There was a mixture of towel-waving at his teammates and finger pointing at the coach who left Cooney out of the side. So Adam got one vote for each. And I lost a vote. Hopefully Cooney can continue his good form from last week.
Darraweit Guim has been bundled out of the finals by a determined and high quality Wagga Wagga effort, going down by almost 200 points. In a disappointing end to a fine season, the Blimps simply did not have any answers for the Wombats and their even effort. Arguably it was Darraweit's worst effort for the year, a fact which stings given the stakes at play. Coach Chris88 has quickly announced a review into the poor performance; in particular the number of injuries in the 2-3 weeks leading up to the finals. The injuries prevented Darraweit from getting its best team on the park at any time this year. For every player who returned from injury, it seemed a couple more succumbed. The absences of Walker, Coniglio, McGlynn, Seedsman, McPharlin, Otten and Vickery at the tail-end of the season forced a number of players to take the field at less than 100% over the past fortnight - Goddard, Westhoff, Walters amongst them. The defence was particularly hard hit, with barely enough players to fill positions during the finals loss. Young Jed Bews was pressed into action and while he battled manfully, it was clear he wasn't quite ready to step up just yet. That said, he has youth on his side. Two players have already been delisted from the Guim squad - veteran Luke McPharlin has gone after stellar service marred by an injury-wrecked 2014. Meanwhile fellow defender Andy Otten has also been cut from the list after a serious knee injury. The club will look towards keeping both in the fold in 2015 through specialist coaching positions. Further heavy cuts to the list are on the cards - with Darraweit considering anywhere between 5 and 7 picks in the 2015 PSD. This move is unprecedented for the club but reflects the need for some hard decisions to be made to the list going forward. Aside from Otten and McPharlin, at least 2 midfielders (including a veteran like Goddard, Cornes or Cooney) may be delisted or traded, as well as 2 forwards.Vickery, Betts and Lamb will be among those under scrutiny. The expected glut of forwards on Darraweit's list in 2015 (with Frawley and Nic Nat perhaps gaining forward eligibility) will allow the Guim to trade a quality forward to a team as well as perhaps delist another. Our recruiting will concentrate on obtaining a couple of good defenders either through trades or the draft, as well as perhaps arranging for another young midfielder to join our club. We also wish to highlight a couple of other positives from the season: <ul> <li>Defence: Alex Rance has been our best defender this year without question, while James Frawley has been a hardy contributor most weeks after being on the fringes of selection in the past. Jed Bews looks to be a youngster going places.</li> <li>Midfield: The recruitment of a bevy of new midfielders has really sparked the team. Our quartet of youngsters in Coniglio, Hill, Tyson and Newnes really took a step forward this year, while recruits Goddard, Cornes and Armitage were very solid. Armitage in particular shone during the second half of the year.</li> <li>Ruck: Nic Nat and Maric were both far from 100% for portions of 2014, yet battled on. Maric's late season efforts were wonderful.</li> <li>Forward: Ben McGlynn and perhaps Eddie Betts were the biggest highlights up forward. McGlynn's recruitment at mid-year produced stunning results, while Betts was quite wonderful throughout the season, improving his scoring markedly over a disappointing 2013 and showing that he still has plenty of tricks left in the bag. Lachie Hunter took another step forward in his development, while Michael Walters' return on the weekend bodes well for him to return fit and firing in 2015.</li> </ul> Any discussions in regards to trades or the like are welcome as we work through our list decisions in the coming weeks.
Brief rundowns of each player's season and efforts will be forthcoming in the next few days. It will probably also help figure out where a few of our players are at as they head into the off-season (with trade period and delistments on the horizon).
