tigs2010
wowing tiger_muff all day every day
For those of you who haven't noticed, I take a fair interest in the List Management/Draft side of the club so have been working on a list analysis/season review throughout the last few weeks. Would have had it up last week but that loss kind of stuffed that plan up. This week just been adding to it and adjusting and bye week seems like a better time to unveil anyway so thank you for that Richmond. 
First of all I thought we'd have a look at a depth chart of the list (by position) and break the players up into the categories of junior (19 year old/first year) development (20-22 years old) mature (23-28 years old) Veteran (29+) *Ages at end of 2013
Small Defenders: Bachar Houli, Steven Morris, Steven Verrier
Medium Defenders: Ricky Petterd, Jake Batchelor, Matthew Dea, Kamdyn McIntosh
Tall Defenders: Troy Chaplin, Alex Rance, David Astbury, Dylan Grimes, Todd Elton, Ben Darrou
Small Forwards: Jake King, Shane Edwards, Matthew White, Robin Nahas, Matthew McDonough, Gideon Simon
Medium Forwards: Aaron Edwards, Chris Knights, Brett O'Hanlon
Tall Forwards: Jack Riewoldt, Luke McGuane, Tyrone Vickery, Ben Griffiths, Liam McBean
Rucks: Orren Stephenson, Ivan Maric, Tom Derickx
Small Midfielders: Chris Newman, Nathan Foley, Sam Lonergan, Brandon Ellis, Matthew Arnot
Medium Midfielders: Shane Tuck, Brett Deledio, Daniel Jackson, Shaun Grigg, Trent Cotchin, Dustin Martin, Reece Conca, Brad Helbig, Nick Vlastuin, Cadeyn Williams
Looking at this chart we aren't going to lose many veterans over the next few years that can't be replaced/upgraded. We have a fair bit of quality in the junior/development categories as well as guys only just scraping into the mature stages. (23/24 year olds) Once more of those blue names become red names the better chance we will have of competing with the top sides on a weekly basis. As I've been saying the last couple of weeks we need to get more games into the guys in the development category.
In terms of depth at certain positions (in no particular order):
1) We are probably still a KPF short, especially with McGuane probably not being around much longer.
2) We could use a medium defender who uses the ball at a high level to help Houli out with rebounding out of defence.
3) Could invest in another medium forward as Edwards won't be around for long being in the veteran category and Knights being injury prone. Though midfielders should be able to fill out the flanks ideally.
4) Rucks!! We may only have 1 first ruck by next year.
5) Small Forwards we have a good spread in terms of veteran through to junior but the quality in the mature stakes is a bit suspect. A crumbing forward would be nice.
6) More midfielders that can fill out flanks as medium defenders/forwards thus fixing area 2 and 3.
MY CURRENT BEST 22:
B: Dylan Grimes Troy Chaplin Matthew Dea
HB: Steven Morris Alex Rance Bachar Houli
C: Brandon Ellis Trent Cotchin Chris Newman
HF: Dustin Martin Jack Riewoldt Nathan Foley
F: Shane Edwards Tyrone Vickery Jake King
R: Ivan Maric Brett Deledio Shane Tuck
INT: Reece Conca Shaun Grigg Nick Vlastuin
SUB: Chris Knights
Good mix of youth/experience. 3 veterans, 6 youngsters and the other 13 are mature players heading into their prime years. Next season another 3 go into the mature category.
BACKLINE: Consists of the 3 key defenders that we try to play each week (Chaplin, Grimes, Rance) with Rance playing at CHB away from the last line where he is most effective. We have the 2 small lock down defenders (Dea, Morris) who can both provide some run off half back while also stopping their man. Then we have our rebounding, attacking defender in Houli whose job it is to run and create and have the opposition worry more about him than scoring. We have a couple of midfielders who can drop back and help give these guys a breather (Ellis, Newman, Vlastuin, Deledio)
MIDFIELD: Consists of a 11 man rotation (Ellis, Cotchin, Newman, Martin, Foley, Deledio, Tuck, Conca, Vlastuin, Edwards, Grigg) and would be our biggest area of strength when we are fully fit. Obviously this season we haven’t had a lot of luck in this regard. The advantage with our midfielders is a lot of them are quite versatile and can either help out down back or push forward. To improve, I’d like to see us recruit another half forward/midfielder (maybe Ben Lennon?) who would slot in where Foley is and push Foley to the bench. Also, Newman won’t be around forever so a speedy, skilful wingman is another area of need. (maybe a Dayle Garlett?)
