LostDoggy
02-01-2009, 08:51 PM
2 - Robert Murphy
Playing with a serious knee in the finals and a subsequent operation in the off season may slow down the Elastic Man's performance for the upcoming season. Murphy by default is the dogs lead up forward. He is crucial as a target for the dogs backline and midfielders as the linkman to the dogs forward 50 forays and is one of the most important players on the dogs list. I expect Murphy to be again the focal point for entries to inside 50's, unless one of the young KPP's such as Grant and Boumann can take a bit of pressure of Murph. Missing out on All Australian selection would also be a big motivation. And I look forward to his Karmic articles in the Age
3: Andrejis Everitt
After an uneven season and the inability to keep a spot in the dogs best 22 (when the dogs were desperately in need of talls), Everitt experienced the second year blues. There was so much hope and expectations that it was kind of an anti climax when Everitt did not produce the form we expected. A fit and firing Everitt can create mis matches whether playing in the backline, forward line or midfield. Look for a big one from Skinny.
4: Daniel Cross
The handballing machine and now the player we expect to be at the bottom of the packs and extract the ball for our outside midfielders. The only thing we hope Cross improves on is his kicking and the ability to become a goal kicking midfielder. When he has an OK game, he is criticized because of the lofty standards we place on him. Could be a dark horse for the Brownlow.
5: Matthew Boyd
From Rookie List to representing his country, persistence pays off for the former Frankston Reserves player. Although his disposal can be a bit dodgy, Boyd has become an important cog in the dogs supporting midfield cast. Whether as a run with player or accumulating possessions, there is an expectation that Boyd is the player Rocket turns to when an opposition midfielder needs to be tagged. And he usually does a damn good job. Perhaps the only thing Boyd needs to do is work on his disposal. He does the number 5 proud. Now all he has to do is get a nickname :)
6: Brad Johnson
The Smiling Assassin led the dogs goal kicking, but was savaged for not playing to standards that are expected of him. From reports, he has been leading the pack during pre season training. The disappointment of losing the Prelim and that missed goal against the Kangaroos wiped the smile of Johnno's face. With accusations of being selfish, Johnson will hopefully change his habits and not be as goal hungry as he seems to be, he doesn't need to work as hard as he usually needs to - he's got some help now.
7: Shaun Higgins
A player that has some trouble staying on the field. I expect him to be a very important player, when fully fit, as either a midfielder or a forward. I called him "The Assassin" when I saw him play a few games...because he never missed a set shot. However injuries have stopped him from playing a full season. Hopefully, he can stay injury free and provide another target and be an effective goal kicker for 2009.
8. Mitch Hahn.
The Tank had an unbelievable season in 2008 and played finals for the first time in his career. Hahn loves to tackle, harass and generally hurt other players, is one of the few "mongrels" the dogs have in the team. Along with Bob Murphy, Hahn is essential to the dogs backline and midfield having a target to kick to. His other specialty is keeping the ball inside the dogs forward 50. The Tank got a taste of finals football, I'm sure he'd like some more.
9: Lindsay Gilbee
The best kick in the AFL and the player who directs traffic from the backline. One pin point 50m pass from Gilbee from the backline, usually leads to a goal for the dogs. Missed out on All Australian selection and doesn't seem to get much votes as he's a backline player. Without him, the dogs would have a harder time getting the ball out from their back 50.
10: Nathan Eagleton
With his patented left foot boomerang bombs, Eagleton has managed to cement a spot in the dogs top 22. There have been questions as to why Eagleton gets a gig, he is after all a one sided player and is considered an "outside" midfielder. My argument has been, he IS an outside midfielder because that is his job. Get him the ball and with his booming left kicks, he'll either kick a goal or put someone in a position to kick a goal. He knows he's under pressure with all the young kids coming through the dogs list. Perhaps the pressure will make Eagleton play better footy - one can hope.
12: Tom Williams
The Matrix. The player the dogs are hoping will be the answer to their hopes of having a CHB to blanket players like Johnathan Brown and Buddy Franklin. Only one problem. Tom can't seem to stay on the field. When he's playing he looks like he can play a bit of footy. The trouble is keeping him on the field! He has proved, that if he can't find a match up in the backline, he knows his way around the forward line. Great speed and if Rocket decided to play around, can perhaps put him in a Matthew Richardson "role" of playing wherever he likes.
13: Daniel Giansiracusa.
