Yezeha
All Australian
- Feb 10, 2014
- 606
- 1,630
- AFL Club
- Collingwood
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Well, here's the giant mega review I promised. Essentially, I'm gonna review every player who has played a senior game this season (except for Fasolo and Broomhead due to extremely limited sample size) and really go into great depth for every player.
2. Jordan De Goey
Yezeha Nickname(s): Air Jordan
Games Played: 9
Score: 16 Goals, 5 Behinds
Average Disposals: 18
Average Marks: 3
Average Tackles: 3
Best Performance: Round 7 vs Brisbane
Worst Performance: Round 6 vs Richmond
Review:
Jordan has had an interesting first half of the season to say the least. At a glance, his raw statistical averages would suggest he's been an above average half-forward. However, they're not indicative of his impact at all. There have been more than enough games to suggest he is a genuine match winner. He has made his off-field problems feel like an eternity ago. The main examples of his match winning ability are his bags against Brisbane and St Kilda. It was tough to choose which game was better but in the end, I felt like the close nature of the Brisbane game and his impact particularly late were the deciding factors. He has also displayed great ability as a midfielder, having dominated Melbourne in our most recent game. However, his year hasn't been perfect. He is yet to kick a bag against a good team and also had a tendency to go missing at times as a forward (the Richmond game being the main example). That's unfortunately pulled his rating down a little bit but nonetheless, he's had a great year so far.
Rating: 7/10
Challenge:
30 and 22 - Kick at least 30 goals and finish the season averaging at least 22 touches. I think the second figure will be fairly easy as Bucks has indicated more midfield time for him in the second half of the season. To reach the first, he's gotta kick 14 goals over the last 10 home and away games.
3. Daniel Wells
Yezeha Nickname(s): Wellsy
Games Played: 4
Score: 2 Goals, 4 Behinds
Average Disposals: 13
Average Marks: 4
Average Tackles: 3
Best Performance: Round 9 vs St Kilda
Worst Performance: Round 12 vs Melbourne
Review:
A disappointing first half of the season to say the least. Out of the 4 games, he's played 1 good one which is just not good enough considering his experience and class. To be fair, its not entirely his fault as his body hasn't allowed him to establish a rhythm in the seniors and unfortunately, probably won't for the rest of the season. Our performance as a team has also meant that he hasn't really been needed much to this point. Still, he doesn't look like the Daniel Wells we were hoping to get and saw at times last year.
Rating: 3/10
Challenge:
Get healthy - and work your way up from there
4. Brodie Grundy
Yezeha Nickname(s): El Grundog
Games Played: 12
Score: 4 Goals, 1 Behind
Average Disposals: 21
Average Marks: 4
Average Tackles: 5
Average Hitouts: 38
Best Performance: Round 4 vs Adelaide
Worst Performance: Round 1 vs Hawthorn
Review:
All I can say is "more please". Grundy has been immense to start the season and to be fair, we all know he's been building into this monstrous form since he debuted. I don't think there is much doubt that he'd be leading the Copeland at the moment by a fair way. His season, much like Collingwood's as a whole, started disappointingly against Hawthorn but he has been immense ever since barring a minor slump from rounds 6-8. The highlight was his utter annihilation of Sam Jacobs and Adelaide in Round 4. I think his recent duel against Gawn probably ended up slightly in his favour as well so he should be in the box seat for All Australian.
Rating: 9/10
Challenge:
All Australian - I know its not entirely within his control since the selectors have been known to shaft us in the past but still, it'd be nice.
7. Adam Treloar
Yezeha Nickname(s): Ads, The blonde dude who won the Anzac medal
Games Played: 12
Score: 10 Goals, 12 Behinds
Average Disposals: 32
Average Marks: 4
Average Tackles: 5
Best Performance: Round 10 vs Western Bulldogs
Worst Performance: Round 1 vs Hawthorn
Review:
Surprisingly, despite his prolific statistical output, he's flown under the radar a little this year. Nonetheless, he's having an outstanding year. He started off a bit slowly but since then, he's been terrific and consistent with a few standout performances. Picking a best game for Ads was like picking a favourite child but I decided to pick round 10 against the Dogs. In a game that was largely a tale of two halves for Collingwood, Treloar was outstanding throughout the whole game. He's often been criticised for his disposal by foot but this year, I find it difficult to recall many clangers on his part. I can remember quite a few great moments spotting up targets inside 50 and some even greater moments where he's decided to go all the way himself.
