Toast Chris Masten

[EagleMan87]

Has he finally arrived?

2012 Stats(avg)
Kicks: 13.2
Handballs: 11
Disposals: 24.2(at 74% DE)
Tackles: 4.2
Marks: 3.0
Goals: 1.2
Goal Assists: 1.8(highest so far in the comp this year)
Clearances: 1.4

I know it's still early in the season and that we're undefeated, but he's shown that his form from the tail-end of last season wasn't a fluke at least. He's still spending a lot of time in the forward half but his disposal count has bounded back up to midfielder stats, all the while still managing contribute more to the scoreboard than any other Eagle(equal with Darling).

So after all the vitriol that came out of some of our keyboards over the years, is it time to start acknowledging that he can play and play well?

 

[Eastern Rangers]

He has learnt to play his role as a mid and half forward. That's what has been asked of him pretty much since he got to the club and playing as a half forward is probably one of the harder positions to play football and influence contests so he's done well.

Plenty of improvement left.

 

[placebo]

Was underrated in the Hawks game as well I felt.

Anyone who gets to go to an Eagles game this year, keep an eye on his workrate because he is everywhere. Doesn't always get the ball, but he is always around the contest, which can be invaluable, especially in big games like the Hawks one.

Also, it's great to see him convert goal scoring opportunities. He's kicking goals he wouldn't have kicked previously.

 

[Brazen]

Cracking spread of games late last year and this year so far from Masten.

But no surprise he got there for me - always had faith. Couple of horror early pre-seasons, and then that first solid one that spawned the 'training the house down' puns, only to be cut down after 1 very good quality half of football. People forget easily the impact of that sort of thing on form and performance, coming back from injury later in the season down on fitness and conditioning... always thought he'd come good with a normal run of injury luck

 

[Carbine Chaos]

He's a bloody good player.

I'm glad that he's now performing, my flog Docker mates are finally off my back about my faith in him!

 

[keviewiggle]

Cracking spread of games late last year and this year so far from Masten.

But no surprise he got there for me - always had faith. Couple of horror early pre-seasons, and then that first solid one that spawned the 'training the house down' puns, only to be cut down after 1 very good quality half of football. People forget easily the impact of that sort of thing on form and performance, coming back from injury later in the season down on fitness and conditioning... always thought he'd come good with a normal run of injury luck

Yes!
And he will get better.
Much better.
Has the footy smarts.barring injury, he will have a long and successful career.

 

[kane249]

Happy to admit I was wrong when I thought he wouldn't make it

Well done Masto, now keep it up and keep proving those doubters wrong

 

[mHmmm]

Have to admit I thought he was going to be tradebait at best. Must say I'll eat my words as he's really kept his form going from late last year. Masten, I tip my hat to you.

 

[wce_all_da_way]

There were a lot of comparisons to Jimmy Bartel when we drafted him and if I remember correctly Bartel wasn't exactly a favourite son for a few years down at Geelong. Funny how their career is taking a similar path (obviously I don't think Masten is going to be equal to Bartel).

 

[Tigerbob]

Been in absolutely ripping form all year, really taken his game to the next level which is good to see.

Has it been just a change in attitude? Injury free finally? Cause the turn around has been very impressive.

Good to see talent fulfilled.

 

[the harry]

There were a lot of comparisons to Jimmy Bartel when we drafted him and if I remember correctly Bartel wasn't exactly a favourite son for a few years down at Geelong. Funny how their career is taking a similar path (obviously I don't think Masten is going to be equal to Bartel).

Yeah I think he'll be better than Bartel too

Some really good signs though, does love a team goal too (see JKs first against the Dogs round 1 was jumping around like a ******** )

 

[Brazen]

Been in absolutely ripping form all year, really taken his game to the next level which is good to see.

Has it been just a change in attitude? Injury free finally? Cause the turn around has been very impressive.

Good to see talent fulfilled.

for mine...

"change in attitude?" 10% this (attitude wasnt ever as bad as people postulated)

"Injury free finally?" 60% this

and 30% just being several years into his prime now (natural progression of any good player, that we just never got to observe coz of his injuries)

... did that add up? I aint no mathemagician

 

[beatlesmith]

for mine...

