- Jul 3, 2001
- 22,876
- 10,184
- AFL Club
- Collingwood
- Other Teams
- Heat, Victory, Man Utd, Redskins
Hi Guys
Was Going to do a preview for the whole league but I didn't get enough teams in from fellow BF people. Did manage to get the Pies one done so thought some might like a geezer...at a time when theres not much Pies stuff to read out there...
Best Squad
B: Cole, Presti, Clement
HB: Morrison, Wakes, B Johnson
C: Woewodin, Bucks, Lockyer
HF: Didak, Tarrant, Fraser
F: Burns, Rocca, Caracella
Foll: Richards, Licuria, Holland
Lonie O'Bree Davis C Cloke
Depth: Maxwell J Cloke Davidson T Walker Rowe B Shaw
Williams Swan T Cloke Iaccobucci
1. Leon Davis
Where is he at: Leon made some big strides to becoming a more valuable player to
the team in 2004 by providing some speed and skill in the midfield, but he still
needs to continue to work on his consistency and flexibility, aswell as his
fitness base. His primary role should still remain as a goal sneak however he
should be prepared to have a run on the ball or off the wing at times. Leon is
not your typical on-baller who can follow the play and get his share of
clearances, he is much more suited as a roamer moving up and down the ground as
we saw against Fremantle at Subiaco last season, using his speed to lead his
opponent to the ball and rack up loose ball gets.
Role in 2005: Forward Pocket/Wing/Onballer.
2. Shane Woewodin
Where is he at: Shane has reached the time in his career where he is generally
dependable, sometimes excellent but still has the odd stinker - usually in a bad
loss. We can still expect 20+ possesions from Woey with most of them used
wisely however he can still struggle to find space and win man on man contests.
Woey looks set for another year in the midfield but may spend more time as a
sweeping half back as his career moves into it's twilight.
Role in 2005: Onballer/Half Back
3. Ryan Lonie
Where is he at: Injuries meant Lonie was more of a Utility in 04 just as he was
starting to look fairly solid on a week by week basis down back. With the
emergence of Nick Maxwell, Ryan was given new opportunities up forward. I liked
what I saw. Whilst Ryan still had low possesion counts up the ground his dash
and skills were more beneficial to the side (read: 'stinger') where he popped up
with a few quick goals as a flanker or makeshift Full Forward when big guns
Rocca and Tarrant were out. Half Back flank seems to be his default position,
however with the recruitment of Chad Morrison and a potential move back from
Woey and competing against the emerging Cole, Johnson and All Australian Clement
- medium/small defensive positions seem tight. If he doesn't want to find
himself starting on the pine each week, Ryan may need to make the Wing or Half
Forward Flank his own.
Role in 2005: Half Forward/Wing.
4. Alan Didak
Where is he at: Last year was the year the Pies finally unleashed Dids into the
midfield with some pleasing results. Whilst he doesn't look the genuine
ballwinning midfield type, once he has the fitness he should have the ability to
hurt from the middle with his disposal and goalkicking nous - similar to Bruce
at Melbourne. His career seemed to have stagnated at mid year with no real
signs of improvement or results before some handy games on the ball and then he
had his virtual season ending jaw injury. With an ageing midfield requiring
some much needed support and class, Dids should expect to spend 75% of his time
either off a wing or in midfield this year. Like Taz did in 2003, hopefully
2005 is the year Alan explodes and shows his true potential.
Role in 2005: Wing/Centre/Half Forward.
5. Nathan Buckley
Where is he at: Injury prone, past it old hack. No not really. On the few
occasions the captain did make it onto the park last year, he still looked the
Pies best by a mile at times. He is showing signs of wear and tear however and
the consistent brilliance we have become accustomed to waned ever so slightly.
Malthouse made what I thought would be a clever move in playing him off half
forward, however Bucks just didn't have the goalscoring impact due to his
roaming outside the forward 50 and pechant for setting up goals rather than
kicking them. A few seem to think playing Bucks off the half back flank as he
did in the 90's again might be the perfect way to wind down his career. I'm
starting to agree. But if Nathan has his own way, and I suspect MM won't stand
in his way - Bucks will be in the centre square come Round 1, 2005.
