Podcast Every WC Player of the 2010's ranked

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Apr 1, 2013
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#75 Simon Tunbridge

Remember that tackle and goal against Adelaide? That was pretty good wasn't it? That moment happened in the last round of 2013, where I'm pretty sure the team had given up in the last 3 weeks of the season. Tunbridge kicked 2 goals in that game and his intensity was probably the only positive to come from that game. A forward who could run through the midfield, he was an interesting size, a good runner at 191cm and 94kg, he was a bit of a bull.

There were 2 big issues with Tunbridge. One was that he was worse than Venables at being able to find the ball, whether that was due to poor running patterns or his size meant he couldn't really build his endurance, he never accumulated. It made it hard for him to demand a spot at WAFL level, and he was often played as the sub, being seen as more of an 'impact' player. The second big issue, the career killer was his injuries. He suffered a number of injuries that stopped him getting a run of games, in 2015 in his only game he managed 10 touches in 38% game time in what looked like his breakout, before doing his ankle. He got a surprise call up late in 2016 and looked a chance to play finals, only this time to blow it by getting suspended. The club gave him every chance to come back, he was actually still on the list in 2017 attempting a LARS comeback, but he never recovered.

#74 Francis Watson

Hard to place really. Played 2 games without dominating but not doing anything wrong either. 24 this year, has been unlucky that we've had strong depth in defence, with Hurn/Sheppard/Jetta locked in and Duggan likely to hold a spot too, he's competing with Cole, Nelson and Rotham for basically 1 spot. Could see him having a decent career in the right circumstances.

#73 Koby Stevens

A big bodied midfielder, he was the type of player who would have complemented our midfield quite well if he'd stayed. And been a bit better. He looked quite promising in his first year, getting games towards the end of 2010 as we pumped games into the kids. He didn't have a big impact but didn't look out of place. The team was much stronger the next season but there was probably still a spot for him if he wanted, but he never demanded it. The sub rule didn't help, his 2 games were from the bench, only managing a quarter each where he couldn't really impact.

2012 was a similar story, only managing 1 full game against GWS in their 3rd ever game. He played ok, but didn't do enough to stay in. His only other chances were 3 more sub appearances. Man that rule sucked. He was traded to the Dogs the next year, which is unfortunate as he probably would have been a regular if he'd stayed for the next season. The positive is with some minor pick shuffling, we got Jamie Cripps out of losing him, so it worked out ok.

Stevens had a mixed career, plagued by concussion issues which meant he missed the 16 flag, he had periods where he dominated and looked like breaking out, his best was as good as anyone, but never completely established himself. He played 91 games but no finals.

#72 Beau Wilkes

On the rookie list for a long time, he finally got a game when we were rebuilding. He always felt like a battler, an in-between eras kind of player. He suited up for 6 games in 2010, all losses, before being delisted. He was ok but key defence was an area we had strong depth in. Spent a year in the WAFL as a forward before the Saints picked him up in 2012 for the bizarre Scott Watters era. He took 12 marks and kicked 5 goals against Melbourne, who were one of the worst teams of all time, but aside from that solidified his image as a very good WAFL player.

#71 Matthew Spangher

Drafted way back in 2005, he was useful when he played but never looked like he'd play for a successful team.He played 8 games in 2010, you could never question his intensity, and he was a very likeable player. The year after he was drafted, we went to the 06 draft and picked up Mitch Brown, Eric Mackenzie and Will Schofield. Ultimately it was survival of the fittest and club rated the other 3 higher, which left Spang on the scrapheap. His post-Eagles career is much more interesting.
 

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Apr 1, 2013
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#70 Josh Rotham

Another new player that is really hard to place. Played 4 games this year, including 2 tough games against Collingwood and Richmond at the MCG. Fitted in pretty well and looked pretty capable. I suspect he'll play more games in 2020 and have a reasonably long career, but hope he can show an extra gear that he can be elite rather than a solid Duggan level player.

