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IMPORTANT // Please look after your loved ones, yourself and be kind to others. If you are feeling that the world is too hard to handle there is always help - I implore you not to hesitate in contacting one of these wonderful organisations Lifeline and Beyond Blue ... and I'm sure reaching out to our PRE community we will find a way to help. T.
PUNT ROAD END | Richmond Tigers Forum
In the hope of sparking some debate I have listed all the players and made an assessment of what I believe each one needs to do in 2006 to progress this football club up the ladder. Not that my opinions are in worth much, but may spark some interesting debate. Remeber I am relying on comments of the knowledgeable one around here as it is a bit hard to get to any Coburg games from Thailand. ;D Would appreciate the views of those who did see a bit of Coburg last year.
1. Chris Newman
Class player who I expect will find more time in the midfield and maybe a run with roll. Good skills, good vision and a deceptively good mark. Expect continued improvement and a differing role for Chris.
2. Darren Gaspar
The Gas needs to continue the momentum he found last year. Still our best KPP defender at this time. Shoudl start the season with renewed confidence.
3. Brett Deledio
Big year coming up for Lids. No longer will he be given space or room to move. Will come in for some close attention from the opposition. Very competetive nature and I think will continue to improve. Now has one full season under his belt and this will stand him in good stead for the next one. Looks to have developed physically, but certainly hasn't lost any of that pace by the sound of it.
4. Andrew Raines
This is a big year for Rainesy. Has spent the best part of last year developing at Coburg and needs to make some inroads this year. Made a lot of progress in his first year and needs to put in some solid performances to cement his place in the side. Can win his own ball, but needs to improve his delivery.
5. Troy Simmonds
Simmonds will have inherit more rucking responsibility this year after showing at the end of last year that he is better suited to this role. Shows more confidence in his marking when playing around the ground than when have to stand in front of a pack. Need to improve his goal kicking to make him more damaging when resting up forward. Believe he has trimmed down so should be more mobile this year.
6. Mark Chaffey
Chaff has been a loyal servant of the club and can not doubt his courage. The roles for the Chaffster are diminishing with the emergence of the younger players such as Newman who may be asked to take on more run with roles. Pace his Chaffs biggest hurdle in a side that Wallace seeks to develop. Chaff will need to prove he has the stamina to continue to negate some of the opposition runners otherwise I fear his time maybe up.
7. Nathan Brown
Browny just needs to get back on the park and keep his own expectations in check. Most importantly he needs to take the time he needs to get right. His competetive nature will ensure that he pushes himself to get back as soon as he can. Good luck Browny God knows we need you out there.
8. Tom Roach
Roachy is another one who really faces a make or break year. He has had to develop his defensive skills and by all accounts has done that. Roachy will find himself competing with a lot of other similar type players for limited positions and will have to grab his chances when they come his way. Has pace, but does he have the requied skills and nouse?
10. Greg Stafford
Staff is not getting any younger, but will still have value as a 2nd or third string ruckman and can be very dangerous up forward. A good mark and kick for goal. Even if he cant mark will always make a contest and generally bring the ball to the ground creating opportunity for the small forwards.
11. Joel Bowden
Two excellent years for Joel. All he needs to do is maintain his momentum. What effect will his brother have? Will he push him to new heights and vice versa.
12. Matthew Richardson
What needs to be said about Richo. We know that Richo will always give 120% for the yellow and black. Vastly improved body language last year. Will continue to do the amazing and the mystifying, but thats what makes him Richo. Winning the 400 metres shows that he hasn't lost any of his aerobic capacity. Looks a little lighter than last year. What role does Terry have in mind for richo this year?
13. Trent Knobel
As discussed on another thread Knoble was more than service in the ruck. Especially at centre bounces, but needs to continue to improve his around the ground work. Needs to take more marks for a big man.
Will come under pressure to retain his spot as the No.1 ruckman this year.
14. Dean Polo
Made giant strides towards the end of last year by the sounds of it and needs to continue to improve. Although seems to have adapted to the rigours of AFL football ok. Expect him to play some senior football this year. Needs to improve kicking.
