List breakdown

[Pivot]

A bit short for a key position and is not a midfielder so is another of those in between players at this stage. Like other selections in the past in Sporn, Bannister, Massie and Vance were. However Edwards has pace that these others do not have.

Nice work again mate.

Just a thought, only IMO, in regards to Edwards. I don't think his height is a factor in whether he will be a KPP or not. At 192cm there is nothing short about that, he's taller than Sporn (188cm), Bannister (190cm), Massie and Vance who were never going to play key possie. I've seen him at training and thought he looked tall enough, having just turned 18 he may even grow a cm or two but my point being at 192cm and already having the nous to play key position I think he should be ok.

 

[Pivot]

What he does have is football smarts about positioning and to anticipate the kick and where the forward is likely to lead. Something Livingston has never really shown. A natural defender who is not a converted forward and wont need to be taught to change his ways.

I like the sound of that. We have been crying out for natural defenders who lead and organise well. We had Peter Dean, SOS, Mick Sexton, Andy McKay and since then have struggled a little.

Flint may be a surprise and go past Livingston, Bannister, Sporn and Teague for a spot down back.

Mojo, do you think there is any growing left in him? Seems like he is now 190cm+ rather than the listed 188cm (given that was last year's measurements).

 

[SurreyBlue]

"Is very quick and explosive in a straight line. Very good mark and has a good leap and reads the flight of the ball well and anticipates."

Edwards sounds like a natural full forward to me.
I would have him practising his kicking for goal and away we go, perfect replacement for Fev (if he isn't interested).

 

[Silvagnis]

I have Hartlett pegged as our next full forward if push comes to shove and Fev has to be traded.But we have to wait and see whether his body holds together, in case he isn't suited to that position longterm like Salmon.

 

[mojo31]

Anthony Raso

Medium defender

19 years old.
Pick 77 in the 2004 draft.


Strengths : Very good mover and is quite graceful and effortless. Good pace for his size and possesses very good kicking skills. Is 192cms now and is a natural footballer. Able to find space and shows the ability to play as a rebounding defender who can use the ball well. Has good clean hands above his head and is a 1 touch player. Reasonable below his knees. Versatile player who can really play anywhere when his body is able to catch up to his brain.

Weaknesses : Very thin even after a year on the list. 81 kgs and will need to bulk up significantly. Not sure how much Anthony wants to be an AFL footballer. Had his studies and school football and there are definitely excuses for him but I am not sure he did all the extra sessions he needed to. The honeymoon is definitely over now with he being a full time player now and an abundance of tall options at the club with the latest draftees. Perhaps it was to be expected of him since he is a project player who will take a long time to be physically ready. But with lists much smaller now the club cannot afford to wait years for him to be ready to play.
He lacks endurance and his aerobic capacity is down. Has improved it in the pre season but is still not what someone of his light weight should be aiming for. His attack at the ball is not as good as it should be. Some of it is due to his light frame and some is just the way he goes about. In the way that some players control the corridor and others are outside players. Raso is an outside player who likes the ball to be fed out to him. Needs to develop the inside part of his game also to improve.

Comment : Needs to add weight desperately and show he is capable of playing VFL football against strong bodies. Then let his class with the ball and agility and pace take over once he has the right body. Develop the ability to hold his own in marking contests as both a forward and a defender. Most importantly Anthony needs to not wait for a quick handpass out of a pack or to run forward and hope he will get the ball given to him. If the ball is in dispute then sometimes he will be required to win the ball himself. Finding space and knowing where to run to be dangerous is an important part of football. However winning a contested ball and playing tight on a forward are also parts he needs to develop.

2006 : VFL playing all over the ground to develop his game. Extra weight sessions and an emphasis on his diet.
Future : Will depend on how much desire he has to make it. Talent wise he can but the difference between 90 and 100% effort will determine it.



Small defenders

Andrew Carrazzo

22 years old. 22 AFL games.
20 games in 2005.


Strengths : Has pace and works very hard on the training track as well as in games. One of the few players who provided run coming out of the backline and beat his opponent on most occasions. Showed himself to have discipline and toughness and a rebounding side to his game. Prepared to take players on and break the game open and run and carry the ball and thereby being into a position to kick over opposition teams setups of a ruckman or loose defender at CHB.
Has good footwork in close and exhibited good instincts when played in the midfield. Has the balance about when to attack and run forward and provide an option and when to go in to win the ball. Something that cannot be said for some of the other midfielders.
Plays well within his limitations and was consistently good in 2005. Wont attempt to much with his kicking and rarely misses a target. Has improved this aspect of his game out of sight. A strong bodied player who needs to use it more to push into the packs to become a complete player. He has good endurance and has improved it in the pre season. Very good attitude and is down to earth and realistic as to where he stands at the moment and is reaping the rewards of hard work and never giving up.

Weaknesses : His kicking is competent but certainally not damaging. So needs to keep working on his skills to really make his possessions count. Not really a contested ball winner at this stage and needs to work on that aspect and to be able to win clearances and read the taps from the ruckman. Does not have lightning pace and when asked to play on the very quick forwards he can struggle. Would like to see more tackling from him and some more blocking around the contests for the other midfielders to open channels up for them when they gather the ball. Something which the Carlton players as a group do not do. Overall there is not much to not like about Andrew and the way he plays the game.