#69 Brett Jones

Still around then and was only 28 when he was let go. A key player between 05-08 providing run from defence, but began to suffer regular injuries and got overtaken by younger players. Played 10 games in 2010 (for 1 win) and was solid enough. Still on the list in 2011, the team was settled and younger players like Ash Smith were preferred due to perceived upside. Good clubman.

#68 Fraser McInnes

Speaking of good clubmen, this guy was pretty average. Drafted in 2011, the 197cm Forward/Ruck managed 14 games across 2015-18.
He was finally brought into the team in early 2015 to provide another tall option up forward with Darling missing the first half of the season. He played as a lead up forward and was a textbook version of 'workmanlike'. He started to come into his own in his 4th game, gaining 22 touches leading up the ground and he hit the scoreboard across his next few games.

McInnes run of matches coincided with a drastic improvement in form for the team, with a view that this was related. McInnes providing a hard working option across half forward was a missing link in the team. Of course, Darling came back to take his place and the team continued it's good form, putting paid to that theory. There was no room for him as a permanent key forward, but at 197cm and kind of mobile, he was placed as an back up ruck/forward option. He played 2 games in each of 2016/17/18, kicking only 1 goal over those 6 games and managing 10+ hitouts in 1 game, opposed to the Tom Boyd/Zaine Cordy ruck duo.

On the surface it was bizarre he kept getting contracts, managing to hang on until the end of the decade despite proving conclusively he wasn't good enough. He was a strong performer at WAFL level and popular figure around the club which was enough. Whether that was worth it who knows, but we'll always have those 2 months in 2015 where he was kind of ok.

#67 Jonathan Giles

He was mostly terrible with one game as a big exception. After trading 2nd ruck Callum Sinclair at the end of 2015, the plan was to promote Scott Lycett to partner NN as our long term combination. However, both were injury prone and we had no depth anymore. Giles was about as cheap as you could get and had proven he could at least compete at AFL level, performing as the Giants best player in their first year.

He played 2 anonymous games in mid 2016, before NN unfortunately went down as the team was gaining momentum. He came in for the crunch last game of the season against the Crows (who were second at the time) to much skepticism. Watching that game, at least in the first half, was like watching prime Dean Cox. Kind of. At half time he was the highest ranked player on the ground, taking marks, kicking goals, winning effective hitouts and providing an option in general play. The team went on to have a crucial win and Giles was one of the best on ground, pantsing Sam Jacobs. That was about it though, he reverted back to normal in the final the next week, then played 5 ineffective games early in 2017, culminating in a 4 disposal, 8 clanger performance opposed to Paddy Ryder. I think he was the ruck coach at some point afterwards.

#66 Malcolm Karpany

Brought to the club in the famous Yeo deal, he was the second round pick the club was desperate to retain. He made his debut in his 3rd year, managing 8 touches against the pies at the G. Didn't have dominant WAFL form, but got his chance with a run of games through mid 2017. Although not a massive accumulator, he was a very neat player and was seeming to show some promise in a half forward/wing role that had been a missing link in the team for a few years. Hit his peak in a game away to the bulldogs, he had 17 touches, 8 marks and 3 goals, doing a lot of damage in the 1st half where he was close to BOG. That should have been the beginning for him to kick on, but he went missing the next few weeks and was out of the team. Still on the list for 2018, natural forwards Ryan and Rioli were available to play that role which made it tough for him, a combination of average WAFL form and a few odd injuries meant he didn't get a look in. Someone I feel could have played a role for a few more years, but wasn't motivated enough to take his game to the next level.
 
Apr 1, 2013
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#65 Callum Wilson

What was the deal here? A swingman at FF or CHB, his best footy came at FF. Undersized at 191cm as key target, not the most polished player, but he was pretty effective when out there. He only managed 3 games at the end of the tragic 2010 season, but he gets a higher ranking as he fired off 17 shots on goal in those 3 games and straightened the team up.

