Opinion Who will improve most in 2015?

[pjfairbairn]

Our drafting seems to suggest that we have hung our hats on Hogan being a success... So fingers crossed! Would hate to get to Round 7, be averaging 8 goals a game and hear Roos talking about 'a lack of numbers up forward'...

 

[Topkent]

Get the ox down there to train him , then ask Carey down followed by brereton

Then once he's an arrogant lady killing gambling addict teach him how to kick a goal

 

[Topkent]

Our drafting seems to suggest that we have hung our hats on Hogan being a success... So fingers crossed! Would hate to get to Round 7, be averaging 8 goals a game and hear Roos talking about 'a lack of numbers up forward'...

There is almost no point drafting a key forward after pick 20
I don't understand why people think we will draft nick riewoldt in the third round
Chances are we will have another top 8 pick next year meaning we can probably reach for a key if we have to , hogan Dawes fitzy pedo etc is plenty if it goes down properly , ideally we would love a FF with hogan but not every premiership side had 2 superstar keys

 

[Demon 16]

There is almost no point drafting a key forward after pick 20
I don't understand why people think we will draft nick riewoldt in the third round
Chances are we will have another top 8 pick next year meaning we can probably reach for a key if we have to , hogan Dawes fitzy pedo etc is plenty if it goes down properly , ideally we would love a FF with hogan but not every premiership side had 2 superstar keys

Do you think we would have taken McCartin at 1 if we didn't have Hogan?

 

[stretcharmstrong]

Do you think we would have taken McCartin at 1 if we didn't have Hogan?

That's a damn hard question to answer, mostly because we didn't have pick 1. If we did have pick 1, and only pick 1, I'd think not. The midfield has been our biggest weakness and is far and away the most important area to be strong in. So from that perspective, best mid in the draft still would have been our goal I reckon.

 

[thetank]

Our drafting seems to suggest that we have hung our hats on Hogan being a success... So fingers crossed! Would hate to get to Round 7, be averaging 8 goals a game and hear Roos talking about 'a lack of numbers up forward'...

If the midfield develops to Geelong 2007-11 standard then it won't matter who is in the goalsquare, goals will come.

On the other hand, Wayne Carey and Tony Lockett wouldn't kick 6 goals between them in the Melbourne sides of the past 8 years.

 

[Demon 16]

That's a damn hard question to answer, mostly because we didn't have pick 1. If we did have pick 1, and only pick 1, I'd think not. The midfield has been our biggest weakness and is far and away the most important area to be strong in. So from that perspective, best mid in the draft still would have been our goal I reckon.

Tough call though isn't it. When you consider the next 2 drafts currently appear bereft of key forwards.

Anyway, I don't think we necessarily 'hang our hats' on Hogan being a success - rather just took the best players available, and would have probably taken the same picks whether Hogan was there or not.

 

[Gysberts2Bate]

That's a damn hard question to answer, mostly because we didn't have pick 1. If we did have pick 1, and only pick 1, I'd think not. The midfield has been our biggest weakness and is far and away the most important area to be strong in. So from that perspective, best mid in the draft still would have been our goal I reckon.

Best available.

As it stands, Petracca will probably play most of the 2015 as our second or third forward, unless Fitzpatrick or Watts turn it on.

 

[Theseventhhamster]

Petracca was a number one regardless. I could see us going either way with Patty/Brayshaw.

 

[PureFooty]

Dean Kent or Tom McDonald, I think they'll both improve, with Frawley gone, T-Mac is probably our number 1 defender. I think he will relsih the responsibility. Just needs to improve his use of the pill. Kent is just the obvious choice, good around goals, solid size and has lightning pace. I wouldn't mind him to be given a bit more midfield time either.

 

[stabler]

ANB b I t c h e s! Get around him!

 

[stretcharmstrong]

On what base do we judge a first year players improvement? They all had no impact last year. By that basis, one goal is an infinite improvement! If two first year players kick a goal, it'll be infinity vs infinity - how am I supposed to figure that out!?!

I can't split Viney and Tyson. Saw some great stuff from both last year and think they both look positioned to really explode with strong preseasons.

 

[Dory_77]

I think guys like Viney and Tyson will continue to gradually improve. Maybe it's because I have higher expectations of them, or think they're already very solid, but I don't see them really 'breaking-out' and suddenly averaging 30-odd touches at 80%DE. I think they'll just do the little things better; use the ball better, get it a few times more a game, maybe get a few more goals over the year.
Kent I think could make a big jump. He looked good last season and if he could play more midfield time then he'd be set for a big year. Toumpas is another who should improve a lot this year. He's fit, going well in training (apparently) and has had a bit of exposure at AFL level. I doubt he'll become a superstar over the season, but should cement his spot in the side and become a dependable player.

 

[Topkent]

Tough call though isn't it. When you consider the next 2 drafts currently appear bereft of key forwards.

Anyway, I don't think we necessarily 'hang our hats' on Hogan being a success - rather just took the best players available, and would have probably taken the same picks whether Hogan was there or not.

Yeah as stretch said thats a really tough question, I would think we would have because Roosy is a big fan of the Barry Hall type in the goalsquare

 

[Topkent]

My boy dean kent is the man though , him and Garlett will be a lighting quick handful and unlike betts kent is a lefty so we will have ones able to rove either side

 

[Demon 16]

Gawn is our best chance of a break out year in my opinion.

Very surprised this thread doesn't have more Gawn.

If we were running a book I would be loading up. He's going to have a competition level break out in my opinion - not just at Melbourne.

(sorry MFCforever)

 

[Gysberts2Bate]

I think guys like Viney and Tyson will continue to gradually improve. Maybe it's because I have higher expectations of them, or think they're already very solid, but I don't see them really 'breaking-out' and suddenly averaging 30-odd touches at 80%DE. I think they'll just do the little things better; use the ball better, get it a few times more a game, maybe get a few more goals over the year.
Kent I think could make a big jump. He looked good last season and if he could play more midfield time then he'd be set for a big year. Toumpas is another who should improve a lot this year. He's fit, going well in training (apparently) and has had a bit of exposure at AFL level. I doubt he'll become a superstar over the season, but should cement his spot in the side and become a dependable player.

If Tyson had been fitter going into 2014 and not eventually fatigued he'd have averaged very close to 30 disposals. Wouldn't be surprised to see Viney break 25 next year.

 

[Tempy Tiger]

Salem. He had no preseason last year but still showed he's got both class and toughness. I reckon he'll get plenty of time on the ball this year to show his wares.