ANALYSIS: Season Review - Johnson#26

Collingwood: Season Review - Johnson#26


After 2 years as bridesmaids, Collingwood was expected to fulfil the promise shown in previous seasons by taking home the flag. But the season was anything but good. Injuries, poor form and players behaving badly all compounded, to make 2004 a miserable season for the Magpies.

The trouble all began in February when an undermanned Magpies line up ventured over to Perth to play the West Coast Eagles in the opening round of the Wizard Cup. The Pies were atrocious – going down by 105 points. Former Pie Damian Adkins rubbed salt into the wounds as he burned the Pies in a scintillating display. Only Nathan Buckley and Richard Cole showed anything in the terrible display.

They slunk home to Melbourne, keen to atone for their horrible recent showings. They played 3 practice matches against Sydney, Port Adelaide and Melbourne and were comfortably beaten on all three occasions. The footballing public was now beginning to pick up on the Magpies sudden fall from power, with the media dissecting every part of the Maggies list. With injuries to stars such as Chris Tarrant, Paul Licuria and Shane Woewodin, the Magpies depth was badly exposed, with much media criticism coming at the Pies after their failure to pick up any experienced players during the off season to help stop the possible scars inflicted on the young players.

At the Collingwood Family Day, President Eddie McGuire warned supporters that the start to the season would be a rocky one. How right he was.

The season started poorly against a new look Richmond line up. With Nathan Brown and Matthew Richardson dominating, the Pies went down by 48 points. Only Buckley and Woewodin showed any resistance in a poor display. One of the disappointing aspects of the loss was that no new blood was tried.

The Maggies responded to the criticism by blooding ruckman Guy Richards, midfielder Bo Nixon and tall forward Tom Davidson against the Western Bulldogs. Sadly for the Pies, tragedy struck when Davidson injured his knee and was sidelined for the rest of the season. The injury came only a year after he injured his ‘other knee’. It was the only down side to another wise solid display.

For the next six weeks, Collingwood almost destroyed their season with six consecutive losses to Brisbane, Fremantle, Essendon, Port Adelaide, Carlton and St.Kilda. During this period of time the Pies lost Buckley and Tarrant to hamstring injuries. These injuries effectively killed the sides’ chances for the 2004 flag. Although the team put up a fight in most matches, they fell away in ‘red time’ (the last three minutes of each quarter).

The most infuriating loss of the season to date was the loss to Carlton in round seven. After leading by five goals early in the last quarter, the Maggies were over run by a resurgent Carlton – going down by nine points. The match was seen as the bottoming out of Collingwood with yet another hamstring injury to Buckley. There were calls for the sacking of Malthouse and the beheading of recruiting officer Noel Judkins.

Yet against St.Kilda, even though the Pies lost by 47 points, there was many a positive sign to come out of the match. Players such as Richards, Dane Swan, Mark McGough and Ben Johnson all stood up and shone in their respective positions causing much hope for the future.

Finally, after six successive weeks of defeat, Collingwood walked off the ground winners after a victory over Adelaide at Telstra Dome. After a slow start the Magpies over came a talented Crows out fit to win by three points. One week later the Pies made it two on the trot with a strong victory over North Melbourne. Players such as Cameron Cloke, Richards, Alan Didak and Johnson continued their improvement as the Pies made a late bid for a top eight spot. Another bright spot was the return from Tarkyn Lockyer, who had been riddled by injury for the past 18 months. The next Friday night, Collingwood added West Coast to their list of victims with an 18 point victory.

One week later, the Magpies met Melbourne on the Queens Birthday, fully aware that a victory could put them one game outside the eight. After a slow start, Collingwood slipped into gear with an impressive 2nd and 3rd quarters and at one stage led by 37 points. But late in the 3rd term the Dees hit back and ended up winning by 9 points.

The loss almost ended the Pies season, but they had one life remaining as they took on the Swans at Telstra Stadium in round 13 in front of a packed house. It was a titanic struggle all night, until Swans defender Teigh Kennelly broke the deadlock, to see the Swans to victory and ultimately ended the Magpies season.

