List breakdown

[OZBomb]

Really liked the write-ups thus far and have agreed with the majority of it.

On Kennedy, I like the fact that he's not spectacular. We've got our enigma in Fevola and I think Kennedy could be a good 'enforcer' type CHF. He's going to be a 'gorilla' type with that frame.

In doing some forward thinking it's difficult to see where Whitnall will be in two years, if he stays at Carlton. He may be at Melbourne.

 

[mojo31]

Medium Forwards


Brad Fisher

Skinny project player taken late in the 2002 draft. Shane O’Sullivan could have the first 15 picks a draft and get all duds but give him a late pick and watch him come into his own.

Taken a long time to put on weight and be physically ready. Had knee injuries which have made it even harder for him.

However he has the rare ability to take a contested mark. Jump over the top of a defender and extend his arms and take strong marks with sticky fingers. Lost none of his leap after knee injuries and has good pace. Endurance has improved greatly and is as fit as most midfielders at the club now.
Kicking has come a long wat and watching him snag a few goals from 50m out later in the year was a pleasure. The way he stepped staright in and was up with the tempo showed the talent he has. Alwas thought he would be a good player but would have to revise that upwards now and suggest he could become a gun if his body holds together.
Stronger now but still to lean and needs more work but is an ideal medium forward who can roam all over the ground and is hard to macth up on with his athletic ability, height and ability to play tall and take strong marks. Ground level play needs work and if he improves that aspect of his game and gets more strenrth into his legs so he can change direwction more quickly and accelerate he could play wing also.

Long term I see him more as a half forward flanker in the Ryan OKeefe mould. Workhorse who presents all day and has midfielder endurance and runs his opponent into the ground. Like a secondary CHF but due to his athletic ability is able to get out on his own or have 1 on 1 contests. Wont be suited to congestion and pack situations. Leave that for Kennedy and others to split the packs with there superior size and body type.

2006: 1 of the first picked in the seniors. 22 games barring injury. 30 goals.
Future : If his knees hold up will become a gun.


Troy Longmuir

Injury plagued player. Picked up from Fremantle and wasa f ormer Melbourne player also.
Capable of taking a spectacular mark and jumping on the heads of opponents. Then dropping a chest mark 2 minutes later.

Never shown that his body and fitness is up to AFL standard. Skinny and lacks hardness at the ball. Pushed off to easily for a 26 year old with numerous pre seasons under his belt. Should be a roaming half forward flanker who can play tall as well as gather some ball at ground level. However his hands are again poor with the ball on the ground and he does not move to dangerous areas or read the play.

Will take a big mark and 1 grab the ball and make you think he has real talent but does not do it enough. If he was 20 then this would be understandable but he is not and it would be very unlikely that he will ever show enough at AFL level at his size to become a decent player. Good kick for goal. Reliable but needs to get 2 goals a game at AFL level to justify his position as a forward pocket. Does not do enough to set up goals or team oriented things in tackling, shepherding and chasing so it has to be goals for him to retain a spot.

Had no pre season in 2005 and it limited his ability to run games out. Done all sessions this year and is on his last chance. Certainally moving better at training and improved his fitness. His 2 year deal runs out this year and will need to play at least 10 games in the AFL to be retained after 2006.
I very much doubt his body will stand up to the rigours of senior football.

2006: Get a few AFL games when the inevitable injuries hit.
Future : Fishers improvement means he is unlikely to be here after this year.

 

[mojo31]

Small Forwards


Eddie Betts

PSD draft pick after being passed up in the national draft. Was injured, overweight and had attitude problems. Clubs decided he was to risky and decided that 70 odd players were better prospects than him.
The concerns were shown to be overblown. Got fit quickly and lost his weight and showed himself to be no “Dean Rioli”.
What he does have is tremendous skill and superb footwork and timing. Anticipating the ball when spilled from a mark and being the first one to react. Lacks body strength to break a tackle but will side step players and baulk and make defenders look very ordinary at times.
Also is prepared to tackle and while not strong has a very good technique and will not just ‘pretend’ to chase and look exhausted but will genuinely run players down and run himself into the ground.
Not afraid of hard work and again did not come into the pre season in good shape but has trimmed down and moving well now.
Superb snap of the ball for goal under pressure with either foot and is a natural footballer. The skills he has cannot be taught.

Will need to be stronger and to increase his endurance. So he is able to roam further up the ground and lose his opponent as well as set up goals. This will make it harder for him to be tagged out of the game and allow a brief run on the ball to bring him into the game when he is struggling.
Very quick over 5m and more of an explosive player rather than a consitent one. Will thrive at the feet of Josh Kennedy in the future and be a very good forward pocket.

Shane O’Sullivan wanted him and again another player found with a later draft pick.

2006: Play most games in 2006. 25 to 30 goals.
Future : Impact player. Forward pocket specialist who will improve as Carlton does and he gets more opportunities to crumb with an improving forward line.


Justin Davies


Laconic player. Not enough intensity in his game. Plays the same way in the VFL as he does in the AFL. Therefore gets caught out with the increased speed. Takes players on in the AFL and he does not have the speed or strength to do it.
Will look good at VFL level but needs more urgency in his game to step up to the next level. Capable of doing the difficult thing and making it look easy but again will make the basic look beyond him at times.
Will slot a hard goal and do it more than once but also miss easy shots. For a forward pocket you cant get away with missing sitters.

Seemed to be turning his game and attitude around at the end of last year. Played well in the North Melb game only to go back to the VFL for the finals and get reported and sent off the ground. Was given a 4 week suspension and will serve it at the start of this year.
Really poor and showed he still needs to mature.

