Collingwood: Midseason Review Part II

Collingwood: Midseason Review Part II

By Luke Mason

Player Reviews:

The reliables (you know what you’ll get, established senior performers who display consistency):

Nathan Buckley: 7.5/10

Once a champion, always a champion.

Bucks has continued to build on his already sizeable legend, continuing the process of adding the forward string to his bow. Although he is not utilised in the midfield as often as he/I may have liked, he still shows that he has the capacity to continue to play prolific, consistent football once in there; he is a ball magnet, and it’s hard to keep the leather away from him.

His marking and leading have been joys to watch, and a finish to his career (perish the thought) in Leigh Matthews fashion as a forward pocket is not out of the question. Still our most classy, dangerous, prolific player. Great to hear that his wife is pregnant, too, it’d be nice to see a few little Buckley’s running around in Black and White stripes in, oh, lets say, 17-18 years?

May the legend continue.

In a word: Reinvented genius

James Clement: 7.5/10

Mr.Reliable of the AFL, Clement is now a genuine star of the competition. For years (2002-2004), Clemo was rarely, if ever recognised by the media as a very good footballer, instead just another of our no-name defence. Now a two time All-Australian and a duel Copeland Trophy winner, Clement is finally receiving the publicity he deserves.

Had he been born a year or two earlier, Clement may well have ended up the future Collingwood skipper. That he may well be, he generally deputises for Bucks when injured/resting, but his age may count against him. But who else should the club turn to? Fraser? Rocca? Lockyer? Johnson? Burns? My bet is that Clement still has the front running.

That aside, he is an excellent, underrated footballer who continues to stand up to the task each and every week. Even when we were flogged last week against Melbourne, he still featured in our best, holding the dangerous Russell Robertson out of the game.

Headed for All-Australian selection, and standing at the club as an all-time great.

In a word: Professional

Shane Wakelin: 6/10

Still chugging along nicely, and has hardly put a foot wrong. Surprisingly, Wakes struggled to command a senior place in the early going, before settling down in round six and not missing a beat from thereon. Still in our best defensive unit, and certainly a club leader. I hope he opts to continue on next season, as he has been one of the underrated figures in the Malthouse era.

In a word: Steady

Scott Burns: 7/10

The old warhorse Burnsy has been outstanding (for a 32 year old) in the first half of 2006. After surprisingly missing the first three matches, sitting it out with Williamstown, Burns hit the ground running on Anzac Day and looked as if he hadn’t missed a beat, the side has been better for his inclusion. His bite around the packs is ever strong, and his ferocious attack on the ball and the ball carrier still sees him as one of the most underrated players in the game. Like Wakelin, I really do hope he can continue on into next season, as, on 2006 evidence, he still has plenty to offer to the side.

In a word: Everlasting

Paul Licuria: 7/10

The same old, same old from Licca this season. It is hard to sum up the likes of Licca, Burns, Wakelin and Buckley, as you know what to expect with each game, and each season: a good old fashioned crack, from go to whoa, they simply don’t stop, and continually produce. Spending more time on the pine this far in ’06, and also inside 50, but still knows where to find the footy, and will remain an important figure in the coming weeks and years.

In a word: Consistent

Anthony Rocca: 7/10

How important and good has it been to have big Pebbles back in action? Rocca’s return has proven a massive boost to the squad, his mere presence sending shivers up opposition spines, his size simply too strong and his speed off the mark unhindered by that achilles injury last season. He has returned to his hard-hitting best, and has been employed closer to the goalsquare by Malthouse in a bid to strengthen the fold, using Fraser, Tarrant and Travis Cloke up around the fifty meter line. The move has paid off, Pebbles becoming a goal scoring machine, and returning to some of the form he displayed during the heady days of 2002 and 2003. Still the key to the unit, and we are that much better when he fires.

In a word: POWERBALL – The Big One!

Simon Prestigiacomo: 7/10

Good old Presti, he still does the job with remarkable consistency on a weekly basis, but the media still refuse to accredit him with the accolades he deserves. His job on Scott Lucas on Anzac Day was nothing short of sensational, while he continues to withstand the best opposition forwards can thrust at him (save for the round seven loss to the Eagles, a night that saw the previously inconsistent Quentin Lynch destroy him with five goals). Should again be in contention for All-Australian recognition, such is the precision he plays with, ensuring his opponent does not get a sniff.

In a word: Reliable

Next is now (the future meets today, time for this group to stand up and become genuine AFL stars):

Chris Tarrant: 6/10

Still something of an enigma, Taz, in that he continually threatens to become a star, but is yet to really hit his best this season, save for an inspiring showing in the second half against the Kangaroos. He continues to show the signs that his best isn’t far away, then he goes missing/fades away from the game.

Am I being too harsh on Taz?

