Review Calling all posters to write player reviews

[stkildathunda]

Thought id make a main post aswell as posting in each players thread on players board. Will be doing a review on all players on our list over next few months. Will try do one a day or every couple days. Just to try keep some discussion happening on here.

WARRICK ANDREOLI

VFL Senior Games: 10
VFL Senior Goals: 0
VFL Senior Averages: 14.80 disposals, 3.3 marks, 2.1 tackles. But if you take out game where he injured his shoulder in opening minute he averaged 16.44 disposals, 3.67 marks, 2.33 tackles.

VFL Dev Squad Games: 2
VFL Dev Squad Goals: 2

2012 PLAYER RATING: 7/10

Before injuring his shoulder in opening minute of Sandringham’s Round 11 clash against Frankston, Warrick Andreoli was one of the best performed rookies on the Saints list.

In his opening 7 games he was averaging 17.57 disposals, 4 marks and 2 tackles a game. Unfortunately he only managed to play 4 more games in 2012, 2 games in Development Squad before being recalled to seniors in last 2 games of season. In Sandringham’s Elimination Final loss to Box Hill he collected 16 disposals, 4 marks and 3 tackles and showed his early season form to be one of the Zebras best players.


If Andreoli can have a big preseason and build on his 2012 form there’s no reason why he wouldn’t find himself in Saints team at some stage in 2013. It was unfortunate that he was cut down with serious shoulder injury this year as firmly believe he would have been promoted at some stage this year.

Andreoli has good pace and isn’t afraid to take the game on. His disposal efficiency is also first rate, not making many mistakes with ball in hand.

Photo appears with approval and courtesy of Dave Savell.

 

[Squizz]

Good stuff. If people are keen to do a player, make sure you let everyone know (so that we don't double up and can cover the whole list). And if you do one, post the review in this thread along with the player's thread (as thunda has done). Also, if there are any good media articles on the player that have been done during the year, put the link in your review (whilst it may have been located and put in the media thread, ideally it also goes in the player's thread - my bad on many, many occasions).

 

[stkildathunda]

Good stuff. If people are keen to do a player, make sure you let everyone know (so that we don't double up and can cover the whole list). And if you do one, post the review in this thread along with the player's thread (as thunda has done). Also, if there are any good media articles on the player that have been done during the year, put the link in your review (whilst it may have been located and put in the media thread, ideally it also goes in the player's thread - my bad on many, many occasions).

Make sure you post in here, cos I may have already done one on the player! (I have about 15 saved on computer already but was going do slow release so we can discuss any particular player!)

Im covering all the rookies and guys that played VFL first up.

 

[Squizz]

Do you think the Saints are done with the list though?

I'd like to see Woz stay, as I've enjoyed his ability to keep an opponent quiet whilst providing a bit of dash and precise passing.

But Newnes has done well in the small defender role in supporting Gram, Geary and Dempster (although Boogie has been taking varying sized players).

And then Curren did well in that role in the VFL before moving into the midfield (I'd see him as more likely to get an AFL game as a defender than a mid).

As an aside, it seems Woz is a close checker off the field as well:

 

[Squizz]

Daniel Archer #42

After being on tenderhooks last year, Arch was sighted doing the hard yards during the player’s break.

He was rewarded with a further rookie contract, with the Saints saying at the time “Tom Curren, Daniel Archer, Jackson Ferguson and Warrick Andreoli are all really exciting prospects. We are impressed by their progress and feel they can develop into important players for this Football Club.”

Unfortunately he did a hamstring and - upon returning - proceeded to break his jaw in a practice match at Sandringham.

But he managed to play 18 games for the Zebs this year and kicked 30 goals (equal 10th in the VFL goalkicking with Khan Haretuku).

Arch was certainly capable of freak acts, particularly with his kicking for goal from tight angles. I’ve remarked that, in kicking for goal, he reminds me of a St Kilda forward of similar proportions (but unhappily, that was where the comparison ended). 30 goals 15 behinds for the season was some indication.

And two of his better performances - 3 goals/13 possessions/5 marks and 1 goal/15 possessions/8 marks - came against the filth, so he gets a tick from me there.

