2008 Most Impressive Most Disappointing Players - your club

[The Teacher]

Greetings Viewers

Great thread Bomber Man........ for the Lions

Impressive

Bradd Dalziel


Disappointing

Travis Johnstone


Regards

Dicko

 

[fryingpan]

Impressive:

Bernie Vince
Jason Porplyzia
Nathan van Berlo
Tyson Edwards
Michael Doughty
Nathan Bock
Aaron Kite (SANFL)
Taylor Walker (SANFL)

Disappointing:

Simon Goodwin
Graham Johncock
Brent Reilly
Bryce Campbell
Luke Jericho
Ken McGregor
Myke Cook

 

[thejester]

Impressive

Harry Taylor: Thought at the start of the season he would eventually end up replacing Harley/Milburn as a third tall (still do to an extent), but jobs on the likes of Riewoldt and Roughead show how inspired this pick was.
Mark Blake: After the first Fremantle game this year when he was destroyed by Sandilands, someone suggested he would be as good as his dad; even those supporting Blakey thought they were a little crazy. It's not looking so stupid now - as well as dominating the hitouts he's winning clearances, contested possession, and his disposal has definitely improved.
Travis Varcoe: I questioned his hardness and overall ability, but he's definitely improved this year. Getting stints through the midfield where he is doing extremely well. Deserves his GF berth.
Simon Hogan: Thought he would be gaaawwwwwn at the end of this year but has really stepped up in the VFL.
Scott Simpson: Tailed off in the second half of the year but did everything to suggest Wells has done it again.

Disappointing:

Tom Hawkins: The man-child has showed glimpses of what he is capable of but seems to get too down on himself when things go wrong. Hopefully another pre-season and some good coaching will see him blossom.
Max Rooke: This is only a semi-disappointment as in the last month he's showed what he's capable of, but I thought Rooke would have a blinder this year; instead it was punctuated by poor form and suspensions.
Nathan Djerrkura: Love this kid but his first two years have been dogged by injuries and he looks down on confidence. Has played a few good games in the VFL but the promise he showed when we drafted him has yet to be fulfilled.

 

[Colin Grigson]

where to start????

how bout the whole list...

Bailey was probably the only positive (oh, and the 1st year players were pretty good too..)

 

[Headless]

Greetings Viewers

Great thread Bomber Man........ for the Lions

Impressive

Bradd Dalziel


Disappointing

Travis Johnstone


Regards

Dicko

Welcome to Travis Johnstone.

Why was he disappointing?

 

[Colin Grigson]

Brad Green "awesome"??? I'd have thought it was a stretch to suggest ANY Melbourne player was awesome in 2008, although quite a few senior blokes were awful.
I didn't see a lot of the Demons but from what I saw, I thought Green was his usual disappointingly inconsistent self.

Yeah we were pretty bad.

but Sydney have the official title of 'worst team to win a flag' in the last 25 years.

Absolute crap.

Thank god Geelong actually reminded us last year how good this game is, through their bold, skillful, and attacking football...

You blokes should play soccer, you're better suited to a game that requires no imagination...

 

[swiftdog]

I'll stick with Kids here.

Impressive:

Nathan Brown. 19 year old kid playing full back in his first season of AFL, not shirking the big boys. Showed a lot of class and potential.

John Anthony. Missed last year with a neck injury, groomed as a KP back and took on the challenge to play forward, to great effect.

McCarthy and Dawes get honourable mentions.

Disapointing.

Brad D1ck doing his knee pre season and Rusling doing his shoulder again.

Pretty good - I'll add to it.

Most Impressive:
L.Davis & P.Medhurst - had great years, both stepped up from last year

Most Dissapointing:
C.Egan - has all the talent in the world but just didn't know how to use it.
H.Shaw - Didn't have a great year, capped it off by being a d!ckhead
(P.S. Before anyone mentions Didak he was having a good year up until that time)

 

[Tom Fraser]

IMPRESSIVE:
Cooney
Griffen
Cross
Boyd
Morris
Harbrow

DISAPPOINTING
Johnson
Street
Ray
Eagleton
Everitt

 

[meekaboy]

I would put mcveigh, kirk and ROK on our impressive list and buchanan on our disappointing list along with ablett.

ps. LRT is everyones favourite whipping boy and it's just bullshit. He isn't that bad.

