ANALYSIS: Nath's 2004 End of Season Report
Card
Nath's
2004 End of Season Report Card
Report Card:
Well, after 22 Rounds, the 2004 Season is over for the Collingwood Football
Club, finishing the home and away in a somewhat disappointing 13th position
with 8 wins for the year.
As our players and staff begin their Mad Monday celebrations, the report
card on their performance is being issued.
Nathan Buckley
Class captain once again in 2004 and respected by all his peers. Struggled
through the first semester of classes with an injury that didn't allow
him to attend intergral matches. When able to get himself on the field
he strung together some solid form from Rounds 12 - 19 before being struck
with another injury that debilitated. Lacked the influence of previous
years but his work ethic is unquestioned. May hand over the captaincy
of the class in 2005.
Grade: B+
Scott Burns
Consistent in his attendance and application, he is often a measuring
stick for the team. Undertaking a variety of roles in 2004, he has become
a damaging forward and midfielder, not to mention his superb application
in defence. His 'No Fear' approach remained unbridled throughout the year
as it has his career. Highlight of the year was clearly his round 3 performance
against Brisbane where he was a lone hand in a disappointing result.
Grade: A-
James Clement
The scholar of the class and easily Dux of 2004. His preparation and presentation
is unquestionable. Played through a variety of injuries that added to
his durability and presence in the backline. Potentially in line to receive
his first All Australian Guernsey, James has the Fremantly Powerbrokers
crying after their form slump in the second semester, desperately lacking
a defender of his class with McPharlin out.
Grade: A++
Cameron Cloke
Was advanced a year after showing fantastic development and in light of
injuries throughout the year, received his opportunity to shine. Played
key forward in all seven of his games but lacks the polish of the elite
level at this point in time. A crippling shoulder injury saw his season
come to an abrupt end, however his performance against West Coast at the
Dome will be remembered in 2005 and stand as what we as supporters will
expect of him.
Grade: C
Jason Cloke
Much maligned and not the brightest student in the class, he has seemingly
failed to rekindle his 2002 form over the past two years. Excels on picking
on other kids and jumping over them when the wrestle, he needs to add
another string to his bow and start to work on fundamental skills such
as kicking and handballing. Has tried hard throughout but seemed lost
on too many occassions.
Grade: C-
Richie Cole
A vast improvement on previous years, Richie is maturing into an attacking
defender with less than perfect foot skills but a straight line attitude.
Needs to work on essential skills such as mathematics (3 on 1 = Trouble)
and Physics (3rd man in contest = I should punch) but has a perfect attendance
in 2004 with 22 out of 22 and has shown enough to suggest that he will
be a 200 + game player.
Grade: B+
Justin Crow
Elevated off the rookie list for one game and unlikely to be drafted by
the club. Apparently has a huge heart, but will struggle to push other
listed defenders out of position.
Grade: N/A
Tom Davidson
Came to one class for the year and only lasted to the first recess.
Grade: UG
Leon Davis
Leon needs to share more with the other children and not celebrate the
special things as much as he strives for greater consistency. His skills
are not questioned, however his application at times is missing. His first
semester was quiet to be modest, however his second semester showed more
promise and ability, capped by a brilliant performance against Fremantle
in Fremantle, but overall needs to show more.
Grade: C-
Alan Didak
2004 was always going to be a difficult one for Alan, especially when
he was mentioned throughout trade week 2003 and the much debated Nick
Stevens scenario. Like his partner in crime Davis, lacks consistency however
showed more application to his trade and a greater endeavour in 2004,
as was evident by the cracked jaw he encountered. Returned for the final
3 classes but struggled to find the pace again. Finished with 21 goals
from 17 games but stepped into the midfield. Must find a right foot and
more of the ball in 2005.
Grade: B
Josh Fraser
Debatably the next captain of the class, Josh showed further flashes of
brillance in another consistent season. Hard to believe that the lad is
still only 22. After kicking 37 goals in 2002, a return of only 17 in
as many games in 2004 is somewhat disappointing. Formed a new friendship
with Guy Richards and the two play well together, needs greater help from
people around him.
Grade: B+
Brent Hall
Not sighted after bout of glandular fever. Principle Matlhouse kept him
in cotton wool for most of 2004 and should be given his opportunity in
2005.