It is a real shame for him (and St Kilda) that the Zebs recruited Beau Dowler - as he has had a very good season and most likely stopped Sandringham from trying Archer in the full back role (an area of weakness on the Saints list).

His booming kick, bulk, and decent straight line speed (he ran a sub 3sec 20m at draft camp) would have served him well in the role. As a forward, he hasn’t tended to be a one-grab mark and isn’t the most nimble when it comes to lateral movement. And averaging 10 possessions a game (along with 3.3 marks and 1.8 tackles) wasn’t going to see him challenge for an AFL spot.

But he was always willing to put his body on the line (including as an undersized ruckman), and his bullocking work was obviously highly valued.

It will certainly be interesting times in his household at the moment (shared with Nick Winmar and Tom Ledger).

An AFL team looking for a full back could do worse, although I could also see him kicking goals in a state league somewhere.

And who knows, there’s been other tall players picked up after an initial stint on an AFL list - Haretuku will probably be one of those this year - noting Arch is yet to turn 21.

 

[stkildathunda]

Daniel Archer #42

After being on tenderhooks last year, Arch was sighted doing the hard yards during the player’s break.

He was rewarded with a further rookie contract, with the Saints saying at the time “Tom Curren, Daniel Archer, Jackson Ferguson and Warrick Andreoli are all really exciting prospects. We are impressed by their progress and feel they can develop into important players for this Football Club.”

Unfortunately he did a hamstring and - upon returning - proceeded to break his jaw in a practice match at Sandringham.

But he managed to play 18 games for the Zebs this year and kicked 30 goals (equal 10th in the VFL goalkicking with Khan Haretuku).

Arch was certainly capable of freak acts, particularly with his kicking for goal from tight angles. I’ve remarked that, in kicking for goal, he reminds me of a St Kilda forward of similar proportions (but unhappily, that was where the comparison ended). 30 goals 15 behinds for the season was some indication.

And two of his better performances - 3 goals/13 possessions/5 marks and 1 goal/15 possessions/8 marks - came against the filth, so he gets a tick from me there.

It is a real shame for him (and St Kilda) that the Zebs recruited Beau Dowler - as he has had a very good season and most likely stopped Sandringham from trying Archer in the full back role (an area of weakness on the Saints list).

His booming kick, bulk, and decent straight line speed (he ran a sub 3sec 20m at draft camp) would have served him well in the role. As a forward, he hasn’t tended to be a one-grab mark and isn’t the most nimble when it comes to lateral movement. And averaging 10 possessions a game (along with 3.3 marks and 1.8 tackles) wasn’t going to see him challenge for an AFL spot.

But he was always willing to put his body on the line (including as an undersized ruckman), and his bullocking work was obviously highly valued.

It will certainly be interesting times in his household at the moment (shared with Nick Winmar and Tom Ledger).

An AFL team looking for a full back could do worse, although I could also see him kicking goals in a state league somewhere.

And who knows, there’s been other tall players picked up after an initial stint on an AFL list - Haretuku will probably be one of those this year - noting Arch is yet to turn 21.

VFL Senior Games: 18
VFL Senior Goals: 30
VFL Senior Averages: 9.83 disposals, 3.38 marks, 1.83 tackles and 2.61 hitouts

2012 Player Ranking: 6/10
Photo appears with approval and courtesy of Dave Savell.

 

[aussierulesrules]

Was looking over some phantom drafts from 2010 to get a bit of an idea what Caddy is like and what his strengths and so on are and was surprised to see some tipping Andreoli to get drafted as high as 40 or so that year, so he obviously has some strengths going for him.

 

[stkildathunda]

SAM CROCKER

VFL Senior Games: 7
VFL Senior Goals: 0
VFL Senior Averages: 9.85 disposals, 1.57 marks and 0.85 tackles

VFL Dev Squad Games: 12
VFL Dev Squad Goals: 5
VFL Dev Squad Averages: 17.5 disposals, 3.4 marks and 1.5 tackles

2012 Player Ranking: 1/10

At start of 2012 we had high hopes for Sam Crocker, with another preseason under his belt we expected to see him press his claim to debut in RW&B during the season. Unfortunately Crocker went the opposite way, he really struggled when playing in VFL Seniors and he found himself playing majority of year in Development Squad. When looking back on year he was probably lucky to have played 7 games in seniors as he only averaged 9.85 disposals a game and was one of a few that were "gifted" games as they were on Saints list.

