Player Report Cards after 14 games

[the ranger]

For every player who has played a game this season:

Astbury - C - Hasn't done a whole lot yet but seems to have cemented his place in the team and shows signs of being a quality player who can fill holes for us forward and back.

Collins - B - Feels like he's been around for ages, so it's always a surprise to realise how few games he's played. Has looked like a player since his debut and will only get better.

Connors - B - The suspension looks to have been the making of him. Classy player who finally looks to have his head in the right place.

Cotchin - B+ - Finally fit for round one after missing the first 2 months of his first two seasons, by the end of the year he'll be just shy of 50 games. Expect him to become an A grader next season.

Cousins - B - Took a while to get fit but has already lifted his averages up to 20.7 disposals and 3.3 tackles. Adds so much to this young team and must be kept on for another year.

Dea - D - Showed a few glimpses but mostly looked out of his depth. Will be given plenty of time but I doubt we'll be seeing him again this year.

Deledio - A - On the way to another B&F but he'll deserve this one more than the others. Has found his ideal role and will become one of the league's elite players over the next few years.

Edwards - B - Was probably more visible earlier in the year when we were really struggling, but has cemented himself in the 22.

Farmer - C+ - Doesn't have a huge impact on the stat sheet but has steadily improved all year.

Foley - C - The poor grade is because he's only played 4 times and may not be seen again this year. Such an important player for us, so let's hope he can get back to his best next year.

Graham - C+ - Tempted to give him a B but he's only played 7 games. Love his tackling and his improved marking. Has stood up at the perfect time, just when we needed him to most.

Griffiths - D+ - Has done bugger all but we're undefeated with him in the team and he looks like a great prospect for the future.

Hislop - F - Didn't impress in his 3 games and would have to be almost a certainty for delisting.

Jackson - B - Averaging 6.9 tackles to go with 21.5 possies. Has his faults but is one of our most important players.

King - C - Looked gone a couple of months ago but he's starting to look like he might stick around. He seems a lot more like the player the fans fell in love with in 2007.

Martin - B+ - Unbelievable where this guy is at already. Will be an A grader.

McGuane - C+ - Still suffers from brain fades too often but love his courage.

Moore - C+ - Has shown some glimpses of his very good 2008 form.

Morton - F - Probably the most disappointing player on the list this year. Has too much talent to be a mediocre VFL player.

Nahas - D+ - Starting to look like a handy depth player rather than first team. Only 22 but how much improvement does he have in him?

Nason - C+ - Looked like he belonged from his first NAB Cup game, which for a pick 71 is pretty special.

Newman - B+ - Had a rough year in his first as captain but over the course of this season has really started to live up to the number 17.

Polak - F - Elevated from the rookie list but has played only 3 games without making much impression. Glad he got a chance, but I think it's over.

Polo - F - Three appearances at senior level means a failing grade. I guess it's attitude keeping him out because on ability, you'd think he'd have been given more chances this year.

Post - D - Showed some good signs late last year but obviously needs more time to develop. Hopefully will get that chance at senior level before year's end.

Rance - D - Needs to settle in one position and develop there. Still only 20. Has always had the body (and the courage) but still hasn't got the smarts.

Riewoldt - A - Best young forward in the league, perhaps even best forward overall.

Roberts - D - Has X-factor and hopefully after next pre-season, he'll be in better physical condition.

Tambling - C - Disappointing after good signs last year but not as bad as some would have us believe.

Taylor - D - Could be anything. Hopefully we get him fit and back in for a couple more senior games this year.

Thomson - F - Hasn't been terrible in any of his 4 Richmond games but at his age should have established himself. Gone.

Thursfield - C+ - Has been in and out of the team. Round 14 was probably his best game of the season so far.

Tuck - B - Averaging 26.5 disposals and 5.1 tackles per game. Limited player but the things he does, he does as good as anyone in the league.

Vickery - D+ - Still a way to go but doing just fine for a 20 year old ruckman.

Webberley - C - A bit unlucky not to be playing at the moment. Was dropped after a 20 possession game in a loss vs St Kilda and hasn't been able to break back into a winning team.

