Great Expectations

Rocco Jones

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Thread starter #1
Sorry about the extremely lame thread name, but I have decided it's probably time I post something half serious on this board. So here is my annual serious post for the year.

This thread basically outlines my expectations for each player if we are to be successful this season.

Darcy- Mr Franchise. Just keeps on improving year after year. Basically hope he can replicate his 2002 season.

Grant- Dogs fan have been crying out for him to play CHB and finally it looks like we are gonna see it. Hopefully will be an all aussie quality CHB, acting as a quarter back down back with his brilliant disposal.

Johnson- Hopefully another 40+ goal season, as well as his continuing improvement as an inside midfielder. Role in the side heavily dependent on oppositions strengths and weaknesses. I'd have him in the midfield more this season.

Brown- First full pre season and what a pre season it has been. If ever a guy has taken form into a year its him. Looking for 60 + goals and effective bursts in the midfield.

West- Mr Reliable. When was the last time this guy didn't have a good season? What you see is what you get with Westy and I have no doubt he is in for at the very least a good season. Hopefully can get back to his best form.

Croft- Been the fall guy in a weak backline for years. I'd play him up forward a bit this season as a deco CHF to help out Bandy who struggles when he is alone as a tall target. Just hoping he can stay fit.

Smith- Coming off a good 2002. As always hoping for a bit more consistency from Bubba. Should benefit from Rohde's best players in their best position theory.

Bandy- Followed his best season for Freo with a shocker. Had a good season last year (great start), hopefully uses it as a base for bigger and better things rather than just being content with a place in the team. Really need him to stand up as a target in our forward line and offering relief to Darcy in the ruck.

Murphy- The poise this kid has is amazing. Joined our ever growing second tier last year and hopefully will step up another level in 03. Looking for him to play a bit more in midfield.

Kretiuk- Just to stay injury free and be able to negate 3rd n 4th tall forwards.

Giansiracusa- Another guy that joined our 2nd tier last year. Hopefully can become more consistent. Looking for him to become a Mercuri type, someone that just does the special things that can win you games.

Robbins- Really have wanted him to play upfield more for ages. Much rather him on the wing than on a HBF were he is punished more for letting his opponent have space. Looked to be in for a big season before his injury last year. Hopefully this is the season it all comes together for Matthew Robbins.

Hahn- We having been lacking a big bodied, tough midfielder for a while and I think Mitch will be that guy. Had a few promising moments in 2002 and I think he is gonna take the next step in 2002. Get to see a youngster who doesn't mind the tough stuff and not to mention his ball carrying which is pretty good. If he can be at least smart with his disposal he will become a very important player for the club in many seasons to come.

McMahon- Showed alot of promise last year, hopefully can add a bit of consistency to his game. Really is developing into a match winning type small.

Hargrave- Good year last year. Added a bit of weight over the pre season hopefully he will use it well. Just hope he furhter develop and consolidate his spot as a second tier player

Alvey- His foot skills are top notch, one of the most efficent kicks in the game IMO. Really needs to work on his defensive skills which are nothing short of pathetic. Always needs to stop being contenct with simply earning a spot in the team, he is better than that.

Birss- Another one who showed promise last year. Hopefull can earn a spot as he brings a bit to the team. Nice defensive skills which a bit of our younger stars are lacking. Hopefully can play as a relieving midfield and on small forwards down back.

Eagleton- The defensive part of his game is actually improving. Hopefully the niggling injuries will stay away. Ironically his poor form has probably taken pressure off him cause people just don't have expectations on him anymore. No point in playing him inside 50 as it takes the best part of his game away. If he can find space and we can give him the ball he will be the player Plough got him to the club for. Players simply have to have faith in him, if not he is no use to the team.

Gilbee- Been promising for a while, needs to find a role in the team. Nice ball carrier, has a big kick.

Wiggins- We simply need a tall target that can kick goals and hopefully this is our man. It would be naive to think he is gonna solve our problems. Just hoping he can kick 40 goals and offer the benefits that a tall target comes along with. Hopefully will improve our structure.

Dimattina- If he is gonna play I think he has to play in the middle, Plough playing him on a HFF at Colonial was ugly at times. We need to let him show his strengths without exposing his obivous weakness.

Garlick- Play him as a permanent foward pock Rohde please. He read the play very well in the forward line and just looks so much more at home. His set shot is actually better than a lot give him credit for. His disposal is simply not good enough for him to earn a spot in the midfield.

McGuinness- Showed loads of promise vs Essendon and Collingwood last year in different roles. Hopefully we can use his versatility this year, should develop a bit as a player as the season goes on.