Perhaps, but he has been a pretty dynamic player over the years, and in a season which has seen the side progress so well, he has not been as prominent as many would wish. It is an unsympathetic tone to take on Taz, but I feel that he has been, perhaps, the missing link to take our side from good/very good to great. His class is immense, he has it by the bucketful, and he knows as well as any how to take a side apart in minutes.

Just as it was looking as if he was set to hit his straps, following a promising second half against Geelong and a menacing start to our clash with the Bulldogs (his 150^th), Taz swung the arm/fist back, colliding with the jaw of Bulldog tagger Dale Morris, forcing him into a one week spell on the sidelines.

Did Morris/another Bulldog scrag him all night earlier? Had he been on the receiving end of a similar fist earlier? Who knows, but thankfully, we got over the Lions without him, Buckley playing the starring role.

Last week against Melbourne, he was awful (and not alone, Rocca, and many others, failed to fire a shot), successfully subdued by Cameron Bruce and friends.

With the return of Rocca, Fraser hitting full fitness and Buckley lending support up forward, it was meant to be easier for Tarrant. But, maybe the load is simply being shared, things going so well we have to look hard for glitches.

Maybe, maybe not, but I still rate Taz so highly, he is the man who can take us from good to great. Should he hit/better his 2003 form (I’m starting to feel like this is my pre-season predictions all over again!) we will be shoo-ins for the top four.

In a word: ???

Josh Fraser: 6/10

In a word: ???

The core (mainstays who are consistent features):

Ryan Lonie: 5.5/10

I am a fan of Lonie, he is a great user of the ball, loves the carry it and break the lines and has pace, and in other words, the player we’ve been looking desperately seeking for years. He has stepped up his output this season, particularly early on, and has begun to look a lot more comfortable on the wing and through the middle, as well as off halfback.

There are still criticisms of him and his perceived lack of grunt and hardness. I agree with it to an extent, but there are some players whom these elements cannot be taught to. Lonie is one.

I still believe he has the x-factor, in that he can break a game open in an instant, and with his precise footskills...well, he could be anything off a wing.

Many people tend to believe he has played a quiet game, before reading the stats and reading that he has won 20 plus possessions. Now, I know that possessions and many stats are losing their relevance these days, but they still have to be won and used, Lonie can do that.

I see Lonie as a potential Joel Bowden, playing the role of a loose sweeper across halfback. He is of a similar build, and can play in a similar fashion with his run and carry. I’d love to see Malthouse leave him loose, a la Jason Cloke across halfback and let him go from there, and see what happens. With his perfect footskills, it may be worth a show.

As for the rest of the season, he simply needs to keep on improving, and take the initiative, take on the opposition and play in the dynamic fashion he did so well throughout his debut season of 2001, and the finals series of 2002. He could end up the hidden key to the team, and it is up to him to continue improving. Put simply, when he wins the ball, you can almost guarantee that we will have it again seconds later – play through him.

In a word: Neat

Alan Didak: 7.5/10

Here is a man who has taken the bit between the teeth this season and gone with it. It seems that the days of the risky, flairy forward pocket are gone, replaced by a consistent, team-orientated and skilful forward-cum-midfielder. This season has seen Didak grow out of his old shell and become a genuine footballer, one with the capacity to be a star of the side, and win his own football and use it perfectly.

He is ranked first in the league for goal assists, a feat almost unthinkable a few years back when he was pigeonholed as an unpredictable, freakish goalkicker. That he still is, but he is a more consistent, clever version, and has matured well enough to now be considered a leader of the club. Could well be a smokey for an All-Australian, should his form continue.

It has been great to watch Dids progress this year, and become a player who is relied upon for a consistent output, not merely a flashy goal or two.

Nor does he frequently indulge in over the top celebrations; rather continue on his path to becoming a consistent star. Should he keep up his form in the centre and up forward (he is, arguably, currently our most dangerous, potent forward at the time of writing), he should be set for a top ten Copeland Trophy placing.

In a word: Clever

Brodie Holland: 7/10

Although it may not have continued the output of last season, Holland has still proved a more than valuable player in the midfield in the first half of the year. He continues to find the football, and rarely misses a beat, in other words a very consistent performer, and his tagging has generally been solid, Chris Judd excluded.

One criticism of Holland this season, as with others, has been his tendency to duck back into traffic once he has the ball, before turning out the other way. It is generally effective, but he can at times clog up a potentially damaging chain of play.

Off field, his work on Dancing with the Stars has increased his off field profile (he’d he second to Bucks in this regard from what I see) and he has continued to lift his status as a club leader.

Something for Holland to continue in the next eleven rounds (and then some) would be to continue to push forward to hurt the opposition on the scoreboard. He is deadly by foot, and knows where the big sticks lie. And it is always nice to hurt the man you are tagging on the scoresheet.