His 1st game was a slog away to the Power where he only managed 1.2, but had 15 touches so he stayed involved. Kicked 4.3 in a loss to the Roos the next week, taking 6 marks inside 50. He then kicked another 3.4 against the Cats at Kardinya, probably playing on Scarlett or Taylor. Certainly key forwards weren't a weakness for the team, the next season had Kennedy, Darling and a resting ruckman demanding a spot inside 50. It does seem peculiar that he never played at AFL level again, considering he tore it up in the WAFL. He was someone I always thought should have got another chance somewhere else and if he was slightly more accurate in 2010 his career would look different.

#64 Blayne Wilson

Blayne train, he actually showed a bit of promise in his 7 games in 2013 and 2 in 2014, with nice poise and kicking skills, he was strong overhead but probably a bit too slow. His debut came in mid 2013 away to the Saints, the Mackenzie game. He showed a bit of class and his ability to hit targets really stood out in that team. He started in the WAFL next year and was solid, without ever really demanding selection. An in-between kind of player, he was 188cm and pretty slow, so couldn't fully commit to being a rebounder and not quite tall enough to be a key defender. I believe he could have been a 100 game player if drafted by a different club, he wasn't far off being good enough.

#63 Ben McKinley

Another in between player, his last season at the club came in 2010. A key forward stuck in a small forwards body, ultimately. Showed real talent across 08-09, when the team was struggling he was still able to hit the scoreboard regularly. This dried up a little in 2010, only managing 16 goals in 10 games. He still had standout performances, kicking 4.4 against Ross Lyons miserly Saints, and 3.3 in an embarrassing loss to Richmond where Jack Riewoldt kicked 10.

He had a reputation for providing little to no defensive pressure, which was somewhat accurate. It seemed to improve a little in 2010, increasing his tackles from 18 in 17 games the previous year, to 25 in 10 games. He was shifted off to North for pick 80 something at the end of the year, where he played 2 games and was absolutely hopeless. A sad end for a player who was as promising as anyone for us when he came through, kicking 12 goals in his first 3 games for the abysmal 08 side, as well as having a 7 goal haul against the Bombers.

#62 Brendon Ah Chee

He's been ok. Probably a little unlucky with injuries at the start of 18, as well as how quickly the rest of the team emerged. An inside ball winner at reserves level, here and at Port he's been preferred as a half forward in most of his games at senior level, mainly due to his ability to take a pack mark. When we traded for him the team was seemingly lacking inside mids and it was expected he would be given the chance there. Only very brief flashes through there though, he has mostly played in the same HF role as he did at Port. With Kelly now arriving that chance as a mid is completely gone, but he will remain very solid depth for a HF role.

#61 Lewis Stevenson

This one is a little disappointing. He played 10 games in 2010, when games were being given to every young player available. He stood out across HB/Wing, with his kicking skills looking just about the best in the team, as well as providing solid run and carry. Coming into 2011 I was expecting him to push to become a regular, but he stayed just on the edge of the team, never being given a chance. A disappointing 2011-12 meant he was about to be delisted, however Port saw the value in him and gave him a chance. He only managed 9 reasonable games there. Should have had a better career than he did.
 

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I had Callum Wilson as our starting forward in 2011. Still reckon he should've been given more opportunities.
Yeah definitely. Even if he didn't quite fit into our forward line, he should have got a chance somewhere else. He just knew how to find space and get shots on goal, could have been a bit of a Tory Dickson type.
 
Apr 1, 2013
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#60 Tom Swift

He was underrated, I said it. Does anyone remember when Michael Voss declared Tom Swift the best 16 year old he's ever seen? I don't, but he was quoted as saying that in just about every footy conversation I had/heard between September 2009 and March 2010. Hyped up as a draft steal that would have been a top pick if not for injuries, Swift arrived with high expectations. After a slow start, his talent began to shine through at the end of 09, culminating in a 3 vote performance in the last round of the season.