Bassett- Negating full back type. If our midfield is accountable I think he will do well. With Granty at CHB we don't really need another highly skilled tall defender. Hopefully can stay injury free.

Power- Yet another young midfielder with alot of promise. I think he has the ability to become a second tier player in 03 and have some effect on games by seasons end. Sublime skills and this year will hopefully be a sign of bigger and better things to come.

Harrison- Just need him to be reliable, a vialbe option to take on 3rd n 4th talls.

Bowden- Last year was very disappointing. His attitude is seen as being poor, perhaps stemming from the lack of opportunties given to him by Plough. Really needs to work on his second efforts and kicking for goal. Would be great to see him earn a spot, really would improve the side.

Harris- Bit like Bassett. Tough as nails type, needs to come good this year.

Cross- Needs to show a bit of form for the Bees. Apparently the fittest bloke at the club. Perhaps could fill a negating, run with role in the side.

Skipper- Has showed some promise in the pre season. Looks like a Dustin Fletcher type down back. Also an option in the ruck. Injuries have delayed his progress so the main thing this year is for to develop.

Bruton- Good tap ruckman, if he is good enough it would allow Darcy to play up forwad a bit more. Big if though.

Picken- If he is getting a game we will probably be in a world of trouble.

Colbert- Development year, perhaps pushing for selection later in the year.

Walsh- First early pick for ages so the pressures on. Need to remember he is only 17. Needs time to develop, hopefully can show a bit of potenital for the Bees as the season goes on.

Faulkner- Big raps on the kid already. Primarily a development year but I think he has the ability to do a bit in a forward pocket role from day one.

Minson- Primarily a development year, but his size may just mean he can earn a game later on in the season.

B.Murphy- Development year

Wight- Development year

Boyd- Hopefully can do well for the Bees and earn himself a spot on the list.


Wow that was I am tired now, I think I might just stick to my usual low brow posting.
 

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The Doctor

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#4
A few comments if I may Sir Rocco!

Grant – no doubt he will bolster the defence but if he is to play a Roos type role he will need to be played on a lesser player so that he can back himself to play that role. If he is to mind players the calibre of Neitz or Tredrea he will not have that same opportunity. So it becomes important that a player like Bassett and/or Harris steps up to those essential negating roles against quality players otherwise Grant will have to do it. If they can then we’ll have an awesome defence that can stop as well as attack.

West – will have a great season if Hahn can stay fit and play well in the middle and Birss continues his improvement

Kretiuk – the odd run in the midfield to support Hahn would be worthwhile.

Bruton – if he can at least tap cleverly he is worth playing in a few games against opposition who beat Darcy in that respect. Even if in short bursts of 5-10mins. Also relieves Darcy to go forward or rest.

Eagle – I’ve been saying for a while now that Eagle should have a run across half back and I stand by that.

Giansiracusa – would like to see him up the ante this year by lifting his intensity and imposing himself on games a lot more.

Picko – don’t write him off yet. He can play. Hope he can rediscover his best form soon. He must have been kept for a reason. Insurance for Hahn or Kritter?

Harrison – I’m in agreement with those calling for him to have a run on the half forward line. Not a defender imo.

Wiggins – 40 goals is a realistic target to set for him. 50 would be better if not from him alone then collectively from whoever else plays in that position. If we get something like that along with similar returns from Brown, Johnno and Bandy as they contributed last year. Watch Out! Players have to look out for Wiggo tho’ and give him a chance.

Robbins – would like to see him play in the front half rather than back half when not running through the middle.

Birss – wouldn’t like to see him in defence.

Skipper – my instinct tells me we have a very good young player here. Let the kid play.

Smith – wouldn’t surprise me if he has a best ever season especially with Grant for company across half back. He can be very inspirational in full flight.
 
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#5
Originally posted by Rocco Jones

Bruton- Good tap ruckman, if he is good enough it would allow Darcy to play up forwad a bit more. Big if though.

Walsh- First early pick for ages so the pressures on. Need to remember he is only 17. Needs time to develop, hopefully can show a bit of potenital for the Bees as the season goes on.

Faulkner- Big raps on the kid already. Primarily a development year but I think he has the ability to do a bit in a forward pocket role from day one.

Minson- Primarily a development year, but his size may just mean he can earn a game later on in the season.

B.Murphy- Development year

Wight- Development year

Boyd- Hopefully can do well for the Bees and earn himself a spot on the list.


[/B]
Bruton- dud will be delisted
Walsh-wont play has skool and will play skool footy
Faulkner-will play around 8 games i believe
B.Murphy-will not be a development year otherwise they wouldnt have taken him at 33.should be aiming at 7-8 games this year.
Wight-still only 17 and at skool will develop into a very useful player.great tap ruckman with his height
 
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