15. Kayne Pettifer
Big improver last year. Needs to develop his aerobic fitness and the defensive side of his game. Needs to realise that as a forward he has to defend too. Should be aiming to kick 40-50 goals this year, but has to realise he has to work harder when the ball is in dispute.
16. Patrick Bowden
New comer to Tigerland who could prove useful as a versatile utility style player. Wayne Carey has stated that he believes Patrick Bowden could become a 60-80 goal a year full forward. Will the presence of Joel cause him to step up another level. Could turn out to be good value if he can.
17. Kane Johnson
Pure class player who leads from the front. Should get a bit more assistance in and around the midfield this year. Not getting any younger, but has learnt to manage his body well.
18. David Rodan
Another new recruit for the club. Was showing vast improvement under Wallace before injuring his knee. Will need time to regain confidence in the heat of battle, but could become another important midfield rotation as his confidence grows. His natural style should fit in well with the Wallace game plan.
19. Dean Limbach
Must confess to knowing nothing about this kid. Has apparently bulked up considerably. Will need to make an impact this year.
20. Ray Hall
Versatile big man who I suspect will again be given some key defensive roles again in the absence of another proven KPP back. Some suggestions he may spend more time forward this year. Underated by some, but was generally servicable last year, but will need to develop. Could do with some more weight.
21. Shane Tuck
What more can tucky do. He was a massive improver, now the challenge is to prove that last year was not a flash in the pan. Will have gained a lot of confidence from the year, but will need to continue to improve. Can improve his use of the footy and vision at times.
22. Danny Meyer
Found last year tough going physically. Has all the attributes to be an elite footballer, good poise and skill. Needs to improve his stamina and strength to become a consistent player at the highest level. Very good disposal.
23. Daniel Jackson
Jacko is another one who spent a lot of time at Coburg to develop. Will be a big year for Jacko to prove he has what it takes. Tended to get lost at times last year in traffic. Good build, and aggression. Needs to use these to advantage. Still learning the game and now needs to start cementing himself a place. Could go onto be a good big bodied midfield option with the right development.
24. Mark Coughlan
Good year for Cogs coming back from Injury to recapture his old form. Had ankles problems later in the year which have been cleaned up and should have a full preseason under his belt going into this season. Needs to improve kicking. I don't believe that this is totally related to his OP as he was never a great kick before this developed.
25. Jay Schulz
Jay is still young and developing, but his time is now. There are opportunities beckoning for young Jay and he needs to step in and grab them. Whether that be as a key forward or back he needs to assert himself. Some have suggested may have been a little lazy on the track last year, but showed good signs at CHB in the Geelong game. Has all the skills as he has shown, but now needs to prove he has the desire to make it at the elite level. It there for the taking Jay.
26. Adam Pattison
Again I have not seen anything of this kid, but it has been said that he will be given his opportunities this year and he needs to make the most of that. Question marks over his pace, but time will tell. Is he going to be better suited as a mobile ruckman or a key forward. Still think Jay *smile* maybe a good option for the key forward post.
27. Andrew Krakouer
Claw favourite player. Has greats skill and works well in heavy traffic. Needs to develop more consistency at the elite level. Lacks a little pace, but has a football brain, but concentration can be an issue at times. Needs to develop his fitness and aerobic capacity to be able to fill cameo roles in the midfield. Is a very good extractor but needs to do it more often. Whilst it is unlikely Krak will have the aerobic capacity to be anything more than a pinch hitter onball, he needs to maximise his effectiveness as an impact player if he is to keep his spot in the Tiger line up.
29. Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls
Needs to spend time at Coburg and develop physically. Don't expect too much from this kid in his first year.
30. Richard Tambling
Tambling tantalised us at times last year, but needs a break with injuries so that he can string a few games together. Was never really given the opportunity to settle in last year mainly due to injuries. Has excellent pace. Will need to continue to work in his physical development. If can stay fit could be a surprise packet this year.
