This could be an interesting thread if we can collate our own previous player reviews from past years and see where they're at now. I was able to find my 2003 review but I don't think I did one in 2004, so I will post my comments that I made for each player and see how they have fared since then.
Steven Armstrong
2003: An extremely talented midfielder who will hopefully become a vital part of our team next year.
2005: Unfortunately, has not taken the next step and secured a spot in the team. Has a bit of talent but just can't put it together to have an impact in the game. Trade bait or on his last chance at Melbourne.
Daniel Bell
2003: Rated very highly, as a midfielder who has it all. Hopefully he can explode on to the scene next year.
2005: Hasn't grabbed a permanent spot in the team either but has suffered lots of injuries. Has lots of courage and a great work ethic. Could become a good defender. Must work hard in 2006 to earn a spot.
Clint Bizzell
2003: Very underrated, but we love him. Courageous and determined middle-sized defender who is absolutely vital to our club.
2005: No doubt he is past his best now, after 2 and a half awesome years. Has to battle with niggling injuries and no longer has a garuanteed spot in the team. Still has a lot to offer us with his experience down back.
Nathan Brown
2003: Handy half back flanker who gets plenty of the ball, but disposal, decisions and size all go against him. Not vital to our team and must improve to retain his spot at the club.
2005: Must admit I didn't rate him until last year. An important member of the team, runs hard and goes in hard for a bloke of his size, but his disposal and decision-making can be a big let down at times.
Cameron Bruce
2003: Exceptional footballer, can play a variety of positions, has great skills and can kick a goal. A good leader and still fairly young.
2005: We know he has talent but must turn it on before it's too late. I will put 2005 down to injury and hope that he returns in 2006 as a rejuvinated player, capable of becoming a star leader.
Nathan Carroll
2003: Didn't look the good early on as a key defender, but a couple of good, tough performances later in the season may have changed some minds. As some people have said, similar to Danny Hughes.
2005: Over the years he's gone from promising to a huge dud and now a decent player again. Hopefully the late-2005 performances will give him a big confidence booster and he can become a solid member of our backline.
Ryan Ferguson
2003: Young tall defender, who impressed at times. Needs to develop further but could be a very good player.
2005: Courageous. Some of the things we've seen from him this year have been brilliant. The type of player you want on your last line of defence. Needs to bulk up more, but hopefully the experience will help him take the next step in 2006.
Simon Godfrey
2003: Wins the hard ball, can tag players and gets a few possessions, but his disposal lets him down big time. Underrated by some, but not premiership material.
2005: What you see is what you get. A hard-working, tough midfielder who adds some depth to our side but is simply a back-up player. Getting on in age and will have to be resigned to Sandringham from now on, unless we get some bad injuries.
Brad Green
2003: A classy medium sized forward on his day, but soft and inconsistant. Needs to prove himself next year, possibly in the midfield or up forward again.
2005: I don't believe he is soft, but he is too inconsistant for a player of his quality. Has played mainly on a wing lately, but we know he can go forward. A lot expected from one of our leaders. 2006 is the year he must prove himself.
Chris Heffernan
2003: So much skill, I think he will do great next year. Not the hardest, but very classy and smart.
2005: Has failed to live up to expectation in his three seasons and does not have a bright future. Has not made the most of his opportunities on the field. Struggles to regularly find the ball and does not have a clear role in the side. May not be with us next season.
Ben Holland
2003: Our new recruit, a solid and experienced centre-half back, who will add strength to our team.
2005: Has played mainly up forward since his arrival. Is handy as a tall, who can occasionally take a mark and kick a goal, it is the ruck work and one percenters in the forward line which keep him in the side. Gives his all but definately lacks skill.
Cameron Hunter
2003: Very lightly built, but has some skill and will need plenty of time to develop. Could be handy in the future.
2005: Has not played a senior game for two years now and doesn't look like doing so. Has not established himself at Sandringham as yet. Maybe get delisted.
Mark Jamar
2003: Young ruckmen who is solidly built and looks to have a great future. Can't wait to see him play more often.
2005: Still hasn't secured a permanent spot in the side, even as a back-up ruckman, but has played sparingly. Has performed well at Sandringham but needs to shine for Melbourne when he gets his chance. 2006 could be make or break for the big youngster.
Travis Johnstone
2003: We all know he has talent, but must consistantly show it. Must step up next year after a shocking 2003. Could be a star.
