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Hi Guys,
Was planning on doing a full preview for all AFL teams with the help of supporters from each side but unfortunately didn't get enough input to do the whole thing. Thanks to voodoo however here is the Freo player preview. Cheers
Best 22
FB Shane Parker Robert Haddrill Graham Polak
HB Des Headland Luke McPharlin James Walker
M Heath Black Josh Carr Byron Schammer
HF Matthew Carr Matthew Pavlich Troy Cook
FF Paul Medhurst Ryan Murphy Jeff Farmer
R Justin Longmuir Paul Haselby Peter Bell
I Aaron Sandilands Roger Hayden Scott Thornton Shaun McManus
E Luke Webster Dion Woods Antoni Grover
-- The 22.
1. Justin Longmuir
Possibly the most important player in the Fremantle side now Troy Simmonds has been traded,
Justin Longmuir has established himself as an effective tap ruckman who is more damaging around the grounds with his running ability and marking. After a relatively unsuccessful stint at FF in the early stages of 2004, Longmuir found greater success taking the #1 ruck mantle and quickly became the best performing docker towards the end of the season. Playing in the ruck allows him to take advantage of the most unaccountable position on the field, using the '3rd man in' to great effect with his strong hands.
2. Luke McPharlin
Arguably just as critical to Fremantle's success, Luke McPharlin has established himself as one of the leading CHB's in the game, playing towards All-Australian status before a mid season injury removed him from the latter 3rd of the season. With extremely strong marking skills and dashing runs out of defence, McPharlin has become the cornerstone to the Docker's backline. While fans hoped for a move forward to solve the forward line question mark, Connolly appears to have McPharlin destined to control the CHB position for years to come.
3. Matthew Pavlich
In previous years the most dominating and important Docker, Pavlich has lost that tag with a less impressive 2004. However this did not prevent him finishing 3rd for the Doig medal, with his ability to turn a game still evident. Earmarked now for a position forward of center due to the bolstering of the Midfield with the aquisitions of Carr and Black, fans hope Pavlich will regain that game winning form that earnt him All-Australian selection 2 years running.
4. Paul Haselby
A classy ball magnet, Haselby was touted as Brownlow favourite early in 2004 before a lackluster second half of the season. With impressive marking skills and clean finishing allowing him to rotate forward, Haselby is of major importance to the Fremantle side. While speed is lacking, his stamina and pinpoint passing makes him a vital midfielder.
5. Josh Carr
A new addition to the Fremantle side, Carr is touted as the 'great white hope' to shed the lingering 'soft' tag accompanying the Docker's game. A premiership quality midfielder, it is hoped Carr's ball winning qualities will help improve the running games of midfielders like Headland who thrive in a quality midfield.
6. Robert Haddrill
Underrated fullback who regularly beats or draws even with his opponent. In a team that did not have a highly rated clearance group, Haddrill's defence resulted in Fremantle conceding the 5th least amount of points over the season while no doubt having to contend with a greater supply than the Port Adelaide or Brisbane defences. Believed to be playing out of position and more suited as a running backman, although his performances keep him nailed at FB.
7. Peter Bell
Tireless midfielder who has won 3 out of the last 4 Doig medals (finishing runner up in 2002). While his kicking lacks penetration his never-ending run often wears down opponents and allows him to get free. Although he rarely plays a bad game, his age and the injection of new blood into the midfield should see his importance to the team slip slightly, although his leadership can never be discounted.
8. Shane Parker
One of the most underrated players in the game over a long career, Parker would be considered in the mold of defenders like McKay if he played on the East Coast, a defender often playing out of his weight and height range but rarely gets beaten. One of the few players that could line up against Matthew Richardson one week and Phil Matera the next.
9. Matthew Carr
The somewhat forgotten man of the Fremantle side, Matthew Carr is an excellent defensive midfielder and damaging when floating forward. Injuries ruined season 2004, after a very solid 2003 Carr was beginning to find form after playing through niggling injuries to post 20 possessions and 7 marks a game for his final 4 outings before further injury. Fans hope that a return to this kind of form is on the cards for 2005 to establish a damaging combo with brother Josh.