31. Chris Hyde
Hyde was very solid last year until injured. Is very much a confidence player, who will need to continue to develop as he did last year. Could again be given run with roles as in the elite level aerobically. Proved he has courage and was able to win his own ball last year. need to expell his own self doubts.
32. Greg Tivendale
Tivvers was one player I expected to thrive under Wallace, but seemed to go backwards last year. Seemed to all relate to a lack of confidence. I remember seeing Tivendale running down the wings and hitting Richo lace our a few time a few years ago, but last years just seems to bomb it rather than assess his options. Will need to improve his output dramatically this year if he want to prolong his AFL career. Good shot on goal.
33. Brent Hartigan
Harts was very encouraging last year until his did his hammy against the doggies in round 3 I think it was. Hard at it with reasonable pace, but tends to let himself down with disposal at times. Needs to improve his kicking and remain injury free. Could provide a lot of run out of the back line if he can stay injury free. His game against the doggies when he did he Hammy he was absolutely setting us alight of half back and had something like 12 disposals in the first quarter.
34. Cleve Hughes
Another unknown to me with big wraps on him. Looks like he will need to develop considerably physically before he can with stand the rigours of AFL as a key forward. Development year for Cleve i think.
35. Matthew White
I think we will see this guy playing at the top level before the years out. For a kid to come onto a list and show the way in endurance contest in his first year says a lot about his mental attitude. Not only does he have elite endurance he has pace to burn as well. His down side could be his kicking, but he has time to develop that at this level. I have a feeling this kid may surprise a few this year. I suspect a few with the number 35 on their back will be happy to keep it.
36. Will Thursfield
A surprise promotion last year who did well in his first year. Showed poise and tenancity and an ability to compete with some of the opposition key forwards. Will need to develop physically to get stronger to match it with the stonger forwards.
37. Travis Casserly
Another in for a year of development although may push for senior selection later in the year according to some reports.
38. Luke McGuane
Injury interrupted season last year. Came back and put in some strong performances. Still needs to develop physically, but could push for Senior selection at some time later in the year.
39. Andrew Kellaway
Andrew the Lion heart. You could never doubt this guys courage. Needs support in the backline as has often been forced to man bigger opponents due to injury to our other key back. Reliable and will continue to play a key role in defence this year.
40. Kelvin Moore
Looks to have bulked up considerably and is quicker than I thought. Anothr guy who needs to start cementing a place for himself in the starting 22. Needs to be given time though to settle into a chosen positions as has been used at both ends of the field in the past.
1. Chris Newman
Class player who I expect will find more time in the midfield and maybe a run with roll. Good skills, good vision and a deceptively good mark. Expect continued improvement and a differing role for Chris.
2. Darren Gaspar
The Gas needs to continue the momentum he found last year. Still our best KPP defender at this time. Shoudl start the season with renewed confidence.
3. Brett Deledio
Big year coming up for Lids. No longer will he be given space or room to move. Will come in for some close attention from the opposition. Very competetive nature and I think will continue to improve. Now has one full season under his belt and this will stand him in good stead for the next one. Looks to have developed physically, but certainly hasn't lost any of that pace by the sound of it.
4. Andrew Raines
This is a big year for Rainesy. Has spent the best part of last year developing at Coburg and needs to make some inroads this year. Made a lot of progress in his first year and needs to put in some solid performances to cement his place in the side. Can win his own ball, but needs to improve his delivery.
5. Troy Simmonds
Simmonds will have inherit more rucking responsibility this year after showing at the end of last year that he is better suited to this role. Shows more confidence in his marking when playing around the ground than when have to stand in front of a pack. Need to improve his goal kicking to make him more damaging when resting up forward. Believe he has trimmed down so should be more mobile this year.
6. Mark Chaffey
Chaff has been a loyal servant of the club and can not doubt his courage. The roles for the Chaffster are diminishing with the emergence of the younger players such as Newman who may be asked to take on more run with roles. Pace his Chaffs biggest hurdle in a side that Wallace seeks to develop. Chaff will need to prove he has the stamina to continue to negate some of the opposition runners otherwise I fear his time maybe up.