2005: Finally delivered after years of promise. Our best midfielder and showed what a quality player he is. Isn't superstar material but certainly very good. Must back it up next year and not fade out again like he has done in the past.
James McDonald
2003: Had a great year. Similar to Godfrey, not as tough but better skills. Should have a future with us.
2005: Was a valuable member last year, but didn't perform at the same standards this year. Still important to our midfield, as he tackled well, committed his body and won the hard ball, but you get the feeling he might not be at his best anymore.
Brad Miller
2003: I really like this guy. Has a strong presence and could be a great centre half forward for years to come.
2005: Now plays centre half forward but is still very much developing his trade still. Not confident in his kicking and has a lot to work on. But his aggression and presenting on the lead is great. Is an important player for us.
David Neitz
2003: Champion. Most important player to the Melbourne Football Club.
2005: Unfortunately he is passed his best and may only have one more year left, depending on injuries. His presence is still important to the team and even in a terrible year, he managed 40 goals.
Alistair Nicholson
2003: Slow, average skills, not agile but is tough, experienced and was our leading spoiler. I don't rate him highly and I think he must prove himself at full back next year.
2005: Does the job for us every now and then and is our biggest and most experienced key defender. So he is important to have around. And although he did improve his game in 2005, he isn't a big part of the future.
Guy Rigoni
2003: An ageing midfielder who found himself between the seniors and reserves. Maybe one more year left in him.
2005: Sort of rejuvinated himself a bit in 2005 and may have one more year left in the tank. Is a straight forward midfielder with grunt and experience, who is useful as an emergency.
Jared Rivers
2003: Haven't seen much, but isn't rated all too highly.
2005: Exploded on to the scene last year at centre half back, winning the NAB and promising so much. Struggled to repeat that in 2005 but is a classy player who is very important for our future.
Russell Robertson
2003: Best and fairest and had a much better and consistant year. Is a good player for the club as the fans love him anf he adds excitement.
2005: Had his best year ever, kicking 73 goals and being our main focal point for most of the season. Although 2003 was a good year winning the B&F, he is now twice the player he was then. He is a genuine match winner, reliable shot for goal, far more consistant and a fine team player. The fans love him and has earned the respect of the football community.
Nick Smith
2003: Future key forward with a set of great hands. Has a long future at the club and hopefully will develop into a star.
2005: Unfortunately has not developed as yet and has not played a game since 2003. He has potential but it is useless unless he starts showing in, first at Sandringham and then at Melbourne. 2006 could be his last chance.
Daniel Ward
2003: Tough half back flanker, but needs to prove himself in 2004, as we have plenty of them fighting for a spot.
2005: Has almost dropped off the scene since 2003, regulalrly getting suspended or injured and unable to string some consistant games together. 2006 could also be his last chance to prove his value to the side.
Paul Wheatley
2003: Not much game time this year. Decisions and skills can be bad, but has potential as a medium sized defender. Must prove himself.
2005: Improved in 2004 and had a good year in 2005, in a set position on the half back flank. Can run and take a mark, has a booming right foot and takes our kick outs, but is still prone to skill errors and bad decisions. Keeps improving though which is good to see.
Matthew Whelan:
2003: Tough half back flanker, but needs to prove himself in 2004, as we have plenty of them fighting for a spot.
2005: Back then I rated him the same as Ward and Walsh (hence the same comments above) but we now know his true potential. Started the year in a blaze of glory, when he wasn't injured, but form dropped of a bit after that. He is gutsy, a terrific tackler, quick and skillful and generally mans up well. If he can play an entire season injury-free, he may even be AA worthy.
Jeff White:
2003: Talented ruckmen who is agile, but injury prone, soft and must prove himself or he could be traded. Maybe he could play more in the forward line.
2005: I have always been quite harsh on him, and this year was the same. At times it looked like he didn't try hard and never had much of an impact around the ground. Other times he was sensational, see Round 21. We must remember he rucked virtually solo for the entire season, and the new circle did nothing to help his game. May be past his best and needs a back-up ruckman now.
Luke Williams
2003: See Walsh. Much better year though then the other W's.
2005: Has always been a back flanker/wing type of player but certainly hasn't impressed at his time in Melbourne. Adds nothing when he plays, which is seldom, and may be delisted this year. No future I wouldn't suspect.
Adem Yze
2003: A great player who had an off year. Very skillful and dangerous going forward.
2005: Despite a solid return of 40 goals up forward, he had another very inconsistant season, much like 2003 and 2004. The best is gone, but he must still continue to find a way of helping the team. Disappointing to see such a talented player drop form like he has, considering he isn't even that old.