Needs another 5kgs on his frame and to become a p;layer capable of holding his own in the packs and making tackles stick. Would like to see him develop as a Hamill type with the ball on the ground in the forward line. Applying defensive pressure and playing just within the rules of the game.

His kicking can be lazy and will kick scrubbers. Lacks concerntration to do the simple things well. Has some talent but his mind to this point in time has not shown he is up to it.


2006: A few AFL games to decide if he survives after this year.
Future : Below 50% to be on the list after this year.

 

[mojo31]

Utilities

Ryan Houlihan

A player with genuine kicking skills. Ability to kick difficult goals on the run as well as pin point a pass (usually to Fev). Will turn the ball over and some of that is down to a lack of concerntration and other times down to attempting the difficult kick.
Not unhappy when he does try to do that as he can break the game up when he brings it off. If everyone plays safe and there are no turnovers then all that will happen is we kick to congestion and packs all the time and allow teams to flood back.
So natural for turnovers to happen at times but don’t want any from Ryan when he lazily goes onto his left foot and attempts the impossible and barely kicks the ball 20 m.

To say he lacks intensity is an understatement. He sometimes looks as if he needs a pillow and a blanket and to have a sleep out there rather than play AFL.

Early on in his career he played as a forward where his skills were best used. Moved back in the last few years and been less successful.
Not fit enough to play as a permanent midfielder and not capable of clearing the ball or applying enough defensive pressure to play there for large amounts of the game.
Is on a sizable contract (no need for me to say how much it is as we don’t want Carlton BF members to cry) and this runs out this year. Basically untradable with that hanging around his head and his level of performance in 2005.
Therefore was sent back to the reserves for ‘reprogramming” to change his ways. To not shirk the issue (Lance Franklin incident) and to chase and tackle and get his body in line at all times with the ball. Use his deceptive pace to accelerate. Really put the foot down when he gets the ball and settle for kicking. Rather than take a few paces at ¾ pace and be run down or put under pressure.
Learn to run hard and balance up and move onto his right foot and kick through the ball. Rather than run sideways and kick on his left to much.
Could learn a lot from John Platten who always did this.

Put him down as a utilty as he really can play on the wing and down back and on the half forward flank.

He has improved his running times this year and is training much much harder.

Looks set for a midfield role at times this year. As long as he shows improved intensity then he is capable of doing it with increased endurance. Would play him forward of the centre and run him through the midfield sometimes. Rather see him in open spaces delivering the ball rather than in packs.

2006 : Improved attitude will mean he will play most of the year.
Future : Another year like 2005 means he will be traded or delisted.


Matty Lappin


Silky smooth player. Unusual kicking action but rarely misses a target with his field kicking or shooting for goal. Torpedo specialist. Pace has dropped a little but still smart enough to get away with it. Can be caught out on stronger and quicker opponents. Lovely footwork in close to side step players. Goodvision and a decioson makler. One of the very few players we have that has poise and is prepared to run and carry the ball and wait for the right option.
Will back himself in.

Can play at either end setting up play on the half back line as well as going forward and being damaging.

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.

Looked set to leave after bad advice from his manager (Ron Joseph as per normal for him). Changed his mind and settled for a reasonable deal for both parties. Would not have been good for him to leave after turning his back on a huge deal afew years ago from Richmond to suddenly leave when we needed him most.
Good trainer around the club and a very good mentor for the younger players. Much admired player who has turned his life and career around since coming across to Carlton.

Can play anywhere. Think he playts his best football down back but losing a little pace he might have toi go forward like he did in 2005. Can take a big mark for his size. Completely unique player who despite his size is able to not get killed week after week.

We need his class and skills for the next few years as we are severly lacking in that regard. Different player on the track now in the pre season and the drama of 2005 is forgotten. Back to his old ways and set for a good year.

2006 : Back to 2004 form if his body holds up.
Future : 2 good years out of him and see how his body is holding up.


Ian Prendergast


Terrific bloke. Got everything he can out of himself. Will give his best at all times. But has to many limitations. Not big enough to ruck where he would be best suited. Not good enough to play KPP. A really poor kick of the ball which rules out a midfield role and is slow over the first few meters which gets him caught out/
A big body who shows the way on the track and in games and allows protection for the kids in the VFL and the AFL when needed.
Endurance athlete who has never managed to improve his kicking enough to hurt other teams and allow himself more game time. Misjudges the flight of the ball and does not take enough marks around the ground for his size.
Would seem to be suited to playing down back on a tall and letting his running ability be used. However he seems lost down there and lacks agility. Gets turned around by opponents and is slow to react. Football slow.

Put him down as an utilty not because of his versatility but because I cannot find a position for him at AFL level. Injuries or not in 2006.

2006: Might play 1 or 2 games in the senior side.
Future : Thanks for the service Ian. Hopefully you stick around with the Bullants in the future.


Lance Whitnall (moved from earlier write up)


The saga that is Big Red. Re-signed for less money and a 2 year deal after coming out of contract. Had a good year in 2005 and finished 3rd in the best and fairest.

Was played forward at the start of the year and moved back as the season went on. Did not really play tight on his opponent but zoned off and played as an attacking defender.
Used the ball very well and set up play. Vision and field kicking are usually spot on. Holds his head and poise under pressure and has true football smarts.

Struggled up forward when the ball was not kicked to advantage and had to be moved back to get some value out of him.
His kicking for goal was really bad and he has a shocking hook foot when having a set shot. Has not worked hard enough on this aspect of his game and was a better kick for goal as a teenager than he is now.

