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Every year when a side wins a Premiership there are unexpected players whose performance lifts with the occasion and propels them into heroes’ status among their fans.
September is a time where the eyes of the footballing public are across every game and where reputations are forged. Casting an eye over the final eight this year, who are the players who could turn themselves from very good footballers into genuine stars and be the difference in their team making a big charge at the flag?
I am predicting seeing these players lift on the biggest stage and be the catalyst for their teams to rise in September.
Sydney – Nick Smith
Continues to fly under the radar of Melbourne footy fans but the Scotch College prodigy is one of the best small defenders in the game. The Swans have so many attacking weapons but if Smith can hold down the oppositions’ best small forward, it will make the job of scoring against the Swans that much tougher.
Another big final series from Smith might not just see the Swans to another flag, but might see Smith elevated into the game’s best small defenders.
Hawthorn – Luke Breust
Looking among the top four, and what you love about Hawthorn is their spread of goal kickers and how they share the load.
Bruest has only now started getting the accolades he deserves, and like Jack Gunston in last year’s Grand Final, you feel like it may be Breust who comes to the party and provides the sparkle up forward for the Hawks. Should they win back-to-back Premierships, the small forward is likely to have a big say.
Geelong – Josh Caddy
Look through the Geelong roster and it is like an honour roll of footballing royalty.
Still at just 21 years of age and with 55 games under his belt, 2014 has been a coming of age for Caddy in the Cats’ midfield. With a plethora of mid-sized blonde midfielders, Caddy has begun to rack up high possessions and stand out from the pack. His last quarter in the preliminary final last year to Hawthorn was huge. Replicate that form and the Cats could go one better and Caddy will have arrived.
Fremantle – Chris Mayne
No doubt Matthew Pavlich will carry the burden up forward again, but Mayne is hitting form at the right time to provide a terrific partner for the former skipper.
A talented half forward with a good leap and sure hands, the Dockers need Maine to be a scoring threat all through September if they want to get to the big dance. He has the hunger and tenacity but can he put together three or four excellent performances in a row when it matters and provide the extra goals the Dockers cried out for in 2013?
Port Adelaide – Justin Westhoff
Three months ago I would have said Robbie Gray, but he has already taken his game to a new level and I don’t think the pressure of a big final will lessen his output. Westhoff on the other hand can at times look a world-beater while at others go missing.
All the talk around Port is their run and spread from the stoppage, and why this is critical is that it opens the game up for their tall forwards. Schultz will get the best defender so if Westhoff can stand up and provide a focal point the Power could go deep into September.
North Melbourne – Daniel Wells
This might seem a strange selection and I’m sure Kangas fans will be outraged but I just don’t think you can classify Wells as elite.
A very good player, yes, with excellent skills, but not top draw quality.
Injuries have played a part in this of course but for such a high pick has he produced the number of match winner’s performances they would have hoped for? I think that is questionable, but what is not is that when on song he is a line breaker and a point of difference in the middle.
If his body lets him could Wells finally deliver on all his potential and be the X-factor that propels the ‘Roos into the last four.
Essendon – Dyson Heppell
A courageous midfield star with sublime skills. He reminds me of Scott Pendlebury the way he glides through traffic.
The Bombers have been starved of finals in recent years and while Jobe Watson is an out-and-out champion, it is this long haired midfielder who can elevate the Bombers to even greater heights. If they are to make it to Week Two of the finals, you feel Heppell will need to play a starring role in their elimination final.
Richmond – Shane Edwards
Following an amazing win on Saturday night where all the big names once again stood tall, one of Richmond’s lesser-lights in Edwards was also sensational.
A hard runner who wills himself up and down the ground, his wonderful dash in the forward pocket late in the game and composure to centre the ball to Riewoldt was telling. His run will be critical if the Tigers are to keep their streak alive against the equally tough running Port midfielders.
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