Role in 2005: Onballer/Half Back/Half Forward.
6. Brodie Holland
Where is he at: Brodies career has taken quite a metamorphisis since showing a
new lease of life as a more defensive player one night against Adelaide 2003.
In 2004 Brodie the tagger was a solid performer and provided tight checking with
the old Brodie opportunist goal. If he can stay out of trouble, he will remain
an integral part of the team and one of the first picked each week. The only
thing I think goes against Holland is the midfield can look too defensive some
times with both him and Licuria in the middle. Licuria is a fine midfielder in
his own right but I think he thrives more when given the #1 tagging job. As he
has matured as a footballer I'd like to see Brodie move back to forward pocket
for a rest at times (perhaps interchanging with Burns) to provide the Pies
greater flexibilty.
Role in 2005: Tagger/Forward Pocket.
7. Chad Morrison
Where is he at: I don't think you truly understand a player's worth until you go
and watch him play for your team week in week out. What I do know about "The
Chad" is that he finished the last season in trailblazing form with the Eagles.
I am expecting him to offer plenty of rebound and run off half back aswell as
the experience that comes with being a mature age recruit. Bolstering our
defensive and midfield depth he should allow the Pies to move younger players
into more favourable positions such as Cole, Johnson and Lonie.
The only real negative I have heard from Eagles fans is he can sometimes be
indecisive and hold up play when kicking over the mark and his disposal is
sometimes short of the target. Then there is the knees - but hopefully they are
past him as they seem to be for Licuria.
Role in 2005: Half Back/Wing.
8. James Clement
Where is he at: All Australian, Copeland Trophy winner, leading rebound from D50
in the league. All whilst having to hold down a key position despite being
undersized and injuries taking care of partners in crime Wakelin and
Prestigiacomo last year. James is in the prime of his career and hopefully we
see a more solid defensive group supporting him next year, the foundation for
another tilt at Top 4 status for the Pies.
Role in 2005: Half Back/Full Back/Centre Half Back.Back Pocket General.
9. Julian Rowe
Where is he at: A bargain pickup in the draft Rowe's debut year was capped with
a handful of senior appearances which showed he has the potential to be a winger
of the future. Good balance, marking ability and skills on both sides of the
body - Rowe is something to be excited about once he fully adjust to the tempo
of AFL standard.
Role in 2005: Wing
10. Blake Caracella
Where is he at: Returns to Victoria from Brisbane after successive Grand Finals
and valuable Premiership experience with 2 clubs. Should slot into a forward
crumbing role and supply the consistency the club has been crying out for. I
think he will be a more valuable pickup than expected.
Role in 2005: Half Forward/Forward Pocket
11. Shane O'Bree
Where is he at: Shane is no doubt at a career low currently, not helped by the
fact he has been used to plug gaps up forward with our lack of small/medium
forward depth in 03/04. Shanes best work was no doubt done as a fit and high
possesion gathering onballer in the 2001 season. Whilst his skill level is not
the greatest, he definately has the ability to give a 400-500 possesion year
from the middle. Rumour is the club has elevated him to a leadership position
despite his medicore form, which hopefully gives him the confidence boost to
step up to the plate as an experienced player in the midfield next year.
Role in 2005: Onballer
12. Tristen Walker
Where is he at: The big project player from WA made some big strides in 2004 as
he continued to ply his trade at Centre Half Back in the VFL whilst also showing
some physicality and ability to take a grab at the highest level. Still very
much learning the game but has all the physical tools to make a key defender.
Intriguing prospect.
Role in 2005: Centre Half Back
13. Richard Cole
Where is he at: Richie's trend of improvement in 2004 was one of the few
highlights at the club. He continues to curb his 'rookie mistakes' and those
daring runs out of defense that have all of us on the edge of our seats started
to come off on a more frequent basis. His disposal and close checking work on
the dangerous forward pockets of the league also was encouraging as he made the
back pocket his own. Most expect a move upfield in future but the rumour is
Richie wants to make a fist of a dashing backline player much in the mould of a
Chris Johnson. If he keeps developing the way he has, I'm not one to argue.