White - C - Has a couple of great moments per game but goes missing for stretches.

 

[copthat]

I reckon you could bump Nason up to a B. Has shown heaps for a pick 71 and is our Marathon Man.

 

[tugga]

A lot of players getting above-average marks for a team that is 15th and 4-10.

 

[ize_]

Compared with what we would have expected though Tugg, I reckon some of those marks are pretty tough.

 

[tugga]

I disagree.
If you're basing the marks being over a 14-week season then someone like Daniel Connors would be an E based on his form pre-incident, and the incident itself. He has gone a long way towards rectifying that since his suspension, but that still doesn't put in the black.
Collins, while great yesterday, hasn't really done much this season and while the signs are promising, I don't think overall he warrants a high mark.

 

[Bazzar]

Good effort Ranger

But seriously, Moore, McGuane and Thursty all C+

They have been fantastic doing brilliant hard tough stopping work for Lids, Dan and Newie.

 

[the ranger]

I disagree.
If you're basing the marks being over a 14-week season then someone like Daniel Connors would be an E based on his form pre-incident, and the incident itself. He has gone a long way towards rectifying that since his suspension, but that still doesn't put in the black.
Collins, while great yesterday, hasn't really done much this season and while the signs are promising, I don't think overall he warrants a high mark.

Connors was averaging 21 disposals before the "incident" and 22.3 since. Missing so many games probably should see him lose a grade, but he's been good in every game he's played.

I think Collins has been pretty good all year, too, but has missed 5 games, so maybe could drop a grade as well. But when we were struggling and he played rounds 4-7, he averaged nearly 20 possies. Then after getting back in the side in rounf 10, we've won 4 of 5 and he's kicked 9 goals in his last 5 games.

But yeah, missed games could see them both drop to a C+ rather than a B.

 

[the ranger]

Good effort Ranger

But seriously, Moore, McGuane and Thursty all C+

They have been fantastic doing brilliant hard tough stopping work for Lids, Dan and Newie.

They've all had very good games and some ordinary ones. Hard to really rate them when we were getting thumped every game early in the year. I went conservative on them.

 

[bigstyletiger]

Good job Ranger. Bit off the topic but bold/underline are my trade bait and bolded players are delist. Was reading in the Age yesterday that clubs are only looking to take two or three players in this years draft due to the fact that it was diluted by GC taking 12 17 yo's last year. So with that in mind I would expect us to draft 3/4 and uprgrade a rookie or two. Add McMahon to the delist categorie.

In terms of grades there are some I disagree with but I think it's fair to grade the side on where they are in terms of experience rather than just as an AFL player. If Nason was a 6 year player his season wouldn't be that remarkable but as a 1st year kid from SANFL reserves his progress has been outstanding.

For every player who has played a game this season:

Astbury - C - Hasn't done a whole lot yet but seems to have cemented his place in the team and shows signs of being a quality player who can fill holes for us forward and back.

Collins - B - Feels like he's been around for ages, so it's always a surprise to realise how few games he's played. Has looked like a player since his debut and will only get better.

Connors - B - The suspension looks to have been the making of him. Classy player who finally looks to have his head in the right place.

Cotchin - B+ - Finally fit for round one after missing the first 2 months of his first two seasons, by the end of the year he'll be just shy of 50 games. Expect him to become an A grader next season.

Cousins - B - Took a while to get fit but has already lifted his averages up to 20.7 disposals and 3.3 tackles. Adds so much to this young team and must be kept on for another year.

Dea - D - Showed a few glimpses but mostly looked out of his depth. Will be given plenty of time but I doubt we'll be seeing him again this year.

Deledio - A - On the way to another B&F but he'll deserve this one more than the others. Has found his ideal role and will become one of the league's elite players over the next few years.

Edwards - B - Was probably more visible earlier in the year when we were really struggling, but has cemented himself in the 22.

Farmer - C+ - Doesn't have a huge impact on the stat sheet but has steadily improved all year.

Foley - C - The poor grade is because he's only played 4 times and may not be seen again this year. Such an important player for us, so let's hope he can get back to his best next year.