He was a popular pick for 'breakout player of 2010', but it didn't happen how people wanted it, not getting time in his preferred role as an inside mid, but he also looked a touch slower and turned it over a bit more. Swift quickly became a whipping boy and a bit of a meme. At the time people were very quick to forget he was a tall, skinny inside mid, in his second year where he'd fought back from 2 serious injuries. Expectations were way too high, whilst he didn't develop super quickly, his 13 games in 2010 were promising for where he was at. In 2011 Kerr and Shuey returned from injury and there wasn't really a spot for him. He managed just 5 games, where he acquitted himself nicely, particularly against Port and Carlton, giving hope he was still a player of the future, even if not the star he was hoped to be. 2012 followed a similar pattern, getting a chance when Shuey got suspended for a week, again acquitting himself well with 25 touches and a goal. With a competitive midfield, the rest of his season then petered out into only sub appearances.

Swift abruptly retired to pursue medicine, then abruptly retired from that to pursue a commerce degree. Many fans were happy to see the back of him, but many were also sad to see a wasted talent and decided to stop listening to Michael Voss on anything. Who knows what impact his status as a whipping boy had on his performance/motivation.

#59 Jarrod Cameron

Looks pretty good. Kicked 2.2 with 7 tackles in an excellent debut, although had plenty of chances as we dominated territory. Had a quiet follow up, before kicking 4 goals in each of his next 2 games (another 7 tackles against the pies) and all of a sudden he had 10 goals in his first 4 games and looked a star. A couple of quiet games to finish the season but it looks like his best is as good as anyone, will get plenty of chances with Rioli out.

#58 Andrew Strijk

A mature age recruit from the WAFL, Strijk managed 10 games in 2010 and showed plenty of promise to suggest he had a long career ahead. Played mainly across Half Forward, he hit the scoreboard, provided assists, contested marks and a general hardness at the ball. He was one of our toughest players during this period. His standout performances were kicking 3 crucial goals in a slog away to Port, taking 8 marks (3 contested) and 9 I50's against the Blues and a 20 touch (10 contested) and a goal against the Lions.

He didn't come back for the better in 2011. There was a spot for him but he seemed sluggish, only managing 1 quarter against the Suns. It has been reported he was diagnosed with a heart complaint after this, which potentially explains the drop in performance. Promising WAFL form meant he got another chance in late 2012, with the club rolling the dice hoping he could provide that extra edge. He struggled to have any impact. More chances and he may have adjusted to the tempo again, or it was his heart complaint that seriously impacted his performance, but he showed he had the talent required in 2010.

#57 Jacob Brennan

He actually hung around for 28 games in the end. A slightly mature age Father-Son pick, he got his debut early in his 2nd season of 2012, where he became a mini regular. Brennan managed 16 games through the year, including 2 finals. A pure defensive player, best described as a 4th tall defender. A solid athlete, 188cm so not quite tall enough to take KPPs but had enough of a leap and a desperate intensity that he could impact contests with most players. You just didn't want the ball in his hands.

He lasted 2 more seasons, 10 games in 2013 and 2 in 2014. He just didn't have enough strings to his bow to have a long career, he was limited to being a dour defensive player, which isn't enough to demand a spot in the team or on the list.

