- May 6, 2007
- 39,671
- 23,320
- AFL Club
- Essendon
- Other Teams
- Tottenham Hotspurs, Melbourne Vixen
With the Home and Away season finally wrapped up, some clubs, players, officials and administrations are leaving there posts a little early with one more night still be played out. A night that rewards the competitions Fairest and Best player.
Having a look at each clubs performaces, I rate some high prospects for this years J.J Liston Trophy award, whilst I will also give a 'roughie' some wraps to look out for.
Who will it be this year?
Bendigo Bombers: Not much to write about from Windy Hill here, expect AFL/VFL journeymen Hayden Skipworth and Jason Cloke to both poll well, whilst some oppositon may come from a host of AFL listed players, in particular Bachar Houli, Tyson Slattery, MArcus Marigliani and Irish experiment Michael Quinn may poll well due to some outstanding games.
A couple of players to look out for are up and comers Trent Shinners who had an outstanding season in defence since coming from VFL rival Frankston Dolphins to hold down a key deffensive post for Bendigo, whilst late season comer Ben Ducsher is also bound to string together some votes after a sizzling start to his VFL career (again).
Box Hill Hawks: Ed Curnow was the outstanding player in the VFL this year, having being named in the best on ground in 5 of his 10 matches. A broken fibula has prevented him from playing any part since that round 11 mishap, but could he hold enough votes to keep himself clear? will he poll in his other matches? He will face some very stiff competition from fellow Hawk Sam Gibson who started the season like a house on fire, starring with a 30 - possession, 6 goal haul. Being a long kicker, an inside midfielder and a recognised goal kicker, Gibson could be one to watch out for come JJ night. Watch out for Box Hill captain Cameron Pederson to jag a few votes away from some more fancied opponents in the count.
Casey Scorpions: Casey have been a consistently good team this year, relying on a full complement of Melbourne listed stars whilst also having some very handy Casey listed players. Brad Miller is probably the only real hope for the Scorpions, having booted 40 goals in 14 matches this season. Stand in skipper James Wall could also be one to watch with his ability play in such a variety of positions shining out to the umpires. I think that the one Melbourne listed player to watch could be Kyle Cheney, who has had a solid year for the Scorpions.
Coburg Tigers: Former Kangaroos AFL listed player Sam Power has had a mountain of the ball, and is one to surely attract some attention of the umpiring fraternity. His ball use is class and he is such a poised player, he would surely attract some votes his way, AFL listed guys Alex Rance and Andrew Browne have also had very consistent season for the Tigers, but cannot see them featuring to heavily in the vote count.
Collingwood Magpies: Not much to crow about from the Collingwood side that has been a figure of team harmony. The only likely ones to attract votes could be any of Tom Young, Josh Fraser or Jack Anthony. Look out for young Lachlan Keefe to possibly pole some votes late in the season after an outstanding finish to his season.
Frankston Dolphins: A few players from this very young and under developed side could poll very well. Recent Fothergill Round medalist for the best young talent in the VFL, Michael Hibberd must surely be one to watch, as he has taken his game to a new level after having an outstanding debut season. Another to look closely for his young ruckmen Russell Gabriel who has taken on and beaten some of the AFL listed ruckmen. His contested marking and ruckwork a feature to his game that could likely attract some attention.
Geelong Cats: Jeremy Laidler has been the one constant in the Cats dour season, having been named in the bests on 5 of his 13 games. Another class player Ryan Gamble also had an outstanding season and could poll some votes in some very good wins againgst Gold Coast and Werribee.
Look out for a host of fresh cats faces to attract a variety of votes in a view of some exciting times ahead for the cats.
Gold Coast Suns: Where do we see the suns boys finishing? Interesting really. David Swallow is being mentioned as a smokie to win the award after some absolute sizzling matches for the suns, whilst former Pie Sam Iles could also attract the attention of the men in white/green/yellow and lime. Watch out for man child Zachary Smith to poll some votes in his early years as an AFL ruckmen.
North Ballarat Roosters: A host of players from North Ballarat could be in contention, with reigning J.J Liston Medal winner Myles Sewell a proven vote collector, he is one to watch despite him copping attention most weeks. Cameron Richardson is another to watch out for, his consistency this year has been remarkable and was duly rewarded with a state combine invite. One player who some people are touting as a possible candidate for top position is tough on baller Stephen Clifton. The 23 year old has had one of his best years to date, and despite looking like a 33 year old, could potentially end up at an AFL club by the end of the year.
