The excitement of the AFL Football season 2009 is fast coming upon us and as we eagerly wait, we at Kick2Kick wonder who will be the players to watch this year? Who will be the most exciting, most bravest and most skilled players?
The writers off Kick2Kick will give you theirs and you can place yours in the comments below along with your comments of our top five. We also take this time to welcome our newest Kick2Kick 2009 writer Deano.
Deano’s top five Players to watch in 2009
Aker's Last year will be in 2009 and will he go out in style?
Luke Hodge
In an age where a lot of footballers take dives and go off the ground with the slightest ailment, this bloke is a breath of fresh air, he would continue playing if he had a broken leg, you can’t by courage like he has. A joy to watch.
Jason Akermanis
Has already stated that this will be his last season, expect fireworks on the ground if the Dogs go close and even more so if they don’t.
Alan Didak
Beware the fallen star seeking redemption, the bloke has immense talent and SHOULD now have the attitude to match.
Tom Hawkins
With N.Ablett gone and Lonergan struggling through the finals expect the Cats to give the Tomahawk plenty of time to make his mark. With the quality of supply he will get he should be in for a big campaign.
Jack Watts
I can’t remember the last time a no1 pick had so much anticipation around him.. it will make for fascinating viewing to watch his progress. and whilst i think Rich will make the most impact in ’09, Watts will make people like me want to watch the Demons and that will be hard for me because they stink soooo much.
Jermayn’s top five Players to watch in 2009
Cousins back playing football will see him as a much watched player
Ben Cousins
This could be one the best all time come backs along with Fraser and Lance Armstrong. He looks amazing in training for Richmond and lets hope he stays clean. He could easily become the X-Factor for Richmond and help them into finals and help save Wallace’s job. His return has and will remain a much hotly debated topic.
Buddy Franklin
Arguably the best current player, the worst thing is that he still has a lot to learn and improve on (marking and kicking). If he fires and kicks straight, I can see the 150th goals in a season record broken. He is one reason why people will rock up the game. They see big marks, goals, attitude and footy skills all in one person and the girls, well they see his looks and body…
Chris Judd
Last year he was arguably in the top 5 players and that is coming off a major groin surgery which has killed off careers (Luke Ball) before and not to mention captaining an under performing team in Carlton. Carlton and Judd will go from strength to strength and I would not be surprised if he received another Brownlow to add to his much decorated career at age 25.
Daniel Rich
Over looked by six clubs and Brisbane could not have been any happier and he will be one of the new recruits who will make a difference. I can see him play very similar in bravery and skill level as Vossy, his new coach. Also the last two number 7 draft picks (J Selwood and Palmer) were also pick 7 and won the Raising Star Award, expect it to be three in September.
Joel Selwood
Into his third year of AFL and I think he will break from being a good player into a star as he takes a more senior role in Geelong’s midfield. His bravery, skill and level head will only be highlighted as he takes Geelong into a new era.
Your Top Five Players to Watch in Season 2009?
If you disagree with our five or would like to add your own, please do in the comments. We welcome all feedback, dispute and comments from the fans that make this game the greatest in the world.
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February 2nd, 2009 at 3:25 pm
Just to keep in character
a few from left field for me (in no particular order other than the first), mostly ’cause I enjoy the way they play the game.
Gary Ablett Jr: remarkable poise and balance, superb awareness, lightning reflexes, razor-sharp disposal and the toughness to work through hard tags.
Brent Harvey: a slightly less-classy version than Ablett. Inspirational.
Sam Mitchell: If there is a better in and under midfielder at the moment, I don’t know who he is. Overshadowed by Franklin, Hodge and others, but I rate Mitchell as the foundation for the Hawks’ success.
Shaun Higgins: This bloke reminds me so much of Ben Cousins — his movement and reading of the play — and showed everyone he is as tough as nails during the 2008 final series. I just love watching this kid play.
David Hille: I expect the big Bomber to step up (stingrays aside) and unambiguously claim the mantle of best ruckman in the competition.
As a smokie, Bachar Houli to cement a place as a premier midfielder in the comp (gimme a break! I’m an Essendon member and I co-sponsor young Bachar!)
Apologies to about 800 other players!
aussierulesblogs last blog post..Swan dive?