#56 Daniel Venables

- A lot of running work again, clearly a focus even in the heat.
- Duggan looked on and was hitting targets left and right. Set for a huge 2017.
- Giles went up against Vardy in the ruck contests and I'd say that Giles has the inside running at the moment.
- Mitchell looked a class above the other midfielders bar Priddis. Just knew how to find the footy and wouldn't miss a target all session. Shuey was very quiet and seemed to be taking direction from Mitchell. Doesn't bode well for his captaincy credentials, maybe he doesn't want the gig?
- Won't say too much about it in case I was just reading too much into it, but Rioli looked as though he'd enjoyed the Christmas break a bit too much. A few of the coaches pulled him aside and they were having quite an animated conversation before Rioli was sent to do laps for the rest of the session. Good news for Le Cras, I suppose.
- Sheed kicked on his right foot for 80% of the session, I reckon. Nice to see players working on their non-preferred so readily.
- Petrie looked like he was doing a great job 'coaching' the younger forwards in between the drills. Darling in particular seemed to be following him around.
- Gee Venables has some skills. He mainly jogged laps before spending the last half hour or so on set shots - curled a few beauties from behind the boundary line at the end for a bit of fun. Hardly saw him miss a kick.
- What interested me the most was that McGovern split his time between the defenders and the forwards, could be seeing a swingman role in 2017. He was his usual dominant self down back in some match simulation drills before going head-to-head with Mackenzie in a forward role.
- Bayok is very fast - Cripps was in most of the drills with him and couldn't keep up.
- Nelson is pale as buggery and still doesn't really have the body shape you'd expect of an AFL player.
- There was a big bloke who pulled up next to me and I could have sworn it was Suma, but I'm sure I was wrong...
- Masto was the player picked to kick the goal at the end today and nailed it. Celebrations were huge.
- No sign of Cole, Parto or Hill. Couldn't tell you why.
 
Keen to see where the big Petrie dish finishes.

Numero Uno for sure.

Old man embarrassed the rest of the team to fire in 2018. He was still doing some prety gnarly things for a geriatric at WAFL level last year. The Casio G-Shock of imports. Not pretty but rugged and reliable.

Only a bit tongue in cheek. A great pick-up for helping to further instil Simmo's culture into the team.
 

Jiggyman

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#79 Kurt Mutimer

Played 4 games in early 2017 when Simpson went too far the other way. The youngsters coming through at that time were seemingly pretty grim and Kurt was one of the best performed. Didn't do too badly when out there without doing anything well, he was a smart but unpolished player.

Needed a more defined role, was initially an inside mid in the WAFL but wasn't good enough to play there at AFL level, he mostly played in the black hole Half-Forward role at senior level, which he wasn't really suited for. Retooled into a back pocket where we weren't short on depth meant his papers were stamped a while out.
I'll remember Kurt for taking a one-handed mark running with the flight of the footy into an open forward-50 against Essendon, only for Eleni in her first game to totally miss it and call play on. Figures that his best on-field moment eventuated as an umpiring blunder.

IIRC we played a decent first quarter that day, but the amateur umpiring destroyed the contest and we couldn't get back into the game.
 

Ok Boomer

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That Essendon game had the worst umpiring I have ever seen.

It wasn't corrupt like the 2016 GF, just inept. We were shithouse that game too so I was as happy as a boomer being forced to do renovations on their 4th investment property.
 
Apr 1, 2013
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#55 Ashley Smith

He was better than we remember. For a brief moment. He had a run of games at the end of 2010 where he was sufficient, but his beginning to 2011 when the team had a dramatic rise, was critical. He found plenty of the ball off half back, penetrating if not precise disposal and used his pace to effect in rebounding, with 24 bounces in his first 8 games. He seemed a top prospect. He stayed in the team before losing his spot for the finals as his form fell off a bit. He stopped finding as much of it, but his run and carry disappeared, inexplicably his bounces dropped to 3 in his last 10 games, all coming in one game.

Smith played 19 games over the next 3 seasons, as an official fringe player. He was never really that bad when out there, more frustrating than anything as he didn't seem to want to do what we knew he was capable of. He barely ever bounced the ball again. Moved on as the team found better players but it really looked like he was going to be a gun in mid 2011.

#54 Jack Petruccelle

Yes, he is very fast. Taken as the last pick in our GC trade, he sounded pretty raw and a long term prospect. He still is really, but he has exceeded expectations so far. He managed 3 games in his 1st season, in a very competitive side. Disposal tallies of 4,7 and 5 weren't inspiring but he showed his potential, we've seen players come through who are just as quick but not know how to implement that during a game. Petch showed multiple times that it will be a weapon for him.