But Collingwood did not lie down. They faced the dismal Hawthorn the next week at the MCG. The Pies controlled the game for most of the day, winning by a commanding 65 points. Young speedsters Alan Didak and Leon Davis were shifted to the midfield, in a move which added spark to the side. Davis and Didak were the two best players on the ground, leading the Pies to victory. Another bright spot was Julian Rowe’s debut, as he showed skill, pace and class – which are all attributes of a good young player.

After the results of some other games went their way, the Magpies had yet another chance to claw their way back into final contention against the much improved Geelong at Telstra Dome. It was again a tight battle all evening, with Cats star defenders Matthew Scarlett and Tom Harley blanketing Magpie stars Tarrant and Rocca, limiting their influence. The Cats broke the shackles in the final term, running the game out comfortably. A contentious issue of the match was the surface, with many players slipping over – including Richard Cole, who slipped in front of the Cats goals, allowing Paul Chapman to swoop and goal.

Round 16 saw the Grand Final rematch, between the Pies and the Lions in deplorable conditions at the MCG on a Saturday night. The whole of the first half, the rain and hail pelted down, giving the Magpies an unexpected advantage. Collingwood were right in the game until early in the third term, when the Lions put the foot on the gas, to score ten goals for the term and scoot away with the game. Only Woewodin and Clement stood up in the second half, as the game petered out to a Lions victory.

Round 17 was the beginning of a three week winning streak for the Maggies, and it started on a Saturday night against the Western Bulldogs with the roof on at Telstra Dome. It was a tight and tough contest all night, before the Magpies broke free in the final term to score eight goals, to win by 49 points. Buckley was back to his best with 30 possessions, while Burns and Walker were the stars up forward, scoring five goals between them.

Round 18 brought forward Heritage Weekend, in which each club was to don a Guernsey of yesteryear. Collingwood wore a replica of their 1953 premiership Guernsey, in which Bob Rose was skipper. The faced Richmond – the side that had given them a pumping in round one. The Magpies held the upper hand for almost the whole day, until a spirited come back from a Joel Bowden led Richmond surged back into the game and held the lead late in the game, until Magpie youngster David King, who had shown promise during the day, ran onto a handball from Holland to ram home the goal from close range – giving the Pies the lead. Lockyer, Woewodin and Walker were all solid for Collingwood, while Luke Shackleton made his Magpie debut and showed some promise.

Round 19 saw the Magpies best game for the season, with an unexpected victory over the Fremantle Dockers in Perth. The Magpies began well, peppering the goals but could not convert. Shane O’Bree, who had come under some pressure from fans after some ordinary performances, gathered nine possessions in the first term blitz, in which the Pies burnt Freo. They continued that way all night, until midway through the final term, when the Dockers gave their best challenge. Justin Longmuir took control of the ruck and Dylan Smith was winning the ball at ground level, but Collingwood, with some late goals to King, Lockyer, Holland and Woewodin won convincingly by 33 points. Leon Davis, playing in front of his home crowd, killed the Dockers in a best on ground display.

Despite all the injuries and poor form that dogged the side throughout the season, it all came down to round 20, when the Magpies faced the Bombers in a do or die clash under lights at the MCG. Essendon had other ideas. They smashed the Magpies in the first term, to have a seven goal lead. Although the Magpies clawed their way back into the contest, they could not overcome the desire and skill of the Bombers. Only Brodie Holland and Shane Woewodin were consistent performers all night, as the Dons cruised to a 33 point win.

With their spirit demoralised, the Pies faced a rampant Port Adelaide, keen to overcome their Collingwood bogy. After a bright first term, they led by seven points, with Scott Burns and Josh Fraser on fire. But from the second term onwards, Port stepped on the gas, roaring away from the Magpies to a 37 point victory. James Clement had the huge task of playing on stand-in Power skipper Warren Treadra. Treadra tore him apart from the second quarter onwards, and if not from inaccurate kicking could have scored eight goals. The Magpies struggled until the final term, where they won the quarter, with Ryan Lonie and Ben Johnson slotting goals from the half forward flank. Only Lonie and Woewodin were consistent performers, with Lonie scoring three goals from half forward. Another problem from the night was the Magpies indirectness when going forward, as spearheads Tarrant and Buckley led to the flanks and pockets, allowing Chad Cornes to plant himself at centre half back and stop every Magpie forward move.

