Will Thursfield (Richmond)
Elevated from the rookie list in 2005, Thursfield has exceeded all expectations at Punt Road.
Most attention has obviously been focused in one or two other players’ directions this summer but just as crucial to the Tigers’ finals chances in 2009 will be the continued progression of Thursfield.
Do the Tigers now have a readymade full-back; that guy who can be depended on to nullify the opposition’s best forward week after week?
If Thursfield can become an A-grade defender and form a solid partnership with Luke McGuane and Kelvin Moore, the Tigers’ September dream is a whole lot closer.
Warren Tredrea (Port Adelaide)
Back in his old No.16 jumper, the former Power skipper is likely to enjoy going out and getting a kick without the extra burden of leading his team.
Now 30 and hopefully with his past few injury-riddled seasons behind him, ‘Tredders’ is hoping to show the footy world he can recapture some of his best form – the form that earned him four All-Australian jumpers and three best and fairest awards.
While his body is unlikely to regain the mobility of its prime, it will be interesting to see how the one time dominant power forward of the AFL looks throughout the pre-season, and in what role his coach uses him.
Will Mark Williams use Tredrea’s bulk closer to goal where he can be more damaging on the scoreboard? Or has a fitter, more mobile Tredrea rediscovered his running power?
Pat Veszpremi (Sydney Swans)
The Swans drafted Veszpremi a little more than a year ago for a reason – they knew he could hurt teams on the scoreboard.
A power athlete, his body wasn’t quite right throughout the 2008 season and accordingly the Swans held him back, making sure he was ready before the former Northern Knights junior made his AFL debut in round 18.
He played the final six matches of the season and had at least three shots at goal in every one of those games, including a standout four-goal effort in his side’s round 22 pummelling of the Brisbane Lions.
This summer, he will have only become fitter and faster again. Will Paul Roos keep him close to the sticks or can he push through the midfield and use his superb, penetrating left boot further up the ground?
Jarrad Waite (Carlton)
Capable at either end of the ground, Waite looks to have found his niche in defence.
The NAB Cup will give another indicator as to what Blues’ coach Brett Ratten plans to do with Waite this season. After a stellar 2008, an anchoring role in the young Carlton backline surely beckons.
Having made his way in attack early in his career, Waite settled into defence with aplomb last season where his athleticism gave the Blues’ defence another dimension.
His ability to pinch-hit in attack is also a valuable asset. But does Ratten have other plans for his supremely gifted tall this year?
Jack Watts (Melbourne)
Everyone wants to see the No.1 draft pick play. The question is: How long will Demons coach Dean Bailey hold back his prized recruit?
Surely, at some stage throughout the NAB Cup, we’ll get to see a glimpse of the young man many at Melbourne believe is the future of the club.
Bailey won’t want to rush his budding star’s progress, but the moment Watts takes the field in a Demons jumper there’ll be a tingle of excitement; and not just from Melbourne fans.
Is the kid – who we must remember has just started his Year 12 studies – all that he’s hyped up to be?
We know key-position players take longer, and yes, we must be patient. But one can’t help being swept up in the excitement of seeing a No.1 pick take the field for the first time.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
Players to watch, part 1
Players to watch, part 2
Players to watch, part 3
