Review Mid season player assessment

[Alfred E Neuman]

Good post eth-dog. Like many others, I'd give Bags and Green and McNiece a B or B+ and an A for BJ.

 

[Alfred E Neuman]

Surprised we are not top 4 with so many near perfect seasons for our players.

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Considering you automatically attack everything Eth writes, this must be a great post if all you could quibble about was the "so many near perfect seasons for our players" - 5 BTW according to eth, and I'm not sure which of the five you'd mark down keeping in mind that his ratings are relative to expectations.

 

[Gumby2Hurley]

Think Hurley deserves to be a tier under Goddard/Merrett/Daniher. His kicking and defending were ordinary the first 3 games and was monstered by Walker in round 4.

 

[Snake Charmer]

Pretty good eth. I'd probably have McKenna as an A, Bags a B and probably Mcniece a B.

 

[ant555]

No issue with Hocking's rating but to say he should have retired at the end of last season is a harsh. In fact it is pretty poor really.
It was the club who came begging looking for the first to sign so they had good news. What was he going to say ? no ?
He even showed his loyalty by not pressing the issue for a 2 year deal which has not worked out that well for him now.
You have to remember he was coming off a very limited 2015 as well so the slow start was expected. His VFL form in the last 4 weeks has been as good as anyone. Not saying he should be in the side but he is finding form.
He looks like he is at the end of the line but after all he has given the club to say he should have retired is rubbish!

 

[maskmcgee]

Out: Hocking, Myers, Howlett, Stanton, Watson, Bird, Jerrett, Kelly (Mix of retired/shit)

 

[yaco55]

Think Heppell's season has been under-rated - A few of the inside bulls have produced average games against Essendon - Often they've been matched up on Heppell.

 

[lamaros]

I found some of the comments on players a bit detached from reality, agreeing with ant.

In what world has Francis, who has been flaky even in the VFL, performed remotely close to expectations?

And why the hell were you expecting so much from Jerrett?

Odd ratings.

Personally I fail to see the need to try and narrow it down to a letter. If you're writing a paragraph on each player let the words stand by themselves.

Also, no reason Watson can't go around again.

 

[Blind Turn]

Great read Eth.

Colyer has done enough for C+ based on the criteria. Had a cracking game against Adelaide and I thought he was a great contributor last weekend. Has perhaps not been as electrifying nor consistent as we'd hoped but he has added another dimension to our one-paced midfield.

And for Longy to rate above him based on a few improved VFL performances is a bit of a stretch.

 

[Atavistic]

Langford getting a D+ seems harsh. Seems to have been developing well in the VFL as an inside mid. Surely no worse than Myers.

 

[ant555]

At this stage we should be looking to get Watson and Kelly to sign again.

 

[Summer Nights]

So with the bye coming this week, it's time for the usual mid year assessment for each player. I will go through each individual player and give them a grade which is relative to expectations. For example, Jake Long might have a better rating than Kyle Langford, but that's due to the higher expectations I have for Langford. Run down:

A+: Nearly perfect season so far
A: Excellent season so far
B+: Very good season so far
B: Good season so far
C+: Above average season so far
C: Average season so far
D+: Below average season so far
D: Poor season so far
E+: Very poor season so far
E: Terrible season so far

1. Andrew McGrath

AFL Games: 11
Relevant averages: 19.6 disposals, 3.2 tackles, 2.4 rebound 50's
Overall Grade: A+

Geez this bloke has been impressive defensively and offensively. He's getting the ball and using it well out of defence and shutting down his man every week. Favourite for the Rising Star and has become a fan favourite very quickly.

2. Tom Bellchambers

AFL Games: 4
Relevant averages: 34 hit outs, 3.5 tackles, 4.2 marks
Overall Grade: B

Has come back in with a point to prove. His workrate is up, getting more hit outs and been very aggressive at the stoppage. If he can spend more time forward it will only solidify his place in the side where we know he can be dangerous around goals.

3. Darcy Parish

AFL Games: 10
Relevant averages: 20.6 disposals, 4.4 marks, 2.9 inside 50's
Overall Grade: B

Darcy has just been continuing his improvement from last season. His praise hasn't been as lavish as before but he's just doing what's been expected of him so far this year. Hopefully he hits the scoreboard more often later in the year.

4. Jobe Watson

AFL Games: 11
Relevant averages: 25.6 disposals, 4.6 tackles, 10.3 contested possessions, 5.2 clearances
Overall Grade: B+

After a slow start to the year, Watson has taken a step up to the Watson of old, finding the ball inside a lot and giving it to our outside players advantages. He's still slowed down a lot and it will probably be his last year but it's good to see him back to near his best.

