Just waiting for the twenty 20 cricket to start - I thought I would do my own mid year report card of our side..
1 - PRIMUS
For me he has been very disappointing. Granted he has come off two serious knee injuries. I do not doubt his leadership but I really have concerns of his future. So far this season his ruckwork has been non existant. He cannot jump and when in the middle seems to get jumped all over. SHowed a glimpse up forward against the Saints, but apart from that a disappointing season thus far. 2/10
2 - WAKELYN
One of very few consistant performers in 2005. Not getting any quicker but has done the job on numerous key forwards very very well. I thought he was going to really struggle this season, but he has shown his worth and has been a rock at full back for us. As long as the coaching staff know his limits he can maybe get one more year out of himself. A top notch first half of the year. 7.5/10.
3 - MONTGOMERY
This guy is one I really struggle with. Always finds the footy and gets plenty of it from half back and on a wing. My major problem with MOnty not only this season but in seasons gone past is the way in which he uses the footy. Goes sideways far too often and he does not really play directly at all. That said his last two games have been very good and his workrate is unquestionable. Must be more direct!! 5/10.
4 - WANGANEEN
Inconspicuous. Wangas is certainly slowing down, but he still has shown that he is worth his spot in the side. Flashes of brilliance at times but becoming a bit too far and few between. I just wish he wa splayed up forward more often than what he is. Will become important in our push for the 8. 5.5/10
5 - LADE
For me has been good this year. Without being great and dominating up forward as he has in the past. His ruckwork has been good, but that may be because of us seeing Primus in there alot, and that could well make him look better than how he really is going. Again nothing terribly great about his year, but only because we know what this man is capable of. Id love to see some agression fromt he big man. 5/10.
6 - THOMSON
Excited about this kid. Debuted against the Saints and was given very little time on the ground. Given some more time on the weekend and looks very promising. I love his quick hands and the way he thinks his footy through. Seen him at Sturt a couple times and he looks to be a clever player. Bright future. 3/10.
7 - P BURGOYNE
Missed games through injury and bans but he is still a great great midfielder. Has plenty of pace and has shown glimpses of the PB we know. He has looked a bit wobbly and unsure with the footy at times in recent weeks but he is always a contributor and a real trier. Solid season. Hopefully he picks it up in the run home. 7/10.
8 - S BURGOYNE
Ditto above with games he has missed. Sean has shown us his importance in the past two games. Beautifully balanced and perfect foot skills. If only he was fit for the entire season. Once again will be vital in our push for finals footy. 3/10.
10 - FRANCOU
Josh, like Primus has come off major injuries and has struggled immensely with his form. Very up and down, and has just seemed to have lost that amazing ability to evade men in the packs and get a quick handball out. Unfortunately Josh is not terribly versatile and can only really play through the middle. He kicked three on Saturday night and hopefully gives him some added confidence. AT best he should only be one of our midfield rotations. No longer in our first choice on ball brigade. 2.5/10
12 - SHATTOCK
One of our recruits. Much maligned for his disposal and lets not beat around the bush it is pretty poor. He has shown a little bit and I have been encouraged by his physical appraoch. If he can sharpen his skills up he may push his way into the side. However, when everyone is fit I can not find a place for him in the side. 2.5/10.
13 - ECKERMANN
Looks to be a good little player. Nice disposal and is a fit kid. Has not had enough time to tell whether he is up to the level in my opinion. Signs are however promising. 2/10.
15 - PICKETT
Reckless act cost him the first 5 weeks and has really stuggles to impose himself since he has been back. Highly disappointing season thus far for Choppy, but only because we know what this man can do. Looks as though he tired to alter his game and that was to his and our detriment. Thankfully he showed us the Choppy we know on Saturday night. Hard at the man, hard at the footy and kicking goals. 3/10.
16 - TREDREA
Dead set gun and when needed he has stood up as he always does. Warren is a special player and should be skipper. He has struggled in games due simply to lack of opporunities and the failure of our midfield to give him some decent service. HIs kicking at goal has been ok but he could still kick more goals than he does. It is a bit concerning the way in which he tries to get his opponent under the footy and then run on to it. Warren you are a mountain and you have good pace. USE THAT !! Without doubt in our top 4 or 5 for the year. 8.5/10.
