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Recruiting and development
- Thread starter Bennnny
- Start date
Development of younger players (under 23) this year:
Tick - Ross (22) - seems to have built a more offensive game to last season. Is building into his role as wingman, will be of interest if Pickett will return at some stage to his usual role and what implications that may have on Ross. Is starting to believe in himself due to being played consistently and his improved performances have followed.
X - M.Rioli (20) - Was showing excellent signs of improvement in his offensive and to a lesser extent defensive game last season. Shed some kgs and his output was improved as a result. His confidence had markedly improved as evidenced by his interviews and body language. Such was his year, he was entrusted with the number 10 by club great Shane Edwards.
This pre season his fitness and conditioning appear to have regressed, and coupled with a hamstring injury, his performances have suffered. Showed excellent defensive pressure last week, just needs to get back to his last season's level and build from that to be a long term permant senior player.
X - Ralphsmith (21) - Had the confidence to ask the club for his old man's number (and getting his wish) during this pre season off the back of setting the track ablaze.
Last season he had shown significant improvement combined with an excellent pre season it appeared he may be on schedule to become a regular senior player. That has not come to fruition, this season he has digressed and as such is seemingly stuck in the VFL until he can demonstrate he can compete and execute with ball in hand.
Neutral - Coulthard (22) - Very little to no expectations are placed on Coulthard due to being drafted mid season coming off the back of little semi professional experience. Due to not having followed the traditional afl pathway his scope for improvement should be high.
Expectations will increase next season after a professional pre season and given he will be 23 next year he will need to demonstrate he is a long term player to be considered such.
Since arriving at the club he has provided snippets of promise and has the attributes which can translate to the highest level. If he can get a few senior games this season it will bode well for the next.
X - Dow (21) - Despite having one opportunity while Hopper was out (albeit not played in the exact role) he did himself no favours not playing at the level.
Is a good clearance player, excellent agility and has good hands, but lacks polish by foot and defensive spread/attributes to be considered a player.
Showed some signs last week in the VFL gaining 30 possesions but had little impact and his opposition had the same numhers and far more impact. Will be amazed if he is at the club next season.
Neutral - Gibcus (20) - Such a shame injury has ruined his season this year. A write off, this year he was expected to build off last season with a stronger body.
Will be interesting if he does return this season whether he moves forward, it seems more likely than not due to a gaping hole there and many options down back.
Neutral - Brown (19) - Still young and injuries have prevented him from showing his wares to date. Since returning from injury by reports his form has been OK to good. Last week was not a good sign, timid and turned the ball over at least twice. Has time to build confidence in his ability and body to make a case to be a long term replacement for our ageing stalwarts down back.
Tick - Ryan (22) - Promising season to date. Seemingly has fatigued the past couple week more so due to a immature body which has largely been his weakness throughout this season.
If he can continue to build strength and fitness he will be a long term player. Shows more as a ruckman than a forward. Probably 2 seasons away from possibly becoming a first ruck and as early as next season being a second fiddle ruck/fill in forward.
Tick - Trezise (21) - Has demonstrated consistent form at VFL level all season and will probably play at senior level as early as this year. Competes well, is good overhead and is a tidy kick (at VFL level). These attributes should translate well at the higher level.
Due to not having followed the traditional afl pathway his scope for improvement should be high.
Neutral - Bradtke (22) - Big lump of a lad. Peter German is on record having said Bradtke's strength is his athleticism. Will need a pre season or two to iron out his poor conditioning and fitness. If he can meet the required standards to be able to compete contest to contest he has the attributes to contribute on the score board and has the physical attributes to bring the ball to ground.
Next season should indicate if he has the goods to go on next season and beyond, has shown he can kick goals, just needs to turn himself into a professional which doesn't happen overnight.
X - Cumberland (22) - Had a stand out season last year. Was always going to be difficult to replicate this season being a medium forward.
The club clearly doesn't rate his defensive output despite demonstrating on several occasions he can do so at a high level. Lacks consistency in this area as does his overall game. Is a confidence player, perhaps if he is backed in more that may improve? Don't believe Dimma's lack of support and public commentary helped in this regard.
