List breakdown

[mojo31]

Here is a bit of a breakdown of the list while I am waiting for the cricket to start. Where they might play or be better suited. A lot of the players can play in numerous positions but I tried to pin down where they are most likely to be played in 2006. Some are not physically ready yet and others are simply not good enough.
Just my opinion on the list as a whole.


Defenders

Key Defenders : Saddington, Hartlett Bower Livingston Thornton
Midsize Defenders : Sporn Bannister Russell Teague Edwards Flint Raso
Small Defenders : Carrazzo McGrath


Midfielders

Jackson, Smith, Bentick, Murphy, Simpson, Walker, Stevens, Scotland,
Chambers, Kouta, Blackwell, Wiggins


Forwards


Key : Fevola , Waite, Kennedy, Setanta, Deluca
Medium : Longmuir, Fisher
Small : Davies, Betts
Rucks

French, McLaren, Aisake, Batson, Bryan

Utilities

I could have put a lot of the players here but put 3 who really are hard to pin down.
Lance (CHF/CHB), Lappin (hbf,hff,mid) Houlihan (hbf,hff,mid) and Prendergast.




Defenders

Key Defenders

Brett Thornton

Terrific aerobic capacity. Is an endurance athlete better suited to playing on running forwards rather than power players. Has very good disposal and usually makes good decisions. Capable of playing tight and moving back to FB when needed but better suited further up the ground where his only average pace over 5m is not so much caught out.
Really slipped in 2005 after being injured and never really recovering. His disposal was poor and he lost his cool numerous times. Nothing wrong with a bit of passion but giving a spray to every teammate within earshot every single time his opponent marked the ball was way over the top.
As a consequence they were always under pressure and played for survival with not enough helping other defenders out, taking a risk to leave there man and give an option coming out of defense.

Prior to this Thornton showed himself to be a class KPP defender and hopefully he can leave these worrying things behind him.


In 2006: CHB seniors.
Future : Third tall defender using his running ability to set up play.

Paul Bower

17 year old kid from WA selected 20 in the draft. Not physically ready for AFL. A very big 17 year old at 193 and 87kgs but still not KPP size and wont be for at least another pre season and some natural filling out.
Needs to work on his fitness and second efforts. Disposal is okay but nothing outstanding. Is miles in advance of where Livo was in his first year.


2006 : Third tall defender in reserves.
Future : CHB in the AFL in 2008/9 when he fills out.


Luke Livingston

Power defender. Built up to play on the gorillas. Disposal has improved a lot. Can kick over 2 jam tins now instead of 1. Lacks composure under pressure and drops his head far to quickly. Confidence player who will fall away after a mistake or a bad umpiring decision. Better suited to power forwards rather than running types. Has limited aerobic capacity and usually finishes last in time trials (if Fevola does not participate). Does not read the flight of the ball quickly and gets caught out to often.
Power players take longer to develop and he has shown some signs of improvement before getting injured so there is still some hope of him making it.
Full back or bust for mine as he is not suited elsewhere and his kicing limits him to playing down back. His lack of running ability means he is better suited on the last line. His pace (when he gets going) and his strength are better suited in the goal square.

2006 : FB in seniors. Some VFL.
Future : 1 year left on his contract and less than 50% to be on the list in 2007. Some chance but it has to be at full back.



Adam Hartlett

Power player. Big unit and just what Carlton need. 195cms and close to 100kgs. Query on his body before getting drafted and in 2005 he had some more injuries which held him back. Not sure if he is a forward or a back long term but been told he will be playing down back in 2006 first up and monitored after that.
Tends to fly for his marks rather than punch as a first instinct. Can be caught ball watching at times and lack intensity in his game. Other times will play tight and show very good bodywork 1 on 1 and look like a player.
Pleased to say his attitude at training this year is much better and he is much fitter and making sessions count. Got a nice bit of mongrel about him and does not lack confidence in himself which is what we need as long as he does the work.
Magnificent roost of the ball and no problem kicking 60meters in open play.
Good leap and his pace which had a query on it is much better with his body not letting hom down in the pre season.
Another player who needed a year to find his feet and to get the kms into his body to get his fitness up to the required level.

2006: CHB/FB in the reserves.
Future : Full back at AFL level. Could play anywhere in the key posts.

Jason Saddington

His body is a real concern. Perhaps not suited as a KPP but he does have the required size to be that type of player. Very good skills and when fit does have good running ability, can read the play and is very versatile.
Sydney are paying half of his wages and he has a 2 year deal. Coming of a knee reco and looked soft last year. Perfectally understandable as most players look like that in there recovery (Darren Gaspar for example in 2004).
Hopefully like Gaspar he will look a completely different player when fully fit.

