Most Improved, Next Years Riser

[Unknown Caller]

Why?

Been in the system six (?) seasons and played three good games.

He's closer to the end than he is the start and just can't put on weight.

Just seeing glimpses of his talent and athleticism. He probably still is one of fastest players on the team. Occasionally in games this year, you can see the marking ability on display which he was noted for when he was first drafted.

Also, I reckon he gained more muscle in the two months he was out this year than he has in entire career which gives me faith that Macca has a plan for Jarrad to gain the required strength and mentality in the offseason.

It could be blind faith, but I'm still hopeful Grant will fulfill his undoubted potential.

 

[cammo78]

I admire your optimism.

I liken Grant to so many others - in many sports - who excel against kids their own age in junior level sport. Yet once pitted against men with developed bodies - can't handle the step up.

 

[cecil]

Was pretty handy against those kids in 2010.....

 

[cammo78]

Was pretty handy against those kids in 2010.....

No coincidence a bloke named Barry Hall kicked 80 goals taking two or three defenders each week.

 

[cecil]

No coincidence a bloke named Barry Hall kicked 80 goals taking two or three defenders each week.

and that's why Grant has stopped playing predominately as a forward.
has the tools to be a damn good wing/half forward

 

[Martyn_30_]

I think Lin Jong so long as he's upgraded he was only a decent tac cup who moved from the vfl reserves to vfl seniors to looking comfortable in the afl in just a year, he's a great natural athlete who already really hard at it once he builds his strength and fitness he will improve even more

 

[AJARWA]

Hall has been a major loss in the forward line, for a lot of reasons but leadership also. I just don't think the young talls look up to Gia or higgins like they did to hall. And lake and minson dont quite cut it. I don't see leadership in jones or grant but do in cordy and Dickson and am hopeful these guys will set the tone for grant and jones next year. maybe roughy will lead them all. And Morris back will certainly help the young talls.

Most improved - wallis.
And you could raffle off next year's riser between ten different blokes, which has to be one of the most exciting things about 2013... but I might go with Pearce as the smokey, Roughy as the favorite.

 

[TempleKelvington]

Hall has been a major loss in the forward line, for a lot of reasons but leadership also. I just don't think the young talls look up to Gia or higgins like they did to hall. And lake and minson dont quite cut it. I don't see leadership in jones or grant but do in cordy and Dickson and am hopeful these guys will set the tone for grant and jones next year. maybe roughy will lead them all. And Morris back will certainly help the young talls.

Most improved - wallis.
And you could raffle off next year's riser between ten different blokes, which has to be one of the most exciting things about 2013... but I might go with Pearce as the smokey, Roughy as the favorite.

Yes....I think you are spot on that we have ten blokes that could improve vastly on this year. Who those guys will be who knows?....but if it's one or 2 of the talls then we will improve as a team out of sight.

Of the very new guys....Jong and JJ look the most at home for 2 gamers.....but Dickson has improvement in him, mature age, another AFL pre season....belief. Clay Smith is just getting better as the season goes on.

Wallis and Liberatore of course, Wallis is my big improver for this year. He's now looking very much the player we hoped for. Tutt and Howard also. If Easton Wood can play more games like the Collingwood one we have superstar.

 

[TBOW]

I agree with what a couple of others have said about Dalhouse being a lazy nomination. He really burst on to the scene last year and although he has spent a bit more time on the ball this season, hasn't really improved a great deal.
The big improver for me is clearly Wallis. Last season he was a long way behind Libba and looked a bit out of depth, this year he has been one of our best over the season. Minson has also stepped up as the number 1 ruck & Addison has looked good since going forward.

I'm expecting big things from Easton Wood next year. He's struggled with inuries in the pastand I think is ready to explode.
Cordy should be a monster after a 2nd full preseason in the gym, and hopefully this will make life a little easier for Jones as well.

 

[StringyDog]

The big improver for me is clearly Wallace.

This is gonna piss me off over next decade probably more than Hargraves

 

[TBOW]

This is gonna piss me off over next decade probably more than Hargraves

My bad.

 

[True Dog]

I can see a heap of improvement in a lot of guys next year but Clay Smith is the one that is going to explode.......BANG!!!!

That kid is going to be a f$cking animal.............

 

[DexterTan]

I can see a heap of improvement in a lot of guys next year but Clay Smith is the one that is going to explode.......BANG!!!!

That kid is going to be a f$cking animal.............

Wise bulldog supporters believe whoever drafted him as a first round draft pick should be sacked because he can't kick ; )

 

[Lucky Star]

Wise bulldog supporters believe whoever drafted him as a first round draft pick should be sacked because he can't kick ; )

Essendon were going to take him but Doggies pounced.

 

[TimC]

Essendon were going to take him but Doggies pounced.

Seems like the whole draft last year was designed to troll Essendon

 

[Testekill]

Seems like the whole draft last year was designed to troll Essendon

Dickson, Smith, Campbelll.... Am I missing anyone? Not complaining because it was hilarious to see Hird pissed off when we took Dickson.