Has ability, just has to believe in himself. Does he have the mental strength? Time will tell...
X - Sonsie (20) - Showed great promise last season even playing well in a final. Has sadly regressed this season showing all his reported weaknesses (lack of intensity, work rate, defense, questionable attitude) on field. Will need to back his unquestioned ability with a strong work ethic moving forward to make it. Has many mentors to draw from, should make it - has too much talent not to.
Tick - Banks (20) - Has been good all year in the VFL, has shown improvement all season, more importantly in tight. Still very light, will need to build more muscle mass to be a permanent senior player but the signs are positive as he is a leader and has the attitude and work rate to be a long term player. Is reputed to be a good kick, that was evidenced by kicking in on 3 occasions last week, turned it over at will in the first half and redeemed himself in the second. Plenty of scope for improvement next season and could push for a permanent role most likely on a wing if a new coach is appointed and has differing views on what a wingman looks like.
Tick - Clarke (19) - Has improved from last season. Tank is building, still needs to build strength to mix it with the big boys. Hopefully when he does he will have more confidence to go harder at the ball and the man, this is why he isn't getting games; needs to get his hands dirty and tackle/apply more forward pressure to get a regular gig. Kicks goals, beautiful kick all things the team needs, just needs to add the defensive aspect to his game and will be a regular. Has a great attitude, so I doubt he won't be a long term player.
Neutral - Bauer (21) - Until now showed very little at VFL level to provide any hope he was going to be a player and possibly delisted at season's end. Looked good in his debut last week in the two minutes he played. Has taken time to develop but the signs at this point in time are promising. Was moved to defence this year to build on his defensive game, won two games at the end off his own boot so clearly is a clutch player.
Reportedly will sign on for what i suspect will probably be another 2 years? That will be enough time to determine if he has what it takes to be a long term player. You would think there will be plenty of opportunities available with an ageing and possibly injury prone Lynch and retired Jack next season.
Neutral - Campbell (18) - Showed great promise pre season not just on field but on the track. Youngest rookie this season, has shown enough to remain on the rookie list next season.
Injury has ruined his season, if he can overcome injury Campbell will get opportunities next season due to limited seasoned options in his position.
X - Nyuon (22) - Has shown some great signs in a couple games (one in the ruck and one up forward) but lacks consistency and intensity to be considered at the next level. Will need to pull a rabbit out of a hat to go on next year you would think, is not showing any signs of marked improvement.
X - Green (19) - On baller at WAFL level last year and did well. Has been tried in defence and now forward (due to need?) in the VFL this season and hasn't shown a lot. I'm guessing the club doesn't see Steely as a mid at AFL level hence the experimentation at VFL level to see where he fits. Hasn't established himself at either roles at this point, would be nice for the VFL team's sake for him to play midfield as they lack in that area however I appreciate the senior side is and should be in the forefront of priority.
Neutral - Smith (18) - Like Campbell, was showing great signs in the pre season before injury curtailed his season. You would expect him to play in defence next season, if he could take Baker's role down back, this will ensure Baker stays forward.
Tick = 5
Neutral = 6
X = 7
Tick - Ross (22) - seems to have built a more offensive game to last season. Is building into his role as wingman, will be of interest if Pickett will return at some stage to his usual role and what implications that may have on Ross. Is starting to believe in himself due to being played consistently and his improved performances have followed.
X - M.Rioli (20) - Was showing excellent signs of improvement in his offensive and to a lesser extent defensive game last season. Shed some kgs and his output was improved as a result. His confidence had markedly improved as evidenced by his interviews and body language. Such was his year, he was entrusted with the number 10 by club great Shane Edwards.
This pre season his fitness and conditioning appear to have regressed, and coupled with a hamstring injury, his performances have suffered. Showed excellent defensive pressure last week, just needs to get back to his last season's level and build from that to be a long term permant senior player.
X - Ralphsmith (21) - Had the confidence to ask the club for his old man's number (and getting his wish) during this pre season off the back of setting the track ablaze.
