Another interesting thing to do is to look at players from this core group of 20 who could make big improvements to our side this year compared to 2018:
1. Fantasia
2. Daniher
3. Francis
4. Shiel
5. McGrath
6. Parish
7. Langford
8. Stringer
9. Smack
10.Zaka
None of these players were top 10 in the Crichton in 2018. All these players output was either limited significantly by injury, or they are young and only just coming into their best, or in the case of Shiel are new to the team, or, in the case of Stringer he is known to have another gear we hope to see this year, and maybe even can begin to find a new one if he gets some more midfield fitness. These players playing to their potential could put our 2019 form through the roof.
From players who did finish in the top 10 in the Crichton:
- Devon Smith 370 votes
- Dyson Heppell 360 votes
- Zach Merrett 335 votes
- Adam Saad 315 votes
- Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti 295 votes
- Tom Bellchambers 281 votes
- Michael Hurley 280 votes
- Cale Hooker 276 votes
- Conor McKenna 268 votes
- Brendon Goddard 267 votes
8 of these players could arguably still improve on their 2018 form, but our expectations of Hooker and Hurley will have to start moderating at some point, but not necessarily yet. We can get better out of all these players (bar Goddard) if we are performing as a cohesive unit, which can improve everyone.
Although with TBC we can’t necessarily expect will get better or worse, being a prime age for a ruckman. Tom’s form was career best in 2018, coming 6th in the Crichton from 20 games, and quality ruckmen are not easily found at the moment, so he is a lock until Draper approaches his potential or if Zlarke surprises.
Myers wasn’t top 10 last year, having had some injury worries early (16 games), but these were less than average, and after a surprise “most improved” award in 2018, it would be unreasonable to expect another in 2019.
And out of our last 2 positions on the field, there are 10 or so players who might step up, which means they will be better than 2018, how much they do so and how much they add is a real wild card.
Goddard is the only best 22 player we have lost this year, and with big improvements in output possible in 10 or more players we should be able to easily more than cover for his loss.
Our improved depth should also serve us well for an improved 2019.
Roll on round 1…