Comment : Came from nowhere last year to really be a fine a player. Can play down back and regularly beat his man and then provide some good attack from the backline. Then move into the midfield and rack up possessions and run and carry the ball and be effective. So really very versatile and much improved. The Carlton website has him listed at 188cms and he would be more like 183cms. He really has worked hard on his game and now realizing he is good enough he can start to show some leadership out on the ground which he does have. It is time for some of the 3rd and 4th year players to start to take over and Carrazzo has earnt his stripes and needs to be even more proactive out on the field.
I have put him down as a small defender and he will play some there and also midfield and long term I think he will be a full time midfielder when his kicking improves some more.

2006: One of the first picked for the seniors. Play around about half the time down back and the other half in the midfield.
Future : Full time midfielder.


Cory McGrath

26 years old. 59 AFL games.
19 games in 2005.


Strengths : Very professional player who prepares well at all times. Good attitude and never drops his head when taken off the ground in games. If he misses out on senior selection will work as hard as he can to get back in and still be encouraging everyone around the club. In short he is a very good role model around the club and is well respected.
Quite a versatile player who can do a good job playing tight on a small forward as well as pinch hit as a midfielder. Also able to lock down on a running player.
Was terrific on a rampant Buckley in the Collingwood game who was too much for Thornton at the time. His bodywork on him was absolutely first class and showed to me that he had improved. Perhaps ready to take the next step and go from a decent player into a good solid one.
Has good endurance and runs games out well. Does the small team things in games like shepherding and chasing and one of the few who regularly blocks for others.
Looks good when rebounding out of the backline and likes to take a bounce and has plenty of distance in his kicking.

Weaknesses : Pushed off the ball far to easily for his size and experience. Gets outbodied in packs and does not stick enough of his tackles. Really needs to use more shoulder and hips rather than grab with the arms and bring the player down. Impose some physicality on the opposition. That’s what we need more of.
His kicking which always looks good at training is not very good in games. Tends to blaze away and although the kicks look good and have penetration they do not find the target often enough.
Has excellent fitness and should be doing more with it and constantly running off when the ball is turned over and running his opponent out of position as well as rebounding the ball from the defensive 50.
For a player under 6 foot he is not very quick and if he lets himself be lead to the ball its all over for him. Does not have the pace to recover once an opponent puts a gap on him. Needs to play extremely tight or slightly in front when he is a defender and anticipate well. If it goes over the top then with his strong body push back as hard as he can to effect a spoil. Rather that than the forward taking easy marks out on the lead with Cory trailing behind by a few meters.


Comment : Improved last year and looks like a late bloomer. Never been a high possession winner but is getting more of it and making his disposals count a lot more.
Does not have the pace to recover once an opponent puts a gap on him. Needs to play extremely tight or slightly in front when he is a defender and anticipate well. If it goes over the top then with his strong body push back as hard as he can to effect a spoil. Rather that than the forward taking easy marks out on the lead with Cory trailing behind by a few meters.
With Camporeale departing the club there is a back pocket position open and Corey should be pushing for this position. Be accountable for his player and not zone off and first and foremost regularly beat his player and not have bags of goals kicked on him. Then as he gets on top and the confidence of his opponent drops start to run them ragged by pushing hard forward and setting up some play. If it looks like Teague or Livingston is going to get the ball then be ready to receive the handball. Lets limit the amount of times those two kick the ball.
Needs to take a step up and cement a position in the senior side and do the job week in and week out. Has enough talent and experience to do it.


2006 : Hopefully a full time back pocket and occasional run on the ball in the rotation.
Future : at 27 years of age soon his future is limited. Two more years on the list to help bring through the youngsters and then a depth player.

 

[mojo31]

"Is very quick and explosive in a straight line. Very good mark and has a good leap and reads the flight of the ball well and anticipates."

Edwards sounds like a natural full forward to me.
I would have him practising his kicking for goal and away we go, perfect replacement for Fev (if he isn't interested).

When played as a forward in the TAC his form was not great and when he was switched to the backline his form was improved last year. Is overall not a good kick at this stage and his kicking for goal is pretty poor. His pace and lack os endurance would mean he is better suited out of the goalsquare but the kicking would need to really improve to play as a forward. Looks more comfortable when playing as a defender at this stage.
Just turned 18 and plenty of time to improve these things as well as grow some more but I do think he will be better suited as a defender long term.

 

[mojo31]

I have Hartlett pegged as our next full forward if push comes to shove and Fev has to be traded.But we have to wait and see whether his body holds together, in case he isn't suited to that position longterm like Salmon.

I agree that Hartlett seems better suited up forward rather than as a defender. Will be given a chance as a key position defender in the pre season cup and then we will get to see if he can cut it. The need is for defenders more than forwards and they will try him there initially. If it does not work out then a change will be made.

 

[mojo31]

A bit short for a key position and is not a midfielder so is another of those in between players at this stage. Like other selections in the past in Sporn, Bannister, Massie and Vance were. However Edwards has pace that these others do not have.

Nice work again mate.

Just a thought, only IMO, in regards to Edwards. I don't think his height is a factor in whether he will be a KPP or not. At 192cm there is nothing short about that, he's taller than Sporn (188cm), Bannister (190cm), Massie and Vance who were never going to play key possie. I've seen him at training and thought he looked tall enough, having just turned 18 he may even grow a cm or two but my point being at 192cm and already having the nous to play key position I think he should be ok.

