Most improved player?

[winged1]

I'd argue that Taylor got a lot of games gifted to him in his second and third years due to a lack of competition for spots. His development actually regressed in that time and suggested that he'd been worked out at senior level. What he's producing now is nearly a complete turnaround on the previous two years.

I'm not knocking Robbo at all but I do think Taylor would now be a walk up start in nearly any side in the comp while I couldn't say that about Robbo.

We all look at things through different eyes, but I think Robbo would be sought after by a lot of clubs. His hardness, elite running and disposal for a decent sized guy is valuable. Plus he brings hard two way run, Taylor runs hard forward.

 

[James North]

I think Taylor followed by Robbo.

Taylor is seriously damaging now and Robbo is realising everything he's capable of. In the long term he might be the more useful player (mongrel attitude who can stop entries and also take off with the ball in hand), but right now I'd say Taylor has improved the most under the new regime.

 

[Billy Puller]

If Bastinac had been playing like he has the last month all season he'd be up there with Zorko for the b&f. Damaging with the ball, consistently hitting the scoreboard.
Often providing that link through the middle. Let's hope he can keep this up, but quietly going very underrated on this board

 

[Fitzroy bears]

I voted for lewy only cause the improvement he has made has had a greater impact on our offensive ball movement, but nick is a bloody close secound cause his improvement has been enormous and has added much needed grit to our defence and his hard gut running has been great

 

[captainrich]

Mcstay because it didn't really seem possible he would put together all the talent and flash he has and show us some actual substance, filling a more important position as well

 

[Dodongo]

Dodongo voted for Mayes.

Dodongo will also note that this time next year Dodongo thinks everyone will be voting for Barrett.

 

[winged1]

If Bastinac had been playing like he has the last month all season he'd be up there with Zorko for the b&f. Damaging with the ball, consistently hitting the scoreboard.
Often providing that link through the middle. Let's hope he can keep this up, but quietly going very underrated on this board

But as most improved? He has played 150 games, I think with berry taking more mid time and Beams back, Bastinac is getting a role more suited to his abilities. Been solid for the last month.

 

[3KZ is Football]

I went for Walker on the basis that he has gone from one of a number of players vying for a spot in the side as a tall forward to a regular player who has been given a special role in the team. Like Lester, Fagan has Walker playing forward and back when required, but also pinch hitting in the Ruck. Walker has gone from a marginal player to an automatic selection.

 

[Back2Back2Back]

I voted Robbo. I had faith in what Taylor could produce given the glimpses we've seen from him in the past - I hadn't seen anything of that from Robbo up to this season, so this is his clutch year for mine. Without this year's performance I don't think we'd be hanging out to hear his re-signing as much as we are right now.

 

[Elixuh]

Lewy...mcstay, Robertson and Mayes for me. I won't pick one dlanod too difficult.

I don't think Bastinac is improved. He was just woefully out of form at the start of the season.

You could probably add Lester in if you consider his contribution to the team based on his role.

 

[Dylan12]

Its quite remarkable the improvement in so many players under Coach Fagan and a reflection on the change(s) in the Lions organisation.

Voted for Taylor as I think his improvement has been the most significant of all others, who it must be said, have all improved out of sight in 2017. With Rich, I think he has found consistency at a higher level, however, unlike many others, still thought he was a solid contributor.

The two others that have impressed are McStay and Walker. I had questions on them both and they're both valuable contributors to our side now, particularly McStay, who is now a reliable swingman.

 

[Swanny10]

For me it's either Mayes who has greatly improved his composure and work rate (particularly defensively) and Zorko. Zorko has gone from a good forward/mid to an Elite goal kicking mid.

Other major notables include Hipwood, Mcstay, Robbo and Andrews.

 

[Davemonkey]

Robbo, then Lewy and recently followed by McStay. Also loved Basti's improvement. Whatever Fagan and Noble are doing they are building team that is capable of covering when two elite players we have are playing injured.

 

[luthor]

Mc Stay.

Was threatening to be nothing more than a mug lair Mitch Clark-like player but has really shown great application this year to combine that natural talent with a new found maturity in his game.

 

[scott_the_man]

Robertson, Lewy and Mcstay for me. Can't split them. All of them are from the same draft and are all developing into seriously good players. Hats off to our recruiters

 

[luthor]

Robertson, Lewy and Mcstay for me. Can't split them. All of them are from the same draft and are all developing into seriously good players. Hats off to our recruiters

Yeah.

You can make a good case for all those guys and for Dan Rich as well.

 

[Lions Flag 2020]

I vote Andrews. He has done an unbelievable job to lead the backline at only 20 years of age and play on best forward week in week out! No other team in the comp would ever consider doing this. Last year when he was playing on the best forwards it was only in short patches then you could see he would get a bit nervous and ask to swap with Dan. No security blanket this year and he has improved out of sight to do the job he has done.

