Dale Thomas.

[Knightmare]

On Sidebottom, I agree, and have always been quite vocal about his level of overratedness (particularly his kicking, which is literally only average on his preferred, and slightly above average on his left).

On Thomas, I disagree only slightly. He was exceptional in 2011, and clearly in the top 15 or so players in the league. Last year, he played more forwardline minutes, which funnily enough is the area of the ground I personally think he is the least suited. Maybe with Krak back, Thomas can resume the midfield role he so dominated in the year before last. Although given his injury set backs so far this pre-season, I am less that convinced that will happen.

In 2011 I absolutely agree, he was exceptional and he had that really dominant stretch where while I think it was an exaggeration that he was the most dominant/best player in the game at that time I certainly think his play was excellent and his ability to change games and run all game with those defensive efforts in particular very impressive with his chasing and tackling.

I very strongly agree that Thomas is not a forward. Last year he hasn't been able to impact games for more than 5 minute periods and after that he was pretty much done (he should have been sub all year). It just wasn't acceptable and not what expect. As a forward he can take the occasional hanger, chase and tackle then kick some freak goals but his play as with so many forwards is too inconsistent in that forward half and unlike the Swan's/Beams'/Ball's his play forward of centre just doesn't compare and he can't impact games as regularly or with that same ability to damage. His pressure game feels more natural through the midfield where he can free-roam more.

With Krakouer/Caff/Kennedy then the players we had in that front half this year I think that's plenty to win with. Swan/Beams/Ball and even Sidebottom can rotate forward to a strong standard. Pendlebury I think can work it into his game if we want him to but Thomas I'd look to keep up the field more. He's not in that Swan/Pendlebury/Beams or probably even Ball class but his play up forward just isn't as meaningful for him to be any kind of factor in that front half.

I tell you what...you guys dont ask for much from a footballer. I lost track of the required improvements so I decided to list them

I'd be willing to write Scott Pendlebury, Travis Cloke, Dane Swan or anyone else a list of where they also need to improve and I typically do in my yearly list management thread but always more than happy to give more detail on any specific player as to where their weak points are and where more improvement can be discovered.

 

[PepperFace]

I personally hope he takes a low profile this year (I know with contract talk this might be hard). He is definately overrated although he does still have potential to come good. He just needs a consistant year and get his face out of the media as much as possible - even get himself off social media if need be. He is too untrustworthy inside 50 with his kicking so I would play him off a wing and just tell him to run both ways using his pace. I would like to see him take more of a Marc Murphy or Joel Selwood approach offield and just get the job done game day

 

[gifted1]

not sure how you can be over rated due to big performances in big games......
thats what its all about knight
guys like thomas get it done when it matters
imo he is a star and potentially our best player if circumstances allow......injury etc
not off to a good start due to the ankle surgery and agree with others we need him right at the right time of the year.....
2010 he was arguably our best finals player, 2011 he was awesome....last year suffered a little
definitely needs to play midfield/wing roaming role that enables him to get back and take marks in defence....was a classic wingman in 2010 finals, similar to mainwaring, pushing back to mop up in defence or take a saving mark, yet working hard enough to deliver into the forward half or threaten the sticks