Guido is a vastly underrated player for the dogs. He seems to pop up during the games as a linkman in the forward 50. Opposition coaches sometimes forget about Guido because they're busy trying to contain Johnson and co and he slips under the radar. He kicked 33 goals in 2008, splitting time in the midfield and forward 50. If the dogs ever had a "sixth" man award like in basketball, Guido would win it every year. Perhaps with the emergence of some young players, he can be a permanent forward. Wherever he plays, he's a very valuable member of the team and is in the leadership group.
14: Callan Ward.
This kid can play. Simple as that. From the few games I saw of him, he knows where to be to kick goals and LOVES the contest, doesn't take his eyes off the ball and should have had a say in the Rising Star award. With highschool finished, he can concentrate on becoming a professional football player, can't wait to see him play again. And I DO hope he brings his sisters to the games : )
15: Ben Hudson.
A great pick up for the dogs as their number 1 ruckman. Had a great first half of the season, but like the rest of the dogs, was down during the second half. Although his tap work isn't spectacular, the contests and second efforts are what we expect of Hudson. Although with his age, he only has another couple of seasons in him, I"m sure he'd love to retire with a premiership.
16: Ryan Griffen
The Dogs are hoping that the Griffen will finally be able to play 4 quarters of good footy. His fitness isn't as good as Daniel Cross's (well actually NO one has the engine that Cross has) and Rocket has used him in bursts. The one thing I hope to see regularly in 2009, is Griffen balking around someone, breaking a few tackles, going for a 4 bounce run from the backline and drilling the goal from outside 50. Brownlow Medal anyone?
17: Adam Cooney
The Reigning Brownlow medalist and 2008 All Australian and the dogs premier midfielder. Cooney is one of those rare goal kicking midfielders who also accumulates possessions. The only thing Cooney has to work is the defensive side of his game, there have been cases of unaccountability. To use a quote from a mate of mine "He only plays one way footy".
18: Brennan Stack
I can't really comment on Brennan, because he hasn't made his debut for the dogs. If actually plays a game for them, it would be the biggest thing he's done for the dogs since he was drafted.
20: Josh Hill
One of the great improver's for 2008. Can take a contested mark and can kick set shot goals most of the time. Loves to take a mark and plays the wing position like he's done it all his life. I'm hoping he becomes a permanent member of the top 22, exciting player and one day WILL take mark of the year.
21: Jason Akermanis
Aker had an awesome first half of the season, I just look on in amazement at the goals he can kick from the boundary line and booming kicks he performs with his left foot. I don't care if he talks too much, just as long as he kicks the goals from the boundary line and helps the dogs win. Hit the mute button if you don't like him yapping. Is scheduled to play his 300th in 2009, I'm sure he'll make it a season to remember.
22: Dylan Addison
One of the dogs other "mongrel" players. Loves to tackle and contest. Was devastating to see him injure his knee and miss out on finals footy. I'm sure he'll be fighting hard for a spot. Probably his disposal and decision making are the only things he can really work on. His hunger for the contest and defensive side to his game needs no further work.
24: Jarrad Grant
The dogs great white hope for a KPP forward player. Has not made his debut and hopefull will have a few games in 2009, to see if he can actually.......well..play!
25: Ryan Hargrave
Ryan has had to punch above his height and weight for a few years and when he's played on the third option up forward, he has murdered the opposition. He loves to run, is accountable to his player and makes good decisions. If Williams fills the CHB position, Hargrave might be tempted to sneak up forward and kick a few goals on the run. His trademark being the on the run goal 45 degree angle goals :)
26: Sam Reid
Played one game and in the wet in Adelaide. There were quite a few opinions on what kind of skills Reid had after that one game. I'm not prepared to make any judgments until I get to see him play some more footy.
27: Will Minson
Big Willy Minson was used by Rocket as a tall forward target and in the ruck. He did okay in both roles. Although I was very nervous when he had set shots for goal from 30m right in front. He seems to have the habit of kicking goals from acute angles, but miss the easy ones. The goal to draw with the Tigers would have given him a lot of confidence in goal kicking. Let's just hope he gains enough to start kicking the easy ones.
28: Scott Welsh
Another recycled player picked up that made a helluva difference. Probably takes on the oppositions best medium sized defender and whatever role Rocket gives him, does it well.
There have been questions raised that Welsh can't play any other positions except full forward and is under pressure to keep his spot with youth waiting in the side. I'd say it's a win win situation. There's nothing better than an in form Scott Welsh who needs to perform or he's out.
29: Easton Wood
Can't comment, as I haven't seen him play.
32: Jarrad Boumann
Plenty of hype on the young fella, but haven't seen him play.
33: Tim Callan.
Probably the dogs best pick up from the drafting process of 2007. Has that bit of mongrel the dogs need from a backline player and the dogs backline struggled with him out due to a bad hamstring tear. Loves the contest, tackling, makes the right decisions and has good skills. Faces pressure from Dylan Addison, as both play similar games.