In a word: Pugnacious

Blake Caracella: 5/10

My heart is bleeding for Blake right now. As just about everyone in Australia knows, Cara was nearly a quadriplegic back in round ten following a clash with ex-Lion teammate Tim Notting, and is now in the process of rehabilitation. From all accounts, he is aiming for a return in round 21 (almost certainly in the VFL), and will be pushing for a return for the finals. I, like all supporters, am behind him all the way, and besides, he is due for a flag. He won one in 2000 with Essendon, 2003 with Brisbane and 2006...it is his third season since his most recent...an omen I’m clinging to.

Prior to his injury, he was pretty handy in a variety of positions, from halfback to the wing, to rover to forward pocket. He was underrated all round, and his absence hurt last week when we lacked the precise footskills to drive us forward.

Still an underrated player, and still a very good one. Should he return (it is entirely his decision, obvious I know, but some people can be easily influenced...I doubt Cara is the type, but he needs to put his life first), he should still have a place in the senior side waiting for him. Best wishes, Blake, and to anyone who thinks he is soft and a receiver, have a look at the video.

In a word: Smart (and unlucky)

Shane O'Bree: 7/10

Another underrated player who has returned to his best/nigh on it. Poor old O’Bree still cops it from several supporters, but the fact of the matter is that he is our best clearance player (a poor mans Sam Mitchell) and in a side that statistically struggles at the stoppages, is worth his spot as first rover.

He was touted as a potential star back in 2000/2001, dubbed the next Brett Ratten, and since then has struggled, up until 2005, that is. Should he keep up his form (one of the more underrated going around), he could surprise many with a top five placing in the Copeland Trophy come seasons end.

Still need convincing that he is important to the Magpie cause? Look no further than last week. O’Bree was one of the main reasons behind our dangerous, yet spasmodic first quarter against Melbourne. He dominated the clearances and looked the only threatening midfielder wearing Black and White. We remained in the game for a quarter, and put it down to O’Bree and Alan Didak. The Dees went on the cut out O’Bree, and it burnt us in the middle. Game over.

The keys (promising, could end up anywhere, and could change the course of our year, in going from good to great):

In a word: Underrated, clean

Tarkyn Lockyer: 7/10

I must say, I am pleased with the form Tarks has displayed this season, rebounding from an indifferent, but not awful 2005, back to the solid, neat and tidy defender-cum-midfielder-cum-linkman he was prior to his knee injury in 2003. Matter of fact, he has not missed a game since his return from his leg complaints in round ten, 2004 against the Kangaroos. What he lacks in pace he makes up for in cunning and his ability to pinpoint targets (he has not been used as often as a kick-in player as he once was, the new kick-in rule taking effect), a highlight being his ‘resurrection’ in the crunch match against the Lions. Lockyer lay prone on the ground after copping a knock to the head, the ball/pack still a good five meters away from him. But, seconds later, the ball rolled free out the back door and towards Lockyer, who swiftly regained his footing and ran off with the ball, driving us inside fifty! Still a valuable player who is underrated by many, but gets the job completed with each passing week.

In a word: Conscientious

Ben Johnson: 8/10

One of the best rebounders from defence going around, and has finally made the 100% progression to the midfield, in other words, he is now/has now the capacity to act as a fulltimer. His run has been excellent and his ball usage on the improve, he is by far and away one of the most improved footballers in the competition. What’s more, he now appears to have taken on a mantle as a team leader, and continues to go from strength to strength. Granted, he has endured something of a lean past four or so weeks (by his earlier standards), but has proven strong enough to rebound from it and hit the ground running. Another who will benefit from the week off.

For what it’s worth, I consider him the next skipper, but that’s another story.

In a word: Next step

Nick Maxwell: 7/10

Maxy embodies the Collingwood spirit (or that of past Collingwood teams): hard, tough and unrelenting in his attack on the ball or the man. I truly believe that Maxwell acts as something of a rudder for the side, in that he can steady the flagging ship (can be used on a dangerous tall or small and is often the ‘next best option’ when an opposition forward cuts loose) and also be played through. It is gladdening to see that he will not take a backward step, and refuses to be intimidated, his clash with a menacing Jonathon Brown a point in case. Brown was steaming towards Maxwell at full pace early in the opening term in our (I hope) watershed clash with the Lions in round ten. In stead of sidestepping (as many would, I am one), Maxy instead kept his body over the pill, absorbed the blow and carried on; no playing for free kicks. What’s more, Brown appeared to stagger for the next five minutes, and struggled throughout the whole first half with injury, no doubt due to Maxwell’s courage. You can tell that the coaching staff are in the process of grooming Maxy for James Clement’s general role in defense, and should he add a few more kilos to his slender frame, he is a monty to fill the role in a few years time.

Although he struggled at times opposed to Chris Grant in our victory in round nine, he would not back down and refused to be overawed, something a number of others (not talking specifically Collingwood here) should take note of.

As a side note, Maxwell is another who, barring injury or like incidents, will lead the club from 2008 onwards.

