All Australian players standing up at the midpoint of the season
My mid-year All Australian team combines innovative goal kickers, hard-nut midfielders and elite defenders- who've all lifted their game to another level to earn…
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Yeah very tough choice. Tarrant’s improvement has been fantastic and he has the bigger body so he gets in over Docherty at this stage. However, I’m interested to see if Tarrant can play the year out well and keep it up. If not, then the spot’s Docherty’s at the end of the year.
All Australian players standing up at the midpoint of the season
Yeah definitely. Parkers pretty underrated I reckon. Played a fantastic game on the weekend in particular.
All Australian players standing up at the midpoint of the season
Lachie’ absolutely not the only one! But I couldn’t write the whole article about Freo. Future does look great for the Dockers though!
Most improved players add to AFL’s talent pool depth
Yeah was a tough choice. Just based around Essendon’s circumstances, I reckon that Hartley has done more for his club, had more of an impact. Harris Andrews has been in and out of a deflating side, has the potential but lacks a bit of polish on the big stage. Would love to see him get into a bit of form though cause he’s a great size.
Best 22: The AFL's new young guns
Not at all. Caleb Daniel is a fantastic youngster who’s proven that height doesn’t matter when you’re motivated to put your head into the contest and tackle ferociously. The lack of Bulldog players may be due to many players not debuting in 2015 or 2016, which is where these players in the squad debuted.
Best 22: The AFL's new young guns
Bontempelli is a fantastic player but debuted earlier than 2015. This team is based around players who have debuted in 2015 or 2016.
Best 22: The AFL's new young guns
He’s a prime example of how to overcome the pressures of the media. Formerly, I was critical of his performances, but I really admire his growth into a young leader. It also shows that the team environment plays a crucial part in player development. The signs are good for Melbourne- and for Jack, in 2016.
The No.1 picks who have lifted the competition's standard
Thanks for the feedback mate. My view is that the club put that amount of money into Scully because they were aware that it would take time for him to develop in a new team dynamic. So far, he is impressing more than the other big-money earners of the competition. Tom Boyd hasn’t been a standout at the Bulldogs despite having pretty much the perfect build for an AFL footballer. There’s a lot of pressure on these picks and I think Scully’s been handling it well over the years. He’s shown signs of his talent throughout his career at the Giants, but now he is able to do this more consistently and he deserves credit for that.
The No.1 picks who have lifted the competition's standard
Hey James, appreciate the feedback. I reckon Scully’s game has flourished as the move to the Giants has opened up a new perspective on footy for him. Even when he wasn’t playing all that well, he seemed to belong more in the GWS midfield and he was able to develop his role as a leader of the midfield rather than one who had to produce standout performances every week.
The No.1 picks who have lifted the competition's standard
Yes, Plowman should be good for Carlton. I trust Silvagni’s expertise! I just want Rowe to show some fight for his spot in the back line. He should be working even harder knowing that the younger guys are fighting for his spot. Let’s not forget Rowe is a good-sized backman and if he does show some fight, lay some hard tackles, take some strong grabs- he will reap the rewards later on. However, I’m not taking anything away from the talent of the Blues’ young blokes. Plowman will be a major player once he gets some more game time and Jacob Weitering has already shown his potential.
Carlton need to build on gutsy performance against Richmond
That’s the way Samantha! The only way to get better is to gain match experience. You can’t play in front of a packed stadium at training! Once they get used to match intensity, they’ll be rewarded for their rejuvenated, gutsy performances.
Carlton need to build on gutsy performance against Richmond
Good call Wilson. I’m interested to see how Sam Rowe stacks up against the Swans forwards. Time for him to own the back line, as Jamo’s close to the end of his career and the back-up of having Henderson doesn’t exist any more
Carlton need to build on gutsy performance against Richmond
Hey Dougie,
I reckon the respect was definitely there. Richmond fielded a young side, some who wouldnt’ve had the chance to play against the likes of Murphy and Gibbs, and see Patrick Cripps up close. Blues supporters nationwide couldn’t be more prouder to don the navy blue- not because Richmond played bad, but because Carlton played the best game since the Ratten days.
Carlton need to build on gutsy performance against Richmond
G’day Macca.
Casboult’s marking was certainly strong and he did really well to bring the ball to ground for his crumbers. It was a great start for him, however, Carlton’s a side that needs to score more goals. A nice mark here and there won’t cut it. Levi’s a great assett to the team and he looks like he’s gotten stronger during the pre season. Right now, he’s looking similar to Travis Cloke. Great presence up forward, not a great amount of goals. It’s easy to score goals at training, but in front of 75,000 is a different story. What Cas needs is a bit of self- belief. He’s got the build, the height and the hands sorted. Time for him to step up and own that forward line.
Carlton need to build on gutsy performance against Richmond
Hi Neil,
Not at all. Carlton’s strength and conditioning program has improved dramatically over the pre-season! They’re doing a fantastic job in nurturing the young boys and getting them in the right shape. Unfortuantely, match fitness is something you can’t really teachers or practice. It’s up to the players themselves to be able to run with the best athletes in the competition for a solid four quarters.
I understand Richmond fielded a young side, but most were the young guns of last year. The likes of Menadue, Lambert and Lloyd have all played together and therefore have had the chance to get used to each other’s different styles of play. Contrarily, the Blues debuted five youngsters, who’d only shared a couple of NAB challenge hit outs together. They hadnt taken on the dimensions of the G’ before, nor had they played understand their skipper prior to Thursday. They’ll eventually be able to work more efficiently together to be able to run out games for the full four quarters, but for now, there’s nothing more that Carlton’s strength and conditioning team can do. It’s up to the players to take the next step beyond playing gutsy and hard footy. The Blues need to sustain this determined footy for four solid quarters. It won’t happen in the blink of an eye, but after round one’s performance, they’re certainly on the right track.
Carlton need to build on gutsy performance against Richmond
Hey Michael,
Thanks for the feedback mate. History does show that Carlton havent done well at Etihad, however, I’m tipping a different year at ol’ dome. It’s a great surface for young teams to utilise the small dimensions- and the home crowd- to allow a bit of run and carry on game day. A prime example of a young team taking a liking to the surface is the Bulldogs. Havent they been great! They have an impeccable record at Etihad as they’ve been able to manipulate the size of the ground and use it to challenge the best sides in the competition. Carlton have just as good a chance to do the same. Hopefully they can begin this weekend!
Carlton need to build on gutsy performance against Richmond
Oh wow, epic error by me!! Editing is important young men and women!! Hahaha
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