Probably I’m another victim of having too much time on my hands, but I thought I’d throw this up for discussion, after seeing something similar (done individually) on BomberBlitz. The ratings are supposed to be based on competition effect, rather than potential etc. Some may see them as harsh for some players (ie Gibbs), but we did finish 15th.

1. Andrew Walker – 7

Stepped up again this season to show improvement in his ability to get the ball and his disposal (particularly earlier in the season) improved. Still has loads of improvement to truly reach his potential, but has improved every season. Occasionally showed Judd-like evasiveness in evading traffic and needs to find the ball more often and continue to improve his disposal.

2. Jordan Russell – 5

Has yet to fully convince, but again showed improvement from previous seasons and played most games. Has excellent pace and good disposal but fails to find enough of it and is yet to impose himself on a contest. Showed marked improvement when moved forward by Ratts late in the season and this may allow him more freedom to develop. I am not as down on him as many others and see him as long term option if his improvement continues.

3. Mark Murphy – 6

Didn’t have the impact that some hoped he might, although coped reasonably well with hard tags and his numbers still stack up well with his debut season. Strange he didn’t finish in top 10 of B&F, but will be better for this experience and a stronger midfield next year.

4. Bryce Gibbs – 5

Solid debut season where he was exposed to a variety of roles, but played mainly as a defender. Excellent user of the ball with an occasional touch of magic, which hints at what is to come. Obtained more of the ball under Ratts’ high-possession gameplan and will become a playmaker in the future. Lots to look forward to.

5. Josh Kennedy – 4

Looked better late in the year after struggling for confidence earlier. Needs to hold his marks more consistently, although I thought that the gameplan under Pagan often torched him on the lead. Moderate success as a back up ruckman, but better as a CHF or lead up FP/FF. The rating is based on impact this year, but I think he could still be awesome with natural development.

6. Kade Simpson – 8

Continues to improve and performed admirably as Captain when Lance went down. Excellent user of the ball and possibly unlucky to miss on the All Australian squad (although there was a lot of competition). Another who has improved each year and one of the club’s few genuine leaders.

7. Adam Bentick – 5.5

Played a lot of senior football and was strong in clearances and tackles. I felt that he didn’t get enough of the footy and was too often wasting it when he did. At times looked a one trick pony (clearances), but was good in last few weeks under Ratts. One of the few that I think didn’t really develop as a better player this year. He needs to improve to stay on.

8. Lance Whitnall – 2

Poor year, best exemplified by his club-imposed suspension for being fat. Still has a good footy brain, but his failure to get himself into shape is a disgrace. Struggling to stay alive now and that is sad.

9. Jason Saddington – 4.5

Bulked up pre-season, but unable to hold a KP defender position. I think that his year improved as it went on, but too big a gap between his best and worst. If he stays, he may take confidence from an injury-free year and improve again next season. Certainly seems to give his best, although his disposal can be questionable at times.

10. Dylan McLaren - 0

Poor year, in that he couldn’t break into the senior team and his papers seemed to be stamped pre-season. Too short for genuine ruck option and too slow for KP. Good trier, but ultimately not up to it.

More to come, when I get the chance....

everything there is just about spot on imo, except the spelling of murph's first name that is.

_________________
Last edited by true_blue3 on Mon Sep 26, 1981 5:07 pm; edited 92 times in total

Why doesn't he put the football brain to use as coach (somewhere) .. then his dicky knee doesn't make a difference to his future?!

I like the guy .. I hope his improvement continues through an injury-free year, as well .. he could be another key performer imported from the Swines (like Diesel)

_________________
[Sam Jacobs] looks like a 7' Lance Whitnall, and [Mitch Robinson] looks like a 4' Lance Whitnall
(The SEN team during the Carlton v Cats 2009 pre-season match)

_________________
Ecclesiastes 1:4, "One generation passes away, and another generation comes: but The Blues abide forever."

That was a shocking oversight! My apologies....

That's where the similarities stop - I am not saying they're the same sort of player: just that they came from the same club

_________________
[Sam Jacobs] looks like a 7' Lance Whitnall, and [Mitch Robinson] looks like a 4' Lance Whitnall
(The SEN team during the Carlton v Cats 2009 pre-season match)

Did well as a tagger very early in the year but really looked the part when Ratts used him as a leading forward when Wiggo was injured.

_________________
Hey Rocky; there are too many rabbits ... in China.