Grade: N/A
Brodie Holland
Suffers from ADD, as in if he isn't giving it, he is getting it. Was a
consstent performer in 2004 and continued to develop as an on-baller come
forward. Needs to talk less in class and apply himself a little more in
a leadership capacity. Once again is hindered by his ADD, coping another
stupid suspension from class in 2004.
Grade: B-
Ben Johnson
Overall, Ben has had an excellent year. Maturing into an agressive on
baller at the start of the year, Ben had to move back to defence when
his team mates suffered a variety of injuries. Failing only three times
in the year to record double figures in the stats sheet and playing through
leg injuries for several rounds, Johnson's diosposal and attitude has
continued to rise in stature along with his leadership skills. A contender
for his first Club Best and Fairest, his consistency throughout the year
has been unquestioned.
Grade: A+
David King
Needs a haircut! Played 9 games in his debut year and kicked 8 goals,
generally playing out of a forward pocket. Needs to work harder over the
summer period and be taken under the wing of senior players and be 'smarter'
on the field.
Grade: C+
Ben Kinnear
3 games in 2005.....took his tally to 50 in 6 years. A serial truent.....unlikely
to see the graduation of 2005.
Grade: F
Zane Leonard
Elevated to the senior class in the pre season and tore the hamstring
off the bone. Alternated between seniors and reserves for Williamstown,
no questioning he's quick.....is he good enough though?
Grade: N/A
Paul Licuria
22 Games for the year and yet again can claim consistency above all else.
Fundamental skills often missing, his heart can never be questioned. Tireless
work ethic, dedication and emotion. Has carried a calf injury throughout
2004 yet lead the club in tackles and found plenty of the ball himself.
Grade: A+[b]
[b]Tarkyn Lockyer
Came to class only in the second semester and lifted the hearts of many
after an ordinary start to the season for his beloved Pies. His return
from injury is an example to most and his relentless attitude is only
better by his persistence and perspecacity. Will be better off with a
full injury free pre-season under his belt.
Grade: B+
Matthew Lokan
Comes to class but does little work. Tends to rough up the little kids
but doesn't back it up. Managed 18 games for the year but didn't show
enough to support his inclusion in many of those games. Has the pace but
needs to utilise it to his benefit. May still be living off the game against
McLeod in 2003.
Grade: D-
Ryan Lonie
Played all 22 in 2004 and was far from terrible. Went from a half bank
flanker to key position forward for much of the second semester, however
his dash from defence, once a signature, has disappeared, much to the
malign of many supporters. Showed enough form in the last 8 weeks of the
year to suggest that he'll play some good football in the future, may
have trade value though.
Grade: B-
Nick Maxwell
Promoted from the rookie list and never looked back. Played himself onto
a list in 2005, hopefully that of Collingwood. Old school defender with
good pace and skills.
Grade: C+
Mark McGough
Class clown but lets himself down in his application. Has all the tools
to play at the elite level but not the disposal to make it managable.
Suffered from OP for much of the pre-season and carried it throughout
2004. Managed 12 games for the year and accumulates possessions at a staggering
rate, needs to do more though.
Grade: C-
Steven McKee
The crowd favourite and forgotten man of football thanks to the change
of the ruck rules, Stunning is much loved. Unfortunately, he is unliekly
to continue on with Collingwood. If not traded, his value around the club
could not be under sold. Struggled for form and toiled through injury.
Grade: E
William Morrison
Only 18 and yet to make his debut, Billy has been educated by the sister
program in Williamstown. Expected to make his debut in 2005, he has high
hopes and expectations upon him.
Grade: N/A
Luke Mullins
Cracker of a debut and rarely sighted there after, even struggled with
form slump at Williamstown. Well skilled, but is lightly built and not
overly quick, unlikely to be there in 2005.
Grade: E
Bowman Nixon
Despised by several posters of Nick's, young Bowman has struggled to adjust
to the rigours of senior football, yet plays solid football with the Williamstown
team. Averaged 3 possessions for his 3 games despite minimal time and
has struggled with a virus for the past 6 rounds of 2004. He too would
be lucky to be listed in 2005.