A bit of a leader around the club and a good pick up for pick 52 in a draft that lacked depth. Is capable of playing up forward but at Carlton will be required down back and that is why they selected him and where the need is.


2006 : 3rd tall defender at AFL level.
Future : I doubt his body will let him perform to the required level. 2 years of good service on the Carlton list and then retire.

 

[mojo31]

Medium Defenders

Trent Sporn

Lacks pace off the mark to play on leading players. Not good enough to play as a midfielder as his hands are poor. Lacks the running power to play tight on a player and therefore is limited to play as a medium defender on the less athletic forwards.
The problem is there are not many of those at AFL level.
His skills which were okay up until 2005 badly let him down last year. He looked a bit soft at the contest also and his body was not right. Much fitter now and done all sessions in the pre season and is on his last chance to show he should be retained after this year.
Suited to play tight on a medium marking forward and use the ball on the rebound when his body is right.
Has shown in the past that he has some ability but would need to make every post a winner this year. You cant get away with fumbling the ball at AFL level and this is the big concern with him in traffic and under pressure.
Think he will be a depth player and not play many senior games in 2006.

2006: 5 AFL games and the rest VFL.
Future : Unlikely to be on the list after this year.

Jordan Bannister

The sort of player who reads well with his physical charesitics. 190cms and well built, decent skills and pace and very good endurance.
However an in between player who is not a midfielder and does not play very tall either. Not explosive pace to break away from a contest and not good enough skills to hurt the opposition.
Limited to playing run with roles on flanker types. Had a good 2004 only to completely drop away in 2005. Showed better form in the VFL at the end of the year down back and anyone who has seen training this year can see he has built up.
Is on his last chance. Does all the right things around the club but does not read the play well enough to use his best attributes of decent size and running power to there full use.

2006: Depth player and play 5 to 10 AFL games down back and the rest at VFL.
Future : Unlikely to be retained after his contact finishes this year.


Jordan Russell

Tall flanker with good pace and good skills when not under pressure. Very light and introverted in 2005. Overall slightly disappointing at VFL level but not to bad.
Was not good in traffic but did show a willingness to stick to his man and be disciplined and do the team things. Did not provide enough run off the half back line offensively and show enough flair.
Still he is a first year player and all this is to be expected.

Training this year has been much been encouraging after some stern words from the coaching staff and Denis in particular. Has responded well and significantly bulked up and improved his fitness and starting to come out of his shell.
Feels like he belongs now and is encouraging others now as well as challenging himself physically.
The youngsters are realizing that waiting around for leadership from most of the senior blokes is not forthcoming and decided to lead the way themselves. Russell fits into that bracket and I feel that explains some of his apprehensiveness in 2005.

2006 : 10 to 12 AFL games as a half back flanker. The rest in the VFL.
Future : HBF/wing at AFL level.

 

[DIG]

This is a great read Mojo, in the vein of all your draft reviews - keep em coming.
Don't forget Prenders too, he wasn't in your first post.

 

[mojo31]

This is a great read Mojo, in the vein of all your draft reviews - keep em coming.
Don't forget Prenders too, he wasn't in your first post.

Forgot about Prenders but this is about about footballers and not track stars.

What position at AFL level for him?

Midfielder ? no
Ruck ? no
KPP ? no

Tall utility who cant kick is not really sought after.

Thanks for that DIG. Will slot him somewhere when I have finished.

 

[mojo31]

Meduim Defenders (continued)


David Teague

Went from best and fairest winner to struggling to keep his place in the side. Dropped for 1 game mid season. Bulked up significantly to try and play on taller bigger opponents. Consequently teams played quicker leader players on him and he was cut up.
Still very courageous and reads the play well. Nearly all his disposals are short kicks and he does not hurt the opposition with the ball.
Has slimmed down this pre season and improved his agility and pace.
Gets found out on long leads and is often dragged back to the last line by opponents and exploited.
Was to reactive last year and needs to return to 2004 ways and back his judgement in and leave his man to help teammates out.
Can play tall but watching him line up on a resting ruckman is ludicrous.
Has a 2 year deal and a bit surprising for me. I would have offered him a 1 year deal and see how he goes this year.

2006: Improve and play the year at AFL level on the HBF.
Future: VFL/depth player in 2 or 3 years.


Jake Edwards

Latish pick in the 2005 draft. 17 years old and not ready for AFL in 2006. Really could play anywhere. Played down back and up forward last year and is versatile.
Extreme pace and would back him over 20 meters to just about about having everyone covered at Carlton.
Needs to work on his agility which is not poor but only average. IN astaright line he lacks nothing but needs better second efforts and schange of directions.
Aerobic capacity is low but is improving. Not overly big but just under 192 and 82kgs he is a good size for a player who turns 18 soon and will likely be KPP size in a few years.
His kicking needs work and needs to learn how to use his body better. Thriving under Terry Danihers coaching in the sessions and a terrific bloke. Dedicated player who is popular already and a bit of a larrikin.
I think he will play as a defender at VFL level and be given a thorough grounding all over the ground as he develops.