No way was Buchanan disappointing. He played his usual hard game and IMO
got a doubtful suspension. His last two games were great. Malceski had a
disappointing year, as did Barlow, Ablett and Hall,

 

[Bomber Man]

You call that an anti-Stants post? You forget the "He doesn't deserve the no 5!" bit FFS!

Nah, I'm far from anti-Stants. He's only 22 and if I remember rightly even Cooney was not that much better in 2007 than Stanton this year (at the same age).

I figured someone would mention the jumper for me and I could remain looking objective.

 

[Big Bad Buddy]

obviously you didnt watch alot of our games this year.
Was fantastic and CONSISTENT the whole season.

maybe i went over the top saying he was awesome but he was fantastic all year long.[/quote]

Thats why Melbourne got the wooden spoon, Because all their players were "FANTASTIC". No one on Melbournes list are "Fantastic". Players like Ablett, Buddy Are fantastic players.

 

[BigCat2]

Brisbane Lions

Most Impressive
- Simon Black: just an elite of the competition, despite carrying the midfield almost on his own & being affected by OP
- Daniel Bradshaw: amazing comeback from a knee reco to boot 75 goals in 20 games
- Jared Brennan: very impressive in midfield, is now consistent, hard working and something of a last quarter specialist
- Joel Patfull: has done a fantastic job in defence playing on both talls and smalls, has added an attacking edge to his game too
- Bradd Dalziell: excellent 7 games in his debut season, runs hard to play the link role, bargain at pick 52 in the 2007 draft
Honorable mentions: Joel Macdonald, Michael Rischitelli

Most Disappointing
- Jamie Charman: had little impact this year, few effective taps and offered nothing around the ground, was playing injured though
- Tim Notting: for a senior player his impact and effort were poor, not a good example for youngsters this year
- Jed Adcock: went backwards this year after a stellar 2007, only a couple of handy games
Dishonorable mentions: Travis Johnstone, Cheynee Stiller

There's probably more players I can list under 'disappointing', given we underachieved this season and played very poorly in some games.

 

[Blue Dimension]

Impressive

Paul Bower - Was under the pump a little bit going into the 2008 season but was absolutely outstanding this season. By far our most improved player, and has become a vital cog to our side and defensive unit. Really missed him upon getting injured.

Marc Murphy - We all thought he'd come out and have a great year since there were others around ala Judd who would command a tag, and did just that.

Michael Jamison - In just his second season really stood out and played very mature football. One of those guys who rarely makes a mistake, and when he does, makes up for it pretty quickly.

Shaun Grigg - Was one of those who thought that he should have been developing through the 2's earlier in the season, but really proved me wrong, and came on in leaps and bounds.

Dissappointing

Brett Thornton - Kind of had one of those seasons that would just fly over anyone's head. Wasn't terrible, but wasn't anywhere near his best most of the time.

Brad Fisher - Still am a massive fan of him, but had a pretty lacklustre season compared to his previous one in 2007. Sustained a hand injury early in the year and really struggled to find those super glue hands that are so important to his game. Gone in for surgery in the off season to get that thumb fixed, so hopefully can have a solid pre season and blow all the cobwebs out of his game.

Ryan Jackson - Really looked like he was ready to step up into the senior ranks and was a starter in round 1, but fell off the radar and really didn't command selection.

Setanta O'hAilpin - Season 2008 marred by injury after a very good 2007. Needs to get himself right and stand up next year.

 

[Omegaman]

I would put mcveigh, kirk and ROK on our impressive list and buchanan on our disappointing list along with ablett.

ps. LRT is everyones favourite whipping boy and it's just bullshit. He isn't that bad.