20 out of 24 games in a very promising follow up season. His first 5 games were fantastic as a small forward, getting out the back to hit the scoreboard and creating scoring opportunities for others through his pace, culminating in a 5 goal performance against Port, where he looked like our only player capable of scoring. It looked like teams couldn't deal with his pace. But they did and he petered out a bit through the season, although still a solid contributor. Will be an interesting one to watch over the next few years, you can genuinely see him becoming a star or delisted in 2 years.

#53 Bradd Dalziell

A short, slow, poor overhead, painfully outside midfielder with shoddy disposal, Razzle was quite useful in his 43 games with us. A mature age player famous for racking up 30+ touches on debut against us, he was traded in to play as a "high half forward". He only managed 8 games in 2010, a very poor period, he stood out as a good contributor amongst the kids. Only managed 1 game in 2011 as a sub, I have vivid memories of my frustration with him that game as he didn't adjust to the tempo and was too slow. 2012 was pretty poor too, despite clocking up 16 touches, 1 goal and 3 goal assists in a sub appearance, he only managed 2 appearances, which made it surprising he was retained.

2013 proved to be mild redemption for him, though. Again standing out when the rest of the team was off, he had a very good run of games in the second half of the season. He kicked 13 goals in 11 games, including the leveller late against the Crows, found less of the ball but used it a lot better. He seemed to be becoming an effective outside runner that would be good depth. Which made it more surprising this was the season he was delisted. He actually wasn't that good looking back, certainly not a loss, but I do remember being disappointed he wasn't staying on. There were brief runs of form, a few years apart, where it looked like working and you could see what he was meant to be.

#52 Jake Waterman

A solid prospect, probably overshadowed by our strong depth of forward talent. After being taken at the end of the draft as a Father-Son, there weren't high expectations on Waterman initially. There probably should have been, he kicked 5 goals in a WAFL seniors game before he was drafted, which doesn't happen often for a teenager. His first season amounted to little due to injury, although promising late season WAFL form had speculation he would get a debut.

Given a start in Rd 1 in 2018, he had a quiet debut until late in the game, with scores tied he nailed a set shot from the boundary, showing his temperament. He was better the next week and in his third game he had 16 touches by half time against the Cats roaming half forward. He continued the first half of the season in solid form, including 3 goals against GWS and 4 Goal Assists in the top of the tables clash against the Tigers. He quietly fell away though, whether through fatigue or injury, it meant he missed out on the flag.

2019 he took over LeCras' number but not his role, as he struggled to find a spot early. His WAFL form kept getting better at least, kicking bags every week (most weeks) and conclusively proving he was too good for that level and had little to learn there. His breakout moment came when he kicked 3 goals in 5 minutes against the hapless Dogs. It led to a very solid finish to the season, kicking 13 goals in his next 7 games, followed by 20 touches and 11 marks and playing in 2 finals.

#51 Oscar Allen

The guy picked before Tim Kelly, he is in a difficult position with strong KPP's, acquitting himself well playing out of position in defence for his first season and was one McGovern injury from being a premiership player (We probably would have lost).

Gained a regular spot by being able to contribute some ruck work. His best assets however, are his contested marking and forward smarts. Played a lot of promising games without having a breakout, he just looks like a really good player and KPP's of this quality are hard to find. He'll be top 10 at least on this list in 10 years.
 
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Apr 1, 2013
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#50 Tom Hickey

Love this guy! Rocked up to the club essentially as a Lycett replacement, he made the number 1 ruck spot his own this year. He has little forward craft, occasionally taking a contested mark, but it is irrelevant the way we structure up, either carrying most of the load with O Allen backing up or 50/50 job with NN and the bench.

