Our Senior players in review

[nut]

The last 2 drafts has seen us get hold of some great talent. But it will be our senior players this year that will need to perform.
Relying on Tambling, Deliedio, Jackson, Raines, Roach, Moore.....etc. will see us get some more early picks.

I am still believe, even though our last 3 seasons have been terrible, that we have a core of senior players that can see us make the eight.

1.Richo- 50 goals would be a good year.
2.Brown - Class
3.Johnson- See Brown
4.Bowden - May have turned the Corner. A folow up year would be great.
5.Coughlan- 22 Home and away games would definately get us close to the eight. The drive out of the middle.
6.Gaspar- If he can hold down FB which I believe he can, he will improve us by 5 percent on his own.
7.Stafford- Always been a fan when fit. Again 22 games will lift u.
8.Campbell- Still has something to offer. May have this preseason harder may break down. The end is near.
9. Newman- Solid performer needs to continue his improvement.
10. Chaffey- slipped last year, needs to get back to his old self.
11. Tivendale- Expect a good year.
12. Hyde- same as 11.
13. Rodan- same as 11/12
14. Krakker- 30 goals
Newbies

15. Simmond looks like he'll be a plus
16. Graham- Will take pressure off the back line
17. Knobel- Adds competition in and area we haven't had before. The Ruck.

Anyone I've missed.

Now if these players can get there ******** together it will make the transition for the younger players so much easier. If most of the senior guys can improve around 5% than the eight is acheivable.

 

[Punt_Road_Roar]

I'm not as Optimistic as you, I think we will struggle to come even close

but hey I wouldnt mind being proven wrong.


1.Richo- kicked 65 last year and we didnt improve, 50 on HF would be good can he back it up though? hasnt done so throughout his career
2.Brown - Class
3.Johnson- See Brown
4.Bowden - One of his best seasons last year, but we won the spoon
5.Coughlan- We need him every week without him we wont go close to winning.
6.Gaspar- Serious question marks, could be on his last legs?
7.Stafford- his last year, serviceable
8.Campbell- Old and tired cant see him pulling any rabbits out of the hat
9. Newman- Needs to take it to the next level
10. Chaffey- Question marks on this guys ability again consistancy is a key word.
11. Tivendale- Wont turn a match on his own boot, is he consistant enough?
12. Hyde- I dont rate him, big wraps this preseason but I need to see it to believe it
13. Rodan- same as 12. Explodes out of the box early every year by round 3 he is shot
14. Krakker- crunch year for him, I doubt he can turn it on.

 

[duckboy]

1.Richo- Looks good again in preseason. as always injuries will define his oputput
2.Brown - All class, looks set to be captain imho
3.Johnson- Workhorse but very good. Not in the same class level as Brown but not far behind
4.Bowden - If he plays like he did last year I cant wait to watch it
5.Coughlan- You'd expect limited output early but maybe a decent 2nd half of the year. He's been out of the game for nearly 18 months really
6.Gaspar- I think we're all hoping he gets back to his best - doubtful though
7.Stafford- Might be past it. Hope not.
8.Campbell- Will contribute. Either as a sweeper across HB or as a fwd. Little time in the midfield which we'll miss.
9. Newman- Is he a good BP or could he play mid?
10. Chaffey- Career on the line. If he's playing at Coburg in Rd 5, he'll be there in Rd 22
11. Tivendale- With a little more depth around the midfield he might excel without a hard tag.
12. Hyde- workhorse. should be #1 tagger. How did he get 5th in last years b&f?
13. Rodan- Promises a lot, needs to deliver
14. Krakouer- I'd like to see his quick hands in the midfield more. He could still kick 30 goals splitting time 50/50
Newbies

15. Simmonds - strengthens the ruck and will give genuine contest and hopefully 30-40+ goals up forward
16. Graham- Will take pressure off the back line and give the kids a chance to come on
17. Knobel- Bash & crash centre tap specialist. Hope he can add a dimension and give something around the ground (30 something hitouts and 0 possessions in one of St Kilda's finals)

 

[JohnF]

I'm not as Optimistic as you, I think we will struggle to come even close

but hey I wouldnt mind being proven wrong.


1.Richo- kicked 65 last year and we didnt improve, 50 on HF would be good can he back it up though? hasnt done so throughout his career
2.Brown - Class
3.Johnson- See Brown
4.Bowden - One of his best seasons last year, but we won the spoon
5.Coughlan- We need him every week without him we wont go close to winning.
6.Gaspar- Serious question marks, could be on his last legs?
7.Stafford- his last year, serviceable
8.Campbell- Old and tired cant see him pulling any rabbits out of the hat
9. Newman- Needs to take it to the next level
10. Chaffey- Question marks on this guys ability again consistancy is a key word.
11. Tivendale- Wont turn a match on his own boot, is he consistant enough?
12. Hyde- I dont rate him, big wraps this preseason but I need to see it to believe it
13. Rodan- same as 12. Explodes out of the box early every year by round 3 he is shot
14. Krakker- crunch year for him, I doubt he can turn it on.