RUCKS: Ivan and Tyrone sharing the ruck duties (75/25?) Fully fit Ivan is very good but obviously struggling through injury this year. Won’t be around forever so a replacement needs to be looked at through either trade (Daniel Currie?) or drafting a youngster to take his place in 3-4 years (late draft/rookie we can get one or two). Tyrone is ok in the ruck when he wants to and will only get better. Still needs to get some consistency with his intensity on a week-to-week basis and we will have a very good ruck combination.
FORWARD LINE: Made up of 3-4 permanent forwards, 2 tall (Jack and Tyrone) and one-two smalls (King), if you include a pinch-hitting Edwards playing predominantly forward. The rest is made up of rotating midfielders for a rest. This is an area I think we can get stronger in by playing just the two tall forwards allowing an extra midfield rotation so we can rest our guns at FF more often as well as having Edwards play 80% up forward, where his crumbing as well as marking can be put to best use.
MID SEASON PLAYER REVIEW (BY POSITION)
Small Defenders
14. Bachar Houli - 180cm 84kg (contracted until 2014)
Games: 10
Goals: 3
Houli is our best disposer off the half back line. Will be a best 22 player until we find more players who can use the ball at an elite level. Not renowned for being the toughest player or the best defensive player going around but due to his work ethic has improved considerably since his first day at the club. Nowadays, he will always go when it's his turn and regularly gets a fist in to prevent an opposition mark. First year he came he seemed to squib a few contests costing us goals. I think a few fans haven’t really forgiven him for this so he still cops a bit. He also runs extremely hard to provide an option up the field. We’d win a lot more games if the rest of the team followed his lead. So far has been one of our best performers and is forming an integral part of a solid back 6.
38. Steven Morris - 185cm 83kg (contracted until 2014)
Games: 9
Goals: 1
His height could have put him in the medium defenders but he shuts down oppositions best small so he fits here for me. Morris is our most trusty lock down player who can be given a job each week on the oppositions most dangerous small forward and nearly every week comes away with a win. So far his scalps include Betts, Milne, Dalhaus, Elliot, Motlop, Lecras amongst others. Has worked hard on his foot skills, which have improved remarkably and he can now be used as a legitimate option to rebound out of defensive 50. Another who runs hard to create an option regularly up the field, which in turn is making the oppositions best small forward accountable defensively. So far has conceded 6 goals in 9 games to his direct opponent and it's no surprise the one game where the opposition small got a hold of us was the Fremantle game which Morris didn't play.
49. Steven Verrier (Rookie) - 187cm 84kg (2nd year rookie)
Games: 0
Goals: 0
Again he could be classified as a medium defender but he plays on small forwards at VFL level so he fits here. Development rookie who regularly tries his guts out. Regularly plays roles as a lock down defender or a midfield tagger at VFL level. Verrier is a pretty good athlete but it’s his foot skills, which regularly can let him down. At times kicks the ball nicely but other times can kick some absolute howlers. Needs to find some consistency with his skills and soon as he is a 2nd year rookie and odds are he won’t get a 3rd year to develop as a smaller type player.
SUMMARY: Overall I like Houli and Morris in the side. Both these two guys will be on the list next year but I have my doubts that Verrier will be around for 2014. Personally I prefer bigger type defenders (Morris/Dea) as they tend to worry the small forwards with their size, so preferably won’t recruit too many in this area. Besides, Ellis or Newman can go back here if injuries hit. Grimes can also play as a small when necessary.
Medium Defenders
7. Matthew Dea - 186cm 87kg (contracted until 2013)
Games: 2
Goals: 0
This kid is one of my favourites. He is tough, skilled, and as clean below his knees as anyone else at the club. Just doesn’t fumble the ball. Currently in his fourth year and needs to start getting a regular game. Long term I can see Dea forming an important part of our back 6 or 7. Can shut down a man quite capably and is offering great rebound at VFL level. Needs to stay in the team once given a game to give him the confidence he belongs so that he will offer us that rebound at AFL level and we will have a very good player. Showed in the West Coast game what he has to offer both offensively and defensively. Hopefully can fight and retain his spot for the rest of the year.
