The 2008 Version Of Thomas and Pendlebury
Some players have a "sophomore slump" in their second year of AFL, but last season Dale Thomas and Scott Pendlebury were superstars in their second year of AFL.
This post will predict which couple of players at the clubs will explode, in terms of stats and media coverage, in their second year of football, and also shows how the 2006 AFL draft is looking for the teams.
Richmond - Connors and Edwards
These two could make the biggest jump, in going from players who just had a small look at AFL last season to becoming key parts of an improving team in 2008. Add in Riewoldt, and the Tigers have something to look forward to in 2008 as their second year players could be the key to a big jump up the ladder.
Brisbane - Leuenberger and Proud
They have the best young ruckman in the AFL, and Proud is also an exciting prospect for the Lions.
Geelong - Hawkins and Selwood
J Selwood has already won a lot of things, but 2008 could be when Hawkins makes his mark on the league.
Port Adelaide - J Westhoff and Gray
These two already got a head start, as their first year in the league was far above expectations, so they won't explode in their second year but they will still improve a bit.
Melbourne - Petterd and Frawley
Petterd was only stopped by injuries last season, so he should have a big 2008. Frawley is a chance to win a spot in their back line, as his main competition for the full back spot has been suspended.
Essendon - Gumbleton and Hislop
It might be easier for Hislop to have a breakout season as the midfield there only has Stanton and a couple of players who can't kick. Gumbleton should play plenty of games, but his playing time and role may be minor unless injuries hit some of their veteran talls.
Carlton - Gibbs and Grigg
Gibbs was a big disappointment in 2007, a lot of that was due to the coaching and his teammates, but there was also the way that Gibbs went after the ball. The pressure is off now so Gibbs should have a much easier time. Grigg could be in the running for a spot at half forward.
Collingwood - Goldsack and Brown
The Magpies had the best duo of second year players last year, and the ones this time around will also be quality. Goldsack and Brown could be their new generation of tall defenders. Reid and Dick may also play a bit in 2008 too.
West Coast - Brown and MacKenzie
The Eagles didn't need extra height last year but if they do go bigger this time then second year players Brown and MacKenzie are ready to play.
Hawthorn - Renouf and Thorp
The Hawks could add these two to their back line, instantly going from being a bit undersized among their defenders to having a lot of height. Thorp is also an option up forward.
Western Bulldogs - Everitt and Lynch
Everitt and Lynch can provide more run for the Bulldogs, and Everitt also brings height and kicking skills.
Kangaroos - Hansen and Thomas
Hansen is above average in all the categories that can be measured, with his athletic abilities and height, so he should become a regular in their side soon. The Kangaroos are slow so Thomas is someone they need in their team, but he does need to be more accurate in front of goal.
Adelaide - Sellar and MacKay
There are plenty of spots available in the Crows' forward line, Sellar should get his chance this season. MacKay might be introduced to the back line during 2008.
Sydney - White and D O'Keefe
The Swans need to bring in some younger players, that could mean that recent draftees Bird and Veszpremi play in 2008, while second year players Jesse White and Daniel O'Keefe are options to help in the forward line.
St Kilda - Allen and Armitage
Armitage needs to get going this season, or the word bust will be used as the Saints picked him very high in the draft. If Armitage and Allen, or Howard, do show a lot of improvement in 2008 it will help the Saints get deep into September.
Fremantle - O'Brien and Mourish
They used their draft picks at that time to acquire Tarrant, which has not been very beneficial so far. Only O'Brien is still on their main list, Mourish was delisted but then added to the rookie list.
This post will predict which couple of players at the clubs will explode, in terms of stats and media coverage, in their second year of football, and also shows how the 2006 AFL draft is looking for the teams.
Richmond - Connors and Edwards
These two could make the biggest jump, in going from players who just had a small look at AFL last season to becoming key parts of an improving team in 2008. Add in Riewoldt, and the Tigers have something to look forward to in 2008 as their second year players could be the key to a big jump up the ladder.
Brisbane - Leuenberger and Proud
They have the best young ruckman in the AFL, and Proud is also an exciting prospect for the Lions.
Geelong - Hawkins and Selwood
J Selwood has already won a lot of things, but 2008 could be when Hawkins makes his mark on the league.
Port Adelaide - J Westhoff and Gray
These two already got a head start, as their first year in the league was far above expectations, so they won't explode in their second year but they will still improve a bit.
Melbourne - Petterd and Frawley
Petterd was only stopped by injuries last season, so he should have a big 2008. Frawley is a chance to win a spot in their back line, as his main competition for the full back spot has been suspended.
Essendon - Gumbleton and Hislop
It might be easier for Hislop to have a breakout season as the midfield there only has Stanton and a couple of players who can't kick. Gumbleton should play plenty of games, but his playing time and role may be minor unless injuries hit some of their veteran talls.
Carlton - Gibbs and Grigg
Gibbs was a big disappointment in 2007, a lot of that was due to the coaching and his teammates, but there was also the way that Gibbs went after the ball. The pressure is off now so Gibbs should have a much easier time. Grigg could be in the running for a spot at half forward.
Collingwood - Goldsack and Brown
The Magpies had the best duo of second year players last year, and the ones this time around will also be quality. Goldsack and Brown could be their new generation of tall defenders. Reid and Dick may also play a bit in 2008 too.
West Coast - Brown and MacKenzie
The Eagles didn't need extra height last year but if they do go bigger this time then second year players Brown and MacKenzie are ready to play.
Hawthorn - Renouf and Thorp
The Hawks could add these two to their back line, instantly going from being a bit undersized among their defenders to having a lot of height. Thorp is also an option up forward.
Western Bulldogs - Everitt and Lynch
Everitt and Lynch can provide more run for the Bulldogs, and Everitt also brings height and kicking skills.
Kangaroos - Hansen and Thomas
Hansen is above average in all the categories that can be measured, with his athletic abilities and height, so he should become a regular in their side soon. The Kangaroos are slow so Thomas is someone they need in their team, but he does need to be more accurate in front of goal.
Adelaide - Sellar and MacKay
There are plenty of spots available in the Crows' forward line, Sellar should get his chance this season. MacKay might be introduced to the back line during 2008.
Sydney - White and D O'Keefe
The Swans need to bring in some younger players, that could mean that recent draftees Bird and Veszpremi play in 2008, while second year players Jesse White and Daniel O'Keefe are options to help in the forward line.
St Kilda - Allen and Armitage
Armitage needs to get going this season, or the word bust will be used as the Saints picked him very high in the draft. If Armitage and Allen, or Howard, do show a lot of improvement in 2008 it will help the Saints get deep into September.
Fremantle - O'Brien and Mourish
They used their draft picks at that time to acquire Tarrant, which has not been very beneficial so far. Only O'Brien is still on their main list, Mourish was delisted but then added to the rookie list.
That is a good choice, as Selwood has already done so much. Djerrkura will have a tough time breaking into the side, but there could be a spot for a small defender or forward. Hogan might even be someone, from the same draft, who is also ready for some AFL.