Finally, round 22 arrived – with the two arch rivals, Collingwood and Carlton going head-to-head for pride. With the finals out of reach, there wasn’t much at stake, but if you had missed the whole season, you would not have known. Collingwood started brightly, scoring five goals to lead by 13 points at quarter time, before the Blues slowly clawed their way back into the match, to grab the lead late in the third term. Early in the final term, Magpie discard Heath Scotland goaled to take the Blues to a three goal lead. But Collingwood, with the aid of goals to Holland, Williams and Tarrant, struggled back to bridge the gap to one point late in the match. Tarrant had the opportunity to win the game for the Pies, but could only score to behinds to add to his total of five goals three.

The siren sounded with the ball on the wing, with the Magpies down by a point. Blues fans rejoiced, while Magpie fans were forced to look to next season, and reflect on a sad and sorry season – in which they missed the finals for the first time since 2002. But there were some good points, including 10 debutants and players improving. The next chapter in the Collingwood story will continue at the trade table, when a few Magpies will be on the market. So here’s to 2005 – the year of the Pie!!

Player Review: Midseason and End of season

Leon Davis:
Midseason: 4/10 – Has been good in spurts (Bulldogs/Carlton) and terrible in others. Needs to add consistency. D+
End of season: 5.5/10 – Improved his season, and may have saved his career with some sterling performances in the middle. Should retain his place on the list. C+
Season High: Round 19 vs Fremantle
Season Low: Round 1 vs Richmond

Shane Woewodin:
Midseason: 7.95/10 – Has stood up in recent weeks and shown why we chose him at the end of 2002. Showed courage and leadership and his kicking skills have been first class. B+
End of season: 7.5/10 – Very good season. Has stepped up as a leader, and has used his skills well. He developed a harder edge to his game, and puts himself in for the hard ball. He is now a B&F chance. A
Season High: Round 21 vs Port Adelaide
Season Low: Round 3 vs Brisbane


Ryan Lonie:
Midseason: 5.5/10 – Is he coming for going? Uses the ball so well and has added some toughness to his game but needs to improve quickly. Maybe it’s time he was moved on to the wing. C+
End of season: 6/10 – Has he finally consolidated his position in the side? Lonie had a solid second half of the season across the half forward flank, showing his ability to score goals and take a nice mark. He may look to return to the wing in 2005. C+/B
Season High: Round 21 vs Port Adelaide
Season Low: Round 3 vs Brisbane


Alan Didak:
Midseason: 6/10 – Started slowly but has improved in recent weeks. Has added some physicality to his game and his skills are first class. A move to the midfield is imminent. B
End of season: 6/10 – A topsy-turvy season, where Didak could not bridge the gap between his best and worst performances. Had some matches where he set the world on fire, while in others he barely went near the ball. Needs to kick straighter when shooting for goal. B
Season High: Round 14 vs Hawthorn
Season Low: Round 21 vs Port Adelaide

Nathan Buckley:
Midseason: 5.5/10 – Has had a terrible run with injuries but when on the park has been as good as always. When he is fit and firing there is no one as inspiring as Bucks. C+
End of season: 6.5/10 – Had a shocking run with injury, but when fit and on the park was good. Won the ball when in the midfield, but spent much of his time at half forward. Struggled with injury late in the year but it did not dampen his performances. B
Season High: Round 1 vs Richmond
Season Low: Round 6 vs Carlton

Brodie Holland:
Midseason: 6/10 – Needs to control his anger towards the ball and not the man. Very consistent when on the field and is now winning more of the ball. B+
End of season: 7/10 – Solid, hard working season from Holland, who again stepped up a notch to win more of the ball and be a better player offensively. Is now one of the best midfielders in the club, and has consolidated a spot in the starting side. Perhaps one of the best taggers in the league. B+
Season High: Round 19 vs Fremantle
Season Low: Round 6 vs Carlton

James Clement:
Midseason: 8/10 – Has only been beaten once (Gehrig) and continued to be the most dependable defender in the side. A real leader. A
End of season: 9/10 – Definitely our best player for the season and one of the bets defenders in the competition. Has a cool head under pressure, kicks well, has good hands and is rarely beaten. A shoe in for the Copeland Trophy. A+
Season High: Round 17 vs Western Bulldogs
Season Low: Round 21 vs Port Adelaide