He managed 20 games this season and was consistently effective, winning a solid amount of hitouts, finding a bit of it around the ground and his party trick of taking the ball out of ruck, averaging 4 per game. Standout games coming in Round 2 and 5, taking 5 contested marks against GWS and having 25 touches, 32 hitouts, 12 clearances and a goal against the Cats.

#49 Jamie Bennell

The one with the good 'hammies'. After an average career at the Dees, he was picked up in 2013 and given a chance by Simpson in Round 1 the next year. Played as a back pocket, he showed serious promise early that year with his run and carry from defence, and was seemingly a solid defender. Despite getting dropped midseason it was undoubtedly a successful one, emerging as a Wirra replacement and set to be a long term player.

2015 had the team rise up the ladder and Bennell stayed on the fringes, he managed 9 games intermittently through the year and didn't grasp his opportunity. He was ok, but always the first out when required. He seemed to be tasked with more of a lockdown role, which meant his run and carry was limited. There didn't seem to be a future for him in defence so he was trialled up forward for 2016. After a solid 17 touch 2 goal game in round 1, he went missing in our bogey game of Hawthorn at the G. It must have been enough for the coaching staff to think he wasn't up to it, as he was never seen again. One season wonder in the end.

#48 Jackson Nelson

Jacko debuted in Round 1 of his first season, but hasn't established himself and has been a fringe player for the past 5 seasons. Nelson's game tally over the years has been 11,8,13,10 and 13. Pale as buggery, he's been good over the journey but always workmanlike. He always looks exhausted when he plays but you can't question his intensity and mongrel. Still hasn't had a breakout game/moment, he is currently on top of the logjam between Cole, Rotham, Watson and to a minor extent Duggan. Will probably need to improve a bit to stay on top.

#47 Xavier Ellis

The first Xavier to play for the club, Ellis was very much a Simpson pick up, his equivalent of the Lyon/Zac Dawson relationship. Brought over to because he has the traits of the style of game the coach wants to implement, and understands what he wants. Ellis managed 34 games across his 3 seasons, mostly defying his injury ridden history.

He mostly played across half back, although occassionally up forward, with his precise disposal proving very useful. He actually missed the first half of 2015, but came in and adapted to the web with ease as the team went from strength to strength and he played in a Grand Final. His performance in the Prelim was just about his best as an Eagle. 2016 had injuries rear their head again and he only managed 2 appearances, including one where he was in the crowd and a late call up because Sam Butler pulled his own hammy in the warmup. He retired that year as his body wasn't holding up, preferring to transfer his footy knowledge to commercial radio, where he hosts the breakfast show on 92.9. Solid Free Agency pickup in the end, which we haven't showed much interest in.

#46 Mitch Brown

Oh boy. He's mostly remembered for his last game, which ended on a sour note. A home elimination final, Brown was plucked for his 5th game in 2 years to inexplicably play as a pressure forward. He couldn't get near it and looked like he didn't know what he was doing, as the team had one of their most embarrassing losses, he copped the biggest backlash.

Before all that though, Brown played 69 games for us and was in some ways, a bit of a warrior. He began Round 2 of 2010 up forward, with the plan seemingly to partner him and Kennedy together as the twin towers. Brown played 3 games there and found a bit of it and kicked 4 goals, but was clearly in no way a natural forward. Shifted back after this, Brown spent the next 5 seasons playing on both key and small forwards, copping innocuous knocks and having to spend long periods on the bench, copping an injury that looks season ending only to come back on 10 minutes later, as well as suffering actual serious injuries, keeping him out for long stretches. There was clearly something both Worsfold and Simpson liked about Brown, not the prettiest player to watch but he was strong, diligent, versatile and athletic. When St Kilda came looking for a trade, the club showed desperation to keep him, which showed how highly he was valued. With B+F Mackenzie having a serious knee injury in 2015, the scene was set for Brown to breakout and become the number 1 defender. This was his chance to show why the club rated him so highly. In true Mitch Brown style, he did his knee 10 minutes into Round 1.
 

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