The Pep Talk is back with the next instalment of players who are gearing for a crucial season in their careers.
The first and second instalments caused a lot of healthy debate on The Roar and no doubt the third and final piece should do the same.
This time we round out players from the Western Bulldogs, Greater Western Sydney, Brisbane, Carlton and Melbourne who need to have a career defining year or it may end prematurely.
Western Bulldogs: Jarrad Grant
What hasn’t been said about Grant and his performance over six seasons with the Bulldogs? The pick five of the 2007 AFL Draft has played 62 games for a meagre return of 72 goals and for whatever reason hasn’t taken the next step in his career.
Grant cannot use the excuse that he is the Bulldogs’ only forward as Stewart Crameri and now Matthew Boyd have made their way to the Whitten Oval in the last two years. Grant needs to play more games (only four in 2014) and cement his place as a key target for the Doggies.
Otherwise he could see his career on the slide, be shafted to another club (may not be an AFL one though) in 2016 or put down permanently.
Greater Western Sydney: Matt Buntine
Like Grant, Buntine was a high pick in his draft (pick five) and had not been able to scale the heights as some of his other Giants teammates have. Buntine has only been able to manage 16 games in his three years and if he does not make an impact in 2015 he may forever get lost.
Brisbane Lions: Stefan Martin
Martin can hold his head high for his performance during the 2014 season where he amassed his highest tally of games for three years (16) and a whopping 338 hit outs.
He stood up in the absence of the Lion’s number one ruckman Matthew Leuenberger but now that he will be returning in 2015, the pressure is on Martin to continue his rise or risk falling back into the role of a bit-player. He has the tools but can he do the work on a consistent basis? This question has not yet been answered.
Carlton: Tom Bell
A career high 13 games for the Blues in season 2014 was a highlight for the once rookie listed Bell. His big-bodied frame is well suited for the modern game and his big tank holds him in good stead in the current Carlton midfield.
However, Bell’s place in the starting 18 is not yet set and with Chris Judd (potentially) finishing up at the end of the year there is nothing standing in the way of Bell making it his. But if he doesn’t take the opportunity in front of him there is massive risk of his place in the team getting taken over by the likes of Dylan Buckley, Patrick Cripps and recently drafted Clem Smith.
Melbourne: Jack Fitzpatrick
There were a dozen different players I could have picked for the Demons but Fitzpatrick was the one who stood out as needing to have a big 2015. With Mark Jamar’s position as the number one ruckman for the Demons ending in the next two years, Fitzpatrick needs to increase his five games (19 career) for 2014 and use his big frame to his advantage.
He can take a mark and kick a goal but must do more around the ground when rucking otherwise Maxy Gawn or Jake Spencer will strike and take his spot in the team. This will be Fitzpatrick’s fifth season in the AFL and if he doesn’t make it one to remember it may end up being his last at the Demons.
What do you think? Am I on the mark? Who would you say needs to lift? Leave a comment below.
Macca
Guest
He needs to get cleaner with his possessions to be used outside though Col. He does know how to find the goals though 11 goals from 13 games last year and seems to have good hands so would be dangerous as a high half forward but I like him running hard towards goal and doing the hard work around the packs more.
Col of Brissie
Guest
Macca - the exciting thing about Bell is that he can play inside or outside. With his bulk and speed he can bust through packs or fend off opposition. I can also see him being used as a wingman or high half forward. So much potential and with more confidence hopefully he can reach that potential.
MJ
Guest
Grant good choice, Ayce Cordy in the same boat. There was a spot up for grabs last year and he didn't look like taking it. Has to be the year he does something otherwise his brother will be the only Cordy on the list.
Paul D
Roar Guru
It does remain to be seen if Stefan Martin's success last year was a flash in the pan or not. Good choice. TomC already outlined all the players he feels are under the pump in the 2nd installment, I don't have anything to add to that, he pretty much nailed it. Agree that Grant is a good choice for the Dogs. Has failed to take the next step, and is fast running out of time.
Macca
Guest
Col - In c couple of year the blues could have Whiley, Bell & Cripps all playing on ball - should give the outside runners plenty to work with.
Col of Brissie
Guest
I too think this could be his year. He has made steady progress since being rookie drafted in 2012 so this is his fourth year at the AFL level. His first couple of years showed a lack of awareness and correct decision making but this season I could see signs that he was improving in those areas. His desire can not be questioned and I think if he can have an injury free year we will see the benefit.
Macca
Guest
I don't think you can doubt his desire Greg and while agree with you on consistency he did take some steps forward on that last year as well, the last 4 games he had 19, 18. 17 & 17 possessions, 3, 3, 2 & 5 tackles, 10, 5, 3 & 2 marks and 4, 1, 0 & 1 goals.
Greg
Guest
I agree with Macca. But he will need to develop consistency and a real desire to be part of the 18.
Macca
Guest
I think you are right on Bell although I don't see Buckley taking his spot (Buckley will play but they don't play the same role) but Cripps, Smith & Whiley will push for it. That said I think it will eb a break out year for Bell, I thought he took some steps last year and would have cemented his spot if not for a broken finger which got infected (at one point he wasn't allowed to sweat into it). Looking from the outside I think the selectors really like what he brings to the table (he was recalled pretty quickly after he was fit to play) and with his size, endurance base and his attack on the ball I think he will be an integral part of the blues side this year.