Is a great organizer out on the field and his use of his body in some situations is sublime. A real touch player with tap ons and great hands.
Just does not have the athleticism to beat his opponent enough up forward or keep up with an opponent down back enough. In our side with a poor midfield and a lack of skill we don’t get enough out of him.

Constant weight battles over the years and some wear and tear on his knees has not helped. Has to be judged by how many contests he gets to and needs to be at his absolute peak fitness to do himself justice. Otherwise he will be exploited by opponents and cause the coaching staff huge match up problems.

Has had a mild case of OP in the pre season and got a touch of it last year which means he cant do all training sessions and needs some swimming/bike riding midweek to rest. Will always be on a modified program which is not a problem if he is disciplined with his diet.

Pleased to see he is progressing well and looks set for a good year if he does not get injured. Will likely play down back at times and up forward depending on team needs and his form.

Not in the leadership group for 2006.


2006 : Another top 5 in the best and fairest beckons if his fitness holds.
Future : Depending on form and young player development he could be surplus to needs over the next few years. Wont play longer than 4 years at most anyway with his body type.

 

[mojo31]

Rucks left to go.

They are tall and they get tap outs.

The end.

 

[mojo31]

Rucks left to go.

They are tall and they get tap outs.

The end.

Okay have expanded a little on this. They are all still tall though. Not retracting that statement at all.

Rucks

Barnaby French

Much improved player since coming across from Port Adelaide. Provides a physical contest in the middle and we are a 5 goal better team when he plays. The games he has missed in the last 2 years has basically coincided with Carlton being uncompetive.

Is a leader out on the field and a barometer for the club. Always encouraging others and providing the body work we need. Improved his tap work and was flying in the first few games in 2005 before getting injured.
Superbly fit and regularly beats some of the midfielders in the time trials. Worked on his kicking but it is still effective rather than classy.
Would like to see some more marks taken around the ground but it is not a natural thing for French. More as a ruck who plays a kick behind play or following around another ruckman.
Not a player wjho likes the limelight but would just babout me our moist important player. We lack onfield leadership and he gives us that on the ground as well as good ruckwork and some presence out on the ground.
Is 30 but is still improving and barring any more knee injuries will play for at least another 3 years. We need to give him a rest every quarter and make sure we don’t work him into the ground. Because if he does get injured then we are looking at another spoon almost definitely if he misses a significant part of the year.

2006 : First choice ruck. 22 games and improved form.
Future : Injuries to his knees will decide how long he plays.


Aisake O’hAilpin

Looking at him at training this year for the first time I had to check it was Aisake. The tall beanpole had been replaced with an even taller player and the beanpole had developed muscles. 10kgs heavier and grown to 203 cms.
Smooth mover and smooth skills. Not awkward like his brother and is a much more natural player. Same desire as Setanta to do every single session and anything extra the club will let him.
A huge leap which blew me away when I saw him doing the ruck drills with Dempsey and the bags. Biggest leap at the club and was able to finish almost top 10 in the time trials.
Is improving his ruck skills and is able to tap both hands comfortable. Rarely misses at target by foot. Of course still is lost in games with new situations but is improving rapidly.
Lovely skills and a clean grab of the ball. Nothing awkward about him. Superb trainer and both he and his brother have increased the enthusiasm and desire around the club immensly.
Will need to continue to bulk up and continue his development. Is a long term ruck and needs to play there whenver possible. Might be ready for some VFL this year and would like to see him playing VFL reserves also and playing most of the game apart from a brief rest.
Does not get down on himself like Setanta who is the more intense individual.

2006: VFL and VFL Reserves in the ruck.
Future : Is able to be retained on the rookie list for another year as he is an international rookie. Wont be ready for AFL in 2007 so would make sense to keep him there as far as list management goes. Think he will make it. Terrific long term thinking from the club and taking a chance.


Daniel Batson

Going into his second and final year on the rookie list. From country Victoria (long way from Melb) and is a shy and introverted person. Well liked around the club. Hard worker and very coachable.
Is an absolute giant at well over 2 meters and has bulked up significantly in the pre season. Still only 19 and will take a long long time before he is ready for the AFL. A project player and well suited to the rookie list. Runs in a slightly awkward manner and at times looks a bit lost out on the ground.
His kicking skills are fine at training but during games he struggles to drop the ball and needs a long time to get his kick away. Consequently he gets caught a lot. Not physical enough yet and just growing into his body and learning how to use it.
Was only playing VFL reserves. A huge step up to AFL standard but what he does have is the size and work ethic to make it. Not really overly athletic but has enough to get by as long as his ruck skills improve and he learns to use all of his size for maximum benefit.
He is exactly where he should be at his size and age as far as development goes. Most young rucks wil take a long time. Anybody who is expecting much more has unrealistic expectations of him.
Even if he does make it might be 5 years of being ready for AFL. That’s the nature of players at his size.


2006 : VFL reserves and a run in the VFL depending on injuries. Needs game time and to be played in the ruck. Better to do it at VFL reserves level and not on the bench in the VFL.
Future : Might make it but will need to improve a lot. Good chance of being promoted at the end of the year. But would still be a few years of AFL level even when promoted to the senior list.


Dylan McLaren


PSD pick up for Carlton. Undersized ruck and basically KPP size and not overly built. Tremendous bloke and has fitted in well. Honest player who gives his all and will keep working regardless of the position of the game. Good leap and very athletic. Good pace and endurance. Competes but is limited in the ruck. Pushed aside to much but cant be helped with his lack of bodysize.
A decent judge of the tap outs and it is not for that he is beaten but for bigger player jumping over him. Does his best work around the ground and providing a contest. Something we sorely lack. Has played back before at Brisbane. Not really shown an ability to take a strong mark and is a more defensive rather than someone who will kick goals.
Not sure it is a step forward for the club in going after him. I realize we desperately need a back up for French and they need to play now but just don’t feel McLaren is the right player. Right age and yes he is a ruck from a very strong club. Passes the character test and has the work ethic we need. Just don’t think he is good enough long term to add much. I know the club went after a few other ruckmen and would have preferred a few others.