In a word: Rugged

Dane Swan: 8.5/10

What can be said for Dane Swan that has not been said in the past seven weeks? The boy has been simply outstanding in his role across halfback and through the middle, managing to piece together his patchy but promising form from the previous two seasons into a consistent half season of form. I, as everyone else does, know of his past off field misdemeanours, but, a credit to both he and the coaches, has been able to put it behind him and go on to play some terrific football.

But wait, there’s more!

Swan adds a sprinkle of speed to the equation (something everyone was crying out for prior to the season), and has plenty of composure...not something many Magpie players have had over the past decade or so. He has had ‘questionable’ disposal in the past, but it, like many, has improved tenfold over the course of the season. Swan’s rise to stardom has been one of the revelations of the season, and should he return from his hamstring injury in good nick, a top three placing in the Copeland Trophy is all but shored up.

In a word: Enterprising

Heath Shaw: 7.5/10

Along with Swan, the revelation, the discovery, of 2006. The younger brother of Rhyce has surpassed many in the pecking order, superseding the likes of Morrison, and Rhyce himself (albeit due to injury) in commanding a position on the halfback flank, replacing the departed Richard Cole in the process. Shaw’s dash off the back flank is now the cornerstone of his game, and has been a real feature in our renascence, and has been touted by many an astute media judge as an All-Australian prospect, that cannot be argued with.

Sure, his daring scurry off halfback has come unstuck, his struggles on the Queens Birthday opposed to Byron Pickett a case in point, but I’d much rather a young player – any player! – take the opposition on repeatedly and risk turning it over than the gameplan circa 2005, chipping the ball around, taking the long route home. Makes a nice change from the stale goings on from the past year or so, Shaw now a favorite, continuing the Shaw family tradition.

In a word: Collingwood (he is what we are/were/should be about).

The second tier:

Leon Davis: 6.5/10

It’s hard not to be pleased with Leon’s season so far. For a guy who has struggled to properly cement a place in the senior side since his debut back in 2000, Davis has finally shown some consistency and, dare I say it, leadership in the first eleven rounds of 2006. It is his seventh season in league football, and the time is ripe for him to stand up, and so far, so good.

Players of his ilk, and from the similar drafting era, in Didak, Lonie, Jason Cloke, Richards, Rhyce Shaw, Johnson and Fraser, have all been required to take the next step in 2006 for us to become a genuine force. Of that crop, Didak, Johnson and Davis have all taken the next steps in their careers, different depending on where they were at. Lonie has shown signs of improvement, but perhaps lacks the dynamic force he once showed, while Fraser has been valiant but has lacked a touch of spark, and is yet to really grab a game by the throat, save for the loss to the Eagles and against Geelong. Probably being a touch harsh on Fraser, but now really is the time he stood up. Shaw has been injured, so you cannot make a call yet, while Richards has shown promise. Clokey has struggled to make the seniors.

When you look at lists of opposition clubs, it is the players from this era – the national drafts of 1999, 2000 and 2001 that are carrying these clubs forward. To their credit, ours are starting to do so, with Didak heading towards the A grade status, and Johnson continually (and absurdly) underrated by all.

Davis has shown plenty of promise so far, highlighted by a consistent purple patch in the matches against West Coast, Geelong and the Bulldogs, as well as showing signs against the Lions, a side who has made a habit of gutting players from the above drafts.

As a side note, why is it that Davis tends to fire whenever he is at Subiaco? Playing in front of his home (he is a Perth boy) town? Either way, he has cut the Dockers and Eagles to shreds in recent years.

The next step for Davis is to become a consistent midfielder-cum-forward, in the mould of a more explosive Amon Buchanan.

All of Davis’ touches are classy; he rarely wastes a disposal, so the club must ensure that he is fed plenty of it as a rover.

In a word: Man on a mission

Dale Thomas: 6/10

What a debut season! You cannot ask for much more than what he has served up so far this year. Speed, skills and hunger, Daisy has been what this grouped needed – an injection of hungry youth. He has flair, and adds some spice to the mix, put simply, he’s a goer.

Although he is still slight in stature, he has held up magnificently well at senior level, but did taper off in the last month, a week off football helping his cause. It’s a long season, and he has been a strong factor in our rise. Certainly vindicated his selection ahead of Xavier Ellis last November.

In a word: Spark

Guy Richards: 5/10

Big Guy has finally delivered (albeit in spades) on some of the promise which he carried when he arrived at Victoria Park back at the end of 2000. The end of 2000, that’s seven years ago, he is in to his sixth season on the list. Six years for 20odd games. Now we all knew once Guy was drafted that he would take a fair while to be cultivated, but he has certainly used every minute of his development period (in fairness, he spent plenty of time in the medical room).

I recently was flicking through one of my old videos, one which contained the 2000 national draft, televised by channel seven. A young, 17 year old Guy Richards was interviewed by Sandy Roberts moments after he was drafted. Gee things have changed since then.