Billy Morrison:
Midseason: 2.5/10 – Made his Williamstown debut earlier this season but looked lost. Morrison is starting to find his feet and a Collingwood debut is likely next season. E+
End of season: 2.5/10 – Made his Seagulls debut but did not make a big impression. Will be given time to improve. E+
Season High: Round Williamstown debut
Season Low: ---


Shane O’Bree:
Midseason: 5.5/10 – Apart from one good match against Port he has looked out of sorts. Turns the ball over and in treading water. Injured his knee two weeks ago and is facing an up hill battle to stay at the club beyond 2004.
End of season: 5/10 – His worst season at the club, with only a few good performances. Can’t seem to handle the pressure of the midfield, and his spot in the team is under pressure. Will be nervous come trade week. A real problem is his kicking, which often resalt in turn overs, and he often overuses the ball and is indirect. D
Season High: Round 6 vs Port Adelaide
Season Low: Round 1 vs Richmond

Steve McKee:
Midseason: 2/10 – Worst season so far. Under real pressure to maintain his sport. D
End of season: 4/10 – Improved from his midseason form, to become a solid player in the latter stages of the season before finally being dropped from the side late. May be needed as a back up in 2005. D
Season High: Round 16 vs Brisbane
Season Low: Round 1 vs Richmond

Richard Cole:
Midseason: 6/10 – A revelation in defence. Tackles well and his ball use is getting better. Has regained his composure after the 2003 Grand Final loss. B

End of season: 6.5/10 – A very good season, as he regained his confidence after the Grand Final loss and bounced back to go on great runs off the half back line. He used his strength and pace to advantage and will be an All-Australian before his career is over. B
Season High: Round 14 vs Hawthorn
Season Low: Round 3 vs Brisbane

Shane Wakelin:
Midseason: 7.5/10 – Mr.Reliable has been as good as always shoring up defence and held the opposition to low scores. Good effort. B+
End of season: 7/10 – Had a solid season, and beat some of the best forwards in the business until he had his arm broken by Lynch. B
Season High: Round 13 vs Sydney
Season Low: Round 16 vs Brisbane

Bo Nixon:
Midseason: 2.5/10 – Made his senior debut but hasn’t shown much yet. Will progress further as the year goes on. D
End of season: 1.5/10 – After his debut, Nixon found football a struggle and was dropped to Williamstown, and he did not return after round 8. Needs to work on his kicking and may be trade bait. E
Season High: Round 2 vs Western Bulldogs
Season Low: Round 8 vs St.Kilda


Tom Davidson:
Midseason: 2/10- After a bright start injured a knee and will miss the rest of the season. Something to look forward to for 2005. D
End of season: 2/10 – Could not return after knee injury and will return in 2005. Should be something special. D
Season High: Round 2 vs Western Bulldogs
Season Low: Knee injury against the Bulldogs in round 2

Scott Burns:
Midseason: 8/10 – When he’s been on the park he has been brilliant. Hard and tough, he is a key to the side. If we are to make the eight he must be fit and firing. A
End of season: 7.5/10 – Good season apart from when injury intervened. Was used as a forward pocket in the latter stages of the year and did a good job, as he has good goal sense. An underrated star. B+
Season High: Round 11 vs West Coast
Season Low: Round 6 vs Port Adelaide

Paul Licuria:
Midseason: 7.5/10 – After a slow start due to injury he has cone on in leaps and bounds. His ferocity and passion is second to none and will get better as the year goes on.
End of season: 7.5/10 – Once again a good and consistent season. Ran as hard as ever, won lots of the ball and weathered the early season storm with composure. Tagged Nick Stevens well in the final game. B+
Season High: Round 22 vs Carlton
Season Low: Round 1 vs Richmond

Andrew Williams:
Midseason: 1/10 – Has done nothing all year and has just sat in the Williamstown team. Future in real doubt. F+
End of season: 2/10 – Had a terrible season until round 22, when he worked hard against the Blues and took a few nice grabs. His future is up in the air, and may get some trade value. Has strong hands and is a solid kick, but just needs more confidence. E
Season High: Round 22 vs Carlton
Season Low: Round 4 vs Fremantle