Rating: 8/10
Challenge:
Keep it up - A pretty simple challenge. While I do like that he's flown under the radar, I'd love him to force himself into the All-Australian conversation.
8. Tom Langdon
Yezeha Nickname(s): Langers
Games Played: 9
Score: 1 Goal, 0 Behinds
Average Disposals: 21
Average Marks: 6
Average Tackles: 3
Best Performance: Round 12 vs Melbourne
Worst Performance: Round 1 vs Hawthorn
Review:
I have to admit, Langers has really impressed me this season and this is coming from someone who hasn't been his biggest fan in the past (see a few deplorable and embarrassing posts in post-game threads from me last year). There hasn't been anything particularly fancy or eye-catching (which in his case is probably a good thing) and he has played his role to a great standard week in week out. He still has one or two heart in your mouth moments every game which are not ideal but are excusable as the good things he does largely outweigh them. The most recent game against Melbourne was probably the ideal Langdon performance. Full credit needs to go to him and the coaching staff for his ability to play to his strengths and hide his weaknesses.
Rating: 7/10
Challenge:
Cut down on those 'moments' - I'm sure the coaches and fans would love that
9. Sam Murray
Yezeha Nickname(s): Zippy
Games Played: 9
Score: 0 Goals, 1 Behind
Average Disposals: 21
Average Marks: 5
Average Tackles: 2
Best Performance: Round 3 vs Carlton
Worst Performance: Round 9 vs St Kilda
Review:
Zippy burst onto the scene with a few exhilarating performances early on. His dash and zip out of the backline gave us a lot excitement in the first few rounds. I thought he was unfairly maligned early on due to the circumstances of his recruitment but I decided to judge him solely on his on-field performance. He quickly became a fan favourite and his almost reckless will to get the ball moving forward was a breath of fresh air for fans after we had to endure the slow, crabby ball movement last year. Unfortunately, not long after his rising star nomination, opposition teams seemed to lock onto his main strength and shut it down. He remained serviceable for the next few rounds but fell away quite sharply from rounds 7-9. Still, as a 20 year old playing in his first season of senior football, I was really impressed with him and I can see there is plenty of potential within him. Hopefully, he can iron out some of his weaker spots and break back into the ones.
Rating: 7/10
Challenge:
Get back into the seniors - then stay there.
10. Scott Pendelbury
Yezeha Nickname(s): Pendles
Games Played: 11
Score: 6 Goals, 2 Behinds
Average Disposals: 27
Average Marks: 3
Average Tackles: 6
Best Performance: Round 11 vs Fremantle
Worst Performance: Round 1 vs Hawthorn
Review:
We may have gone a bit early with the "Pendles isn't elite" calls after the pre-season and round 1. He's still the Rolls-Royce that we all know and love. He's not quite at the same level as 2013-2017 but at the same time, he hasn't really needed to be as many around him have stepped up. At times, Buckley has used him in some more defensive, quasi-tagging roles on the likes of Fyfe and Cripps. These have been his best games of the year so credit needs to go to the coaching staff for coming up with the idea and Pendles for buying in and executing. He's not gonna get the All-Australian accolades anymore but I still feel like there's another level he can go to in the second half of 2018.
Rating: 8/10
Challenge:
Lift - Just a little. You're great how you are now but we all know there's a bit more talent hidden away...
11. Jarryd Blair
Yezeha Nickname(s): Weeman
Games Played: 2
Score: Nil
Average Disposals: 18
Average Marks: 4
Average Tackles: 4
Review:
One of the more maligned players on the list. He only played two games in the ones so there isn't a lot to talk about in that regard but I guess he was serviceable in both games. He will remain more than handy depth for the rest of the season. A premiership player with over 100 games of experience isn't the worst backup to have.
Rating: 6/10
Challenge:
Stay ready - to perform if you're called upon.