Richards has been handy in parts this year, slowly hitting his straps in the ruck, allowing Fraser to play loose up forward, and was unfortunate to miss out against Melbourne after such a promising display against the bigger Charman and McDonald a week earlier. As it turns out, he missed with an achilles injury, and will be ready after the split round.

I’m still of the belief that he is vitally important to the side

In a word: Box opening...

Ben Davies: 2.5/10

It has been a pretty impressive season for Davies in certain respects, despite the fact that he has found it difficult to hit the senior ranks. For weeks now, Davies has been listed as an emergency, yet been unable to find a way into the starting side, playing only a handful of matches, while continually impressing at Williamstown. He has been overlooked by many, but is part of the next wave of midfielders at the club.

In a word: Knocking-on-the-door

Rhyce Shaw: 3/10

Rhyce’s 2006 has been ruined by the carry on from his knee injury suffered against Melbourne in round 12 last season, forcing him to sit out the first half of the season, despite the fact that he has been fit enough (generally) to experience senior action. Following some good performances for Williamstown, Shaw was allowed a night on the MCG against the Western Bulldogs, creating history in playing alongside younger brother Heath (it was uncanny how the two continually looked for each other in the final term!). It was also heartening to hear the 60,000 strong crowd give Rhyce a rousing cheer as he won his first possession on that flank on the Great Southern Stand side at the Ponsford Stand end, the same one on which Shaw infamously fumbled in the 2003 Grand Final. He was outed the next week through a viral infection, and was still not included on the Queens Birthday, surprisingly. But, as good players should, Shaw returned to Point Gellibrand and won best afield honors.

The best thing about Shaw is that he has now built up to peak fitness, his body has never been in better physical shape, a remarkable turnaround from the rake like boy who first stepped out on the final night of the 20^th century in the Millennium match. Shaw has overcome plenty of hurdles in his seven years at the top level, and appears to now be ready to come out the other end of the tunnel. Could well play an important role in the second half of ’06, dashing off halfback.

In a word: Primed

Travis Cloke: 4/10

Following such a promise-filled 2005, TC has seemed to fade slightly in 2006, although there are a number of factors suggesting why:

a) Cloke, as we all forget due to his bright start, is only an 18 year old

b) Second year blues – plenty of player suffer from them

c) He is a key position player, and, as the saying goes, big men take time.

I recall Malthouse trialed him at CHB against St.Kilda in the NAB Cup with some handy results, he seemed to steady the ship at times in the final term. And while we do have a number of aging players down back who are nearing the end of their terrific careers (Wakelin, Clement and Prestigiacomo), we do have some replacements (Nick Maxwell, Harry O'Brien and, yes, Jason Cloke, for those who think they misread, I’ll say it again, Jason Cloke), and anyway, I believe that Travis would be wasted away from the forward line.

I hope he does not spend too much time either the ruck or defense over the course of his career, he is too good for that, and would simply be wasted. He is the man to take over control of CHF from Anthony Rocca, especially once he properly fills out. In his stint in the key position (well, maybe not stint, ¾ season run), Travis straightened a wonky side up, and gave them someone to kick to, the best sign you could possibly wish for in a youngster.

Yes, he has struggled thus far this season, but he hasn’t been awful, especially when playing in the foreign position of ruck, and has really tried his heart out. Another early call, another future leader.

In a word: Time on his side

Harry O'Brien: 4/10

I like Harry, like most Collingwood supporters do. Key ingredients such as agility, height, pace and a burning desire to succeed at the highest level have added up to the big H developing into one of the more exciting youngsters on our list. When in the side early in the season (he has not played since round seven due to the ridiculous rookie rule), O’Brien was actually our third choice key defender alongside Clement and Presti, vying with Wakelin for the role, to the point where his form was good enough to keep Wakes out of the side. He even relegated Nick Maxwell, impressive as his been, to the position of bench warmer, and holding Jason Cloke out of the squad.

He sticks to his task, works hard, and with experience and composure will no doubt prove more than handy in rebounding off halfback in the future. Will need to bulk up, however. He has now received his opportunity at league level once again, with Caracella placed on the long term injury list. Depending on how long Cara spends out of the game, Harry could well sew up a spot for the finals with a strong showing in the second half of the season.

In a word: Time is now

Scott Pendlebury: 4/10

The debut of Nick Dal Santo Mk II is an excellent story (as far as unpublicised stories go). Rebounding from a Christmas bout of Glandular Fever, Pendlebury has bounced back with a vengeance, featuring in the best on a weekly basis for Williamstown before finally receiving his reward with a senior call up for the clash with Brisbane, becoming the first Magpie since Alan Didak (and Damien Adkins and Chad Liddell before him) to score a goal with his first kick in the big time. His form on the wing has been encouraging, and he has shown a willingness to win his own ball and run with it when he wins it, again, something we need in our side. Looking a real likely prospect, and a player Malthouse can build a team around.

