will probably be asked to do the bullocking again up forward with Mark Stevens very uncertain to be fit enough to either stand up or endure that role.
Expected Role in 2005: CHF
Brent Reilly
Another player who Ayres managed to choke the flare and promise out of. Potentially a top-liner, young Reilly’s career really took off after the departure of Ayres when given the opportunity to play as a sweeping half back flanker. Is a top line wingman in the making, and has beautiful poise, balance and foot skills. Should really take huge steps forward this year, and I expect him to grab a wing and make it his own. Another one of the young breed that represent the future of the AFC.
Expected Role in 2005: Wing
Mark Ricciuto
The outstanding player of the Adelaide footy club. 7 All-Australian selections and one Brownlow followed by a runner-up are a testimony to this player’s consistency at a high level over a long period of time. Captain Courageous is one tough son of a gun, and sets the example week after week for his teammates. Gives huge drive every week whether at centre or on-ball, and is a dangerous forward when used there in bursts. His achievements say it all.
Expected Role in 2005: Centre, on-ball, and occasional stints up forward.
Ben Rutten
Big solid lump of a lad who can play as KPP either up forward or back. Better suited to defence as he lacks a little in the agility department. Emerged as an AFL full-back in the 2nd half of 2004, once he was given that chance by Craig that he couldn’t get under Ayres, and performed admirably against some pretty classy FF’s. Certainly lacks nothing in self-belief for such an inexperienced player. Expect him to improve even further, now that he’s been given the opportunity.
Expected Role in 2005: FB
Jacob Schuback
Has been on Adelaide’s list for the past 3 years without making any significant impact. Not overly tall for even a flanker type player, he has a booming left foot kick and is not lacking in the courage department. Can play either up forward or back. His biggest enemies are his shortish stature and a lack of opportunity. 2005 will be a critical year for him and his future, as it will be for 7 or 8 other players on the list. Adelaide have too many fringe players of his calibre all fighting for their existence.
Expected Role in 2005: No regular role – fill in flanker.
Robert Shirley
Much maligned run with player who has far out-performed the achievements credited to him by his critics. A rather unspectacular type, but very disciplined, he has done great shut down jobs on players of the calibre of Chris Judd and Camporeale when given the opportunity. Has to get more of the footy himself while shutting down his opponent to silence his critics. With Stenglein traded to WCE, he has the opportunity to stand up and make that role his very own, as he will certainly be given first crack at it.
Expected Role in 2005: Run with on-baller.
Hayden Skipworth
Lightweight mid-fielder who has struggled to do more than be a fringe player in his 4 years with the club (3 on main list interspersed with 1 on the rookie list). Got given more opportunities when Craig took over from Ayres and his disposal rate per minutes played was pretty good in those games. Fearless in his endeavours to get the ball, he suffers from an inability to kick the ball further than 40 to 45 metres. Won’t be in the best starting 22 and will have to grasp any opportunities with 2 hands when they come, or he’ll be gone at the end of 2005.
Expected Role in 2005: Fill in mid-fielder, FP
Matthew Smith
Drafted in 2000, he was delisted in 2003 without playing even 1 AFL game, and then added to the rookie list in the same year. Promoted onto the main list at the end of 2004. Did have a good year playing in the SANFL in 2004. He’s built like a tall, but doesn’t play like one, and he’s far too slow to play like a small at AFL level. The Crows seem to be hoping that he’ll turn into a FB or back pocket – I just can’t see it. I rate him as our answer to David Bourke.
Expected Role in 2005: None – I hope.
Mark Stevens
Has just been re-signed to a 1year contract after passing certain physical tests. This follows 2 injury ridden years in which he only played 8 games in 2003 and a paltry 3 in 2004. Prior to that he had established himself as the key forward around which the whole Adelaide forward structure revolved, and his absence saw it collapse. A fit Stevens would be worth goals each week to the Crows, as it would re-create the forward structure missing so badly in the past 2 years. Fingers crossed.
Expected Role in 2005: CHF, FP, FF.