"change in attitude?" 10% this (attitude wasnt ever as bad as people postulated)

"Injury free finally?" 60% this

and 30% just being several years into his prime now (natural progression of any good player, that we just never got to observe coz of his injuries)

... did that add up? I aint no mathemagician

Adjusting to his position on the HFF would certainly take up a large amount of that 30%. I suspect he is benefiting greatly from the absence of Lecras.
Physically he's bigger and it is showing in the way he's tackling.

 

[Mr Rafer]

Would like it if he got bigger still, but kudos to the moustache.

 

[Dark Sharks]

It's obvious what turned it all around for Masto.... The hitler and the Ink.

Think about it, ever since he got his bad boy sticker, his hitler haircut and moustache he has been the bomb yes???

But cereal... i'm going to hold my horses, he still needs to do a few things for mine before i will say that he has finally arrived. No denying his form towards the end of last year and all this year has been impressive, very impressive actually.

Am i the only one who feels..... regretful... that we aren't getting games into Swift, Sheppard, Koby and Mcginnity?

Swift is doing a vintage masto..

 

[The Magenius]

Has he finally arrived?

2012 Stats(avg)
Kicks: 13.2
Handballs: 11
Disposals: 24.2(at 74% DE)
Tackles: 4.2
Marks: 3.0
Goals: 1.2
Goal Assists: 1.8(highest so far in the comp this year)
Clearances: 1.4

I know it's still early in the season and that we're undefeated, but he's shown that his form from the tail-end of last season wasn't a fluke at least. He's still spending a lot of time in the forward half but his disposal count has bounded back up to midfielder stats, all the while still managing contribute more to the scoreboard than any other Eagle(equal with Darling).

So after all the vitriol that came out of some of our keyboards over the years, is it time to start acknowledging that he can play and play well?

Hell yes he has finally arrived would be top 5 in our B&F at the moment, turned into a quality mid.

 

[The Magenius]

Would like it if he got bigger still, but kudos to the moustache.

You know if he was playing bad ppl would be calling for the moustache to go and that he is arrogant.
The effort is finally there and he is a vital member of our team now.

 

[joeyavalanche]

i think chris masten finally arrived on sunday.

he kicked a vital goal in the 4th quarter running through from about 30m.
for many a year ive seen him with the ball running towards goal and not having the confidence in him and more often than not he'd prove me right.

yesterday watching him at a clutch time take on the responsibility was awesome,
he didnt hesitate or second guess, he just did what he knows he can do.

hopefully he gets a little bigger,
but his body language suggests he knows what he's doing out there.

 

[scooterselwood]

I've always believed he was (is) going to make it. He is executing the role that he's been asked to do perfectly, getting a lot of the ball, using it well and also damaging the scoreboard.

To be honest, it's further proof that someone like Swift should be persisted with. Highly rated as a junior (as was Masten) and everyone forgets that he's essentially 2-3 years behind Masten in terms of development because of the 2 knee recos and also being drafted a year later.

 

[EagleMan87]

To be honest, it's further proof that someone like Swift should be persisted with. Highly rated as a junior (as was Masten) and everyone forgets that he's essentially 2-3 years behind Masten in terms of development because of the 2 knee recos and also being drafted a year later.

Agreed 110%

 

[Prem87]

Agree Scooter. IMO Swift is a better inside player than Masten and Shuey however he doesn't have the outside game/kicking skills to get a game in our team. Well worth holding onto.

 

[Marlin01]

Another Worsfold masterstroke. Could easily have let Masten sit in the WAFL racking up massive stats as an inside mid, instead has got AFL games into him at HF. He ignored the calls to drop Masten, or play him midfield and now Masten has become a player capable of playing multiple roles and being part of a deep midfield rotation. Some credit should probably go to Masten also.

 

[Alexwce]

Another Worsfold masterstroke. Could easily have let Masten sit in the WAFL racking up massive stats as an inside mid, instead has got AFL games into him at HF. He ignored the calls to drop Masten, or play him midfield and now Masten has become a player capable of playing multiple roles and being part of a deep midfield rotation. Some credit should probably go to Masten also.

Couldn't have said it any better

 

[paran]

Has been v.good this season, contributing well in every game - he might even deserve to be on our 'best' list for every game. Honestly believe his tackle stats should be higher than they are and that's only part of the story. He's running to space, disposing quickly, getting back and tackling all without hesitation. He's playing without thinking and that's the comfort level you want your players at.

 

[kane249]

He's tidied up his disposal as well which has been one of the knocks on him in the past when he's tried to do too much