11. Jake Batchelor - 188cm 87kg (contracted until 2013)
Games: 7
Goals: 0
Finally getting a regular game at AFL level and hopefully stays that way. He is being played out of position each week as an under sized KPD and in my opinion it’s for this reason he has had some inconsistencies from week to week. Will be best suited playing as either a medium defender or as our loose man in defence as his best assets in my opinion are his ability to read the play and his intercept marking. I feel like Batch often lacks a bit of concentration when it comes to his kicking and just needs to make sure he is focused on every kick and his kicking will then turn into a genuine weapon for us coming out of the back half. Can’t afford lapses in concentration or to get complacent with Petterd on the list but he is far and away the better option of the two. Played a fantastic game on Jack Darling in Round 10 which should boost his confidence heading into the back half of the year. He's probably a borderline best 22 player at this stage. Fighting it out with Dea if we have everyone available.
13. Ricky Petterd (Rookie) - 185cm 85kg (1st year rookie)
Games: 5
Goals: 0
Handy enough back up player if the other two blokes are out injured or struggling for form and he should force Batch to keep his concentration up as he will be under the pump to keep his spot. He is strong in the air and can play a role loose in defence to help out our KPD’s with a spoil. Petterd’s kicking though is an area of concern, which is why he shouldn’t be in the best 22 on a weekly basis. Nearly 25 years of age and not sure it will ever improve enough. He is a handy depth player though and has been ok without being great in the 5 games he played prior to injury.
33. Kamdyn McIntosh - 192cm 88kg (contracted until 2014)
Games: 0
Goals: 0
First year player who when recruited was said to have a big enough tank and speed to play on a wing. He had a good end to the season at WAFL seniors level. At this stage is finding VFL level a bit more difficult but has had some good games. In my opinion he looks a bit awkward and un-natural as a footballer but he is still effective at times. Bit of a development project and is being thrown into some different roles at Coburg in defence and the midfield (tagger).
SUMMARY: Whilst not a huge number of players (4) in this category, we have some good, promising players in Dea & Batchelor who are ready to go now with Petterd as the back-up in case of an inevitable injury to our back line. McIntosh is the development prospect so we have someone coming through for the future too. Other depth we have is sending back a Deledio or Vlastuin as well as having a Grimes or Rance play smaller if that’s what a match up requires. I’d be expecting all to be on the list next year with Petterd retained as a rookie.
Tall Defenders
2. Dylan Grimes - 193cm 88kg (contracted until 2013)
Games: 5
Goals: 0
Bloody injuries. I think most would agree when fit Dylan is our best defender by a fair way. It will be so crucial that we can get this kids body right over the next few years. His brother took a while to get over his injuries so there is hope. When he arrived at the club he was purely a defensive player but has worked his backside off to improve his kicking and offers pretty good rebound out of defence. We can pretty rely on him blanketing his opponent each week and putting that match up down as a win before the ball is bounced. Not only is he our best defender but is so versatile as he can play on a small, medium or tall forward so with him back there we can cover whatever the opposition throw at us.
12. David Astbury - 195cm 96kg (contracted until 2014)
Games: 0
Goals: 0
Astbury had a very good first season for the club but is yet another KPD who has suffered more than his fair share of injuries. In my opinion is probably our 4th best KPD and with Grimes down injured Astbury should be filling his spot. It was good to see him named in the squad for the Eagles game so he is getting close to a game in the seniors. I think he could make a very good FB for the club long term as he is a great size. Astbury is very composed down on the last line of defence and is probably the best kick of all our KPD’s. Start adding more guys in like Astbury and our kicking out of defence will improve immensely rather than us fans having to worry all the time.
18. Alex Rance - 194cm 96kg (contracted until 2013)
Games: 10
Goals: 0
Much maligned KPD by fans but he was back to his best in the Dreamtime and West Coast games. In my opinion he just needs to be played away from Full Back. When played up the ground as a CHB he regularly beats his opponent and doesn’t panic with his kicking. He is at his best when he isn't stuck wrestling with an opponent and he can run and jump at the ball. His kicking in my opinion isn’t as horrible as made out and it more comes down to his decision-making and composure. Needs to take his time and pick the best option each time. There aren’t 54 supremely skilled KPD’s in the league and some of the top clubs have blokes who don’t dispose of the ball well but they can be carried provided they have good kicks around them, which we are starting to do.