Grade: E
Shane O'Bree
If football was a driving course, Shane would be the master of the U-Turn.
Clearly stuggled with the notion of running in straight lines and moving
the ball to team mates, Shane has failed to replicate his 2001 form. Managing
18 games in 2004, he had a bucketful of possessions against Port Adelaide
but failed to do anything with them, as was the case for much of the year.
Grade: D
Simon Prestigiacomo
Struggled with injury for much of 2004 and was the shadow of his former
self on the field. Getting slower by the year, highly likely that Simon's
best football is now behind him.
Grade: D+
Guy Richards
Played 12 games in his debut year and had he not been struck down by injury
would be a serious contender for the National Rising Star. Teamed exceptionally
well with Josh Fraser and plays well with the little children as well.
Struggled to find minutes in his early games but a solid contributor thereafter.
Grade: B+
Anthony Rocca
Carried an injury through much of 2004 and saw him miss the final six
games and have both his ankles operated on. Lacked the influence he's
had in previous years and was only around the mark on a handful of occassions.
Kicked 27 goals in his 14 appearances but not as influential as previous
years.
Grade: C+
Julian Rowe
Reminds me of Graham Wright! Runs back into trouble a little to often
and is extremely team orientated. Seemed to play through hamstring problems
for several weeks. Not a great winner of possession, has solid finishing
skills but needs to bulk up. Malthouse would be pleased to have got 8
games into him.
Grade: C
Luke Shackleton
Fantastic year for Williamstown and a legitimate chance to win their best
and fairest. Struggled with aerobic capacity and disposal skills needed
for senior football according to most. Played the single game for the
year, and much like Nixon, struggled for game time. Would surprise many
if he was there in 2005.
Grade: E
Brayden Shaw
Showed plenty of promise in his first year of Senior football, many await
the debut of the 'good' Shaw in 2005.
Grade: N/A
Heath Shaw
Struggled at times with Williamstown but will be given an opportunity
in 2005. Is better looking than Rhyce according to many :roll:
Grade: N/A
Rhyce Shaw
Foreign exchange student and failed to grasp the language! Managed 16
games in 2004 and form was inconsistent to say the most.
Grade: E
Dane Swan
Not the worst for the year but is bracketed in the same group as Lonie,
Johnson, Clement, Lockyer, etc where he is seen as a defender and that
is a tough group to crack. Started 2004 like a house on fire when Buckley
was missing from the midfield and then found himself back with Williamstown.
There abouts on form, may be traded.
Grade: C+
Chris Tarrant
Doesn't play well with members of other classes, Chris has become a berometer
for the Pies. When he is firing, he is kicking 5.1 and taking ten marks,
when he's off he's kick 1.4 and taking 4 grabs. Admittedly delivery to
him has been poorer than the past two years and hamstring injuries along
with a dubious suspension robbed him of string solid performances together.
36 goals in 14 games, not a poor return in an interupted season.
Grade: B
Shane Wakelin
16 games, 2 breaks, same bloke breaks em. Shags had an indifferent year.
Played some exceptional games yet at the same time, had a few shockers.
Seemed to miss Prestigiacomo and Cloke around him, is getting on in years
and if he runs around in 2005, it'll be his last.
Grade: C
Tristan Walker
A young man developing into his body, Tristan has been exposed to senior
level possibly a little before his time. Has played in key posts all over
the ground and is no doubt going to be moulded into a defender. Added
a further 10 games to his total in 2004 and will be expected to show more
in 2005.
Grade: C-
Andrew Williams
Missing in Action. Played a total of 5 games in 2004 and looked out of
his depth in all of them. Failed to recapture early 2003 form and is unlikely
to see a new contract at 26 years of age, mind you, Malthouse rates him
higher than the Collingwood supporters that pay to watch him play.
Grade: E
Shane Woewodin
Played all 22 games and is another that can hold his head up high. Given
tagging roles towards the end of the year on the competitions elite, such
as Hird and Koutafidies, he was shown up at times but still toiled away
and collected much of the ball in doing so. Would be nicer if he was harder,
but not all old dogs can be taught new tricks. Never once had an out and
out dog of a day and will be in Copeland Trophy contention.
Grade: B+
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