Ben Graham - valuable contribution

[snr529jnr]

IMO Benny has had a fantastic season. For a player that has been much maligned throughout his career (& often with reason), he has changed his game style around to use great athletism and running ability, rather than a bash and crash style of play. He has played very much like Chris Tarrant where he leads well up the ground to create a contest near the square or on the wings, but will also push back hard into the goal square to also provide a contest at a pack marking situation. This has allowed GA Jnr and Chappy to be at the fall of the ball for the goal sneak opportunity and also opens up the forward line down closer to goal for Kant Kicksley (copywrite Phat&Phr), Johno etc to be the leading forwards.
click here for some stats on the comparrision with Tarrant.
What are people's thoughts????

 

[nananana catman]

I think Ben has been a real unsung hero for us this year. Isnt and probably never will be the best centre-half forward, but what ive liked about him this year is his second efforts and his ability to pick up the ball at ground level.

If he along with Kingsley were to have really good finals series, it would go a long way towards us playing in a perlim or grand final.

 

[Sammy D]

Can fault Graham this year. He is even starting to have shots within range. Keep it up Benny!

 

[Lacquer Head]

He is genuine captain material

 

[LongBomb]

He has had a great year. Hopefully he has a great finals series.

I really hope he plays on next year.

 

[Turbocat]

There diferent types of people in the world and of course players. There match winners , role players, team players , ostentatious flamboyant players, introverted insecure players and some in between.Some are natural leaders and some arnt but so loyal they put a club ahead of their own natural ease.
Ben to me is a player who is not naturaly confident but a player who plays his best when he feels the confidence others have in him. This is cyclical because their confidence is built by his performance.So what built his new level of confidence.

After years on the backline , Ben has this started to be truly comfortable on the forwardline,he has started to learn how best he plays the position,has had some good scalps and done some hard, high effort ,low galmour stuff.

He has been helped by the fact we are a better side.Mentally he doesnt feel he is under pressure to be the sole match winner as we have more talent in our winning side,he now gets better supply which gives him more chance to perform.

I always thought Ben hung his hat on his kicking, kick well and he was up.This year he quite often has kicked poorly(for him) yet still continued to present, to put his body on the line to give the smalls guys a chance with crumbs

Ben I think ,just like Lynch in Brisbane , may yet have his best football in the last part of his footy life. If he can play his best in a finals series his whole perception to the public will change.