Last season he had shown significant improvement combined with an excellent pre season it appeared he may be on schedule to become a regular senior player. That has not come to fruition, this season he has digressed and as such is seemingly stuck in the VFL until he can demonstrate he can compete and execute with ball in hand.
Neutral - Coulthard (22) - Very little to no expectations are placed on Coulthard due to being drafted mid season coming off the back of little semi professional experience. Due to not having followed the traditional afl pathway his scope for improvement should be high.
Expectations will increase next season after a professional pre season and given he will be 23 next year he will need to demonstrate he is a long term player to be considered such.
Since arriving at the club he has provided snippets of promise and has the attributes which can translate to the highest level. If he can get a few senior games this season it will bode well for the next.
X - Dow (21) - Despite having one opportunity while Hopper was out (albeit not played in the exact role) he did himself no favours not playing at the level.
Is a good clearance player, excellent agility and has good hands, but lacks polish by foot and defensive spread/attributes to be considered a player.
Showed some signs last week in the VFL gaining 30 possesions but had little impact and his opposition had the same numhers and far more impact. Will be amazed if he is at the club next season.
Neutral - Gibcus (20) - Such a shame injury has ruined his season this year. A write off, this year he was expected to build off last season with a stronger body.
Will be interesting if he does return this season whether he moves forward, it seems more likely than not due to a gaping hole there and many options down back.
Neutral - Brown (19) - Still young and injuries have prevented him from showing his wares to date. Since returning from injury by reports his form has been OK to good. Last week was not a good sign, timid and turned the ball over at least twice. Has time to build confidence in his ability and body to make a case to be a long term replacement for our ageing stalwarts down back.
Tick - Ryan (22) - Promising season to date. Seemingly has fatigued the past couple week more so due to a immature body which has largely been his weakness throughout this season.
If he can continue to build strength and fitness he will be a long term player. Shows more as a ruckman than a forward. Probably 2 seasons away from possibly becoming a first ruck and as early as next season being a second fiddle ruck/fill in forward.
Tick - Trezise (21) - Has demonstrated consistent form at VFL level all season and will probably play at senior level as early as this year. Competes well, is good overhead and is a tidy kick (at VFL level). These attributes should translate well at the higher level.
Due to not having followed the traditional afl pathway his scope for improvement should be high.
Neutral - Bradtke (22) - Big lump of a lad. Peter German is on record having said Bradtke's strength is his athleticism. Will need a pre season or two to iron out his poor conditioning and fitness. If he can meet the required standards to be able to compete contest to contest he has the attributes to contribute on the score board and has the physical attributes to bring the ball to ground.
Next season should indicate if he has the goods to go on next season and beyond, has shown he can kick goals, just needs to turn himself into a professional which doesn't happen overnight.
X - Cumberland (22) - Had a stand out season last year. Was always going to be difficult to replicate this season being a medium forward.
The club clearly doesn't rate his defensive output despite demonstrating on several occasions he can do so at a high level. Lacks consistency in this area as does his overall game. Is a confidence player, perhaps if he is backed in more that may improve? Don't believe Dimma's lack of support and public commentary helped in this regard.
Has ability, just has to believe in himself. Does he have the mental strength? Time will tell...
X - Sonsie (20) - Showed great promise last season even playing well in a final. Has sadly regressed this season showing all his reported weaknesses (lack of intensity, work rate, defense, questionable attitude) on field. Will need to back his unquestioned ability with a strong work ethic moving forward to make it. Has many mentors to draw from, should make it - has too much talent not to.
Tick - Banks (20) - Has been good all year in the VFL, has shown improvement all season, more importantly in tight. Still very light, will need to build more muscle mass to be a permanent senior player but the signs are positive as he is a leader and has the attitude and work rate to be a long term player. Is reputed to be a good kick, that was evidenced by kicking in on 3 occasions last week, turned it over at will in the first half and redeemed himself in the second. Plenty of scope for improvement next season and could push for a permanent role most likely on a wing if a new coach is appointed and has differing views on what a wingman looks like.
