Bateman - Most Improved Player in the AFL?

[HR Roughnstuf]

If not he must be very, very close. Another outstanding performance yesterday when the rest of the team was down. Reminds my of the steps Sewell took last year.

Thinking of Pelchins premiership model player rating system not quite A grade yet, although his performances this year are easily elite A grade performances which suggests if he can keep it up he will be classed A grade by the football public by the end of the year.

Thoughts?

 

[Back with the flight]

Don't know about most improved in the AFL, but has now become a more consistant member of our side and the way he is now taking on opposition, breaking lines and delivering quickly to our tall forwards just makes our midfield even harder to match up.

 

[Mitchell Madness]

Most dedicated, thats for sure.

Was the onyl hawk who gave a funk in the first half yesterday.

 

[Mervyn Beasley]

Come the 4th qtr Changa always has more run in his legs than all others.
Couple of times this year when we have been lacking midfield depth he has really stood up. This would suggest he is close to A Grade.

 

[Mojo]

One of our most important players, I think.

Every contest he tackles and sheppards or creates an option.

The great thing, not only does he run all day but he wins one-on-one situations against really good opposition constantly.

 

[MisterBean]

Not the most improved player but ...

The most Improved Established player.

Out of the players who have been playing for a while, and who everyone knows about. Chance was taken at #48 in the 1999 National Draft. Tim Clarke is the other player we still have from that draft. We took Luke McPharlin at #10.

This is his 10th year at Hawthorn. It is quite rare for a player to take such a massive leap when he's been around for so long.

One possible factor could be the number of injuries he has had for so long. Another factor could well be the strength of the forward line.

Even if you are fast, exciting and skillful, no one is really going to take notice if there is no one to pass to, or if the forwards don't finish off your good work.

There was one instance where Chance ran through the wing against Melbourne and pinpointed Lance Franklin on the break. A few years ago, that pass may well have been cut off.

Yes, Chance has gotten better by leaps and bounds, but it is easier to notice that now he is playing in a very good side.

 

[Roughie]

Jason Porplyzia would have something to say about that.

Bateman has become a B grade midfielder last year, to an A grader this year.

 

[Number 24]

Not the most improved player but ...

The most Improved Established player.

Out of the players who have been playing for a while, and who everyone knows about. Chance was taken at #48 in the 1999 National Draft. Tim Clarke is the other player we still have from that draft. We took Luke McPharlin at #10.

This is his 10th year at Hawthorn. It is quite rare for a player to take such a massive leap when he's been around for so long.

One possible factor could be the number of injuries he has had for so long. Another factor could well be the strength of the forward line.

Even if you are fast, exciting and skillful, no one is really going to take notice if there is no one to pass to, or if the forwards don't finish off your good work.

There was one instance where Chance ran through the wing against Melbourne and pinpointed Lance Franklin on the break. A few years ago, that pass may well have been cut off.

Yes, Chance has gotten better by leaps and bounds, but it is easier to notice that now he is playing in a very good side.

This is a good post IMO. He is in rare form at present.

Another player who was the subject of criticism on these boards and calls made that he be traded. It is folly to judge too early and especially when the critic knows bugger all about footy, and is too far removed to know the specifics of the individual player.

 

[HR Roughnstuf]

Jason Porplyzia would have something to say about that.

Bateman has become a B grade midfielder last year, to an A grader this year.

True that. Also maybe Betts from Carlton not that is playing Bateman or Porplyzia quality games, but was really shite prior to this season.

I guess Bateman has really improved consistancy. Think about Pelchin's model where he rates the players on a scale from 1-5 would he now be moving Bateman up to an unexpected 1 from a 2 possibly a 3 two years ago?

 

[GoHawkers]

His disposal has improved so much. Used to turn it over quite a bit. Osbourne has really improved in that respect as well this year.

 

[kbrowne]

What about him is not A grade? One of my favourites

 

[Flamin Joe]

Clarkson was very impressed with his performance on Sunday.


Bateman 'outstanding': Clarkson

http://www.hawthornfc.com.au/tabid/4742/Default.aspx?newsid=60218

 

[noosa hawk mad]

A grade midfielder know imo!

 

[Alex_au]

Not bad at all when your clubs 5th best midfielder is Chance Bateman! Thats depth for you!

 

[hodge = gun]

He runs as hard as anyone in the competition, he got tagged yesterday by Bartram who had his measure for a half... but in the last quarter he just ran him off his legs, there was a passage of play in the final term, when he was running through the middle with bartram on his tail he ducked back in, and out the other side got the handball over the top and burnt bartram for pace absolutely brilliant. ooo and did i add he kicked it into the 50 and hit the target, not sure if it resulted in a goal. Point is he runs taggers off their legs with gut running, absolutely awesome, loved the rapt clarko gave him after the game!

 

[Animosity1989]

Most dedicated, thats for sure.

Was the onyl hawk who gave a funk in the first half yesterday.

Don't forget Brad Sewell!!!

 

[Pessimistic]

I dont think hes doing anything he didnt do before - a big part of Box Hills last flag -2001.

I think hes avoiding injury a lot more - the way he plays has made him a target in the past - no dermie to protect him like the rat had !

Also hes palayin a lot more forward of center these days - I passionately wanted hawks to either release him or Brown drom the backline

Brown is another who'd make a damn fine half forward !

Also whatever else the hawks have doen this yer they have been sensational in the last minutes of the games. Sunday was no different

 

[HR Roughnstuf]

He runs as hard as anyone in the competition, he got tagged yesterday by Bartram who had his measure for a half... but in the last quarter he just ran him off his legs, there was a passage of play in the final term, when he was running through the middle with bartram on his tail he ducked back in, and out the other side got the handball over the top and burnt bartram for pace absolutely brilliant. ooo and did i add he kicked it into the 50 and hit the target, not sure if it resulted in a goal. Point is he runs taggers off their legs with gut running, absolutely awesome, loved the rapt clarko gave him after the game!

I saw it, best play all day. Think he hit robbie campbell lace out who then slotted it.

Does anyone remember the handball of the year in 2006 when Hodge handballed 20 metres forward over an essendon player to Bateman on the run. Only thing was when Hodge handballed it, Bateman was actually behind him!

 

[flyby hawk]

Does anyone remember the handball of the year in 2006 when Hodge handballed 20 metres forward over an essendon player to Bateman on the run. Only thing was when Hodge handballed it, Bateman was actually behind him!

Remember it well Night game at Telstra

 

[Collins-Langford-Ayres]

Not bad at all when your clubs 5th best midfielder is Chance Bateman! Thats depth for you!

Has Changa now overtaken Crawf?

 

[Pessimistic]

Has Changa now overtaken Crawf?

Hell yes - hes on the park more too

 

[Moosewa]

Changa is A grade - his foot disposal at FULL pace is one of the best in the league.
has a heart bigger than phar lap.

 

[Noneedforaname]

Would anyone have any money on him getting some votes in the Brownlow?

Hes had a few super games and must be racking up the votes.

I would say his biggest improvement has come with his consistency. Same with Osbourne.

 

[hawks_legends]

He defenetly is one of the most improved this season.
He has always been a fantastic player but this year it's like he has stepped up in everything. He is also at $18 for the Brownlow!

 

[Painman]

Can't think of another AFL player who can 'gut run' like him. Always showed ability in bursts but seemed to tire easily. Now seems capable of 4 quarter efforts - stamina seems to be where the improvement has come from. What a mid field we have now with him as 4th or 5th best!!!