Young Guns

[dazbroncos]

I thought his influence against the Swans was the equal as those 3 in the same game. 23 possessions and negated Kennedy's influence is non to shabby to say the least. But he isn't as consistent at this stage but given time (2014 onwards) I think he could be up near those 3.

Before the NAB Cup I didn't think Blicavs would play, certainly not until much later in the year, if at all. So that has to be huge. Of course injuries have played their part but he has shown a bit.

Motlop has increased his output. Clearly fitter and a bit stronger his year and his decision making has improved. He has been doing a lot more hard running this year which is great to see. Always knew he had it in him but just wasn't certain when he would make such a big step. Glad it's this year, especially with Varcoe's latest injury.

Bundy has improved and become more consistent but to be honest I kinda expected it. I really felt he was held back by the niggling injuries he had last year. No that he is over them he's showing what he can do.

Hunt has taken another step which I hoped he would. He did have to learn a new role of being a tagger last year which would have been difficult at times. But it's reaping it's rewards now. Another preaseaon and an extra 20 odd games do add up for younger players.

It's hard to judge Caddy up to this point. Been the sub twice, been subbed out once and then concussed last night. Plus he is still probably getting used to our structures a bit compared to someone like GHS who has been drilled in them since he was drafted. But he has shown enough to say he should be a good player for us in the future. Same goes for Smedts, Guthrie and Murdoch. Consistency is their biggest issue at this point.

Really like this and agree. I would add that I wish I saw Mots chasing as hard in defense out of the F50 as he runs with the ball going into it. I get he is still learning it all but his pace seems only to go in one direction... to our goals. Im not picking on that as it is a key point to our success. I just wish we could get it going both ways... I also understand that 100m at full knacker to get there is enough to make going back impossible at times....

Go Catters

 

[Dawn2Dark]

Motlop is really winning me over after initial frustration at his wayward kicking. Just love the spark that Smedts and Christensen provide. So excited by the prospect of these guys, together with Horlin-Smith and Hunt after 5 years of huge games in front of finals-type crowds, under their belts. Massive advantage of these boys playing in this Cats' side at the moment.

 

[David the Cat]

Yes D2D...like yourself, Daz and Jester its Motlop for me.

Has gone from a fringe 17-22 player to top 10....scintillating form so far and super dangerous.

Real quality now. ( though thats not downplaying the great improvement in others, but Mots is on a different level now )

 

[MC Extra Dollop]

Think about the end of season situation. We must have 4 ND draft selections so 4 players must retire or be delisted. Now I reckon Corey may retire and Sherringham (injured today so sorry for writing this today) maybe the most likely to be delisted.

Sheringham is a rookie, so the only way he affects our ND selections is if we promote him. Which is not out of the question, based on what he showed last year, but extremely unlikely since Walker is an absolute certainty to be promoted and we have other clear needs that should be addressed in the ND and free agency/trade period.

If Simpson cannot get up after two serious back operations - I fear for his contract.

Could be a bit of a deja vu season for Simpson, which is unfortunate. It is positive that he sounds close to a return and he should hopefully be ready for AFL footy (if required) in the Round 8-10 range.

We have to upgrade Walker and Eardley needs to be upgraded so we can keep him (doing very nicely). But only one Rookie upgrade counts a ND draft pick. Then we have Burbury who must be upgraded or delisted.

I wouldn't expect us to upgrade Eardley at the end of this season. He's been good, but I don't think he's been any better than Burbury (let alone Walker) was last season. Depends on retirements and how many spots are on the list, I suppose.

 

[Seeds]

Motlop by a mile (is on All-Australian pace at the moment)
T.Hunt (has surprised me)
Christensen (had a couple of really good games early but has been quieter the last two games)

I think Duncan is getting a hard go from supporters this year. We have to face fact that he is not the star you all think he is. An above average half-forward flanker/winger. This is all he will be.

 

[Seeds]

Think about the end of season situation. We must have 4 ND draft selections so 4 players must retire or be delisted. Now I reckon Corey may retire and Sherringham (injured today so sorry for writing this today) maybe the most likely to be delisted.

If Simpson cannot get up after two serious back operations - I fear for his contract.

We have to upgrade Walker and Eardley needs to be upgraded so we can keep him (doing very nicely). But only one Rookie upgrade counts a ND draft pick. Then we have Burbury who must be upgraded or delisted.

It is tight my friend - so the vultures will know we have some hard choices coming up and they may get some cheap meat just yet.

One of Walker/Brown will be gone at the end of this year. Possibly both. Burbary will most likely never be on a Geelong list.

 

[FredLeDeux]

I think Duncan is getting a hard go from supporters this year. We have to face fact that he is not the star you all think he is. An above average half-forward flanker/winger. This is all he will be.

I do not yet know how good Duncan will be, or even what his ultimate role will be.
This year he's played mainly HFF/wing/linkman, as he did sometimes last season, but last season he was used as a regular Mr Fixit; at different times he also played inside mid, outside mid, long outside runner (subbing for the injured Varcoe) and both stand-off and run with tagger. He could end up being used in any or all of these roles, depending on variations in game plans, team balance and the development or otherwise of our other younger players.