17 - DEW
My player of the season thus far. Sensational in alot of games and when he has been down has worked in a way that I did not think dewy could. Has shown a real passion and desire for the guernsey. He has looked polished off half back and when thrown into the middle has been very serviceable. Ideally Id like to see him used on a half back flank with bursts in the middle and up forward. A real game breaker. Keep it up Dewy. 9/10.
18 - K CORNES
Gone on from last season and is just a ball magnet. HIs work ethic and fitness allow him to be a really dominant and damaging player. Still gets some tough run with roles, but amazes me how he can still get plenty of the footy at the same time. Like P Burgoyne has looked and bit fumbly at times, but put this down to the pressure applied. HIs disposal can improve and Im sure Kane knows this. A really good season though and will become if not already a premier on baller in the league. 8/10.
19 - BISHOP
Disappointing. Has been well beaten on a few occassions now and is really starting to look shakey back there. Gets out muscled and at times his positioning is terrible. Really needs a lift, otherwise should dropped. Does not provide as much run as has in the past. 3/10
20 - BROGAN
Suffering a loss of confidence. For me is our number 1 ruckman. Has looked out of sorts in the games he has played. Dropping marks and just looking shaky at times. Is however very important. Easily our most athletic ruckman and his game against the SAINTS filled me with hope. Obviously not Chocco though. 3.5/10.
21 - WILSON
Troubled by injury and thankfully he will be back soon. HAs not been as good as he can be this year. Was absolutely woeful against the Tigers, but this fella is Port through and through. Again an important player in our push for the finals. Needs to lift to the levels from last year when fit. 3.5/10.
22- MAHONEY
Second year was always going to be more difficult for Josh. Was good to see him play well on Saturday night, but apart from the night has been non existant. Hopefully his game on the weekend gives him the confidence he needs. HIs desire and workrate are very good and his forward pressure was a key to success last year. 2.5/10.
24 - WHITE
In the games he has played has been disappointing. I am a big wrap for this fella but has just not grabbed his chance. Looks uncomfortable around Tredrea. PLay him out of Full forward, he can take a mark and he kicks goals in the SANFL, but just cant seem to crack it in the big time. Still young - still got time. 2/10.
25 - CASSISSI
Solid season. Has started to improve his form in the past fortnight. Reason being he has gone through the middle and got some good touches. Can still do the run with roles well. Very good defensive midfield player, but he has got to pick up his attacking side to become a complete midfielder. 5.5/10.
26 - COCHRANE
Gold pass holder. Not good enough for AFL. Manages to get games and is just not worth a midfield rotation. Has improved slightly in the last two weeks but does not offer anything a kid would not. 1/10.
27 - POULTON
Poults has been given one game and I think he could have maybe played one or two more. We all know his weakness is his disposal. I cannot question the mans endeavour but looks as though he will be delisted at season end. Would not mind if he were given one more chance. Better than Cochrane IMO. 1/10.
28 - THURSTANS
Terrible. Looks too laconic and as if it is just going to happen for him. Needs to get some aggression in to his game. Looked ok down back but really struggled up forward. He has to step up. 2.5/10.
29 - KINGSLEY
I am one of this guys biggest critics. He has once again shown that he is worthy of his spot in the 22. Started very slowly but has picked up in the last two weeks to be high in our Best players. I am glad to see he is not used off half back as much, because he is so indecisive at times. Can be a frustrating player but is looking good again. 6/10
30 - CHAPLIN
Cannot fault the games or should I say halves he has played. Made a couple of errors in these halves, but he looks very poised. He is a good size and a smooth mover down there. Surely if Bish's form or lack of continues this man will get an opportunity. 2/10.
31 - SALOPEK
Injury riddled is this fella. I have seen him enough to know that he has quality. He has yet to show this ability on the big stage. Not blessed with pace, but neither is Roger James. He needs to show some agression and really work hard to ge this body right. I think this kid, like Thommo has the ability to become a key player in the middle for us in the future.1.5/10.
