All the 18 AFL clubs are back into pre-season training and every single one has a player that is tearing up the track. But we all know that means squat when the real stuff kicks off in 2015.
There are a number of players who need to pull their finger out and take the step up or once again have another disappointing season, coupled with the mandatory ‘wait until next year he will be a gum’ tagline.
So in a three-part series, The Pep Talk is looking at each of the 18 AFL clubs and making a call on who needs to have big years.
Ben Howlett (Essendon)
Ben Howlett has been in the system for a little while now and despite showing flashes of brilliance he fails to do it on a consistent enough basis.
Tyrone Vickery (Richmond)
Vickery seriously needs to lift his game. Aside from clucking a mark and a few hit outs each week, Vickery has been incredibly underwhelming. Not to mention his total lack of discipline, Vickery needs to step it up or he could be on the trade table or out the door at the end of the season.
Sharrod Wellingham (West Coast)
It was a tight tussle between Wellingham and Chris Masten for this one but Wellingham won out on the basis that he went from being in Collingwood’s best 22 while they were in contention for a premiership to not even getting a game for West Coast. Definitely make or break for him this year.
Andy Otten (Adelaide)
Although Otten has had a difficult run with injury he has only managed to play 69 games since 2008 and with the recruitment of Jay Lever, Daniel Talia and Ricky Henderson, Otten is in danger of getting shut out of the Crows. Make or break for Otten.
Travis Cloke (Collingwood)
Bit of a controversial one here but Travis is looking at a bit of a make or break year in 2015. For the first time in four seasons, Travis failed to score over 40 goals and as the Pies leading goal kicker he must fire in order for them to be in with a chance. Yes, he didn’t get the delivery of past years but if you aren’t getting opportunities given to you, you have to go out and make your own.
Greg Broughton (Gold Coast)
Greg was brought over from Freo to provide some run for the Suns and some experience as well. Unfortunately he has been able to provide little of either and his inability to keep his spot will become more apparent as younger players take up more of his game time. Delisted and picked up again as a rookie. Greg is the epitome of make or break.
Tom Lee (St Kilda)
Tom Lee’s 2014 was one he would rather forget, marred with injury and a lack of form and fitness, 2015 looks to be a make or break season for Lee. He needs to cement a spot in a now competitive looking St Kilda forward line of Josh Bruce, Spencer White, Nick Riewoldt, Paddy McCartin, Hugh Goddard and Tim Membrey.
Stay tuned for the second and third installments of the AFL make it or break it list.
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