Geelong:
Chapman: Struggled with injuries for most of the year and never really hit his mojo till the end of the season. Nothing else really needs to be said. Is one of Geelong's best players, a natural leader who is super competitive and more importantly- consistent. Tough and skilful, our very own Glen Archer. If he has pre-season Brownlow odds similar to that which Bartel had in 2007, he could be worthy of a serious flutter.
Rooke: Like Chapman struggled with injuries, but to a much greater extent. Rooke is one of those players who is under-rated by many, but if he finds himself fit he will add much toughness and versatility to the Geelong team for 2008. However, if Rooke struggles once again with injuries he may find it hard to regain his place given some of the young and talented options in the VFL
Kelly: A player who seems to polarise opinion, some would say he had an ordinary season in 2007 and his place in the team is at risk, while others would say he had a great year and is (again) on the verge of something special. I tend to lean towards the latter view, and after a few disappointing seasons, Kelly needed a good constant performance in 2007, and in my opinion this is what he gave. Maybe the extra pressure for places will see him realise his potential in 2008 after a solid 2007. Remember he was touted as the midfielder with the most potential from the Cats 2001 draftees by many 'experts', and having seen just how good G.Ablett and Bartel could be in 2007, it is not beyond belief for Kelly to be able to do something similar in 2008. Maybe needs to improve his kicking, especially with his inside 50's and shots on goal.
Some younger players who would be expected to improve and challenge for a regular spot in 2008 include Prismall, Hawkins and Varcoe.
Prismall would have been disappointed to have so few opportunities in 2007 due to him maybe (unfairly) being the 'scapegoat for the early season loss to North, and then finding himself injured or coming back from an injury when opportunities presented themselves later on in the year. From reports he thought about seeking a trade in the off-season but has decided to stay with the Cats- for now. He has great finishing skills and also likes a goal- he is a 'natural' goal kicker, unlike for example Kelly- and is definitely talented enough to be an attacking midfield option. Maybe he needs to work a bit harder defensively to fit into the Geelong blueprint, however the only real question is, barring injuries who would he replace?
Hawkins defied all realistic expectation early in 2007, but things soon settled down and he found himself at times struggling to get a kick in the VFL team. Found form and fitness later on in the season though, and again became a possible option for the AFL team. After another pre-season would be expected to improve his fitness considerably, which was the only real concern as we all know that he can seriously play the game. I doubt his opportunity will be a question of whether N.Ablett plays or not as an in form Hawkins with a solid fitness base will always be in the best 22 whether that be as the second or third 'tall'.
Varcoe was somewhat of a shock debutee in 2007 and was also one of the more controversial players in 2007 as supporters tended to either love him or hate him. I think it is fair to say that he was given plenty of opportunity to cement his place in the team but was unable to do so. However he did show some amazing ability and footballing nous. I think he will have to improve some of the more 'orthodox' footballing skills in 2008 if he is to get the same opportunities, however the selectors have played their card somewhat in 2007 and have shown that they believe he has something to offer and he will get more opportunities in 2008. Personally I would like to see him push up into the midfield in the VFL and be given a license to chase kicks and to run and take them on. He could be very special, but he could also fade away.. one to watch in every aspect of the word.
Some players who if they do not continue to improve might struggle to hold their place in 2008 include Blake, Hunt and Byrnes. All three I think have their detractors, however I think all have at times shown enough to be able to have confidence going forward that they have something to seriously offer the AFL side- that they are not there simply to make up numbers.
Blake I feel was managed poorly by Geelong late in the season, however to play King in the Grand Final was the right decision in the end. He will have something to prove, and will have young West hot on his heels if he needs any more motivation. The jury is still out, but if he can continue to improve his presence around the ground and gain some confidence, especially in regards to his kicking he could be a very handy member of the team in 2008. A lot will depend on how he deals with the disappointment of 2007 and maybe on the development of West who from all reports is coming on in leaps and bounds
Hunt really showed some positive signs in 2007 after a poor start to the season, and impressed with his use of his bulk and confidence to take on the opposition in defence. Hunt improved in every aspect of his game for mine and I was especially impressed with his development to be able to play as a spoiling defender. However I would still like to see Hunt play up the ground and be 'set free' to use his kicking as an offensive weapon. Hopefully a big pre-season and a larger fitness base will allow Hunt to play across half back or even midfield or half forward in 2008, though maybe just to get a game will he a hard enough proposition.
Byrnes along with Varcoe was the whipping boy of Geelong supporters for much of 2007, yet at the end of the season he had a Premiership Medallion along with 21 of his teammates to show for his hard work during the year. There is no doubt that he is a tireless worker, however he does seem to have flaws in his game that make it hard to imagine he will get a regular game unless injuries or suspensions to other players prevail. Saying that, he will continue to present and I have no doubt put himself up for selection due to his VFL form alone. I think he could still make it, as I feel his flaws are more an issue of confidence than anything else. We know he has speed, is good defensively, can read the play and always seems to find himself plenty of the football. The question will be can he gain the confidence to take players on and carry the ball, and can he get rid of the 'yips' in front of goal? With plenty of players such as Varcoe, Djerkurra, Prismall, Davonport, Gamble, and Tenace waiting in the wings, he may not get that opportunity.