Pick the better player

[MAAAATTDAAAAMON]

Have a go and make a prediction (none of this 'we have them both so it doesn't matter' crap). Have a punt, who will be the better player out of:

1. Jake Melksham Vs Travis Colyer (career)
2. Scott Gumbeton Vs Jake Carlisle (career)
3. Brent Prismall Vs David Myers (career)
4. David Zaharakis Vs Leroy Jetta (career)

One more, a little different:
5. Dyson Heppell Vs Michael Hibberd (2011 only)

My attempt:
1. Melksham
2. Carlisle
3. Myers (I think... I hope)
4. Zaharakis
5. No idea - maybe Heppell

 

[Wahooti Fandango]

Brent Prismall vs David Myers is a logical impossibility as neither could be considered as better than any other player.

 

[Jivin Jackel]

1. Travis Colyer (career)
2. Jake Carlisle (career)
3. Brent Prismall (career)
4. David Zaharakis (career)

All pretty hard to say. The players I have choosen feel like they are the safe options therefore I think have the better chance. As for 5 I have no idea.

 

[LeeARM]

1. Melksham but I think Colyer will offer more "X Factor"
2. Probably (and hopefully) Gumbleton although Carlisle has shown great composure so far.
3. Prismall. I think Myers has more potential though. Also, I'm not really convinced on either of them.
4. I'm leaning towards Zaharakis but I have high hopes for Jetta.
5. No idea

 

[Frothies Mcveigh]

1. Melksham
2. Carlisle
3. Prismall
4. Zaharakis
5. Heppell

 

[eth-dog]

Melksham
Carlisle
Myers
Zaharakis
Heppell

 

[Call Me Cake]

1. Jake Melksham

Although not as explosive as Colyer, he looks like he will mature a little quicker. Has the structure of a good midfielder who thinks it through. His execution is much better than Colyer's, whereas Colyer sacrifises this in order to sprint onto the scene. I think it'll take Colyer a while to control this (but once he does, you'll remember his name) - which is why I think Melky will have a better overall career.

2. Scott Gumbleton

Gumby, no question. IMO, I don't see the appeal in Carlisle at all. Actually, I don't even know why they're being compared tbh, Carlisle is more suited to FF if anything. Anyway, Jake hasn't shown enough for me to consider him better than Scotty, maybe enough to warrant his shot on the list as a prospect, but not better in this comparison. Maybe if he shows more, I'll be more convinced, but 2 goals in 3 games is a far cry to Gumbleton's 19 in 17 games. In fact, if we were to go into "what if's", Gumbleton would have had a good crack at Monfries as our leading goal kicker (24 goals) if he hadn't have went down in Round 18. Adding to this, Gumbleton has kicked bags of 3 on both occasions (against Port Adelaide, and the Western Bulldogs) - that's 1 more goal in a game (twice) than Carlisle could manage in 3. His endurance, ability to literally fly in the air and his strong hands have also tided me over.

Even if Gumbleton were to have a higher or lower average than Carlisle (haven't checked) - it wouldn't be fair as the amount of games each player has played are vastly incomparable. So, going by what has been shown, rather than what could have been, Gumbleton is a no brainer. His time away from the game (which would often be seen as a negative, as it causes inconsistency) has effictively made him a 1st year player for us - thus, despite being a little older, I think he will peak with the KPP's and mids by the time we become a contender, making a bigger impact for us than Carlisle ever could.

And just to seal off my first two choices (a glimpse into our future)...

[youtube]jxiPT2xcC7I[/youtube]

3. Brent Prismall

Even though his 2nd year at the club ranked higher than his first in terms of disposals, marks, goals, games played, ect; - it wasn't as flashy. In a recent interview with Prismall, he seems to be genuinely admant to make a change in his approach to the next season. And it has shown, as many have testified his improvement in terms of preparation and field play (ranking among the best in both intraclub matches). He was also dropped unfairly on occasions last year IMO - kind of ruined his consistency. I think we'll find out more tomorrow, but Myers hasn't shown enough to be better in this comparison.

That's not to say I don't like Myers though, I just think he's in another league to Prismall at the moment. I love his moments of brilliance (particularily his snaps at goal) - but he needs to fix his pace and control the ball a little better. Some have reported that he has slimmed down a little this year, so who knows. He definitely needs to be cemented in one position though.

