Murray MiddletonThe AFL Fringe Festival (Part 2)
May 22nd 2008 09:52
Kangaroos - Aaron Edwards
Edwards form in the opening rounds of the season was as expected. At times he looked like a star - taking huge marks and kicking goals - yet he also went missing for large periods of play. As usual, he stuggled to kick bags of goals. In round six Edwards suffered a broken leg against Sydney. He will miss the rest of the season. Although Edwards is a talented player, he is running out of time. He may lose some athleticism as a result of the broken leg.
Melbourne - Colin Sylvia
Sylvia was drafted alongside Brock McLean to be a big-bodied midfielder. With Brent Maloney also recruited by the Demons in the same year, they should have had three strong players at most centre bounces. While McLean has won the occasional match, both Maloney and Sylvia have struggled. Sylvia owes the Demons a lot. He was suspended pre-season for breaking the team curfew. His form since has been on a par with that of his team.
Port Adelaide - Damon White
White hasn't played yet this season. Despite losing their first four matches, the Power have shown confidence in their current group. With Tredrea, Motlop, Ebert and Westhoff up forward there is no room for another tall forward. White needs an injury to one of these players to stake his claim. His best hope might be to become a defender. He is running out of time and probably isn't quite up to playing regularly at AFL level.
Richmond - Jarrod Oakley- Nicholls
Similarly to White, Oakley-Nicholls is yet to break into the Tiger's line-up this season. While he has shown glimpses of form playing for Coburg in the VFL, he is a long way off gaining a promotion. The likes of Cotchin, Pettifer and Connors are competing for the same position in the side. Richmond's form has improved. Some of their younger players - Riewoldt, Tambling, Thursfield, White, Edwards - have contributed to this improvement. Oakley-Nichols has the rest of the season to save his career.
St. Kilda - Raphael Clarke
Dropped twice already, Clarke is one of the strangest footballers ever to play the game. His approach is casual, his decision making is non-existent and his career is almost over. Former coach Grant Thomas recently said that R.Clarke was the most gifted athlete that he had ever coached. While it may seem like a waste, it is almost time for the Saints to put Clarke out of his misery.
Sydney - Heath Grundy
Grundy started the season in the team but has lost his place in recent weeks. The Swans have not suffered their expected slide this season. While they have struggled since Barry Hall's act of thuggery, the younger players have stood up. Grundy looked promising in defence. He is a good size for a key position player, yet has been starved of opportunities at the Swans. With Barry, Richards and Roberts-Thompson ahead of him, it will be difficult for Grundy to break back into the Swans side.
West Coast Eagles - Jaymie Graham
Graham has played a couple of matches, but has looked out of the pace of the game. The Eagles have conceded the season - a decision which should allow Graham more of an opportunity to play in defence. Hunter and Glass will get the opposition's stars most weeks. This should allow Graham to play on the opposition's youngest and most raw forwards. On his current form there is no guarantee that he is capable of stopping them.
Western Bulldogs - Farren Ray
Ray has missed every match this season with injury. His side has not missed him. Similarly to Colin Sylvia, Ray is too higher pick to become a fringe player. The Dogs need him to come into the side soon to add to their running stocks when the season inevitably takes its toll on players such as Josh Hill. If Ray plays his cards right there is every chance for him to play finals football. He was named as an emergency last weekend. Once he gets in the team he must take his chance. It might be his last.
| 69 |
| Vote |
subscribe to this blog
Comment by Xav
Besides. I can't play without him...