A great pick up from Wayne Hughes at pick 36 in a weak draft.

2006: play VFL and mainly as a medium defender.
Future : Defender long term on leading players.



Craig Flint


Rookie selection from the reigning premiers in the TAC (Gippsland Power). Played mainly full back for them and is a versatile player capable of playing on all different types.
Fine use of his body who plays above his size and reads the ball well enough to play on smaller types as well.
Is 190cm plus now and might pinch hit as a KPP when he gets stronger. Good organizer who has presence out on the ground and has impresses at training in the 1 on 1s and with his bodywork.
His kicking is reasonable but not fantastic but does have a willingness to be an option. Something that Livo and Teague have never really done.

A good all around team player who was selected just as much on character as his ability. Limited but a role player. Absolute opposite of talented athletes in Karl Norman.
Weak rookie draft and deemed best available at the time even with the pressing need for more midfielders and running power.

2006 : Just about anywhere in the backline at VFL level depending on team needs.
Future : Plenty in front of him and plenty are on there last chance in 2006. Like all rookie selections the odds are against him but will get his chance.



Anthony Raso

Speculative pick in the 2004 draft. Taken last and was bottom aged and pencil thin.
Has grown to 192 and combined school football with Haileybury/studies and training at Carlton. The outcome was a player who did not have time to do all the training necessary to make large physical improvements.
Very thin still at 82kgs and not great aerobic ability.
Played mainly CHB at Haileybury. Beautiful mover and skills. Very good kick of the ball. Does not seem to be suited to contested situations and is better out on his own using his skills. Is improving in the 1 on 1s but might be better suited as a flanker even when he puts on the required weight to hold his won.
A real long term project player. Is very classy with the ball and needs to lift his intensity and show he wants it enough to make himself into an AFL player.

2006: eating chicken fillets by the bucketload and camping out in the gym. In between playing VFL level all over the ground (mainly down back) and knocking off the rough edges from him.
Future : Could play anywhere or be delisted if he does not work even harder now he has no distractions.

 

[mojo31]

Small defenders


Andrew Carrazzo

Listed at 187cms on the Carlton website. Must have been wearing stilettos as he is nearer 183.
Vastly improved player in 2005 who provided run and pace from the backline as well as beating his opponent on a regular basis.
Had stints in the midfield and was impressive. A bit of a ball magnet and likes to take players on with a side step and a shimmy of the hips.
Strong body but not really a clearance player more a link/rinning type. Kicking is not first class but gets the job done and improved a lot in 2005.
Very good fitness and continued to build on it so far in the pre season.

No really suited to the absolute flyers (Mark Williams). Is not slow at all but is not blindingly fast on the lead.
Decent overhead but not great and the only thing holding him back is his disposal which needs to keep improving to make the grade as a class midfielder in time.
Has the right attitude and reads the play very well.

2006: 22 AFL games barring injury. Midfield and down back depending on matchups.
Future : Midfielder. 200 game player.



Cory McGrath


Terrific role model around the club. Top bloke who is very professional with his preparation. Always encouraging and sacrifices his game for others.
Disposal is always first class at training but does not seem to translate at AFL level where he turns the ball over a bit to much.
Capable of playing a close checking small defender (like he did on a rampant Buckley this year). Has good fitness and can pinch hit in the midfield and play a run with role if required.
Needs to step up another level to keep his place at AFL level. Capable of it and had some poor games in 2005 and some very good ones.
Would like to see him streaming off the hb line and taking a bounce and setting up some play. Gets outbodied to much also for someone of his size and fitness and experience.
A late bloomer who needs to take another step forward and translate his training form into better AFL form.


2006 : 15 AFL games coming off the bench and being a role player.
Future : at 27 years of age soon his future is limited. 2 more years on the list to help bring through the youngsters and then retirement.

 

[bmaurizio]

Fantastic stuff Mojo well balanced and informative detail on the boys.
Truly stirs the passion. We all appreciate your work and effort.
Great things ahead for the Mighty Blues, with improvements in direction forward and big talent in 2006 draft too.
What are your thoughts on Eddie amd Marc, thanks.
Ciao

 

[mojo31]

Fantastic stuff Mojo well balanced and informative detail on the boys.
Truly stirs the passion. We all appreciate your work and effort.
Great things ahead for the Mighty Blues, with improvements in direction forward and big talent in 2006 draft too.
What are your thoughts on Eddie amd Marc, thanks.
Ciao

Watching the cricket now bmaurizo but will write up ALL players over the next few days.
Just tried to break them down in categories which is not easy.