2006 ; Play most games in the AFL.
Future : Will struggle in 3 years to be on the list.


Chris Bryan

Suprising late draft pick in 2004. Finally got himself into the shape needed to be put onto an AFL list and is a mature aged recruit at 23 at the time.
His trademark is his huge roost of the ball. Beautiful field kick and has some touch with it also to be able to pinpoint a low pass from 50m away easily.
Small for a ruck and struggled to get his hand to the ball against some of the giants of the AFL. Misjudges his timing when going up for the tapouts to much and also does not keep his body in line enough. Consequently other teams had numerous easy tap outs against him and the ball was swept clear too easily.
Brushed aside to easily for a player of his size and continually nudged under the ball in boundary throwins.
Needs more core strength to hold his ground and keep his centre of gravity lower and set himself before the ball is thrown in. Then move and stretch up when the ball is in flight and not get caught out.

Showed some signs of having good hands and being able to take really clean and strong marks with an honest jump at the ball. Looked sensational in the Sydney game on debut where he was able to clear the ball from the stoppages and rove from his own tap outs. Did not really show this skill to much after that game and needs to do more around the ground and use his decent mobility and long kicking to advantage.
Got short arms which does not help him either.

Not a great leap. It will come down to timing for him and being able to stay in the contest.
Would like to see a more physical game from him and better use of his body to clear the path for other players. Shepherding and some strong tackling and second efforts.

Has put on more size and improved his fitness in the pre season. Will need to be taking some strong marks up forward and kicking some goals to justify a position in the AFL team. A back up ruck at best but will need to develop those skills more but also to take every opportunity he gets to kick goals.
On the last year of his contract this year. Will need to improve by 25% to get another 1.

2006 : Backup ruck. A few games. Will need to kick goals and do more around the ground to play more than that.
Future : Will have to move in front of Deluca (is not in the coaches eyes at the moment) who has a 2 year deal at least to get another contract. Long term must develop as a marking target.





All the rucks will benefit from the appointment of Gary Dempsey. More 1 on 1 sessions and tactical work on body positioning and around the ground work.
Especially Aisake and Batson who are thriving.
Dempsey might be an old man but does not stop him from showing up most of them (apart from French) on a pretty regularly basis with everything he knows.
Would have liked Rehn but Dempsey is a good appointment by Carlton.


All done now.

Anybody have any criticisms (be gentle please) or want some more detail (surely not) or want to ask something else then go ahead and when I have time I am happy to try my best.
I concentrated more on the senior players rather than the kids drafted this year as I already have written about them before.

Looking back I don’t agree with some of the things I wrote and I could have tidied things up a lot but most of it is around the mark. Did not want to fill it with fluff and generic comments but tried to pinpoint areas of improvement needed and where the player fits into the club long term.

 

[Free Willy]

A superb effort & a great read.

Cheers,
Willy.

 

[audas]

Almost got me fired, great work mojo.

lilked the news about aisake. Sounds very exciting future player and you seem to have him pegged squarely as a ruck. Sounds to me like he is more silky than his brother and could really develop into a KPP of sorts.

Would like to hear your thoughts on where we need to aim in recruiting short term as you have mentioned our recruiting efforts several times. On the whole it sounds like we need skilled midfielders (lappin and hoops being adds to this in a couple of years). Who will become Carltons Deisel Williams / Voss ?

Thanks for the insight into Carltons list, has certainly put things in persepctive.

(Still think were gonna win the flag....but I think that every round every year)

 

[Salaryman]

Excellent work Moj, HNY to you as well .

 

[mojo31]

Almost got me fired, great work mojo.

lilked the news about aisake. Sounds very exciting future player and you seem to have him pegged squarely as a ruck. Sounds to me like he is more silky than his brother and could really develop into a KPP of sorts.

Would like to hear your thoughts on where we need to aim in recruiting short term as you have mentioned our recruiting efforts several times. On the whole it sounds like we need skilled midfielders (lappin and hoops being adds to this in a couple of years). Who will become Carltons Deisel Williams / Voss ?

Thanks for the insight into Carltons list, has certainly put things in persepctive.

(Still think were gonna win the flag....but I think that every round every year)

Will write up a brief report on the prospects for next years draft. Keeping in my mind its a long way away and things can change pretty dramatically in a year. Will be in the "2006 crop' thread.
Any questions then put them there.

 

[DIG]

Who are you REALLY Mojo?? Mr Pagan? Mr Kernahan?!

Top job.

 

[SurreyBlue]

Very enjoyable read Mojo. Well done and thanks.

 

[bluesfan]

Great work Mojo!! I really enjoyed the read of that....good as gold!!
Keep up the good work.

 

[bmaurizio]

Just great stuff, Mojo. A pleasure to read.

 

[Muji]

Thank god we have Mojo

 

[Mr.Kennedy]

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.

MOJO I really appreciate the effort you put into this.Top read.Ta

 

[mojo31]

I am rewriting the "list breakdown". Not happy with some of it and found it a bit hard to read when looking back.
Will write it like the Footydraft with a strengths/weaknesses/comment format. Will keep the old write up still there for reference.

First up I have done the key defenders. Comments as always are welcome.

Then will put up some more draft profiles for the kids to look out for in 2006.

 

[mojo31]

- Key Defenders


Bret Thornton

22 years old. 69 career games.
16 games in 2005.