Graham - C+ - Tempted to give him a B but he's only played 7 games. Love his tackling and his improved marking. Has stood up at the perfect time, just when we needed him to most.

Griffiths - D+ - Has done bugger all but we're undefeated with him in the team and he looks like a great prospect for the future.

Hislop - F - Didn't impress in his 3 games and would have to be almost a certainty for delisting.

Jackson - B - Averaging 6.9 tackles to go with 21.5 possies. Has his faults but is one of our most important players.

King - C - Looked gone a couple of months ago but he's starting to look like he might stick around. He seems a lot more like the player the fans fell in love with in 2007.

Martin - B+ - Unbelievable where this guy is at already. Will be an A grader.

McGuane - C+ - Still suffers from brain fades too often but love his courage.

Moore - C+ - Has shown some glimpses of his very good 2008 form.

Morton - F - Probably the most disappointing player on the list this year. Has too much talent to be a mediocre VFL player.

Nahas - D+ - Starting to look like a handy depth player rather than first team. Only 22 but how much improvement does he have in him?

Nason - C+ - Looked like he belonged from his first NAB Cup game, which for a pick 71 is pretty special.

Newman - B+ - Had a rough year in his first as captain but over the course of this season has really started to live up to the number 17.

Polak - F - Elevated from the rookie list but has played only 3 games without making much impression. Glad he got a chance, but I think it's over.

Polo - F - Three appearances at senior level means a failing grade. I guess it's attitude keeping him out because on ability, you'd think he'd have been given more chances this year.

Post - D - Showed some good signs late last year but obviously needs more time to develop. Hopefully will get that chance at senior level before year's end.

Rance - D - Needs to settle in one position and develop there. Still only 20. Has always had the body (and the courage) but still hasn't got the smarts.

Riewoldt - A - Best young forward in the league, perhaps even best forward overall.

Roberts - D - Has X-factor and hopefully after next pre-season, he'll be in better physical condition.

Tambling - C - Disappointing after good signs last year but not as bad as some would have us believe.

Taylor - D - Could be anything. Hopefully we get him fit and back in for a couple more senior games this year.

Thomson - F - Hasn't been terrible in any of his 4 Richmond games but at his age should have established himself. Gone.

Thursfield - C+ - Has been in and out of the team. Round 14 was probably his best game of the season so far.

Tuck - B - Averaging 26.5 disposals and 5.1 tackles per game. Limited player but the things he does, he does as good as anyone in the league.

Vickery - D+ - Still a way to go but doing just fine for a 20 year old ruckman.

Webberley - C - A bit unlucky not to be playing at the moment. Was dropped after a 20 possession game in a loss vs St Kilda and hasn't been able to break back into a winning team.

White - C - Has a couple of great moments per game but goes missing for stretches.

 

[cormick]

Couldn't agree more with Morton. Can't wait for him to find the happy medium between defensive efforts and attacking prowess to become the player his talent would have him be.

 

[Almighty tigers]

i would of given roberts an F elevated off the rookie list has played two games showed very little and at one stage was playing in coburg ressies

 

[cormick]

i would of given roberts an F elevated off the rookie list has played two games showed very little and at one stage was playing in coburg ressies

Surely by playing two games, he's more than an F?

 

[nut]

not bad..... But Cotchin wasn't fit round 1 and still isn't 100%.

 

[the ranger]

not bad..... But Cotchin wasn't fit round 1 and still isn't 100%.

True, but he was fit enough to play at least.

 

[Final Siren]

Agree with most of that, good work.

Thomson has only played 2 games btw, not 4. (Rounds 1 & 2.)

 

[Toothpick Vic]

Pretty steady effort Ranger but I can't say I agree with only a '+' being the difference between Nason and Tambling..

Tambling must have pictures of the teacher r**ting a goat or something to walk away with a C......

 

[the ranger]

Agree with most of that, good work.

Thomson has only played 2 games btw, not 4. (Rounds 1 & 2.)

4 total, including 2 last season.

 

[Doug Hogan]

Reiwoldt could'nt get an A plus? Surely not!