Chris Tarrant:
Midseason: 7/10 – Has been electrifying when on the field but injury and suspension have had a big say in his season. When firing he is an excitement machine. A
End of season: 6.5/10 – Is a rare talent, but is hampered by injury and bad luck with suspension. Needs a full pre-season to return to full fitness. Also needs to work on his kicking for goal but marks well. B+
Season High: Round 22 vs Carlton
Season Low: Round 3 vs Brisbane

Guy Richards:
Midseason: 6.5/10 – The revelation of the season. Given his all in the ruck and has been brave when up against better ruckmen. Will be a star. B+
End of season: 6.5/10 – Was our best new player for the season, until he was struck down midway with the dreaded ostitis pubis, which ended his season. Is destined to be an All-Australian ruckman, and his tap work is terrific. Will be a star, and can play as a loose man across half back. B
Season High: Round 9 vs Adelaide
Season Low: Round 5 vs Essendon

Rhyce Shaw:
Midseason: 4/10 – Good in patches (or when he is on the field). Starting to gain some confidence. Very hard to judge his season. D+
End of season: 4.5/10 – Improved slightly but there is more work to be done. Shaw has shown ability to tag, as well as winning the ball, but his ball usage needs to improve. Has spent a lot of time on the interchange bench, and an interesting trade period awaits. We all know how good he can play, so lets seem him do it. D+
Season High: Round 16 vs West Coast
Season Low: Round 11 vs Melbourne

Anthony Rocca:
Midseason: 7/10 – Has been down compared to recent seasons but still works very hard and will come out after the brake breathing fire. B
End of season: 6/10 - Had an up and down season, in which he never played to his absolute best. Had the occasional good moment but missed the last six weeks of the season with an ankle injury. Was hampered by injury all season, but should come into 2005 in red hot form, as he is perhaps our most important player. C
Season High: Round 2 vs Western Bulldogs
Season Low: Round 11 vs West Coast

Tarkyn Lockyer:
Midseason: 5.5/10 – After 18 months out of the game the return of our own smiling assassin has given all Pies supporters some joy. Uses the ball well and his 1%ers are first rate. C+
End of season: 5.5/10 – Solid return from injury for Tarkyn, who didn’t miss a game after his long awaited return. As the season wore on, his confidence grew and he won more of the ball. But in the last month, found himself in a bit of trouble, and didn’t produce his best form. C+
Season High: Round 18 vs Richmond
Season Low: Round 22 vs Carlton


Josh Fraser:
Midseason: 6/10 – Has had a slow season interrupted by injury. Looks the goods up when up forward. C+
End of season: 6.5/10 – Had a solid, yet unspectacular season, in which he consolidated himself as one of the sides’ best players. Marks well and wins the ball on the ground but still struggles somewhat in the ruck. Could end up as a wingman, but will spend more time as a forward next season. Shouldered the ruck with honour in the last few weeks. B
Season High: Round 17 vs Western Bulldogs
Season Low: Round 20 vs Essendon


Ben Johnson:
Midseason: 8.5/10 – The best player all year. His run, skill and courage have never been questioned and a midfield role beckons. His kicking has also continued to improve and is now a real leader in the team. A+
End of season: 7.5/10 - Tapered off after a great start to the season, but never gave up. Used his pace to advantage and his kicking improved as the season wore on. Played his 100th game in the final round and is now considered a team leader. Will get a top three placing in the Copeland Trophy, and is now a Magpie favourite. Could move to the midfield next season. A
Season High: Round 17 vs Western Bulldogs
Season Low: Round 11 vs West Coast

Mark McGough:
Midseason: 6/10 – Has enjoyed a return to the senior ranks and has found his feet at AFL level. His quick hands and ball winning ability are second to none. Looks slow but gets out of trouble well. Kicking still lets him down on occasions. B+
End of season: 5/10 – Found life a struggle after some great early form – particularly against Essendon on ANZAC Day – as it the norm. Won a lot of the ball at ground level, but when kicking failed to hit targets. One shot for goal from 35 meters out on the run against Sydney was a real down point, as was the amount of time he spent on the bench. Should be around for next season, although his name may be floated during trade week. Had ostitis pubis at the start of the season and will look to get much fitter for 2005. C+
Season High: Round 5 vs Essendon
Season Low: Round 13 vs Sydney