Strengths: Quality KP defender possessing good strength and fine athleticism. Overall has shown in his career to have good disposal and very good endurance. Plays above his height and body size and competes very well. Rarely beaten and judges the flight of the ball well. Reacts quickly and is rarely caught out. Capable of playing at full back and centre half back.
Very athletic and versatile and can play on smaller opponents as well as the bigger guys.
Has good agility and second efforts and is a natural defender.

Weaknesses : Prior to 2005 there were not many. However last year his disposal was not of a high standard. His tendency to lose his cool when the opponent marked the ball and blame opponents was poor for team morale.
Beaten in many 1 on 1 contests that normally he would expect to win. Smallish for a key defender and competes well but is still undersized for some of the power forwards. Lacks explosive pace and is only fair over the first few steps.
Needs to work on his tackling technique also. Far to much arms and hands rather than a real body effort and drive through with the hips and take the player down.

Comment : Injuries and a lack of defensive accountability by the midfield made his job very hard in 2005. Getting injured and never really getting back to full fitness and confidence. The back 6 as a whole were terrible and lacked cohesion and played for survival rather than as a unit. Bret needs to realize he is a leader down there and players look to him for guidance and for the example. No more tantrums over a mistake made by a teammate and cold hard professionalism is needed.
More encouragement and voice to the other defenders about who to pick up and where to run and when to switch opponents is needed for him to take the next step and become a leader.
Prefer him at CHB rather than FB and on the move rather than stationary. Not suited to playing on quick leading forwards and short sharp leads. Better on Ryan O’Keefe, Ashley Hansen workhorses rather than fast leaders in Mark Williams and Luke McPharlin.
Not suited either by playing on the true power forwards in Jonathan Brown and Warren Tredrea.

2006 : CHB at AFL level. If Livingston can’t handle FB then might be forced to play there and Lance moved to CHB.
Future : As youngsters develop who are bigger and stronger he can move over to playing the third tall defender and gathering more and more of the ball. Running downfield and monstering smaller opponents while he sets up play.


Luke Livingston

23 years old. 41 games.
9 games in 2005.

Strengths : Very powerful and has built himself up to be an impressive looking unit and is 100kgs now. Strong and works very hard at improving himself. Still young for a power player and relatively inexperienced. Very quick after the first few steps and suited to playing on the last line at either back pocket or full back. Plays well on David Neitz a number of times and also held the lightning quick Luke McPharlin to 1 goal.

Weaknesses : Poor kick who has improved it but is still very limited and basically left to kicking short to a free player. Shortish for a key postion player. Lacks agility to turn or to go with players who make multiple leads and zig zag. Slow to react and read the flight of the ball. Not composed and drops his head when he makes a mistake or gets a poor umpiring decision. Not capable of matching up on forward who make long and multiple leads as he lacks aerobic fitness. Gets worn down by those type of opponents. The coaching staff don’t seem to have a lot of faith in him and was dropped after his form at the time did not warrant it.

Comment : On his last chance this year. Had injuries and plenty of excuses but is on a 1 year deal. Dropped at the end if the year and his form in the VFL the last few weeks was poor. Suited to playing on power players and uses his body well and is quick for his size. Looked to have really improved in the Wizard Cup only to get injured and lose his confidence as the season went on.
Terrific person who needs confidence and some luck with injuries and might suddenly believe in himself some more and blossom. Players of his type often take a long time and can look a bit ordinary while they are developing.
Forget the Pagan comments in the media about Luke. If he rated him he would not be on a 1 year deal and would not have been dropped at the end of the year.
Is a very limited player and has many shortcomings and will need to improve a lot to get a new contract in 2006.

2006 : Get a chance early on in the seniors and if he does not take it will be sent back to the VFL and then likely be delisted if there are no clubs interested in him.
Future : Less than 50% of being on the list beyond this year.


Adam Hartlett

19 years old. Yet to play AFL.
Pick 25 in the 2004 draft.

Strengths : In a word it is size. He is a legitimate key position size at 195cms and after some hard work in the gym he is 96kgs and still going. Has natural aggression at the player and ball and has a hard physicality to his game. Plays the game a little bit on the edge and that suits him and contrasts with the more passive Livingston.
Tremendous kick of the ball and would just be behind only Chris Bryan as far as distance at Carlton. Very good leap and capable of playing at both ends of the ground and showed that in junior football.
Uses his body and size well and especially strong through the legs and hips in holding his ground and not getting pushed under the ball. Handled Stephen Jurica in a VFL game when he was rampant at the time. Anybody who has seen the former AFL would know how big and strong he is and Adam was able to more than match him in the body contests. Confident player who will back his ability in and has a touch of arrogance.

Weaknesses : His body has shown itself to be injury prone before getting drafted. Then had a serious knee injury before the season even started in his first year and then played a few games only to get injured again. Not fit enough in his first year and not worked hard enough on that aspect of his game. High opinion of himself and might think he is more advanced than he really is. Can be caught ball watching and seem a bit lost in the backline. Has a tendency to fly for his marks rather than punch when playing as a defender.

Comment : Training well and looks up to standard. Fitness has improved out of sight and his second efforts and agility. Still retains a good leap despite his knee injury and kicking and seems to be no real lasting effects of the surgery apart from having to ice it. The writing was on the wall for him with the selection of Bower, Edwards and Saddington and seems to have taken it the right way and showing more intensity and efforts in the pre season.
Will get a key back post in the NAB cup and if he impresses will be inline for senior selection come round 1. Like to see him take the kickins regardless of if he plays VFL or AFL and use his long kicking to break teams zones and force them to alter there set up.
Will be battling with Livingston for a position in the senior team. If his body holds up I think will be the one who will be playing in the AFL at the end of the season and Luke relegated to the VFL.

