Looking forward to the 2011 AFL Season - part 2

In my first post I gave a bit of an overview of how I see us lining up next year. Now I want to put the spot light on a few players that will be ones to watch as well as the players who are on the edge of making the best 22.

 Players to watch in 2011

Marc Murphy

Unfortunately Murphy had limited preseason this year and this could be one of the main factors for a quieter year by his own standards. But in 2011 he will be hungry to make up for a low year and really stamp himself as one of the elite players in the AFL.
Murphy looked red hot in 2009 running forward of the center with the ball in hand and kicking at goal. This is what we need from him next season and with more rotations of players through the middle, we should definitely see him playing more in the forward.

Paul Bower
Our great hope or overhyped? He has played some awesome games, but 2010 saw him spend too much time on the sidelines with injuries. He needs to get his body right if he is going to lock down a spot in our defense going forward. This year we have taken a number of high potential defenders and if Bower doesnt stamp himself as a quality running defender...he may see himself wearing red more and more.

Andrew Walker
Almost traded away...I for one believe it would have been a big mistake to lose him! All you need to do is look at the final against the Swans...swung forward in the last quarter and almost won the game for us! It has been said he wasnt happy playing down back and prefers through the middle and up forward...exactly where I have always like to see him positioned...and not just for a few minutes here and there...as Ratten likes to do! I believe that next year Walker will be wanting to make a big statement that he is a quality player and deserves a spot in our best 22!


Players that are on the edge

There are a number of players who will really need to show what they have got in order to hold on the spot on the list. These are all quality players...but they will need to take every opportunity by the scruff of the neck otherwise they face being thrown up for trade bait come end of 2011.

Mitch Robinson

This guy has the mongrel in him to do some real damage and I think he just needs to get some consistency into his game. This will come with more senior game time

David Ellard
Came in late last season and really showed he has some potential as an in and under player in the midfield. Finished the year on 7 games and will be a good inclusion when required.

Marcus Davies
Second year player who will be looking to cement his place in the side. Showed some nice stuff, despite struggling a little with the pace of the game. Will get better with experience after playing 5 games in 2010


2011 is looking very promising! The list is looking very good, there are no major injuries and the draw for season 2011 is very friendly! Bring it on!