Scott Stevens
Recruited from Sydney via trade at 2003 year end, it’s easy to see why Sydney let him go. He can play, but he is very inconsistent from game to game and even with-in games. His best is certainly good enough, but he just disappears at times. Only managed to play just the 13 games in his 1st year with Adelaide as a result, the same number he played with Sydney in the year before. Although 192 cms, he doesn’t seem capable of holding down a key position, seemingly best suited to a HF flank. Has played well at times in defence on the 3rd tall as well.
Expected Role in 2005: Depth player only, HFF when he does play.
Scott Thompson
Recruited from Melbourne in exchange for draft pick 12 obtained as part of the Stenglein trade to WCE, Thompson will add a new exciting attacking element to Adelaide’s mid-field, supplementing that already provided by Ricciuto, Mcleod, Edwards and Goodwin. Thompson had developed into one of Melbourne’s better mid-fielders over his 39 games with the Dees, and Adelaide look ready to benefit from this youngster hitting his peak to increase the much wanted depth to its mid-field.
Expected Role in 2005: Mid-fielder, HF
Jason Torney
Ultra reliable defender who came to Adelaide as part of the Kane Johnson to Richmond trade. Another whose season was wrecked by injury in 2004, only managing 6 games for the year, after missing very few games in the previous 3 years.
Rarely if ever plays a bad game. He’s in my best 22 every time, and look forward to him being that rock of Gibraltar on a HB flank again in 2005
Expected Role in 2005: HBF
Nathan Van Berlo
Taken with pick 24 at the 2004 draft, word has it that Brisbane were looking at taking this speedy WA youngster with pick 19 until Wood became unexpectedly available to them at that pick. Adelaide were delighted to get this promising wingman/mid-fielder, and he has performed brilliantly in the running department at pre-season training to date, giving his new and older team-mates a lesson in the process. Very determined youngster, and should go a long way at AFL level.
Expected Role in 2005: Learning his trade in the SANFL, and possibly playing a few games late in the season on the wing.
Fergus Watts
A giant youngster who will ultimately be the long-term CHF for the Crows for many years. Played 5 games in 2004, about two years ahead of his time, and struggled as a result, although showed glimpses. Has been working on his mobility, agility and speed and needs to, as well as build up the upper half of his body. His form was affected by OP and word has it that he still hasn’t fully shaken it off yet. The fundamentals of aggression, strong attack on the ball, strong overhead marking and fearless courage are all there. They just need time to gel and mature.
Expected Role in 2005: Learning his trade in the SANFL, and possibly playing a few games late in the season on a HFF or FP
Scott Welsh
A vital cog in the forward line, Welsh still missed 6 games with injury in 2004, after only playing 13 and 10 in the two years prior. Apart from his own ball-getting ability as a forward, he creates numerous opportunities when he hasn’t got the ball with his tackling and desperation to keep the ball in the area. Best suited to a pocket or HF flank role, he has often had to play FF due to the lack of other viable options, and kicked 7 and 8 goals in successive weeks respectively in a golden patch mid-season when doing this.
Expected Role in 2005: FF, FP. HFF
ADELAIDE'S PROSPECTS FOR 2005.
Better than would appear at first glance, as long as it doesn’t suffer the level of injury it did in 2004 to key players such as Hart, Goodwin, Torney, Mark Stevens, Welsh and Begley, as it doesn’t have the depth to cover them.
The younger brigade of Hentschel, Johncock, Reilly, Jericho, Rutten and Mattner should all improve in 2005, and hopefully players like McLeod, Bode, and Ladhams can recover their very best now that the oppression of Ayres has departed. Scott Thompson adds more attacking depth to the mid-field.
Several fringe players will be fighting each other for their very footy lives in 2005, and one of these could possibly emerge as a player as a result.
My prediction – somewhere between 7 and 10 given an average run with injury.
So I've put it up now for your opinion and comment.
Have your say - enjoy!!