191.7 and not sure he has the 'nous' to play key position at AFL level which is what we are talking about. Was good at TAC cup but did not play at the U18 Championships and was hardly dominant in the TAC like a Marcus Drum/Lachlan Hansen were as backmen.
Also has a lean build and at 82 kgs is pretty small. Fevola as an example when he was drafted was 188cms and 89kgs and naturally powerful. Edwards is not like that. More wiry strong and not suited to Tredrea, Brown, Hall and those types. So will need to grow taller to be a key position player.
He was picked on the likelihood of growth and a lot of development just like those others were. It was a risk but was at pick 36 in a weak draft. With natural improvement he might be a lot higher pick in the 2006 draft so a chance was taken just like it was with Raso the year before.

Like I said will not become a 192cms and 100kg monster like Fevola has and will more likely end up similar to Thornton in that leaner wiry type build. Edwards is also not very agile at this stage and adding a lot of weight will not help that at all. His endurance is way down and again adding weight will not help that. So an extra few cms and some careful weight training and agility work. More base fitness to improve his aerobic capacity and he might turn himself into a key position player.
More likely he will be a tall flanker suited to leading players like I said in my profile of him.

 

[mojo31]

What he does have is football smarts about positioning and to anticipate the kick and where the forward is likely to lead. Something Livingston has never really shown. A natural defender who is not a converted forward and wont need to be taught to change his ways.

I like the sound of that. We have been crying out for natural defenders who lead and organise well. We had Peter Dean, SOS, Mick Sexton, Andy McKay and since then have struggled a little.

Flint may be a surprise and go past Livingston, Bannister, Sporn and Teague for a spot down back.

Mojo, do you think there is any growing left in him? Seems like he is now 190cm+ rather than the listed 188cm (given that was last year's measurements).

I hope he does as it is his best chance of being retained after this year. Body positioning and judgement are his best attributes. He is pretty skinny though and at his height will not be able to match it with his likely opponents at AFL level. Will struggle to have the speed to cover flankers so really needs a bit more height and size to become an AFL player.

 

[Pivot]

191.7 and not sure he has the 'nous' to play key position at AFL level which is what we are talking about. Was good at TAC cup but did not play at the U18 Championships and was hardly dominant in the TAC like a Marcus Drum/Lachlan Hansen were as backmen.
Also has a lean build and at 82 kgs is pretty small. Fevola as an example when he was drafted was 188cms and 89kgs and naturally powerful. Edwards is not like that. More wiry strong and not suited to Tredrea, Brown, Hall and those types. So will need to grow taller to be a key position player.
He was picked on the likelihood of growth and a lot of development just like those others were. It was a risk but was at pick 36 in a weak draft. With natural improvement he might be a lot higher pick in the 2006 draft so a chance was taken just like it was with Raso the year before.

Like I said will not become a 192cms and 100kg monster like Fevola has and will more likely end up similar to Thornton in that leaner wiry type build. Edwards is also not very agile at this stage and adding a lot of weight will not help that at all. His endurance is way down and again adding weight will not help that. So an extra few cms and some careful weight training and agility work. More base fitness to improve his aerobic capacity and he might turn himself into a key position player.
More likely he will be a tall flanker suited to leading players like I said in my profile of him.

We'll wait and see I guess.

On Flint, how do you see his future? Got the frame to play FB like in the TAC Cup or more a flankers role? Hopefully will go past, Bannister, Sporn, Teague, Prendergast and the like for a spot in the defensive 6.

One more. How bad is Smith's injury? Will it set him back a great deal? Cheers.

 

[Pivot]

I hope he does as it is his best chance of being retained after this year. Body positioning and judgement are his best attributes. He is pretty skinny though and at his height will not be able to match it with his likely opponents at AFL level. Will struggle to have the speed to cover flankers so really needs a bit more height and size to become an AFL player.

Sorry mate you've answered this. I started this b4 yours was put up.

 

[Pivot]

I hope he does as it is his best chance of being retained after this year. Body positioning and judgement are his best attributes. He is pretty skinny though and at his height will not be able to match it with his likely opponents at AFL level. Will struggle to have the speed to cover flankers so really needs a bit more height and size to become an AFL player.

Sorry mate you've answered this. I started this b4 yours was put up.

 

[mojo31]

Nick Stevens

Midfielder

26 years old. 169 AFL games.
22 games in 2005.

Strengths : Class midfielder who is proven to be an elite player over a number of years. Has real skill under pressure and when given time on the ball he is very damaging. Capable of kicking through the ball to get distance and a low trajectory as well as pinpoint passes. Has the touch and finesse to be able to float the ball up to let the forward lead on it when that type of kick is also needed.
High possession winner over his career and managed to average over 20 possessions a game under a coach who does not encourage over possessing the ball. Is the number 1 target for taggers from opposition teams who rotate players onto him during the game. Despite that and the physical buffeting he takes is still able to play to a high standard and is a consistent and quality player.
Quick over the ground and has a nice baulk and is competent on his left foot. Likes to carry the ball and take a bounce and picks good options and rarely misses a target.
Very effective at clearing the ball from a stoppage. Does this with anticipation, football smarts and agility rather than bodywork and grunt. Shows leadership out on the ground and is a very professional player who prepares himself well. Never comes back at the start of the pre season in his best shape but by round 1 is always at peak fitness. Plays through injuries and has rarely missed a game in his career.