5. Brent Stanton

AFL Games: 7
Relevant averages: 16.1 disposals, 2.9 tackles, 1.7 rebound 50's
Overall Grade: D+

It's probably a bit harsh that I expected more of him than he's producing but Stanton it seems clear that Stanton signed on as a message of solidarity from the boys. He's a legend of the club and it will be his last year, let's hope he can help the VFL boys to a strong finals series.

6. Joe Daniher

AFL Games: 12
Relevant averages: 2.8 goals, 1.4 contested marks, 2.7 marks inside 50
Overall grade: A+

Joe Daniher, what a season it has been for him. After 12 games he has 34 goals and it won't stop there, he's on track for a 63 goal season. Currently third in the coleman and only 1 off the lead he'll be a very big chance of making the All Australian side due to his secondary ruck capabilities.

7. Zachary Merrett

AFL Games: 12
Relevant averages: 32.3 disposals, 5.5 tackles, 4.5 clearances, 3.9 inside 50's
Overall Grade: A+

Zach Merrett is arguably leading the best and fairest right now and has been super consistent all year. His ability to not only win the ball at a stoppage but spread and use the ball well (having the most metres gained of any player) has been elite and looks set to be in the All Australian side this year.

8. Martin Gleeson

AFL Games: 7
Relevant averages: 14.7 disposals, 4 marks, 2 rebound 50's
Overall Grade: C+

Gleeson has had an up and down season. He's been playing well for the most part and has finally settled defensively the past 2 games but has still made some errors with ball in hand. He'll be better post bye I'm sure.

9. Brendan Goddard

AFL Games: 12
Relevant averages: 27.4 disposals, 6 marks, 3.8 tackles, 4 clearances, 2.7 inside 50's
Overall Grade: A+

BJ has flown under the radar a bit but has had a stellar season where he may well be leading the best and fairest, playing inside, outside, doing everything you want from a gun midfielder. This has probably been his best season for the club and it will show in the best and fairest.

10. Aaron Francis

AFL Games: 2
Relevant averages: 0.5 goals, 3.5 marks, 1.5 marks inside 50
Overall Grade: C

Francis hasn't come on like many on here have wanted, hence the low grade. His tank is still not up to the requisite standard at AFL level and will hold him back still, but he's shown signs in the VFL and will be one to watch for 2019.

11. David Zaharakis

AFL Games: 12
Relevant averages: 22.8 disposals, 4.8 tackles, 3.5 inside 50's
Overall Grade: B

Zaka endured an average start to the season but in the past 5 games he's increased his output significantly to the point where he's been amongst the best in all five of them. Now playing that outside/inside midfielder role that he was very good at in the first half of 2016.

12. Mark Baguley

AFL Games: 12
Relevant averages: 2.2 tackles, 3.8 1%ers, 2.6 rebound 50's
Overall Grade: C

Baguley has had an average season so far. I know a few will disagree with this but with 3 poor games and 3 good games and 6 in between it means an average season. He's intercepting the ball better than before but his opponents have gotten off the leash a few times, like Betts and Elliott.

13. Orazio Fantasia

AFL Games: 12
Relevant averages: 2.1 goals, 2.5 tackles, 1.1 goal assists
Overall Grade: A

Raz started the year like a house on fire, averaging 3 goals/game after 5 and playing with great flair. He's dropped off slightly in the goals regard but is still on track for a 45 goal season which would be a great effort for the 22 year old.

14. Jordan Ridley

AFL Games: 0
Relevant Averages: N/A
Overall Grade: N/A

Ridley has only played 2 games at VFL level this year so it's hard to put a grade on him. Doubt we see him this year.

15. Josh Green

AFL Games: 10
Relevant averages: 1.2 goals, 2.9 tackles, 0.9 goal assists
Overall Grade: C+

Green has had some good games, some bad games but the important part for me is that he's only scored multiple goals on 3 occasions so far this year. He needs to hit the scoreboard most games to stay relevant in this side.

16. Josh Begley

AFL Games: 0
Relevant Averages: N/A
Overall Grade: C+

Begley has started the season in a solid fashion in the VFL, kicking 10 goals in his 9 games at the lower level. He seems to be earmarked for a forward/midfield role, similar to someone like Paul Chapman whilst he was at Essendon and Geelong

17. James Stewart

AFL Games: 5
Relevant averages: 1.4 goals, 3.6 marks, 3.2 marks inside 50
Overall Grade: B

Stewart started the season in the VFL and banged the door down for selection, and was rewarded with a gig in round 8. The big man has played the third tall role well since coming up to the seniors, with the forward line functioning the best it's been for a long time, being the most efficient inside 50 in the past 5 rounds.

