Anderson
In the running for a defencive role this year, going to have to be very good to get in our best 22.
Armfield
His run and pace is fantastic and Craig Bradley like. His problem was disposal but his kicking looks excellent this year. Looks muck improved and will probably get a game. Hasn't played a lot of footy so his effort is really good.
Austin
Can get the footy and is a great kick but isn't all that strong yet and might struggle to get a game this year. Might be handy playing on opponents smaller/shorter than him as I think he can and it's always good to have defenders taller than opponents.
Bentick
Last year was too slow and his kicking was far from good enough and I doubt much has changed. Would have been a good player 10 or so years ago but now wastes too many possessions which is not acceptable any more, especially as a midfielder.
Betts
His goal kicking in the nab cup has been ordinary and needs improving. He must keep his work rate up and continue to get to as many contests in the forward line and chase hard. He should be a valuable player in our forward line this season.
Bower
looks like a good prospect, unfortunately it looks like he hasn't put on a lot of weight and strength over the summer although he no doubt has improved here. He should be a very valuable player for us and it would be good to see him given some big jobs this year.
Browne
More footballer than athlete, he looks fitter this year as expected. Strong for a young player and his all round skills are good. Lacks a little pace but he's still a very good player and a good chance to play in our best side.
Carrazzo
Unlucky to get injured, is always one of our fittest and hardest working players. Will be great to have him back and fit. His long kicking was a bit dodgy last year but his short kicking was pretty good. He's a real ball magnet that opposition players just can't keep up with.
Cloke
Is a little rusty with his contested marking but further match fitness will improve this. His kicking looks good but his high ball drop might suffer if he cops some windy conditions. Should have a good year playing as a forward and no doubt will improve.
Fevola
looks great, bigger and looks to have a little more endurance which is crucial for his chasing. He will lose weight during the season and only get better.
Fisher
Looks to have changed his kicking style and looks a little more balanced, stable and improved. He needs to still get better if he is to make our best 22. He doesn't have great balance which might be a problem.
Gibbs
Looks to have done everything right and should have a great year. His hardness at the ball will determine how good of a season he has. Will probably be a similar player to Nathan Buckley.
Hadley
Great disposal and plenty of strength. Stands up in tackles really well. Is looking like there might be a spot for him in our best 22. Might lack a bit of pace but he's not slow. will get better as his endurance improves.
Hampson
Amazing how much he looks like Richo from from the side, especially when he's puffing. His speed and agility is amazing. He seems to get in the right position a lot which is good but his hands arent very good. He again dropped a lot of marks he should have taken. Unfortunately there aren't many players of his size and mobility that have good hands. Richo and Buddy are the ones that do.
If hampson can improve his marking he could be one of the AFL's best forwards and be nearly unstoppable. I think he can but he's not ready yet.
To me it looks like he is not getting his thumbs behind the ball and not spreading his fingers out fully. He is getting his palms behind the ball instead of his thumbs which is why the ball often falls out of the front hands.
I would love to see him play full forward in the VFL and see him develop into a forward and work on his marking rather than doing a lot of rucking.
Houlihan
I originally bagged him saying he was too slow and couldn't tackle but that was before we knew about his hip problems. Now that is fixed and he's had a full pre season I'm definitely willing to give him another chance. Hope his tackling and speed has improved as he uses the ball well and could be a real weapon for us. His tackling and speed look better but they will never be great.
Jamison
Had a pretty average game against North and a shocker against the Hawks. He struggled to read the ball in the air and did some silly things but he had a good game against Geelong and it's all probably match fitness. His spoiling and kicking are his strength. He looks stronger this year but unfortunately he's going to struggle for height in a lot of situations. Going to need to have a good leap.
Johnson
Looks ok, Kicking is generally really good apart from a few clangers. He looks like he can play and probably will make our best 22.
Judd
Looks really good and hopefully will have a good year for us. Will probably get a fair bit of attention which will work in the favour of Gibbs, Walker and Murphy.