Weaknesses : Not very good overhead even for a midfielder. Does not kick enough goals for someone of his skill level and converts badly at around 50%. Not improving with time either and kicked 22 goals 24 points since being at Carlton. A player who only knows one way and that is to attack at all costs. Consequently can be badly exposed by other midfielders when he is not winning the ball or is not having it fed out to him. The slightest opportunity a Carlton player will win it will see him run forward as hard as he can. That’s his game and he plays it well but puts an awful lot of pressure on the other midfielders.
For the first time in his career he lets injuries and taggers get to him last year and lost composure and from in those games when he did. Opponents will have seen this and be ready for even more niggling tactics.
Not a complete midfielder capable of regularly winning the ball in dispute and is a low contested ball winner and tackler for a full time midfielder.

Comment: Has been paid very well at Carlton but has provided leadership, skill and value for money since moving over from Port. One would only wonder how damaging he would be with a better midfield around him and a dominant ruckman to feed him. Would likely cut teams up quite regularly and set up numerous goals. That is not the case at the Blues and wont be this year either. So has to put up with taggers, physical pressure and a rotation of opponents for at least a while yet. More rotations from the coaching staff should see him running out games better and at the end of quarters.
Like to see him getting the ball forward of the centre as often as he can and not in the backline.

Was set to be captain in 2006 half way into last year before the board changed its mind and decided to stay with Koutoufides. Shows leadership out on the field and is vocal during games and during the breaks. Kouta is more admired but is quiet and it is usually Stevens that is heard in the huddles or before the game.

Loves a beer and is a bit of a party boy but once the pre season starts he knuckles down and is always ready by round 1. Was told by Carlton to rest up after the season and not do any running as he was recovering from groin problems. Of course he came back a few kgs overweight because of it but better that than not resting and getting a full on case of OP and no pre season. Is back at his playing weight now and the Herald Sun can move onto another target to sell some papers.

2006: Automatic selection and will press his claims for the future captaincy.
Future : Will shine when the youngsters develop more and he can play his natural attacking game.



Brad Fisher

Medium forward

21 years old. 38 AFL games.
7 games in 2005.

Strengths : Superb mark of the ball for his size. Have to be the best contested mark at the club and has those ‘sticky’ fingers and long arms which surprise you when he suddenly jumps over someone and marks the ball so cleanly.
Got a good leap and is very fit for a forward and be bordering on having a midfielders running power. Not slow over the ground but would not describe him as explosive but perhaps suitable quick.
Very hard worker on his game who has overcome knee injuries and is a testament to how professional he is that he came back in 2005 a better and fitter player than before being injured. Improved all aspects of his game and looks set to take his game to another level this year with a superb pre season.


Weaknesses : His lack of body size is still a concern and can be worked over by stronger opponents. Kicking is improved but still below average especially for a forward. Like to see even more work rate further up the ground and to be better below his knees and start to win the ball in those situations. Would be strengthening his legs as much as possible and to increase his ability to change direction quickly and to be able to move sideways.
Decision making could also be improved and to take a little bit more time when he has the ball and think his way through things a little bit more to minimize those costly turnovers.
His body overall is the only real weakness I see long term as the other deficiencies have been improved and will continue to be as he gets more experience and pre seasons. He does have youth on his side and seems to be the only way players recover from serious knee injuries these days.

Comment : A Shane O’Sullivan late draft special from 2002. A real nightmare for teams to match up on. An ideal half forward flanker who can take a strong contested mark or out on the lead and provide run and then play deep and kick some goals. Capable of kicking goals from the 50m arc now and with increased endurance will be pushing a long way up the ground in matches. More tackling, more 1%ers and more demanding of the ball should round his game out. Playing a little bit smarter and working his opponent over should enable him to take advantage of the third or 4th best defender he will likely receive. If he gets a bigger stronger opponent then run them ragged and if he gets a smaller quicker opponent then take them to the goalsquare and isolate them and demand the ball.
He should regularly be to good for them and sometimes draw more than 1 opponent and open things up for other players.
It will come down to how his light frame and knee holds up as to what height he reaches as a player. Prior to the knee injury I thought he would become a good player but I do think he may prove to be better than that and become an excellent and versatile player.


2006: One of the first picked in the seniors. 30 goals.
Future : If his knees hold up will become a gun.

 

[~GURU~]

Anthony Raso is out for at least 4 weeks after contracting Glandular Fever.

 

[Silvagnis]

Anthony Raso is out for at least 4 weeks after contracting Glandular Fever.

Cheers!

 

[mojo31]

Barnaby French

Ruck

30 years old. 113 AFL games.
15 games in 2005.

Strengths: A legitimate ruck size at 200cms and 102kgs who is extremely fit and has midfielder endurance levels. Does good work around the ground in competing and using his body and rarely is caught out by opposition ruckmen trying to run him ragged by running forward at every opportunity. Quite effective at winning the ball below his knees and has good agility for his size.
Effective in the ruck and wins more than his fair share of hit outs and taps well to the midfielders and holds his body position well in boundary throw ins. Has quite a good touch with his tap outs and is good on either hand.
Still improving his overall game and is a late bloomer. Very professional in the way he prepares himself and can be seen by his regular high finishes in time trials. Good on field leader who provides encouragement and confidence to his teamates. Superb temprement who is disciplined and rarely flustered into errors.