7. Nathan Brown
Browny just needs to get back on the park and keep his own expectations in check. Most importantly he needs to take the time he needs to get right. His competetive nature will ensure that he pushes himself to get back as soon as he can. Good luck Browny God knows we need you out there.
8. Tom Roach
Roachy is another one who really faces a make or break year. He has had to develop his defensive skills and by all accounts has done that. Roachy will find himself competing with a lot of other similar type players for limited positions and will have to grab his chances when they come his way. Has pace, but does he have the requied skills and nouse?
10. Greg Stafford
Staff is not getting any younger, but will still have value as a 2nd or third string ruckman and can be very dangerous up forward. A good mark and kick for goal. Even if he cant mark will always make a contest and generally bring the ball to the ground creating opportunity for the small forwards.
11. Joel Bowden
Two excellent years for Joel. All he needs to do is maintain his momentum. What effect will his brother have? Will he push him to new heights and vice versa.
12. Matthew Richardson
What needs to be said about Richo. We know that Richo will always give 120% for the yellow and black. Vastly improved body language last year. Will continue to do the amazing and the mystifying, but thats what makes him Richo. Winning the 400 metres shows that he hasn't lost any of his aerobic capacity. Looks a little lighter than last year. What role does Terry have in mind for richo this year?
13. Trent Knobel
As discussed on another thread Knoble was more than service in the ruck. Especially at centre bounces, but needs to continue to improve his around the ground work. Needs to take more marks for a big man.
Will come under pressure to retain his spot as the No.1 ruckman this year.
14. Dean Polo
Made giant strides towards the end of last year by the sounds of it and needs to continue to improve. Although seems to have adapted to the rigours of AFL football ok. Expect him to play some senior football this year. Needs to improve kicking.
15. Kayne Pettifer
Big improver last year. Needs to develop his aerobic fitness and the defensive side of his game. Needs to realise that as a forward he has to defend too. Should be aiming to kick 40-50 goals this year, but has to realise he has to work harder when the ball is in dispute.
16. Patrick Bowden
New comer to Tigerland who could prove useful as a versatile utility style player. Wayne Carey has stated that he believes Patrick Bowden could become a 60-80 goal a year full forward. Will the presence of Joel cause him to step up another level. Could turn out to be good value if he can.
17. Kane Johnson
Pure class player who leads from the front. Should get a bit more assistance in and around the midfield this year. Not getting any younger, but has learnt to manage his body well.
18. David Rodan
Another new recruit for the club. Was showing vast improvement under Wallace before injuring his knee. Will need time to regain confidence in the heat of battle, but could become another important midfield rotation as his confidence grows. His natural style should fit in well with the Wallace game plan.
19. Dean Limbach
Must confess to knowing nothing about this kid. Has apparently bulked up considerably. Will need to make an impact this year.
20. Ray Hall
Versatile big man who I suspect will again be given some key defensive roles again in the absence of another proven KPP back. Some suggestions he may spend more time forward this year. Underated by some, but was generally servicable last year, but will need to develop. Could do with some more weight.
21. Shane Tuck
What more can tucky do. He was a massive improver, now the challenge is to prove that last year was not a flash in the pan. Will have gained a lot of confidence from the year, but will need to continue to improve. Can improve his use of the footy and vision at times.
22. Danny Meyer
Found last year tough going physically. Has all the attributes to be an elite footballer, good poise and skill. Needs to improve his stamina and strength to become a consistent player at the highest level. Very good disposal.
23. Daniel Jackson
Jacko is another one who spent a lot of time at Coburg to develop. Will be a big year for Jacko to prove he has what it takes. Tended to get lost at times last year in traffic. Good build, and aggression. Needs to use these to advantage. Still learning the game and now needs to start cementing himself a place. Could go onto be a good big bodied midfield option with the right development.
24. Mark Coughlan
Good year for Cogs coming back from Injury to recapture his old form. Had ankles problems later in the year which have been cleaned up and should have a full preseason under his belt going into this season. Needs to improve kicking. I don't believe that this is totally related to his OP as he was never a great kick before this developed.