In a word: Mouth-watering

Where to now?

Cameron Cloke: 3/10

I’m still not sure where I stand on Cloke Mk II, as seen below in my one word summary. He is capable of some excellent work, which can then be tainted by some basic errors (his mark in the goalsquare followed up by a behind in round 14 against Port Adelaide last season a case in point). Malthouse seems intent on using him as a ruckman (at league level, anyway) and so far it has not really paid off. Sure, he’s had his moments/matches where he has looked the part, but CC has really lacked conviction so far.

I have never seen him as a ruckman, as for mine, he is a natural forward, and besides, we already have Fraser, Richards and David Fanning as ruck options. Send CC in there for an Anthony Rocca like spell, but never as a fulltime option. He has looked most fluent up forward, where he uses his bulk and strong hands (his best asset by a country mile) to advantage. His decision making can be poor at times, but it is more likely borne of youth and inexperience than anything else. Cloke can be a victim of appearing too lackadaisical on occasions, although it can be a perception many take on simply because they appear as if they are doing it easily (more commonly known as Mark Waugh Syndrome). Some may argue that he needs to show more desperation, and perhaps that is right, but from what I’ve seen, CC has a work ethic and does hit the opposition hard, he simply needs to find the correct gear when playing in the seniors, he has starred with Williamstown to date, perhaps he is now one of several players who are often too good for the VFL, but struggle to cut it at senior level. Although given a whole game to show his wares and he may have a different story to tell.

I’d personally like to see CC used in the Jarrod Molloy role inside fifty, bullocking through packs, creating space for the likes of Tarrant, Rocca, Davis and Didak as well as intimidating opposition defenders. I’m of the belief that Malthouse actually attempted to use Jason Cloke in a similar role in the early stages of 2004. It’s fair to say that move backfired, but trying Cameron in the enforcers role may yield different results.

In a word: Unconvincing

David Fanning: 0/10

Haven’t seen any of Fanning so far this season, so I cannot really comment on him, except to say that he hasn’t sounded like getting a look in, although it has been difficult with Richards, Fraser and CC in the road. Improved as 2005 went on, so it has been somewhat surprising not to see him gain a run just yet, but there is plenty of time left. I hope that no one decides to cut him from the list just yet (I doubt they will), as ruckman, depth ruckmen, are hard to come by.

In a word: Unseen

Julian Rowe: 1/10

It’s hard to rate player such as Rowe at the moment, as he has been unable to find his way into the side (save for last week against the Demons), and his progress has been stunted by a groin injury over the pre-season.

I like Rowe, he has good pace, looks classy on the wing and works hard off the ball (well, more than he once did). I still believe he has decent footskills that simply don’t show through on game day, as he may be lacking composure in the big league. Many still think he lacks accountability, he does a touch, but as said earlier, he is improving.

Word is, he was playing quite well at Williamstown for a number of weeks prior to his call up, and he is, like it or not, our depth at this stage. It was exposed when Melbourne routed us, but he is the future (I think!). He just needs to learn how to find the ball, use it and take the bit between his teeth. Do that, and a place on the wing is his for the taking.

It is oft overlooked that he was a late choice in the 2003 national draft (60^th overall), and in a somewhat dodgy draft, it is looking ok at this stage. Someone remarked pre-season 2005 that he looked/played like a young Gavin Brown. Now I’ve never seen Brown as a youngster (1987-1989), but I can’t imagine Rowe playing much like him.

But he was what we need: pace and skills (yes, I think he does). Give him time (this season and next) to prove his worth and crack the line up. His exposure in 2004 and 2005 may prove blessings in disguise.

In a word: On standby

The kids*:

*Note – I will not rate any of the youngsters who only came onto our list so far this season, aside from those who have already made their AFL debuts (Thomas and Pendlebury).

**Note – Two hashes indicates rookie.

Sean Rusling: 0/10

Almost impossible to rate Rusling, as he has only recently found his way into the Williamstown squad after suffering an untimely shoulder injury in the pre-season. It may yet prove a blessing in disguise, as his body will be relatively fresh as we hit the home strait. A promising sign is that, from all reports, he has played quite well up forward for the Seagulls.

I have heard a number of people say that Rusling was “the missing link in our forward line in the first half of the season”.

I cannot agree with that at all. As good as Rusling may prove, I am certain that he would not have made such an impact in the forward fifty had he been fit and healthy, for Gods sake, he is halfway through his second season. He has already been dubbed the latest in our long line of ‘great white hopes’, but so far it remains to be seen.

Not writing him off at all, simply stating the facts. Could be handy in the next few weeks, but hardly a game breaker.