12. Matt Scharenberg
Yezeha Nickname(s): Schazz
Games Played: 11
Score: Nil
Average Disposals: 21
Average Marks: 6
Average Tackles: 2
Best Performance: Round 10 vs Western Bulldogs
Worst Performance: Round 12 vs Melbourne
Review:
I am so proud of Schazz. After all the s**t his body has been through, he has finally been able to cement himself in the 22. Not only that, but he has excelled at his role and proven himself one of the most valuable cogs in the back 6. Last year, he was very tentative in the way he played but this year, he has unleashed himself, undoubtedly because of his newfound confidence in his body. The elite traits that he showed as a junior have been on full display. Its hard to find many moments where he's had his colours lowered this season. In the most recent game against Melbourne, he was well beaten by Tom McDonald who does have him exposed for size and height, but other than that, there are really very few poor moments to remember for him.
Rating: 8/10
Challenge:
Keep it up - Once again, a fairly simple challenge. I'd love for him to sneak forward and kick a goal at some point this season. It'd be a great moment for him.
13. Taylor Adams
Yezeha Nickname(s): Tay
Games Played:
Score:
Average Disposals:
Average Marks:
Average Tackles:
Best Performance: Round 12 vs Melbourne
Worst Performance: Round 1 vs Hawthorn
Review:
It may seem harsh but I thought Adams had been pretty ordinary until the last 2 and a half games. After round 8, I questioned whether we could really be a good team with him in the side. His poor form culminated in absolute shocker of a first half against the Bulldogs. However, in the last 2 and a half quarters since then, its almost like he turned into a different Taylor Adams. He went back to playing to his strengths and eliminating his weaknesses. Hopefully this is the form that he can carry into the second half of the season as his skill-set really completes our midfield. While he has definitely improved in the last fortnight, the low-ish rating represents his year as a whole.
Rating: 6/10
Challenge:
Maintain this recent form - Simple enough.
14. James Aish
Yezeha Nickname(s): Aisho going nowhere
Games Played: 6
Score: 4 Goals, 1 Behind
Average Disposals: 18
Average Marks: 4
Average Tackles: 2
Best Performance: Round 4 vs Adelaide
Worst Performance: Round 1 vs Hawthorn
Review:
Its a real shame that Aish got injured. It looked like things had finally started to fall in place for him through the first 6 games of the year. He was very good both offensively and defensively playing from the wing. His consistency made it fairly difficult to decide both a best and worst performance for him. His first half on Anzac Day was probably the best football he played for the whole season but his consistency over 4 quarters against Adelaide was probably the deciding factor. Against Hawthorn, he wasn't particularly poor either but wasn't quite at the same level as the other 5 games. Hopefully he's not too far off a return.
Rating: 7/10
Challenge:
Get healthy - and get back into the side.
15. Lynden Dunn
Yezeha Nickname(s): Dunn Dunn Dunnnnnnnn
Games Played: 12
Score: Nil
Average Disposals: 13
Average Marks: 4
Average Tackles: 2
Best Performance: Round 12 vs Melbourne
Worst Performance: Round 6 vs Richmond
Review:
A good solid year from Dunn so far. I don't think he's been quite as good as he was last year but he has generally been very good in his role and continues to be an outstanding pickup. This all culminated in a complete shutdown of the for key forward of the competition last game. At times however, he displayed a few lapses in discipline. His moment against Jack Higgins was the worst of them but its easy to forget he gave away stupid goals against Adelaide and Brisbane too. As a senior player and leader of this team, he needs to cut them out.
Rating: 7/10
Challenge:
Stay solid - and don't give away pointless free kicks.
16. Chris Mayne
Yezeha Nickname(s): The Mayne Man
Games Played: 7
Score: 1 Goal, 5 Behinds
Average Disposals: 18
Average Marks: 6
Average Tackles: 4
Best Performance: Round 12 vs Melbourne
Worst Performance: Round 6 vs Richmond
Review:
While he remains a maligned member of the team, Mayne has strung together quite a good season so far at senior level. While he may not be the most talented or polished guy on the list, one thing that he never fails in is his application and work rate. He clearly put a lot of work in over the summer to reinvent himself into a player that could contribute to the team. Barring one fairly poor showing against Richmond, he has been solid without being spectacular in the rest of his games. His most recent game against Melbourne was probably the best display of what he provides. I still think he's the one who makes way once Aish gets healthy but he's done a commendable job so far and wouldn't look out of place going forward.
