Tac Cup 2013

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Thoughts on Jason Cooke and Zachary Merrett everyone (or anyone)?

Before the season started, I picked Cooke as one guy I thought could be a bit of a bolter. I've been a little disappointed to see that he has been playing largely up forward so far this year, as opposed to up on a wing. Yet to really take a game by the scruff of the neck, but seems to have good speed and footskills.

And Merrett is one player I'm really keen on seeing more of, only managed to see him live once this season. Should get selected for Vic Country though, and I'll hopefully be able to get to more TAC Cup games post Championships too. But I was a pretty big fan of his brother a couple of years ago, and Zachary looks a similar type - quick, running outside midfielder. Not quite as tall as Jackson unfortunately, but has nice skills and links up well. Fully expect to be hearing more of his name in the next few months.
 

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Chris25 said:
Thoughts on Jason Cooke and Zachary Merrett everyone (or anyone)?

Before the season started, I picked Cooke as one guy I thought could be a bit of a bolter. I've been a little disappointed to see that he has been playing largely up forward so far this year, as opposed to up on a wing. Yet to really take a game by the scruff of the neck, but seems to have good speed and footskills.
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I watched him play on the weekend. He played in the first match of the Vic Metro v Vic Country trial games on Sunday and I thought he was BOG. He played in the midfield and won quite a bit of the ball, as you mentioned above it looks as though he has good speed and foot skills, he also kicked a nice goal. Overall the first match was pretty scrappy and was played in dry but windy conditions.
 
Another couple of players who have caught the eye are Geelong Falcon's pair Matthew Boag and Darcy Lang. Obviously Geelong have a few more well known players in the mix this year, but those two have been really consistent performers this season.

I seem to remember Boag being more of a small forward last year, but he has pushed into the midfield this season and is winning his fair share of the ball. Tackles well, makes good decisions with the ball and still has the ability to go forward - kicked 5 goals in his last game. At 185cm and 90kg, he could be a fringe player worth watching during the Championships.

And Lang is more your classic hard running midfielder, works all day on the outside and links up well. Making the move from small forward to midfielder this season, his inside game is still developing but his defensive pressure is right up there. Again, another with good skills by foot. Probably been one of Geelong's best so far this season.
 
Sin City said:
Only seen Cooke once this year Chris25 and like you I thought he was a bit quiet.
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Iv'e been following Cooke quite closey over the past 6 months. He had a very limited preseason due to a knee injury suffered last year. I saw his game against Western where he kicked 4 goals from limited time and his game against North Ballarat where he picked up a number of posessions in a good performance. Your right though just needs that breakout game to put his name right up there.
 
If I were a recruiter, I'd be more than happy if Cooke didn't have that breakout performance because it would just mean that I'd get a bargain later on in the draft. I think he projects very nicely playing on a wing. I wasn't sure if he had injury concerns, but thought that may have been a reason for the lack of midfield time. I didn't get to see his last couple of games, but judging from the stats sheet it looks like he ran through the midfield more.
 
hammmmmmish45 said:
Iv'e been following Cooke quite closey over the past 6 months. He had a very limited preseason due to a knee injury suffered last year. I saw his game against Western where he kicked 4 goals from limited time and his game against North Ballarat where he picked up a number of posessions in a good performance. Your right though just needs that breakout game to put his name right up there.
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Solid input. Welcome aboard :thumbsu:
 
Sin City said:
Solid input. Welcome aboard :thumbsu:
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Chris25 said:
If I were a recruiter, I'd be more than happy if Cooke didn't have that breakout performance because it would just mean that I'd get a bargain later on in the draft. I think he projects very nicely playing on a wing. I wasn't sure if he had injury concerns, but thought that may have been a reason for the lack of midfield time. I didn't get to see his last couple of games, but judging from the stats sheet it looks like he ran through the midfield more.
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Will be interesting to see how he goes throughout the Championships.
 
Thoughts on National Championships ? Metro look stronger than VC in second game on the week end. Metro midfield looked very strong with Kelly, Salem, Freeman and add in Petracca and McDonald makes its very fermitable. Up forward Boyd is a man mountain and will be impossible to match up with and add to this Ben Lennon and Max Hayes and this becomes a potent forward line. Thoughts on Max Hayes? seems to have really improved his work rate this year, i think has put himself in the mix as of late.
 