4. David Zaharakis

To me, Zaharakis is a gem. I don't think we have seen what this kid is capable of yet tbh. I'm not saying this because I'm an Essendon supporter, it's echoed by many. He reminds me a lot of Chapman, it isn't funny. He actually looks a champ in his infancy. He could definitely be the grunt we need in the midfield - the guy that takes shit into his own hands when the team is down and turns it onto it's head. I picture him fending off opposition players before either piercing the ball into the hands of our KPP's up forward or splitting the sticks himself.

It's tough though, because this is the only "versus" rank where I think both players actually challange each other. Jetta is all class, but Zaharakis provides that push and shove and classy finish, which I prefer in a 200 game player. Jetta's skills by foot has improved greatly over the years, but he will be more of a link up player in my eyes (nothing bad at all!).

5. Dyson Heppell

Neither have shown anything at the elite level, so it'll always be a wild guess - but Heppell is a more educated guess here, as he has shown enough for opposition teams to keep an eye on him, and you'd be hard pressed not to find a SuperCoach/Dream Team player who hasn't already included him in their sides (MID/DEF). I picture him playing longer, as picks in Hibberd's range are usually a hit or miss.

I definitely consider it suss that Essendon's club doctor was the one to diagnose Heppell with a foot injury just prior to thr draft...

 

[MAAAATTDAAAAMON]

1. Jake Melksham

Although not as explosive as Colyer, he looks like he will mature a little quicker. Has the structure of a good midfielder who thinks it through. His execution is much better than Colyer's, whereas Colyer sacrifises this in order to sprint onto the scene. I think it'll take Colyer a while to control this (but once he does, you'll remember his name) - which is why I think Melky will have a better overall career.

2. Scott Gumbleton

Gumby, no question. IMO, I don't see the appeal in Carlisle at all. Actually, I don't even know why they're being compared tbh, Carlisle is more suited to FF if anything. Anyway, Jake hasn't shown enough for me to consider him better than Scotty, maybe enough to warrant his shot on the list as a prospect, but not better in this comparison. Maybe if he shows more, I'll be more convinced, but 2 goals in 3 games is a far cry to Gumbleton's 19 in 17 games. In fact, if we were to go into "what if's", Gumbleton would have had a good crack at Monfries as our leading goal kicker (24 goals) if he hadn't have went down in Round 18. Adding to this, Gumbleton has kicked bags of 3 on both occasions (against Port Adelaide, and the Western Bulldogs) - that's 1 more goal in a game (twice) than Carlisle could manage in 3. His endurance, ability to literally fly in the air and his strong hands have also tided me over.

Even if Gumbleton were to have a higher or lower average than Carlisle (haven't checked) - it wouldn't be fair as the amount of games each player has played are vastly incomparable. So, going by what has been shown, rather than what could have been, Gumbleton is a no brainer. His time away from the game (which would often be seen as a negative, as it causes inconsistency) has effictively made him a 1st year player for us - thus, despite being a little older, I think he will peak with the KPP's and mids by the time we become a contender, making a bigger impact for us than Carlisle ever could.

And just to seal off my first two choices (a glimpse into our future)...

[youtube]jxiPT2xcC7I[/youtube]

3. Brent Prismall

Even though his 2nd year at the club ranked higher than his first in terms of disposals, marks, goals, games played, ect; - it wasn't as flashy. In a recent interview with Prismall, he seems to be genuinely admant to make a change in his approach to the next season. And it has shown, as many have testified his improvement in terms of preparation and field play (ranking among the best in both intraclub matches). He was also dropped unfairly on occasions last year IMO - kind of ruined his consistency. I think we'll find out more tomorrow, but Myers hasn't shown enough to be better in this comparison.

That's not to say I don't like Myers though, I just think he's in another league to Prismall at the moment. I love his moments of brilliance (particularily his snaps at goal) - but he needs to fix his pace and control the ball a little better. Some have reported that he has slimmed down a little this year, so who knows. He definitely needs to be cemented in one position though.

