TMN 2004 Player Review 

By Joel Nankervis

After one of the most disappointing seasons in the Magpie’s recent history, there were a few shining lights as the club looked to the future by blooding a massive ten youngsters through-out the year. Guy Richards and Cameron Cloke showed that they are two big men with an equally big future, and Jules Rowe and Nick Maxwell showed just how valuable they will be in the future success of this great club.

While the usual stars in Buckley, Tarrant, Rocca and Burns had interrupted seasons, it was Shane Woewodin, Brodie Holland and Ben Johnson who stood up to fill their shoes. Alan Didak and Leon Davis showed glimpses, albeit inconsistently, while Richard Cole and Josh Fraser had their best seasons yet.

Leon Davis: Had another up and down season, but showed the footy world just what he can do with a blistering performance against Fremantle late in the season – picking up 21 possessions and slotting 3 goals.  

Will no doubt come up in trade talks, and is a 50/50 chance to stay.

Shane Woewodin: Was back to his 2000 Brownlow Medal form for much of 2004, averaging just under 20 touches a game. His hardness at the ball improved as the year went on, though the occasional ‘pull-out’ was still there.

Was very admirable in stepping up with the absence of Buckley and Burns in the first half of the season.

Ryan Lonie: Again improved on his previous season, and found a new lease on life up forward for a few games – and looking good. His long kicking was again a feature, and increased upper-body strength saw him achieve much better results in one-on-one contests.

Will play a big role next season, and may well be used out of the goal square more often.

Alan Didak: After a slowish start, ‘Dids’ was started to hit his straps when an unfortunate injury stalled his progress late in the season (fractured jaw). Averaged 13 touches a game as he slowly moved into the midfield, and will most probably spend the vast majority of 2005 in that same position.  

Nathan Buckley: Managed just 15 games this season, with a lot of time being spent on the bench. A reoccurrence of a hamstring injury ruined any chance the champ had of playing consistent footy, however he still managed to get just under 22 touches a game.

Will spend more time along half-back nest season to preserve his body condition.

Brodie Holland: Had arguably his best season in ’04, averaging over 17 possessions a game playing through the midfield. His attack on the ball was second-to-none, and although a silly indiscretion cost him early on, was a consistent performer all year.

James Clement: Was rewarded All-Australian selection after what was his best season yet since crossing from Fremantle back in 2001. He held the defence together, and in the absence of Prestigiacomo and Wakelin, saw himself playing on, and beating, the likes of Brendan Fevola.

Never puts in a bad game, and will be pivotal to the pies success for the next five years.

Billy Morrison: Although young, Billy was disappointing in his rookie season, not breaking into the Collingwood side all year. Was dropped to Williamstown reserves towards the end of the season, and was struggling to find the ball.

Another pre-season under his belt will help the cause, and no doubt we’ll see the young Tasmanian firing for the black and white before too long.

Shane O’Bree: Had a shocking start to the season, and was very lucky to keep his spot in the team. Had a day out against Port Adelaide in round 6, gathering a massive 38 possessions, and found some form in the last six weeks.

The trade rumours have started, however it’s unlikely that Shane will leave the club.

Steve McKee: Only managed 8 in what was his last season at the club, being told to look elsewhere id he wishes to continue at the top level. Played a great game against the Lions in the wet back in round 16, but lack of mobility and foot speed was again his main problem.

Richie Cole: Had his best season yet, playing every game and averaging 13 touches. The characteristic turnovers stilled popped-up here and there, but he showed that he has the ability to hold down a spot deep in defence.

Shane Wakelin: Was having another consistent season before, like so many others, it was cut short by injury when he sustained a broken arm in round 16. Age doesn’t seem to be slowing the neat defender down, as he continues to win more contests then he loses.

Bo Nixon: Had a disappointing season, managing only 3 games and average as many touches. Seemed to be overwhelmed in his senior appearances, however his form for Williamstown was brilliant at times.

Must take the next step next year.

Tom Davidson: Was the major disappointment in 2004, when he suffered his second knee-reconstruction on debut against the Bulldogs in round 2. Looked terrific before the incident, and we can’t wait to see him back in 2005.

Scott Burns: Had a slightly interrupted season, but still managed to play 19 solid games, averaging over 16 possessions. Spent more time up forward, and his clearance work in the middle was terrific.

Paul Licuria: Another top season from the dual Copeland Trophy winner – averaging over 22 touches a game in his 22 matches. His attack on the man and the ball was again faultless, and added a new string to his bow playing up forward.

Andrew Williams: Managed only 5 games in what was an unimpressive season for the former Eagle. Has struggled to regain his early 2003 form, and his spot on the list will no doubt be under some consideration over the coming weeks.

Chris Tarrant: Injury and a dubious suspension meant that Taz could only manage the 14 games in 2004, although he was terrific in the vast majority of these. Managed to kick 36 goals – averaging over 2.5 a games, which was a top effort considering the role he plays.

With another full pre-season under his belt, we can only rub our hand together at the prospect of a fit and firing Chris Tarrant for 2005.  

Guy Richards: Was a shining light in 2004 before (yet again) a groin injury ended his season after round 14. Earned himself a National Rising Star nomination for his efforts, and his ruck work was telling in the contests.

