To finish off his superb rundown of the high flying Eagles, Deano takes us up the front to look at the blokes who will spend a lot of their time lining up the big white sticks. As a Carlton man, I was looking forward to the Josh Kennedy write up, and Deano hasn’t disappointed. On behalf of everyone who’s on the site I want to thank Deano for his efforts in putting this together for us. Superb work.
Jack Darling ($376 800, 69.5, 20) - The best #25 draft pick ever. I’m tipping he will be the next Kouta once he moves into the midfield going forward role of Embley. Whilst that may not be this year, he does have the playing/scoring ability to emulate a Dusty type second year result if they can keep him off the P155. Unlikely at this starting price however, to appreciate enough or be a keeper, therefore difficult to make a case for selection.
Pros: Finds contested Sherrin, great forward pressure, durability. Often gets the opposition’s third tall defender.
Cons: Starting price, doesn’t mind the taste of amber fluid.
Mark Lecras ($467 600, 86.3, 19) - The Frenchman promised to advance to premium status last year with talk of him rotating through the midfield. Whilst this did not occur nearly enough as his owners desired, it is likely that he will play more of a roaming role on the HFF this year with Nico deep to minimise the impact of the tag. Although he has averaged 85 over the past three years, now that he has played 100 games, he may be ready to take the next step. Certainly one to put on the watchlist albeit there are many attractive F/Ms available elsewhere that appear to whet the appetite more.
Pros: Proven consistent scorer, durability.
Cons: Often gets the tag, has averaged between 82 and 86 over the past three years.
Josh Kennedy ($470 300, 86.8, 20) - Josh has not looked back since the Eagles sought him out and engineered a genius trade with the Visy Blues, getting rid of some dead wood along the way (we did Notte have much luck with that ’07 draft!) Now considered one of the best CHFs going around, he improved his average by 20 points last year and has only missed two games in the past two seasons. Will play his 100th game in Rd 1 and with his improved aerobic capacity and renewed confidence at a more successful club after being summarily sacrificed at his first, he could well be the modern version of Riewoldt/Brown that his #4 draft pick promised. Whilst the SC scoring system did not favour tall, leading forwards last year, JK may be one out of the box and about to explode.
Pros: All class, works incredibly hard for possessions, excellent goal kicking accuracy, durability, unlikely to be double teamed with other viable options up front.
Cons: Position does not historically score as well as Fwd/Mid DPP types.
Brad Dick ($119 300, 22, 3) - Coming off a preseason of rehab it is highly unlikely he will get a guernsey first up with the forward line pretty set. He does however provide excellent backup to Lecca and Nico should they go down but will compete for a spot with Hill, Strijk and Weedon, the latter who is highly regarded and made significant progress in the WAFL last year. Is probably the most likely upgrade option of the rookies and will have something to prove after 25 games in five years with the Pies and coming back home to the West. Is certainly one to have on the watchlist for a midseason downgrade.
Pros: Proven scorer, has a lot to prove, starting price.
Cons: Durability, job security.
Overall synopsis: LeCras and Kennedy are the two most viable candidates for selection. Personally, I will not be choosing either however, as indicated above, JK could prove a valuable POD with coverage for Rds 12 & 13 vital to minimising doughnuts.
Best 22 combo:
Darling, Lynch, Lecras
Nicoski, Kennedy, Hams
Knocking on the door:
Hill, Strijk, Dick, Weedon.
Related Posts:
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
Well done Deano .
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Thanks mate
Not many of our guys going to feature in SC this year and I doubt we will contend for the premiership. However, after analysing the list, I’m bullish about 2013 onwards with the likes of NicNat, Priddis, Shuey, Gaff, Selwood, Stevens, Kennedy, Darling, McKenzie, Sullivan, Hurn, Sheppard, Butler, Lecras, Lycett making up the core with Waters at the helm. Am starting to feel that breeze coming through the window a lot stronger!
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Great work Deano.
Have been considering Nikoski… opinions?
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Would think he hit his ceiling last year GG and is therefore not going to make you any money and is 100/1 to be a keeper. If you are looking in that midprice range there are other better up and coming options such as Bruest, Watts that have better scope for improvement.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Deano! How can you say we can’t contend this year!
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Not saying we can’t, just that my objective assessment is that we are one rung below Collingwood and Hawthorn.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
One rung, we’ll see come September Deano!!
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
“Cons: … doesn’t mind the taste of amber fluid.”
You say this like it’s a bad thing…
Like or Dislike:
1 
0
Thanks for your work Deano!
)
However the Holy Grail is not won with individuals but with team work
The Eagles can take the next step this year IMO.
NicNat to step up and astound……..
I have him as my second ruck
Like or Dislike:
1 
1
Great work Deano.
Can be hard to get a decent read on the Weagles from over here. Thanks for the insight.
I’m ready to snap the lock on NicNat and have had Stevens in a couple of times but sounds like he might be more of a downgrade option once he gets a game and proves himself. Dick’s another too. Can play and score and I think his defensive side is undervalued so once he gets himself 100% could get a gig.
Like or Dislike:
1 
0
Nice work indeed, Deano.
Jack Darking – the best no.25 draft pick ever. Haha, settle, he’s only played 20 games.
Like or Dislike:
1 
0
It wasn’t about how many BenderBoy, it was how!
Wouldn’t surprise me if he did a Fyfe this year given the opportunity to run through the midfield/wing.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
http://www.afl.com.au/tabid/208/default.aspx?newsid=128439
Like or Dislike:
0 
0