<p style='margin-bottom: 6pt;]Season Summaries Part 1 - Defence <p style='margin-bottom: 6pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 6pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 6pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 6pt;]DEFENCE: Overall - Couldn't get a settled back four on the park at any stage of 2014. A shocking run of serious injuries hindered a normally solid defensive line. Rance the best of the bunch, Frawley the surprise packet. Drastic changes will occur here before 2015. Rating - 6.5. <p style='margin-bottom: 6pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 6pt;]Alex Rance - 15 games 88 average - Darraweit's best defender for most of the year. Freak injury robbed him of early season games, but was a rock in a defensive line that ended up a mess. Still young, still improving. Rating 8. <p style='margin-bottom: 6pt;]Andrew Walker - 14 games, 88 average - Solid in defence after a position change from 2013. Played under duress most of the year with an injury to which he finally succumbed. Presence missed in latter rounds. Rating 8. <p style='margin-bottom: 6pt;]Josh Gibson - 12 games, 87 average - Outstanding early before injury (again) robbed him of around half the season. Came back late to provide solid efforts, one of the few shining lights in Blimps' finals loss. Rating 7. <p style='margin-bottom: 6pt;]James Frawley - 19 games, 79.5 average - Divisive figure proved to be the most durable defender on the Guim's list. Did everything that was required and would be a handy D4 in a team enjoying full fitness. Agian, young and room to improve. Rating 7. <p style='margin-bottom: 6pt;]Paul Seedsman - 8 games, 74 average - Another defender whose year was destroyed by injury. Showed more than enough in his 8 games to suggest continued improvement in 2015. Young and on the right track. Rating 6.5. <p style='margin-bottom: 6pt;]Luke McPharlin - 13 games, 70 average - Injured for most of the season, either didn't play or played under duress. Time has been called on the grand campaigner's career and we thank him for his service. Rating 5. <p style='margin-bottom: 6pt;]Andy Otten - 10 games, 55 average - Injured, for most of the year (a familiar refrain) and when fit was clearly not at the levels of his 2013 season. Wrecked his knee in his final game and has been delisted by the Guim. Rating 3.5. <p style='margin-bottom: 6pt;]Jed Bews - 7 games, 38 average - Youngster picked up at midyear that has shown enough to warrant further perseverance in 2015. Looks to be a good young footballer (though not a heavy scorer), another pre-season will do him wonders. Rating 5. <p style='margin-bottom: 6pt;] Next up - midfielders
Season Summaries Part 2 - Midfield MIDFIELD: Overall: Improved depth and some quality youth helped an overhauled Guim midfield during 2014. Four senior midfielders were recruited while four emerging youngsters made their mark. Through all that, Old Man Harvey still topped the averages. Tyson, Coniglio and Armitage were also notable. Rating - 8. Brent Harvey - 20 games, 108 average. Age 38. The most durable player. The highest averaging player. None of this makes sense. Spent most of his year forward thanks to improved midfield depth. Stellar year. Rating 9. Brendan Goddard - 17 games, 100 average. Below his best. Hurt in a pre-game warm up at one stage, and hasn't looked fit the past 3 weeks. Solid without being spectacular. Rating 7.5 Dom Tyson - 20 games, 93.5 average. Massive breakout year. Almost doubled his career points per game average during 2014. Played some stunning football and led the way for many of his more experienced teammates. And there's more to come with any luck. Rating 9.5. David Armitage - 13 games, 91 average - Succumbed to a freak injury in the early part of the year, but returned to play some inspired football. Growing into a real leader. Hopeful he remains fit in 2015. Rating 8.5 Kane Cornes - 20 games, 88 average. Down on 2013, but that's to be expected. Still solid and usually reliable. Hard tags in some games hurt his scoring. But still has another solid year in 2015, all being well. Rating 7. Stephen Coniglio - 14 games, 83.5 average. Injuries cruelled a big year in which he started to deliver on his potential. Barely out of his teens but helped lead the Guim midfield during the first half of the year. Could be anything. Rating 8.5 Adam Cooney - 16 games, 82 average. Average dented by an injury, subs vest x 2 and one other poor game. Rest of the year very good from the veteran. Rating 7.5 Jack Newnes - 20 games 82 average. Got better as the year progressed, which bodes well for 2015. Had a massive last month of the year and has youth on his side. Much improved. Rating 7.5 Brad Hill - 18 games, 76 average. Start the season like a house on fire, but has faded as year has progressed. Still, a big step up on last year. Rating 7 Lachie Hunter - 14 games, 60 average. Starting to become a consistent member of the side. Sill only 20 and with plenty of potential. Rating 5.5 Brandon Jack - 8 games, 28 average. Did not kick on at all during 2014. Disappointingly only played a handful of games, and was sub in most of them. Has plenty of potential, just awaiting an opportunity. Is under serious pressure to retain his spot on the Guim list. Rating 2
Darraweit's remaining fit players (all 14 of them) enjoyed an unexpected scratch match on the weekend despite being eliminated from finals contention. Despite the further absences of Harvey and Nic Nat, there were a number of pleasing efforts across the board, with at least two players cementing their places at the Guim for 2015. Strangely, the score from 14 players this week, was greater than that from 15 players in the first round of finals last week. Scoring was as follows: Westhoff 109, Cornes 96. Betts 105. Goddard 164. Gibson 123, Hill 67. Tyson 91, Frawley 56. Walters 107. Cooney 73. Maric 103, Rance 78. Armitage 125, Newnes 73 Total - 1300 from 14 players. Absences - Nic Nat, Harvey, Walker, McGlynn, Coniglio, Seedsman Thanks to the players who took part. Some very enlightening and encouraging results.