Role in 2005: Back Pocket
14. Shane Wakelin
Where is he at: Not sure whether we should expect a great deal out of Wakes at
this point of his career but then again with Alastair Lynchs retirement we
should also expect an extra 3-4 games minimum out of him next year! He has
seemed to get better with age and experience but with that comes a decline in
durability.
The Pies would hope they have him available for most of next year in Defence to
free up Clement to a more attacking defensive role. I'd also like to think
Shane would start tutoring the promising Walker somewhat in how to play a key
post effectively as he nears the end.
Role in 2005: Centre Half Back/Full Back
15. Tom Davidson
Where is he at: When your CV reads more knee reconstructions than games played
you are one player in need of some luck. In the brief periods we have seen Tom
play, we've been excited by his potential to play as a fast leading, sure
marking 3rd tall forward. Hopefully his injury problems are behind him and he
can finally start forging a career in the AFL. Nothing is definate but Tom
looks to be a vital piece of the jigsaw puzzle for years ahead. He's also part
of the bumper Draft crop of 2001. Here's hoping now is only the beginning of
this exciting talent.
Role in 2005: Half Forward/3rd Tall Forward
16. Chris Egan
Where is he at: Enigmatic indigenous draftee who combines speed with sure ball
handling and attacking play. Compared to Michael O'Loughlin's style of play.
Drafted from Murray.
Role in 2005: VFL Predom - Half Forward
17. Scott Burns
Where is he at: Whilst dependable as ever, it is fair to say Scott was not as
effective this year as previous seasons where he must have given All Australian
selection a nudge. Spending time between midfield and up forward, he is still
the Pies best grunt work player whilst still being able to kick the much needed
goal. I see a more permanent role up forward for Scott with some small periods
on the ball ahead. If the Pies could get a 30 goal year out of Scott up forward
I can see them going well. I don't imagine he has much time left with injuries
taking its toll on his excellent career.
Role in 2005: Forward Pocket/Half Forward/Centre
18. Paul Licuria
Where is he at: Licca's form in 2004 was indifferent with him warming up slowly
and eventually getting to a good rythym without being overly outstanding. It
appeared a calf injury hampered him somewhat at stages but his tireless work
ethic and attack on the ball could never be questioned. Paul should be reaching
the prime of his career at his age now and be ready to throw up his hand for
Captaincy once Buckley and Burns go.
Role in 2005: Onballer
19. Andrew Williams
Where is he at: As close as possible to delistment you would think. Andrew has
all the skills and tools to be a regular player in the side however there is
question marks over his ability to cope with the physical side of football and
fully protect himself. In form, he offers tremendous value as a marking medium
forward and is one of the fittest players at the club, so should be able to play
off a wing also. Make or break year no doubt, we should know by the halfway
mark of the year if Andrew will be with us beyond 2005.
Role in 2005: Predom VFL - WIng/Half Forward
20. Chris Tarrant
Where is he at: Although he didn't have the stats nor the games to his name as
the 2003 Chris Tarrant model, I do believe he has improved even more by adding
more presence and physicality to his game. Hamstring injuries and a poor
tribunal decision robbed him of a fair chunk of the year but there are signs
there Chris is ready to kick more goals and win more contested footy in marking
duels. If he can straighten out his kicking, there is no reason why he cannot
kick 50 goals from CHF next year.
Role in 2005: Centre Half Forward/Full Forward
21. Guy Richards
Where is he at: Promising debut year for Guy culminating in Rising Star
Nomination however doubts remain over his body's ability to hold up to the
rigours of AFL and he still needs to put on weight. His tapwork at stages was a
welcome sight and his around the ground work seemed to improve by the game. It
was also pleasing to see him move forward and kick the odd goal. If he can hold
down the ruck it gives the luxury of playing Fraser mainly up forward which will
not only suit Josh but give the Pies flexibility not seen for some time.
