It’s always dangerous predicting a breakout candidate, especially after only two rounds. Nevertheless, from results so far, these are the players from each club that look set to step up another level in 2014.
Adelaide: Matt Jaensch
Jaensch, drafted with pick 46 in the 2010 rookie draft, struggled with injury and form, unable to cement a regular position in the team. The small defender boasts electric pace and elite kicking and has been a shining light in an Adelaide team that has struggled to fire so far in 2014.
Across his two games, he has averaged 26 disposals at 94.5per cent disposal efficiency, 8.5 marks (including two goal-saving contested marks against Port), six rebound 50s and four inside 50s. In comparison, he averaged only 13 disposals, four marks, three rebound 50s and two inside 50s a game in 2013.
So far, he has more than doubled his output in 2014 and his influence cannot be underestimated.
Adelaide’s other half-back Brodie Smith is another breakout candidate for Adelaide.
Brisbane: Sam Mayes
The 187cm, 84kg half-forward/midfielder was hyped as the Simon Black replacement and, although not disappointing in his debut year, left room to improve.
In the first two games this year, Mayes, the number eight draft pick in 2012, has displayed his pinpoint kicking, clean hands and an elite goal sense. In these games, he has had eight shots on goal, kicking six goals (equal third in the AFL) and collected 19 disposals at 79per cent disposal efficiency against Geelong.
Mayes, playing in the same position as Chad Wingard did last year, looks set to have a similar breakout season.
Carlton: Tom Bell
Tom Bell is massive. At 187cm and 98kg, the midfielder is six kgs heavier than key forward Jack Reiwoldt. Another from the rookie draft, Bell was selected by Carlton with the 14th pick in the 2012 rookie draft from the NEAFL.
In 2013, Bell averaged only 15 disposals, however against the Tigers he was far more prolific, collecting 22 disposals, six clearances (third on the ground) and six inside 50s. He has also doubled his average marks per game, showing his developed fitness.
The big midfielder looks set to become the next Josh Kennedy and will take big steps this year.
Collingwood: Jack Frost
Frost, a 195cm, 89kg key defender, was only able to play two games during his debut season in 2013, but has started the season strongly, playing in Collingwood’s opening two games.
Against Fremantle, he quelled the influence of damaging medium forward Chris Mayne, keeping him to just two points. His importance to Collingwood was more evident against Sydney, keeping Coleman Medalist ‘Buddy’ Franklin to just two goals.
In these games, his athleticism and willingness to compete were undeniable, recording 12 one per-centers, seven tackles and 14 contested possessions.
Judging by these two performances, Frost will become a key player in Collingwood’s 2014 campaign.
Essendon: Joe Daniher
Joe Daniher will become a superstar, but will it be this year? Probably not, but you can’t argue that he will not make significant progress.
At 201cm tall, with an incredible vernicle leap and the ability to take the ball at its highest spot, Daniher will be unmatchable in the air. He has already shown improvement in 2014, taking three marks inside 50 as well as three contested marks (game highs) against the experienced Nathan Grima in Round 1.
In Round 2 he was well beaten by the stronger body of Josh Gibson, but was still able to take six marks. His ability at ground level is also a highlight, with the big man picking off the ground at pace and snapping goals.
He will become a force in years to come and is my bet for the NAB Rising Star Award.
Fremantle: Lachie Neale
It’s a settled line-up under Ross Lyon and each player has proven themselves over the past years. Lachie Neale is the only player that appears to have the ability to make significant improvements in 2013.
Used as the sub in the grand final and Round 1, Neale has not been able to string many games together under Lyon. The quick and skillful small midfielder has the ability to find the ball, collecting 30 disposals and 10 marks against Melbourne in 2013.
If he can find some consistency in 2014 and break his way into a strong Fremantle midfield, he has the potential to take his game to new heights.
Geelong: Josh Caddy
The seventh pick in the 2010 draft, Caddy was traded from Gold Coast to Geelong in 2012 for a first round draft pick.
In his first year at Geelong, Caddy played predominantly in the forward line, occasionally pushing into the midfield and as a result, his disposal count was low, averaging 15 a game. This year, he has moved into the midfield to a great effect. Playing as an in-and-under midfielder, Caddy has averaged 10 contested possessions in the first two rounds and has allowed experienced players to move into the forward line and defence.
In the mold of Jobe Watson and Josh Kennedy at 186cm, 88kgs, Caddy has the potential to dominate clearances this year and take another step forward towards the elite clearance players in the competition.
Gold Coast: David Swallow
A number one draft pick from Western Australia, Swallow has pace, elite skills, courage, endurance and willingness to win. Playing off half-back in 2013, Swallow showed his versatility, but this also affected his performance.
Last year, he only averaged 19 disposals, and three marks a game. Already, he has increased his average disposals by eight and average marks by two (affected by the rain in Round 2).
He has also showed his ability to hit the scoreboard, kicking 1.4 against Richmond in Round 1. Tall forward Sam Day has also shown enough, kicking four goals in two games, to show that he too can improve his game.
Greater Western Sydney: Stephen Coniglio
There are so many players from GWS that can, and will, have a breakout season in 2014 and Coniglio is just one. The number two draft pick in the 2011 draft suffered from a case of the ‘second year blues’, with his disposal count dropping from 21.5 to 19.5 per game. He will be hoping to rebound in 2014 and has started the year exceptionally well.
He was instrumental against the Swans, collecting 27 disposals (11 contested), seven clearances and 11 tackles. He backed this up with another strong performance against the Saints, collecting 23 disposals at 78 per cent disposal efficiency, five clearances, five tackles and six inside 50s.
These performrances leave him with an average of 25 disposals, eight tackles and six clearances a game. If these first two games are anything to go by, Coniglio will have a career-best season that places him with the top players in the competition.
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