Weaknesses: Never taken enough marks around the ground or been able to kick goals and put pressure on the opposing ruck. Is a very accurate kick for goal and could really sneak down into the forward line more with his ability to convert. Not really a high possession winner and while it increased last year would still like to see more improvement. Field kicking is fairly basic and it is pretty mechanical rather than fluent. Basically looks to handpass off at every opportunity and as a last resort will kick the ball. Most of those kicks are long ones to a contest and low risk ones. So plays within his limitations and knows his game well but is never going to be highly skilled. Not very quick over the ground and can struggle with the very athletic and smaller ruckmen who are very mobile.

Comment: The 7 games he missed last year we lost all of them. A similar thing happened in 2004 when he was out injured. He would be the most important player on our list. Not the best player but the one player we really have no alternative to at this stage. Some backup rucks and pinch hitters but nobody who could command a first choice ruck position and fill the match committee with optimism that they could do the job.
Still improving and was looking like taking his game to another level earlier in the season before getting a knock and then being injured a little bit after that. Came back in later on in the season and was not 100% fit but again made us more competitive and coincided with an increase in form again.
More defensive rather than attacking who understands his limitations and plays accordingly. A traditional kick behind play ruckman who handpasses rather than kicks and hardly ever goes forward to kick goals.
Lifts the others player with his attitude and enthusiasm and has showed himself to be a good ruck who puts his body on the line and is a team player.

2006 : First choice ruck.
Future : Injuries to his knees will decide how long he plays.


Heath Scotland

Midfielder

25 years old. 94 AFL games.
19 games in 2005.

Strengths : A competent and solid midfielder who is capable of playing as both an inside ball winner and outside link player. Got more of the ball last year and especially towards the end of the season was in good form. Finds space well and reads the play and provides an option by creating space. At his best getting possessions in the back half and being the release player to link up with from the defenders. Can work both ways and is an accomplished player who is not classy but effective and is improving as he gains more confidence.
Cut the number of errors down in his game last year and looked to have really improved his overall game at the end of last year.

Weaknesses : His kicking is not first rate and he has a tendency to go onto his left foot far too often. This results in some of those left footed kicks being floaters with a lot of hang time. Not really advantageous for the forward having to sit under them and wait.
Can lack a bit of urgency when he gets possession and really needs to accelerate over the first few steps to give himself some time and space to dispose of the ball under less pressure.
Not a great trainer and has not prepared as well as he should have.
Pace is only average and does have a huge motor for a midfielder and can really tire towards the end of games.
Not a noted goal kicker either and tends to gather possessions where they are less dangerous.
Some more tackling with more vigour in them would also not go astray. Too many times the player slipped them and he does not bring the player down enough to make the tackle really count.

Comment: Not proactive enough early on in 2005 and far too defensive and was led to the ball to many times by his opponent. Did not create enough or win enough of the ball himself and was just playing far too safe for a starting midfielder.
Was dropped finally and came back in later and changed his game. More confidence and got a lot more of the ball.

Offered a new 2 year deal at the end of 2005 and has shown an improved attitude and is set for a good year in 2006. Lost weight and slimmed down and increased his agility and pace. Never really been a great trainer and now starting to take it more seriously instead of just doing enough. He needs to lift his game another level and increase his fitness and pace.
Good player who was a very good pick up for pick 35.

2006 : Improved form and more of an impact with more rest and rotations to keep him fresh.
Future : Will play down back more and more as the kids improve and be a pinch hitter in the midfield.

 

[mojo31]

Kade Simpson

Midfielder

21 years old. 21 AFL games.
15 games in 2005.

Strengths : Has real pace and is prepared to use it. One of the few players on the list who is capable of taking players on with the ball in hand. Looks for every opportunity to run and take a bounce before kicking. Players like that are so valuable as they can break open the game and kick over an oppositions teams defensive wall. Very good kick off the ball and kicks it low and hard and gets plenty of distance. So the kick gets to the forward quickly and to there advantage.
Prepared to put his head over the ball despite his slight frame and the only thing holding him back is even more body size. Very good tackler for his size.
A naturally attacking player with skill, pace and flair.

Weaknesses: Slight frame and difficulty in packing on muscle. Not strong enough to play consistently as an onballer where heavy blocking and shepherding would wear him down to easily. So is limited to the wing where there is more space but we need a player like Kade around the ball to provide that class we lack enough of. Kicking for goal is really poor and seems to think to much about it and change his routine. This needs to be improved and for Simpson to become a goal kicking wingman.

Comment: A slow developer who has taken time to be physically ready. Slipped down in the 2002 draft after being projected as a likely first round pick at the time. Eventually went at 45 with the question mark on his very skinny frame. Then the inevitable lack of patience by supporters when players like Kade need 2 or 3 pre seasons before being ready. Showed his talent in the VFL when developing and always looked a class above (similar to Andrew Walker).
Lacked confidence that he belonged at AFL level with being dropped and having little or no impact in his early games. Denis is not a patient man when it comes to kids. They either have an impact or they are taken off. They need to earn there spot and sometimes can be very hard on young players.
As the season went on you could see his confidence rising and was not looking around or being so unsure of himself in the senior team. Just played his natural game and started to hunt the ball and take players on.
Should only improve from here and has had a good pre season and put on weight and increased his endurance.
Clubs wont allow him freedom to play his natural game as he is one of the few players at Carlton who is very damaging with his pace and skills. Will have to work even harder when he gets more physical attention and is worked over.