25. Troy Chaplin - 195cm 99kg (contracted until 2016)
Games: 9
Goals: 1
Mature aged recruit from Port brought across to shore up our injury prone back line. Early days at this stage after missing nearly the entire pre season but he seems to have been a good acquisition. Plays his best zoning off his man and helping out the other defenders so it will be good to play him on oppositions resting ruckman who he is big enough to match up on as well as allowing him to zone off. Chaplin is also suited to play a loose man role in defence, which would allow him to help double team the big power forwards of the league like Cloke. Despite the criticism of his kicking from Power fans he has been solid without being elite in this area of his game. Very much a part of our best 22 and has been a good pick up for the club.
43. Todd Elton - 197cm 97kg (contracted until 2013)
Games: 0
Goals: 0
Wasn’t sure whether to put him as a KPD or KPF. He is currently playing Full Back for Coburg so we will put him in our defensive options. At 197cm and a fantastic athlete he looks like he could be our big gorilla defender in the mould of a Daniel Talia or Jake Carlisle. However, others like him to be our big CHF in the mould of a Travis Cloke. I’d just like to see us pick a spot for him and develop him there. Elton has a very strong aerial game, which will translate, to either end of the ground with his contested marking. One area that he needs to improve is his kicking. When taking his time around the ground he kicks it at a reasonable level but his kicking for goal leaves a lot to be desired. As a FB we’d have to have blokes running hard to create an easy option for him to dispose to.
49. Ben Darrou (Rookie) - 190cm 97kg (2nd year rookie)
Games: 0
Goals: 0
Darrou is a development player in his second year on the rookie list. Didn’t show a lot last year from what I saw so has shown huge improvement this year and as a Full Back he regularly beats his opponent. At 190cm he may never be a KPD and more of a third tall, so it has been really important that he has shown strong development in his rebounding game compared to last year. Uses the ball at a high level. As a rookie we are now allowed to keep him on for a 3rd year provided the player agrees and I feel like he is a keeper and if he shows that same level of improvement in his 3rd year we could have a keeper.
SUMMARY: We have 3 good key defenders in the best 22. (Chaplin, Rance, Grimes) It’s a shame the best one is constantly getting injured. It’s for this reason our 4th in line (Astbury) needs to be getting games pumped into him while he’s in good VFL form. We have 2 kids (Elton and Darrou) in development stage for the future. All 6 key defenders should be around in 2014 with Darrou hopefully retained for a 3rd year so he can fight for promotion and continue his strong development path.
First of all I thought we'd have a look at a depth chart of the list (by position) and break the players up into the categories of junior (19 year old/first year) development (20-22 years old) mature (23-28 years old) Veteran (29+) *Ages at end of 2013
Small Defenders: Bachar Houli, Steven Morris, Steven Verrier
Medium Defenders: Ricky Petterd, Jake Batchelor, Matthew Dea, Kamdyn McIntosh
Tall Defenders: Troy Chaplin, Alex Rance, David Astbury, Dylan Grimes, Todd Elton, Ben Darrou
Small Forwards: Jake King, Shane Edwards, Matthew White, Robin Nahas, Matthew McDonough, Gideon Simon
Medium Forwards: Aaron Edwards, Chris Knights, Brett O'Hanlon
Tall Forwards: Jack Riewoldt, Luke McGuane, Tyrone Vickery, Ben Griffiths, Liam McBean
Rucks: Orren Stephenson, Ivan Maric, Tom Derickx
Small Midfielders: Chris Newman, Nathan Foley, Sam Lonergan, Brandon Ellis, Matthew Arnot
Medium Midfielders: Shane Tuck, Brett Deledio, Daniel Jackson, Shaun Grigg, Trent Cotchin, Dustin Martin, Reece Conca, Brad Helbig, Nick Vlastuin, Cadeyn Williams
Looking at this chart we aren't going to lose many veterans over the next few years that can't be replaced/upgraded. We have a fair bit of quality in the junior/development categories as well as guys only just scraping into the mature stages. (23/24 year olds) Once more of those blue names become red names the better chance we will have of competing with the top sides on a weekly basis. As I've been saying the last couple of weeks we need to get more games into the guys in the development category.
In terms of depth at certain positions (in no particular order):
1) We are probably still a KPF short, especially with McGuane probably not being around much longer.
2) We could use a medium defender who uses the ball at a high level to help Houli out with rebounding out of defence.
3) Could invest in another medium forward as Edwards won't be around for long being in the veteran category and Knights being injury prone. Though midfielders should be able to fill out the flanks ideally.