Rating: 7/10
Challenge:
Cult hero status - Follow in the footsteps of our beloved Possum and Anvil into the black and white faithful's hearts.
17. Callum Brown
Yezeha Nickname(s): Rowdy jr. #1
Games Played: 6
Score: 0 Goals, 1 Behind
Average Disposals: 17
Average Marks: 2
Average Tackles: 4
Best Performance: Round 3 vs Carlton
Worst Performance: Round 8 vs Geelong
Review:
He had a pretty good start to the year but was exposed against some of the better opposition we faced. Against Geelong in particular, his main shortcomings in his size and kicking ability were highlighted and he has been unable to break back into the seniors ever since. Some posters on here think his ceiling is as a Blair type role player which to be brutally honest, is quite fair at this point. However, our last premiership team had a few of these types: we had the Caff, the Anvil, Possum eyes and even Blair himself so even if he ends up being a role player, that doesn't mean he can't contribute to the team. That being said, he's still young and only in his second year so there's still plenty of development to be had with him.
Rating: 6/10
Challenge:
Do a Mayne - Find a way to break into the team and play a role.
18. Travis Varcoe
Yezeha Nickname(s): Trav
Games Played: 9
Score: 3 Goals, 5 Behinds
Average Disposals: 12
Average Marks: 2
Average Tackles: 3
Best Performance: Round 3 vs Carlton
Worst Performance: Round 1 vs Hawthorn
Review:
His stats don't jump off the page but my eyes told me he had been quite a handy part of the forward line. I constantly described him as the 'glue guy' of our forward line (Its a term commonly used in basketball to describe a player who's impact isn't entirely reflected in the stat sheet - For you NBA fans, see: Andre Roberson, Andre Igoudala etc.) He possesses a unique blend of speed, toughness and class whenever he has the pill and he always seemed to have an ability to make good plays. One of the many examples of this is his play against Adelaide where he gained 100 metres without gaining possession of the ball - he got nothing on the stat sheet but made a big impact play. Not to mention, he is one of the few players with finals and premiership experience. I think he is without a doubt part of the best 22 and will prove invaluable moving forward.
Get healthy - and bring back the glue
Rating: 7/10
Challenge:
19. Levi Greenwood
Yezeha Nickname(s): Nails
Games Played: 3
Score: Nil
Average Disposals: 14
Average Marks: 4
Average Tackles: 3
Best Performance: Round 10 vs Western Bulldogs
Worst Performance: Round 12 vs Melbourne
Review:
I was quite surprised by his inclusion against the Bulldogs and even more surprised when he lined up in the back 6 instead of as a tagger on Macrae or Bontempelli. That being said, he ended up being fairly solid in an unfamiliar role on the night. However, his last two games haven't been great and haven't instilled the confidence that he's the man for that role particularly when we have young talent like Murray and Appleby that can also play it. Maybe the coaches see something that we don't so if he maintains his spot in the side, I hope he can do a good enough job in his role.
Rating: 6/10
Challenge:
Take your chance - Make the role yours.
20. Ben Reid
Yezeha Nickname(s): Reidy
Games Played: 6
Score: 8 Goals, 6 Behinds
Average Disposals: 12
Average Marks: 6
Average Tackles: 1
Best Performance: Round 3 vs Carlton
Worst Performance: Round 6 vs Richmond
Review:
Its pretty clear now that Ben Reid isn't the same player he was 2 years ago. While he can still be a useful contributor when fit, his body as well as the recent emergence of Mihocek is going to make it difficult for him to break back in. His best games this year have been solid at best while his worst have been really poor. Even though he kicked 2 goals against the Tigers, I rated it as his worst performance as throughout the day, he made poor decisions that were swiftly punished. He could make a return to the backline as we have been exposed by bigger key forwards like Casboult and most recently McDonald but with Mihocek playing the forward role well and Moore to return soon, things aren't looking great for Reidy at this point.