In a word: Future

Chris Egan: 1/10

Egan is an interesting one. He has struggled to find a senior place this season, seemingly suffering from a bout of second year blues as he begins to cope with life at the top of the AFL tree. He was handy on debut last season, life most youngsters adding spark via speed, and his boyish enthusiasm gave plenty of life to the side. He has found the going tougher this year, although he appeared a fair bit bigger in his one senior outing (round one against Adelaide), although time may have faded the memory.

He was a top draft choice, and like most of his build (still lacking the muscle to match the speed) and those who play his position (wing, half forward), he will take a bit of grooming. In the future, he could end up a wingman, or perhaps a forward in the mould of Ben Dixon (albeit a more explosive version) or Robert Murphy, as the third tall who can take a grab. It’ll be interesting to see how he progresses in the second half of the season, as the length takes its toll on players who are ahead of him in the pecking order.

In a word: Time on his side

Danny Stanley:*

I liked his work over the pre-season, he seemed a real goer and impressed in the few intra-club practice matches I witnessed, he has a great body size for a player in his first season. Played against the Dockers in the NAB Cup, too, and by all reports has looked good for Willy. In my mind, something of a darkhorse for senior selection later in the season (should injury play a part).

Ryan Cook:*

Again, I haven’t seen any of Cook at Williamstown, but word coming from the astute Willy watchers from Nicks Collingwood Page and Extreme Black and White reported a fortnight ago that he booted five goals and four behinds against form team Sandringham from the forward pocket. How good is it to hear news such as that?! Magnificent, a solid sized half forward who knows where the big sticks are, and fortunately he is a bottom aged draftee, in other words he would have been drafted in the crop coming up in November, a draft said to be as strong as the Judd-Ball-Hodge batch of 2001.

Now it can be harsh (and difficult) to liken a youngster to a former/current player, but from the sounds of things and from the things I have viewed at training over the pre-season, Cook may end up something of a Glenn Freeborn, a player who can get loose, take a mark and sniff a goal. Yeah, yeah, it’s not all that fair nor correct to label a player so early, but you get my drift.

John Anthony:*

Like the other draftees, I cannot comment from experience, but the news is good, in terms of his efforts down at Williamstown at fullback, showing excellent persistence and strength against more experienced performers, and plenty if class, too (according to the regular Willy watchers, and yes, I should make an effort to see a bit more of the Seagulls progress). Was tipped to be, along with Stanley, something of a sleeper during the pre-season, and I have to agree. Could end up, at a pinch, a James Clement/Craig Kelly across halfback.

Sam Iles:*

Again, it is unfair to critique Iles to date, although he has only made limited appearances for the Williamstown seniors in 2006. Word was that he had a niggling injury a few weeks back, although Iles would have recovered by now. I like him, he has an excellent work ethic, and could end up something of a Tarkyn Lockyer.

Adam Iacobucci: 1/10

I’m a big supporter of Yakka, who has been forced to give the selection door an absolute pummelling in order to get a look into the senior side. And, as luck would have it, as soon as he was included (round 12 against Melbourne), he has been dumped once again for this weeks encounter with the Swans. Probably vindicated in that he was always going to be borderline, but from the few times I saw him against the Demons, he did impress me with his vigorous attack on the footy, and the one occasion that saw him run and carry the ball, always a good sign. Give him time.

In a word: Needs time

Alan Toovey:**

Toovey has been handy over the course of the season for Williamstown, as was drafted as a key defender, who comes across shorter than most talls. Has a great work ethic, and is now beginning to break into the Seagulls seniors, a promising sign.

Danny Nicholls:**

Has been a real livewire for Willy this season, and has added bite to the midfield and forward divisions. Could be the sleeper of the rookie crop.

Shannon Cox:**

Cox has been excellent for the Williamstown reserves so far, and has been unable to properly win a crack at the senior action, although he played one NAB Cup match against Fremantle on his home turf at Subiaco. An exciting player, Cox scored six goals in the reserves win a few weeks back.

Up against it:

Chad Morrison: 1/10

It’s fair to say that the Morrison experiment has been something of a failure so far. Certainly harsh to put that on any player, but Chad has struggled all season to properly command a place in the senior side, superseded by the likes of Heath Shaw, Ryan Lonie (not a regular last season), Dane Swan and Scott Pendlebury. His lack of pace certainly counts against him, and he can be suspect by foot, his place at league level now in serious doubt.

Compounding his problems, Morrison was nabbed by the police early in the season for drink-driving. Now, being a Collingwood player certainly added to his woes (the media exposure was pretty heavy), but the fact of the matter is that: he is a league footballer, he is looked up to as a role model, he was at the beginning of a crucial season to his future, he was out of the side injured, and the club has pools of vital money poured into its finances by the Transport Accident Commission (TAC). Above all, no one has an excuse to drink and drive. As the saying goes, do so, and you’re a bloody idiot. To add to that, the club still has the stigma of the Darren Millane incident back in 1991, that unfortunately contributed to his death. Players, and the public, should know better.