Role in 2005: Ruck
22. Rhyce Shaw
Where is he at: 2004 really should have been the year that made Rhyce as a
footballer after a promising season before and the dissapointment of his Grand
Final errors. However it seemed he went into his shell from the outset as his
game deteriorated to the point he could not hit a target by foot when his skills
were generally very dependable. Respect for him as a player is at an alltime
low in football circles and its time he either started producing the results or
he won't be around next year.
Role in 2005: Predom VFL - Wing/Half Back
23. Anthony Rocca
Where is he at: 2004 was meant to be the year big Ant would repay the Pies for
his 2003 Prelim suspension. It was not to be as he injured his ankle twice and
effectively ended his season prematurely. His impact of previous seasons didn't
seem to be there at times probably due to a depleted midfield, but I felt Rocca
did well kicking the amount of goals he did. As such I see him as the Pies 1st
option Full Forward moving into the future, with the flexibility to move out to
CHF and swap with Taz if required. Hopefully his rucking days are over with
Cameron Cloke supporting Fraser and Richards now and he can concentrate on
kicking goals and winning games.
Role in 2005: Full Forward/Centre Half Forward
24. Tarkyn Lockyer
Where is he at: After over a year out of the game with knee and foot injuries
Tarkyns return to football was promising before he waned as the season went on.
His high skill level and ability to present for the football were a welcome
sight however he still has work to do on his one on one contesting and
strength/ability to hold his feet. With a big pre-season behind him his
influence should be greater next year.
Role in 2005: WIng/Half Forward
25. Josh Fraser
Where is he at: Many would say Josh's consistency is at it's peak in his career
right now however I was slightly dissapointed with how he went in 2004 after
showing some real matchwinning form in 2003 in the ruck. With the emergence of
Richards he now has the opportunity to do what he does best and that is play as
a drifting forward and kick opportunist goals against less co-ordinated
opponents in his height range. Essentially Josh is a flanker playing in a big
mans body and if he can improve his aerial ability and strength, will be a force
to be reckoned with. Career defining season ahead.
Role in 2005: Half Forward/Ruck
Was Going to do a preview for the whole league but I didn't get enough teams in from fellow BF people. Did manage to get the Pies one done so thought some might like a geezer...at a time when theres not much Pies stuff to read out there...
Best Squad
B: Cole, Presti, Clement
HB: Morrison, Wakes, B Johnson
C: Woewodin, Bucks, Lockyer
HF: Didak, Tarrant, Fraser
F: Burns, Rocca, Caracella
Foll: Richards, Licuria, Holland
Lonie O'Bree Davis C Cloke
Depth: Maxwell J Cloke Davidson T Walker Rowe B Shaw
Williams Swan T Cloke Iaccobucci
1. Leon Davis
Where is he at: Leon made some big strides to becoming a more valuable player to
the team in 2004 by providing some speed and skill in the midfield, but he still
needs to continue to work on his consistency and flexibility, aswell as his
fitness base. His primary role should still remain as a goal sneak however he
should be prepared to have a run on the ball or off the wing at times. Leon is
not your typical on-baller who can follow the play and get his share of
clearances, he is much more suited as a roamer moving up and down the ground as
we saw against Fremantle at Subiaco last season, using his speed to lead his
opponent to the ball and rack up loose ball gets.
Role in 2005: Forward Pocket/Wing/Onballer.
2. Shane Woewodin
Where is he at: Shane has reached the time in his career where he is generally
dependable, sometimes excellent but still has the odd stinker - usually in a bad
loss. We can still expect 20+ possesions from Woey with most of them used
wisely however he can still struggle to find space and win man on man contests.
Woey looks set for another year in the midfield but may spend more time as a
sweeping half back as his career moves into it's twilight.