Northern Bullants:The Carlton alligned Bullants suffered this year through injury and suspensions to both Carlton and Northern. Jarrod McCockell is one player to watch, however I would be looking closely at young ruckmen Sam Jacobs to hold his own in this vote count after seemlessly dominating games off his own hand. Davi Ellard is one player who coul poll some votes after playing some outstanding football early on in the season.
Port Melbourne: A powerhouse that is Port Melbourne has bounced back accordingly after a poor start to the season. Sam Pleming once again showed his worth in the VFL after another outstanding season with the 'Borough', whilst another couple of former AFL listed players in Adam Bentick and Shane Valenti are sure to attract the eye of the umpires after some very, very productive games. Keep an eye out for 48 goal hero Dean Galea to poll some votes, he has been a constant figure in attack for the borough and should surely receive some votes for his efforts this season.
Sandringham Zebras: Shane Tregear is perhaps the strongest chance of doing much in the count, with 24 goals he would surely attract some interest, whilst VFL debutant Chris Irving could also attract some votes his way after some stellar games.
Werribee Tigers: Werribee skipper Dom Gleeson is a proven performer at VFL level, which could help him attract some votes, whilst Rob Castello could also poll some votes after leading the Tigers goal kicking with 28. A couple of young kids to look out for are Kyle Hartigan, William Martinello and also young Michael Rockefellar who all played some really good football in patches this year for the Tigers.
Williamstown Seagulls: The premiership favorites are never far from any success' with Brett Johnson tipped to go close to winning his first J.J Liston Medal having finished runner up in 2006 ( to winner Aaron Edwards) and also in 2008 (to winner James Podsiadly). Is it his year to be a top? I hope so. He will face some very stiff competition from Frosty Miller Medal winner Matt Little, whose 80 goals in 19 games saw him kick a bag of 8, two bags of 7 and another of 6. Could he steal votes away from each other? Promising full back Peter Faulks is one to watch out for, having starred since coming across from Casey Scorpions. Whilst a host of Western Bulldogs listed players could also snag a couple of votes with some very good games of football.
Any ways: My top 5 (in no particular order are):
1. Cameron Richardson (North Ballarat Roosters)
2. Ed Curnow (Box Hill Hawks)
3. Michael Hibberd (Frankston Dolphins)
4. Stephen Clifton (North Ballarat Roosters)
5. Brett Johnson (Williamstown Seagulls)
Who will it be this year? Can Myles Sewell back up his stellar 2009? Will a team mate pinch the award to keep it North of the state?
All questions that will be awarded in due time..
Who can you see polling votes from your club? who do you think will surprise and pick up votes?
Discuss?
Having a look at each clubs performaces, I rate some high prospects for this years J.J Liston Trophy award, whilst I will also give a 'roughie' some wraps to look out for.
Who will it be this year?
Bendigo Bombers: Not much to write about from Windy Hill here, expect AFL/VFL journeymen Hayden Skipworth and Jason Cloke to both poll well, whilst some oppositon may come from a host of AFL listed players, in particular Bachar Houli, Tyson Slattery, MArcus Marigliani and Irish experiment Michael Quinn may poll well due to some outstanding games.
A couple of players to look out for are up and comers Trent Shinners who had an outstanding season in defence since coming from VFL rival Frankston Dolphins to hold down a key deffensive post for Bendigo, whilst late season comer Ben Ducsher is also bound to string together some votes after a sizzling start to his VFL career (again).
Box Hill Hawks: Ed Curnow was the outstanding player in the VFL this year, having being named in the best on ground in 5 of his 10 matches. A broken fibula has prevented him from playing any part since that round 11 mishap, but could he hold enough votes to keep himself clear? will he poll in his other matches? He will face some very stiff competition from fellow Hawk Sam Gibson who started the season like a house on fire, starring with a 30 - possession, 6 goal haul. Being a long kicker, an inside midfielder and a recognised goal kicker, Gibson could be one to watch out for come JJ night. Watch out for Box Hill captain Cameron Pederson to jag a few votes away from some more fancied opponents in the count.
Casey Scorpions: Casey have been a consistently good team this year, relying on a full complement of Melbourne listed stars whilst also having some very handy Casey listed players. Brad Miller is probably the only real hope for the Scorpions, having booted 40 goals in 14 matches this season. Stand in skipper James Wall could also be one to watch with his ability play in such a variety of positions shining out to the umpires. I think that the one Melbourne listed player to watch could be Kyle Cheney, who has had a solid year for the Scorpions.
Coburg Tigers: Former Kangaroos AFL listed player Sam Power has had a mountain of the ball, and is one to surely attract some attention of the umpiring fraternity. His ball use is class and he is such a poised player, he would surely attract some votes his way, AFL listed guys Alex Rance and Andrew Browne have also had very consistent season for the Tigers, but cannot see them featuring to heavily in the vote count.
