A long-term injury is perhaps the quickest way a player can find themselves on the forgotten footballers list. Below are five players that are likely to burst back onto the scene in season 2014.
Taylor Walker
Adelaide Crows spearhead Taylor Walker enjoyed a stellar 2012 season kicking 63 goals and experiencing a dominant finals series.
Walker became somewhat of a cult-figure in the competition with his laidback style and flowing mullet.
He had a slow start to the season last year before rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in his side’s round six match against Carlton. Walker starts the season as one of the favourites for the Coleman Medal and a big year from the man known as ‘Tex’ will go a long way in increasing the Crows’ finals chances.
Dale Thomas
Dale Thomas’ move to Carlton during trade period didn’t get the attention it deserved due to Lance Franklin’s arrival at Sydney.
But make no mistake, Daisy Thomas’ best football is as good as almost anyone’s in the competition. The former Collingwood livewire was one of the most damaging players in the competition during the Magpies’ premiership season.
A series of surgeries on his troublesome ankle restricted him to only a handful of games this season.
Coach Mick Malthouse will be happy with his re-acquaintance of Thomas and will be hoping he can recapture some of his blistering form.
Alex Johnson
At still only 21 years of age, Alex Johnson offers plenty of security in an already staunch Sydney defence.
Johnson played 45 games in his first two years of football and was one of the Swans’ most impressive players in the Premiership-winning year of 2012.
Johnson was often given the tough task of minding the opposition’s best forward and was unfazed by the pressure.
A serious knee injury in the pre-season and subsequent setbacks from ACL surgery meant his career came to a temporary halt but he will be hoping for a return to good football in 2014.
Jonathon Patton
Jon Patton has the potential to become one of the most dominant players in the AFL.
The 20-year-old key forward was drafted with selection number one in the 2011 draft and has already shown good signs at AFL level.
Patella tendonitis and an ACL injury have affected his first two seasons of football but the giant forward will be hoping for a breakout season in 2014.
It is scary to think about the potential of GWS’ forward line when including Jeremy Cameron and recent selection one draft pick Tom Boyd.
Chris Knights
Knights found himself in new colours last season when he was picked up by Richmond after 96 games with Adelaide.
The long-kicking half forward flanker experienced a career best season with the Crows in 2009 with 43 goals but has failed to recapture that form due to niggling injury concerns in the preceding years.
His move to Richmond rejuvenated him and gave him a fresh start. After starting in the VFL, Knights was quickly brought into the senior line up and established himself as a probably best 22 player before injuring his knee against Port Adelaide.
Knights created another avenue to goal for the Tigers and no doubt the side from Punt Road will be eagerly awaiting his return.
Aaron
Guest
I agree Nic Nat should and will have a way better season than last year. I think Dean Cox is doing a David Hille (Essendon Ruck coach now/ player coach last year) and is Eagles Ruck coach now. And how will Simmo go....
Stewie
Guest
Just on Lockyer, I think the 24 went to Dane Rampe...
Stewie
Guest
Just on Lockyer, I think the 24 went to Dane Rampe...
Olivia
Guest
It might sound strange but I think the player who should be looking for the biggest 2014 of all is already an established champion - Lance Franklin. I confess up front that I have Bloods running through my veins but, as with many Sydney supporters I have spoken with, we are nervous at what the season will show us. If he kicks bags most weeks the cry will be "that's what we're paying him to do". If Tippett or Reid find themselves starved of opportunities he will be blamed. If, in the next few years we were to lose a Hannebery, Reid, Mitchell, Johnson to free agency or a desire for more money elsewhere the blame will be laid at Franklin's feet and not the Committee which voted to pay him all that money. And, of course, one incident, no matter how minor and he "hasn't embraced the Bloods culture" and will be pilloried by members and media alike. I honestly would not be surprised if Franklin is already regretting his choice. I can only hope that, by September this year, the Club and its members are not doing the same. He seems a likeable enough person and has undoubted talent but nine years is such a long time for anyone to be a squeaky clean, pure as driven snow, lay your life down for your Club and team mates champion player. Given the Sydney media is salivating at the prospect of making his least slip up front page news, I do not envy him at all. Let's lalso mention Jordan Lockyer, son of former WCE champion Andrew, who was railroaded into handing his number over to Franklin. He is now injury free and will proudly wear the number 24 of all time club great Jude Bolton in 2014 and beyond. I hope the young man has a breakout season, merits senior selection and goes on to have a long and distinguished career in red and white. His graciousness and team spirit should be noted and appreciated by Franklin as a fine example of what being part of the Bloods is truly all about.
Nick
Guest
Taking your time to moderate.
Mits
Guest
Also expect a big year from Nic Nat, after (perhaps luckily) being awarded AA selection in 2012, was hampered last year and would expect a big year in 2014, especially with Cox not getting any younger