2006 : NAB cup and if impressive will get senior games.
Future : All reliant on his fitness and having an injury free run to show what ability he has got. Physically he has all the tools to be a KPP and has the added edge of a superb long kick and versatility.


Paul Bower

18 years old.
Pick 20 from the 2005 draft.

Strengths: Very good size for his age. Fantastic build for AFL and while still skinny will really fill out and become a very powerful player. Had a very good U18 Championships and was named at CHB in the All Australian side. Showed himself to have real attacking flair and capable of running off opponents and taking players on. Backs himself in and did not lack for confidence. Good kick on both sides of his body and overall has good disposal. Form after the Championships for Peel Thunder in the WAFL was also of a high standard and continued his improvement. Large scope for improvement and given time will be a natural attacking CHB capable of playing on big opponents. Agile player with good footwork and pace. Held his own on the bigger and older Josh Kennedy in the WAFL Colts grand final and showed himself to have the ability to play on aggressive power players.

Weaknesses : Lacks some strength in his body at this stage. Having just turned 18 this is understandable. Can attack a little bit too much at times and get caught out with a quick turnover. Will need to grow a bit and fill out to be a key position defender. Always a bit of a risk that players will do this.
Better second efforts are needed from him also when the balls hits the ground. Not a huge mark of the ball either and does not look like he could develop into a key forward at this stage.
Better at zoning off rather than playing really tight.

Comment : Will he huge when he fills out and hopefully he can grow another few cms as well. Likely the best key defender in the draft and has real flair and an offensive game and is a modern style defender. Something we sorely lack at Carlton with some of our 1 dimensional defenders. As he physically develops I don’t believe he will have a problem in the 1 on 1 contests and more than hold his own. This can be improved more easily that trying to teach a player to attack out of the backline and read the play. An AFL gym will be all he needs and a birthday or 2 to become a quality CHB. Wont be ready for the senior team until next year and would like to see him given a variety of roles in the VFL and played at full back and half back and even the wing to round out his game. Take the long term approach with him rather than trying to get him to quickly up to the level to play seniors.

2006 : Third tall defender in the VFL.
Future : CHB in the AFL. A taste in 2007 at AFL level.


Jason Saddington

26 years old. 142 career games.
7 games in 2005.


Strengths : Versatile and surprisingly tall at 194cms and well built. Very good disposal and has vision and awareness. Played wing at Sydney and also up forward and then tried to be converted in a CHB before getting a knee injury.
Can play on smaller opponents and will provide an attacking option on the rebound and be prepared to back himself and set up play.
A high possession winner for his size and capable of taking contested marks. However all this was before his knee injuries.

Weaknesses : Struggled last year and looked slow and not fit. Lacked strength in the contest and was unsure of himself. Not really a key defender and lacks real body strength to match it on the powerful players. Took an eternity to turn and change direction last year even on the small SCG ground and will not find it any easier in Victoria and especially at Telstra Dome with the shifting ground.
Coming of a full knee reconstruction it is to be expected that he does not look up to pace in his comeback year. Darren Gaspar was the same in 2004 before bouncing back last year and looking much faster and agile.

Comment : In a weak draft and for pick 52 he is a good pickup. Sydney paying half of his wage makes it even better. Will show the way with his attitude and be composed on the field. Coming from a strong club with a reputation for team oriented football and hard work hopefully some of this will rub off on his young teammates. A class player before knee injuries and his body will determine how much value he will be.
Is only just into full training now after knee soreness and hamstring problems in the pre season. Will have to be managed very carefully and need a modified program to reduce stress on his knee.
Realistically he would be unlikely to get back to his form prior to injuries.

2006 : 3rd tall defender in the AFL and a pinch hit key defender.
Future : Unlikely his body will stand up and might well last only the 2 years of his current contract.

 

[Pivot]

Busy at work mojo?

Good job!

 

[mojo31]

Medium Defenders

Trent Sporn

23 years old. 41 AFL games.
11 games in 2005.


Strengths : Showed himself capable of playing on the medium sized forwards so far in his career. Plays tight and is very disciplined. Is a good size and has reasonable body strength. Still inexperienced and has struggled with injury for a few years and never really been able to string enough consecutive games together to show if he is up to standard. Reasonable over head but not outstanding. Kicking skills are competent rather than silky. This is all prior to 2005 when he took a huge step backwards and I would struggle to be able to say 1 good thing about him.

Weaknesses : Pace off the mark to go with his leading forwards or resting midfielders. Fumbles the ball and has poor hands. With injuries he has lost running power and his second and third efforts are just not there. Pushed off the ball far to easily for his size and is not physical enough. Turns the ball over to the point now where he hardly attempts a difficult kick and is just short passing or kicking to a contest. He could get the ball 30 times in a game and still barely have an influence on it. Has not developed the inside part of his game and to be able to tag and win the ball himself. His opponent loses him in traffic and is slow to react to the flight of the ball when playing deep in the backline.

Comment : An in between size and not able to match it with key position players or with smaller quicker opponents. Consequently he seems to have no position at AFL level even in a poor side. His body has really let him down and he has lost pace and all confidence. Prior to last year he looked a competent medium defender and perhaps the injuries and a lack of a pre season are to blame for these things. However you can’t get away with fumbling the ball the way Sporn does and expect to keep getting chances. His disposal is not up to standard and he is not hard enough at the ball. On the last year of his contract and would need to be a regular in the senior side to get another chance after that.
Is training quite well and his body is holding up so far in the pre season so that is a positive for him. Another 1 of these players around this age who have not improved and have had enough experience, pre seasons and preparation to show what they have got. The problem is that he was a better player 3 years ago than he is now and is going backwards.