February 2nd, 2009 at 4:39 pm
and because they play for Essendon
I myself was tossing between Ablett jnr and Joel Selwood but went for Selwood because imo he has a great opportunity to take the next step this year. I think however Ablett jnr will be in for a big year especially due to last years disappointment of the Grand Final and missing out on the Brownlow for the 2nd year in a row.
Hille imo is the one ruckman who can and does match up to Cox. He kicks goals which Cox does not always do as well. However to be a super star like Cox, he will need to play to that standard week in and week out which he yet has done.
Houli?? Interesting choice, He is someone who could be anyone like Higgins (who hopefully can play like Cousins but stays away from the white line).
Thanks for your top five AussieRulesBlog. Any problems with the other ten listed above in the article?
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February 2nd, 2009 at 8:25 pm
Gimme a break, man! Only two Bombers in there, one a smokie, and I DID out myself!
Do you REALLY want to ask that question of ME?
It depends on the criteria on which the five are picked. Mine are there because I enjoy the way they play the game. I’m not looking to pick the next ‘superstar’.
Anyway, to answer your question:
Hodge: No doubting his courage and leadership. Excellent disposal, but just doesn’t do it for me.
Akermanis: Aker’s powder barrel ran out a few years ago, so there’ll be no explosion in 2009. Only good for one or two cameos in a game now. The team needs more. To be honest, I didn’t rate him that highly even at his best. Then there’s his mouth (or should that be pen?). . .
Didak: The mercurial ones are interesting, aren’t they? I prefer a bloke who puts in solidly, if not spectacularly, week in and week out. Didak ain’t that bloke. AND I don’t think the leopard can change his spots!
Hawkins: COULD be another Carey and dominate the game. A watching brief for me until he cements a place in the team. THEN let’s see if he can perform EVERY week.
Watts: Poor kid. A terrible burden for him. Haven’t seen him play that I know of.
Cousins: I really hope he makes a success of it. I saw his last game and he was simply awesome until he pinged the hammy. Worth a ticket. And maybe we can lay off the drugs thing for a while? Give the man some Christian charity and forgiveness. . . if he screws up big time, then you can start chucking rocks.
Franklin: You know my thoughts on this bloke already. I won’t flog a dead horse.
Judd: Yes, I know. I just like the blokes I picked more.
Rich: unknown quantity to me.
Selwood, J: It won’t happen, but I’d like to see him in an ordinary side and see how many touches he got. Even I could look good in that Geelong side (and, trust me, THAT’s saying something!!!!).
On Houli, we heard from sources within the club that this kid had his head screwed on. Being a devout Muslim in the world of AFL was obviously going to be tricky, so we thought we’d do a bit to give him some encouragement. He is one of the nicest young blokes I’ve spoken with and fiercely determined. VERY happy with our choice.
aussierulesblogs last blog post..Swan dive?
February 3rd, 2009 at 7:04 am
I’m not even going to pretend this comes without Tigerland bias, so I’ll only put forward two that I think should be counted:
Nathan Foley – We saw in the Vic vs All Stars game how much damage Foley can do if he isn’t given the opposition’s best tagger, and if (and it is a big if) Cousins can be back to good enough form to be taking the lead tagger then Foley could just about win a Brownlow (OK, maybe that’s a bit optimistic)
Trent Cotchin – There’s not a Tiger supporter alive who didn’t get excited about watching Trent play, tempered only by his struggle with fitness after a severely interrupted pre-season. With a better (albeit imperfect) pre-season under his belt, it’s an prospect that has me salivating to say the least to see this boy tear up the competition.
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February 3rd, 2009 at 8:42 am
@Geoff – No Cousins in your list?? I think he will be a find for you guys, yes he has a few ifs (drugs, injuries) but they way he can play and like you say release pressure from your young guns (Foley, Cotchin etc) he could well be the recruit of the year.
@AussieRulesBlog – Thanks for reviewing what you think of the ten players in the original article. Like any list some will missed out: Cox, Kerr, Rolio, Richo and the 7 other mentioned could have imo all be originally mentioned and be worthy.
In defense to the mercurial players, they are the ones that people like to watch, get angry at and “wow” at their mercurialness (is this a word?).