Rating: 6/10
Challenge:
Find a way - back into the ones.
2. Jordan De Goey
Yezeha Nickname(s): Air Jordan
Games Played: 9
Score: 16 Goals, 5 Behinds
Average Disposals: 18
Average Marks: 3
Average Tackles: 3
Best Performance: Round 7 vs Brisbane
Worst Performance: Round 6 vs Richmond
Review:
Jordan has had an interesting first half of the season to say the least. At a glance, his raw statistical averages would suggest he's been an above average half-forward. However, they're not indicative of his impact at all. There have been more than enough games to suggest he is a genuine match winner. He has made his off-field problems feel like an eternity ago. The main examples of his match winning ability are his bags against Brisbane and St Kilda. It was tough to choose which game was better but in the end, I felt like the close nature of the Brisbane game and his impact particularly late were the deciding factors. He has also displayed great ability as a midfielder, having dominated Melbourne in our most recent game. However, his year hasn't been perfect. He is yet to kick a bag against a good team and also had a tendency to go missing at times as a forward (the Richmond game being the main example). That's unfortunately pulled his rating down a little bit but nonetheless, he's had a great year so far.
Rating: 7/10
Challenge:
30 and 22 - Kick at least 30 goals and finish the season averaging at least 22 touches. I think the second figure will be fairly easy as Bucks has indicated more midfield time for him in the second half of the season. To reach the first, he's gotta kick 14 goals over the last 10 home and away games.
3. Daniel Wells
Yezeha Nickname(s): Wellsy
Games Played: 4
Score: 2 Goals, 4 Behinds
Average Disposals: 13
Average Marks: 4
Average Tackles: 3
Best Performance: Round 9 vs St Kilda
Worst Performance: Round 12 vs Melbourne
Review:
A disappointing first half of the season to say the least. Out of the 4 games, he's played 1 good one which is just not good enough considering his experience and class. To be fair, its not entirely his fault as his body hasn't allowed him to establish a rhythm in the seniors and unfortunately, probably won't for the rest of the season. Our performance as a team has also meant that he hasn't really been needed much to this point. Still, he doesn't look like the Daniel Wells we were hoping to get and saw at times last year.
Rating: 3/10
Challenge:
Get healthy - and work your way up from there
4. Brodie Grundy
Yezeha Nickname(s): El Grundog
Games Played: 12
Score: 4 Goals, 1 Behind
Average Disposals: 21
Average Marks: 4
Average Tackles: 5
Average Hitouts: 38
Best Performance: Round 4 vs Adelaide
Worst Performance: Round 1 vs Hawthorn
Review:
All I can say is "more please". Grundy has been immense to start the season and to be fair, we all know he's been building into this monstrous form since he debuted. I don't think there is much doubt that he'd be leading the Copeland at the moment by a fair way. His season, much like Collingwood's as a whole, started disappointingly against Hawthorn but he has been immense ever since barring a minor slump from rounds 6-8. The highlight was his utter annihilation of Sam Jacobs and Adelaide in Round 4. I think his recent duel against Gawn probably ended up slightly in his favour as well so he should be in the box seat for All Australian.
Rating: 9/10
Challenge:
All Australian - I know its not entirely within his control since the selectors have been known to shaft us in the past but still, it'd be nice.
7. Adam Treloar
Yezeha Nickname(s): Ads, The blonde dude who won the Anzac medal
Games Played: 12
Score: 10 Goals, 12 Behinds
Average Disposals: 32
Average Marks: 4
Average Tackles: 5
Best Performance: Round 10 vs Western Bulldogs
Worst Performance: Round 1 vs Hawthorn
Review:
Surprisingly, despite his prolific statistical output, he's flown under the radar a little this year. Nonetheless, he's having an outstanding year. He started off a bit slowly but since then, he's been terrific and consistent with a few standout performances. Picking a best game for Ads was like picking a favourite child but I decided to pick round 10 against the Dogs. In a game that was largely a tale of two halves for Collingwood, Treloar was outstanding throughout the whole game. He's often been criticised for his disposal by foot but this year, I find it difficult to recall many clangers on his part. I can remember quite a few great moments spotting up targets inside 50 and some even greater moments where he's decided to go all the way himself.