Kreuzer
His rucking and fitness look much improved. Hes quite quick for his size and hopefully will be a valuable player for us this year. Will hopefully get a go as 3rd tall forward this year a bit.
Murphy
looked disinterested during the nab cup but that's ok as it doesn't mean a lot and many players struggle for motivation. His intensity will probably lift and he'll have the great season we all expect of him. His kicking looks improved and looks like he's worked on his balance. Needs to work on his overhead marking.
O'hAilpin
A real shame he was reported. Will probably play as a defender this year which is good as we do need a really tall defender. He's tall, strong, fast and agile which are rare qualities in any individual. He looked good last year just before he was injured, he was beginning to read the play, provide run out of the backline and his kicking is excellent. His spoiling was ordinary but he had improved that and was beginning to look good. I personally can't wait to get a look at him and see how he goes in a good Carlton side.
Robinson
looks good, amazing we got him at 40, has the right attitude and strikes me as a player that will give himself no other option but to make it. His speed, disposal and attack on the ball are great. As a first year player and tough player he will probably suffer from soreness a lot this year which will mean his form will be up and down but he's an exciting future prospect. With a few more kilo's on him he'll be dangerous!
Russell
When given an attacking role against Geelong he stood up and showed why he has been persisted with. His speed, strength and tackling are good. His kicking isn't great and his handball is very ordinary. His agility (turning) is questionable. he might make it but he's just not a natural footballer and he still struggles to read his opponent's actions. They take years to get there unfortunately.
Scotland
His fitness has always been his strength but having OP might have ruined this year for him. While he might play this year he might be well below par as its ruined his preseason and he might carry some OP still.
Simpson
Has shone in the preseason and his kicking has improved although his goal kicking is no good which is a shame as he would be one of the AFL's best if he kicked those goals. This might keep him restrained to the back half.
Stevens
Played at half back and should have a good season. Has had a full pre season and should be firing when he starts in round 2. Looks fitter and quicker this year.
Thonton
Will play a similar role to Luke Hodge, one of the best marks in the team, if hampson could only have hands like his and take contested marks like him. Had an injury last year which appeared to affect him for the second half of the year.
Waite
Kicking has improved every year and looks pretty spot on although he is not suited to playing on real big forwards. Anyone taller than him worries him. He needs to work on his tackling, especially front on tackling and get lower and bend his knees and hips more.
Walker
He's one of the fittest at the club. At the end of 2006 he had become our best on baller and had a fairly good but stunted 2007 where he was injured when he was coming into his prime at the start of 2008. Could be a very similar player to Judd and will really be valuable for us in '09 with his skill, pace, leap, strength, endurance and smarts. A player who can play anywhere and be a match winner. Will really complete our side. Early in his career his kicking wasn't good but recently he looks to have resolved this problem
Warnock
Will improve our onballers and clearances. Will improve how the opposition kick the ball into our backline from clearances if he can win a lot of hitouts.
Wiggins
Speed, agility and kicking can be an issue for him but he's a good mark and he can kick goals.
Yarran
Will benefit from Playing with our crucial ball winners, haven't seen much of him yet but he will be a good player for us in the future. This year might be his settling in year.
Bently
Good back up player, lacks a bit of speed, ball handling and his disposal isn't great. He's a good body size and he reads the game pretty well.
Ellard
Going to be another development year for him and will have to play some good VFL footy.
Garlett
Very smart, skilled, quick player who, like Simpson will be a project player. Needs to build up his body size and strength but looks like a future star. Will need a few pre seasons under him before he is a regular player I think.
Jacobs
Improved every game and seemed to get more confident. Not all that quick or mobile but he's a good ruckman and he's taken some nice marks. His handballing is textbook.
Joseph
Should be a part of our main 11. Couldn't have got more out of the preseason. Played on Harvey, Rioli and Abblett and did a really good job. Has a big strong body and is not afraid to use it. His skills are pretty good and he's one of those rare types that have a big body and can still run really fast. Finally we have an option to play on the likes of Milne, Lovett, Lovett-Murray, Rioli, Harvey and Stokes. I can see him taking Cousins in round 1.