Finished the defenders and will move onto the midfielders now.

 

[deluxeman]

Fantastic read mojo
Looking forward to the rest

 

[mojo31]

Cricket is not going to well so will start on the midfielders.

Midfielders


Nick Stevens

Outside player. Reciever/link player who runs all day. Can be tagged out of the game at times. Frustated with injuries kee and groin in 2005. At Carlton he is the number 1 target for opposition teams who rotate taggers onto him. This makes it very hard for him. Not enough defensive pressure from other midfielders to allow him to shine and be most damaging.
Does not kick enough goals and lacks poise on the run kicking for goal. Fine disposal and does work very hard in games to provide an option.
Shows leadership on the ground and is a very professional player.

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.

Promised the captaincy half way into last year only for the MC and board to do a backflip (they are getting good at this maneouvre) and retain Kouta in the role in 2006.

A very damaging player who given freedom and cut teams up. He showed his class in the Richmond game late last year and kicked 4 goals and set up play.
Like to see him get possessions forward of the centre where possible and not down back. That is where we get most value from him.

Don’t react to the taggers in 2006 Nick no matter how frustrated you get. Have to set the tone for the other players.

2006: 22 games at AFL level if fit, more goals.
Future : Likely captain in 2007. Will shine when the youngsters develop more and he can play his natural attacking game.

Heath Scotland

Link player who is capable of winning contested ball as well. Not proactive enough early on in 2005 and far too defensive. Did not create enough or win enough of the ball himself and was “playing safe”.
Was dropped finally and came back in later and changed his game. More confidence and got a lot more of the ball.

Tends to go onto his left to much and not show enough urgency at times when he has the ball. Can kick the ball a bit high and a lot of “floaters” especially on his left.
Like Nick Stevens he does not kick enough goals. I feel he does his best work working in the midfield and down back supporting the defenders and being the “release” player to link up.

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.
Not a class midfielder but a good solid player. The problem is that he should not be a first choice midfielder but is forced to be at Carlton. Like Stevens and Kouta he gets worn down as the game goes on with other teams rotations.
Good player who was a very good pick up for pick 35.

2006 : AFL midfielder who will get more of a rest this year with more rotations from Carlton.
Future : Will play down back more and more as the kids improve and be a pinch hitter in the midfield.

 

[mojo31]

Midfielders (continued)


Anthony Koutoufides

Knee injuroes have cut down his athleticism. Can barely get off the ground now. 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.
Other games he was fantastic and extracted the ball from the centre square at will at times. Not able to work back and chase his man and does his best work in contested situations and where the game is slowed down.
Would have liked to see more onfield leadership from him at times but cant fault his professionalism in preparing himself.

Needs a rest every quarter and used as a more impact player and might squeeze another year out of him in 2007.

Not able to train fully these days and usually does bike riding/swimming midweek to reduce the stress on his knees. Had a good pre season so far and is as fit as he has ever been for a number of years.

Never been a great kick but what he does do is clear the ball and find the right option under pressure. Keeps his head in pack situations and he is still needed greatly by Carlton in that regard.

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

Kade Simpson

Came into his own in 2005. Showed class and skill with the ball. Still skinny but has pace and more importantly uses it. Very nice kick of the ball. Wont shirk the issue either when it it is his turn to put his head over the ball (that means you Ryan Houlihan).
Needs more kgs still and to work even harder know other teams are aware of him. Not a great kick for goal who finds it hard to relax when he gets a sighter of them.
Suited to the wing and getting the ball forward of the centre and delivering it to the forwards. Kicks the ball nice and low and no hang time with it so can catch out defenders with the quick movement. Loves a bounce and just the type of player we need more of.
Denis made him earn his place in the seniors and the patient approach has worked. Overlooked in the 2002 draft where he was a proposed late 1st rounder who finally went at 45.

2006: 22 games on the wing at AFL level.
Future : a few more kgs and 200 games. Hopefully a better haircut.

 

[mojo31]

Midfielders (continued)

Adam Bentick

Inside midfielder. Loves physical contact and is built like a brick outhouse. Strongest player at the club (as far as lifting weights goes) and loves to tackle and bring the opponent down.
Built himself up over the pre season and is especially strong through the trunk and arms.

Looked gone 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.
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.

Can be exploited by quicker midfielders but his pace has improved in the pre season and he has also improved his endurance. Skills have further improved and would be my pick for consistently the best trainer at the club overall.

Is not overly verbose but is a leader on the field and off it and has more character in his little finger than Scott Camporeale ever had.
Not the most talented player but has squeezed absolutely everything he has out of himself. Got deficiencies but tremendous character.

A personal favourite of mine.

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.