Well said PRR.

There has been big raps on Tivendale, Bowden, Krakouer, Hyde, Rodan and Richo this preseason. We need all these blokes to have a good year if we are even to think about finishing anything above 12th.

Like you, I'm sceptical that we'll see it.

 

[nut]

Anyone I've missed.

Andrew Kellaway needs to get back some form too. His form is dependent heavily on Gaspar and Graham being in form.

 

[starkravenmad2]

unfair on krak in that u expect him to kick 30 goals and then only expect richo to kick 50.....richo should be kicking 80plus to be a good year with his talent,sadly his mental state wont let him

 

[Rodgerramjet]

1.Richo- Needs to kick 50 + Goals this year, including the one's that need to be kicked at important times during the match, these are the one's he usually misses

2.Brown - Very smart footballer, moves with class, but not a true inside midfielder. With a true inside midfielder at centre bounces feeding the ball out to Brown then he can be quite dangerous to opposition sides. Great reader of the forward play and has the smarts to capitalise in this area, needs to kick 35 goals this year.

3.Johnson- Needs to keep on keeping on in his mid field roles, needs to marshal the troops in this area and keep them on the ball.

4.Bowden - Very versatile player, more versatile than Brown, can play just about any position on the ground. He is wasted at CHB and should only be played there as a last resort or where the match up is too irresistable to let go or upon a complete colapse of the backline. Needs to play midfield, Wings or forward. Must kick 20 + goals this year

5.Coughlan- Will play mostly forward this year with patches in the midfield but this will absolutely depend on his body, it will be a week by week assesment and if his body is up to it he will play more midfield, if not he will play more forward. Don't expect him to set the world on fire because he might just not be up to it as yet.

6.Gaspar- (If he can hold down FB which I believe he can, he will improve us by 5 percent on his own.) I agree with this statement made by Nut, we may as well have been playing with one man down on the ground when Gasper took the field last year if he can hold his own this year our backline will improve outta sight.

7.Stafford- Very underrated player by some, if he can stay on the park, we'll do alot better

8.Campbell- The shows almost over for the stalwart. needs to kick 20 + goals this year as a forward. Will spend a bit of time on the pine as well.

9. Newman- He has to take the next step this year, he is a good player but has the ability to be better, with Wallace and a new structure he just might do it.

10. Chaffey- Interchange, could be on his last legs as Campbell is. Needs to impact this year or he is toast. will probably rotate through the tagging roles with Hyde but will have to really show something to be retained at end of season

11. Tivendale- Has a lot of talent but needs to wake up during a match, we think Bowden can be lazy, this bloke is the king, at least with Bowden you know he is on the ground, but Tivendale disappears. But having said that, when he does something good, it's real good and shows his real ability. Has to get serious about his football and make an honest contribution to the side. Needs to kick 20 + goals this season from the flanks

12. Hyde- I see this bloke as potentially a Brett Kirk clone and if he does that I'll be happy because Brett is a great shut down man and can get plenty of the ball himself. Hyde has youth on his side where as Chaffey doesn't. We need this guy to really stand up in this position and make it his own otherwise we are going to have to pull one of our other potential guns out of another position to fill this role when he could have been used effectivly in that other position.

13. Rodan- I'm glad Wallace came because Frawley was absolutley killing this kid. This boy loves to run and carry the ball, has great evasive skills but has had no development over the years that he has been with us. He still makes the same mistakes (Runs to far, over extends himself when kicking, tries to evade one to many at times) that he used to make 2-3 years ago because he hasn't been shown how to harnes these skills and to use them effectively. If he can use these skills effectively he will be a very dangerous player and we will be thanking all types of gods that he's playing on our side.

14. Krakouer- Great mover, another victum of the Frawley game plan. Can do some great things, just needs to do more of it more of the time. Has outstanding talent just needs to be guided.

15. Simmonds Better forward than Ottens but I wouldn't say a better ruckman. Needs to kick 35 + goals this year

16. Graham- Experiance, that's about it, but that's valuable.

17. Knobel- Can ruck, but is pitiful in general play. If he can follow the ball around the ground and ruck to advantage then he has done his job, but don't expect him to set the world on fire with possessions.