When Crocker got the ball he normally used it well as he has an elite kick on him, the only issue was he rarely got the ball to be able to utilize his strength. He was still pretty small considering he’s been in system for few years, but part of that may have been impacted with shoulder injuries last season.

His season was a far cry below what you'd expect from an AFL listed player who was purportedly gifted and it was no surprise to those that watched the VFL each week that he was delisted. It's a shame we didn't get to see Crocker outside of the NAB Cup, but poor results in the VFL don't bode well for a career in the elite AFL, and it is likely that 'Croc' is yet another player who didn't fully realise their potential.

I still believe he has what it takes to make it in the AFL and would love to see him given another shot on a rookie list, even if it’s not on the Saints.

 

[Jay C]

1/10 seems a bit harsh, but I guess you have seen more of him than I have.

 

[saintsrfreak]

I call bagsies on Simpkin and Saady

 

[stkildathunda]

1/10 seems a bit harsh, but I guess you have seen more of him than I have.

Fair few factors into that ranking. Didn't play AFL even though in 3rd year. Only played 7 senior VFL games and had no impact on any and averaged 9 touches. Played 12 Dev Squad games which lowered it again. Then add in fact he got delisted....

Basically he had shocking season.

 

[Defacto]

Fair few factors into that ranking. Didn't play AFL even though in 3rd year. Only played 7 senior VFL games and had no impact on any and averaged 9 touches. Played 12 Dev Squad games which lowered it again. Then add in fact he got delisted....

Basically he had shocking season.

dont you mean 2nd year?

 

[stkildathunda]

dont you mean 2nd year?

Oops yea 2nd year!

 

[stkildathunda]

SEBASTIAN ROSS
VFL Senior Games: 17
VFL Senior Goals: 3
VFL Senior Averages: 17.7 disposals, 2.65 marks and 3.07 tackles

AFL Games: 1
AFL Goals: 0
AFL Averages: 8 disposals and 4 tackles

2012 Player Rating: 7/10
Sebastian Ross was St Kilda’s first pick in 2011 National Draft and in his first season at club showed signs of his potential. Despite spending the season playing in VFL, which I believe benefited his development; Seb was one of Saints listed players best performers for Sandringham and he was able to break into Saints team in Round 22 on back of some outstanding VFL performances throughout year.

Ross was used in various roles during the year, at times he was used as genuine midfielder and other times was used in run with role on oppositions most dangerous midfielders. His average of 17.7 disposals doesn’t quite tell entire story due to range of roles he played as he managed to collect over 20 disposals on 7 occasions.

Seb has great composure with ball in hand and has an elite kick on him. He also has great ability to find space and when he swings onto his left foot you can back him to hit target 99% of time. Saints coach Scott Watters likened him to Scott Pendlebury but I think he is clone of Nick Dal Santo, either way if he is half as good as either of those guys then he is going to be star.

Saints fans should get excited with what Seb Ross has to offer and with another preseason under his belt I expect Ross to feature heavily 2013.

 

[saintsrfreak]

Tom Simpkin​

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2012 was a breakout year for Tom, having only played 2 games before the start of the year he went on to play 19 games for the Saints this season, earning himself a regular spot in the line up. Simpkin showed why VFL watchers rated him so highly, stepping into the 3rd tall defender spot from round 2 and keeping his opponents honest most weeks. ​

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At 191cm he's shorter than most key defenders, but as has been noted before so was Max Hudghton. Simpkin has similar traits to Max, using his courage and smarts on the footy field, out positioning his bigger bodied opponents instead of taking them on in a wrestling match. I have high hopes that in time Tom can make the transition from medium to tall defender, just as Hudghton did. With Hudghton employed in a specialist coaching role I think he could go a long way towards mentoring Simpkin into that role.​

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The reason Tom has been one of my favourite players this year is he's a good, honest, tough player. Never shirking a contest, "Head" has clashed noggins with opponents many times this year, leaving his opponents worse for wear and with a big headache while he bounds back up as if to say "t'is but a flesh wound". Leading the team for 1%ers in just his first full season, Simpkin nearly always finds a way to get a fist on the footy.​

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All in all I think it's been a terrific year for Simpkin, flourishing under the opportunity given to him by Watters and cementing his spot in the team. I think he'll be a great defender for years to come with St Kilda.​

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8.5/10​

 

[Kildonan]

I am hoping that all posters can contribute in some way towards this project.
I want to get a player review for every player on our list in 2012.
Multiple reviews by different authors are encouraged.