Ben Kinnear:
Midseason: 1/10 – Played his 50th game in round eight, his only cause for celebration so far this season. F+
End of season: 1/10 – Had a terrible season, where he only appeared for three weeks. Played his 50th game, but did not impress apart from that. Will need something special to stay on the list. F+
Season High: Round 8 vs St.Kilda (50th game)
Season Low: Round 6 vs Port Adelaide


Matthew Lokan:
Midseason: 5/10 – Mr.Fixit. Tries very hard be it down back up, forward or tagging. His main home this season has been on the half forward flank where he has proved an opportunist goal kicker as he is often not paid enough respect by the opposition. B
End of season: 5/10 – Had a strange season. Started well, showed he could play up forward but then faded as the year wore on. Needs to add consistency to his game, as well as winning more of the ball. Finish the year out of the side – not a good sign for trade week. D+
Season High: Round 3 vs Brisbane
Season Low: Round 20 vs Essendon

Luke Mullins:
Midseason Review: 4/10 – Made his senior debut in round four against Fremantle and impressed with his cool head and classy skills. Was surprisingly dropped for round five but has looked good at Williamstown since. D+
End of season: 3/10 – After making his senior debut against Fremantle, Mullins was a shock omission for the following week, despite picking up a nice bag of possessions. Since then, he hasn’t had many chances in the senior side, and must be getting worried as trade time looms. Classy footballer with nice skills. D
Season High: Round 4 vs Fremantle (Debut)
Season Low: Round 8 vs St.Kilda

Luke Shackleton:
Midseason: 3/10 – Still hasn’t cracked it for a senior game although recent form says it shouldn’t be too far away. Still needs to cut down on the body size. D
End of season: 3/10 – Played extremely well in the Williamstown seniors for most of the season until he was finally selected in round 18 to play against the Tigers. Despite an impressive 26 minutes on the ground, Shackleton was dropped for the next week. Despite a good season at the Seagulls and a good AFL showing, he is still under pressure to retain his position on the list. D
Season High: Round 18 vs Richmond (Debut)
Season Low: Round 19 vs Fremantle (Dropped)

David King:
Midseason: 3.5/10 – The great white hope made debut early on but never really found his feet. Has struggled at VFL level since being demoted. D+
End of season: 4.5/10 – After making his debut early in the season King was not seen after round six until a surprise promotion to the seniors in round 18, where he took his chance and ran with it. King showed competitiveness, skill and robust pace on the half forward flank, scoring many goals and adding strength to the forward line. Despite being dropped for the last round, King is considered safe for 2005. D+/C
Season High: Round 19s Fremantle
Season Low: Round 5 vs Essendon

Cameron Cloke:
Midseason: 5/10 – Since his first match on ANZAC Day big Cam has certainly enjoyed AFL football. An intense footballer with great hands, he is certainly one to watch. C+

End of season: 5/10 – 2004 was a solid start to the middle Cloke’s AFL career. Cameron showed strength, strong hands and a want for a fight. He also has a bit of mongrel, which won’t go awry when he comes up against the better sides of the competition. He also seems to have more pace then his brother, but his kicking may need to be worked on. Can also take a turn in the ruck, or as a centre half forward. Could end up being Jarrod Molloy’s replacement, but will need to take care of his shoulder, which needed surgery midseason. C+

Season High: Round 10 vs Kangaroos
Season Low: Round 13 vs Sydney (When injured).

Jason Cloke:
Midseason: 6.6/10 – After a slow start big Clokey has really found some good form in the last month with a highlight being against Melbourne. Is a true backman and will never be the forward Malthouse wants him to be. B
End of season: 6.5/10 – An up and down season for the senior Cloke, but had a very good midseason patch where he was a solid defender. He was played up forward for parts of the season, and was found wanting, as he ran under the ball and did not use the ball well enough. Is expected to grow into a centre half back, and will be a 200 games plus Magpie. Needs to gain a bit more fitness and confidence. B
Season High: Round 12 vs Melbourne
Season Low: Round 3 vs Brisbane