Marc Murphy

Well I have written a lot about him in the past.

Clearance player who does it with anticipation, pace and footwork as well as superb balance. Small little steps and change of direction mean it is very hard for opponents to catch him or line him up and smash him.

Very good skills and extremely professional and has that touch of arrogance (in a good way) of backing himself in as well as working hard on his game.
Kicking is good without being outstanding yet but under pressure his kicking does not drop away which is most important.

Impressed at training with his smooth moving and a query on his endurance has been unfounded as he is already midtable as far as the runners go at the club with half a pre season under his belt.
Superb hands under pressure and is a class above most already at Carlton.
Big game player who plays his best football at the U18 Championships 2 years in a row. Shows his temprement and ability to lift his game up to the next level.

Leadership written all over him. Wiry strong and will need 2 or 3 pre seasons to fill out. 100% footballer with good athletic skills.

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

 

[mojo31]

Midfielders (continued)


Jesse Smith


Inside player. Good work ethic. Needed to get fitter and was well on the way in the pre season before he tore his pec muscle. Had trimmed down and dropped his skinfolds and increased his speed and endurance.
Likes physical contact and is built for that sort of game.

Skills are fine but nothing exceptional. Did some good team things in the VFL in 2005 but also did not get enough of the ball or use it well enough at times.

Terrific character who works very hard on his game and looked to have found his way this year and his injury is a real setback.

Retained on the rookie list and wanted to stay and fight for promotopn at the end of the year rather than take up an offer from another club to pick him up. Carlton offered him the option and he chose to stay.

2006: VFL after recovering from injury. If there is a LTI he is likely to be promoted and play senior games at the end of the year when fully fit again.
Future : Promoted and become a decent AFL player.



Ryan Jackson


Rookie selction. Unlucky to miss the national draft after a good season in the TAC. Not overly endowed with pace but has exceptional endurance and character. When the going is tough he is running just as hard and pushes beyond most other players limits.
Tall lanky type with decent skills who is versatile and played down back and up forward and is a bit of a utility. Team player who was surprised at missing the 2004 draft and had injury concerns and seems to have overcome them.
Never dropped his head in 2005 after being overlooked and has the same qualities of perserverance as Adam Bentick has.

No real flair about him and is an old fashioned player with nothing exceptional about him and the reason why he has been passed over.

You cant really develop character or heart though and he has that in spades and has done all sessions in the pre season and was picked on the back of his efforts training at Carlton before the rookie draft.
Absolutely hammered himself and has continued doing that after being drafted. Just wants to be given a chance and likely to be promoted now with the injury to Smith.

2006: promoted onto the senior list and play 5 to 8 AFL games.
Future: Very likely to be promoted full time at the end of the year.



Andrew Walker

A 19 year old player who has some ‘freak’ about him. Tall lanky player who is filling out nicely. An interesting mix of an endurance athlete who also has very very good pace.
Yet to find his spot at AFL level and seems hesitant at times. Given instruction to take players on when he gets the ball but runs himself into trouble sometimes when he does.
Does not steady before kicking and kicks to many floaters. Also bounces with his left and tends to run onto his left foot as a consequence.
Does not drop the ball well onto his foot and under pressure he turns the ball over.

Superb leap who has long arms and really flys at the ball. Yet to hold enough of the species.

Sounds like a dud right and a waste of pick 2?

Not at all.

Trains as well as any player at the club and has s superb attitude to getting the best out of himself. Does some absolutely unbelievable things with footwork in games and also makes mistakes with his brain and body not quite being in sync.
Was given tagging jobs to round out his game and learn where to run to get the ball and to develop the defensive side to his game.
Has some mongrel about him and gives absolutely everything he has got on the field. Can lose confidence quickly and it is extremely hard with a lack of senior leadership at Carlton for young players.

I think long term he will play on the wing and be suited with his size and athleticism to open spaces and 1 on 1 situations rather than packs.
Will also play as a half back flanker at times once he improves his kicking enough to hurt opposition teams with his disposal.

Absolutely looks class at VFL level and is a basically a year younger than most of the other draftees from 2003.
Possession count will go up with no Camporeale to give him a spray and ignore him 5 times a game when he runs to make position.
I have concerntrated on the negatives with him and there are plenty but do not have any concerns that he will become a gun at AFL level after he understand his game better and he gains more experience.

One thing Carlton should be doing is making sure they block for him when he gets the ball. WC do it for Judd and that is what the Carlton midfielders should be doing. He is one of the few quick players we have who is capable of side stepping a player and accelerating away and we need to be using that to our advantage.

2006: 22 games at AFL level. Mix of roles but mainly on the wing being fed the ball and using his pace to run away from players at all opportunities.
Future: Gun. 200 games. Mark of the year.

