Who's stepped it up?

[Ed D]

I agree with what people have been saying, but I also think Cloke has stepped it up. Not in a huge way but I think he's been presenting well and taking good grabs consistently even when there's been a quite period in play for the Pies. I know he was doing that last year but IMO he hasn't been playing to his best this year but he's still been getting plenty of the ball. I don't know, it's hard to put into words but I think he's improved on his ordinary games is what I'm trying to say.

 

[SwanBet]

Blair is the one who stands out to me the most, based on these first two rounds, has gone up a level in ability, testament to his great work. Has showed ball winning ability, and great roving, with his opportunities in the middle.

Keefe is another who has impressed me, great kick for a big man, and is ideally suited to play on those resting 2nd ruckman, ala: vickery, Hampson, Hale etc. Still question his long term place in the team, with Brown, Tarrant and Reid all ahead of him in the pecking order, but shows despite many opinions we have some strong key position depth.

Paine, only young, but is strong lad who has shown us that there is a young key forward there who can come in and perform well, looked average against Richmond, but his performance against hawks shows he has some talent.

Marty Clarke, was really sceptical about marty after round 1, but against Richmond he showed his usual kicking skills and class.

Another who i really expect to go to elite level is Sidebottom, whether it is possible in the current set up, with thomas, ball, pendles and swan all taking his midfield time i'm not sure, but he's at the age where he can tear again apart, we have seen it happen in finals, but we need to see it during the season. Expecting a big year from sidey.

Slight disappointments from Dawesy, who has looked a bit of colour to start the season, and Shaw who i really expected to dominate matches after last years incidents. While i'm expecting Sharrod to play well, jury is out on him.

 

[THATSGOLD]

Didak Keefee and Harry