Steven Armstrong
2003: An extremely talented midfielder who will hopefully become a vital part of our team next year.
2005: Unfortunately, has not taken the next step and secured a spot in the team. Has a bit of talent but just can't put it together to have an impact in the game. Trade bait or on his last chance at Melbourne.
Daniel Bell
2003: Rated very highly, as a midfielder who has it all. Hopefully he can explode on to the scene next year.
2005: Hasn't grabbed a permanent spot in the team either but has suffered lots of injuries. Has lots of courage and a great work ethic. Could become a good defender. Must work hard in 2006 to earn a spot.
Clint Bizzell
2003: Very underrated, but we love him. Courageous and determined middle-sized defender who is absolutely vital to our club.
2005: No doubt he is past his best now, after 2 and a half awesome years. Has to battle with niggling injuries and no longer has a garuanteed spot in the team. Still has a lot to offer us with his experience down back.
Nathan Brown
2003: Handy half back flanker who gets plenty of the ball, but disposal, decisions and size all go against him. Not vital to our team and must improve to retain his spot at the club.
2005: Must admit I didn't rate him until last year. An important member of the team, runs hard and goes in hard for a bloke of his size, but his disposal and decision-making can be a big let down at times.
Cameron Bruce
2003: Exceptional footballer, can play a variety of positions, has great skills and can kick a goal. A good leader and still fairly young.
2005: We know he has talent but must turn it on before it's too late. I will put 2005 down to injury and hope that he returns in 2006 as a rejuvinated player, capable of becoming a star leader.
Nathan Carroll
2003: Didn't look the good early on as a key defender, but a couple of good, tough performances later in the season may have changed some minds. As some people have said, similar to Danny Hughes.
2005: Over the years he's gone from promising to a huge dud and now a decent player again. Hopefully the late-2005 performances will give him a big confidence booster and he can become a solid member of our backline.
Ryan Ferguson
2003: Young tall defender, who impressed at times. Needs to develop further but could be a very good player.
2005: Courageous. Some of the things we've seen from him this year have been brilliant. The type of player you want on your last line of defence. Needs to bulk up more, but hopefully the experience will help him take the next step in 2006.
Simon Godfrey
2003: Wins the hard ball, can tag players and gets a few possessions, but his disposal lets him down big time. Underrated by some, but not premiership material.
2005: What you see is what you get. A hard-working, tough midfielder who adds some depth to our side but is simply a back-up player. Getting on in age and will have to be resigned to Sandringham from now on, unless we get some bad injuries.
Brad Green
2003: A classy medium sized forward on his day, but soft and inconsistant. Needs to prove himself next year, possibly in the midfield or up forward again.
2005: I don't believe he is soft, but he is too inconsistant for a player of his quality. Has played mainly on a wing lately, but we know he can go forward. A lot expected from one of our leaders. 2006 is the year he must prove himself.
Chris Heffernan
2003: So much skill, I think he will do great next year. Not the hardest, but very classy and smart.
2005: Has failed to live up to expectation in his three seasons and does not have a bright future. Has not made the most of his opportunities on the field. Struggles to regularly find the ball and does not have a clear role in the side. May not be with us next season.
Ben Holland
2003: Our new recruit, a solid and experienced centre-half back, who will add strength to our team.
2005: Has played mainly up forward since his arrival. Is handy as a tall, who can occasionally take a mark and kick a goal, it is the ruck work and one percenters in the forward line which keep him in the side. Gives his all but definately lacks skill.
Cameron Hunter
2003: Very lightly built, but has some skill and will need plenty of time to develop. Could be handy in the future.
2005: Has not played a senior game for two years now and doesn't look like doing so. Has not established himself at Sandringham as yet. Maybe get delisted.
Mark Jamar
2003: Young ruckmen who is solidly built and looks to have a great future. Can't wait to see him play more often.
2005: Still hasn't secured a permanent spot in the side, even as a back-up ruckman, but has played sparingly. Has performed well at Sandringham but needs to shine for Melbourne when he gets his chance. 2006 could be make or break for the big youngster.
Travis Johnstone
2003: We all know he has talent, but must consistantly show it. Must step up next year after a shocking 2003. Could be a star.
2005: Finally delivered after years of promise. Our best midfielder and showed what a quality player he is. Isn't superstar material but certainly very good. Must back it up next year and not fade out again like he has done in the past.