Role in 2005: Onballer/Half Back
3. Ryan Lonie
Where is he at: Injuries meant Lonie was more of a Utility in 04 just as he was
starting to look fairly solid on a week by week basis down back. With the
emergence of Nick Maxwell, Ryan was given new opportunities up forward. I liked
what I saw. Whilst Ryan still had low possesion counts up the ground his dash
and skills were more beneficial to the side (read: 'stinger') where he popped up
with a few quick goals as a flanker or makeshift Full Forward when big guns
Rocca and Tarrant were out. Half Back flank seems to be his default position,
however with the recruitment of Chad Morrison and a potential move back from
Woey and competing against the emerging Cole, Johnson and All Australian Clement
- medium/small defensive positions seem tight. If he doesn't want to find
himself starting on the pine each week, Ryan may need to make the Wing or Half
Forward Flank his own.
Role in 2005: Half Forward/Wing.
4. Alan Didak
Where is he at: Last year was the year the Pies finally unleashed Dids into the
midfield with some pleasing results. Whilst he doesn't look the genuine
ballwinning midfield type, once he has the fitness he should have the ability to
hurt from the middle with his disposal and goalkicking nous - similar to Bruce
at Melbourne. His career seemed to have stagnated at mid year with no real
signs of improvement or results before some handy games on the ball and then he
had his virtual season ending jaw injury. With an ageing midfield requiring
some much needed support and class, Dids should expect to spend 75% of his time
either off a wing or in midfield this year. Like Taz did in 2003, hopefully
2005 is the year Alan explodes and shows his true potential.
Role in 2005: Wing/Centre/Half Forward.
5. Nathan Buckley
Where is he at: Injury prone, past it old hack. No not really. On the few
occasions the captain did make it onto the park last year, he still looked the
Pies best by a mile at times. He is showing signs of wear and tear however and
the consistent brilliance we have become accustomed to waned ever so slightly.
Malthouse made what I thought would be a clever move in playing him off half
forward, however Bucks just didn't have the goalscoring impact due to his
roaming outside the forward 50 and pechant for setting up goals rather than
kicking them. A few seem to think playing Bucks off the half back flank as he
did in the 90's again might be the perfect way to wind down his career. I'm
starting to agree. But if Nathan has his own way, and I suspect MM won't stand
in his way - Bucks will be in the centre square come Round 1, 2005.
Role in 2005: Onballer/Half Back/Half Forward.
6. Brodie Holland
Where is he at: Brodies career has taken quite a metamorphisis since showing a
new lease of life as a more defensive player one night against Adelaide 2003.
In 2004 Brodie the tagger was a solid performer and provided tight checking with
the old Brodie opportunist goal. If he can stay out of trouble, he will remain
an integral part of the team and one of the first picked each week. The only
thing I think goes against Holland is the midfield can look too defensive some
times with both him and Licuria in the middle. Licuria is a fine midfielder in
his own right but I think he thrives more when given the #1 tagging job. As he
has matured as a footballer I'd like to see Brodie move back to forward pocket
for a rest at times (perhaps interchanging with Burns) to provide the Pies
greater flexibilty.
Role in 2005: Tagger/Forward Pocket.
7. Chad Morrison
Where is he at: I don't think you truly understand a player's worth until you go
and watch him play for your team week in week out. What I do know about "The
Chad" is that he finished the last season in trailblazing form with the Eagles.
I am expecting him to offer plenty of rebound and run off half back aswell as
the experience that comes with being a mature age recruit. Bolstering our
defensive and midfield depth he should allow the Pies to move younger players
into more favourable positions such as Cole, Johnson and Lonie.
The only real negative I have heard from Eagles fans is he can sometimes be
indecisive and hold up play when kicking over the mark and his disposal is
sometimes short of the target. Then there is the knees - but hopefully they are
past him as they seem to be for Licuria.
Role in 2005: Half Back/Wing.
8. James Clement
Where is he at: All Australian, Copeland Trophy winner, leading rebound from D50
in the league. All whilst having to hold down a key position despite being
undersized and injuries taking care of partners in crime Wakelin and
Prestigiacomo last year. James is in the prime of his career and hopefully we
see a more solid defensive group supporting him next year, the foundation for
another tilt at Top 4 status for the Pies.
Role in 2005: Half Back/Full Back/Centre Half Back.Back Pocket General.