Rating: 8/10
Challenge:
Keep it up - A pretty simple challenge. While I do like that he's flown under the radar, I'd love him to force himself into the All-Australian conversation.
8. Tom Langdon
Yezeha Nickname(s): Langers
Games Played: 9
Score: 1 Goal, 0 Behinds
Average Disposals: 21
Average Marks: 6
Average Tackles: 3
Best Performance: Round 12 vs Melbourne
Worst Performance: Round 1 vs Hawthorn
Review:
I have to admit, Langers has really impressed me this season and this is coming from someone who hasn't been his biggest fan in the past (see a few deplorable and embarrassing posts in post-game threads from me last year). There hasn't been anything particularly fancy or eye-catching (which in his case is probably a good thing) and he has played his role to a great standard week in week out. He still has one or two heart in your mouth moments every game which are not ideal but are excusable as the good things he does largely outweigh them. The most recent game against Melbourne was probably the ideal Langdon performance. Full credit needs to go to him and the coaching staff for his ability to play to his strengths and hide his weaknesses.
Rating: 7/10
Challenge:
Cut down on those 'moments' - I'm sure the coaches and fans would love that
9. Sam Murray
Yezeha Nickname(s): Zippy
Games Played: 9
Score: 0 Goals, 1 Behind
Average Disposals: 21
Average Marks: 5
Average Tackles: 2
Best Performance: Round 3 vs Carlton
Worst Performance: Round 9 vs St Kilda
Review:
Zippy burst onto the scene with a few exhilarating performances early on. His dash and zip out of the backline gave us a lot excitement in the first few rounds. I thought he was unfairly maligned early on due to the circumstances of his recruitment but I decided to judge him solely on his on-field performance. He quickly became a fan favourite and his almost reckless will to get the ball moving forward was a breath of fresh air for fans after we had to endure the slow, crabby ball movement last year. Unfortunately, not long after his rising star nomination, opposition teams seemed to lock onto his main strength and shut it down. He remained serviceable for the next few rounds but fell away quite sharply from rounds 7-9. Still, as a 20 year old playing in his first season of senior football, I was really impressed with him and I can see there is plenty of potential within him. Hopefully, he can iron out some of his weaker spots and break back into the ones.
Rating: 7/10
Challenge:
Get back into the seniors - then stay there.
10. Scott Pendelbury
Yezeha Nickname(s): Pendles
Games Played: 11
Score: 6 Goals, 2 Behinds
Average Disposals: 27
Average Marks: 3
Average Tackles: 6
Best Performance: Round 11 vs Fremantle
Worst Performance: Round 1 vs Hawthorn
Review:
We may have gone a bit early with the "Pendles isn't elite" calls after the pre-season and round 1. He's still the Rolls-Royce that we all know and love. He's not quite at the same level as 2013-2017 but at the same time, he hasn't really needed to be as many around him have stepped up. At times, Buckley has used him in some more defensive, quasi-tagging roles on the likes of Fyfe and Cripps. These have been his best games of the year so credit needs to go to the coaching staff for coming up with the idea and Pendles for buying in and executing. He's not gonna get the All-Australian accolades anymore but I still feel like there's another level he can go to in the second half of 2018.
Rating: 8/10
Challenge:
Lift - Just a little. You're great how you are now but we all know there's a bit more talent hidden away...
11. Jarryd Blair
Yezeha Nickname(s): Weeman
Games Played: 2
Score: Nil
Average Disposals: 18
Average Marks: 4
Average Tackles: 4
Review:
One of the more maligned players on the list. He only played two games in the ones so there isn't a lot to talk about in that regard but I guess he was serviceable in both games. He will remain more than handy depth for the rest of the season. A premiership player with over 100 games of experience isn't the worst backup to have.
Rating: 6/10
Challenge:
Stay ready - to perform if you're called upon.