Enough of the off field stuff, though, it has been good to see Morrison find his way back into the senior side in the past fortnight. Good, in that he has fought back hard from his early season troubles.

He was tipped to play against the Lions in round ten, simply because of his bigger, battle-hardened body, ready to wear bare the brunt of the Brisbane force. He was handy at best, and managed to hold his spot for the next round against the Demons...

...yes, he wasn’t all that great, and it’s time to make way for someone else, particularly with Swan ready to return from a hamstring injury.

It is sad, because Morrison was once touted as a star of the future when he made his debut back in 1996. Granted, he has been crippled by knee injuries, and is not the player he once was, or could have been. I was a fan of Chad at West Coast, and was pleased to see him return to Victoria to play for the club he supported as a child (he even wore the number 42 with the Eagles for a time). He did begin 2005 well; he featured in our best in the first six or so weeks across halfback.

I recall coming home from school one afternoon during October, 2004, to hear that Morrison was now a Magpie. At what cost? Not much, we were forced to cough up selection 37 in the 2004 draft (Mark LeCras), which stemmed from the Bo Nixon deal. We traded Hawthorn pick seven (Jordan Lewis) and Nixon (a first round selection in the 2002 national draft, the pick we swapped for Nick Davis; he played a total of three games for us) for selections ten (Chris Egan) and 37, which was eventually on traded to the Eagles in return for Morrison.

So we effectively reaped Egan and Morrison for selections seven and 37. The verdict? Not too bad, apparently we were always going to draft Egan. But what was the point in trading for Morrison in the first place? Was he always going to add a missing ingredient to the side? I’m not sold he would have.

In fairness, it seemed the right move at the time, but the fact of the matter is now, Morrison will need to extract plenty in the remaining eleven rounds (plus finals) if he is to remain a Magpie in 2007. But with Malthouse seemingly having a penchant for selecting players out of the blue in big matches (Carl Steinfort for the 2002 finals series, to a lesser extent, Tristan Walker in the 2003 Grand Final), a promotion late wouldn’t be out of the question.

Good luck to Chad, I have nothing against him as a person, and on his day he can prove handy. But...he’ll need to turn to all his experience to turn things around.

In a word: The writing’s on the wall

Tristan Walker: 0/10

Things look pretty bleak for Tex, having not cracked the seniors this season and doing so without showing all that much at Willy (admittedly, he was in the best last week, a sign of change?). For a project player, he has taken plenty of time (he’s been on the circuit since 2002), and is still yet to find a proper spot on the ground. Is he a forward? A CHB? Survey Collingwood supporters and you’ll find a pretty even split between the two options. Although I’m not a regular Willy watcher, by all reports he has been playing in defence, which may be an indication as to where Malthouse sees his future.

He still has potential, and plenty of it, but he has half a season to find it and realise it. Do that and he could end up a lethal injection the senior side. It remains to be seen, and he is up against it. A likeable bloke, and a real tryer on the field, I hope he can become the player he promised to be in 2003.

In a word: Now or never

Brent Hall: 0/10

Hall has been a real slow starter, now into his third season at the club. Upon drafting back in late 2003, it was said that he would take time to develop, and was rated quite highly. But now? He has really struggled to have any impact in the Black and White (or the Blue and Gold, for that matter), and would desperately crave another shot at senior action (played one match in round 16 last season against the Bombers) to prove his worth.

In a word: Still playing (haven’t heard from him)?

Jason Cloke: 2/10

Poor old Clokey, he has been desperately unlucky to just about miss the boat all together this season to date, and while he continues to toil away for Williamstown, and constantly get named in the best three players, he still could not will his way into the Collingwood team for all the tea in China. Now I am a massive Jason Cloke fan, have been since 2002, and I believe he has not received the run he has deserved thus far this season.

In round one against Adelaide, coming off his best pre-season yet, not to mention a top effort against St.Kilda in the NAB Cup, Clokey was robbed by selection of any opportunity to gain a foothold in the side when pitted against the agile, speedy and flexible Brett Burton on a wing. Poor old Jason had next to no chance of keeping up with him, and was unable to play his natural game. He was then dumped, only to be recalled six weeks later for the clash with West Coast in Perth, a late inclusion for brother Travis. Jason was again played out of position, and struggled for touch as a ruckman/CHF.

How could any player properly prosper in a foreign position? It’s pretty difficult. Yes, there is the argument that footballers should be adaptable, and ready to fill any need of the coach, but it really is basic: play players where they play best. Too easy, and yet Clokey, in his two chances this season, has not been able to win a place down back where he has prospered. It is unfair on him, and may ultimately rob him of a place on the list. I sincerely hope it doesn’t, but it’ll be a long haul back from here.

I just hope he can get a chance soon and take it as a defender, we are the better side when he is up and going.

In a word: Unfortunate