Start with a favourite player of yours. Maybe link a pic (not essential) and a short write up detailing the season performance of that player. Some basic stats can be helpful and maybe a review of that players Dream Team and Supercoach performances. End with a 2013 prospects comment.

Please feel free to add these reviews to the existing threads in the players board.

Thank you

 

[Manimal_Dunstan]

I would, But no good at these type of things!!

 

[Kildonan]

You underestimate yourself. You are a good communicator with an eye for certain aspects of play. Pick out someone you see something special in and just tell it like you were posting in any other thread.

 

[stkildathunda]

Like these ones we've been doing? http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/threads/2012-player-reviews.971703/

Perfect

Merged threads - K

 

[saintsrfreak]

Ahmed Saad​

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I must admit, after we finalized the trade for Saad and Milera I got extremely excited when I read all the good things said about Saad. He sounded like an excitement machine with pace and tricks up his sleeve. I had high expectations for Saad, and it makes me very happy to say he has met if not surpassed them. From his first full game in round 7 against Carlton I think we all knew we had a genuine player on our hands. Along with his mate Terry Milera he added some much needed pace and x-factor to the Saints side.​

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At times inconsistent, you can't expect a first year player to kick goals every week like Milney. The main features of Saad's game are his pace, goal sense, manic tackling and pressure on the ball carrier, and his highly unusual yet highly effective set shot run up. Claiming that he doesn't count the steps but that they always seem to end up between 28 and 32, Saad says he concentrates on something behind the goals. Well if it ain't broke don't fix it. Kicking 28 goals in 16 games for the Saints this year, Ahmed was presented with the Most Promising Player Award. Only picking up the game late into his teens, the Egyptian born 22 year old looks to have a lot of improvement left in him.​

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St Kilda's older smalls Milney and Schneider had mentoring roles with Saad and Milera this year, being dubbed "the rat pack" by the media, I think our small forward base shows great promise for years to come. After experiencing his first year in the AFL, I think Saad looks ready to take another step up in 2013. Especially because he can kick on his left now, so other teams should watch out ​

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Season Rating: 9/10​

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[NarklesHelmet]

Ahmed Saad​

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I must admit, after we finalized the trade for Saad and Milera I got extremely excited when I read all the good things said about Saad. He sounded like an excitement machine with pace and tricks up his sleeve. I had high expectations for Saad, and it makes me very happy to say he has met if not surpassed them. From his first full game in round 7 against Carlton I think we all knew we had a genuine player on our hands. Along with his mate Terry Milera he added some much needed pace and x-factor to the Saints side.​

​

At times inconsistent, you can't expect a first year player to kick goals every week like Milney. The main features of Saad's game are his pace, goal sense, manic tackling and pressure on the ball carrier, and his highly unusual yet highly effective set shot run up. Claiming that he doesn't count the steps but that they always seem to end up between 28 and 32, Saad says he concentrates on something behind the goals. Well if it ain't broke don't fix it. Kicking 28 goals in 16 games for the Saints this year, Ahmed was presented with the Most Promising Player Award. Only picking up the game late into his teens, the Egyptian born 22 year old looks to have a lot of improvement left in him.​

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St Kilda's older smalls Milney and Schneider had mentoring roles with Saad and Milera this year, being dubbed "the rat pack" by the media, I think our small forward base shows great promise for years to come. After experiencing his first year in the AFL, I think Saad looks ready to take another step up in 2013. Especially because he can kick on his left now, so other teams should watch out ​

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Season Rating: 9/10​

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Nice write-up!