"BEST TEAM
B: Bassett Rutten Hart
HB: Goodwin McGregor Begley
C: Reilly Ricciuto Burton
HF: Johncock Stevens Hentschel
F: Edwards Welsh Biglands
Foll: Clarke Thompson McLeod
Inter: Jericho Torney Bode Doughty
NEXT BEST 10 PLAYERS:
Bock
Hudson
Krueger
Masssie
Mattner
Perrie
Shirley
Skipworth
Stevens Scott
Watts
PLAYER PROFILES
Nathan Bassett
Under-rated defender who has played the majority of his footy at FB, which generally has seen him playing on much taller and heavier opponents. The emergence of Rutten as the FB in the latter half of the season saw him released to stand a lesser opponent either in the back pocket or HB flank. As a result he had an excellent finish to the season. Always gives a 100% effort, and hates to be beaten, leading at times to almost Percy Jones type dummy spits if he does.
Expected Role in 2005: Back pocket, HB flank, occasionally FB on smaller more agile FF’s.
James Begley
Injury prone defender/wingman who has a lot to offer if he can keep his body right, only managing 8 games in 2004, which followed only 12 games in 2003. Very quick and agile for a player of his height, 187cms, he’s a perfect match for the small forwards such as Matera, Milne etc, because he can equal them in their areas of strengths, and then has a huge advantage overhead. A fit Begley will add plenty to Adelaide’s chances in 2005 with his run and dash from the backlines.
Expected Role in 2005: Back pocket, HB flank, wing but mostly in defence minding the quick smalls.
Rhett Biglands
Vigorous strongly built high-leaping ruckman, who crossed the line with his vigour more than once in 2004 and spent some time watching on the sideline, playing only 12 games for the year as a result. Not a real thinking footballer. Neil Craig appears intent on resting him up forward to add that intimidation factor, making life a little easier for the other forwards while their opponents wonder where big Rhett is. Worked well IMO, and expect to see more of this in 2005.
Expected Role in 2005: Ruck, forward pocket.
Nathan Bock
21 Year old utility who at 193 cms is capable of playing in a variety of positions, and did just that in his first year at AFL level in 2004. Played in the last 18 games without a miss, in positions ranging from CHF, CHB, HF flank and HB flank. IMO he seems best suited to the role of a tall HB flanker. A journeyman type of player, he’ll be competing with others better qualified for the defensive positions, which means he may well have to rely on injury to others to get his chances in 2005.
Expected Role in 2005: A fill-in player, best suited to defence but who may also fill in up forward at times.
Matthew Bode
Courageous little bottom of the pack rover who both fell out of favour and suffered injuries in 2004, limiting his appearances to only 9 games. This followed a career best season in 2002 and a good 2003. Very good at winning a hard ball, but doesn’t always use it wisely once he’s done that. At 25 years of age, expect him to bounce back and force his way back as a regular in the best 22 - he’s certainly good enough. Can also be dangerous around goals from a FP with his left foot turn, but normally doesn’t get that luxury to play there.
Expected Role in 2005: On-baller, with occasional stints on a wing.
Brett Burton
What an enigmatic character this player is. Capable of the sensational, capable of the ridiculous, the Birdman is a one-man entertainment machine. Would love to see him played up forward, where his sensational leaping and marking could be put to good effect. However, he has massive aerobic capacity, which makes the club reluctant to move him from his familiar position on the wing. Had a very good year in 2004, although it was somewhat marred at times by burning the ball with poor disposal.
Expected Role in 2005: Wing, with the occasional cameo role up forward.
Matthew Clarke
31-year-old ruckman, who will almost definitely play his last year of AFL in 2005. Rarely, if ever, beaten for the tap, opposition teams have come to adapt to this over the years and try to feed off his somewhat predictable taps. Clarke had a good 2004 and was mixing his ruck work up a bit towards the end of the year, and there’s no doubt that when Clarke fires, so does the elite of Adelaide’s mid-field. His main weakness is that he gets far too little of the ball in field play, and struggles to take an overhead mark.
Expected Role in 2005: Ruck
Michael Doughty
Doughty enjoyed somewhat of a comeback year in 2004, returning to more like his 2002 form after a pretty ordinary 2003. Highly skilled, good pace, and played well either on the wing or as a rebounding HB flanker. Can lack courage at times. He must certainly wonder about the justice of the AFL system after Farmer performed that dog act on him, kneeing him in the head while lying on the ground, and was found to have no charge to answer!! Doughty is one of a bunch of players at Adelaide for whom the 2005 season will be critical as to whether they are retained at the end of 2005.