34: Wayde Skipper
What can you say about Skipper? Was given a one year extension and is now in a glass cabinet labeled "Break in case of emergency".
35: Stephen Tiller
Was practically lynched after a couple of poor games but bounced back in the finals game against Sydney. Let's hope he can build on the experience. The main knock against Tiller was his poor decision making, which is not good when he plays in the backline. Turnovers in the back 50 leads to oppositions goals..that should be on a noticeboard next to Tiller's locker. Probably a fringe player, although he can play either as a leading forward or a backline player, so Rocket has that option ready for him at his disposal.
36: Brian Lake
The dogs fullback and probably most important player in terms of structure. He's the gorilla, Rocket would put on the opposition gorilla. There have been calls for Lake to go forward (and he does sometimes like to have a bit of a run and kick a goal :p) but I reckon his best spot is at fullback, he never gives up on a contest and I"ve seen so many games where he's stopped goals by touch the ball before it went through for a goal.
37: Cameron Wight.
I think it's safe to say if Wight ever plays in the top 22 again, he'll be the number one scape goat, next to Eagleton if the team loses. Wight has what the dogs needs, height, the ability to play multiple positions, it's just he's built like a rolled up cigarette. He had a good first half of the season and was made scape goat after that heartbreaking loss to the Kangaroo - after all his direct opponent Petrie kicked a few goals on him.
38: Dale Morris
The Glove is the dogs best defender. From the rookie list to All Australian, for all the dogs rookies, he is the prime example of "anything can happen" if you put your mind to it. I sometimes watch his debut game (Chris Grant's 300th) and was honored to see the beginning of this young man's career. My favourite player and to quote Gerard Healey - he's the total opposite of being the X factor. He's the Y factor, you'll know exactly what you'll get with Dale Morris, you'd go to war with him. If Tom Williams takes on the second gorilla of the opposition team, then whoever Morris plays on, will start to get that queasy feeling when he sees The Glove start walking in his direction. Did I mention he's my favourite player? :) The only thing he probably needs to work on is having the confidence to go for a run from the backline when the opportunity presents it self. Make the forward player he plays on be accountable.
The post is too long, so I've had to make this a two parter - I'm sure Quentin Tarantino would be proud
Playing with a serious knee in the finals and a subsequent operation in the off season may slow down the Elastic Man's performance for the upcoming season. Murphy by default is the dogs lead up forward. He is crucial as a target for the dogs backline and midfielders as the linkman to the dogs forward 50 forays and is one of the most important players on the dogs list. I expect Murphy to be again the focal point for entries to inside 50's, unless one of the young KPP's such as Grant and Boumann can take a bit of pressure of Murph. Missing out on All Australian selection would also be a big motivation. And I look forward to his Karmic articles in the Age
3: Andrejis Everitt
After an uneven season and the inability to keep a spot in the dogs best 22 (when the dogs were desperately in need of talls), Everitt experienced the second year blues. There was so much hope and expectations that it was kind of an anti climax when Everitt did not produce the form we expected. A fit and firing Everitt can create mis matches whether playing in the backline, forward line or midfield. Look for a big one from Skinny.
4: Daniel Cross
The handballing machine and now the player we expect to be at the bottom of the packs and extract the ball for our outside midfielders. The only thing we hope Cross improves on is his kicking and the ability to become a goal kicking midfielder. When he has an OK game, he is criticized because of the lofty standards we place on him. Could be a dark horse for the Brownlow.
5: Matthew Boyd
From Rookie List to representing his country, persistence pays off for the former Frankston Reserves player. Although his disposal can be a bit dodgy, Boyd has become an important cog in the dogs supporting midfield cast. Whether as a run with player or accumulating possessions, there is an expectation that Boyd is the player Rocket turns to when an opposition midfielder needs to be tagged. And he usually does a damn good job. Perhaps the only thing Boyd needs to do is work on his disposal. He does the number 5 proud. Now all he has to do is get a nickname :)
6: Brad Johnson
The Smiling Assassin led the dogs goal kicking, but was savaged for not playing to standards that are expected of him. From reports, he has been leading the pack during pre season training. The disappointment of losing the Prelim and that missed goal against the Kangaroos wiped the smile of Johnno's face. With accusations of being selfish, Johnson will hopefully change his habits and not be as goal hungry as he seems to be, he doesn't need to work as hard as he usually needs to - he's got some help now.