10. Byron Schammer
Not one to suffer from 2nd year blues, Schammer took his game to an impressive level and became a vital part of the Freo midfield. Notching 12 brownlow votes, only 1 behind Freo leader Haselby, Schammer demonstrated the evasion and speed that has made him one of the most exciting players to watch at the club. Respected for the number of hits he took in 2004, being regularly targetted, and getting back up each time.
11. Paul Medhurst
A frustrating at times, but very talented small forward. Often criticised for not being a team player, Medhurst seemed to struggle with his new role at the club to get his teammates more involved, but showed he still has the potential to turn a game with his 9 goal effort against the reining premiers. Very good mark for his size and very strong in the tackle.
12. Jeff Farmer
Another frustrating and exciting forward that makes the Docker's forward line so unpredictable. Along with Medhurst, much maligned during the year but in the end still being one of the most productive small forwards in the game in terms of goals scored and goal assists. Speed and unpredictability give him a special quality, but innaccuracy for goal and regular brain meltdowns can overshadow the skill.
13. Des Headland
Affected by another injury hindered season, Headland failed to live up to the promise many fans expected in 2004. For a player who thrives in a dominant midfield, fans hope that the injection of Carr and Black will release the pressure on Headland, and in turn, the shackles that seem to be holding him from his best form. Has been pigeon holed for a half back flank role in 2005 to see him return to the form that saw bursting runs from that position in his Brisbane days.
14. James Walker
Another very reliable, underrated defender in the 'no-name' Fremantle backline. Written off by many as late as 2 years ago, Walker has put 2 very solid seasons together and has converted even the most convinced detractors (ie, myself). While he largely goes unnoticed during games, every now an then we see a glimpse of that 100m AFL champion sprinter pace, burning off browlow medalists with ease and slotting through timely goals.
15. Roger Hayden
After a stellar 2003 season which saw him become arguably the best small defender in the league, regularly blanketing the most evasive forwards such as Matera and Milne, Hayden seemed to fall off the planet in 2004 with a string of average, rather than spectacular, performances. Fans hope a return to that 2003 form will again see Matera kick his only goal in chump time after another towelling from Hayden.
16. Graham Polak
An impressive youngster who was stiff not to receive the rising star award in his debut season. Although earmarked for a forward position in 2004, the experiment showed little success and a return to the backline saw a return to the impressive form and marking power we've come to expect. Although eventually a return to the forward line is expected, another year as a floating backman should see another year with one of the lowest scores against tallies.
17. Aaron Sandilands
Need it be said, the tallest man in the league gets his fair share of taps. Unfortunately they don't ever seem to be directed anywhere specifically. As his game enhances he should become a very damaging tap ruckman, and in-and-under players like Josh Carr are bound to benefit. Needs to enhance his marking ability and confidence in his kicking if he is to remain a valuable asset to the team.
18. Ryan Murphy
After an impressive debut WAFL season, much hope is held for Murphy, many believing he should be given the opportunity to establish himself as a key forward in 2005. Has an impressive lead and mark, an accurate kick, and with a bit of muscle and a developed body Murphy should become a damaging forward in the near future.
19. Heath Black
Returning to the club he started his career with, fans hope to see a return of the dashing speed and penetrating left kick that was sorely missed over recent years. After leadership experience in the strong St Kilda outfit, Black should return an improved and more mature player, and has a spot on the wing all but sewed up.
20. Troy Cook
Described by Haselby as the heart-and-soul of the team, Cook's fierce tackling and hard play has earnt him the respect of the Freo faithful crying out to shed the tag of being a soft team. Will have to establish himself as a defensive midfielder after impressive performances in that position, particularly against the dangerous Burns, seeing the Freo midfield has become that much stronger. Needs to work on kick penetration and accuracy.