 

[BRAB]

I vote Andrews. He has done an unbelievable job to lead the backline at only 20 years of age and play on best forward week in week out! No other team in the comp would ever consider doing this. Last year when he was playing on the best forwards it was only in short patches then you could see he would get a bit nervous and ask to swap with Dan. No security blanket this year and he has improved out of sight to do the job he has done.

Very good point.

When Dan retired there was a thought process that we needed a mature body to cover for Harris until he matured properly.

Frost was supposed to be that I suppose. Didn't work out.

Luckily for us Harris has shown maturity beyond his years. Plays like a 200 gamer.

 

[jackess]

I think our best back six is Andrews, McStay, Gardiner, Mayes, Witherden and Rich. Robertson is probably competing with Cox to try and break into the back six. As a wingman he's probably behind Lester, Bastinac, Taylor, McCluggage and possibly Cutler (not on current form). I also think from what we've seen Robbo isn't a forward , an inside or even a well balanced midfielder. His hardness and ability to negate could see him break into one of those positions especially given most of the players listed do not have this ability but he probably has another step or 2 to take to not be borderline best 22.

McStay has shown AA potential, Squizzy has shown he's a matchwinner and Mayes has shown he's a well rounded defender.

 

[LongLion]

Mc Stay.

Was threatening to be nothing more than a mug lair Mitch Clark-like player but has really shown great application this year to combine that natural talent with a new found maturity in his game.

Yea plenty of love for McStay here. Think he will continue to develop into a very very good player for us

 

[BuntonRules]

Mcstay because it didn't really seem possible he would put together all the talent and flash he has and show us some actual substance, filling a more important position as well

Mc Stay.

Was threatening to be nothing more than a mug lair Mitch Clark-like player but has really shown great application this year to combine that natural talent with a new found maturity in his game.

Agreed. Whilst all mentioned have justly good claim, McStay has made CHB his own - one of the key positions. While he is not the finished product, the promise has started delivering.

 

[lionshine]

I voted for McStay because he has always had the talent but hasn't been able to put it all together on a consistent basis until this year. Robertson has obviously improved out of sight and you can tell his confidence has grown as the year has gone on. He has dropped off a little the past few games though. Hopefully he can regain the form he showed against the Pies at the MCG in Round 10.

Lewis Taylor has had a breakout year and I'd be surprised if he isn't top 5 in the BnF. He's genuinely damaging with his goal assists and the goals he kicks himself. Lester has definitely improved and just plays his role week in week out.

Rich and Bastinac weren't all that flash in the first half of the year but they've both improved greatly in the second half of the year thus far. Richy's past two games in particular have been outstanding and Bastinac has become our most reliable kick for goal. If Bastinac can keep his current form up heading into next year and beyond I'm more than happy to hold him in the same regard as the other members of our senior core e.g. Beams, Zorko, Rockliff, Martin, Rich, Robinson, Christensen as opposed to grouping him in with Bell and Bewick like many were earlier in the year.

I agree with those that are saying Mayes form went on an upward trajectory in the second half of last year but he's continued to showcase this form consistently in season 2017.

 

[Leuy LongerCombo]

I voted for Taylor, had a great year and can hopefully continue to build from here. When he first starting playing I got a feeling that he was playing pretty close his ceiling, but his development this year has been surprising and outstanding.

When he's got the ball this year he's really looking at taking the game on. He changes the direction of the play so well and so often, taking the ball back inside and really setting the play up to advance the ball.

When he had possession previously, Id Be confident we'd retain possession but it could be to the detriment of the team (by running around getting nowhere followed by a chip backwards). Now when he has possession it's exciting knowing the ball is being advanced to a more dangerous position, leading to a lot of scoring opportunities.

He's tackling has improved, can remember watching games thinking he'd would have been shaken off in previous years, still needs to be worked on but and improvement none the less.

 

[Toffee Lion]

I think Robbo is getting a bit too much love, he has improved but still has a long way to go.

Mayes for me has quietly gone about having a career best season and hasn't been given enough praise compared to others.

Squizzy has been outstanding as well and Bastinac/Walker/Lester have all had great second halves.

Robbo has benefited greatly with the other Robbo going down early but I don't see him having a cemented spot in the 22, like Mayes & Taylor have.

 

[Ranga Hardie]

I vote Andrews. He has done an unbelievable job to lead the backline at only 20 years of age and play on best forward week in week out! No other team in the comp would ever consider doing this. Last year when he was playing on the best forwards it was only in short patches then you could see he would get a bit nervous and ask to swap with Dan. No security blanket this year and he has improved out of sight to do the job he has done.

I agree Andrews is our most improved player. Had some very difficult jobs this year and has performed admirably. Improving every year. Can't ask for more than that.