18. Michael Hurley

AFL Games: 12
Relevant averages: 23.4 disposals, 7.3 marks, 6.8 rebound 50's
Overall Grade: A+

Hurley's first month was good by his standards but not much more, however it all clicked on ANZAC Day and it's been fantastic ever since. He's been in beast mode since then, having the most rebound 50's in the competition and launching Essendon's counter attack.

19. Kobe Mutch

AFL Games: 0
Relevant averages: N/A
Overall Grade: C+

Mutch has had a good start to the VFL season, and has impressed many watchers with his dual-sidedness and ability to make smart decisions in the VFL. May yet see a debut later in the year after being named emergency 3 times.

20. Jackson Merrett

AFL Games: 0
Relevant averages: N/A
Overall Grade: D

Merrett has been tried as a half back but it seems to be destined to fail, he can't crack the team and will ultimately be delisted at years end.

21. Dyson Heppell

AFL Games: 12
Relevant averages: 26.6 disposals, 4.2 tackles, 11.6 contested possessions, 4.1 clearances
Overall Grade: B+

It was a slow start to the season for Heppell but the captain has found his groove since around round 5, now increasing his workload inside and becoming the player we know and love. His second half to the year will be very important for the side

22. Matthew Leuenberger

AFL Games: 6
Relevant averages: 33.8 hit outs, 4.8 tackles, 1.5 marks
Overall Grade: C

Leuenberger has had an up and down season. He didn't play early and when he came back he didn't really push the envelope on making the spot his own. He needs to play well in the VFL for the rest of the year if he wants to get that spot back.

23. David Myers

AFL Games: 6
Relevant averages: 16.2 disposals, 1.5 tackles, 5.5 contested possessions, 1.5 clearances
Overall Grade: C

Myers has been slow starting this season after having a long term injury that kept him out for the first 6 games of the AFL season, and since then he's been slow to get adjusted to the pace of AFL. Given that most of the returning players have had similar issues I think he'll show why they've been keeping the faith post bye.

24. Craig Bird

AFL Games: 0
Relevant averages: N/A
Overall Grade: D+

Bird hasn't enjoyed a fantastic season, but has been doing his part in the VFL and helping the kids develop down there. He'll probably be cut at years end but will go as a premiership player and Essendon fans will be appreciative of his effort in 2016.

25. Alex Morgan

AFL Games: 0
Relevant averages: N/A
Overall Grade: D+

Morgan had a season to forget in 2016, and this season he's improved but is still below where he needs to be from what I've seen. He needs a big second half of the year to stay on the list. Can't see him making his debut this season.

26. Cale Hooker

AFL Games: 12
Relevant averages: 1.9 goals, 6.2 marks, 2.4 contested marks, 2 marks inside 50
Overall Grade: A

Hooker has had a very good season after converting to a key forward. Kicking 23 goals so far, he's on track for a 40 goal season and a big shut up to all the "Hooker is no forward" naysayers (myself included).

27. Mason Redman

AFL Games: 0
Relevant Averages: N/A
Overall Grade: C

Redman debuted last season and has had a solid season this year in the VFL, splitting time between half forward, half back and midfield. He's probably outside our best 30 right now but will be better in 2-3 years time once he gets his muscle mass.

28. Mitch Brown

AFL Games: 4
Relevant averages: 5 marks, 2.8 rebound 50's, 5.2 1%ers
Overall Grade: C+

Brown has been solid when he hasn't been injured, doing the job defensively in his four games this year and will likely come back in after the bye to help our defensive stocks.

29. Patrick Ambrose

AFL matches: 5
Relevant averages: 3.4 marks, 2.2 tackles, 5.2 1%ers
Overall Grade: B+

Ambrose had a great start to the season but a quad injury will keep him out until round 17 and was rewarded with a 2 year contract extension for his great start to the season. Automatic best 22 unless Brown and Michael Hartley can push him out in the next 4-5 weeks.

30. Kyle Langford

AFL Matches: 4
Relevant averages: 1 goal, 4.5 marks, 2.8 tackles, 1.7 marks inside 50
Overall Grade: D+

End of last year many supporters were hopeful of this player stepping up to another level in 2017 but it hasn't eventuated. He's been super recently in the VFL but that isn't what we've wanted, and many are hopeful he can translate that to AFL level post bye.