12. Matt Scharenberg
Yezeha Nickname(s): Schazz
Games Played: 11
Score: Nil
Average Disposals: 21
Average Marks: 6
Average Tackles: 2
Best Performance: Round 10 vs Western Bulldogs
Worst Performance: Round 12 vs Melbourne
Review:
I am so proud of Schazz. After all the s**t his body has been through, he has finally been able to cement himself in the 22. Not only that, but he has excelled at his role and proven himself one of the most valuable cogs in the back 6. Last year, he was very tentative in the way he played but this year, he has unleashed himself, undoubtedly because of his newfound confidence in his body. The elite traits that he showed as a junior have been on full display. Its hard to find many moments where he's had his colours lowered this season. In the most recent game against Melbourne, he was well beaten by Tom McDonald who does have him exposed for size and height, but other than that, there are really very few poor moments to remember for him.
Rating: 8/10
Challenge:
Keep it up - Once again, a fairly simple challenge. I'd love for him to sneak forward and kick a goal at some point this season. It'd be a great moment for him.
13. Taylor Adams
Yezeha Nickname(s): Tay
Games Played:
Score:
Average Disposals:
Average Marks:
Average Tackles:
Best Performance: Round 12 vs Melbourne
Worst Performance: Round 1 vs Hawthorn
Review:
It may seem harsh but I thought Adams had been pretty ordinary until the last 2 and a half games. After round 8, I questioned whether we could really be a good team with him in the side. His poor form culminated in absolute shocker of a first half against the Bulldogs. However, in the last 2 and a half quarters since then, its almost like he turned into a different Taylor Adams. He went back to playing to his strengths and eliminating his weaknesses. Hopefully this is the form that he can carry into the second half of the season as his skill-set really completes our midfield. While he has definitely improved in the last fortnight, the low-ish rating represents his year as a whole.
Rating: 6/10
Challenge:
Maintain this recent form - Simple enough.
14. James Aish
Yezeha Nickname(s): Aisho going nowhere
Games Played: 6
Score: 4 Goals, 1 Behind
Average Disposals: 18
Average Marks: 4
Average Tackles: 2
Best Performance: Round 4 vs Adelaide
Worst Performance: Round 1 vs Hawthorn
Review:
Its a real shame that Aish got injured. It looked like things had finally started to fall in place for him through the first 6 games of the year. He was very good both offensively and defensively playing from the wing. His consistency made it fairly difficult to decide both a best and worst performance for him. His first half on Anzac Day was probably the best football he played for the whole season but his consistency over 4 quarters against Adelaide was probably the deciding factor. Against Hawthorn, he wasn't particularly poor either but wasn't quite at the same level as the other 5 games. Hopefully he's not too far off a return.
Rating: 7/10
Challenge:
Get healthy - and get back into the side.
15. Lynden Dunn
Yezeha Nickname(s): Dunn Dunn Dunnnnnnnn
Games Played: 12
Score: Nil
Average Disposals: 13
Average Marks: 4
Average Tackles: 2
Best Performance: Round 12 vs Melbourne
Worst Performance: Round 6 vs Richmond
Review:
A good solid year from Dunn so far. I don't think he's been quite as good as he was last year but he has generally been very good in his role and continues to be an outstanding pickup. This all culminated in a complete shutdown of the for key forward of the competition last game. At times however, he displayed a few lapses in discipline. His moment against Jack Higgins was the worst of them but its easy to forget he gave away stupid goals against Adelaide and Brisbane too. As a senior player and leader of this team, he needs to cut them out.
Rating: 7/10
Challenge:
Stay solid - and don't give away pointless free kicks.
16. Chris Mayne
Yezeha Nickname(s): The Mayne Man
Games Played: 7
Score: 1 Goal, 5 Behinds
Average Disposals: 18
Average Marks: 6
Average Tackles: 4
Best Performance: Round 12 vs Melbourne
Worst Performance: Round 6 vs Richmond
Review:
While he remains a maligned member of the team, Mayne has strung together quite a good season so far at senior level. While he may not be the most talented or polished guy on the list, one thing that he never fails in is his application and work rate. He clearly put a lot of work in over the summer to reinvent himself into a player that could contribute to the team. Barring one fairly poor showing against Richmond, he has been solid without being spectacular in the rest of his games. His most recent game against Melbourne was probably the best display of what he provides. I still think he's the one who makes way once Aish gets healthy but he's done a commendable job so far and wouldn't look out of place going forward.