Got mail Griffiths doesn't compete hard enough and must say I saw signs of it yesterday. Some poor missed tackles.
For a guy his size, he certainly doesn't take many marks and in fact, plays quite small. Fumbled and looked uncompetitve yesterday-surely POST is worht a go over this bloke

 

[the ranger]

Got mail Griffiths doesn't compete hard enough and must say I saw signs of it yesterday. Some poor missed tackles.
For a guy his size, he certainly doesn't take many marks and in fact, plays quite small. Fumbled and looked uncompetitve yesterday-surely POST is worht a go over this bloke

That mail you got sounds like the football equivalent of penis enlargement advertisements. He's 18 and competes just fine, thanks.

 

[Doug Hogan]

That mail you got sounds like the football equivalent of penis enlargement advertisements. He's 18 and competes just fine, thanks.

Well, the mail was from a recruiting head of another club and I know what I saw on sunday with his refusal to go some contests.

Martin is 18 and has no trouble competing.

Don't you think Griffiths should be taking more marks or even look like taking more marks?

 

[coke_zero]

Well, the mail was from a recruiting head of another club and I know what I saw on sunday with his refusal to go some contests.

Martin is 18 and has no trouble competing.

Don't you think Griffiths should be taking more marks or even look like taking more marks?

Martin is 18 and a freak, Griffiths will take some time and its hard when we are always looking for Riewoldt.

 

[Spluff]

Well, the mail was from a recruiting head of another club and I know what I saw on sunday with his refusal to go some contests.

Martin is 18 and has no trouble competing.

Don't you think Griffiths should be taking more marks or even look like taking more marks?

Considering he's been injured basically every time he's taken the field for the last 2 years, he's always going to be a bit ginger to start with.

 

[the ranger]

Well, the mail was from a recruiting head of another club and I know what I saw on sunday with his refusal to go some contests.

Martin is 18 and has no trouble competing.

Don't you think Griffiths should be taking more marks or even look like taking more marks?

Again, he's 18 (and not a physically ready midfielder like Martin). He's played a handful of games after no pre-season due to shoulder surgery. He's sharing a forward line with the in-form forward of the AFL. Not a lot is expected of him at this stage, but he was involved in a few good plays on Sunday and had 6 disposals, 4 tackles and a crucial goal.

I remember one occasion when he should have attacked a contest harder, but as Riewoldt was also heading to the ball, it's understandable that he hesitated. He's pretty handy when the ball hits the ground for a big man (199cm, 98kg at 18 years old btw), but yes, you'd probably prefer Griffiths to go for the mark in that situation. I'm sure the coaching staff will talk about that play with him this week.

 

[lesrythmes]

I read here every day but don't post much, here's what I think. I have based a big part of some ratings on expectations before the NAB cup kicked off.

Astbury - C+ - Hasn't starred but has easily met if not exceeded expectation for a 3rd round key position player.

Collins - B+ - Looks completely comfortable at AFL level, has already won a game off his own boot and shown he is up to it at the top level. Impressive for a 19 gamer.

Connors - D - On field an A, but cost himself big time. Could have made a name for himself across the AFL by now.

Cotchin - B+ - Holding his own without dominating. Has done what's expected for someone with an interrupted pre-season.

Cousins - D+ - Hasn't been able to string games together all season, may be gone after yesterday's revelations. Personally would like to see him stick around for his off-field contributions.

Dea - C - Late pick, showed a few small signs. Could have been playing in the 22 if it wasn't for injury

Deledio - A+ - Superstar. Mastering a new role.

Edwards - D+ - On and off, still don't know if he'll cut it long term.

Farmer - C+ - Had no doubt he wouldn't last long at this level at the start of the year, but lately has shown some signs that I could be proved wrong.

Foley - F - Having another shocking year, could be costly for him long term. Not his fault..

Graham - B - Improved out of sight, we have a keeper

Griffiths - C+ - Learning the game, had to expect him to take time with his injury history/being a KPP. Happy with how he is travelling, if he goes the rest of the year uninjured that's as good as an A.

Hislop - F - Garbage, watching others fly past him.