32. Travis Colyer

AFL Games: 12
Relevant averages: 17.7 disposals, 3 tackles, 3 inside 50's
Overall Grade: C

Colyer's had a down season, he started off like a house on fire but had been disappointing in the past couple of months but let's hope that he can get better after the bye.

33. Jayden Laverde

AFL Games: 0
Relevant averages: N/A
Overall Grade: N/A

Hasn't played a game. Move on.

34. Jake Long

AFL Games: 0
Relevant averages: N/A
Overall Grade: C+

After a slow start to the VFL Long has been electric in the past month and has shut the naysayers who were saying that he was a guarantee to get delisted at the end of the year. He's a big chance of an end of year promotion next year

36. Michael Hartley

AFL Games: 8
Relevant averages: 5.8 marks, 3.4 tackles, 11.2 1%ers
Overall Grade: B

Hartley started the season okay, got dropped, his form dipped upon return but has had a good month or so since then, most recently giving Charlie Dixon a bath in a 70 point victory against Port. Has the most 1%ers per game in the AFL, showing how quality his spoiling is.

37. Dylan Clarke

AFL Games: 0
Relevant averages: N/A
Overall Grade: C+

Clarke has shown some excellent signs in the VFL as a potential extractor for the Dons but his kicking leaves a lot to be desired. He's unlikely to debut this season and will spend most of the season getting his tank up and his kicking better.

38. Sam Draper

AFL Games: 0
Relevant averages: N/A
Overall Grade: C+

Draper has shown incredible signs for a player that only started playing 18 months ago, his ability at the stoppage has many VFL watchers excited and understanding why he was taken at pick 1 of the rookie draft last season.

39. Heath Hocking

AFL Games: 1
Relevant stats: 10 disposals, 3 tackles, 3 clearances
Overall Grade: D

Has been very slow this season, and probably should have retired at the end of last year.

40. Ben Howlett

AFL Games: 4
Relevant averages: 14.5 disposals, 2.8 tackles, 2.8 inside 50's
Overall Grade: D+

Howlett seems to be the first choice player of himself, Bird and Hocking, playing 4 games. He's been okay so far and will probably retain his place on the list.

41. Ben McNiece

AFL Games: 2
Relevant averages: 2.5 tackles, 2.5 rebound 50's, 3.5 1%ers
Overall Grade: C+

McNiece has exceeded expectations so far this season, being a general in defence and shutting down a couple of good small forwards in his couple of AFL games. Look for him to step up in the best 22 next year.

43. Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti

AFL Games: 12
Relevant averages: 1.6 goals, 3.4 tackles, 2.7 inside 50's
Overall Grade: B+

Played most of last season off half back, Walla has been great forward in his last 13 games (last game last year was forward), kicking 23 goals. This season he's on track to kick nearly 40 goals as a secondary small forward, which would be an amazing effort.

44. Shaun McKernan

AFL Games: 2
Relevant averages: 24.5 hit outs, 4 marks, 3 tackles
Overall Grade: C

McKernan is an okay 3rd in line ruck. However after 9 seasons in the AFL, time must have run out on his career.

45. Conor McKenna

AFL Games: 8
Relevant averages: 16.9 disposals, 2.8 rebound 50's, 1.1 running bounces
Overall Grade: B+

McKenna had a couple of okay games to start but after being shown the faith to keep him in his last month has been excellent, taking the game on and breaking lines for the Dons, reminding many of the way Pierce Hanley started his AFL career

47. James Kelly

AFL Games: 10
Relevant averages: 20.8 disposals, 3.2 tackles, 3.3 rebound 50's
Overall Grade: A

Professional. Leader. So smart. Nothing more needs to be said.

49. Matthew Dea

AFL Games: 5
Relevant averages: 5 marks, 2 tackles, 4 1%ers
Overall Grade: C+

Has played whilst we were short a key defender and has done his job admirably but undersized means that he can leak goals. Solid depth and will be retained next year.

Overall, what do you guys think? Have I got it right? Wrong? Somewhere in between?

Not a bad effort Ethan.

I'd say you're too generous on Jobe, Myers, Stanton and Gleeson.

Gleeson ahead of Luey though? That's probably the only silly one for mine. I'd have Luey a B and Gleeson a D, Zaka a C (good games don't make up completely for very poor games), Jobe a B, Myers an E and Stanton an E.

Otherwise, well done!

 

[eth-dog]

I found some of the comments on players a bit detached from reality, agreeing with ant.

In what world has Francis, who has been flaky even in the VFL, performed remotely close to expectations?

