Preview Who will truly break out in 2011?

[LukeBallsGirl]

Who do you think will become a star?
Who do you think we need to improve for the future?

We had some break out players this year in Wellingham, Sidebottom and Beams so who do you think will be that player or players next season?

By guess is Brent Maccaffer. I hated this guy before round 16 but after that game, he became a solid player in the forward line who I think will became a gun by next seasons end. He does flashy things, roves packs, takes marks and is usually a good set shot at goal whilst also good on the at goal. I can see him nearly winning our leading goal kicker next season with a full year as a medium forward in the forward line. He's strong in contested situations and damn did he have some moments in BOTH grand finals. His first quarter in the replay was great, tough and he shows poise of a player with alot more experiance.

Remember round 12? Brad Dick showed his worth then. This guy is a genuine GUN small forward. I have that much faith in his ability to label him a gun NOW. He just needs to get on the park more. He is in our best 22. Great at ground level, great off the packs, great kick at goals with absolutely flair to become the next Leon Davis, but a much better and consistant player. He is a real big game match winning small forward. Carlton can have Betts and Garlett - I wouldn't trade Dick's ability for both of them. This kid can seriously play and will be in the best side at the start of the year if he is right to go. I hope that he isn't another Sean Rusling, because he has talent to burn.

Looking at our list, we need a good ruckman to come through and Cameron Wood has shown small glimpses over the years at Collingwood that he COULD become at least a handy replacement ruckman for Jolly, and considering what we did give up for this guy - we need him too. What Wood needs is a top notch year in the VFL capped off by some good games at AFL level. Remember that mark he took in the 2009 semi final against Adelaide? He can still play, I don't doubt that, it's all about applying himself at AFL level. Collingwood are constantly said to be the losers in the trade of Wood for pick #14 but we could eventually be the winners.

 

[HFF]

I must say, I didn't think much of LeCaff before round 16 either but he definitely won me over.

He is definiely one I expect to improve next season.

Whilst he is already up there, I expect Cloke to take his game further and enhance his standing as a premier key forward of the comp.

Special mentions to Brad Dick and Sharrod Wellingham.

 

[Bianconerri]

B.Reid
C.Dawes
A.Krakouer, from the level of football he played at Richmond, he is set to explode. Bookmark it.!

 

[Rusty22]

Ladies and Gentlemen, watch out for Steele Sidebottom, this kid is going to be a legnd of this club, many say he really burst out this year, but, i really think he can move into being one of our top midfielders.
Sharrod Wellingham- Love this dude, especially his roving goals in the grand final, quicker than what people think he is, and opposition clubs still dont rate him, well we will see about that come end of 2011.
Brad Dick- Cheeky little forward, loved his queens bday last year 6 goals, its so hard to think whos spot he will take but i really want this guy in the side, excitement machine, but still we have plenty of options like krak, blairy, OMG the depth we have, exciting times ahead folks!

 

[Bianconerri]

Oops forgot , Rusling will break out of not breaking down now that he is not playing contact sport.
He should go back to athletics where he excelled as a junior, Good luck Sean

 

[Dylz48]

I'll try and be different Simon Buckley and Brad Dick

 

[Markfs]

I got a feeling that Sidebottom has already exploded over the two grand finals. Maybe he can explode again.

And as for Brad Dick, I think he's going to become a firm favourite with the Sean Rusling crowd who are going to be looking for someone new to "root for" next season.

 

[Quicky]

Sidebottom and Beams I expect to continue to improve. I wouldn't say they are in line for a breakout year but are definitely on a steady upward curve in a similar vein to Daisy's development.

I think it would be fair to say that Macaffers breakout year was this year. He was truly good this year and while he still has improvement I don't think it will be as vast as some may expect. If the OP rumours are to be believed it may be wise to moderate our expectations of LeCaf this year.