Expected Role in 2005: Wing or HB
Tyson Edwards
Has taken a step up every year for the past few years to the point that he is now one of the very elite players at West Lakes. Can play back, forward, and on-ball and performs no matter which position he’s playing. Reads the play beautifully, marks well for his height, and is the best 2-sided player that the Crows have. His performances in 2004 were no exception to this. Occasionally hangs onto the ball too long, because he hates disposing it without an opportunity to give the ball to a teammate, which is about the only area I can fault him in. A quality player.
Expected Role in 2005: A variety of positions, but mostly on-ball.
Chad Gibson
A strongly built high leaping 17 year old taken by Adelaide at the recent 2004 draft at pick 28. The youngster from Norwood is a KPP either forward or back, and has played a lot as a ruckman in his junior footy. Loves the tough stuff, but don’t expect to see him at AFL level until 2006 at least.
Expected Role in 2005: Learning his trade in the SANFL
Simon Goodwin
Yet another who had an injury wrecked season in 2004, managing only 10 games for the season. The dual All-Australian was certainly missed from the mid-field because at his best he is a prolific ball-getter. A tough hard-running player he generates drive whether on-ball or off of a HB flank. He also had an unlucky 2003, missing several games with a broken wrist. A fit Goodwin for the whole year would lift the Crows stocks enormously.
Expected Role in 2005: On-ball, HB flank.
Ben Hart
If Goodwin’s season was wrecked by injury, then Hart’s was shattered. After previously enjoying an almost injury free career, 2004 was a nightmare, with a recurring hamstring restricting the 4-time All-Australian to the princely sum of 6 games. Hart has the rare ability to take on talls and smalls and is the model of consistency, rarely if ever being beaten. He is the heart (no pun intended) of Adelaide’s defence along with the emerging McGregor. A fit Hart in 2005 will add a further lift to the Crows’ prospects, although as I write that hamstring appears to have calcified and is still giving Hart trouble. Not good.
Expected Role in 2005: Back pocket, HB flank.
Trent Hentschel
One of the bright spots for Adelaide in the emerging talent department. 2004 was Hentschel’s breakout year, with his natural talent finally coming on show. A beautifully balanced player, he has the agility of a small although tall enough to play either CHF or CHB, and performed well in either role. He has a great football brain, and is a good user of the ball. Can take a genuine speccy mark for good measure. Is even more value off a HF flank with a Perrie or a Stevens doing all the bullocking at CHF. Expect big things from Mr Potential, as his teammates have dubbed him, in 2005.
Expected Role in 2005: HF flank, CHF
Benjamin Hudson
Recruited from the VFL in 2003, Hudson is an ex basket-baller who has only been playing footy for the last 4 to 5 years, and is still on a learning curve. Has risen from the local Brisbane comp to AFL level in only 4 years, and he struggled with the rigors of an AFL pre-season this year. One thing he doesn’t struggle with is honesty or toughness, as he gives 100% for every minute he plays (wasn’t given enough minutes IMO), and proved to be very popular with the Adelaide fans for that reason when he played his 13 AFL games this year. Good skills and will improve even further in 2005 now that he is up to AFL fitness level.
Expected Role in 2005: Ruck
Luke Jericho
Exciting youngster who played 15 games at AFL level in 2004. Played well before his time, as he virtually went from West Adelaide Reserves to AFL, but showed that with a stronger attack on the ball he could well be a real player of the future. A superb athlete, he has electrifying pace, and a big leap, and at times reminds one of a young Modra. Capable of playing at FF, FP, HF, HB or wing and is a handy 189 cms tall. Will be improved by the experience this year, and is another player that would be expected to improve further in 2005.
Expected Role in 2005: HFF, FP, wing
Graham Johncock
Exciting young player with 70 games already under his belt out of a possible 72. Plays with dash, hard at it, and has good disposal. Strong mark overhead for his height. Plays well either on a HFF or HBF, but I much prefer him up forward because of what he adds to the forward line. Has had a good year in every one of his 3 years so far, and 2004 was no exception. Johncock is working hard on his fitness with an aim to becoming a permanent part of the mid-field in which he played in short bursts in 2004. One of the rising stars at West Lakes.