7: Shaun Higgins
A player that has some trouble staying on the field. I expect him to be a very important player, when fully fit, as either a midfielder or a forward. I called him "The Assassin" when I saw him play a few games...because he never missed a set shot. However injuries have stopped him from playing a full season. Hopefully, he can stay injury free and provide another target and be an effective goal kicker for 2009.
8. Mitch Hahn.
The Tank had an unbelievable season in 2008 and played finals for the first time in his career. Hahn loves to tackle, harass and generally hurt other players, is one of the few "mongrels" the dogs have in the team. Along with Bob Murphy, Hahn is essential to the dogs backline and midfield having a target to kick to. His other specialty is keeping the ball inside the dogs forward 50. The Tank got a taste of finals football, I'm sure he'd like some more.
9: Lindsay Gilbee
The best kick in the AFL and the player who directs traffic from the backline. One pin point 50m pass from Gilbee from the backline, usually leads to a goal for the dogs. Missed out on All Australian selection and doesn't seem to get much votes as he's a backline player. Without him, the dogs would have a harder time getting the ball out from their back 50.
10: Nathan Eagleton
With his patented left foot boomerang bombs, Eagleton has managed to cement a spot in the dogs top 22. There have been questions as to why Eagleton gets a gig, he is after all a one sided player and is considered an "outside" midfielder. My argument has been, he IS an outside midfielder because that is his job. Get him the ball and with his booming left kicks, he'll either kick a goal or put someone in a position to kick a goal. He knows he's under pressure with all the young kids coming through the dogs list. Perhaps the pressure will make Eagleton play better footy - one can hope.
12: Tom Williams
The Matrix. The player the dogs are hoping will be the answer to their hopes of having a CHB to blanket players like Johnathan Brown and Buddy Franklin. Only one problem. Tom can't seem to stay on the field. When he's playing he looks like he can play a bit of footy. The trouble is keeping him on the field! He has proved, that if he can't find a match up in the backline, he knows his way around the forward line. Great speed and if Rocket decided to play around, can perhaps put him in a Matthew Richardson "role" of playing wherever he likes.
13: Daniel Giansiracusa.
Guido is a vastly underrated player for the dogs. He seems to pop up during the games as a linkman in the forward 50. Opposition coaches sometimes forget about Guido because they're busy trying to contain Johnson and co and he slips under the radar. He kicked 33 goals in 2008, splitting time in the midfield and forward 50. If the dogs ever had a "sixth" man award like in basketball, Guido would win it every year. Perhaps with the emergence of some young players, he can be a permanent forward. Wherever he plays, he's a very valuable member of the team and is in the leadership group.
14: Callan Ward.
This kid can play. Simple as that. From the few games I saw of him, he knows where to be to kick goals and LOVES the contest, doesn't take his eyes off the ball and should have had a say in the Rising Star award. With highschool finished, he can concentrate on becoming a professional football player, can't wait to see him play again. And I DO hope he brings his sisters to the games : )
15: Ben Hudson.
A great pick up for the dogs as their number 1 ruckman. Had a great first half of the season, but like the rest of the dogs, was down during the second half. Although his tap work isn't spectacular, the contests and second efforts are what we expect of Hudson. Although with his age, he only has another couple of seasons in him, I"m sure he'd love to retire with a premiership.
16: Ryan Griffen
The Dogs are hoping that the Griffen will finally be able to play 4 quarters of good footy. His fitness isn't as good as Daniel Cross's (well actually NO one has the engine that Cross has) and Rocket has used him in bursts. The one thing I hope to see regularly in 2009, is Griffen balking around someone, breaking a few tackles, going for a 4 bounce run from the backline and drilling the goal from outside 50. Brownlow Medal anyone?
17: Adam Cooney
The Reigning Brownlow medalist and 2008 All Australian and the dogs premier midfielder. Cooney is one of those rare goal kicking midfielders who also accumulates possessions. The only thing Cooney has to work is the defensive side of his game, there have been cases of unaccountability. To use a quote from a mate of mine "He only plays one way footy".
18: Brennan Stack
I can't really comment on Brennan, because he hasn't made his debut for the dogs. If actually plays a game for them, it would be the biggest thing he's done for the dogs since he was drafted.
20: Josh Hill
One of the great improver's for 2008. Can take a contested mark and can kick set shot goals most of the time. Loves to take a mark and plays the wing position like he's done it all his life. I'm hoping he becomes a permanent member of the top 22, exciting player and one day WILL take mark of the year.
21: Jason Akermanis
Aker had an awesome first half of the season, I just look on in amazement at the goals he can kick from the boundary line and booming kicks he performs with his left foot. I don't care if he talks too much, just as long as he kicks the goals from the boundary line and helps the dogs win. Hit the mute button if you don't like him yapping. Is scheduled to play his 300th in 2009, I'm sure he'll make it a season to remember.