33 - EBERT
Well I thought this bloke was set for a big season. Given plenty of opportunites to show what he is made of. Although he does not look comfortable in the role he is playing, he just misses marks, makes poor decisions and fumbles far too often for an AFL Player. Hopefully he gets some time through the middle and maybe there he can show us what he is made of. 2.5/10.
35 - C CORNES
Was worried early on. Looked dis interested and played far too loosely. Even though his role is to roam across half back, he still needs to show some sort of accountability. Missed games with injury and since he has been back has been the Chad we all know. Absolutely sensational in the past two weeks. 4.5/10.
36 - PETTIGREW
SHown glimpses but again like Chappy not given too many opportunites. Looks a real good athlete and I can see a future for him across half back. He is a very versatile player and his SANFL form is always good. Still young and slightly built, but reminds me a bit of a young Ben Hart. 2/10.
38 - JAMES
Season wrecked by injury and possibly even career. I pray that he gets the knee right because in the games he has played he has showed what class he has. We need this bloke fit and firing if we are to push for the finals. 2/10.
39 - SURJAN
Promising player but relies on confidence. He will be cut up about his game on Saturday night, because he was abysmal. He has the tools to be a very handy player. I would like to see him persisted with and given a go behind the footy where he played some good stuff in the Wiz Cup. 1.5/10.
42- WALSH
Great little pickup. Fabulous off half back. Pretty pacy and shows plenty of grit. He has shown he can run with the ball and hit a target with no problem at all. I have been very impressed the way he has slotted straight into the side. One of our better players thus far. 8/10.
They are my thoughts fellas. Feel free to add.
My team heading into our match with the Hawks would be as follows.
Wanganeen Lade Pickett
Cassissi Tredrea Eckermann
Dew R JAMES Kingsley
MOntgomery C Cornes S Burgoyne
Bishop* Wakelyn Walsh
Ruck - Brogan K Cornes P Burgoyne
inter - Primus** Francou surjan Mahoney
* = Last chance
** = WOuldnt have him there at all but ....
I feel as though Toby and Damon White may be spending alot of time in the SANFL. This being due to Primus not being allowed to be dropped.
1 - PRIMUS
For me he has been very disappointing. Granted he has come off two serious knee injuries. I do not doubt his leadership but I really have concerns of his future. So far this season his ruckwork has been non existant. He cannot jump and when in the middle seems to get jumped all over. SHowed a glimpse up forward against the Saints, but apart from that a disappointing season thus far. 2/10
2 - WAKELYN
One of very few consistant performers in 2005. Not getting any quicker but has done the job on numerous key forwards very very well. I thought he was going to really struggle this season, but he has shown his worth and has been a rock at full back for us. As long as the coaching staff know his limits he can maybe get one more year out of himself. A top notch first half of the year. 7.5/10.
3 - MONTGOMERY
This guy is one I really struggle with. Always finds the footy and gets plenty of it from half back and on a wing. My major problem with MOnty not only this season but in seasons gone past is the way in which he uses the footy. Goes sideways far too often and he does not really play directly at all. That said his last two games have been very good and his workrate is unquestionable. Must be more direct!! 5/10.
4 - WANGANEEN
Inconspicuous. Wangas is certainly slowing down, but he still has shown that he is worth his spot in the side. Flashes of brilliance at times but becoming a bit too far and few between. I just wish he wa splayed up forward more often than what he is. Will become important in our push for the 8. 5.5/10
5 - LADE
For me has been good this year. Without being great and dominating up forward as he has in the past. His ruckwork has been good, but that may be because of us seeing Primus in there alot, and that could well make him look better than how he really is going. Again nothing terribly great about his year, but only because we know what this man is capable of. Id love to see some agression fromt he big man. 5/10.
6 - THOMSON
Excited about this kid. Debuted against the Saints and was given very little time on the ground. Given some more time on the weekend and looks very promising. I love his quick hands and the way he thinks his footy through. Seen him at Sturt a couple times and he looks to be a clever player. Bright future. 3/10.