I think Krakouer has a good chance of being the player everyone is talking about this year. It'll be interesting to see if missing Arizona effects him but I can't help but have big expectations of him.

With our small forward woes continue I think either Dick or Rounds has the opportunity to cement a position in the team and show their worth. Dick is already tried and tested and I think is a good choice if he remains on the field but thats a big if. Rounds on the other hand was bitterly lucky to get injured when he did as if he was fit would have been in the side at the end of the year. He would be a good smokey selection if he maintains his VFL form as I see opportunity in his position.

 

[Rusty22]

I got a feeling that Sidebottom has already exploded over the two grand finals. Maybe he can explode again.

And as for Brad Dick, I think he's going to become a firm favourite with the Sean Rusling crowd who are going to be looking for someone new to "root for" next season.

i see what you did there

 

[Breakthelines]

Brad Dick, Leon Davis & Andrew Krakouer......

The indigenous players will be on fire come 2011!

 

[Swooop]

Well from memory we had a thread like this last year, my big prediction for 2010 was that Josh would have a breakout year, as a tall HFF/winger, relieved of the ruck burden with the arrival of Darren Jolly.

So, with head bowed, won't say another word.









Except one, Krakouer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[mdc]

I think it would be fair to say that Macaffers breakout year was this year. He was truly good this year and while he still has improvement I don't think it will be as vast as some may expect. If the OP rumours are to be believed it may be wise to moderate our expectations of LeCaf this year.

OP would obviously be a huge setback for this year, but long-term he has lots of scope to improve in both fitness and confidence, two aspects that Sidebum and Beams already have down pat. So I'd actually say he has more improvement than some would believe, and S&B might have less. The latter are safer bets though, obviously.

As for the OP, I'll pick Dawes: look for him to establish himself as our no.1 forward.

 

[Quicky]

OP would obviously be a huge setback for this year, but long-term he has lots of scope to improve in both fitness and confidence, two aspects that Sidebum and Beams already have down pat. So I'd actually say he has more improvement than some would believe, and S&B might have less. The latter are safer bets though, obviously.

As for the OP, I'll pick Dawes: look for him to establish himself as our no.1 forward.

The scope for Macaffer's improvement is whether he can start winning more of the ball and become more consistent. He is for the most part pretty solid with the rest of his game. Next year I think our need at small forward will see him limited to a similar year he had this year. In the longer term if he becomes fit enough for the midfield and increases his numbers he could improve again as he has a high hurt factor. So yeah in the longer term I agree but I don't see that as next year.

 

[mattys123]

Who do you think will become a star?
Who do you think we need to improve for the future?

The stars of 2011 (well new stars) will be Steele Sidebottom, Dayne Beams and Brad Dick, if Dicky can stay fit that is.

There are others who in a few years might be "stars", like Rounds, Thomas, Keefe and even a Sinclair, but there is too much "hope" and not enough proof to say they will make it, let alone be stars in 2011.

As for who we need to improve, Chris Dawes is the name that stands out for me. Yes, he had a very good first full year as a senior player, but IMO his potential is so far "untapped" it might be scary. He has the potential to be as good as any power forward in the AFL, yep, big call, but he has everything you need, and is still young and developing. The obvious other one is Cameron Wood, as apart from Jolly, we really do lack a permanent ruckman if Jolly happened to get injured.

So my "watch" player for 2011 is Chris Dawes, while my "hope" player is Brad Dick, because I see the forward line as the one area where we can improve dramatically in 2011.

 

[Dundalis]

Who do you think will become a star?
Who do you think we need to improve for the future?

We had some break out players this year in Wellingham, Sidebottom and Beams so who do you think will be that player or players next season?

By guess is Brent Maccaffer. I hated this guy before round 16 but after that game, he became a solid player in the forward line who I think will became a gun by next seasons end. He does flashy things, roves packs, takes marks and is usually a good set shot at goal whilst also good on the at goal. I can see him nearly winning our leading goal kicker next season with a full year as a medium forward in the forward line. He's strong in contested situations and damn did he have some moments in BOTH grand finals. His first quarter in the replay was great, tough and he shows poise of a player with alot more experiance.