I also am a little undecided on Hodge. To me he needs to play in the midfield, defense imo seems like a waste of space for him and with Crawford retired he needs to play more midfield instead of getting the easy kick down back to give the Hawks drive.
Watts, Hawkins, J Selwood, Rich and Houli could be anything and imo that is what makes this year interesting to watch them. Will Freo and others regret not picking up Rich and can Houli, Watts, Selwood and Hawkins live up to their bloated reputation to become stars?
Jermayns last blog post..What Social Media Should Churches Use?
February 3rd, 2009 at 8:45 am
btw Aker doing his calf could see him play very limited time this year…
Jermayns last blog post..Prom Queen – Lil Wayne
February 3rd, 2009 at 4:09 pm
A few comments here, Make no mistakes about Hodge he is one of the very best. He held the backline together in the grand final after Croad was injured. He can do it all, polished and hard midfielder, solid and dependable in the back line and can go forward to devastating effect. Throw in his courage, leadership and exquisite skills and you have just about the complete player.
Aker,a few cameos!!!??? the guy was brilliant last year at pivitol moments for the Dogs. Do not forget that he was 4th in line for Brownlow favouritism after Round 15. He tapered off a little but so did the whole side.
@Geoff, agree completely with the comment on Foley, the reason the Lions and Cats guys won their Brownlows was because of the support in the midfield. With Cousins, Tuck, Coughlan and Cotchin there to ease the load i expect Foley to explode this year.
Sorry to say but i have never really rated Hille, he had a decent season last year but so did Daniel Bandy in 2000 and Troy Simmonds a few years ago. Dean Cox is so far ahead of every other ruckman it’s not even funny. I think the Dons will be in for a horrid year, their run and gun style surprised a few sides last year but teams have smartened up to the fact that you have to play hard and contested footy to play finals.The Dons do not have enough midfield strength to compete consistently against the better sides.
February 3rd, 2009 at 5:23 pm
Deano! Daniel Bandy in 2000??? Whatever you’re smoking, I want some!
aussierulesblogs last blog post..Swan dive?
February 3rd, 2009 at 5:46 pm
lol, mate we thought he was gonna lead us to the promised land!!
my point is one good season out of 8 or 10 is not good enough…
February 4th, 2009 at 8:14 am
I think people talk up Hille because one he is Victorian and two he beat Cox (who had a broken foot, lets not forget) in a match one on one last year. Cox has been the best of the Ruckman for the last three odd years…
Why I was surprised they did not pick up Cousins as imo he would add some much needed depth to their list. You watch Richmond this year…
Daniel Bandy did indeed play good in 2000 and I think he was a good player who should have been better. In the WAFL he won the Sandover but when ever playing in the AFL, he lacked confidence and the Dogs did not use him right.
Jermayns last blog post..What Social Media Should Churches Use?
February 4th, 2009 at 7:08 pm
Hille has been building over the past three or four years. They say it takes big men longer to mature and find their place — I’m not sure I agree with that, but there you go. Four years ago Hille was easily moved aside in ruck contests and didn’t have the endurance to ruck AND go forward to provide a target.
Two years ago, when he was named stand-in Captain after Lloyd was injured, he started to take more responsibility for his own game and those of his teammates. I would be quite surprised if he’s not the next Captain.
Last year be really blossomed and looked like he was more comfortable in the role of first ruckman. He has also added a real toughness to his game. There were a number of instances last year where he used his considerable bulk to the team’s advantage with really solid bumps.
But there’s also what I might term a ‘moral’ aspect to his game. A couple of years ago Jamie Charman was quite seriously injured in a contest with Hille and left lying dazed on the ground. There was nothing untoward about the contest. Hill went back to check on his opponent and called the Brisbane trainers to aid him — a tragically rare example of true sportsmanship in the AFL arena.
aussierulesblogs last blog post..Swan dive?
February 5th, 2009 at 10:09 am
I definitely agree that Hille (and Leuenberger) are the top two up and coming ruckman to challenge Cox’s hold of the mantle and I agree with everything you wrote AussieRulesBlog. However to have the mantle of the top ruckman in the AFL comp, you have to perform at the level, week in and week out, something Hille has yet to do imo.
btw I wonder why Ruckman don’t get the opportunity to captain their clubs as much. I think Hille and Cox could do a better job than their present captains.