7 - P BURGOYNE
Missed games through injury and bans but he is still a great great midfielder. Has plenty of pace and has shown glimpses of the PB we know. He has looked a bit wobbly and unsure with the footy at times in recent weeks but he is always a contributor and a real trier. Solid season. Hopefully he picks it up in the run home. 7/10.
8 - S BURGOYNE
Ditto above with games he has missed. Sean has shown us his importance in the past two games. Beautifully balanced and perfect foot skills. If only he was fit for the entire season. Once again will be vital in our push for finals footy. 3/10.
10 - FRANCOU
Josh, like Primus has come off major injuries and has struggled immensely with his form. Very up and down, and has just seemed to have lost that amazing ability to evade men in the packs and get a quick handball out. Unfortunately Josh is not terribly versatile and can only really play through the middle. He kicked three on Saturday night and hopefully gives him some added confidence. AT best he should only be one of our midfield rotations. No longer in our first choice on ball brigade. 2.5/10
12 - SHATTOCK
One of our recruits. Much maligned for his disposal and lets not beat around the bush it is pretty poor. He has shown a little bit and I have been encouraged by his physical appraoch. If he can sharpen his skills up he may push his way into the side. However, when everyone is fit I can not find a place for him in the side. 2.5/10.
13 - ECKERMANN
Looks to be a good little player. Nice disposal and is a fit kid. Has not had enough time to tell whether he is up to the level in my opinion. Signs are however promising. 2/10.
15 - PICKETT
Reckless act cost him the first 5 weeks and has really stuggles to impose himself since he has been back. Highly disappointing season thus far for Choppy, but only because we know what this man can do. Looks as though he tired to alter his game and that was to his and our detriment. Thankfully he showed us the Choppy we know on Saturday night. Hard at the man, hard at the footy and kicking goals. 3/10.
16 - TREDREA
Dead set gun and when needed he has stood up as he always does. Warren is a special player and should be skipper. He has struggled in games due simply to lack of opporunities and the failure of our midfield to give him some decent service. HIs kicking at goal has been ok but he could still kick more goals than he does. It is a bit concerning the way in which he tries to get his opponent under the footy and then run on to it. Warren you are a mountain and you have good pace. USE THAT !! Without doubt in our top 4 or 5 for the year. 8.5/10.
17 - DEW
My player of the season thus far. Sensational in alot of games and when he has been down has worked in a way that I did not think dewy could. Has shown a real passion and desire for the guernsey. He has looked polished off half back and when thrown into the middle has been very serviceable. Ideally Id like to see him used on a half back flank with bursts in the middle and up forward. A real game breaker. Keep it up Dewy. 9/10.
18 - K CORNES
Gone on from last season and is just a ball magnet. HIs work ethic and fitness allow him to be a really dominant and damaging player. Still gets some tough run with roles, but amazes me how he can still get plenty of the footy at the same time. Like P Burgoyne has looked and bit fumbly at times, but put this down to the pressure applied. HIs disposal can improve and Im sure Kane knows this. A really good season though and will become if not already a premier on baller in the league. 8/10.
19 - BISHOP
Disappointing. Has been well beaten on a few occassions now and is really starting to look shakey back there. Gets out muscled and at times his positioning is terrible. Really needs a lift, otherwise should dropped. Does not provide as much run as has in the past. 3/10
20 - BROGAN
Suffering a loss of confidence. For me is our number 1 ruckman. Has looked out of sorts in the games he has played. Dropping marks and just looking shaky at times. Is however very important. Easily our most athletic ruckman and his game against the SAINTS filled me with hope. Obviously not Chocco though. 3.5/10.
21 - WILSON
Troubled by injury and thankfully he will be back soon. HAs not been as good as he can be this year. Was absolutely woeful against the Tigers, but this fella is Port through and through. Again an important player in our push for the finals. Needs to lift to the levels from last year when fit. 3.5/10.
22- MAHONEY
Second year was always going to be more difficult for Josh. Was good to see him play well on Saturday night, but apart from the night has been non existant. Hopefully his game on the weekend gives him the confidence he needs. HIs desire and workrate are very good and his forward pressure was a key to success last year. 2.5/10.