 

[Effes]

Brilliant Mojo

 

[Muji]

excellent stuff mojo, love it.

 

[Smokey_22]

So objective and precise - you should work for the club one day.

Any chance of analysis of key areas, and future priority areas?

 

[Blues_Man]

Well done Mojo ,makes for great reading...I will enjoy watching these kids either blossom into star players or fade away into the unknown over the next few years

 

[XXX KINGS]

Mojo, do you work or have insiders at the club because for all of us your posts are gospel? Keep up the good work!

 

[defier]

Brilliant work Mojo

 

[WTTF]

Quality read as per usual Mojo.

cheers mate.

 

[mojo31]

Midfielders (continued)

Simon Wiggins

Terrific bloke around the club. Hard at the ball and man and will never shirk the issue. Built like a tank now and is as fit as he can be.
The question is with a great attitude and good fitness why is he not a player?
He has really poor hands and second grabs the ball all the time under pressure. Means he gets caught to often. Does not really steady either when he has the ball and find the best option.
Kicking is not very good either.
All this is at AFL level. At VFL level most of those problems go away with the class stepdown and he has much more time to make a decision or gather the ball.

Will play anywhere for the coach and stick to his instructions. Might mean playing as a decoy on James Clement to keep him out of the play or as a tagger.

He is not really a midfielder but have slotted him in here.

What he does provide is a positive influence around the club, a big body in games to protect the kids and do the job when required. Needs to play on a player as he does not win the ball enough himself or have the skill to hurt opposition teams much.

2006: A few AFL games when injuries hit.
Future : Unlikely to be retained after this year.


Callum Chambers

Traded for him from WC with a late pick. Time trial specialist. Won them at West Coast and wins them at Carlton.
Has pace to go with his superb endurance. However he does not get the ball anywhere near enough. Never really shown that he has the football smarts to use the fitness he has to advantage.
To easily moved off the ball and needs the wide open spaces to be of advantage to Carlton. However he does not run to the right positions to be used.
Will look terrific a few times a game when he carries the ball and kicks it long. Just does not do it enough.
Looked a decent pick up in the Wizard Cup only to get injured and never really recover after that.
A real confidence player who fumbles too much with his hands.

Is on his last chance this year with a 2 year deal running out.

2006: a few AFL games when we need more run and there are injuries.
Future : Unlikely to be retained after this year.



Luke Blackwell

Inside midfielder. Looks like a kid and is small. Not quick.
Pure footballer and not an athlete.

Picked under father/son in the 2004 draft. Absolutely fantastic way of extracting the ball from the contest and reading the ball off hands and in pack situations. The using handball to release the ball and set up play.
Kicking skills are fine as he never really attempts to much in games. Just plays it safe with his kicks. Would like to see more attempted here and some risks taken.

Fitness has improved but still does not possess enough endurance to be an AFL midfielder yet. Built himself up but needs another 5 kgs at least.
Slow developer who is going to take time.
Foot pace is down but has very good anticipation and very good footwork in close.
Small body but suited to the crushes and not open spaces.

Very short and will cause matchup nightmares for Carlton in the future if he is caught out defending on taller midfielders who are strong overhead.

Superb football smarts and reader of the play. Close to the best at the club in that regard. Needs more fitness to take advantage of them and of course size in his body.

2006 : Break into the team later in the year after a good VFL season.
Future : Will need improvement to become an AFL midfielder. Cant teach what he has got in terms of smarts and anticipation. Depends on his physical development as to how far he goes.

 

[mojo31]

So objective and precise - you should work for the club one day.

Any chance of analysis of key areas, and future priority areas?

Problem areas

To many 3rd talls up forward and down back. A bit of a glut of KPP size players and not enough runners at the club.

Not enough pace and skills are way down.

Not enough leadership and flexibility in games.


Positives

Great recruiter. Very good characters and future leadership brought into the club. Blossoming 2nd and 3rd year players. 1 bad influence gone and the huge long term contracts coming to an end. Improving facilities and 2 new assistanst who have injected confidence and fun into training as well as provided 1 on 1 instruction.
Draft embraced finally and more resouces to be poured into the recruiting budget.

Denis finally to coach for the long term and not to protect his record. More possession oriented game in 2006 and more run and rotations in the midfield.
Multiple targets up forward and less reliance on Fevola (who we still need to take the best defender).

I see a few trades in the future to snare a runner or 2 from other clubs as well as get a few more draft picks.

Ian Collins to step down. Great numbers man and accountant but poor man manager and PR man.

 

[mojo31]

Forwards

Key Forwards

Brendan Fevola


Grown to 191cms on the website but unless I have shrunk a few cms he is still 188.
Absolute monster these days and over 100kgs. A couple of axe handles across the shoulders and arms like most normal peoples legs.