Was planning on doing a full preview for all AFL teams with the help of supporters from each side but unfortunately didn't get enough input to do the whole thing. Thanks to voodoo however here is the Freo player preview. Cheers
Best 22
FB Shane Parker Robert Haddrill Graham Polak
HB Des Headland Luke McPharlin James Walker
M Heath Black Josh Carr Byron Schammer
HF Matthew Carr Matthew Pavlich Troy Cook
FF Paul Medhurst Ryan Murphy Jeff Farmer
R Justin Longmuir Paul Haselby Peter Bell
I Aaron Sandilands Roger Hayden Scott Thornton Shaun McManus
E Luke Webster Dion Woods Antoni Grover
-- The 22.
1. Justin Longmuir
Possibly the most important player in the Fremantle side now Troy Simmonds has been traded,
Justin Longmuir has established himself as an effective tap ruckman who is more damaging around the grounds with his running ability and marking. After a relatively unsuccessful stint at FF in the early stages of 2004, Longmuir found greater success taking the #1 ruck mantle and quickly became the best performing docker towards the end of the season. Playing in the ruck allows him to take advantage of the most unaccountable position on the field, using the '3rd man in' to great effect with his strong hands.
2. Luke McPharlin
Arguably just as critical to Fremantle's success, Luke McPharlin has established himself as one of the leading CHB's in the game, playing towards All-Australian status before a mid season injury removed him from the latter 3rd of the season. With extremely strong marking skills and dashing runs out of defence, McPharlin has become the cornerstone to the Docker's backline. While fans hoped for a move forward to solve the forward line question mark, Connolly appears to have McPharlin destined to control the CHB position for years to come.
3. Matthew Pavlich
In previous years the most dominating and important Docker, Pavlich has lost that tag with a less impressive 2004. However this did not prevent him finishing 3rd for the Doig medal, with his ability to turn a game still evident. Earmarked now for a position forward of center due to the bolstering of the Midfield with the aquisitions of Carr and Black, fans hope Pavlich will regain that game winning form that earnt him All-Australian selection 2 years running.
4. Paul Haselby
A classy ball magnet, Haselby was touted as Brownlow favourite early in 2004 before a lackluster second half of the season. With impressive marking skills and clean finishing allowing him to rotate forward, Haselby is of major importance to the Fremantle side. While speed is lacking, his stamina and pinpoint passing makes him a vital midfielder.
5. Josh Carr
A new addition to the Fremantle side, Carr is touted as the 'great white hope' to shed the lingering 'soft' tag accompanying the Docker's game. A premiership quality midfielder, it is hoped Carr's ball winning qualities will help improve the running games of midfielders like Headland who thrive in a quality midfield.
6. Robert Haddrill
Underrated fullback who regularly beats or draws even with his opponent. In a team that did not have a highly rated clearance group, Haddrill's defence resulted in Fremantle conceding the 5th least amount of points over the season while no doubt having to contend with a greater supply than the Port Adelaide or Brisbane defences. Believed to be playing out of position and more suited as a running backman, although his performances keep him nailed at FB.
7. Peter Bell
Tireless midfielder who has won 3 out of the last 4 Doig medals (finishing runner up in 2002). While his kicking lacks penetration his never-ending run often wears down opponents and allows him to get free. Although he rarely plays a bad game, his age and the injection of new blood into the midfield should see his importance to the team slip slightly, although his leadership can never be discounted.
8. Shane Parker
One of the most underrated players in the game over a long career, Parker would be considered in the mold of defenders like McKay if he played on the East Coast, a defender often playing out of his weight and height range but rarely gets beaten. One of the few players that could line up against Matthew Richardson one week and Phil Matera the next.
9. Matthew Carr
The somewhat forgotten man of the Fremantle side, Matthew Carr is an excellent defensive midfielder and damaging when floating forward. Injuries ruined season 2004, after a very solid 2003 Carr was beginning to find form after playing through niggling injuries to post 20 possessions and 7 marks a game for his final 4 outings before further injury. Fans hope that a return to this kind of form is on the cards for 2005 to establish a damaging combo with brother Josh.