Season Summaries Part 3 - Ruck RUCK: Overall: After starting the season with one injured ruckman and one ruckman well below full fitness, the Guim ended up very pleased with their dual big man department by year's end. Nic Nat filled in admirably for Big Evahn despite being far from 100% himself. Then, when Maric returned, his form was outstanding. Hopes for improved fitness next year. Rating - 8.5. Nic Nat - 19 games, 88 average - toiled manfully early in the year under duress before hitting his straps with a string of tons and great performances. Lack of fitness told near the end of the year, but still - the sky is the limit. Rating 8. Ivan Maric - 12 games, 97.5 average - Returned from early season injury with a vengeance, averaging nigh on 100 over his last 11 games and delighting the fans with his passion. The great man and club talisman will look towards 2015 with hopes of full fitness and further mullet-flying brilliance. Rating 9. Last lot of ratings - for the forwards - will be done this week.Following that, delistings - as well as those players on the trade table - will be confirmed in time for the short post-season trade period.
anthak wrote: Who did you folks play against, Chris? We recruited a combined Riddell District League team of players Ant, gathered from a couple of teams that are finals bound and wanted to give their guys a really good hit out in the lead-up. They provided some fair opposition as well.
Season Summaries Part 4 - Forward FORWARD: Overall: Probably the most settled and best line throughout the season. Carried the Guim through a number of games when others were injured or not firing. Harvey the best, McGlynn a revelation, Betts rejuvenated, Westhoff was Westhoff and Walters has confirmed the faith shown in him during 18 weeks of injury. Rating - 8.5 Brent Harvey - 20 games, 108 average. Age 38. (Also a Mid) The most durable player. The highest averaging player. None of this makes sense. Spent most of his year forward thanks to improved midfield depth. Stellar year. Rating 9. Ben McGlynn - 16 games, 100 average. Unbelievable after a mid-season draft pick-up. Late injury was awful timing, but before that starred in a number of games. Stunning. Rating 9.5 Justin Westhoff - 20 games, 91 average. Just keeps on running, and running, and running. The bearded man was pretty consistent through the year, and bobbed up with timely goals or marks. Rating 8.5. Eddie Betts - 20 games, 77 average. Was on the verge of being traded or delisted at the start of the year, but was rejuvenated in his new home. Kicked 40+ goals and gave away many more. And only 26 still. Rating 8.5 Ty Vickery - 12 games, 77 average. Much more was hoped for from Ty. Has the tools and the skills, but couldn't get continuity this year. Late season suspension was awful timing. Might be on the block as a young forward with plenty of potential. Rating 6. Michael Walters - 4 games, approx 67 average. Injured from round 3 to round 20. However his last two games in his comeback have shown why he is a lynchpin up forward in 2015. Rating - N/A - (injured) Lachie Hunter - 14 games, 60 average. (Also a mid) Starting to become a consistent member of the side. Sill only 20 and with plenty of potential. Rating 5.5 Andy Otten - 10 games, 55 average - (Also a defender) - More a defender than a forward. Had a disappointing year with injury. Has been delisted. Rating 3.5 Matty McDonough - 7 games, 51 average - Showed flashes of potential duringlimited game time. Still young. Unlikely to be a forward next year - will move to being a defender. Rating 5.5 Jed Lamb - 8 games, 46 average - A big disappointment. Could not break into the side despite numerous chances. Will be on the trading block and could be a good fit for a team after a young forward. Rating 4 This concludes the season review. In the coming day I'll be posting the Guim's trade list in preparation for the post-season trade period.
List management time at Darraweit and with the post-season trade period approaching we have run the ruler over the list and come up with our keeps/trades/whatever No-one is untouchable on our list, but obviously some players are going to need a mighty fine offer to prise from us. We are looking specifically for a youngish defender as well as the opportunity to move up the draft order - first 2-3 rounds. We would consider combining any players below into a package deal (but would be more willing to consider trading those lower on our pecking order). We also bear in mind some potential positional moves among players in the off-season. Also worth remembering that among those players nearer the lower branches of the tree are those who, while they may not score 100 every week, will play every week, don't get injured and will supply you with constant points scoring (important given the injuries to players around the league this year). Top of the tree: Rance Harvey Goddard Tyson Armitage Coniglio Newnes Maric NicNat Westhoff McGlynn Walters Upper branches: Walker Gibson Seedsman Hill Cooney Betts Lower branches: Frawley Bews Cornes Hunter Vickery McDonough Undergrowth: Lamb Jack Deadwood: McPharlin Otten Get in touch if you feel the need. But let me know if you do in this thread (just tell me you've sent a message), as my messages aren't 100% reliable right now. I may resort to email to be honest!