Metro will be the main competition for South Australia in my opinion. They just have so much class in their midfield, particularly on the outside. Don't get me wrong, Country have a solid midfield too - but they don't have the same polish that the Metro boys have. The final round under the roof at Etihad in particular will play to Metro's strength.
 

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Legend23 said:
Thoughts on National Championships ? Metro look stronger than VC in second game on the week end. Metro midfield looked very strong with Kelly, Salem, Freeman and add in Petracca and McDonald makes its very fermitable. Up forward Boyd is a man mountain and will be impossible to match up with and add to this Ben Lennon and Max Hayes and this becomes a potent forward line. Thoughts on Max Hayes? seems to have really improved his work rate this year, i think has put himself in the mix as of late.
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think hayes will struggle to be honest. lacks pace and will be found out in the championships. He is simply a mark and kick type, not much to his game after that, add to this he is only low 190 cm in height which is far too short for a key positon and i personally dont think he has the mobility to be a half forward type ala jack darling. Would need a very strong championships to move himself up the order.
 
footyfan97 said:
think hayes will struggle to be honest. lacks pace and will be found out in the championships. He is simply a mark and kick type, not much to his game after that, add to this he is only low 190 cm in height which is far too short for a key positon and i personally dont think he has the mobility to be a half forward type ala jack darling. Would need a very strong championships to move himself up the order.[/

Will be interesting to see how he performs agree that not tall enough for Key forward, but is held in high regard at dragons obviously named co-captain. Big call but reminds me of Aaron Hamill. Is Boyd the best forward in the country ? Know the Vic players but not any interstaters.
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Chris25 said:
Another couple of players who have caught the eye are Geelong Falcon's pair Matthew Boag and Darcy Lang. Obviously Geelong have a few more well known players in the mix this year, but those two have been really consistent performers this season.

I seem to remember Boag being more of a small forward last year, but he has pushed into the midfield this season and is winning his fair share of the ball. Tackles well, makes good decisions with the ball and still has the ability to go forward - kicked 5 goals in his last game. At 185cm and 90kg, he could be a fringe player worth watching during the Championships.

And Lang is more your classic hard running midfielder, works all day on the outside and links up well. Making the move from small forward to midfielder this season, his inside game is still developing but his defensive pressure is right up there. Again, another with good skills by foot. Probably been one of Geelong's best so far this season.
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They're two I've been really impressed with early. Without the four ais kids, Lang and Boag led from the front and full on dominated games. I reckon they were hands down the best two kids early on.

How many champs games they play and where they play in them will be interesting. Country has so much depth in its midfielders this year.
 
Legend23 said:
Thoughts on National Championships ? Metro look stronger than VC in second game on the week end. Metro midfield looked very strong with Kelly, Salem, Freeman and add in Petracca and McDonald makes its very fermitable. Up forward Boyd is a man mountain and will be impossible to match up with and add to this Ben Lennon and Max Hayes and this becomes a potent forward line. Thoughts on Max Hayes? seems to have really improved his work rate this year, i think has put himself in the mix as of late.
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Yeah very strong midfield as you say, add Bontempelli and Jack Billings, who will also strengthen that half forward line.

Jake Kalanj at half back is one I'm expecting to put his name forward, doesn't seem to be too many defenders standing out yet but he and Tom Cutler should get some attention.
 
Sin City said:
Yeah very strong midfield as you say, add Bontempelli and Jack Billings, who will also strengthen that half forward line.

Jake Kalanj at half back is one I'm expecting to put his name forward, doesn't seem to be too many defenders standing out yet but he and Tom Cutler should get some attention.
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Jack Billings is carring a knee at the moment and not sure how much game time he will get.
 
Half time at the game here at Box Hill. The Sand Dragons are about 6 goals up and playing really well.
Some players I've liked so far:
Charlie Kelso - not sure the kid is too good around the ground but he is dominating in the ruck and pushing the ball continuously down to the Dragon mids.
Max Hayes - leading out really well. Another good game for the "too-short" key forward.
Josh Kelly - has the Ablett effect and is getting a lot of handball receives. Generally using it pretty well too. Has kicked two goals to this point and being a general headache for the Chargers defence.
Adrian Indivino - one of the only Charger mids to have sort of impact on this game. Playing well on the wing.
Elliot Le Grice - playing well as 2nd ruck and key forward.
Christian Salem - really good when he gets the ball but haven't seen him with it too much. Kicked a good goal though.
 

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