Coming off a poor 2005. Attitude problems, dispcilpine problems, preparation problems and injuries.

Had off season operations on his groin and hands. Went with resting him after the season was over to get his groin right but it did not seem to be working and therefore had to have an operation. Not great planning by Carlton.

Tried to play after injuring his groin but was ineffective. Had to pass off and struggled to kick the ball over 40meters accurately.
Contract negotiations and a human highlight reel for the media did not help.

Denis has always been a big fan and resurrected his career. However even he has grown tired of Fev’s antics.

Time for the newly married man to knuckle down and let his football do the talking.

Interesting that even though he had a poor year he was able to beat most of the best full backs at times when he was fit. They included 4 agaibnst Rutten in a low scoring game at AAMI, 10 shots verses Scarlett when we were smashed, and 5 versus Brian Harris up in Darwin on 1 leg.
Looked set for giving a touchup to Mal Michael also before injuring himself again in the first quarter.

He is very quick over 5 to 10 meters. Learning how to use his size better as time goes on. Magnificent field kick who is easily the best kick at Carlton. Can kick goals from 55m out regularly when he is fully fit.
Actually showed signs of being a more complete player earlier in the season with better second efforts and tackling.
Gets sucked in to easily by opponents and getting suspended against Fremantle was a huge setback for the young Carlton side who desperately needed leadership and the right attitude shown.

What he does do is hurt opposition players and go out of his way to do it. As long as he is careful about it and there is no head contact a (and suspensions) then it needs to be encouraged. Is capable of leading hard and fast as well as zig zagging his leads to catch out defenders who are not very agile in changing directions.
A good 1 on 1 mark when the ball is kicked to advantage and not bombed on his head.

Lacks the ability to pack mark or to regularly beat his man when a second defender comes over the top.

Not enough aerobic capacity to play CHF and have much of an impact. Full backs regularly run off him and he is unable to sustain much of an effort to chase when we are getting smashed.

Talented player who needs to knuckle down and show he can become a gun.
Might be ready by round 1 after groin surgery.
Power player who could well play well into his 30s.

2006 : return to 60 plus goals.
Future : any more problems and he will struggle to stay at Carlton.


Jarred Waite

Not really a KPP player at the moment. Has the ability to become one as he develops physically. A good size now but still is lean rather than bulky. Long arms and athletic.
Improved his kicking and decision making but still turns the ball over to much.

First option Jarred and keep the game simple. Kicking for goal was better in 2005 and has improved his distance.
Beautiful hands out front with sticky fingers. Lovely attitude about him to and aggressive and team oriented.
Very mobile and suited to the half forward flank with leads to the wing and running his man all over the ground.
If they play a smaller player on him then isolate him deep. If he gets a bigger opponent then Jarred should lead constantly and be used as often as Carlton can to set up play. Midfielders to be aware and run past for easy handballs and damaging possessions with kicks to leading forwards.
A real match up nightmare when he has his confidence up.

The bad news is stress fractures which will limit him early on. Got to get this right and no re occurrence as we have had at Carlton with these type of injuries.

Not sure he is ready for the best defender yet and needs the support of Fev to take that player. Would not use him at CHF long term or as a battering ram. More as a floater in the forward line who can run all over the ground.

Loves to tackle and throw his man into the ground. Absolutely love his white line fever.
Had some quiet games towards the end of the year with Fev being out and Lance down back and more attention placed on him.

We looked our best when Fisher was back into our side and Fev at FF. Multiple targets and not relying on 1 player.

I would see that as the way to go in 2006.

Carlton signed him to a 3 year deal for 250k per season in the middle of 2005. That’s what I call value for money.

2006: 40 goals, less turnovers and more goal assists.
Future : Leader, gun, 200 games.

 

[mojo31]

Forwards

Key Forwards (continued)

Setanta O’hAilpin

The big Irishman is a favourite around the club. Absolutely dedicated to getting the most out of himself. Extra sessions and last to leave the track. Practising his kicking for goals or doing extra laps or weight sessions.
Can get down on himself when he makes mistakes and go into his shell to avoid making errors. Needs to be encouraged to give everything a go and not worry about the consequences.
Barry Mitchell played him all over the ground in the VFL to develop his game. Seemed better suited up forward and most comfortable there.

Been working with the running coach to iron out the kinks in his running style. More smooth and effortless now but still needs work. Suprisingly quick over the ground for his nearly 2m size. Very fit and is a work horse out on the ground.
Kicking also has had work done on correcting his awkward drop of the ball and action. That also has improved.
Effective with his disposal and rapidly improving.

Can look lost down back and reacting to his opponent. More natural for him to attempt a mark rather than punch. Gets outbodied at times and reading the flight of the ball is not a natural thing for him and can be caught out.
Just learning how to use all of his bulk and it’s a natural thing for a person so late to the game.