Tick - Clarke (19) - Has improved from last season. Tank is building, still needs to build strength to mix it with the big boys. Hopefully when he does he will have more confidence to go harder at the ball and the man, this is why he isn't getting games; needs to get his hands dirty and tackle/apply more forward pressure to get a regular gig. Kicks goals, beautiful kick all things the team needs, just needs to add the defensive aspect to his game and will be a regular. Has a great attitude, so I doubt he won't be a long term player.
Neutral - Bauer (21) - Until now showed very little at VFL level to provide any hope he was going to be a player and possibly delisted at season's end. Looked good in his debut last week in the two minutes he played. Has taken time to develop but the signs at this point in time are promising. Was moved to defence this year to build on his defensive game, won two games at the end off his own boot so clearly is a clutch player.
Reportedly will sign on for what i suspect will probably be another 2 years? That will be enough time to determine if he has what it takes to be a long term player. You would think there will be plenty of opportunities available with an ageing and possibly injury prone Lynch and retired Jack next season.
Neutral - Campbell (18) - Showed great promise pre season not just on field but on the track. Youngest rookie this season, has shown enough to remain on the rookie list next season.
Injury has ruined his season, if he can overcome injury Campbell will get opportunities next season due to limited seasoned options in his position.
X - Nyuon (22) - Has shown some great signs in a couple games (one in the ruck and one up forward) but lacks consistency and intensity to be considered at the next level. Will need to pull a rabbit out of a hat to go on next year you would think, is not showing any signs of marked improvement.
X - Green (19) - On baller at WAFL level last year and did well. Has been tried in defence and now forward (due to need?) in the VFL this season and hasn't shown a lot. I'm guessing the club doesn't see Steely as a mid at AFL level hence the experimentation at VFL level to see where he fits. Hasn't established himself at either roles at this point, would be nice for the VFL team's sake for him to play midfield as they lack in that area however I appreciate the senior side is and should be in the forefront of priority.
Neutral - Smith (18) - Like Campbell, was showing great signs in the pre season before injury curtailed his season. You would expect him to play in defence next season, if he could take Baker's role down back, this will ensure Baker stays forward.
Tick = 5
Neutral = 6
X = 7
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A couple of harsh ones in that lot.
Marking Gibcus down in a development thread due to injury?? Surely thats a neutral position for development?
I think you've been harsh on Bauer, he's taken a massive step forward this season IMO hence the debut last week. Has to be a tick.
Marking Gibcus down in a development thread due to injury?? Surely thats a neutral position for development?
I think you've been harsh on Bauer, he's taken a massive step forward this season IMO hence the debut last week. Has to be a tick.
Not Gibcus' fault he is injured. It hasn't helped his development has it? You're right though, it should be neutral (fixed). Bauer has had an indifferent season to date until 2-3 weeks ago, stand by Bauer at this point in time. The post is exclusively based off each individual's development this season.
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Most of that is correct imo and I agree with posh spice that it’s a bit hard on Gibbo.
I’m still in the camp that can’t see Ralphsmith and Cumberland making it mysef, as full time regular AFL players. I wish cumbo could but seems too mentally weak and hard on himself to be a regular (and let’s not kid ourselves that AFL is a bloody hard gig unless you are top 10%).
OK fair enough, I'll put him back in neutral (didn't realise he was categorised as an "X"). Injury write off's should be as such, I guess unless it affects them long term it will most certainly restrict their development.
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Personally think Bauer has taken a big step forward this year and has been dominating VFL for a number of weeks, but I know everyone has different opinions.
Not a bad review. Good job. Well done. As others have said, maybe adjust for Gibcus and Bauer and it looks pretty reasonable.
Good work toothy, you've put a lot into it. I'm of the thinking that Brown is more of a neutral rather than an X, he's only had some 3 games back after injury & an interrupted pre- & early season. Two of those games he's been reasonably good, one not so good. I'd like to see how he goes in the next 6 games or so before I'd make him down.