4) Rucks!! We may only have 1 first ruck by next year.
5) Small Forwards we have a good spread in terms of veteran through to junior but the quality in the mature stakes is a bit suspect. A crumbing forward would be nice.
6) More midfielders that can fill out flanks as medium defenders/forwards thus fixing area 2 and 3.
MY CURRENT BEST 22:
B: Dylan Grimes Troy Chaplin Matthew Dea
HB: Steven Morris Alex Rance Bachar Houli
C: Brandon Ellis Trent Cotchin Chris Newman
HF: Dustin Martin Jack Riewoldt Nathan Foley
F: Shane Edwards Tyrone Vickery Jake King
R: Ivan Maric Brett Deledio Shane Tuck
INT: Reece Conca Shaun Grigg Nick Vlastuin
SUB: Chris Knights
Good mix of youth/experience. 3 veterans, 6 youngsters and the other 13 are mature players heading into their prime years. Next season another 3 go into the mature category.
BACKLINE: Consists of the 3 key defenders that we try to play each week (Chaplin, Grimes, Rance) with Rance playing at CHB away from the last line where he is most effective. We have the 2 small lock down defenders (Dea, Morris) who can both provide some run off half back while also stopping their man. Then we have our rebounding, attacking defender in Houli whose job it is to run and create and have the opposition worry more about him than scoring. We have a couple of midfielders who can drop back and help give these guys a breather (Ellis, Newman, Vlastuin, Deledio)
MIDFIELD: Consists of a 11 man rotation (Ellis, Cotchin, Newman, Martin, Foley, Deledio, Tuck, Conca, Vlastuin, Edwards, Grigg) and would be our biggest area of strength when we are fully fit. Obviously this season we haven’t had a lot of luck in this regard. The advantage with our midfielders is a lot of them are quite versatile and can either help out down back or push forward. To improve, I’d like to see us recruit another half forward/midfielder (maybe Ben Lennon?) who would slot in where Foley is and push Foley to the bench. Also, Newman won’t be around forever so a speedy, skilful wingman is another area of need. (maybe a Dayle Garlett?)
RUCKS: Ivan and Tyrone sharing the ruck duties (75/25?) Fully fit Ivan is very good but obviously struggling through injury this year. Won’t be around forever so a replacement needs to be looked at through either trade (Daniel Currie?) or drafting a youngster to take his place in 3-4 years (late draft/rookie we can get one or two). Tyrone is ok in the ruck when he wants to and will only get better. Still needs to get some consistency with his intensity on a week-to-week basis and we will have a very good ruck combination.
FORWARD LINE: Made up of 3-4 permanent forwards, 2 tall (Jack and Tyrone) and one-two smalls (King), if you include a pinch-hitting Edwards playing predominantly forward. The rest is made up of rotating midfielders for a rest. This is an area I think we can get stronger in by playing just the two tall forwards allowing an extra midfield rotation so we can rest our guns at FF more often as well as having Edwards play 80% up forward, where his crumbing as well as marking can be put to best use.
MID SEASON PLAYER REVIEW (BY POSITION)
Small Defenders
14. Bachar Houli - 180cm 84kg (contracted until 2014)
Games: 10
Goals: 3
Houli is our best disposer off the half back line. Will be a best 22 player until we find more players who can use the ball at an elite level. Not renowned for being the toughest player or the best defensive player going around but due to his work ethic has improved considerably since his first day at the club. Nowadays, he will always go when it's his turn and regularly gets a fist in to prevent an opposition mark. First year he came he seemed to squib a few contests costing us goals. I think a few fans haven’t really forgiven him for this so he still cops a bit. He also runs extremely hard to provide an option up the field. We’d win a lot more games if the rest of the team followed his lead. So far has been one of our best performers and is forming an integral part of a solid back 6.
38. Steven Morris - 185cm 83kg (contracted until 2014)
Games: 9
Goals: 1
His height could have put him in the medium defenders but he shuts down oppositions best small so he fits here for me. Morris is our most trusty lock down player who can be given a job each week on the oppositions most dangerous small forward and nearly every week comes away with a win. So far his scalps include Betts, Milne, Dalhaus, Elliot, Motlop, Lecras amongst others. Has worked hard on his foot skills, which have improved remarkably and he can now be used as a legitimate option to rebound out of defensive 50. Another who runs hard to create an option regularly up the field, which in turn is making the oppositions best small forward accountable defensively. So far has conceded 6 goals in 9 games to his direct opponent and it's no surprise the one game where the opposition small got a hold of us was the Fremantle game which Morris didn't play.