2006: 22 games on the wing at AFL level.
Future : More gym work and become a gun.


Marc Murphy

Midfielder

18 years old.
Pick 1 in the 2005 draft.


Strengths : Has superb balance and agility. Takes small steps in the packs and this enables him to change direction quickly and easily and not get caught. Anticipates well all over the ground and especially under the feet of the rucks. Regularly beats a tag and has been a marked man for a long time and been used to physical pressure.
Big game player who has played his best football at the U18 Championships and always has seemed able to lift his game to the next level when he has to. Modest and well grounded person who has the attitude and dedication to make the best of his obvious talent.
Natural leader who is just as impressive off field as on it.
Good kick for goal and will be able to play in the forward pocket and crumb goals at AFL level.
Very good leap. Superb tackler for his small size and is very tough and durable.

Weaknesses : The obvious one is his lack of height. I don’t see it as a huge problem but it does mean it will need to be watched so a bad match up does not occur. Kicking will need to improve and is not up to the rest of his game at this stage. Not a big build and Carlton will have to watch the physical buffeting he will receive. Wiry strong rather than bulky at this stage. Some early knee tendonitis is a small concern and will have to be watched when considering the amount of training and how he adjusts in his first year.

Comment : A class above at training already. The balance and ability to hold his feet under pressure really do stand out. Takes players on and has confidence to do it and it is a natural instinct for him. Such a smooth mover it appears effortless. Will dominate in wetter conditions with his footwork and agility and ability to keep his feet. Telstra Dome with the shifting surface will also not be a problem for him. Thank god he never went to Brisbane as he was a clear number one based on 2 years form of TAC and U18 Championships games. Add to that his professionalism and attitude and he is a can’t miss selection. Will need a couple of pre seasons to pack on the muscle and become a small tank and then will dominate around the packs with his class.
Just a pure footballer with some athletic talent. Wont need to learn the game just to slowly develop. Has all the smarts and skills needed and now it is a case of improving slightly on those and developing physically.
Hopefully Carlton are very careful with his workload in his first year. Not overtraining him and playing him too long in games.
Have to strike the right balance between taking a long term view and also exposing him to senior football.
Should be ready by round 1 and play.



2006: Play round 1. Some forward pocket as well as midfield. 18 to 20 games.
Future : 200 games and leader at the club. Gun.

 

[1.AW]

I love reading your work its fantastic keep it up. One of the few quality posters on BF

 

[mojo31]

I love reading your work its fantastic keep it up. One of the few quality posters on BF

Thanks mate. Just trying to keep things ticking over while we are waiting for the real stuff to get going.

Was down at the short practice match today and will be posting something on the game tomorrow for anyone interested in how the players looked.

 

[mojo31]

Anthony Koutoufides

Midfielder

33 years old. 249 AFL games.
22 games in 2005.


Strengths : Winning contested ball and clearing the ball from a stoppage. Does it with the ability to read the where the ball is going and a combination of size and strength. Once he has a clear go to the ball will not fumble and is almost impossible to tackle and bring down for most midfielders. Will get his hands free when about to be tackled and dish the ball off. The patented holding the ball in one hand allows him to avoid oncoming players and turn and twist and handball off rather than if he had to take possession of the ball with both hands.
Is a poised player who keeps his head in traffic and picks good options when disposing of the ball. Very good temprement who is never really flustered and

Weaknesses : Knee injuries have cut down his athleticism. Now it is strength around the packs rather than a combination of power and agility which wins him the ball. The superb leap that he had at his best is gone now and he barely can get off the ground after numerous serious injuries.
Can easily be exploited by quicker opponents who side step him, run around him or run away from him. He is not able to turn and change direction quickly and is a bit limited to moving in a straight line. Something again no doubt because of the wear and tear on his knees.
Never been a great endurance athlete and can get worn down as the game goes on. The more uncontested possession game and quick movement these days and the shift away from Princes Park do not suit his game.
Not a great kick and seems to prefer to handball even more than before. Was tried down back a few times and did not look up to it and was beaten on each occasion. Would like to see some more vigour from him at times and really knock a few players over with some aggression. I guess it is just not his way.

Comment : Used too much in the midfield in 2005 and had a number of quite games when his knees did not come up and struggled to get going. Played the most minutes of any player in the AFL last year. Something which should not be repeated this year.
We need to take a longer term view and try and get another year out of him next year. So that means playing 80 to 90 minutes a game in the midfield and at least a 5 minute rest each quarter. Hopefully more than that.
Then we should see less quite games from him and more consistency and his knees managed better. Overall had a very good season and when his knee was okay he was pretty dominant in the clearances and basically extracted the ball at will. Other games he was tagged out of the game by players who are not fit to be able to (Mark Bolton and Chad Morrison come to mind). This was more to do with his lack of mobility that day than anything else.
Something we really cannot afford to have happening to Carlton in the future. So more rests and rotations for Kouta to limit his quiet games.

Looking superb at training and moving well and more importantly is motivated. The huge and much talked about contract comes to and end this year. Would be great for him to play on after that for a year on a reduced wage.


