The Report Card

[AFLQLD]

Ten rounds down and our mid-season bye is upon us.

Pick a player and write his report card.

 

[AFLQLD]

James Polkinghorne:

James has shown improvement this year although inconsistency remains an issue. Nevertheless, a game in the reserves brought him back much more involved in games. Given his relatively modest season last year (save for a very memorable goal) this year has shown some progress so far. He needs to stay involved in games consistently to secure his place in the team in the face of some fast improving younger players.

C+

 

[AFLQLD]

Brent Moloney:

A very positive start to Brent's career as a Lion. His hard work in and around packs and his ability to add muscle to the midfield has been noticeable. While he wins clearances he does need to use his opportunities to greater effect. An important part of the midfield and Melbourne's loss has been Brisbane's gain.

B/B+

 

[Harris Specter]

Pearce Hanley

Has taken his game to another level, consistently being in the team's best week in week out. His attacking flair, combined with his defensive pressure gets supporters on the edge of their seats. He also has one of the better field kicks in the team, and generally hits his target 99 times out of 100. He's seriously close to becoming one of most important players. Can float in the forward line to kick some great goals. Lately, he's been quiet once opposition coaches have put some work into him and put a heavy tag on him. The question remains as to how he copes with the tag.

A-

 

[Balony_pony16]

Ryan Lester

seems to be the new Mr Fix-it it by playing the most number of roles in the team despite missing games at the start of the season...His role in the team is like Brennan's old role minus the Rucking duties. He can play a defensive shut down, forward target, midfield tag/run with, and most impressive this year out and out midfield. I have no doubts if our team wasnt so unbalance atm he could have really developed into a prime ball winner and mover in our midfield. He has great attack on the loose ball and always keeps his feet whilst taking a hit or tackle before getting the ball out effectively in most circumstances...Play around him usually has a positive purpose. I honestly believe he could develop into a real valuable tall mid in the mode of Peds and Kennedy. He has been great as a multi-roled player so far this season, but I hope he is given a chance to own a specific midfield role in the team in the future. For his team roles and attack on the ball and contest with clean skills I rate him...

B

 

[BuntonRules]

Justin Clarke

Has come in for 4 games, and as a 19 yo CHB has exceeded all expectations, looking for all money like that 10 year key defender we have been craving. Has recieved a 1 week suspension for a late hit, but most agree it is far better to have a young player learn to temper his aggression than the other way round.

Was particularly impressive in our last 2 losses - v WC & Collingwood when under real pressure in beaten teams playing on experienced, physically stronger gun forwards.

A

 

[AFLQLD]

Simon Black

Given that this is likely the last season we might be fortunate to see this great player in action, every game he plays is a privilege to witness.

He has returned slowly from surgery through the reserves but there was never any doubt that once fully fit he would be back to his best. And as we all know, his best is about the best there is. He might be a yard or two slower than at his absolute peak but he makes up for it with experience, courage and the silky skills that allow him so much more time than most others.

There is little more to say other than: enjoy him while we all can.

A

 

[AFLQLD]

Anyone want to have a go at a particular player's report card?

 

[patfullfankezz]

I would, but right now I'm not feeling very objective.

Otherwise mine in a nutshell would be Patfull: A+ effort, C- execution, B haircut.

 

[Dylan12]

Mid year review for Lions
11 June 2013
Andrew Hamilton

AT the bye weekend for the Lions, Andrew Hamilton looks at Brisbane's AFL season to date and what is possible for the club this year.

PEARCE Hanley is Brisbane's best player. The Irishman and ruckman Matthew Leuenberger, before he was injured, were the shining lights of a dismal opening half of the season.

With a 3-7 win-loss record and sitting in 15th place, Brisbane have lost all momentum from a promising finish to last season and an exciting NAB Cup premiership and coach Michael Voss is under pressure to earn a new contract.

The highs and lows
HIGHS: Hanley's continued improvement. "He's our best player at the moment," co-captain Jonathan Brown said yesterday.

The round 8 win over Essendon at Etihad Stadium.

LOWS: The Round 10 loss to Collingwood. A rare Friday night fixture and they did not give a yelp.

What is an acceptable finish? Brisbane insist it is on the rise. The Lions won 10 games last year and must at least equal that to get a pass mark. That means defeating every side they meet in the next 12 games that are currently outside the top eight.

What they got wrong They got ahead of themselves after the NAB Cup. They don't work hard enough without the ball.

The selections continue to be baffling. For example, picking Ryan Lester to play on monster Crow Josh Jenkins in Round 2 and dropping Billy Longer and going small against West Coast, who have the best big men in the competition.

They challenged Brown's suspension when every person in footy knew it would fail.

 

[ZoBlitz]

"The selections continue to be baffling"

Good to see Hammo still makes the effort to read social media on a Thursday night.

 

[T Rick]

Mid year review for Lions
11 June 2013
Andrew Hamilton

We desperately need this enuch on our selection panel to unbaffle the club. No doubt he would still find a way to criticise selections he didn't agree with...what a Dick.