Remember round 12? Brad Dick showed his worth then. This guy is a genuine GUN small forward. I have that much faith in his ability to label him a gun NOW. He just needs to get on the park more. He is in our best 22. Great at ground level, great off the packs, great kick at goals with absolutely flair to become the next Leon Davis, but a much better and consistant player. He is a real big game match winning small forward. Carlton can have Betts and Garlett - I wouldn't trade Dick's ability for both of them. This kid can seriously play and will be in the best side at the start of the year if he is right to go. I hope that he isn't another Sean Rusling, because he has talent to burn.

Looking at our list, we need a good ruckman to come through and Cameron Wood has shown small glimpses over the years at Collingwood that he COULD become at least a handy replacement ruckman for Jolly, and considering what we did give up for this guy - we need him too. What Wood needs is a top notch year in the VFL capped off by some good games at AFL level. Remember that mark he took in the 2009 semi final against Adelaide? He can still play, I don't doubt that, it's all about applying himself at AFL level. Collingwood are constantly said to be the losers in the trade of Wood for pick #14 but we could eventually be the winners.

Brent MacCaffer won't even be a regular next season, if I were to make a prediction. Unfortunately for him he gets nudged out with the reduction in numbers (the 22nd player is basically an emergency), and with the addition of Krakouer and Tarrant, plus players coming up from the VFL whom may be more talented than him. If we are hit by injuries then maybe he plays the full season, but I think over the course of the season, he and Blair from our Premiership team, as well as Goldsack will make way and be more bit part players. Rarely does a 22 stay exactly the same, even for a Premiership team, and those 3 are most likely to make way.

Dick's body won't hold up I don't think. Solid young player, but he's just far too skinny for AFL footy. I expect another impact injury should he get a run of games, I certainly wouldn't be relying on him becoming an important part of the side.

How is Wood going to get a game? The only way would be if Jolly got injured. There is no way known, given we will have to play with 21 men, that he will get a game beside Jolly. It's not going to happen. The subsitute rule is a disgrace and will mean the death of the second ruckman. Even Leigh Brown, despite his versatility may struggle to remain in the main side. If he does stay in the 22, I would expect Brown to be chosen as the sub over Wood purely due to versatility.

I think the improvement will come from Sidebottom, whom should have more of a consistent impact and be a more consistent ball winner through the season. Also from Beams whom should be given more time in the midfield. And hopefully Wellingham can have a full season like he showed in the first 6 rounds of 2010, and eradicate the dip in form (though injury played a part).

I also hope Dawes can step up and take more control of the I50 space and be our leading goal kicker. Tom Young from the players yet to debut hopefully can get into the side and show promise.

 

[Thommo 42]

Dawes, Reid and Krakouer.

 

[PieEyedLad]

Sidebottom - Played two absolutely ripper GF's but I still feel he wasn't at his potential for the majority of the season. Looks like he's really putting in this pre-season as well, maybe just needs to bulk up a bit and we could have a premier, classy mid as soon as next year. Pretty exciting stuff considering he's 19, played an unbelievable roll in the premiership, and will only be playing his third season. 300+ gamer coming right up.

Dawes - Was vital but didn't star in the GF's, just lacks a little bit of smarts, but when he'll fire, then he's gonna fire big time. His opponent will be absolutely screwed in the air.

 

[sackbreath]

I actually think that footy smarts are one of Dawes' big strengths. Thinking about his tap-ons to pendles, cloke, etc in the GF's and how he makes good space for others and often marks out alone on the lead, meaning his timing and outsmarting of direct opponents is pretty good.
I'd like to see him improve his grabs a bit, particularly contested on the lead. He has definitely gotten better in this area, but i feel much less certain of a mark when he is going for it as when say Cloke or even McCaffer are. Progressing very well though.
Im thinking big seasons for Wellingham and McCaffer.