4. David Zaharakis

To me, Zaharakis is a gem. I don't think we have seen what this kid is capable of yet tbh. I'm not saying this because I'm an Essendon supporter, it's echoed by many. He reminds me a lot of Chapman, it isn't funny. He actually looks a champ in his infancy. He could definitely be the grunt we need in the midfield - the guy that takes shit into his own hands when the team is down and turns it onto it's head. I picture him fending off opposition players before either piercing the ball into the hands of our KPP's up forward or splitting the sticks himself.

It's tough though, because this is the only "versus" rank where I think both players actually challange each other. Jetta is all class, but Zaharakis provides that push and shove and classy finish, which I prefer in a 200 game player. Jetta's skills by foot has improved greatly over the years, but he will be more of a link up player in my eyes (nothing bad at all!).

5. Dyson Heppell

Neither have shown anything at the elite level, so it'll always be a wild guess - but Heppell is a more educated guess here, as he has shown enough for opposition teams to keep an eye on him, and you'd be hard pressed not to find a SuperCoach/Dream Team player who hasn't already included him in their sides (MID/DEF). I picture him playing longer, as picks in Hibberd's range are usually a hit or miss.

I definitely consider it suss that Essendon's club doctor was the one to diagnose Heppell with a foot injury just prior to thr draft...

Top post.

 

[MAAAATTDAAAAMON]

6. Kyle Reimers Vs Courtenay Dempsey could be interesting also.

Both inconsistent but highly talented wing/flankers. Who will be better? If any? If it turns out well for us, they could both become hugely important tools towards our next premiership. If things go the wrong way, they could both hit the scrap heap.

Dempsey seems more likely at the moment, but both have a lot to prove after being gifted games in the past.

 

[Bomber32]

1. Melksham
2. Gumbleton
3. Prismall
4. Zaharakis
5. Heppell

 

[Vass38]

H.Slat v Dyson?
Both 25, dyson averages 16 disposlas vs Henrys 11 but thats to be expected given hes more of a hbf type and h.slats a true small defender. similar amount of games, both drafted in mid 40's. very tough to split these 2 I think.
Whilst Dyson has henry covered for skill Id go for H.Slat just - I think hes a bit tougher than Ricky and i really hope both these guys can have good years.

 

[yaco55]

Colyer
Carlisle
Myers
Zaharakis
Hibberd

 

[The Bomb]

1. Colyer
2. Gumbleton
3. Prismall
4. Zaharakis
5. Heppell will be a absolute ripper.

 

[Slattery_20]

1. Jake Melksham Vs Travis Colyer (career)
2. Scott Gumbeton Vs Jake Carlisle (career)
3. Brent Prismall Vs David Myers (career)
4. David Zaharakis Vs Leroy Jetta (career)

One more, a little different:
5. Dyson Heppell Vs Michael Hibberd (2011 only)

I tend to go on exposed form more than most.

1. Jake Melksham

Although not as explosive as Colyer, he looks like he will mature a little quicker. Has the structure of a good midfielder who thinks it through. His execution is much better than Colyer's, whereas Colyer sacrifises this in order to sprint onto the scene. I think it'll take Colyer a while to control this (but once he does, you'll remember his name) - which is why I think Melky will have a better overall career.

Boy I disagree with this. Mainly because Colyer seemed to visibly improve/mature over the year and was clearly executing better by the end of the year.

Are you trying to say he'll take longer because he's small?

 

[table tennis]

Prismall by the length of the flemington straight. Myers has nearly 30 good or better games to catch Prismall. Prismall just plays good solid football. Myers, well he hasn't really done anything. Prismall has come off a knee reco, myers has just had his head up his ass

 

[Kong]

1. Jake Melksham Vs Travis Colyer (career)
Will be a star

2. Scott Gumbeton Vs Jake Carlisle (career)

3. Brent Prismall Vs David Myers (career)
Rate Myers much higher, but I worry that Myers' body will keep letting him down

4. David Zaharakis Vs Leroy Jetta (career)
Zaka is guaranteed to be at the very least an above average player, Jetta I'm not sold on

One more, a little different:
5. Dyson Heppell Vs Michael Hibberd (2011 only)
One's ready made, the other looks like a 15 year old

 

[LeeARM]

Personally I think Prismall is a bit comparable to McPhee. They both try as hard as they can and get a lot of the ball, but they screw up too much. At least that's the feeling I got from this year, especially in the 2nd Carlton game.