 

[no.11]

Rodan - don't rate him highly myself. He has hard hands, never can pick the ball up. When he does he is so frustrating, bounces the ball within the first two steps and runs until he comes front on with somone. Then he turns and handpasses to someone 1 meter behind him. The thing is if he runs 30 meters he actually only gets about 10 meters forward, the rest is to the side. I personally would prefer to see a roach or raines get a game b4 rodan. I hope I'm wrong but at the intra club game he did this about 3 times, so I don't think things have changed. The other problem with him is that he doesn't get enough of the ball when playing in the midfield. If he plays the whole game there he will get about 20 pos, he needs to get closer to 30.

Krak on the other hand has beautiful skills and has had small improvement every year. His dad didn't play until he was about 23 from memory, and I think thats around about when Krak will really be on fire. I think another couple of seasons before seeing the best out of him. Needs to keep working on fitness.

 

[Tiger_Of_Old]

1/-Richo:If we get 50 goals out of richo it will be a bonus.His role will change and no longer will he be the ONLY target up fwd.We have a smarter coach who can/will exploit other teams 2 teaming richo.
2/-Brown:Knows TW,s game style to a tee.Im expecting Brown to deliver with interest.
3/-Johnson:Should be the capt and will be the prime feeder to the "outsiders" in pack situations.Is over his back complaint.
4/-Bowden:If he,s turned the corner it will be known early.Intra-club suggests some habits are hard to break.
5/-Coughlanont expect to much from Cogs early on.Most important thing for Cogs is to get him over this OP.
6/-Gasper: has grave fears about Gas.Has lost his one weapon.his pace.only a yard or 2 but for Gas it might as well be 10yrds.
7/-Stafford:will be a bonus if we get more than 12 games out of staff.Final year.
8/-Campbell:As the season continues it will prove that Cambo should have retired last year.
9/-Newman:Im expecting Newman to be part of the midfield rotation this year but spending most of the time in the backline.
10/-Chaffey:A hard slog for chaff this year.Will have to work hard at it to be in the 22.
11/-Tivendale:Im hoping TW,s game plan Tivvers will be one of a few who will benefit from it greatly.the big question can he do it consistantly?
12/-Hyde:You have to admire Hyde,s work ethic.If half his teamates showed the same commitment we,d be a better side.
13/-Rodan:See Tivendale.
14/-Krakour:I mentioned this in another thread.Krak and Tambo togeather i cant wait.
15/-kellaway:the opposite to Tivendale.will struggle under TW,s game plan.
16/-Simmonds:Excellent choice of a replacement for Ottens.
17/-Graham:Was recruited for one reason.Teaching the ropes to the likes of Moore,Shultz,Archibald etc.
18/-Knobel:Jury still out on Knobel.not sure if it was a wise choice or not.


cheers!

 

[JohnF]

Good breakdowns ppl

 

[Infamy]

1 Richardson - Expect Richo to kick even more goals per game despite more scoring options around him. Hopefully will be captain. Almost hope that he'll be double teamed this year to free up some of our other forwards.
2 Brown - 50/50 Midfield/Forward, could possibly be a very damaging HFF. He's been the #1 forward for the Bulldogs so if Richo & Simmonds take the #1 & 2 defenders then Brown could have some massive impact if we can get enough inside 50s.
3 Johnson - Will still have to prop up the midfield a bit. Despite 4-5 top line midfielders in Johnson, Brown, Cogs, Bowden & Campbell, Johnson is really the only one who is going to be able to play a full season in the guts. After 2 runners up in the B&F will hopefully win it this year.
4 Bowden - Will hopefully be allowed to build on last years form. There seems to be a lot of talk about where he'll play and hopefully he isn't used as a stop gap in various positions around the ground. Let him have his position, even if its on the half back line giving us drive out of defence.
5 Coughlan - Hopefully is nursed throughout the entire season, will give us a massive boost when he's on the field, but 2006 onwards is when we need him at 100%.
6 Gasper - Can't play worse than last year despite what some will say. It always takes 24 months to really get back to full form after a knee so by mid season he should be back near his best.
7 Stafford - Many say it will be his last season, but with Knobel as the only other 6'6+ ruckman he may play on one more season as he can still offer an option up forward. Could actually play more up forward this year than he does in the ruck. If we lose Staff then we really will have no one as an enforcer type. Could be handy to have on the list purely for putting his elbow through Ottens jaw.
8 Campbell - Don't want to see him nursed through to 300 games, if he works up forward then as with Stafford I wouldn't be suprised to see him stay on to get to the life membership. 20 goals in the season would be considered a success, but is certainly capable of more.
9 Newman - Will rotate through midfield out of defence. Will never be an A grade midfielder, but definite starting 18. Looked good at the intraclub match.
10 Chaffey - Make or break season, probably has more age on his side than Kellaway, not convinced that he has what it takes as a tagger.
11 Tivendale - I never understand why people select Tivs on a right wing when he is so predominantly left footed. Will probably rotate through the left wing with Raines as they both have such a penetrating kick. Looked like one of the biggest improvers at the intra-club match.
12 Hyde - I imagine will rotate with Cogs through the midfield. I'm one of the people who really rates this guy, similar to Newman though that he'll always be part of the supporting cast. Will improve again on last year, perhaps not in the B&F votes though as hopefully there will be plenty of others taking votes off him.
13 Rodan - Will take more than just one preseason to get rid of his bad habits, but is already looking like a new player for this year. Actually started showing a bit again towards the end of last season and the new game plan will suit. Many mention his failure to take advantage of the first option that is often the best, but really as a team we need to make the 2nd & 3rd options just as good so his pack breaking runs pay dividends.
14 Krakouer - With Brown, Krak & Rodan we have 3 genuine crumbers who can also play midfield. Certainly much better than a one trick pony like Milne who can go missing for 4 matches in a row. Still needs to work on his endurance, but rotating with Rodan & Brown will still offer something in every match.
15 Kellaway - Should be much better off not having to take the 1st or 2nd forward each week, but unfortunately is a make or break season. Doesn't have age on his side either.
16 Simmonds - Teaming up with Richo is pretty droolworthy, they seemed to not get in each others way in the intraclub match. Will be very hard to match up on with the #1 defender always taking Richo.
17 Graham - Very vocal, will be a great mentor to some of our kids, definitely capable of playing in 2006.
18 Knobel - Unfairly maligned I believe, is still only 24 and coming into his prime. Great to have as insurance and an option against different types of ruckmen.