9. Julian Rowe
Where is he at: A bargain pickup in the draft Rowe's debut year was capped with
a handful of senior appearances which showed he has the potential to be a winger
of the future. Good balance, marking ability and skills on both sides of the
body - Rowe is something to be excited about once he fully adjust to the tempo
of AFL standard.
Role in 2005: Wing
10. Blake Caracella
Where is he at: Returns to Victoria from Brisbane after successive Grand Finals
and valuable Premiership experience with 2 clubs. Should slot into a forward
crumbing role and supply the consistency the club has been crying out for. I
think he will be a more valuable pickup than expected.
Role in 2005: Half Forward/Forward Pocket
11. Shane O'Bree
Where is he at: Shane is no doubt at a career low currently, not helped by the
fact he has been used to plug gaps up forward with our lack of small/medium
forward depth in 03/04. Shanes best work was no doubt done as a fit and high
possesion gathering onballer in the 2001 season. Whilst his skill level is not
the greatest, he definately has the ability to give a 400-500 possesion year
from the middle. Rumour is the club has elevated him to a leadership position
despite his medicore form, which hopefully gives him the confidence boost to
step up to the plate as an experienced player in the midfield next year.
Role in 2005: Onballer
12. Tristen Walker
Where is he at: The big project player from WA made some big strides in 2004 as
he continued to ply his trade at Centre Half Back in the VFL whilst also showing
some physicality and ability to take a grab at the highest level. Still very
much learning the game but has all the physical tools to make a key defender.
Intriguing prospect.
Role in 2005: Centre Half Back
13. Richard Cole
Where is he at: Richie's trend of improvement in 2004 was one of the few
highlights at the club. He continues to curb his 'rookie mistakes' and those
daring runs out of defense that have all of us on the edge of our seats started
to come off on a more frequent basis. His disposal and close checking work on
the dangerous forward pockets of the league also was encouraging as he made the
back pocket his own. Most expect a move upfield in future but the rumour is
Richie wants to make a fist of a dashing backline player much in the mould of a
Chris Johnson. If he keeps developing the way he has, I'm not one to argue.
Role in 2005: Back Pocket
14. Shane Wakelin
Where is he at: Not sure whether we should expect a great deal out of Wakes at
this point of his career but then again with Alastair Lynchs retirement we
should also expect an extra 3-4 games minimum out of him next year! He has
seemed to get better with age and experience but with that comes a decline in
durability.
The Pies would hope they have him available for most of next year in Defence to
free up Clement to a more attacking defensive role. I'd also like to think
Shane would start tutoring the promising Walker somewhat in how to play a key
post effectively as he nears the end.
Role in 2005: Centre Half Back/Full Back
15. Tom Davidson
Where is he at: When your CV reads more knee reconstructions than games played
you are one player in need of some luck. In the brief periods we have seen Tom
play, we've been excited by his potential to play as a fast leading, sure
marking 3rd tall forward. Hopefully his injury problems are behind him and he
can finally start forging a career in the AFL. Nothing is definate but Tom
looks to be a vital piece of the jigsaw puzzle for years ahead. He's also part
of the bumper Draft crop of 2001. Here's hoping now is only the beginning of
this exciting talent.
Role in 2005: Half Forward/3rd Tall Forward
16. Chris Egan
Where is he at: Enigmatic indigenous draftee who combines speed with sure ball
handling and attacking play. Compared to Michael O'Loughlin's style of play.
Drafted from Murray.
Role in 2005: VFL Predom - Half Forward
17. Scott Burns
Where is he at: Whilst dependable as ever, it is fair to say Scott was not as
effective this year as previous seasons where he must have given All Australian
selection a nudge. Spending time between midfield and up forward, he is still
the Pies best grunt work player whilst still being able to kick the much needed
goal. I see a more permanent role up forward for Scott with some small periods
on the ball ahead. If the Pies could get a 30 goal year out of Scott up forward
I can see them going well. I don't imagine he has much time left with injuries
taking its toll on his excellent career.