2006 : Depth player and perhaps 5 AFL games.
Future : Unlikely to get another contract and his days look numbered.



Jordan Bannister


23 years old. 36 AFL games.
5 games in 2005.


Strengths : Very fit and has good endurance. Deceptively tall at 190cms and has a very good build for AFL. Versatile player who has shown himself capable of tagging and also playing down back on marking forwards. Reads the play okay and has decent pace for his height. Prepared to run and carry the ball. Hard at the contest and disciplined and is a very good trainer with a first class attitude.
Good tackler and has a good technique and will block and shepherd and do the small team things. Finished the year well in the VFL and was dominating down back and read the play well.

Weaknesses : Disposal is not good enough and he turns the ball over far to much.
Does not win enough of the ball and is pushed around when playing on similar sized players in marking contests. Not strong enough in his legs and explosive enough to change direction quickly and keep up with more agile players. Lacks that burst over a few meters and most forwards are able to separate themselves from him on a lead. When he tags he gets side stepped to easily.
Reads well with his physical characteristics but he does not really use his height to advantage. Does not play tall with it and really cant be sued to pinch hit on key position players as he is not strong enough to match them. The quicker midsized forwards who he should be matching up on are to elusive for him.

Comment : Built himself up some more in the pre season and making some noise about playing as a key defender. I would think this is a mistake and would like to see him develop as a tagger. This is where he played his best football at AFL level in 2004 where he looked like becoming a competent player. I realise he can dominate at VFL level down back but he is not up to standard as tall defender at senior level. Needs to play a run with role on less explosive players and do that job week in and week out. Use his size around the contest and provide physicality as well as even more of the 1%ers. This requires more pace and endurance rather than gym work and don’t think he is going about it the right way.
Time will tell but a tagger is needed at Carlton and there is no obvious candidate and Bannister is as good as any after impressing in 2004 with that role.

2006 : 5 to 10 games.
Future : If he is not playing the last few games of the season in the seniors then he is gone.



Jordan Russell

19 years old. 1 AFL game in his first year.
Pick 9 in the 2004 draft.

Strengths : Quick player who is tall and versatile. Played senior football before getting drafted even with a skinny body. Mature attitude and is a modest and very coachable. A good kick when he has time and space on both sides of his body. Judges the flight of the ball well and was rarely caught out in his first year playing VFL. Capable of playing on smaller quick opponents and had the agility, pace and discipline to more than match them. Beat his opponents nearly all the time and showed he had good defensive skills and stuck to his task well.

Weaknesses : When drafted it was as a tall midfielder/wing and not as a half back flanker. He was unable to win enough of the ball in that role and was consequently sent to play down back on small forwards. This is a concern but it is his first year and some players do take sometime to find their feet and settle in and understand their role and the reading of the play at a higher level. His hands were not fantastic either in contested situations but did improve as the season went on. Kicking was also not quality when rushed and pressured. Did not show enough flair and to provide an option out of the backline. More run and carry was needed.

Comment : Pleased to say that he looks a different prospect so far in the pre season. Really put on some weight and lost the quiet conservative approach. Using his voice at training and is up the front in the running drills and competing much better in the bodywork drills. Kicking has improved and looks much more confident in himself. How much he improves on his reading of the play and winning the ball will be the next hurdle for him. Physically he has really come on and is ready for AFL now and will have to show he has the football smarts to go with his obvious athletic abilities. Developed the defensive side to his game and now needs to bring some flair and creativity his game. Running the lines and breaking open the game and attacking.

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

 

[av76]

Thanks for entertaining stuff Mojo.
Is there anyone here with who knows who is in charge of CFC website? This is the sort of stuff that should be next to each players bio. Not the three line descriptions that don't get updated. It should be like the Lions sitew where you get a long detailed history of each player.

 

[mojo31]

Thanks for entertaining stuff Mojo.
Is there anyone here with who knows who is in charge of CFC website? This is the sort of stuff that should be next to each players bio. Not the three line descriptions that don't get updated. It should be like the Lions sitew where you get a long detailed history of each player.

My profiles might be a little to "realistic" for an official club website.

 

[mojo31]

Medium Defenders (continued)


David Teague

24 years old. 76 AFL games.
21 games in 2005.


Strengths: Courageous and tough. Can be a real inspiration to his teamates to see him keep his eyes on the ball and run back and not know what is coming. Then take a strong mark and relieve the pressure. Lifts the crowd and the team. Something he did many times in 2004 along the way to winning the best and fairest that year.
Reads the play very well and zones off and is capable of helping out other defenders. Being the third man up in the marking contest to either take a clean mark or punch the ball decisively away. Reasonable endurance for a defender and runs games out well. Anticipates well and is not caught out very often. Reliable player who is steady rather than brilliant.

Can play taller than his 187cms and has a strong body and is rarely outmarked by similar sized players. Lead the Blues again in the 1%ers (shepherds, blocks etc) and really does excel in his second efforts and small team things that really do make a difference.
Has a terrific attitude and gives his all in every single game he has played at Carlton. An admired and well respected player.


Weaknesses: Lacks pace and especially over the first few steps. This means he can be exploited by quick leading players. Gets dragged deeper by opponents who turn the contest in a stop and sprint for the ball. He is better suited to the half back line and to be in motion rather than at a standstill. Something clubs are realising now by making his matchup stand in the goalsquare and do 1 quick long lead.
Good for his height of 187cms but he is still no key position backman and cannot expect to be.
Has below average disposal and is not able to kick the ball very far. Limited to short passing or kicking to a contest and is unable to be relied upon to spot up a player 50m away and hit them. Does not really kick through the ball and there is a long of hang time in his long kicking.
Not really a player who runs off his opponent and sets up play.
Confidence was way down last year and his from was a long way from the previous year. Beaten regularly by his opponents and teams worked him over and refused to let him zone off and made him accountable.