22: Dylan Addison
One of the dogs other "mongrel" players. Loves to tackle and contest. Was devastating to see him injure his knee and miss out on finals footy. I'm sure he'll be fighting hard for a spot. Probably his disposal and decision making are the only things he can really work on. His hunger for the contest and defensive side to his game needs no further work.
24: Jarrad Grant
The dogs great white hope for a KPP forward player. Has not made his debut and hopefull will have a few games in 2009, to see if he can actually.......well..play!
25: Ryan Hargrave
Ryan has had to punch above his height and weight for a few years and when he's played on the third option up forward, he has murdered the opposition. He loves to run, is accountable to his player and makes good decisions. If Williams fills the CHB position, Hargrave might be tempted to sneak up forward and kick a few goals on the run. His trademark being the on the run goal 45 degree angle goals :)
26: Sam Reid
Played one game and in the wet in Adelaide. There were quite a few opinions on what kind of skills Reid had after that one game. I'm not prepared to make any judgments until I get to see him play some more footy.
27: Will Minson
Big Willy Minson was used by Rocket as a tall forward target and in the ruck. He did okay in both roles. Although I was very nervous when he had set shots for goal from 30m right in front. He seems to have the habit of kicking goals from acute angles, but miss the easy ones. The goal to draw with the Tigers would have given him a lot of confidence in goal kicking. Let's just hope he gains enough to start kicking the easy ones.
28: Scott Welsh
Another recycled player picked up that made a helluva difference. Probably takes on the oppositions best medium sized defender and whatever role Rocket gives him, does it well.
There have been questions raised that Welsh can't play any other positions except full forward and is under pressure to keep his spot with youth waiting in the side. I'd say it's a win win situation. There's nothing better than an in form Scott Welsh who needs to perform or he's out.
29: Easton Wood
Can't comment, as I haven't seen him play.
32: Jarrad Boumann
Plenty of hype on the young fella, but haven't seen him play.
33: Tim Callan.
Probably the dogs best pick up from the drafting process of 2007. Has that bit of mongrel the dogs need from a backline player and the dogs backline struggled with him out due to a bad hamstring tear. Loves the contest, tackling, makes the right decisions and has good skills. Faces pressure from Dylan Addison, as both play similar games.
34: Wayde Skipper
What can you say about Skipper? Was given a one year extension and is now in a glass cabinet labeled "Break in case of emergency".
35: Stephen Tiller
Was practically lynched after a couple of poor games but bounced back in the finals game against Sydney. Let's hope he can build on the experience. The main knock against Tiller was his poor decision making, which is not good when he plays in the backline. Turnovers in the back 50 leads to oppositions goals..that should be on a noticeboard next to Tiller's locker. Probably a fringe player, although he can play either as a leading forward or a backline player, so Rocket has that option ready for him at his disposal.
36: Brian Lake
The dogs fullback and probably most important player in terms of structure. He's the gorilla, Rocket would put on the opposition gorilla. There have been calls for Lake to go forward (and he does sometimes like to have a bit of a run and kick a goal :p) but I reckon his best spot is at fullback, he never gives up on a contest and I"ve seen so many games where he's stopped goals by touch the ball before it went through for a goal.
37: Cameron Wight.
I think it's safe to say if Wight ever plays in the top 22 again, he'll be the number one scape goat, next to Eagleton if the team loses. Wight has what the dogs needs, height, the ability to play multiple positions, it's just he's built like a rolled up cigarette. He had a good first half of the season and was made scape goat after that heartbreaking loss to the Kangaroo - after all his direct opponent Petrie kicked a few goals on him.
38: Dale Morris
The Glove is the dogs best defender. From the rookie list to All Australian, for all the dogs rookies, he is the prime example of "anything can happen" if you put your mind to it. I sometimes watch his debut game (Chris Grant's 300th) and was honored to see the beginning of this young man's career. My favourite player and to quote Gerard Healey - he's the total opposite of being the X factor. He's the Y factor, you'll know exactly what you'll get with Dale Morris, you'd go to war with him. If Tom Williams takes on the second gorilla of the opposition team, then whoever Morris plays on, will start to get that queasy feeling when he sees The Glove start walking in his direction. Did I mention he's my favourite player? :) The only thing he probably needs to work on is having the confidence to go for a run from the backline when the opportunity presents it self. Make the forward player he plays on be accountable.
The post is too long, so I've had to make this a two parter - I'm sure Quentin Tarantino would be proud