19. Hilton - Really is part of the senior group. The only one of the above that I'll completely write off. Him and Morrison are gone!!!

 

[rfctigerarmy]

1 Richardson - Would expect 60 goals plus. I like him at Full Forward but his natural game is CHF. No doubt.
2 Brown - Clever footballer but sometimes tends to be too showy. Because he is playing 60%-40% or 50-50, Id like to see... 30-35 goals this year. Personally, I hope he doesnt recieve the captaincy.
3 Johnson - Underrated player. Needs to continue doing what he usually does.
4 Bowden - Would like to see him on this wing at times this year. I just think, because we struggled with height in the back line last year he was just a temporary thing in that CHB position even though he played so well, it should still be considered that. So yea, would like to see him on the wings and maybe pushing forward at times.
5 Coughlan - This could be the year that makes or brakes his year IMO. Although he is still young, a year out of AFL football is very hard to come back from. Would love to see him play every game this year. I feel that the forward pocket/flank/midfield rotation is a fantastic idea.
6 Gasper - Lets face it, if he plays better then last year, we will all be happy. Just needs to hold his ground. Has more support this year which will definatly help him.
7 Stafford - If he could just stay injury free and avoid the tribunal, it could change Richmond's season for the better IMO. The extra ruckman will work in our favour if Staff stays on target.
8 Campbell - I dont think he is finished. I think that if he is played in the right position at the right times he could still be at 80%. Like him on the flanks, pockets (forward), definatly not back pockets. Thing with him in the forward line is he would make it that more experianced.
9 Newman - Midfield roles will start to break out for Newman now. Thats where he should be played. This guy can despose of the ball very well and is talented.
10 Chaffey - Not sure whats up with Chaffey. Make or break season I spose. Bench player IMO.
11 Tivendale - Tivendale's year this year boys.. Im so sure of it. Wing position, forward flanks... thats his area. Could surprise.
12 Hyde - Definatly a fan of Hyde. Always have been. I just think he plays the midfield so well at times. Will rotate most likely with Coughlan/Tivendale/Brown in the areas in which I have stated above.
13 Rodan - This guy still worries me. I just dont see him making the big time. Sorry. Would love to be wrong.
14 Krakouer - Should be played as a midfielder/forward pocket. He is a genuine crumber like Infamy said. Will be part of the rotation.
15 Kellaway - Still think he has something left in the tank. Will have more support this year (Schulz.. etc) so wont have the big tasks that he had last year. Make or break season like Chaffey.
16 Simmonds - Saw some pictures of him in the 'Sun'. Boy, is he huge. Wouldnt like to stand him. Be good to see him and Richo up forward and swapping with Staff.
17 Graham - Definatly boost the backline. Although age isnt on his side, I still think he can contribute to that backline structure.
18 Knobel - Not sure how many games he will get this year. Doesnt look like too many at the moment. Not sure how how he will fit in. Great to have as a backup though.