Rating: 7/10
Challenge:
Cult hero status - Follow in the footsteps of our beloved Possum and Anvil into the black and white faithful's hearts.
17. Callum Brown
Yezeha Nickname(s): Rowdy jr. #1
Games Played: 6
Score: 0 Goals, 1 Behind
Average Disposals: 17
Average Marks: 2
Average Tackles: 4
Best Performance: Round 3 vs Carlton
Worst Performance: Round 8 vs Geelong
Review:
He had a pretty good start to the year but was exposed against some of the better opposition we faced. Against Geelong in particular, his main shortcomings in his size and kicking ability were highlighted and he has been unable to break back into the seniors ever since. Some posters on here think his ceiling is as a Blair type role player which to be brutally honest, is quite fair at this point. However, our last premiership team had a few of these types: we had the Caff, the Anvil, Possum eyes and even Blair himself so even if he ends up being a role player, that doesn't mean he can't contribute to the team. That being said, he's still young and only in his second year so there's still plenty of development to be had with him.
Rating: 6/10
Challenge:
Do a Mayne - Find a way to break into the team and play a role.
18. Travis Varcoe
Yezeha Nickname(s): Trav
Games Played: 9
Score: 3 Goals, 5 Behinds
Average Disposals: 12
Average Marks: 2
Average Tackles: 3
Best Performance: Round 3 vs Carlton
Worst Performance: Round 1 vs Hawthorn
Review:
His stats don't jump off the page but my eyes told me he had been quite a handy part of the forward line. I constantly described him as the 'glue guy' of our forward line (Its a term commonly used in basketball to describe a player who's impact isn't entirely reflected in the stat sheet - For you NBA fans, see: Andre Roberson, Andre Igoudala etc.) He possesses a unique blend of speed, toughness and class whenever he has the pill and he always seemed to have an ability to make good plays. One of the many examples of this is his play against Adelaide where he gained 100 metres without gaining possession of the ball - he got nothing on the stat sheet but made a big impact play. Not to mention, he is one of the few players with finals and premiership experience. I think he is without a doubt part of the best 22 and will prove invaluable moving forward.
Get healthy - and bring back the glue
Rating: 7/10
Challenge:
19. Levi Greenwood
Yezeha Nickname(s): Nails
Games Played: 3
Score: Nil
Average Disposals: 14
Average Marks: 4
Average Tackles: 3
Best Performance: Round 10 vs Western Bulldogs
Worst Performance: Round 12 vs Melbourne
Review:
I was quite surprised by his inclusion against the Bulldogs and even more surprised when he lined up in the back 6 instead of as a tagger on Macrae or Bontempelli. That being said, he ended up being fairly solid in an unfamiliar role on the night. However, his last two games haven't been great and haven't instilled the confidence that he's the man for that role particularly when we have young talent like Murray and Appleby that can also play it. Maybe the coaches see something that we don't so if he maintains his spot in the side, I hope he can do a good enough job in his role.
Rating: 6/10
Challenge:
Take your chance - Make the role yours.
20. Ben Reid
Yezeha Nickname(s): Reidy
Games Played: 6
Score: 8 Goals, 6 Behinds
Average Disposals: 12
Average Marks: 6
Average Tackles: 1
Best Performance: Round 3 vs Carlton
Worst Performance: Round 6 vs Richmond
Review:
Its pretty clear now that Ben Reid isn't the same player he was 2 years ago. While he can still be a useful contributor when fit, his body as well as the recent emergence of Mihocek is going to make it difficult for him to break back in. His best games this year have been solid at best while his worst have been really poor. Even though he kicked 2 goals against the Tigers, I rated it as his worst performance as throughout the day, he made poor decisions that were swiftly punished. He could make a return to the backline as we have been exposed by bigger key forwards like Casboult and most recently McDonald but with Mihocek playing the forward role well and Moore to return soon, things aren't looking great for Reidy at this point.
Rating: 6/10
Challenge:
Find a way - back into the ones.