Comment : Needs to regain confidence and stop playing for survival. He is a senior play now and less experienced and younger players will look to him for confidence and composure. More running off his opponent is needed to set up some play. It’s a lot easier to run downfield when Carlton have the ball and either tire his opponent out with chasing or get them dragged if they don’t. Rather than sit back and let someone else do it then watch as his quicker opponent beats him on the lead next time. He is never going to be as quick as a Russel Robertson but what he can do is to try make it as hard for them as possible but making them run all over the field when he has the ball. Thereby making it more of an aerobic contest rather than a sprint. Stacks the odds much more in his favour as the game wears on. I would like to see him played on the half back line and not in the goalsquare and for the right matchup to be sought for him rather than keep him on the field against opponents he is not suited to. That destroyed his confidence last year and needs to be looked at.
Needs to play back himself in and leave his man also to take a mark or help his someone else. Like he did in 2004 when he was at his best.

Will need to make changes to his game if he is going to survive over the next few years. The game is getting quicker and teams will not allow him to float around and take easy marks and do as he pleases. He and the coaches have responded to this by having him trim down and increase his pace and endurance over the pre season. Hopefully this will go a long way to helping him return to his best and fairest form.
Re-signed on a 2 year deal at the end of the year. Not sure I would have done this and might have offered a 1 year deal and see how his form is this year. Getting dropped due to poor form in a wooden spoon side is not something he should be happy about and the sort of thing that would have been in my mind if I was negotiating a contract with him.


2006: Will start the season on the half back flank in the AFL and 2004 form will see him play the full season. 2005 form will see him play large chunks of VFL games.
Future: I think his days are limited. Two years with his current contract while the kids develop and then when they are ready he may well be squeezed out.

 

[av76]

My profiles might be a little to "realistic" for an official club website.

Yeah but you could make it more user friendly. Houlihan could be described as having "great evasive skills". Or maybe Prenderghast could be "valued for his body work."

Anyway...good reading.

 

[mojo31]

Medium Defenders

Jake Edwards

18 years old.
Pick 36 in the 2005 Draft.

Strengths: Is very quick and explosive in a straight line. Quite well developed physically for someone who has just turned 18 and is just under 192cms and 82kgs. Capable of playing on key position players and mediums with his speed and also played up forward for the Western Jets in the TAC.
Very good mark and has a good leap and reads the flight of the ball well and anticipates.
Versatile and really could end up at either end in a few years when he has fully developed and had a 2 pre seasons.
Works very hard at his game and was well thought of at the Jets who liked his attitude in games and around the club. Confident in himself but was a good team player who was prepared to play anywhere for the coaching staff in a pretty weak side.
At the testing conducted at Mt Bulla he was the quickest at the club over 20m to give an idea about his speed.
Been impressive in training so far and his body work and ability to match players on the lead and in the air is of a good standard already.


Weaknesses : Needs to work on his aerobic capacity to go with his electric pace. Agility is only fair at this stage and will need to get quicker to turn and change direction to match his likely opponents at AFL level. His kicking needs work and is adequate rather than good and will need to improve. If it does he could well look at a forward position as he develops with his good marking and speed.
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.


Comment : Good pick from Wayne Hughes in a weak draft. Deemed best available and seeing him now that looks about right. I think he will be suited to playing as a forward and matching them physically. Developing his game to eventually become a good rebounding defender with the pace and confidence to take players on. Might develop into a full back with another cm or 2 and be suited to that position with his speed off the mark and good spring. Needs 2 pre seasons to really develop his body and get core strength and the endurance and agility to round himself out. The kicking will need time also and he does have the right attitude to do all the extra sessions to improve.
At the moment he would be better suited to the half back flank but if he really fills out and grows then full back would be suitable for him. Depending on what the club wants to do with Adam Hartlett in the future and whether he makes the grade.

2006: play VFL and mainly as a medium defender. Might squeeze a game at the end of the season if there are injuries.
Future : Defender long term on leading players.


Craig Flint

18 years old.
Rookie selection in 2005.

Strengths : Uses his body well and plays above his size. Very clever in his positioning and was rarely beaten in the TAC last year. Versatile defender who uses football smarts and anticipation rather than athletic ability to match players. Old fashioned style defender in that regard rather than a pure athlete who needs to be taught the game.
Prepared to show some rebound out of the backline. Has leadership and showed it for Gippsland Power and was able to organise the defenders about matchups and positioning. Has some presence about him and his work with Terry Daniher has shown he could become a good versatile medium defender in the future.

Weaknesses : Not overly athletic and not really key position size at 190cms. At TAC level he gets away with it but not sure he will be able to at in the AFL. Kicking is reasonable but he is hardly likely to cut teams up with it. Pretty light on and while strong will be pushed around in marking contests. Not really a big leap and spoils with timing and anticipation. That may not work on players who will jump way over the top of him with more spring and size in the AFL.

Comment : Not a flashy player but is effective. Needs to squeeze every bit of athleticism out his body. More pace and spring and add some serious weight and become more powerful. A lot to ask but he will need it at his height to make it as a defender. 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.

2006 : Just about anywhere in the backline at VFL level depending on team needs.
Future : Plenty of young defenders at the club now and will need to really impress to be retained or promoted at the end of this year.