24 - WHITE
In the games he has played has been disappointing. I am a big wrap for this fella but has just not grabbed his chance. Looks uncomfortable around Tredrea. PLay him out of Full forward, he can take a mark and he kicks goals in the SANFL, but just cant seem to crack it in the big time. Still young - still got time. 2/10.
25 - CASSISSI
Solid season. Has started to improve his form in the past fortnight. Reason being he has gone through the middle and got some good touches. Can still do the run with roles well. Very good defensive midfield player, but he has got to pick up his attacking side to become a complete midfielder. 5.5/10.
26 - COCHRANE
Gold pass holder. Not good enough for AFL. Manages to get games and is just not worth a midfield rotation. Has improved slightly in the last two weeks but does not offer anything a kid would not. 1/10.
27 - POULTON
Poults has been given one game and I think he could have maybe played one or two more. We all know his weakness is his disposal. I cannot question the mans endeavour but looks as though he will be delisted at season end. Would not mind if he were given one more chance. Better than Cochrane IMO. 1/10.
28 - THURSTANS
Terrible. Looks too laconic and as if it is just going to happen for him. Needs to get some aggression in to his game. Looked ok down back but really struggled up forward. He has to step up. 2.5/10.
29 - KINGSLEY
I am one of this guys biggest critics. He has once again shown that he is worthy of his spot in the 22. Started very slowly but has picked up in the last two weeks to be high in our Best players. I am glad to see he is not used off half back as much, because he is so indecisive at times. Can be a frustrating player but is looking good again. 6/10
30 - CHAPLIN
Cannot fault the games or should I say halves he has played. Made a couple of errors in these halves, but he looks very poised. He is a good size and a smooth mover down there. Surely if Bish's form or lack of continues this man will get an opportunity. 2/10.
31 - SALOPEK
Injury riddled is this fella. I have seen him enough to know that he has quality. He has yet to show this ability on the big stage. Not blessed with pace, but neither is Roger James. He needs to show some agression and really work hard to ge this body right. I think this kid, like Thommo has the ability to become a key player in the middle for us in the future.1.5/10.
33 - EBERT
Well I thought this bloke was set for a big season. Given plenty of opportunites to show what he is made of. Although he does not look comfortable in the role he is playing, he just misses marks, makes poor decisions and fumbles far too often for an AFL Player. Hopefully he gets some time through the middle and maybe there he can show us what he is made of. 2.5/10.
35 - C CORNES
Was worried early on. Looked dis interested and played far too loosely. Even though his role is to roam across half back, he still needs to show some sort of accountability. Missed games with injury and since he has been back has been the Chad we all know. Absolutely sensational in the past two weeks. 4.5/10.
36 - PETTIGREW
SHown glimpses but again like Chappy not given too many opportunites. Looks a real good athlete and I can see a future for him across half back. He is a very versatile player and his SANFL form is always good. Still young and slightly built, but reminds me a bit of a young Ben Hart. 2/10.
38 - JAMES
Season wrecked by injury and possibly even career. I pray that he gets the knee right because in the games he has played he has showed what class he has. We need this bloke fit and firing if we are to push for the finals. 2/10.
39 - SURJAN
Promising player but relies on confidence. He will be cut up about his game on Saturday night, because he was abysmal. He has the tools to be a very handy player. I would like to see him persisted with and given a go behind the footy where he played some good stuff in the Wiz Cup. 1.5/10.
42- WALSH
Great little pickup. Fabulous off half back. Pretty pacy and shows plenty of grit. He has shown he can run with the ball and hit a target with no problem at all. I have been very impressed the way he has slotted straight into the side. One of our better players thus far. 8/10.
They are my thoughts fellas. Feel free to add.
My team heading into our match with the Hawks would be as follows.
Wanganeen Lade Pickett
Cassissi Tredrea Eckermann
Dew R JAMES Kingsley
MOntgomery C Cornes S Burgoyne
Bishop* Wakelyn Walsh
Ruck - Brogan K Cornes P Burgoyne
inter - Primus** Francou surjan Mahoney
* = Last chance
** = WOuldnt have him there at all but ....
I feel as though Toby and Damon White may be spending alot of time in the SANFL. This being due to Primus not being allowed to be dropped.