2006: 20 minutes a quater as a clearance specialist.
Future : some chance of playing on in 2007 if his knee hold ups. Heaven help us when Allison gets to negotiate his next contract.



Josh Kennedy

Centre Half Forward

18 years old.
Pick 4 in the 2005 draft.

Strengths: Genuine key position size. Tall and has a big build and especially in his legs. Naturally powerful player who will have no problem getting even bigger after a few pre seasons. Hard trainer and hard worker overall in games. Gives his best in games at all times and has brought that same attitude to training already by making every session count for him. Always flat out. Good endurance and a strong mark. Loves body contact and the physical side of the game. Not put off by close checking and thrives under pressure. Presents well and gives multiple leads and has very good second efforts. Good below his knees and is never out of the contest or beaten. Just keeps being involved and trying. No good or bad days for Josh just the same effort time after time despite the game situation or his own personal form.
Very good kick of the ball on either foot and technical it is sound and smooth.

Weaknesses: Pace over the first few meters is not so good. Might make it hard for him to play down back or at full forward. Basically any position where he will have to lead or match up on a leading player from standing start. Once he is in motion he is fine. The shoulder would be a concern for a marking player and will need to be monitored closely. Did not have a full re construction but ligaments were repaired.

Comment: In front of his recovery already. Looks a bit quicker than I thought and his fitness is good. Will be like a Bret Thornton in style with his endurance rather than Fevola who is quick but has no tank. Is suited to CHF and to providing a contest.
Pretty poor draft camp testing which showed he lacked some real athletic ability. However they are not a true indication as he was diagnosed with a shoulder problem on the first day of the camp with the medical tests. Was told then that he would be needing a shoulder reconstruction.
Consequently did not perform as well as he should have in the testing.
A physically and mentally tough player who has a sound game. No real weaknesses to be worked on. No growing to do. No kicking action to be worked on. Does not need to be taught the position. Does not need to be spoken to about training hard or being professional.
He already knows all of it and has the height and frame to be a bona fide key position forward. All he needs now is to recover fully from his shoulder and continue to build his fitness up and slowly add a few kgs to his upper body over the next few years. Gain experience and slowly improve on what he already has.
We picked an Earl Spalding type with pick 4 who is a better kick. Same work ethic and same effectiveness. Hard and physical who thrives on the contest.
No flamboyance from Josh, that will be left to other more erratic types.

2006: Play AFL later in the year when his shoulder is 100%.
Future : Roaming CHF for the next 10 years.

 

[bmaurizio]

Great work Mojo, a fantastic read, well balanced quality analysis.
Much appreciated.
Ciao

 

[Blue70]

As per usual Mojo you are providing us with some excellent and informative information to review - desperately needed at this time of the year whilst waiting for the footy to start!

 

[SurreyBlue]

Thanks Mojo. Great read. Keep them coming. Like to hear about Jackson, as I have heard some good things.

 

[Pivot]

Saddington and McLaren are going to be interesting this year IMO. A little hard to tell what position best suits them.

Saddington is probably a half back flanker/back pocket who can pinch hit in key posts in the back half and up forward. Not very bulky, more wirey. Is he a better option at FB than Livo?

McLaren can ruck and is very athletic and competitive. Listed at 196cm, is not very bulky but seems to be a strong lad. Can he play CHB or FB? Played a bit there as a junior but seems to have only played in the ruck for the Lions. Is he a better ruck than Bryan?

 

[mojo31]

Matty Lappin

Utility

29 years old. 214 AFL games.
22 games in 2005.

Strengths: In a word it would be class. Very good disposal on either foot. Can kick the ball long and accurately as well as drill a pass. Extremely accurate and reliable kick for goal. Unusual ball drop but has never been a problem and is proven under pressure to be sound. Versatile and can really play anywhere.
Poised player who does not panic under pressure. Is elusive in congestion and has very good evasive skills. Good footwork and will baulk and step around opponents and is rarely caught. Good tackler and will not shirk the physical side of the game. Loves to take a run and bounce the ball and picks good options and is not afraid to take a chance and to wait. Wont be panicked into a quick kick under pressure. Good mark for his size and has a good leap and reads the flight of the ball quickly. Same when playing down back is rarely caught out and reacts quickly and his body positioning is sound.
Very durable and consistent and rarely missed a game in his time at Carlton. Good trainer who provides a good example to younger players with his preparation and advice.

Weaknesses: Body size which has never been a huge problem but means the match up has to be watched. Was smashed by a physical Mark Johnson in 2005 and lost confidence after that. Lost a yard of pace and struggles to keep up with the real quick players now. Has been a great servant of the club but his 2005 was very poor for his standards. I hope it was due to the contract negotiations and not with his age and the physical toll meaning he has been diminished. Just lacked the self belief in his game last year and was distracted. Lacked the desire to do the hard things and for the first time was playing for survival. Picking up cheap kicks and really not making the possessions count like he has in the past.

Comment: Struggled in 2005 after being our best player overall in the last 4 years. Contract disputes took a toll and he looked disinterested. Played out in the media as the club took a hard stance and he suffered. I don’t think the advice he received from his manager Ron Joseph was very helpful for him. Thankfully after some good form in the International Rules and some straight talking between he and Malouf things were resolved to the benefit of both parties. His attitude at pre season training has been first rate and looks to have put all those things behind him. Can realistically play anywhere and has shown this in the past. With Houlihan looking like playing forward/midfield it would seem to indicate that Lappin will play back. He is a very attacking defender who hunts the ball. Can be caught out at times but that is his style of play. To run and be the link player. Take a bounce and prance off down field with the distinctive running style of his.
Have to watch the match up for him and not have him on the really quick players who can exploit him.