49. Steven Verrier (Rookie) - 187cm 84kg (2nd year rookie)
Games: 0
Goals: 0
Again he could be classified as a medium defender but he plays on small forwards at VFL level so he fits here. Development rookie who regularly tries his guts out. Regularly plays roles as a lock down defender or a midfield tagger at VFL level. Verrier is a pretty good athlete but it’s his foot skills, which regularly can let him down. At times kicks the ball nicely but other times can kick some absolute howlers. Needs to find some consistency with his skills and soon as he is a 2nd year rookie and odds are he won’t get a 3rd year to develop as a smaller type player.
SUMMARY: Overall I like Houli and Morris in the side. Both these two guys will be on the list next year but I have my doubts that Verrier will be around for 2014. Personally I prefer bigger type defenders (Morris/Dea) as they tend to worry the small forwards with their size, so preferably won’t recruit too many in this area. Besides, Ellis or Newman can go back here if injuries hit. Grimes can also play as a small when necessary.
Medium Defenders
7. Matthew Dea - 186cm 87kg (contracted until 2013)
Games: 2
Goals: 0
This kid is one of my favourites. He is tough, skilled, and as clean below his knees as anyone else at the club. Just doesn’t fumble the ball. Currently in his fourth year and needs to start getting a regular game. Long term I can see Dea forming an important part of our back 6 or 7. Can shut down a man quite capably and is offering great rebound at VFL level. Needs to stay in the team once given a game to give him the confidence he belongs so that he will offer us that rebound at AFL level and we will have a very good player. Showed in the West Coast game what he has to offer both offensively and defensively. Hopefully can fight and retain his spot for the rest of the year.
11. Jake Batchelor - 188cm 87kg (contracted until 2013)
Games: 7
Goals: 0
Finally getting a regular game at AFL level and hopefully stays that way. He is being played out of position each week as an under sized KPD and in my opinion it’s for this reason he has had some inconsistencies from week to week. Will be best suited playing as either a medium defender or as our loose man in defence as his best assets in my opinion are his ability to read the play and his intercept marking. I feel like Batch often lacks a bit of concentration when it comes to his kicking and just needs to make sure he is focused on every kick and his kicking will then turn into a genuine weapon for us coming out of the back half. Can’t afford lapses in concentration or to get complacent with Petterd on the list but he is far and away the better option of the two. Played a fantastic game on Jack Darling in Round 10 which should boost his confidence heading into the back half of the year. He's probably a borderline best 22 player at this stage. Fighting it out with Dea if we have everyone available.
13. Ricky Petterd (Rookie) - 185cm 85kg (1st year rookie)
Games: 5
Goals: 0
Handy enough back up player if the other two blokes are out injured or struggling for form and he should force Batch to keep his concentration up as he will be under the pump to keep his spot. He is strong in the air and can play a role loose in defence to help out our KPD’s with a spoil. Petterd’s kicking though is an area of concern, which is why he shouldn’t be in the best 22 on a weekly basis. Nearly 25 years of age and not sure it will ever improve enough. He is a handy depth player though and has been ok without being great in the 5 games he played prior to injury.
33. Kamdyn McIntosh - 192cm 88kg (contracted until 2014)
Games: 0
Goals: 0
First year player who when recruited was said to have a big enough tank and speed to play on a wing. He had a good end to the season at WAFL seniors level. At this stage is finding VFL level a bit more difficult but has had some good games. In my opinion he looks a bit awkward and un-natural as a footballer but he is still effective at times. Bit of a development project and is being thrown into some different roles at Coburg in defence and the midfield (tagger).
SUMMARY: Whilst not a huge number of players (4) in this category, we have some good, promising players in Dea & Batchelor who are ready to go now with Petterd as the back-up in case of an inevitable injury to our back line. McIntosh is the development prospect so we have someone coming through for the future too. Other depth we have is sending back a Deledio or Vlastuin as well as having a Grimes or Rance play smaller if that’s what a match up requires. I’d be expecting all to be on the list next year with Petterd retained as a rookie.