In the running for a defencive role this year, going to have to be very good to get in our best 22.
Armfield
His run and pace is fantastic and Craig Bradley like. His problem was disposal but his kicking looks excellent this year. Looks muck improved and will probably get a game. Hasn't played a lot of footy so his effort is really good.
Austin
Can get the footy and is a great kick but isn't all that strong yet and might struggle to get a game this year. Might be handy playing on opponents smaller/shorter than him as I think he can and it's always good to have defenders taller than opponents.
Bentick
Last year was too slow and his kicking was far from good enough and I doubt much has changed. Would have been a good player 10 or so years ago but now wastes too many possessions which is not acceptable any more, especially as a midfielder.
Betts
His goal kicking in the nab cup has been ordinary and needs improving. He must keep his work rate up and continue to get to as many contests in the forward line and chase hard. He should be a valuable player in our forward line this season.
Bower
looks like a good prospect, unfortunately it looks like he hasn't put on a lot of weight and strength over the summer although he no doubt has improved here. He should be a very valuable player for us and it would be good to see him given some big jobs this year.
Browne
More footballer than athlete, he looks fitter this year as expected. Strong for a young player and his all round skills are good. Lacks a little pace but he's still a very good player and a good chance to play in our best side.
Carrazzo
Unlucky to get injured, is always one of our fittest and hardest working players. Will be great to have him back and fit. His long kicking was a bit dodgy last year but his short kicking was pretty good. He's a real ball magnet that opposition players just can't keep up with.
Cloke
Is a little rusty with his contested marking but further match fitness will improve this. His kicking looks good but his high ball drop might suffer if he cops some windy conditions. Should have a good year playing as a forward and no doubt will improve.
Fevola
looks great, bigger and looks to have a little more endurance which is crucial for his chasing. He will lose weight during the season and only get better.
Fisher
Looks to have changed his kicking style and looks a little more balanced, stable and improved. He needs to still get better if he is to make our best 22. He doesn't have great balance which might be a problem.
Gibbs
Looks to have done everything right and should have a great year. His hardness at the ball will determine how good of a season he has. Will probably be a similar player to Nathan Buckley.
Hadley
Great disposal and plenty of strength. Stands up in tackles really well. Is looking like there might be a spot for him in our best 22. Might lack a bit of pace but he's not slow. will get better as his endurance improves.
Hampson
Amazing how much he looks like Richo from from the side, especially when he's puffing. His speed and agility is amazing. He seems to get in the right position a lot which is good but his hands arent very good. He again dropped a lot of marks he should have taken. Unfortunately there aren't many players of his size and mobility that have good hands. Richo and Buddy are the ones that do.
If hampson can improve his marking he could be one of the AFL's best forwards and be nearly unstoppable. I think he can but he's not ready yet.
To me it looks like he is not getting his thumbs behind the ball and not spreading his fingers out fully. He is getting his palms behind the ball instead of his thumbs which is why the ball often falls out of the front hands.
I would love to see him play full forward in the VFL and see him develop into a forward and work on his marking rather than doing a lot of rucking.
Houlihan
I originally bagged him saying he was too slow and couldn't tackle but that was before we knew about his hip problems. Now that is fixed and he's had a full pre season I'm definitely willing to give him another chance. Hope his tackling and speed has improved as he uses the ball well and could be a real weapon for us. His tackling and speed look better but they will never be great.
Jamison
Had a pretty average game against North and a shocker against the Hawks. He struggled to read the ball in the air and did some silly things but he had a good game against Geelong and it's all probably match fitness. His spoiling and kicking are his strength. He looks stronger this year but unfortunately he's going to struggle for height in a lot of situations. Going to need to have a good leap.
Johnson
Looks ok, Kicking is generally really good apart from a few clangers. He looks like he can play and probably will make our best 22.
Judd
Looks really good and hopefully will have a good year for us. Will probably get a fair bit of attention which will work in the favour of Gibbs, Walker and Murphy.
