2006 in Review… No. 41 – 45
We now continue reviewing who did what, and where they are at heading into Season 2007. Take a look back now at the rest of the guernsey numbers and the players
We now continue reviewing who did what, and where they are at heading into Season 2007. Take a look back now at the rest of the guernsey numbers and the players of Season 2006.Number 41 – Nathan CarrollHaving played only 17 games of AFL football up to the start of last season, Nathan was one of the emerging lights for Melbourne in 2006. Not only did he play all 24 games for the season (including home and away and finals matches), but would have been strongly considered for All Australian selection. Nathan mainly played full back, and did some fantastic jobs for coach Neale Daniher.The 26 year-old, originally from Claremont, will again be looking for another full pre-season to improve on his 2006 season and further cement his position in the Melbourne side.Nathan Carroll's 2006 AFL season statsMatches = 24Goals = 1Behinds = 0Kicks = 182Handballs = 144Marks = 131Tackles = 35Total Possessions = 326Number 42 – Andre GianfagnaAndre was recruited to the Melbourne Football Club for the 2006 season as a rookie. The 18 year-old from Ivanhoe dislocated a shoulder, requiring a reconstruction late in the season.Andre is currently training with the Club, rehabilitating his shoulder in an attempt to have his body right for the 2007 season.Number 43 - Jace BodeOn Melbourne’s Rookie List for the 2006 season, Jace struggled early in the season due to injury, but returned to form later on, playing in Sandringham’s reserves and seniors sides throughout the year.Having just turned 19, Jace has been retained on Melbourne’s Rookie List for the upcoming season, and with another pre-season under his belt, it is hoped he will improve and develop his game to another level.The quick midfielder has already played senior football in the SANFL, and played for Melbourne in the 2006 NAB Cup.Number 44 – Shannon MotlopThe 28 year-old, originally from Darwin, only managed three games in 2006, taking his AFL career tally to 64. Shannon was again one of Sandringham’s best players, excelling in their 2006 premiership side after playing in the Zebras’ 2005 premiership team. Shannon was delisted at the end of 2006 after spending two years at the Club.Shannon Motlop's 2006 AFL season statsMatches = 3Goals = 0Behinds = 1Kicks = 25Handballs = 11Marks = 5Tackles = 6Total Possessions = 36Number 45 - Matthew WhelanThe hard, ball-winning back man had another solid year, again playing on the best small forward for the opposition in most games. Although he missed the majority of the pre-season with a calf injury, the reliable defender managed 19 games for the season, but unfortunately was injured for the Fremantle final in Perth.The 27 year-old, originally recruited from Darwin, has currently played 121 games for the Melbourne Football Club, including in 2006 a year high 32 possessions against the Western Bulldogs in Round 17 at the MCG.Matthew Whelan's 2006 AFL season statsMatches = 19Goals = 3Behinds = 2Kicks = 148Handballs = 147Marks = 91Tackles = 52Total Possessions = 295
