Murray MiddletonThe AFL Fringe Festival
May 20th 2008 12:09
On the eve of the season I wrote an article that listed one player from every team for whom 2008 would be a make or break season. With one third of the season completed, it is worth updating the progress of the sixteen players. The following is an assessment of the first eight players:
Adelaide - Ivan Maric
Neil Craig seems to have identified Griffin as the Crows number one ruckman. The emergence of Tippett as a ruckman/forward this season has made life difficult for Maric. In recent weeks he has broken into the Crows line-up. His performances have been inconsistent. Maric is only in his fourth season. He has proven that he is capable of dominating in the SANFL. He is clearly above Moran in the Adelaide hierarchy. He has fourteen weeks to overtake Griffin.
Brisbane - Justin Sherman
Last week Sherman was given the role on Chris Judd. He acquitted himself well. Sherman is renowned for his run and carry. At his best he takes more bounces than any other Lions player. After a terrible 2007 Sherman seems to be in favour once more. With Travis Johnstone being recruited to the midfield. he has received less attention from opposition teams. The next step is for Sherman to become a consistent performer. He is perfectly-built for a fottballer.
Carlton - Cameron Cloke
Cloke played the first seven matches before missing last week due to injury. His replacement - Cain Ackland - failed dismally. Matthew Kreuzer has emerged as a future ruckman for the Blues this season. But he is not ready to take the reigns. Cloke has tried hard, which is his best quality as a footballer. Although his endeavour cannot be doubted, he is simply too slow. Considering the lack of rucking depth at Carlton, there is every chance that Cloke will limp on for another season or two.
Collingwood - Sean Rusling
In round one Rusling suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. His loss has ruined the balance of Collingwood's forward line. The Pies have struggled in his absence. There are no question marks over Rusling's ability. His inability to complete consecutive matches is a concern. With Anthony Rocca in serious decline and Ben Reid not ready yet, it was time for Rusling to deliver. A shocking result for club and player. If he suffers one more serious injury his career will be over.
Essendon - Courtney Johns
Johns has played two matches this season - against Collingwood and Port Adelaide. Matthew Knights boldly played Johns in defence on both occasions. It did not work. Johns has the largest turning circle since Matthew Burton. There is a good chance that a chronic hip injury denied Johns his opportunity to perform at the elite level. There is no point in Essendon persevering with Johns.
Fremantle - Byron Shammer
More of the same from Shammer and his club. He simply does not do enough. Although his form has warranted selection most weeks this season, there is little doubt that Shammer is part of the problem at Fremantle. Although he is clever and agile, he lacks a yard. The Dockers are too slow. They can ill-afford another skillful yet slow midfielder. With Hasleby out for the season it was Shammer's chacne to impress. So far he has failed to deliver. Fremantle must get rid of all deadwood. Shammer is possible trade bait to the two South Australian teams at the end of the season.
Geelong - Kane Tenace
Tenace played in round one but has failed to break into the Cats strong line-up since. The likes of Gamble, Taylor and Prismall have overtaken him. Tenace is extremely quick (in contrast to most of the players I have outlined). Players with pace are in high demand in the modern game. Essendon's Ricky Dyson suddenly became hot proporty during trade week last year. Unfortunately both Dyson and Tenace lack toughness. The Cats pride themselves on their selfless attack on the football. Barring an injury to Wojcinski, Tenace will play out the season in the reserves.
Hawthorn - Zac Dawson
After eight rounds the Hawks have not lost a game. Their defence is settled. Tall defenders include: Croad, Birchall and Gilham. The Hawks defence are in great form. Gilham has been an inspired choice at full back. When Croad was injured earlier in the season the Hawks opted for Murphy insted of Dawson. The writing is on the wall. The Hawks have a wealth of talent at their disposal. At season's end Dawson, alongside Tim Boyle, will become trade bait.
*Friday's edition will explore the progress of Sylvia, Edwards, Ray and many, many more.
Adelaide - Ivan Maric
Neil Craig seems to have identified Griffin as the Crows number one ruckman. The emergence of Tippett as a ruckman/forward this season has made life difficult for Maric. In recent weeks he has broken into the Crows line-up. His performances have been inconsistent. Maric is only in his fourth season. He has proven that he is capable of dominating in the SANFL. He is clearly above Moran in the Adelaide hierarchy. He has fourteen weeks to overtake Griffin.
Brisbane - Justin Sherman
Last week Sherman was given the role on Chris Judd. He acquitted himself well. Sherman is renowned for his run and carry. At his best he takes more bounces than any other Lions player. After a terrible 2007 Sherman seems to be in favour once more. With Travis Johnstone being recruited to the midfield. he has received less attention from opposition teams. The next step is for Sherman to become a consistent performer. He is perfectly-built for a fottballer.
Carlton - Cameron Cloke
Cloke played the first seven matches before missing last week due to injury. His replacement - Cain Ackland - failed dismally. Matthew Kreuzer has emerged as a future ruckman for the Blues this season. But he is not ready to take the reigns. Cloke has tried hard, which is his best quality as a footballer. Although his endeavour cannot be doubted, he is simply too slow. Considering the lack of rucking depth at Carlton, there is every chance that Cloke will limp on for another season or two.
Collingwood - Sean Rusling
In round one Rusling suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. His loss has ruined the balance of Collingwood's forward line. The Pies have struggled in his absence. There are no question marks over Rusling's ability. His inability to complete consecutive matches is a concern. With Anthony Rocca in serious decline and Ben Reid not ready yet, it was time for Rusling to deliver. A shocking result for club and player. If he suffers one more serious injury his career will be over.
Essendon - Courtney Johns
Johns has played two matches this season - against Collingwood and Port Adelaide. Matthew Knights boldly played Johns in defence on both occasions. It did not work. Johns has the largest turning circle since Matthew Burton. There is a good chance that a chronic hip injury denied Johns his opportunity to perform at the elite level. There is no point in Essendon persevering with Johns.
Fremantle - Byron Shammer
More of the same from Shammer and his club. He simply does not do enough. Although his form has warranted selection most weeks this season, there is little doubt that Shammer is part of the problem at Fremantle. Although he is clever and agile, he lacks a yard. The Dockers are too slow. They can ill-afford another skillful yet slow midfielder. With Hasleby out for the season it was Shammer's chacne to impress. So far he has failed to deliver. Fremantle must get rid of all deadwood. Shammer is possible trade bait to the two South Australian teams at the end of the season.
Geelong - Kane Tenace
Tenace played in round one but has failed to break into the Cats strong line-up since. The likes of Gamble, Taylor and Prismall have overtaken him. Tenace is extremely quick (in contrast to most of the players I have outlined). Players with pace are in high demand in the modern game. Essendon's Ricky Dyson suddenly became hot proporty during trade week last year. Unfortunately both Dyson and Tenace lack toughness. The Cats pride themselves on their selfless attack on the football. Barring an injury to Wojcinski, Tenace will play out the season in the reserves.
Hawthorn - Zac Dawson
After eight rounds the Hawks have not lost a game. Their defence is settled. Tall defenders include: Croad, Birchall and Gilham. The Hawks defence are in great form. Gilham has been an inspired choice at full back. When Croad was injured earlier in the season the Hawks opted for Murphy insted of Dawson. The writing is on the wall. The Hawks have a wealth of talent at their disposal. At season's end Dawson, alongside Tim Boyle, will become trade bait.
*Friday's edition will explore the progress of Sylvia, Edwards, Ray and many, many more.
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