 

[Hurls_18]

1 - Jake Melksham - Didn't exactly 'burst' onto the scene in 2010 but he's done some very nice things. 3 things that come to mind is his pass to Zaka in round 7 vs. Port, his goal vs. Port and his lovely waited pass to Gumby that CMC posted. I just think his got a little more class. Time will tell though.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDeS4Qoc2aM (1.25, 6.33)

2 - Jake Carlisle - This guess is purely based on the fact that I don't think Gumby's body will hold up (sorry boys). If Gumby hadn't had injuries like he has in the past I would have it the other way round. He's shown some talent in his few games for the EFC.

3 - Myers - I'll go against the flow and say Myers. Can win his own ball. Big guess though...

4 - Zaka - Love this boy, absolutely love him. Doesn't get enough love from opposition supporters but I think he was a real find. His attack on the ball is second to none. He's good over head whilst being explosive in the midfield. I've got high hopes for him. Whilst Jetta's been good as of late (10') I think Zaka's shown more.

5 - Hibberd - As Whomb pointed out, Hibberd is more developed then Heppell and I think that will ultimately help him more.

 

[hank31]

dont know hope both are awesome
Gumby
Myers
Zaka
Heppell

 

[WN123]

Colyer - pretty confident about both
Gumby - I hope. Carlile I think will be OK but if Gumby's not better it means his body has let him down.
Myers - Prismall is a handy player but I don't think he is anything more. I can see Myers being similar to Watson.
Jetta -Again wishful thinking. Zaka is a beauty so if Jetta is better........

haven't seen the other two so no comment.

 

[The Bomb]

Out of all the players you mentioned I have to say I am most excited about Heppell.
If he gets a bit of room watch how good he is.

 

[MAAAATTDAAAAMON]

Votes so far:

1. Jake Melksham 7 Vs Travis Colyer 5
2. Scott Gumbeton 7 Vs Jake Carlisle 6
3. Brent Prismall 9 Vs David Myers 5
4. David Zaharakis 12 Vs Leroy Jetta 1
5. Dyson Heppell 7 Vs Michael Hibberd 3

Not many believing in Jetta? Or perhaps it says something about what we expect from Zaka.

Gumby vs Carlisle the closest and perhaps the most intriguing.

 

[Call Me Cake]

Boy I disagree with this.

What a surprise.

Kidding, kidding. Welcomed.

Mainly because Colyer seemed to visibly improve/mature over the year and was clearly executing better by the end of the year.

Are you trying to say he'll take longer because he's small?

What do you take me for? An idiot?

My point was well and clear;

"[Melksham] has the structure of a good midfielder who thinks it through. His execution is much better than Colyer's, whereas Colyer sacrifises this in order to sprint onto the scene. I think it'll take Colyer a while to control this (but once he does, you'll remember his name) - which is why I think Melky will have a better overall career."

IMO, from what I have seen of both players, Colyer's main strength is his speed, but it happens to be his weakness (for now) too, as he sacrifices a throughtful finish to execute it. It's not because he's small, it's because he's inexperienced in his own field. Once he learns how to control his burst for the better, he will learn how to think before he finishes as well.

In fact, I'll take tonight's matches as an example (even though I'm focusing more on last season). While Colyer was first to the ball here and there, he never finished off his disposals properly - complete shanks at goal, out of bounds, handballs not hitting the target on some occasions, ect; - whereas while Melksham wasn't as "first in" compared to Colyer, he was certainly "best dressed" in regards to his kicks, handballs, marks... all of which were quite effective in both the win and draw.

I don't base my opinion on a player due to his size, I base it on what has been shown. Mind you though, Melksham doesn't look like a school boy anymore - much bigger this year.

 

[Slattery_20]

Melksham did look more composed, I'll grant you that.
I'd still have Colyer just in front on the disposal side of things, only so much I'm willing to base February form off!

 

[Evo86]

Enough of the easy questions... I'm going to put up some interesting ones now...

Hooker v Pears

i'll take Hooker

Howlett v Hocking

Hocking for me

Ryder v Hurley

Paddy for the win

Reimers v Slattery

Slattery by a country mile