Expected Role in 2005: HFF, wing, on-ball, HBF
Chris Knights
Taken with Adelaide’s 5th and final pick at the recent National draft, this hard working mid-fielder was regarded by the club as a value pick up too good to pass up at that stage, although they were originally planning to save that pick for the PSD.
Expected Role in 2005: Learning his trade in the SANFL
Joshua Krueger
A high leaping athletic but rugged forward/ruckman capable of taking a strong mark, constant injury ensured that he had a wretched 2004, his first season on the Crows’ main list. He incurred a back injury in a pre-season internal trial and played very little game time at any level for the whole year. In the little time that he did have with Glenelg in the SANFL he showed his class until injured again. An injury free season would see him pressing strongly for a forward berth at AFL level..
Expected Role in 2005: Learning his trade in the SANFL, hopefully progressing to FF at AFL level.
Christopher Ladhams
A richly talented, highly skilled player with beautiful left-foot disposal, he was one of 2004’s major disappointments. After a first class 2002, he went backwards somewhat in 2003 and almost disappeared right off the radar in 2004. Rumours abound as to the cause of his demise, none of which appear to be football related, being more on the line of lifestyle and attitude. Whatever the reason, 2005 will be a critical year for Ladhams. If he regains his 2002 form it will be like getting a new player. If he doesn’t then we will get a new player.
Expected Role in 2005: He’ll be the master of his own destiny here, but based on 2004 form, there is no role. At his best – HF, wing, on-baller.
Ivan Maric
Giant strongly-built young ruckman taken at pick 28, which would have delighted Adelaide no end, to end up with both Meesen and Maric in the draft this year – a pair that could well prove to be our 10 year combination rucking combination from about 2006/7 onwards. An ex basket-baller with very limited football experience, he has enormous upside in the eyes of the good judges.
Expected Role in 2005: Learning his trade in the SANFL
Kris Massie
Has always played pretty well since coming to Adelaide in a trade for Eccles (who, you ask?) but at the same time has had some difficulty in establishing himself as a permanent member of the side. Tough as nails, and gives it 100% every time he steps out on the track, with his one weakness being a slight lack of pace. Main positions played are HB flank and wing, with his better performances being at HBF.
Expected Role in 2005: Just outside the best 22, but will play games – HBF, wing.
Martin Mattner
Promising young wingman or HB flanker who has a lot of good attributes, namely pace, courage, height and would be one of the most ferocious tacklers in the AFL. Just ask Robert Harvey or Shane Crawford about his tackling!! Also has a long left foot kick on him when running at full pace. Not the sharpest tool in the shed footy wise, and is always capable of a few clangers, but will improve over time with more AFL miles in his legs. Around the mark for the best 22 and will play games during the year.
Expected Role in 2005: Wing, HBF
Ken McGregor
Has developed into one of the best 3 CHB’s in the comp. Strong overhead and rarely ever beaten, Kenny has become the premier KPP down at West Lakes. Started life as a CHF and performed well when played there in bursts in 2004, with the victory against Port Adelaide in the first half of 2004 being one of those. Not as spectacular as a Leppitsch or a Cornes, but every bit as reliable. Potentially a future leader of the club.
Expected Role in 2005: CHB
Andrew McLeod
Fell from super-star status in mid 2003 to being just a good player with occasional flair by the end of 2004. Looked disinterested at times, and one would have to look at suggestions that he didn’t enjoy playing for the previous coach plus his recent marital bust-up as possible reasons for this decline. Whatever the reasons, Adelaide will be hoping for McLeod to return to his very magical best, when he can take a game apart and be a match-winner with his rare dash, balance and skills.
Expected Role in 2005: mid-field, HF
John Meesen
Taken by Adelaide with its first pick, pick 8, at the 2004 National draft, the Crows were ecstatic when the most promising ruckman in the draft slid down to their pick, as he was expected to be gone before then. They had no hesitation in abandoning what they thought would be their first pick in Wood, snaffling up Meesen with glee. The cards fell the Crows’ way on this occasion. As previously stated, Meesen and Maric will be groomed in 2005 to be the long term ruck pair for the Crows.