Jackson - B - Doing everything we could ask of him bar the softest suspension of the year. Quality player.

King - D+ - Thought this year was simply passing time, but has given himself a reasonable chance of getting another season.

Martin - A+ - Brilliant, couldn't ask for anything more.

McGuane - D - Don't think he'll make it long term. Would rather see two of Astbury/Moore/Thursfield/Post back there.

Moore - A - Having a great year. Did not rate him at all in '09.

Morton - F - Nothing pisses me off more than an AFL player wasting their talent. Clearly most of his deficiencies are in his head.

Nahas - E - Gone backwards, only impressed in one game.

Nason - A+ - Unbelievable for a pick 71. Far from a superstar but miles above what anyone could have expected when his name was called out on draft day. Kicked 14-15 goals (second for us).

Newman - B+ - Very solid player, couldn't have won last week without him.

Polak - F - Gone. Sentiment is the only reason he's on our list.

Polo - F - High draft pick failing badly. Gone.

Post - E - Long way away, would have liked to see him a little further along this year. Has let a first year in Astbury go past him.

Rance - D - Needs to settle in one position and develop there. Still only 20. Has always had the body (and the courage) but still hasn't got the smarts.

Riewoldt - A+ - Best forward of '10. On track to be AA full forward/Coleman medallist. If there was a mark higher than A that's what he'd be.

Roberts - F - Unfit and nowhere near it. Usually the small indigenous types show what they've got reasonably early. Don't like the signs so far.

Tambling - E - Gone miles backwards, last year was racking up touches at stages and now he's been nowhere near it.

Taylor - F - Looks like he's attitude will cost him a good AFL career. Hope I'm wrong.

Thomson - F - Gone. One of many TW mistakes. Paying for nothing.

Thursfield - D - Last week was his best game for the year so I'm really hoping he finishes the year strongly and without injury. Still could make it.

Tuck - A - Brilliant. Foot skills have never been good but dominates the contested ball and should be in just about any side's 22.

Vickery - D+ - Doing what's expected for a ruck, showed some good signs. Long way away.

Webberley - C+ - Looked good but only the few games to his name. Looks good for pick 67.

White - E - Not convinced he'll make it and I've never been. Glimpses but not enough of them.

 

[Dr Tigris]

Pretty good effort Ranger, roughly agree with your rankings - tough but fair(ish).

Lesrythms, I reckon an A is close to All Australian, and A+ is top player or couple in the league. So JR is there obviously at the moment. Not sure of anyone else at A+. We are near the bottom for a reason.

The thing I love about this is that the list is dominated by youngsters, and many are gettign better. Plenty of talent, and a lot that is going to really hit their straps in two or three years.

On some of the comments above, Griffiths was picked in the draft on his talent not performance. From what I read from teh draft observers last year he was considered the only real A grade KPF talent. But he was injured (worries whether he owuld be able to play AFL physically) and some concerns over his attitude (didn't seem really tough and able to play through injuries and set backs). The perfect speculative pick. If you can develop him - physically and attitude - then he can be a top grade KPF. This is his first year and he is doing fairly well. It took Jack 4 years to get there, Griffiths will probably take something similar. Currently he isn't really a worthwhile AFL KPF. But he isn't being played to be one, he is being played to assess his AFL ability, and fast track him. Looks good so far given that.

Tambo - Hmm, some great stats in terms of 1%ers and tackles, rest petty average. He was great last year in terms of run and carry, and has lost that this year. But I heard some discussion of compartment syndrome last night and it sounds awful. Depending how bad he was, he is lucky to be able to run and play at all. He should recover, but maybe he isn't really anywhere near full physical ability. I really don't know, but I will cut him some slack and assume he is being played in a defensive type role to round him out, with the coaches knowing that he is a long way off having the physical ability to be the run and carry player he can be. That would mean they are trying to develop him this year and have low expectations - just play him and if he tackles and competes for the team (team first player) then he has done his job. If so (and I don't know, just speculating) his ranking wil be fairly poor this year compared to his ability, but maybe will be the making of him over the longer term.

Overall, I'm pretty happy with how it's looking for two or three years time.