And why the hell were you expecting so much from Jerrett?

Odd ratings.

Personally I fail to see the need to try and narrow it down to a letter. If you're writing a paragraph on each player let the words stand by themselves.

Also, no reason Watson can't go around again.

Francis I understand

Merrett I expected to be a good contributor at VFL level but quite frankly has been poor down there hence the "poor" rating.

Some people like an overall score really. I felt it was good to do both, the paragraph for people like you (and me) who like to read an explanation and a score for those who just want to skim it.

Great read Eth.

Colyer has done enough for C+ based on the criteria. Had a cracking game against Adelaide and I thought he was a great contributor last weekend. Has perhaps not been as electrifying nor consistent as we'd hoped but he has added another dimension to our one-paced midfield.

And for Longy to rate above him based on a few improved VFL performances is a bit of a stretch.

Maybe I was harsh on Colyer but he's been too inconsistent this year IMO to get an above average rating. Long is developing nicely and I wanted to highlight that.

Not a bad effort Ethan.

I'd say you're too generous on Jobe, Myers, Stanton and Gleeson.

Gleeson ahead of Luey though? That's probably the only silly one for mine. I'd have Luey a B and Gleeson a D, Zaka a C (good games don't make up completely for very poor games), Jobe a B, Myers an E and Stanton an E.

Otherwise, well done!

Remember that it's relative to expectations, I expected Leuenberger to pick up where he left off last year and be a top 10 ruck in the comp. He hasn't been and is out of the side now. My opinion on Gleeson is that I wanted him to keep pushing for best 22 status and I feel that he has done that.

 

[Summer Nights]

Francis I understand

Merrett I expected to be a good contributor at VFL level but quite frankly has been poor down there hence the "poor" rating.

Some people like an overall score really. I felt it was good to do both, the paragraph for people like you (and me) who like to read an explanation and a score for those who just want to skim it.

Maybe I was harsh on Colyer but he's been too inconsistent this year IMO to get an above average rating. Long is developing nicely and I wanted to highlight that.

Remember that it's relative to expectations, I expected Leuenberger to pick up where he left off last year and be a top 10 ruck in the comp. He hasn't been and is out of the side now. My opinion on Gleeson is that I wanted him to keep pushing for best 22 status and I feel that he has done that.

Yep, and expectations are relative to the opinion of the beholder

 

[DERO]

This sort of thing will always promote discussion and that is not such a bad thing. I reckon you have done a good job Eth. Your ratings are pretty much spot on for mine. I may not agree completely on a couple but overall pretty good.

 

[eDPS]

 

[Saint]

I think with Francis, Bombers fans have high expectations and he's taking a bit longer to develop than some others. It doesn't mean he's not a good player, just might be taking longer to adjust to AFL speed or requirements. Think it's too early to give him a bad mark, it might be beyond his control (it also might not be).

Baguley is just a pass, so C looks about right. Myers needs a bit more time to judge accurately since his time out of the game, but in two matches' time he'd want to have improved or he'll be in real strife.

Think you were harsh on Green. The forward line is working well as a unit, I'd give him a B+ for being part of the successful unit. It's hard to know how much sacrifice running he's doing to open space or cover others' opponents.

 

[Kakkle]

"Long has been electric in the past month"



Dat mayo.

 

[hurlygurdy]

**** you must have had some serious expectations for Walla!? Did he have to win the brownlow by the bye? Definition of an A+ i would have thought. Even on his more quiet games he is terrorizing the opposition.

 

[daffo]

No issue with Hocking's rating but to say he should have retired at the end of last season is a harsh. In fact it is pretty poor really.
It was the club who came begging looking for the first to sign so they had good news. What was he going to say ? no ?
He even showed his loyalty by not pressing the issue for a 2 year deal which has not worked out that well for him now.
You have to remember he was coming off a very limited 2015 as well so the slow start was expected. His VFL form in the last 4 weeks has been as good as anyone. Not saying he should be in the side but he is finding form.
He looks like he is at the end of the line but after all he has given the club to say he should have retired is rubbish!

We must all remember this. Hocking was the first to re-sign. He lead the way.

 

[Aeglos]

Not only that; were we really expecting him to have a really good year?
He's one guy that always needed game time to gain touch and was coming off 12 months not playing, after a year in which he only played only ~6 games, was the most likely to have had the game go past him and was competing with Watson, Heppell, Goddard, Myers, Bird, Howlett along with a host of kids for inside mid positions.
I personally expected him (or maybe even just hoped) to have played a couple more games but I'm not surprised that he hasn't