25. Jay Schulz
Jay is still young and developing, but his time is now. There are opportunities beckoning for young Jay and he needs to step in and grab them. Whether that be as a key forward or back he needs to assert himself. Some have suggested may have been a little lazy on the track last year, but showed good signs at CHB in the Geelong game. Has all the skills as he has shown, but now needs to prove he has the desire to make it at the elite level. It there for the taking Jay.
26. Adam Pattison
Again I have not seen anything of this kid, but it has been said that he will be given his opportunities this year and he needs to make the most of that. Question marks over his pace, but time will tell. Is he going to be better suited as a mobile ruckman or a key forward. Still think Jay *smile* maybe a good option for the key forward post.
27. Andrew Krakouer
Claw favourite player. Has greats skill and works well in heavy traffic. Needs to develop more consistency at the elite level. Lacks a little pace, but has a football brain, but concentration can be an issue at times. Needs to develop his fitness and aerobic capacity to be able to fill cameo roles in the midfield. Is a very good extractor but needs to do it more often. Whilst it is unlikely Krak will have the aerobic capacity to be anything more than a pinch hitter onball, he needs to maximise his effectiveness as an impact player if he is to keep his spot in the Tiger line up.
29. Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls
Needs to spend time at Coburg and develop physically. Don't expect too much from this kid in his first year.
30. Richard Tambling
Tambling tantalised us at times last year, but needs a break with injuries so that he can string a few games together. Was never really given the opportunity to settle in last year mainly due to injuries. Has excellent pace. Will need to continue to work in his physical development. If can stay fit could be a surprise packet this year.
31. Chris Hyde
Hyde was very solid last year until injured. Is very much a confidence player, who will need to continue to develop as he did last year. Could again be given run with roles as in the elite level aerobically. Proved he has courage and was able to win his own ball last year. need to expell his own self doubts.
32. Greg Tivendale
Tivvers was one player I expected to thrive under Wallace, but seemed to go backwards last year. Seemed to all relate to a lack of confidence. I remember seeing Tivendale running down the wings and hitting Richo lace our a few time a few years ago, but last years just seems to bomb it rather than assess his options. Will need to improve his output dramatically this year if he want to prolong his AFL career. Good shot on goal.
33. Brent Hartigan
Harts was very encouraging last year until his did his hammy against the doggies in round 3 I think it was. Hard at it with reasonable pace, but tends to let himself down with disposal at times. Needs to improve his kicking and remain injury free. Could provide a lot of run out of the back line if he can stay injury free. His game against the doggies when he did he Hammy he was absolutely setting us alight of half back and had something like 12 disposals in the first quarter.
34. Cleve Hughes
Another unknown to me with big wraps on him. Looks like he will need to develop considerably physically before he can with stand the rigours of AFL as a key forward. Development year for Cleve i think.
35. Matthew White
I think we will see this guy playing at the top level before the years out. For a kid to come onto a list and show the way in endurance contest in his first year says a lot about his mental attitude. Not only does he have elite endurance he has pace to burn as well. His down side could be his kicking, but he has time to develop that at this level. I have a feeling this kid may surprise a few this year. I suspect a few with the number 35 on their back will be happy to keep it.
36. Will Thursfield
A surprise promotion last year who did well in his first year. Showed poise and tenancity and an ability to compete with some of the opposition key forwards. Will need to develop physically to get stronger to match it with the stonger forwards.
37. Travis Casserly
Another in for a year of development although may push for senior selection later in the year according to some reports.
38. Luke McGuane
Injury interrupted season last year. Came back and put in some strong performances. Still needs to develop physically, but could push for Senior selection at some time later in the year.
39. Andrew Kellaway
Andrew the Lion heart. You could never doubt this guys courage. Needs support in the backline as has often been forced to man bigger opponents due to injury to our other key back. Reliable and will continue to play a key role in defence this year.
40. Kelvin Moore
Looks to have bulked up considerably and is quicker than I thought. Anothr guy who needs to start cementing a place for himself in the starting 22. Needs to be given time though to settle into a chosen positions as has been used at both ends of the field in the past.