February 5th, 2009 at 9:27 pm
Nothing wrong with Matthew Lloyd’s captaincy . . .
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February 6th, 2009 at 7:52 am
apart from the fact that he is stuck down in the forward line for most of the game and its hard to lead when your not in the game. Lloydy is a very smart footballer but like you said Hille was awesome when he filled in a few years ago and I just think he is a more long time choice, especially with the club looking to build another dynasty of young guys…
February 7th, 2009 at 5:21 pm
What gives Hille the potential to be great is his mobility. He can get forward and really hurt teams the way Luke Darcy could in his prime. My biggest concern for him is the lack of support. You simply cannot ruck on your own in todays football and Hille really does lack some quality help. Laycock has been extremely disappointing and Bellchambers is still raw,.
February 9th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
How many Bombers games have you watched in the past 12 months, Jermayn? I think you’re dead wrong on Lloyd.
Deano, you’re on the money. Laycock hasn’t lived up to the expectations, but the same was being said of Hille not that long ago. I am hoping Simon Madden can help Laycock get his timing right — I think confidence is his big issue. Bellchanbers looked very promising in his couple of senior hitouts in ’08.
aussierulesblogs last blog post..Forget the recession, world returning to normal!
February 10th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
the difference between hille and laycock is vast, laycock is slow, reads the play terribly and always jumps to early for the ball in the air. he doesn’t look like a footballer at all.
February 11th, 2009 at 8:06 am
@Deano – Hille also looks like he wants to play the game where Laycock looks like his interest is else where. He looks lazy when he plays…
February 15th, 2009 at 8:00 am
Agree Laycock’s timing in central ruck contests is terrible. He can be a very good player — I’ve seen him do some things he has no right to be able to do — but lack of belief and confidence is holding him back.I was surprised the Dons didn’t look to trade with him, but I suspect 209 is his last chance. Bellchambers looks very promising and could relegate Laycock to a permanent VFL role if he’s not careful.
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February 16th, 2009 at 8:35 am
I also think the reason Essendon did not trade him is because Bellchambers is young and raw and you simply do not have anyone else to back up Hille. Maybe running Fletcher as a ruckman (was recruited as one) could be an option…
February 26th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
I personally think that Ben Cousins looks like he is in good shape but the game this week end will prove if he is fit enough to last the season. I think he might come out with a few muscle pulls before the of September comes. So it will be interesting to watch him come back
I think Rhys Palmer will be another one to watch this season. I think last season he really defined himself as a player but I think this season he will be more mature as a player and he will get the lift this season.
Buddy is buddy he is going to do well either way but I think he has some big competition this year to shine out of the pack.
Judd is looking in great form. Better than he has in pervious years
February 26th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
But I must also note, I’m not a real fan of Cousins. He let alot of fans and people down (not to mention his team)…
With all the problems the Eagles have been having I think losing heart and some of their best players I dont think you will see them climb the ladder at all and I think losing their heart and the spirit (which in many instances was Cousins and then Judd) you wont see much from them or their players
February 26th, 2009 at 2:20 pm
Without doubt Cousins will require some managing from Richmond as drugs, age and not playing for 18 months will take its toll, however if he plays 15+ games, he will be the pick up of the season.
Any team that looses two players in the top 10 of the AFL would struggle but they are too much of a proud club to be down towards the bottom for 2-3 years in a row.
Thank you for your comments Princess of the Cats
February 26th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
Eagles are struggling for a few reasons but I believe that if they got a couple of good draft picks they could have brought themselves back but I think that their draft picks were a bit sucky..
Oh and my fifth player to watch would have to be ABLETT (I hear my husband groaning)…
But Ablett clearly wasnt in his best form going into the finals and I hope with a bit of R & R he can finally get his Brownlow medal
February 27th, 2009 at 8:22 am
I have to disagree with you hear Princess, I think their draftee’s were good. Nit Nat will be a star, Matsen will be a gun, Ebert will be the Eagles future captain and Swift and Shuey will be 150+ gamers.
September 25th, 2009 at 8:57 am
1# Liam Jurrah
2# Garry Ablett
3# Brent Harvey
4# Daniel Rich
5# Aaron Davey