Expected Role in 2005: Learning his trade in the SANFL
Ian Perrie
Unfashionable, un-skilled CHF who has performed well in the last 3 years in games that Carey hasn’t played in. Has always seem over-awed when Carey was playing and seemed more content in keeping out of his way, rather than making the play. Always gives 100% and competes hard. Can take a strong overhead contested mark and that alone makes him unique in this Adelaide side. Will probably be asked to do the bullocking again up forward with Mark Stevens very uncertain to be fit enough to either stand up or endure that role.
Expected Role in 2005: CHF
Brent Reilly
Another player who Ayres managed to choke the flare and promise out of. Potentially a top-liner, young Reilly’s career really took off after the departure of Ayres when given the opportunity to play as a sweeping half back flanker. Is a top line wingman in the making, and has beautiful poise, balance and foot skills. Should really take huge steps forward this year, and I expect him to grab a wing and make it his own. Another one of the young breed that represent the future of the AFC.
Expected Role in 2005: Wing
Mark Ricciuto
The outstanding player of the Adelaide footy club. 7 All-Australian selections and one Brownlow followed by a runner-up are a testimony to this player’s consistency at a high level over a long period of time. Captain Courageous is one tough son of a gun, and sets the example week after week for his teammates. Gives huge drive every week whether at centre or on-ball, and is a dangerous forward when used there in bursts. His achievements say it all.
Expected Role in 2005: Centre, on-ball, and occasional stints up forward.
Ben Rutten
Big solid lump of a lad who can play as KPP either up forward or back. Better suited to defence as he lacks a little in the agility department. Emerged as an AFL full-back in the 2nd half of 2004, once he was given that chance by Craig that he couldn’t get under Ayres, and performed admirably against some pretty classy FF’s. Certainly lacks nothing in self-belief for such an inexperienced player. Expect him to improve even further, now that he’s been given the opportunity.
Expected Role in 2005: FB
Jacob Schuback
Has been on Adelaide’s list for the past 3 years without making any significant impact. Not overly tall for even a flanker type player, he has a booming left foot kick and is not lacking in the courage department. Can play either up forward or back. His biggest enemies are his shortish stature and a lack of opportunity. 2005 will be a critical year for him and his future, as it will be for 7 or 8 other players on the list. Adelaide have too many fringe players of his calibre all fighting for their existence.
Expected Role in 2005: No regular role – fill in flanker.
Robert Shirley
Much maligned run with player who has far out-performed the achievements credited to him by his critics. A rather unspectacular type, but very disciplined, he has done great shut down jobs on players of the calibre of Chris Judd and Camporeale when given the opportunity. Has to get more of the footy himself while shutting down his opponent to silence his critics. With Stenglein traded to WCE, he has the opportunity to stand up and make that role his very own, as he will certainly be given first crack at it.
Expected Role in 2005: Run with on-baller.
Hayden Skipworth
Lightweight mid-fielder who has struggled to do more than be a fringe player in his 4 years with the club (3 on main list interspersed with 1 on the rookie list). Got given more opportunities when Craig took over from Ayres and his disposal rate per minutes played was pretty good in those games. Fearless in his endeavours to get the ball, he suffers from an inability to kick the ball further than 40 to 45 metres. Won’t be in the best starting 22 and will have to grasp any opportunities with 2 hands when they come, or he’ll be gone at the end of 2005.
Expected Role in 2005: Fill in mid-fielder, FP
Matthew Smith
Drafted in 2000, he was delisted in 2003 without playing even 1 AFL game, and then added to the rookie list in the same year. Promoted onto the main list at the end of 2004. Did have a good year playing in the SANFL in 2004. He’s built like a tall, but doesn’t play like one, and he’s far too slow to play like a small at AFL level. The Crows seem to be hoping that he’ll turn into a FB or back pocket – I just can’t see it. I rate him as our answer to David Bourke.
Expected Role in 2005: None – I hope.
Mark Stevens
Has just been re-signed to a 1year contract after passing certain physical tests. This follows 2 injury ridden years in which he only played 8 games in 2003 and a paltry 3 in 2004. Prior to that he had established himself as the key forward around which the whole Adelaide forward structure revolved, and his absence saw it collapse. A fit Stevens would be worth goals each week to the Crows, as it would re-create the forward structure missing so badly in the past 2 years. Fingers crossed.
