Bell

[demonfan9]

Who else has been really impressed with Daniel Bell this season?

I was worried about this kid previously. He was a first round draft pick and possessed good athletic attributes, but didn't seem to show much as a footballer. He always seemed nervous and was unable to put any stamp on the game. He then suffered through the Broadbridge tragedy (they were best mates) and was in and out of the team for a couple of seasons. It seemed he couldn't find his role in the team.

But this year has been a massive turn around in his football and I am delighted. Since given the opportunity to settle down in the backline, he has shown some real talent. Some things I've noticed:

- He is really good at spoiling his opponents on the lead. He is always right on their tail, ready to knock the ball away.

- He possesses good strength and pace, and seems to work hard for four quarters every week.

- He puts his body on the line to lay that crucial smother (Ebert), tackle or sheperd; always good to see those one-percenters being performed in the backline.

- When he has the ball, he is no longer the nervous wreck he used to be. Playing on the last line of defence, always under pressure, he seems to be really cool in ther situation and hit up the right option with clean skills.

 

[The Great Gabsby]

He's probably been our most improved so far for the season. Seems to have flown under the radar somewhat with all the other goings on at the club at the moment, but you're 100% right with your analysis of him.

I remember in the hawks game when Williams was cutting us up, Bell was moved onto him and managed to keep him relatively quiet.

He's got good versatility too and should be a fixture in our 22 for a while yet.

 

[melbournemartin]

In the Hawks game I constantly said Bell should have played on Williams from the start.

I've been very impressed with him. He did very well on Ebert. His work on the goal line to save an almost certain goal was superb. I have a lot of confidence in him now. He has a body big enough to be able to push into the middle at some stage.

 

[Bartram_Class]

We all know he is good enough, he's quick, built like an ox and hes starting to fulfill some of that promise and not a moment too soon.

I was starting to worry.

 

[Jonesy2]

Daniel Bell is exactly the player we need, quick, goes in hard and most importantly has a strong build.

I am glad he is been given a regular game and time on the park. For us to be any good in the next few years we need players like bell to keep improving.

The only concern I have is his kicking at times, eg (that goal he missed against the swans straight after half time). But most of the time it is sound. I like him as a player.

 

[master bate]

I've had some contact will Belly and he's a ripping bloke, whilst he is going really well as a key defender I think when he gets more comfortable with his game he could become a gun in the midfield, he moves so well and has a beautiful kicking action. He was very young when he first came the club and has taken time to become confident is his ability, now I only wish Chris Johnson could start to develop like Belly. I will go nuts the day he kicks a goal, he just cant seem to kick for goal yet at AFL level i think hes record would be something like 0 goals 10 points.

 

[Brock McLean for PM]

Belly is very consistent - the goal save he made against port was a great example of his desparation and commitment.

Apart from the look-away handball to Yze in the last quarter I though his game against port was great. It's good to see someone showing Febes old number some form - he's quickly becoming my fave player after Brock.

 

[Gouga]

I agree with the most improved comment. Bell is one of the first picked this year which a big difference on the previous few.

 

[JuveRule]

the goal save he made against port was a great example of his desparation and commitment.

To be honest, he slipped and in doing so, managed to trip the Port bloke, lucky not to give away a free - but to be fair to Belly, his speed in getting straight up and getting the footy away was great.

His endeavour is as good as anyone's at the club and I'm hoping that he'll go far. Just needs to dispose of the ball a bit better, but I'm sure that by playing all 22 games this year, that'll definitely improve.