It is pretty clear simply judging by how many fellow Sainters have Saad in their avatars and sigs that I am not alone in being very, very excited by him as a prospect. He gave us plenty of highlights this year already, my favourite goal being his one against West Coast. He is just so great to watch: a really unique talent.

What has me very excited about him is that I think he has a lot of improvement in him because of how late he came to our game. Milney was great to watch when he started in a similar, unpredictable and exciting way that Saad is but Milney had played footy his whole life. And take a look at the stats from each of their first years: Saad 28 goals from 16 games, Milney 27 from 17.

I'm not trying to but the mozz on Saad but I really think that we have found a player here and would love to see him step up in his second year like Milney did and start winning games off his own boot.

 

[stkildathunda]

CAMERON SHENTON

VFL Senior Games: 17
VFL Senior Goals: 7
VFL Senior Averages: 11.35 disposals, 2.65 marks and 1.88 tackles

2012 Player Rating: 4/10 (Its only 4 due to first half season)

Cameron Shenton came to the Saints via the 2011 Rookie Draft after an outstanding 2011 season in SANFL where he kicked 43 goals in 17 games.

Despite playing just 2 games for StKilda in the NAB Cup, it was probably a first half of the season to forget for Shenton. He was unable to find the goals as easily as previous years, mainly due to not being able to finish off. He had plenty of shots on goals but often missed and sprayed them. He kicked 7 goals for the season and wasn’t having any impact around the ground. If we were doing this review half way through the season I think it would be fair to assume we wouldn’t have been surprised to see him delisted at years end. When he was played up forward he only averaged 9.2 disposals, 2.6 marks and 2.3 tackles.

During the second half of the season, the coaches decided to try him in new position. Running out of defence where he could utilize his pace and run & carry seemed to help Cameron find his feet. He was also used as stopper on small forwards. In the last 7 games, he increased his averages to 14.42 disposals, 2.71 marks and 1.28 tackles. He was named in best in 3 of those 7 games.

Shenton has done enough to show he can make it and has earnt another year on our rookie list. He was one of our best performed players in VFL in last 2 months of season and hopefully he can build on his late season form during preseason and early 2013 and really push for senior promotion.

Photo appears with approval and courtesy of Arj Images Online.

 

[Persevering Saint]

Good stuff. If people are keen to do a player, make sure you let everyone know (so that we don't double up and can cover the whole list).

CHBench? (ducks, runs)

 

[CHBench]

Seriously tho, I can do one next week.

 

[Saint Christopher]

CAMERON SHENTON

VFL Senior Games: 17
VFL Senior Goals: 7
VFL Senior Averages: 11.35 disposals, 2.65 marks and 1.88 tackles

2012 Player Rating: 4/10 (Its only 4 due to first half season)

Cameron Shenton came to the Saints via the 2011 Rookie Draft after an outstanding 2011 season in SANFL where he kicked 43 goals in 17 games.

Despite playing just 2 games for StKilda in the NAB Cup, it was probably a first half of the season to forget for Shenton. He was unable to find the goals as easily as previous years, mainly due to not being able to finish off. He had plenty of shots on goals but often missed and sprayed them. He kicked 7 goals for the season and wasn’t having any impact around the ground. If we were doing this review half way through the season I think it would be fair to assume we wouldn’t have been surprised to see him delisted at years end. When he was played up forward he only averaged 9.2 disposals, 2.6 marks and 2.3 tackles.

During the second half of the season, the coaches decided to try him in new position. Running out of defence where he could utilize his pace and run & carry seemed to help Cameron find his feet. He was also used as stopper on small forwards. In the last 7 games, he increased his averages to 14.42 disposals, 2.71 marks and 1.28 tackles. He was named in best in 3 of those 7 games.

Shenton has done enough to show he can make it and has earnt another year on our rookie list. He was one of our best performed players in VFL in last 2 months of season and hopefully he can build on his late season form during preseason and early 2013 and really push for senior promotion.

Photo appears with approval and courtesy of Arj Images Online.

Thanks AT, he has been a mystery to me all year. Seems a good build - who knew he was quick though??? - but was puzzled why we drafted him in the first place. Fear for Cam as he seems to have arrived in the year we will be making big cuts into the list and there's a few half backs ahead of him.