Agree on McVeigh, Kirk and ROK but will go out on a limb and put Goodes and Hall in the disappointing category- not so much for individual performances, but for the loss of discipline at critical times of the season. The reasons of Hall's "nomination" should be obvious, but it was as if Goodes was trying his damndest to get rubbed out through the middle of the year. And of course, it finally happened on the eve of a long stretch of tough games. Unneccessary destabilisation from two seasoned campaigners that should have known better.

 

[TigerGlory]

Impressive

Trent Cotchin - The most obvious, but i really didnt expect such a good start from a first year draftee coming off an injury with no pre-season. He was amazing with his disposal, and certainley made others look stupid.

Matthew Richardson - Didnt think he'd get better, but what do you know. Outstanding the way he lifted his career up another notch.

Shane Tuck - Very underrated by even our own supporters, put in a very consistent second half of the season once he got going. Will slip under the radar in a few years when Deledio, Foley etc get going.

Matt White - Just another player to come from nowhere and really impress, was almost as good as Foley was in 2007, just without the fanfare, looking forward to more from him.

Disappointing

Cleve Hughes - Promises so much but just cant escape the injury curse. Seems to get dropped after he plays a good game, so one can only guess he's being looked after.

Richard Tambling - Made in-roads this season, but seeing younger players ahead of him really makes you upset. Needs to lift and get his career going.

Jordan McMahon - Stupid decision to begin with and we all saw why. Was supposedly recruited for some skills but ended up being one of our worst players by foot. Played well when the team was up, but when we needed him, he was one of the worst.

Travis Casserly - Looked promising in the NAB Cup opener against the Saints, but just cant crack the Best 22 for some reason. Hopefully next year.

 

[hellfire]

Impressive:

Medhurst - from handy small forward, to AA.
N.Brown - many doubted he would make it, or even play a game this year. But he played from round 1 and was vital down back for us.
Didak - save for off-field stuff, he bounced back to his AA form after his knee-reco year.
Anthony - Coming off a shocking injury in 2007, came in and was fantastic for us.
Davis - When he's "on", he's our best player. And excluding a poor post-injury patch mid-season, he was breathtaking.

Disappointing:

H.Shaw - After such a promising start to the year, his form barely warranted selection at times. Plus the drink driving / lying. Disappointing.
Thomas - Inconsistent again, but that was kind of expected. I think too many expected miracles this year. Nonetheless, he had some shocking games. Next year he will step up if given a more prominent midfield role.
Cloke - A very poor year compared to last. Partially because of our awful delivery, partially because he was the lone-key-forward, partially because he was simply disappointing. Must lift.

 

[IllBeTheJudge]

IMPRESSIVE
Hudghton - another good year, maybe unlucky not to go AA. Put some soft tissue injuries behind him to play every match
Goddard - Best season to date, and impressive comeback from knee reco
Riewoldt - in second half of the year, became the match winner that I always hoped he could be. Just need some mates up there to kick it to as well!

DISAPPOINTMENTS
Armitage - Hoped he could show more grunt and help our inside players. Maybe wasn't given the opportunity, maybe needs a big pre-season
X Clarke - Another year dashed by injury and personal issues
M Gardiner - Hoped he could hold down that 2nd ruck spot and go forward now and then. Alas, body let him down

Could name more but didn't want to be too critical of my team, and figure others will point at Dal and Kosi

 

[Soul_Pie]

Impressive:

Medhurst - Had a fantastic season. Did all the team things, kicked plenty of goals, provided enormous forward pressure.
Davis - Had a great finish to the year in which he played as a midfielder with goalkicking abilities. Stepped up when we lost Didak and Shaw and added a touch of class to our team.
Swan - Another fantastic year from this bloke, who like Davis finished off the season in style. Can shake a tag, kick a few goals and seems to attract the ball whatever position he's playing. Mr Consistency.

Disappointing:

Bryan - Not that I had much hope for him, but this year cemented my view that he really does not have the smarts to play football, or the rucking ability either. Becomes a liability when the pressure is on.
Cloke - Raised the bar last season and really hasn't met expectations, perhaps due to the fact that because of the loss of Rocca he had to take the best defender every week. Has still got a fair bit to work on, especially his ground skills and his tendency to get caught under the ball too often. Still has enormous potential, though.