10. Byron Schammer
Not one to suffer from 2nd year blues, Schammer took his game to an impressive level and became a vital part of the Freo midfield. Notching 12 brownlow votes, only 1 behind Freo leader Haselby, Schammer demonstrated the evasion and speed that has made him one of the most exciting players to watch at the club. Respected for the number of hits he took in 2004, being regularly targetted, and getting back up each time.
11. Paul Medhurst
A frustrating at times, but very talented small forward. Often criticised for not being a team player, Medhurst seemed to struggle with his new role at the club to get his teammates more involved, but showed he still has the potential to turn a game with his 9 goal effort against the reining premiers. Very good mark for his size and very strong in the tackle.
12. Jeff Farmer
Another frustrating and exciting forward that makes the Docker's forward line so unpredictable. Along with Medhurst, much maligned during the year but in the end still being one of the most productive small forwards in the game in terms of goals scored and goal assists. Speed and unpredictability give him a special quality, but innaccuracy for goal and regular brain meltdowns can overshadow the skill.
13. Des Headland
Affected by another injury hindered season, Headland failed to live up to the promise many fans expected in 2004. For a player who thrives in a dominant midfield, fans hope that the injection of Carr and Black will release the pressure on Headland, and in turn, the shackles that seem to be holding him from his best form. Has been pigeon holed for a half back flank role in 2005 to see him return to the form that saw bursting runs from that position in his Brisbane days.
14. James Walker
Another very reliable, underrated defender in the 'no-name' Fremantle backline. Written off by many as late as 2 years ago, Walker has put 2 very solid seasons together and has converted even the most convinced detractors (ie, myself). While he largely goes unnoticed during games, every now an then we see a glimpse of that 100m AFL champion sprinter pace, burning off browlow medalists with ease and slotting through timely goals.
15. Roger Hayden
After a stellar 2003 season which saw him become arguably the best small defender in the league, regularly blanketing the most evasive forwards such as Matera and Milne, Hayden seemed to fall off the planet in 2004 with a string of average, rather than spectacular, performances. Fans hope a return to that 2003 form will again see Matera kick his only goal in chump time after another towelling from Hayden.
16. Graham Polak
An impressive youngster who was stiff not to receive the rising star award in his debut season. Although earmarked for a forward position in 2004, the experiment showed little success and a return to the backline saw a return to the impressive form and marking power we've come to expect. Although eventually a return to the forward line is expected, another year as a floating backman should see another year with one of the lowest scores against tallies.
17. Aaron Sandilands
Need it be said, the tallest man in the league gets his fair share of taps. Unfortunately they don't ever seem to be directed anywhere specifically. As his game enhances he should become a very damaging tap ruckman, and in-and-under players like Josh Carr are bound to benefit. Needs to enhance his marking ability and confidence in his kicking if he is to remain a valuable asset to the team.
18. Ryan Murphy
After an impressive debut WAFL season, much hope is held for Murphy, many believing he should be given the opportunity to establish himself as a key forward in 2005. Has an impressive lead and mark, an accurate kick, and with a bit of muscle and a developed body Murphy should become a damaging forward in the near future.
19. Heath Black
Returning to the club he started his career with, fans hope to see a return of the dashing speed and penetrating left kick that was sorely missed over recent years. After leadership experience in the strong St Kilda outfit, Black should return an improved and more mature player, and has a spot on the wing all but sewed up.
20. Troy Cook
Described by Haselby as the heart-and-soul of the team, Cook's fierce tackling and hard play has earnt him the respect of the Freo faithful crying out to shed the tag of being a soft team. Will have to establish himself as a defensive midfielder after impressive performances in that position, particularly against the dangerous Burns, seeing the Freo midfield has become that much stronger. Needs to work on kick penetration and accuracy.