 

[Mutt]

I'd like to see a fairly even improvement across the majority, or even all, of our under 23 year old players. If we can get that we'll be in business. Don't care about the individuals too much - team is the only thing that counts.

 

[TimC]

Dickson, Smith, Campbelll.... Am I missing anyone? Not complaining because it was hilarious to see Hird pissed off when we took Dickson.

Fletcher-Roberts?

 

[Igloo]

Essendon were going to take him but Doggies pounced.

I thought Essendon were always going to take Kavanagh? He wouldn't have interviews with any club but them.
IIRC, Carlton and Freo were interested in Smith.

 

[Dogs_r_barking]

Essendon were going to take him but Doggies pounced.

Actually it was Carlton who was going to take him.

 

[Dannnnnnnnnn]

Agreed that Dahlhaus was a lazy pick, saw the article and couldn't believe he was named our most improved. He definitely improved, but there have been much better improvements.
Wallis - loved him when he played TAC the year before being drafted, but I wasn't impressed last year. Had a bit of a rough time getting into games and getting the disposals he was renowned for, but jeez he's improved. Right up there with our best midfielders this season.
Minson - what a season! Still the odd brain fade, but we could say that about Brian Lake and he's a 2x All-Australian and 1x B&F. Still goes under the radar despite being #2 in the AFL for total hitouts. We'll probably lose him one way or another at the end of the year though, which is unfortunate.
Addison - probably would've been on his way out of the club if not for a move to the forward line. Surprised it didn't happen sooner to be quite honest, but nonetheless he's a mainstay up there now. Didn't see this kind of improvement coming!

As for next year's riser...
Dickson - showed a heap this year, and with a full pre-season could become huge.
Cordy - has shown footy smarts and a lot of ability, add some more to the tank and some more size and he's a scary proposition for any defender. Still needs to improve his work rate in the ruck though, in my opinion.
Liberatore - will be desperate to make amends, and I think this situation will be good for him. Needs all the support he can get as he works through his issues, but he'll be up and running better than ever after another pre-season.
Jong - wow. Never have I seen such courage in only his second game! If he can improve on his skills with a full pre-season he can definitely become a huge player for us.
Smith - has shown a LOT this year - more than I expected. Will be another to benefit from a big pre-season.

Let's just hope the second-year yips don't get too many of our players down.

 

[Dogs_r_barking]

Agreed that Dahlhaus was a lazy pick, saw the article and couldn't believe he was named our most improved. He definitely improved, but there have been much better improvements.
Wallis - loved him when he played TAC the year before being drafted, but I wasn't impressed this year. Had a bit of a rough time getting into games and getting the disposals he was renowned for, but jeez he's improved. Right up there with our best midfielders this season.
Minson - what a season! Still the odd brain fade, but we could say that about Brian Lake and he's a 2x All-Australian and 1x B&F. Still goes under the radar despite being #2 in the AFL for total hitouts. We'll probably lose him one way or another at the end of the year though, which is unfortunate.
Addison - probably would've been on his way out of the club if not for a move to the forward line. Surprised it didn't happen sooner to be quite honest, but nonetheless he's a mainstay up there now. Didn't see this kind of improvement coming!

As for next year's riser...
Dickson - showed a heap this year, and with a full pre-season could become huge.
Cordy - has shown footy smarts and a lot of ability, add some more to the tank and some more size and he's a scary proposition for any defender. Still needs to improve his work rate in the ruck though, in my opinion.
Liberatore - will be desperate to make amends, and I think this situation will be good for him. Needs all the support he can get as he works through his issues, but he'll be up and running better than ever after another pre-season.
Jong - wow. Never have I seen such courage in only his second game! If he can improve on his skills with a full pre-season he can definitely become a huge player for us.
Smith - has shown a LOT this year - more than I expected. Will be another to benefit from a big pre-season.

Let's just hope the second-year yips don't get too many of our players down.

Snap, my thoughts exactly, I expect LIbba to come back tail up head down to make amends. Dickson, is a fantastic pick up for us and is still young enough that he will be around when we mount our next challenge. As for Jong, I can't believe we are not raving about this kid, he has the attitude right, big body, fearless - great pick up.

 

[True Dog]

Wise bulldog supporters believe whoever drafted him as a first round draft pick should be sacked because he can't kick ; )

Those same Wise bulldog supporters want the coach sacked as well....... Nah, I think I'll hang with the rest of us fools......

 

[dogwatch]

This year:
Wallis - from fringe player to engine room and one our best 10.
Addison - it's instructive how placing a bit of faith and continuity in a player can be repaid, isn't it?
Lake - not quite up to his AA years but improved 1000% on his 2011

Next year:
Campbell - will challenge as first ruck by the end of 2013 / start of 2014, will be better than Minson
Jong - I feel as excited about him as I did about Dahlhaus last year
Skinner - now seems likely to be retained. See comment about Addison above, applies even more so to Zeph.

 

[VitalDread]

This year:
Next year:
Campbell - will challenge as first ruck by the end of 2013 / start of 2014, will be better than Minson

Can't wait for Campbell to get better in one-one contest and when the ball hits the floor, just needs to work on his tank, but that will come in time.