Tall Defenders
2. Dylan Grimes - 193cm 88kg (contracted until 2013)
Games: 5
Goals: 0
Bloody injuries. I think most would agree when fit Dylan is our best defender by a fair way. It will be so crucial that we can get this kids body right over the next few years. His brother took a while to get over his injuries so there is hope. When he arrived at the club he was purely a defensive player but has worked his backside off to improve his kicking and offers pretty good rebound out of defence. We can pretty rely on him blanketing his opponent each week and putting that match up down as a win before the ball is bounced. Not only is he our best defender but is so versatile as he can play on a small, medium or tall forward so with him back there we can cover whatever the opposition throw at us.
12. David Astbury - 195cm 96kg (contracted until 2014)
Games: 0
Goals: 0
Astbury had a very good first season for the club but is yet another KPD who has suffered more than his fair share of injuries. In my opinion is probably our 4th best KPD and with Grimes down injured Astbury should be filling his spot. It was good to see him named in the squad for the Eagles game so he is getting close to a game in the seniors. I think he could make a very good FB for the club long term as he is a great size. Astbury is very composed down on the last line of defence and is probably the best kick of all our KPD’s. Start adding more guys in like Astbury and our kicking out of defence will improve immensely rather than us fans having to worry all the time.
18. Alex Rance - 194cm 96kg (contracted until 2013)
Games: 10
Goals: 0
Much maligned KPD by fans but he was back to his best in the Dreamtime and West Coast games. In my opinion he just needs to be played away from Full Back. When played up the ground as a CHB he regularly beats his opponent and doesn’t panic with his kicking. He is at his best when he isn't stuck wrestling with an opponent and he can run and jump at the ball. His kicking in my opinion isn’t as horrible as made out and it more comes down to his decision-making and composure. Needs to take his time and pick the best option each time. There aren’t 54 supremely skilled KPD’s in the league and some of the top clubs have blokes who don’t dispose of the ball well but they can be carried provided they have good kicks around them, which we are starting to do.
25. Troy Chaplin - 195cm 99kg (contracted until 2016)
Games: 9
Goals: 1
Mature aged recruit from Port brought across to shore up our injury prone back line. Early days at this stage after missing nearly the entire pre season but he seems to have been a good acquisition. Plays his best zoning off his man and helping out the other defenders so it will be good to play him on oppositions resting ruckman who he is big enough to match up on as well as allowing him to zone off. Chaplin is also suited to play a loose man role in defence, which would allow him to help double team the big power forwards of the league like Cloke. Despite the criticism of his kicking from Power fans he has been solid without being elite in this area of his game. Very much a part of our best 22 and has been a good pick up for the club.
43. Todd Elton - 197cm 97kg (contracted until 2013)
Games: 0
Goals: 0
Wasn’t sure whether to put him as a KPD or KPF. He is currently playing Full Back for Coburg so we will put him in our defensive options. At 197cm and a fantastic athlete he looks like he could be our big gorilla defender in the mould of a Daniel Talia or Jake Carlisle. However, others like him to be our big CHF in the mould of a Travis Cloke. I’d just like to see us pick a spot for him and develop him there. Elton has a very strong aerial game, which will translate, to either end of the ground with his contested marking. One area that he needs to improve is his kicking. When taking his time around the ground he kicks it at a reasonable level but his kicking for goal leaves a lot to be desired. As a FB we’d have to have blokes running hard to create an easy option for him to dispose to.
49. Ben Darrou (Rookie) - 190cm 97kg (2nd year rookie)
Games: 0
Goals: 0
Darrou is a development player in his second year on the rookie list. Didn’t show a lot last year from what I saw so has shown huge improvement this year and as a Full Back he regularly beats his opponent. At 190cm he may never be a KPD and more of a third tall, so it has been really important that he has shown strong development in his rebounding game compared to last year. Uses the ball at a high level. As a rookie we are now allowed to keep him on for a 3rd year provided the player agrees and I feel like he is a keeper and if he shows that same level of improvement in his 3rd year we could have a keeper.
SUMMARY: We have 3 good key defenders in the best 22. (Chaplin, Rance, Grimes) It’s a shame the best one is constantly getting injured. It’s for this reason our 4th in line (Astbury) needs to be getting games pumped into him while he’s in good VFL form. We have 2 kids (Elton and Darrou) in development stage for the future. All 6 key defenders should be around in 2014 with Darrou hopefully retained for a 3rd year so he can fight for promotion and continue his strong development path.