Expected Role in 2005: CHF, FP, FF.
Scott Stevens
Recruited from Sydney via trade at 2003 year end, it’s easy to see why Sydney let him go. He can play, but he is very inconsistent from game to game and even with-in games. His best is certainly good enough, but he just disappears at times. Only managed to play just the 13 games in his 1st year with Adelaide as a result, the same number he played with Sydney in the year before. Although 192 cms, he doesn’t seem capable of holding down a key position, seemingly best suited to a HF flank. Has played well at times in defence on the 3rd tall as well.
Expected Role in 2005: Depth player only, HFF when he does play.
Scott Thompson
Recruited from Melbourne in exchange for draft pick 12 obtained as part of the Stenglein trade to WCE, Thompson will add a new exciting attacking element to Adelaide’s mid-field, supplementing that already provided by Ricciuto, Mcleod, Edwards and Goodwin. Thompson had developed into one of Melbourne’s better mid-fielders over his 39 games with the Dees, and Adelaide look ready to benefit from this youngster hitting his peak to increase the much wanted depth to its mid-field.
Expected Role in 2005: Mid-fielder, HF
Jason Torney
Ultra reliable defender who came to Adelaide as part of the Kane Johnson to Richmond trade. Another whose season was wrecked by injury in 2004, only managing 6 games for the year, after missing very few games in the previous 3 years.
Rarely if ever plays a bad game. He’s in my best 22 every time, and look forward to him being that rock of Gibraltar on a HB flank again in 2005
Expected Role in 2005: HBF
Nathan Van Berlo
Taken with pick 24 at the 2004 draft, word has it that Brisbane were looking at taking this speedy WA youngster with pick 19 until Wood became unexpectedly available to them at that pick. Adelaide were delighted to get this promising wingman/mid-fielder, and he has performed brilliantly in the running department at pre-season training to date, giving his new and older team-mates a lesson in the process. Very determined youngster, and should go a long way at AFL level.
Expected Role in 2005: Learning his trade in the SANFL, and possibly playing a few games late in the season on the wing.
Fergus Watts
A giant youngster who will ultimately be the long-term CHF for the Crows for many years. Played 5 games in 2004, about two years ahead of his time, and struggled as a result, although showed glimpses. Has been working on his mobility, agility and speed and needs to, as well as build up the upper half of his body. His form was affected by OP and word has it that he still hasn’t fully shaken it off yet. The fundamentals of aggression, strong attack on the ball, strong overhead marking and fearless courage are all there. They just need time to gel and mature.
Expected Role in 2005: Learning his trade in the SANFL, and possibly playing a few games late in the season on a HFF or FP
Scott Welsh
A vital cog in the forward line, Welsh still missed 6 games with injury in 2004, after only playing 13 and 10 in the two years prior. Apart from his own ball-getting ability as a forward, he creates numerous opportunities when he hasn’t got the ball with his tackling and desperation to keep the ball in the area. Best suited to a pocket or HF flank role, he has often had to play FF due to the lack of other viable options, and kicked 7 and 8 goals in successive weeks respectively in a golden patch mid-season when doing this.
Expected Role in 2005: FF, FP. HFF
ADELAIDE'S PROSPECTS FOR 2005.
Better than would appear at first glance, as long as it doesn’t suffer the level of injury it did in 2004 to key players such as Hart, Goodwin, Torney, Mark Stevens, Welsh and Begley, as it doesn’t have the depth to cover them.
The younger brigade of Hentschel, Johncock, Reilly, Jericho, Rutten and Mattner should all improve in 2005, and hopefully players like McLeod, Bode, and Ladhams can recover their very best now that the oppression of Ayres has departed. Scott Thompson adds more attacking depth to the mid-field.
Several fringe players will be fighting each other for their very footy lives in 2005, and one of these could possibly emerge as a player as a result.
My prediction – somewhere between 7 and 10 given an average run with injury.
....but on a quick read that's a bloody good effort. I bet NC is down there printing it off as we speak to put in his clipboard !... 
. I really hope the former.
Or sitting in the dugout, great value and entertainement 