Darraweit Guim has farewelled 2 players thus far through the post-season trading period, and has flagged its intention to delist 2 more before 2015. We wish the two Jeds - Jed Lamb and Jed Bews - the best of luck and good play at their new homes at Powlett Plains and Lovely Banks respectively.Meanwhile, Andy Otten and Luke McPharlin are moving towards coaching and support roles at the Guim as their formal delisting comes closer. Our sole arrival at the Paddock came as part of the Bews trade - we welcome Adam Kennedy back 'home' after a stint in Lovely Banks. The Bews-Kennedy trade sees both players return to their original homes, with hopes high it'll be a win win for all. Other trades are being pursued at the moment. We'll see where things might go.
An unexpectedly busy post-season trade period has seen Darraweit Guim trade away three youngsters, welcome a young defender home&rdquo; and prepare to delist another trio of players. Leaving: Brad Hill (to Venus Bay) Jed Bews (to Lovely Banks) Jed Lamb (to Powlett Plains) Likely to be delisted - Andy Otten, Luke McPharlin, Brandon Jack. Arriving: Adam Kennedy (from Lovely Banks, via Darraweit Guim) These trades have also seen Darraweit pick up some handy extra draft picks in preparation for next year's draft. In addition to our own picks at 15 and 33, we also now have picks 9, 38 and 61. List management will now sit down and begin to work through draft scenarios. After the debacle of the 2014 pre-season draft - of which 3 of our 4 draft picks are no longer with the club - the Guim will be looking to return to the form of 2013 drafting, which saw it nab young guns Michael Walters and Jack Newnes with some well targeted drafting.
Darraweit Guim has welcomed the news of several positional changes in the lead up to the 2015 ORFFA season. Among the changes are: Adam Cooney - M to M/F Brendan Goddard - M to M/F Jack Newnes - M to D/M Ben McGlynn - M/F to M only Coach Chris8875 has welcomed the F status of Goddard and Cooney, which will provide a heap of flexibility. 'Cooney and Goddard being forward eligible more than covers for Ben McGlynn losing his F eligibility,' he said. The changes - as well as the expected forward eligibility of James Frawley and possible F eligibility of Nic Nat - mean Darraweit has one of the deepest and most formidable forward lines in the league: Brent Harvey Brendan Goddard Justin Westhoff Michael Walters Eddie Betts Adam Cooney James Frawley Ty Vickery Lachie Hunter Nic Nat It is very likely that one of these forwards will be on the trading block come the preseason draft, with Darraweit now likely to focus on young midfielders and defenders. The news that Jack Newnes will be D eligible in 2015 is also welcome, with the youngster really starting to shine in 2014. 'His move to defence adds to the youthful feel of the backline - with Rance, Seedsman, Kennedy, Frawley and most likely McDonough all to play in defence this year alongside veterans Walker and Gibson.'
Interesting update Chris. The position changes tend to bring good news for some and not so good news for others. For example, I am sweating on McVeigh's and NDS's status next year. If both are M/D then all is good, if not .... BTW, did you miss an adjective from your statement '[span style='color: #000000; background: #ffffff;]Darraweit has one of the deepest and most formidable forward lines in the league'? Hint: six letters, starts with 'O'.
Heh heh heh - I prefer the term 'experienced'! But yep, you're right, there is an age factor at play. Guys like Hunter, Walters, Vickery and the like become important into the future given the age range. I guess it is heartening that Frawley, Westhoff and Betts are around the 27 yo mark, but still playing really well. That buys me some time!
Question boys......the position changes as noted on the afl site (Saints, Dees to date)......does SC pick them up as well or do they have their own listing?
Consensus view seems to be that at the start of the season SC and DT positions are the same. BTW sNoZ, Sam Mitchell is back to M only according to the afl site.
Full confirmation of player positional changes for 2015 has made it clear that recruitment of a midfielder will be among the prime tasks for the pre season draft and trade period. Darraweit's positional movements are: Goddard and Cooney go from M to M/F Frawley goes from D to D/F Newnes goes from M to D/M McDonough goes to D from F McGlynn just a M now, not a M/F Hunter just a F now - previously a M/F While happy with the flexibility these moves provide - especially the addition of McDonough and Newnes to the defensive line - the need for an extra midfielder has become apparent. With picks 9 and 15 in the draft, Darraweit is confident of securing one. However if there is a midfielder on the trade block, there may be a deal available.