Preview Pre-Season - What improvements do you want to see in certain players

[reincarnated]

Obviously, you want all players to be fit and strong...but what improvements should certain players work on which will make them better players in 2012, than they are currently.

Here are some of mine...

Crameri
Just improved out of sights in 2011. You would think that he is going to be fitter and stronger in 2012. I just hope he takes goal kicking classes with Lloydy. One of the worst kick at goal in our side from shorter distances. I just hope he learns to kick through the ball.

Reimers
Has an x-factor about him, can have a huge impact on a game in short space of time. He needs to really get to the next level with his running capabilities. Improvement like Jetta's tank from 2010 to 2011, will see him have an impact in the midfield/wing next year.

Carlisle
Great potential...what a great mark. If he beefs up over summer, and if we have a fit Hooker and Pears in 2012, he can be deadly up forward as our CHF. Like Jack Riewoldt did from 2009 to 2010, he is got the talent to take a leap and become a star. Playing forward or back as KPP, he needs to stand his ground. So really needs to work on his core strength.

Melksham and Zaharakis
Our improvement in the midfield depends on these two. They need to become stronger, to be able to stand up in tackles and break tackles. Both at times just give up when being tackled. Just need to work on getting stronger through their hips and developing a deadly 'don't argue' or a J. Selwood roll of the shoulder trick.

Hardingham
Like Crameri up forward, Hardy's improvement in the backline stood out. Got a great leap and often can take a great mark or spoil. But his tackling to me needs to improve. Probably needs learn to tackle aggressively.

 

[daffo]

I want to see Reimers being tried as a small defender.

I want to see an injury free pre-season.

 

[Hencho]

Ummmm...the WHITE ELEPHANT in the room?

GUMBLETON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To be honest I think Carlisle has passed him, nowadays I just want to see him have a good run without injuries for his own sake.

 

[bombermick]

^^
It seems we're been overly optimistic, but gee it would be great if Gumby could have a really good off-season and look strong and fit. Carlisle, Melksham and Heppell putting on some muscle would be a massive help, and we need one of young mids to take the big step Joey Montagna took.

 

[Skeeta Olly]

Everyone to bulk up.

 

[Fin ice Smuggler]

Strength, in legs and core of players to improve. I want them to go high altitude training to improve their fitness.

Just get Mean.

Our tackling pressure and repeat efforts needs to improve.

 

[Kong]

Players to develop that desire to be the best. Only a few clubs seem to have it at the moment, and Carlton's one; we're not.

As well as players to get stronger and fitter. If Robinson gets us like Geelong of 07-09, we'll be laughing.

 

[Jesse Custer]

In general terms i'd like to see the players bulk up and be more stronger on the ball and when tackling, fitness and skill levels to increase. Hope it's not much to ask.

 

[Slattery_20]

To be honest I think Carlisle has passed him

In what world is that even up for debate?

 

[lamaros]

Everyone: Bigger, faster, stronger, fitter.

Heppell: Tackling.
Crameri: Goal-kicking.
Gumbleton: Goal-kicking.
Jetta: Responsibility.
Ryder: Moving with the ball.
Melksham: Leadership.
Myers: Positioning clearing kicks.
Zaharakis: Looking inside.
Reimers: Leading.
Hardingham: Composure.
Carlisle: 360 movement.
Stanton: Quick kicks.
Howlett: Aggression.
Hocking: Kicking.
Hooker: Awareness.
Colyer: Taking the first option.
Pears: Spoiling.
Bellchambers: Defensive running and positioning.
Dempsey: Contested possessions.
Hurley: Lateral movement.
Monfries: Kicking.
Winderlich: Looking inside.
Steinberg: Defensive running.

 

[CousinOfModra]

Gumby. Hahaha.

Only reason he is being kept around is to assist with construction of the new facility. We are paying him, so may as well get some value.

All Gumby is good for is hammering in nails and laying floor boards.

 

[Red Black and Blue]

Howlett: Aggression.

His aggression when tackling is top notch, really accelerates through the player, just needs to translate it to his attack on the ball. It's exactly what Callan Ward does so well. My pick as our most improved player next year, seems to have the desire to improve, a lot like Hocking.

 

[StealthBomber]

For me, the natural progression of our key mids is a must, they MUST not stagnate. These are:

Melksham - needs bulk!!! Enter Robinson!
Heppel - See Melksham
Zaka - See Heppel
Hocking to some degree - kicking can improve somewhat
Jetta - Confidence!! take em on....you have the licence to do it, and you can!
Prismall - First option mate, you get caught too many times with ball in hands
Stants - move the ball on quicker, keep improving you kicking, and learn to kick above the man on the mark (which you have started to do)

Defence:

Hooker and Pears, if they have a good preseason, will be better than they were last year. This year they were unlucky with injuries (Hooker started the year really well). Hooker also needs to lift his knees higher when running (not like Harry O'Brien though, who runs as if the ground is trying to swallow him up - God I hate him! And i dont even know why!!).

Small to medium defenders:

Dempsey to improve his kicking over the pre-season, still hit and miss. He needs more KG's and with this his contested ball work will be great.

Hibberd played well, is good in the air, one on one, quick and and also has great kicking skills. If he improves his decision making he will be a VERY good lock down defender.

Also, I would like to see Myers and Hardingham more composed when under pressure. It has pissed me right off this year to see them just blindly bomb the ball out of the back 50 to only land in the opposition lap. Whether its a lack of comms in the backline, numbers around the ball, awareness or whatever it is, this needs to be addressed!! Attack begins from defence!! Look at Geelong!!

Forwards:

Our small forwards need more confidence. If Davey stays on, he MUST play with more confidence, same with Jetta. If your in range, and dont have a safer option, kick the goal! Dont pass it off to someone on the boundary or under pressure! Need to use pace and evasiveness more.

Monfries needs consistency.....did I mention Monfries needs consistency?
Same with Reimers - great goal sense, great aggression on the ball but needs to work on his fitness, too often he goes missing in games. Needs to be a bit less selfish too.

Crameri needs to work on his goal kicking, I feel a bout of anxiety hits him when he has the ball in hands lining up for goal. Maybe a set routine is required like Lloyd?

Carlisle to bulk up a bit.

Lets not forget Gumby! He is ok now, hopefully have a successful pre-season without any set backs and start round 1. Still hoping he will make it but not holding my breath.