Our most improved player - 2008

[wdgann]

This is a tough call with many candidates. When judging this, a key factor is impact on the team's performance, that is there will be some players that improved more than others but wouldn't have had a big impact on our season so far. Anyway, here are the candidates

Eddie Betts
Paul Bower
Cameron Cloke
Brad Fisher (I reckon his movement up the ground this year has seen a marked improvement)
Gibbs
Murphy
Russell
Waite

For me the winner is Jarrad Waite. He is the rock of Gibralter in defence and his inspector gadget arms have been very useful in packs. His selection in the Vic team is proof of his emergence. a few years ago, we all thought he would play a Kouta type role but he has truly found his niche now. Arguably, he hasn't improved as much as the others but has merely found his position - in any event his impact has been big

 

[Brighton_Diggins]

murphy,bower.

 

[Artie Bucco]

I would say Bower, Waites performance has always been there but was very inconsistent.

 

[CarltonFan]

Russell.

From sh:test, he has turned into just Sh:t.

 

[Captain Judd]

Russell.

From sh:test, he has turned into just Sh:t.

haha. yes i tend to agree

 

[legendtofski]

Bower and maybe Eddie Betts, but we'll see after round 11

 

[Pamam]

bower definately.

though Betts has improved to where he is becoming a consistant performer!!

 

[koutamarto]

Bower and betts.

 

[Kramer1]

I think Bower without doubt. He aint the prettiest thing your ever gonna see streaming off the HBF, but I love the sheer determination of his play.

Yes he gets himself into trouble from time to time, but his errors come through trying to run, break lines, and create something upfield. I am sure this would be encouraged by Ratts & co.

 

[I_was_there_in_87]

Don't forget Jamison as well.

you could also throw in fev - he was sh*t last year

 

[Charbzilla]

First few rounds it would most definitely have been Thornton most improved without a doubt.

But overall my vote goes to Bower.

could have gone to Bannister if he wasn't injured.

 

[Tarkyn_24]

Cam Cloke has developed in leaps and bounds.

 

[blues4flag]

Our how backline has improved heaps. For me Bower - always has the talent, but has gone from looking confused out there to an extremely solid defender, providing good (most of the time ) run from HB.

 

[Kenny Hunter]

Our most Improved is Bower easily, doubts at the end of last season if he could make it in the AFL .His spot is now cemented in the side

Some suggested Waite , we all knew he could play , we have finally let him settle in the one spot which has been good for him


Jamison showed at the end of last season he is a natural backman and 10 year player for this club , no surprise about his form , will only get better when he has played 50 games

Someone suggested Fisher, you're kidding?
The guy is gun for a few years now .Probaly in the top 5 KEY players in the team when u consider our team planning and structure.Love this guy, works hard

 

[Smell The Glove]

I'd agree with just about everyone and say Bower. Amazing what a bit of confidence does to a young players game.

 

[wdgann]

Our most Improved is Bower easily, doubts at the end of last season if he could make it in the AFL .His spot is now cemented in the side

Some suggested Waite , we all knew he could play , we have finally let him settle in the one spot which has been good for him


Jamison showed at the end of last season he is a natural backman and 10 year player for this club , no surprise about his form , will only get better when he has played 50 games

Jammo proved himself last year. Also put Bannister in that category after his performance against Brad Johnston

Someone suggested Fisher, you're kidding?
The guy is gun for a few years now .Probaly in the top 5 KEY players in the team when u consider our team planning and structure.Love this guy, works hard

Agree that he was one of our best, but I honestly think he has stepped up this year. He is taking more marks and presenting himself up the ground. It has made a real difference

 

[HBF]

Paul Bower as well. Gives a real contest in the air, and hasn't really been taken to the cleaners this year. Gives us great run and carry out of defence as well. Really turning into the player I was hoping he would when we drafted him.

 

[one_twelve112]

Bower easily.

 

[1eight6four]

Russell.

From sh:test, he has turned into just Sh:t.

He had a few major touches in the end of the second quarter. I think you are being unfair.

 

[1eight6four]

Paul Bower as well. Gives a real contest in the air, and hasn't really been taken to the cleaners this year. Gives us great run and carry out of defence as well. Really turning into the player I was hoping he would when we drafted him.

Bower is a standout - but also worth mentioning Thornton. Now he is no longer the sole tall backman, we are seeing him move to a new level.

 

[SurreyBlue]

I think the kids have improved as a "team". They are now playing for each other and backing each other up. This is the key. You will always get one or two improving (Bower, Gibbs, Murphy, Russell, Betts) better than others, but collectively they are building confidence and this is a key ingredient that is only now just starting to raise itself.

 

[Salaryman]

I think the kids have improved as a "team". They are now playing for each other and backing each other up. This is the key. You will always get one or two improving (Bower, Gibbs, Murphy, Russell, Betts) better than others, but collectively they are building confidence and this is a key ingredient that is only now just starting to raise itself.

Excellent point, and once again the importance of recruiting, experienced seasoned and top-line footballers like CJ and RH can't be underestimated in this.

 

[SurreyBlue]

Excellent point, and once again the importance of recruiting, experienced seasoned and top-line footballers like CJ and RH can't be underestimated in this.

Couldn't agree more, especially those 2. What a bargain buy Hadley was.

 

[Salaryman]

With Browney's first two games our off-season is looking just that little more impressive... Kreuzer, Judd, Browne, Armfield, Hadley and Pfeiffer

 

[Jezza U Beauty]

Bower, Russell, Betts for mine.