Individual Player Ratings for Carlton 2008 – Player No’s 1-10
I did this last year for TC and figured why not have a crack again. The ratings are supposed to be based on the player’s effect on the competition, rather than potential etc and every player who gets a game, gets a rating. No games = 0 rating. The ratings given for last year are in brackets for the appropriate players. Links to last years ratings are below….
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1. Andrew Walker – 3 (7 last year)
Injury robbed us of a season where he might have broken out to be a competition star. This affects his rating and his form for the games he played was probably around a 7. I thought he was very good after returning late in the season and his pace added a new dimension to the side. A genuine utility, but I would like to see him settled in a role across half forward. For a guy with maligned disposal, he is a good set shot for goal.
2. Jordan Russell – 6.5 (5)
Amended - 6
Improved a lot this year and whilst he divides opinion like Moses with the Red Sea on this forum, his stocks have risen over the last 12 months. Needs to close the gap between his best and worst and needs to get on the scoreboard more often (with goals). Worked very hard as a defensive forward and had some quality moments. Will need to continue improvement, but I believe he is now comfortably a best-22 player.
3. Marc Murphy – 8 (6)
Stepped up as expected with the inclusion of Judd and return of Stevens. Ball use can improve, but is sublime at times and horrible at others. He is very good in close and has great evasive skills. I notice that Ratts said recently that he was the best player for the club in the first 6-8 rounds. Should genuinely be a smoky for All Australian.
4. Bryce Gibbs – 7 (5)
After about 8 rounds I wondered if he would be the star we thought (and hoped) or just a very good 250 game player. After 22 rounds, I no longer have any doubt. His class in the 2nd half of the year was amazing.
5. Chris Judd – 8 (-)
Amended 8.5
Jet. Started moderately after a limited pre-season. Amazing in close. Just has no peer in this regard. The club should have learnt a lot about how to use him better and how to utilize his run this year and hopefully he tears up the competition next year. Scary to think he is only 24.
6. Kade Simpson – 7 (8)
Good year, but not as strong as last year IMO. Moved forward at times and was good as a flanker. He tackles well for a bloke who looks about 50kg wringing wet. Disposal occasionally lets him down, but still a good leader.
7. Adam Bentick – 4.5 (5.5)
Good clearance player. Ok hands, and very good tackler. My concern is that his disposal by foot is too often terrible and he is slow. Played a lot early and returned late, but I don’t believe he improved this year. Not sure that he would present value in a trade and I don’t think he will be delisted, but next year will define his football career.
8. Matthew Kruezer – 5 (-)
Exciting prospect and had some special moments. The first Port Adelaide game was a highlight and his tap work late in the season improved a lot as his confidence grew. Should be a super player, but may take 3-4 years to get there.
9. Jason Saddington – 1 (4.5)
Gets a point for playing 2 games, but seemed to not be in the club’s plans. By all reports he is well liked by the players and I wanted him to succeed, but his body appears shot. Career over.
10. Richard Hadley – 3 (-)
Disappointing that he struggled for fitness and he just wasn’t able to play enough senior footy. Hopefully he will get a full pre-season and get the chance to have a proper crack at it next year. Will replace Bentick in the middle if he is fit, but might find himself in the wilderness if he has another year being unable to get on the park. I am a fan and I hope that his body will get him up for the challenge.
11. Cain Ackland – 1 (3.5)
Injury robbed him of a start, and a chance at a finish, but just seemed to lack intensity and it seems that his career is over. His one senior game was a massive disappointment.
12.
13. Luke Blackwell – 0 (3.5)
Another with a pre-season injury and it probably ruined his last chance at the big time. I am a believer that he is good enough to play at the next level, but it appears that the club does not. Still absolutely dominates at the Magoos level, and according to the “Brent Prismall” rule, he should be worth something on the open market, but this will likely not happen. He might get a chance next year with someone else, but I doubt it and that’s a shame.
14. Brad Fisher – 5 (7)
Disappointing year as he went backwards and became a more one-dimensional player. I suspect that he had a problem with injury as his kicking was woeful and his second efforts not up to scratch. Goes to ground too often as well. Was sometimes played up the field, but is often exposed defensively and at ground level, I prefer him playing close to goal. Hopefully a good rest to clear the niggles and a better pre-season will be good for him next year as he got a 2 year contract.
15. Steven Browne – 4 (-)
Got a taste for the big time and showed some signs that he will be a good player. Might be a bit too small, but overall I was impressed. For the most part he looked comfortable, although Mark Robinson’s description of him being the next Gavin Wanganeen was probably a bit generous. High hopes that he will be a player.
16. Shaun Grigg – 6 (2.5)
Improved a lot this year. Started primarily as a stopper, but developed as a linkman as the season went on. He has great pace and courage and likes a goal. Could be a star if he continues to improve and gets more confident in his ability.
17. Setanta O’hAilpin – 4 (5.5)
A mystery injury pre-season and towards the end probably curtailed him, but his form was not what was hoped for. Next year will be pivotal for his future. Played some pretty good games, but had a couple of shockers as well. Hopefully he gets fit and will cope without his brother next year.
18. Paul Bower – 6 (4)
Amended 6.5
Stepped up massively during the year and became a key defender. Could still stand to put on a bit of weight, but he is reasonably strong as shown on his effort on Buddy in round 22. Disposal has improved as did his decision-making. Will hopefully play 200 games for the club.
19. Eddie Betts – 6 (5)
He still creates excitement and he improved his consistency this year. Played a lot as a hit-up forward and sometimes through the midfield as well. He marks extremely well overhead for a guy of his size, but needs to spend more time at Fev’s feet. I am impressed that he is improving, as I was worried that he might level out, but the excitement his presence elicits from the crowd is infectious. 25 goals was a good return and the next challenge is to bag 30 and increase his possession rate again. Apparently Chris Judd was shocked that Eddie was only 21 years old, as he thought he was at least 25 given what he can do.
20. Clint Benjamin – 0 (0)
Didn’t develop and didn’t look like getting a game. Might never get one now.
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