Overall, though, I think most of our younger players showed signs of improvement, and that's reflected in the fact that we got such a young side to the Semi finals.

 

[Plugger35]

IMPRESSIVE
Hudghton - another good year, maybe unlucky not to go AA. Put some soft tissue injuries behind him to play every match
Goddard - Best season to date, and impressive comeback from knee reco
Riewoldt - in second half of the year, became the match winner that I always hoped he could be. Just need some mates up there to kick it to as well!

DISAPPOINTMENTS
Armitage - Hoped he could show more grunt and help our inside players. Maybe wasn't given the opportunity, maybe needs a big pre-season
X Clarke - Another year dashed by injury and personal issues
M Gardiner - Hoped he could hold down that 2nd ruck spot and go forward now and then. Alas, body let him down

Could name more but didn't want to be too critical of my team, and figure others will point at Dal and Kosi

Agree with all those but would definitely add Sam Fisher to the impressive list. He has been very good the last few years but took the step up this year to be a truly elite player, demonstrated by his first AA selection. Lenny Hayes was as good and reliable as ever, King was very good in the ruck for us all year and thought Milney had a good second half of the year. Sam Gilbert also took the step up to be a quality defender for us and was very impressive in the final against Collingwood.

Have to say that Kosi has been one of the biggest disappointments for me this year. I thought that with his body finally holding up that he could really become the top line player he was always supposed to be. He showed flashes of good form here and there but lacked consistency. Would have probably said Raph Clarke too but he saved himself with a good finals series.

 

[SaintsPremiers08]

Impressive:

Clint Jones - Prior to 2008, his disposal was atrocious, has improved a hell of a lot.
Max Hudghton - Should of been All Australian. Had some very big Scalps this year (Franklin x2/Fev x2/Lloyd x2)
Brendon Goddard - Started the year in defense, later in the year was moved into the Midfield. His disposal is arguably the best in the league.
Raph Clarke - Started playing the best footy of his career in the later stages of the year. Hopefully he can take that form into 09
Sam Gilbert - See Above
Nick Riewoldt
Sam Fisher

Honourable Mentions to: King and Hayes

Disappointing:

Xavier Clarke - Just can't seem to get over Injuries.
Justin Koschitzke - Don't know whats wrong with Kosi.
Nick Dal Santo - Had a very average year considering the talent of this guy.
Aaron Fiora - How does this guy get a game ahead of the likes of Birss and Armitage?

 

[red19]

most improved - paul bevan - always had the guts but lacked a bit of skill
jarred mcveigh - always had the skill but lacked a bit of guts
jarred moore - finally beat the injuries and played had a great season.

biggest dissapointments - ed barlow - failed to take next step.
barry hall. - discipline
peter everitt - injuries . age
leo barry - injuries , age
heath grundy - failed to take next step. but club may have discovered that he is a back not a forward
tim schmidt - injuries ruined 2008
The Swans Management - continuing to play reserves in actfl - players struggle to step up from being world beaters in actfl to just decent senior players. this will continue to be a problem as our list gets younger

 

[red19]

Yeah we were pretty bad.

but Sydney have the official title of 'worst team to win a flag' in the last 25 years.

Absolute crap.

Thank god Geelong actually reminded us last year how good this game is, through their bold, skillful, and attacking football...

You blokes should play soccer, you're better suited to a game that requires no imagination...

yes , but we have won a flag in the last 25 years , as opposed to not winning a flag in 44 years .
were you born when your club last won the grand final ????
and you will probably never see them win one in your lifetime

 

[Guus_Hiddink]

Impressive (Players who took a step forward):

- Gibbs
- Grigg
- Jamison
- Bower

Went backwards:

- Fisher
- Thornton
- Setanta

 

[SM]

biggest dissapointments - ed barlow - failed to take next step.

Er you do know he was injured, right? And when he wasn't injured... he played...

 

[red19]

barlow wasnt injured for 22 rounds and when he did play he was very below average
he was fit at the start of the season and couldnt get into the senior line -up. so much for the next 'goodes'