Kreuzer
His rucking and fitness look much improved. Hes quite quick for his size and hopefully will be a valuable player for us this year. Will hopefully get a go as 3rd tall forward this year a bit.
Murphy
looked disinterested during the nab cup but that's ok as it doesn't mean a lot and many players struggle for motivation. His intensity will probably lift and he'll have the great season we all expect of him. His kicking looks improved and looks like he's worked on his balance. Needs to work on his overhead marking.
O'hAilpin
A real shame he was reported. Will probably play as a defender this year which is good as we do need a really tall defender. He's tall, strong, fast and agile which are rare qualities in any individual. He looked good last year just before he was injured, he was beginning to read the play, provide run out of the backline and his kicking is excellent. His spoiling was ordinary but he had improved that and was beginning to look good. I personally can't wait to get a look at him and see how he goes in a good Carlton side.
Robinson
looks good, amazing we got him at 40, has the right attitude and strikes me as a player that will give himself no other option but to make it. His speed, disposal and attack on the ball are great. As a first year player and tough player he will probably suffer from soreness a lot this year which will mean his form will be up and down but he's an exciting future prospect. With a few more kilo's on him he'll be dangerous!
Russell
When given an attacking role against Geelong he stood up and showed why he has been persisted with. His speed, strength and tackling are good. His kicking isn't great and his handball is very ordinary. His agility (turning) is questionable. he might make it but he's just not a natural footballer and he still struggles to read his opponent's actions. They take years to get there unfortunately.
Scotland
His fitness has always been his strength but having OP might have ruined this year for him. While he might play this year he might be well below par as its ruined his preseason and he might carry some OP still.
Simpson
Has shone in the preseason and his kicking has improved although his goal kicking is no good which is a shame as he would be one of the AFL's best if he kicked those goals. This might keep him restrained to the back half.
Stevens
Played at half back and should have a good season. Has had a full pre season and should be firing when he starts in round 2. Looks fitter and quicker this year.
Thonton
Will play a similar role to Luke Hodge, one of the best marks in the team, if hampson could only have hands like his and take contested marks like him. Had an injury last year which appeared to affect him for the second half of the year.
Waite
Kicking has improved every year and looks pretty spot on although he is not suited to playing on real big forwards. Anyone taller than him worries him. He needs to work on his tackling, especially front on tackling and get lower and bend his knees and hips more.
Walker
He's one of the fittest at the club. At the end of 2006 he had become our best on baller and had a fairly good but stunted 2007 where he was injured when he was coming into his prime at the start of 2008. Could be a very similar player to Judd and will really be valuable for us in '09 with his skill, pace, leap, strength, endurance and smarts. A player who can play anywhere and be a match winner. Will really complete our side. Early in his career his kicking wasn't good but recently he looks to have resolved this problem
Warnock
Will improve our onballers and clearances. Will improve how the opposition kick the ball into our backline from clearances if he can win a lot of hitouts.
Wiggins
Speed, agility and kicking can be an issue for him but he's a good mark and he can kick goals.
Yarran
Will benefit from Playing with our crucial ball winners, haven't seen much of him yet but he will be a good player for us in the future. This year might be his settling in year.
Bently
Good back up player, lacks a bit of speed, ball handling and his disposal isn't great. He's a good body size and he reads the game pretty well.
Ellard
Going to be another development year for him and will have to play some good VFL footy.
Garlett
Very smart, skilled, quick player who, like Simpson will be a project player. Needs to build up his body size and strength but looks like a future star. Will need a few pre seasons under him before he is a regular player I think.
Jacobs
Improved every game and seemed to get more confident. Not all that quick or mobile but he's a good ruckman and he's taken some nice marks. His handballing is textbook.
Joseph
Should be a part of our main 11. Couldn't have got more out of the preseason. Played on Harvey, Rioli and Abblett and did a really good job. Has a big strong body and is not afraid to use it. His skills are pretty good and he's one of those rare types that have a big body and can still run really fast. Finally we have an option to play on the likes of Milne, Lovett, Lovett-Murray, Rioli, Harvey and Stokes. I can see him taking Cousins in round 1.