Needs to not duck his head in the marking contest but look up and stretch fpor the ball and take it at its highest point with arms outstreched. Judge the flight of the ball and set himself and take off with all of his height and reach in use. Otherwise the ball will be punched clear and he will get his hands to many marks but not take enough.
This is a hard thing to teach and Stynes and Kennelly for example were and are not very good overhead.

Sometimes his decision making is understandably poor and he is lost with what to do in certain cases. Needs to take the pressure of himself and learn to relax and enjoy everything. To intense at times and impatient.

I would play him as a forward pocket when on the ground and pinch hit at CHF with Kennedy not being ready yet. I hope Denis does not drag him when he makes his first mistake but gives him time to work his way into the game.
Just want him to provide a contest and a physical presence. Chase and tackle and bring the ball to ground. Simple things done well is how he can build his game.

2006: 5 to 10 AFL games up forward mainly. Rest of the time in the VFL learning more.
Future: Marking forward, cult hero.


Made a mistake with Lance I realise after writing him up as I have him down as an utilty and not a key forward. Will move him later but here is what I wrote for whats it worth anyway.

 

[mojo31]

Key Forwards (continued)


Adrian Deluca

A forward/ruckman. Very tall at 202cms and lean rather than bulky. Moves well for his height and has reasonable agility, pace and okay endurance.
Has some ruck skills but misjudges his leap at centre square bounces to often. Does not have enough strength in his legs and core body to hold his own at boundary throw ins either and is not very effective at this stage as a ruck.

Therefore I have put him down as key forward when he is only that at his size but is not a CHF or FF but rather as a third tall and a forward pocket player.

Had a good 2004 and showed some very promising signs before getting stress fractures and repeating that injury again in 2005.
In 2004 he showed and ability to mark the ball and be strong at the contest and at his height and size that is very hard to match up on. In 2005 that strength at the ball and marking left him. Dropped mark after mark and looked a bit lost.
His kicking needs work. A better ball drop and keeping his head over the ball more is needed. His run up when kicking for goal is awkward also.

Needs to work on his marking as that is where he will be value for Carlton. Terrorizing some under sized defender and holding a few strong marks and kicking some goals before the opposition is forced to drag a better defender over to him. Then this will open up opportunities for the other forwards.

Also needs to improve his ruckwork so he can ruck in the forward line and allow the first choice ruck to play a kick behind play when the ball is in our forward line.
Misjudges the flight of the ball to often in marking contests and also when to jump in tap outs. Not sure that skill can really be taught as you either have it or you don’t. He did not misjudge anywhere near as much in 2004 so prepared to wait and see with Adrian this year.

Has signed a 2 year deal late in 2005 and will be on the list for at least 2 more years. Blokes that size do take time and he has been injured and without a pre season last year he struggled badly.
Dempsey should help his ruck skills and how to use his body better and an injury free pre season should set him up for a decent chance at some AFL games.

2006: A few AFL games. Will be judged on how many strong marks he takes.
Future : Will struggle to be on the list after 2007. Has some chance but needs to return to 2004 form.


Josh Kennedy

Pick 4 in the 2005 draft. Key forward from East Fremantle.
195cms and a solid boy already, especially in his legs. Showed himself in games to be a workhorse who presents all day and has real intensity in his game. Not a spectacular player but someone who will work for the team and provide lead after lead. Consistency of effort if what he brings. Sometimes it is not his day but the effort and workrate do not drop when things don’t go his way. Not a hot and cold player like a Fevola.
These are the sort of characteristics which Carlton saw in him and selected him over the other key forwards available.

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.

He did not have a full shoulder reconstruction but had ligaments repaired. Had the sling taken off and is now in full running training. No contact though. Aerobic fitness is good already and his pace is fine. Very impressive endurance athlete in the Brett Thornton class for KPP. Will have no problem playing CHF and having the necessary fitness in the future once his shoulder is right to go.
Will need to build up some more in his upper body. Would not be a problem as he has a big frame but not the muscle there yet.

A good kick of the ball with either foot and a strong mark. Likes physical contact and the niggle side of the game. Likes opponents playing close on him and challenging him physically. Thrives out on the field in contested situations. Beautiful hands and reach up at the ball and has a nice touch on the ground. No fumbling from Josh, wont ever hear footsteps and will never take his eye off the ball.

A workhorse CHF in the Earl Spalding mold. Much better kick but that sort of physical player with a team oriented approach. Solid and effective rather than brilliant.

Plenty of articles in the media about Josh showing the character he has and impressing with his attitude.

Just what Carlton need to build a team around.

2006: Play AFL later in the year. Around round 15.
Future : Roaming the forward line for the next 10 years