Simon Prestigiacomo:
Midseason: 4.5/10 – Has never really got off the ground all season with injuries but whenever given a job he does it well. C
End of season: 5/10 – Not Presti’s best season by a long stretch. Hampered by injury for most of the season, Presti tried as hard as ever but was found wanting with his shin injuries hampering his pace. His season was ended in round 17 against the Bulldogs when his shoulder was popped out in the first term. Soldiered on well. C+
Season High: Round 3 vs Brisbane
Season Low: Round 17 vs Western Bulldogs


Dane Swan:
Midseason: 5.5/10 - Another revelation across half back. Deserves all the plaudits he receives after and terrific start to his career. C+
End of season: 4.5/10 – After a bright start to the season, Swan was slowed midseason and did not really make an impression after round 12. He looked confident across half back early before dropping his confidence, and showing a lack of disposal skill. His future may be at the crossroads, as he has just finished his third AFL season. D
Season High: Round 6 vs Carlton
Season Low: Round 16 vs Brisbane

Brayden Shaw:
Midseason: 2/10 – Played all year in the Williamstown seniors without looking like playing AFL yet. D
End of season: Spent the whole season at Williamstown, honing his football skills in the midfield. Broke his arm late, which ended his season on a sour note. D
Season High: Williamstown debut
Season Low: Broken arm at Williamstown.

Tristan Walker:
Midseason: 2/10 – Still struggles with the tempo of AFL. As part of his learning curve was played on Riewoldt in round eight and battled manfully. E+
End of season: 5/10 – After a dismal beginning to the season, in which he struggled with the tempo, Walker returned midway to show his improving in the game. He showed good hands, solid skills and a good leap. His bets moment came in round 17 against the Bulldogs, when he could have scored five goals and took some ripping marks.C
Season High: Round 17 vs Western Bulldogs
Season Low: Round 8 vs St.Kilda

Heath Shaw:
Midseason: 2/10 – Has spent most of the year at Willi without cracking the Collingwood senior line up. D
End of season: 2/10 – Showed some grunt and goal sense at Williamstown, where he spent his whole season. Should be in line for a senior game next season. D
Season High: Williamstown senior debut.
Season Low: ------

Brent Hall:
Midseason: 2/10 – Has played a little bit across half back at times down at Willi but not a senior option yet. D
End of season: 2/10 – Spent the whole season in the Williamstown reserves, where he suffered from glandular fever, but returned to show some form across half back. D
Season High: Playing for Williamstown
Season Low: Glandular fever.

Julian Rowe:
Midseason: 2/10 – Slightly built player has done well since promoted to the Seagulls seniors. D
End of season: 5/10 – After beginning the season in the Williamstown reserves, Rowe rose quickly and exceeded all expectations by playing a good second half of the season. Showed pace, class, skill and ‘time’ – which is a valuable asset for all footballers. Also has some good hands in a contest. C
Season High: Round 21 vs Port Adelaide
Season Low: Round 19 vs Fremantle.

Nick Maxwell:
Midseason: 5.5/10 – Has done a mighty job in his four games at AFL level showing a cool head, class and courage. One to watch for the future. C+
End of season: 6/10 – Has completed a terrific season across half back, showing he can match it with the big boys. He showed some run, toughness and good hands while dashing down through the midfield. Will definitely stay on the senior list, although he injured his hamstring against the Bombers in round 20 to end his season.
Season High: Round 18 vs Richmond
Season Low: Round 20 vs Essendon

Justin Crow:
Midseason: 3/10 – Has looked good in the ruck at Willi in his third year on the Pies list.
End of season: 3.5/10 – Finally cracked the seniors after three seasons in the VFL. Showed good hands and good tap work, but was dropped straight after his first game.
Season High: Round 19 vs Fremantle
Season Low: Dropped after his first game.

Rookies:

Zane Leonard: 2/10 – After a good early start in the Sydney practice match he has tapered off with hamstring injuries but definitely a talent. Under pressure to retain his position on the list but has talent and pace.

David Fanning: 2/10 – Injured a knee in the Willi reserves and will be out for up to six weeks. Will struggle to retain his spot on the list.

Dean Benson: 2/10 – Broke his arm early on and is now finding his way back in VFL football. Found some good form in the Williamstown reserves late in the season, and will struggle to find a spot on the list for 2005.


http://nick.magpies.net

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