 

[the woodsmen2010]

I like Ben Reid, think he had a great year this year. Will be fitter, stronger and more experienced.....

Could go AA......

 

[vjknight]

How is Wood going to get a game? The only way would be if Jolly got injured. There is no way known, given we will have to play with 21 men, that he will get a game beside Jolly. It's not going to happen. The subsitute rule is a disgrace and will mean the death of the second ruckman. Even Leigh Brown, despite his versatility may struggle to remain in the main side. If he does stay in the 22, I would expect Brown to be chosen as the sub over Wood purely due to versatility.

as per the substitute thread of a month or so ago, i can see wood replacing brown regularly as the sub. brown gets his chance to do his thing, being the big man roaming around, relieving the ruck, no rest, just the big, experienced option for anything going on. and as he gets older and assuming he's exhausted by mid 3rd qtr, gets replaced by wood who does ruck/forward for the remainder. gives wood the game time he needs, especially as the remaining positions on the ground are covered by our adaptable squad.

wood should come into his own in the next year.........or two.

 

[i football]

Brent MacCaffer won't even be a regular next season, if I were to make a prediction. Unfortunately for him he gets nudged out with the reduction in numbers (the 22nd player is basically an emergency), and with the addition of Krakouer and Tarrant, plus players coming up from the VFL whom may be more talented than him. If we are hit by injuries then maybe he plays the full season, but I think over the course of the season, he and Blair from our Premiership team, as well as Goldsack will make way and be more bit part players. Rarely does a 22 stay exactly the same, even for a Premiership team, and those 3 are most likely to make way.

Dick's body won't hold up I don't think. Solid young player, but he's just far too skinny for AFL footy. I expect another impact injury should he get a run of games, I certainly wouldn't be relying on him becoming an important part of the side.

How is Wood going to get a game? The only way would be if Jolly got injured. There is no way known, given we will have to play with 21 men, that he will get a game beside Jolly. It's not going to happen. The subsitute rule is a disgrace and will mean the death of the second ruckman. Even Leigh Brown, despite his versatility may struggle to remain in the main side. If he does stay in the 22, I would expect Brown to be chosen as the sub over Wood purely due to versatility.

I think the improvement will come from Sidebottom, whom should have more of a consistent impact and be a more consistent ball winner through the season. Also from Beams whom should be given more time in the midfield. And hopefully Wellingham can have a full season like he showed in the first 6 rounds of 2010, and eradicate the dip in form (though injury played a part).

I also hope Dawes can step up and take more control of the I50 space and be our leading goal kicker. Tom Young from the players yet to debut hopefully can get into the side and show promise.

So nobody ???? - by the way I have a rusty razor blade for you.... This was really depressing to read !

 

[mattys123]

So nobody ???? - by the way I have a rusty razor blade for you.... This was really depressing to read !

Have fun winning 3 games next year.

 

[Bay Pie]

I'm not understanding all the Dick negativity with relation to hi sinjuries.

Sure, he is as skinny as, but from my recollection he's had 2 bad injuries. That's it.

Knee reco from practice match in 2008??? Missed a year as almost all players would.

Injured his shoulder in Arizona last year, had key hole surgery on the shoulder in the hope it'd be OK, but injured the same shoulder in his 2nd game back in 2010 and missed the rest of the year with a shoulder reco.

In hindsight, perhaps could have been done after Arizona last year.

So while he missed alot of footy in his 4 years with us, 2 years have been wipped out by 2 injuries.

What other impact injuries has he had??

Back to thread title, Chris Dawes. Big guy, big tank and good shot at goal. He now knows what he can do at AFL level. His confidence will be sky high and that is as important as anything.

 

[Lockyer24]

Reid & Sidey

 

[Vendrell]

Reid to become the best CHB in the league.