Surprise packet for 2011?

[Carbine Chaos]

Ryan Neates. Will win the 2011 Melbourne Cup too

 

[Prem87]

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.

 

[Ochre]

the mini horse

 

[r_boy]

Scotty Selwood

Cheers.

 

[ioppolo]

Scooter, Swift, Masten, Ebert, Stevens, Wilson, Ashley Smith...surely we can't have another of almost this almost that

 

[Kaboodleer]

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.

 

[Pat_Footy]

When did he say that? Link?

It was in a press conference during the season. I found an article quoting him though.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/08/04/2973214.htm

 

[Suma Magic]

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.

 

[bodazoka]

Someone who most of us dont expect...

Kerr for mine.

 

[Hap Hapablap]

callum wilson

 

[Eastern Rangers]

LeCras. Will kick the tonne.

 

[Prem87]

callum wilson

My smokey for next year as well.

 

[sTeeL]

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.

 

[sTeeL]

double post

 

[Prem87]

We definitely need a highlights video of Scott Selwood, just to see how much he changed throughout the year.

 

[richy4]

Woosha.

will coach us to the finals

 

[Anjahads]

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.

 

[Carbine Chaos]

For youngsters I tip Brad Shepherd to impress the most.

I hope he impresses to the point where people start to write his name correctly...

 

[sydney eagle]

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]

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.

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.

 

[Prem87]

Which game was Scott at his best in the later half? I want to watch a replay of the game!

 

[ioppolo]

Had a decent game against Brisbane from memory.

 

[Quinz]

Scoot had his best game against Brisbane, 28 touches 8 tackles and 5 clearances.

Strijk and Smith were good in that game as well.

 

[Alphanumeric]

Masten will start to show what he can do more consitently

I really hope so!

 

[Double the Fist]

callum wilson

Couple of posters mentioned Wilson as well as MAG. 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.