James McDonald
2003: Had a great year. Similar to Godfrey, not as tough but better skills. Should have a future with us.
2005: Was a valuable member last year, but didn't perform at the same standards this year. Still important to our midfield, as he tackled well, committed his body and won the hard ball, but you get the feeling he might not be at his best anymore.
Brad Miller
2003: I really like this guy. Has a strong presence and could be a great centre half forward for years to come.
2005: Now plays centre half forward but is still very much developing his trade still. Not confident in his kicking and has a lot to work on. But his aggression and presenting on the lead is great. Is an important player for us.
David Neitz
2003: Champion. Most important player to the Melbourne Football Club.
2005: Unfortunately he is passed his best and may only have one more year left, depending on injuries. His presence is still important to the team and even in a terrible year, he managed 40 goals.
Alistair Nicholson
2003: Slow, average skills, not agile but is tough, experienced and was our leading spoiler. I don't rate him highly and I think he must prove himself at full back next year.
2005: Does the job for us every now and then and is our biggest and most experienced key defender. So he is important to have around. And although he did improve his game in 2005, he isn't a big part of the future.
Guy Rigoni
2003: An ageing midfielder who found himself between the seniors and reserves. Maybe one more year left in him.
2005: Sort of rejuvinated himself a bit in 2005 and may have one more year left in the tank. Is a straight forward midfielder with grunt and experience, who is useful as an emergency.
Jared Rivers
2003: Haven't seen much, but isn't rated all too highly.
2005: Exploded on to the scene last year at centre half back, winning the NAB and promising so much. Struggled to repeat that in 2005 but is a classy player who is very important for our future.
Russell Robertson
2003: Best and fairest and had a much better and consistant year. Is a good player for the club as the fans love him anf he adds excitement.
2005: Had his best year ever, kicking 73 goals and being our main focal point for most of the season. Although 2003 was a good year winning the B&F, he is now twice the player he was then. He is a genuine match winner, reliable shot for goal, far more consistant and a fine team player. The fans love him and has earned the respect of the football community.
Nick Smith
2003: Future key forward with a set of great hands. Has a long future at the club and hopefully will develop into a star.
2005: Unfortunately has not developed as yet and has not played a game since 2003. He has potential but it is useless unless he starts showing in, first at Sandringham and then at Melbourne. 2006 could be his last chance.
Daniel Ward
2003: Tough half back flanker, but needs to prove himself in 2004, as we have plenty of them fighting for a spot.
2005: Has almost dropped off the scene since 2003, regulalrly getting suspended or injured and unable to string some consistant games together. 2006 could also be his last chance to prove his value to the side.
Paul Wheatley
2003: Not much game time this year. Decisions and skills can be bad, but has potential as a medium sized defender. Must prove himself.
2005: Improved in 2004 and had a good year in 2005, in a set position on the half back flank. Can run and take a mark, has a booming right foot and takes our kick outs, but is still prone to skill errors and bad decisions. Keeps improving though which is good to see.
Matthew Whelan:
2003: Tough half back flanker, but needs to prove himself in 2004, as we have plenty of them fighting for a spot.
2005: Back then I rated him the same as Ward and Walsh (hence the same comments above) but we now know his true potential. Started the year in a blaze of glory, when he wasn't injured, but form dropped of a bit after that. He is gutsy, a terrific tackler, quick and skillful and generally mans up well. If he can play an entire season injury-free, he may even be AA worthy.
Jeff White:
2003: Talented ruckmen who is agile, but injury prone, soft and must prove himself or he could be traded. Maybe he could play more in the forward line.
2005: I have always been quite harsh on him, and this year was the same. At times it looked like he didn't try hard and never had much of an impact around the ground. Other times he was sensational, see Round 21. We must remember he rucked virtually solo for the entire season, and the new circle did nothing to help his game. May be past his best and needs a back-up ruckman now.
Luke Williams
2003: See Walsh. Much better year though then the other W's.
2005: Has always been a back flanker/wing type of player but certainly hasn't impressed at his time in Melbourne. Adds nothing when he plays, which is seldom, and may be delisted this year. No future I wouldn't suspect.
Adem Yze
2003: A great player who had an off year. Very skillful and dangerous going forward.
2005: Despite a solid return of 40 goals up forward, he had another very inconsistant season, much like 2003 and 2004. The best is gone, but he must still continue to find a way of helping the team. Disappointing to see such a talented player drop form like he has, considering he isn't even that old.
