Surprise packet for 2011?

(Log in to remove this ad.)

Prem87

Cancelled
Joined
Dec 1, 2006
Posts
11,759
Likes
2,950
Location
Melbourne
AFL Club
West Coast
#27
If I could choose two players to make substantial improvement, it would be Swift and Masten. I don't think it's an unreasonable hope either, given both have shown patches of very good footy.

I expect NN to continue his very good work in the ruck and to become more dominant in the forwardline. I can see him consistently sitting on opponents' heads in the goalsquare.

I'm not too concerned about Weedon's development considering we now have Strijk, Hams (when elevated) and LeCras as forwards offering midfield rotation.

I'd like to see Sheppard follow his current trajectory of improvement.

In terms of surprise packets, Neates is probably as good a pick as any, I reckon. He has a bit of dash and uses the ball tidily. From the little I've seen of him at Claremont, he looks nice and composed too, which should help him make the jump to AFL.
I've always rated Neates highly, I think he's a better version of Colyer who can kick. :thumbsu:
 

ioppolo

Brownlow Medallist
Joined
Oct 3, 2010
Posts
20,027
Likes
12,226
Location
Perth
AFL Club
West Coast
Other Teams
Chelsea, OKC Thunder, Scorchers
#30
Scooter, Swift, Masten, Ebert, Stevens, Wilson, Ashley Smith...surely we can't have another of almost this almost that
 

Kaboodleer

All Australian
Joined
Aug 12, 2010
Posts
607
Likes
158
AFL Club
West Coast
#31
In terms of a surprise I agree with Scooter, I didn't understand why he was playing at the start of the year. I was watching our Rd10 match against Carlton last night, he looked really over-anxious and tight but as the season went on he started to look more comfortable and confident, and his performances improved out of sight the last few matches of the year.

I wouldn't say Shuey simply because we are all expecting great thing from him so it's hardly going to be a surprise if he plays well.
 

Suma Magic

Brownlow Medallist
Joined
Aug 22, 2009
Posts
21,190
Likes
21,612
AFL Club
West Coast
#33
Who I'd really like to be a surprise packet: Stevenson. Love his game, could be tough for him to get a consistent game but his disposal and aggressive mindset is fantastic.

Who I think could be a surprise packet: Mackenzie. Hard I know for him to be a surprise packet, but I see him becoming dominant at times, monstering opponents in contests and overcoming his kicking woes.
 

(Log in to remove this ad.)

sTeeL

Norm Smith Medallist
Joined
Feb 2, 2007
Posts
6,134
Likes
604
Location
Perth
AFL Club
West Coast
#38
Class of 2007. Ebert, Masten and Selwood.

Ebert would be there already if his DE was 15% higher. The fact that some people where willing to trade him for a 2nd rounder during trade period was beyond me. Can run all day. Gets in good positions. Could work on his tackling a little bit and footskills alot.

Masten if he is fit all preseason should start the year centre square and finally show everyone that he wasn't a wasted pick 3. I enjoy watching him play to his ability and its pretty hard for a bloke to go from full time midfielder to a pocket/HFF.

Selwood took massive steps in the 2nd half of the year and hopefully that continues. Rather than trying to negate his opponent, he took games on and looked much better for it. Not sure why it happened but something clicked for him. Continue that and he will look very good next year.
 

Anjahads

Team Captain
Joined
Dec 4, 2008
Posts
593
Likes
0
Location
Karratha
AFL Club
West Coast
Other Teams
Swan Districts
#42
Coxy to regain his #1 ruck mantle in the comp.
Kerr to play 20 games of AFL footy this year at least.
For youngsters I tip Brad Shepherd to impress the most.
 

sydney eagle

Norm Smith Medallist
Joined
Jan 11, 2006
Posts
5,918
Likes
649
Location
Sydney, Australia
AFL Club
West Coast
Other Teams
South Sydney Rabbitohs
#44
I think where Masten is concerned we need to play him in the centre/on ball or not at all. Let him play in the position that he was used to as a junior rather than throwing him forward or back and give him a chance to establish himself.
 

Obeanie1

Brownlow Medallist
Joined
Jul 26, 2007
Posts
18,348
Likes
11,415
Location
Darwin
AFL Club
West Coast
#45
We definitely need a highlights video of Scott Selwood, just to see how much he changed throughout the year.
Scooter at the start of the year versus the last 5>6 games was a different player.

Started as a negating run with player who won contested ball.

Ended as a much more running attacking midfielder and looked very good doing it.

This was mentioned by Worsfold. I think they gave Scooter tagging / run with roles with Judd and others as part of his education. How hard and where to run etc.

When he was unleached he was really damaging. Much rather have a A Selwood / MacGinitty carry the tagging role and Scooter used to attack.

Agree the class of 2007 will be the bolters this year. Masten, Ebert and Scooter.:thumbsu:

The surprise packet however is where we get surprised how well a player comes along. So Neates or pick 4 (Gaff) may hold tghis honour.
 

Double the Fist

i wull eet yur fayce carnt
Joined
Dec 16, 2008
Posts
24,917
Likes
19,143
Location
On the edge....
AFL Club
West Coast
#50
Couple of posters mentioned Wilson as well as MAG:thumbsu:. If given 7 or 8 games on the trot and played in his most suited position (FF IMO), I think we will see our first genuine full forward in years. Good kick too.
Well, at least I think he will be our surprise packet.

If not him I think maybe Ash Smith.
Has had a taste of the big time, and has been lambasted for his training ethos in the past, but maybe this year now he's had a look at AFL, he will start next year with head down and bum up, and could be fantastic in the backline. Booming kick with pace, could be our surprise packet.:thumbsu:
 
Top Bottom