2006 : A good solid year if his body is injury free.
Future : 2 good years out of him and then see how his body is holding up.



Justin Davies

Small forward

22 years old. 41 AFL games.
10 games in 2005.

Strengths: Capable of doing the sublime fairly regularly. Kicking a freak goal or picking the ball out of nowhere. Has time on the ball at VFL level and looks a class above there. Not been translated into AFL form yet but you can see he definitely has talent. Very committed tackler for his size and loves to really throw himself into physical contests. Sometimes this can be a bit over the top but can’t fault his endeavour in trying. Very good endurance and is a pretty good trainer overall.

Weaknesses: Attitude is a problem. Is a bit shy and does not seem to be made to be an AFL player. More a country boy and does not seem to enjoy the environment, the pressure and the atmosphere of the city life. Lacks discipline on the field and gives away to many free kicks and gets sucked in by opponents.
Not quick for his size and lacks urgency in his game. Gets caught to often at AFL level and seems to not be aware enough of what is around him. Kicking has not improved much and he misses easy shots for goal. Still very lean in his body and would like to see some more muscle on his frame to give a better contest in the clinches.


Comment: Went backwards last year. Is basically the same player as he was 3 years ago. The body size, kicking and a lack of discipline on the field which were problems then are still so now. Not a settled player and would be more at home in the country out of the limelight. Make or break for him this year. Looked to have made some improvements at the end of last year with some good form in the VFL. Liked what I saw of him in the last AFL game against North where he was very desperate, got a fair bit of the ball, laid some strong tackles and kicked a few goals. Still made to many errors but he showed some advancement in his work rate and game.
Then true to form he let himself down in the VFL by getting reported twice and sent off the ground. Attacked the same player twice with cheap shots. Carry Mitchell warned him and also asked another player to keep him away from trouble. Justin could not control himself and decided to let his team down. Now he has to serve a 4 week suspension and his future looks pretty clouded.


2006: A few AFL games to decide if he survives after this year.
Future : Below 50% to be on the list after this year if his attitude onfield does not improve by a lot.



Adam Bentick

Midfielder

20 years old. 14 AFL games.
9 games in 2005.


Strengths : Winning the ball in dispute and feeding it out. Hard at the ball and man and is a superb tackler. Strongest player at the club and is built to win the hard ball with a fairly low centre of gravity. Very good hands and wont fumble under pressure. Good endurance and has a high pain tolerance level. High possession winner in the VFL and was translated into AFL form at the end of the year. Has very strong character and is an extremely hard worker off the field on his game. Will chase hard and capable of playing both ways. Good blocker around the packs and uses his body to open up avenues for other players.
Does the small team things which are hard to notice.

Weaknesses : Lack of genuine leg speed. Not an ideal kicking action and overall not a great kick. Fairly short and not overly agile. Not a good leap and can be caught out playing o the quicker and more agile midfielders. Can be side stepped and players are able to run around him.
Not a class disposer of the ball or a player with superb vision. Decent decision maker but often just plays the percentages and within his limitations. Rather than really attempting the difficult.

Comment: Looked in trouble last year after not looking up to standard in his few early season AFL games. Lacked pace and confidence and his skills were poor.
Given brief time in the midfield (as is Pagans way with kids) and could not pick up the pace. Worked with the running coach in the pre season and changed his running technique. Had to adjust his kicking because of it and had problems adjusting to the changes. It explains his early season lack of form in the seniors.
Went back to the VFL and ironed things out and came back later in the season into the seniors and looked a different player. Picked up the pace and won his own ball and provided a physical contest around the ball and some mongrel.
Hit his targets with kicks and when allowed to play in the centre square he showed a rare ability to read the ball from the tap outs.
Was duly rewarded with a new 2 year deal at the end of last year.

At his best in congestion where he is a natural ball winner. Very good instincts about where to move to and his positioning. Has good vision in packs to feed the ball out. Much better than out in the open spaces where he is more mechanical and lacking in flair. His first thought is a quick handpass once he wins the ball in close. Would like to see him breaking tackles as well. He is strong enough in the hips and upper body to drive over the top of players and start to wear them down. Pretty important he makes it for the future of the midfield. With Adam there he gives us a physical edge lacking in other midfielders. A genuinely tough player who loves to make a tackle really stick and drive the player into the ground. Can knock a tagger off a Murphy or Stevens with numerous hard blocks and shepherds. He will allow the quicker and more skilful players to shine if he is able to play his inside game. Just needs to always be working on his kicking, pace and endurance to give himself the best chance of becoming a quality player.

Had a great pre season and is bigger, stronger and has more pace and endurance. Making every session count and starting to show the way and provide leadership with the way he goes about everything he does at Carlton. Such a good bloke and a hard worker who has left nothing to chance with his preparation and does it all flat out all the time.
Would be fantastic if he makes it as nobody deserves it more than Adam.


2006: AFL 22 games. Centre square specialist.
Future : Got a way to go but shows enough to be on the list for a long time. The club has to be careful to complement his ball winning skills with quicker players to ensure he is not exploited.