Collingwood Magpies: Not much to crow about from the Collingwood side that has been a figure of team harmony. The only likely ones to attract votes could be any of Tom Young, Josh Fraser or Jack Anthony. Look out for young Lachlan Keefe to possibly pole some votes late in the season after an outstanding finish to his season.
Frankston Dolphins: A few players from this very young and under developed side could poll very well. Recent Fothergill Round medalist for the best young talent in the VFL, Michael Hibberd must surely be one to watch, as he has taken his game to a new level after having an outstanding debut season. Another to look closely for his young ruckmen Russell Gabriel who has taken on and beaten some of the AFL listed ruckmen. His contested marking and ruckwork a feature to his game that could likely attract some attention.
Geelong Cats: Jeremy Laidler has been the one constant in the Cats dour season, having been named in the bests on 5 of his 13 games. Another class player Ryan Gamble also had an outstanding season and could poll some votes in some very good wins againgst Gold Coast and Werribee.
Look out for a host of fresh cats faces to attract a variety of votes in a view of some exciting times ahead for the cats.
Gold Coast Suns: Where do we see the suns boys finishing? Interesting really. David Swallow is being mentioned as a smokie to win the award after some absolute sizzling matches for the suns, whilst former Pie Sam Iles could also attract the attention of the men in white/green/yellow and lime. Watch out for man child Zachary Smith to poll some votes in his early years as an AFL ruckmen.
North Ballarat Roosters: A host of players from North Ballarat could be in contention, with reigning J.J Liston Medal winner Myles Sewell a proven vote collector, he is one to watch despite him copping attention most weeks. Cameron Richardson is another to watch out for, his consistency this year has been remarkable and was duly rewarded with a state combine invite. One player who some people are touting as a possible candidate for top position is tough on baller Stephen Clifton. The 23 year old has had one of his best years to date, and despite looking like a 33 year old, could potentially end up at an AFL club by the end of the year.
Northern Bullants:The Carlton alligned Bullants suffered this year through injury and suspensions to both Carlton and Northern. Jarrod McCockell is one player to watch, however I would be looking closely at young ruckmen Sam Jacobs to hold his own in this vote count after seemlessly dominating games off his own hand. Davi Ellard is one player who coul poll some votes after playing some outstanding football early on in the season.
Port Melbourne: A powerhouse that is Port Melbourne has bounced back accordingly after a poor start to the season. Sam Pleming once again showed his worth in the VFL after another outstanding season with the 'Borough', whilst another couple of former AFL listed players in Adam Bentick and Shane Valenti are sure to attract the eye of the umpires after some very, very productive games. Keep an eye out for 48 goal hero Dean Galea to poll some votes, he has been a constant figure in attack for the borough and should surely receive some votes for his efforts this season.
Sandringham Zebras: Shane Tregear is perhaps the strongest chance of doing much in the count, with 24 goals he would surely attract some interest, whilst VFL debutant Chris Irving could also attract some votes his way after some stellar games.
Werribee Tigers: Werribee skipper Dom Gleeson is a proven performer at VFL level, which could help him attract some votes, whilst Rob Castello could also poll some votes after leading the Tigers goal kicking with 28. A couple of young kids to look out for are Kyle Hartigan, William Martinello and also young Michael Rockefellar who all played some really good football in patches this year for the Tigers.
Williamstown Seagulls: The premiership favorites are never far from any success' with Brett Johnson tipped to go close to winning his first J.J Liston Medal having finished runner up in 2006 ( to winner Aaron Edwards) and also in 2008 (to winner James Podsiadly). Is it his year to be a top? I hope so. He will face some very stiff competition from Frosty Miller Medal winner Matt Little, whose 80 goals in 19 games saw him kick a bag of 8, two bags of 7 and another of 6. Could he steal votes away from each other? Promising full back Peter Faulks is one to watch out for, having starred since coming across from Casey Scorpions. Whilst a host of Western Bulldogs listed players could also snag a couple of votes with some very good games of football.
Any ways: My top 5 (in no particular order are):
1. Cameron Richardson (North Ballarat Roosters)
2. Ed Curnow (Box Hill Hawks)
3. Michael Hibberd (Frankston Dolphins)
4. Stephen Clifton (North Ballarat Roosters)
5. Brett Johnson (Williamstown Seagulls)
Who will it be this year? Can Myles Sewell back up his stellar 2009? Will a team mate pinch the award to keep it North of the state?
All questions that will be awarded in due time..
Who can you see polling votes from your club? who do you think will surprise and pick up votes?
Discuss?