Role in 2005: Forward Pocket/Half Forward/Centre
18. Paul Licuria
Where is he at: Licca's form in 2004 was indifferent with him warming up slowly
and eventually getting to a good rythym without being overly outstanding. It
appeared a calf injury hampered him somewhat at stages but his tireless work
ethic and attack on the ball could never be questioned. Paul should be reaching
the prime of his career at his age now and be ready to throw up his hand for
Captaincy once Buckley and Burns go.
Role in 2005: Onballer
19. Andrew Williams
Where is he at: As close as possible to delistment you would think. Andrew has
all the skills and tools to be a regular player in the side however there is
question marks over his ability to cope with the physical side of football and
fully protect himself. In form, he offers tremendous value as a marking medium
forward and is one of the fittest players at the club, so should be able to play
off a wing also. Make or break year no doubt, we should know by the halfway
mark of the year if Andrew will be with us beyond 2005.
Role in 2005: Predom VFL - WIng/Half Forward
20. Chris Tarrant
Where is he at: Although he didn't have the stats nor the games to his name as
the 2003 Chris Tarrant model, I do believe he has improved even more by adding
more presence and physicality to his game. Hamstring injuries and a poor
tribunal decision robbed him of a fair chunk of the year but there are signs
there Chris is ready to kick more goals and win more contested footy in marking
duels. If he can straighten out his kicking, there is no reason why he cannot
kick 50 goals from CHF next year.
Role in 2005: Centre Half Forward/Full Forward
21. Guy Richards
Where is he at: Promising debut year for Guy culminating in Rising Star
Nomination however doubts remain over his body's ability to hold up to the
rigours of AFL and he still needs to put on weight. His tapwork at stages was a
welcome sight and his around the ground work seemed to improve by the game. It
was also pleasing to see him move forward and kick the odd goal. If he can hold
down the ruck it gives the luxury of playing Fraser mainly up forward which will
not only suit Josh but give the Pies flexibility not seen for some time.
Role in 2005: Ruck
22. Rhyce Shaw
Where is he at: 2004 really should have been the year that made Rhyce as a
footballer after a promising season before and the dissapointment of his Grand
Final errors. However it seemed he went into his shell from the outset as his
game deteriorated to the point he could not hit a target by foot when his skills
were generally very dependable. Respect for him as a player is at an alltime
low in football circles and its time he either started producing the results or
he won't be around next year.
Role in 2005: Predom VFL - Wing/Half Back
23. Anthony Rocca
Where is he at: 2004 was meant to be the year big Ant would repay the Pies for
his 2003 Prelim suspension. It was not to be as he injured his ankle twice and
effectively ended his season prematurely. His impact of previous seasons didn't
seem to be there at times probably due to a depleted midfield, but I felt Rocca
did well kicking the amount of goals he did. As such I see him as the Pies 1st
option Full Forward moving into the future, with the flexibility to move out to
CHF and swap with Taz if required. Hopefully his rucking days are over with
Cameron Cloke supporting Fraser and Richards now and he can concentrate on
kicking goals and winning games.
Role in 2005: Full Forward/Centre Half Forward
24. Tarkyn Lockyer
Where is he at: After over a year out of the game with knee and foot injuries
Tarkyns return to football was promising before he waned as the season went on.
His high skill level and ability to present for the football were a welcome
sight however he still has work to do on his one on one contesting and
strength/ability to hold his feet. With a big pre-season behind him his
influence should be greater next year.
Role in 2005: WIng/Half Forward
25. Josh Fraser
Where is he at: Many would say Josh's consistency is at it's peak in his career
right now however I was slightly dissapointed with how he went in 2004 after
showing some real matchwinning form in 2003 in the ruck. With the emergence of
Richards he now has the opportunity to do what he does best and that is play as
a drifting forward and kick opportunist goals against less co-ordinated
opponents in his height range. Essentially Josh is a flanker playing in a big
mans body and if he can improve his aerial ability and strength, will be a force
to be reckoned with. Career defining season ahead.
Role in 2005: Half Forward/Ruck
then its good 