Will certainly be one to watch next year.

Rhyce Shaw: The overly-maligned speedster had a year to forget, with only a few of his 16 games being solid. Effectively took stars Chris Judd and Jason Akermanis out the game, but couldn’t consistently deliver his potential.

Has apparently been offered around already, and is unlikely to be a magpie next season.

Anthony Rocca: Another magpie who had his season destroyed by injury – an ankle problem restricting him to just 14 matches.

Lacked his usual match-winning presence when he played, and will no doubt be keen to have a huge season next year.

Tarkyn Lockyer: Finally came back from foot and knee injuries in round 10, to play every match of the season from then on. Averaged 16 touches a game, and took no time at all to find his feet after almost 18 months out of the game.

Will be better off for the run, and will play more of a role in the midfield in 2005.

Josh Fraser: Had a terrific season, playing 18 games and averaging 15 touches and 13 hitouts. Only kicked 17 goals, which was a bit surprising given his recent success in this area. Played his best football when Richards was injured, which makes it an interesting situation for 2005 and onwards.

Ben Johnson: Had his best season by a long way, averaging over 17 possessions in his 22 games. Was outstanding in the first half of the season, rebounding out of defence as good as anyone in the competition.

After a lean month mid-season, he rediscovered his earlier form the finish off a fantastic season, earning 10 votes in the Brownlow Medal.

Mark McGough: Sparingly used, McGough gathered around 17 disposals in his 12 matches for 2004, with yet another brilliant Anzac Day performance where he gathered 29 touches. The next week he notched up 33, and it seemed he was in for a career defining season, however due to some puzzling management from coach Mick Malthouse, he now wants out of the club for more opportunities.

Matthew Lokan: After an impressive early game against the Lions in round 3 (14 disposals and 3 goals) Lokan struggled to play with any consistency. Is very limited, and could find himself off the list come next season.

Luke Mullins: Another interesting move from Malthouse was to drop this promising midfielder after 13 touches on debut against Fremantle in round 4. Looks very cool under pressure, and has neat skills and good decision making.

Luke Shackleton: Finally made his debut after weeks of solid performances with Williamstown, to gather 5 touches against Richmond in round 18. Was dropped for the rest of the season, for reasons unknown to the majority of the magpie faithful. Will be keen to lift his fitness levels over the pre-season.

Cameron Cloke: Had a very encouraging debut season, with 7 games and 5 goals playing as a tall forward / ruckman. Is big enough to hold down his own spot, and has a certain ‘cockiness’ which the magpie army love.

Expect a big season from Cloke in ’05.

Jason Cloke: Was great in the wet against Essendon and Melbourne, but struggled to consistently perform on the big stage. His courage was again a bright spot, however his kicking still needs some attention.

Seemed to play his best footy when his brother was in the side.

Simon Prestigiacomo: Yet another player who came across injures in 2004, managing just 12 games. Seemed to have lost a mountain of pace since last year, and wasn’t his usual trusty self. A full pre-season will hopefully see ‘Presti’ back to his best.

Dane Swan: After a brilliant start to the season, he seemed to drop his buddle and was dropped after round 11. Seems to keep a cool head under pressure, though his kicking is suspect.

Brayden Shaw: Didn’t break through for a senior game, though he was very close to it late in the season before breaking his arm at training. Played a good season with Williamstown, alternating between the forward line and the midfield.

An exciting prospect for the years ahead.

Tristen Walker: Showed a bit in 2004, playing 10 games and averaging just under 8 touches. Makes dubious decisions under pressure, though is slowly getting better.

Played a good cameo game as a forward against the Bulldogs in round 17, kicking 2.4.

Heath Shaw: From all reports, Heath was very impressive in his first season at Williamstown. Was very close to an AFL debut at the beginning of the season, but lost his touch for the first few weeks.

A goal sneak who has the ability to turn a game in a short period of time.

Brent Hall: Was struck down by glandular fever for most of 2004, but managed to finish off the season showing some good signs for Williamstown reserves. A good ‘crash-n-bash’ defender who likes to assert authority on a game, and will be watched eagerly through-out the off season.

Julian Rowe: An Old Carey boy who managed 8 games in his debut season. Was terrific against Port in round 21, gathering 19 possessions. Spent all his games playing along the wing, and found space regularly.

Will be stacking on the weight over the pre-season.

Nick Maxwell: Was one of the surprise packets this season, showing great signs in his 10 games after being promoted from the rookie list after Davidson’s knee injury. Played in defence, and showed great poise and decision making.

With more weight on his frame, Maxwell will improve his contest winning ability.

Zane Leonard: After a very impressive pre-season, Leonard encountered hamstring injuries all season, and didn’t play regular footy until late in the year. His attack on the ball is terrific, and hopefully he will be given another year at the club to show his wares.

David Fanning: Was playing solid footy until a knee injury halted his progress mid-season. Ex-NBL basketballer who should be given more time.

Dean Benson: Struggled to find form until late in the season where he began playing good footy for Williamstown reserves through-out their finals series. Lightly built, but a clever user of the ball.

Justin Crow: Promoted off the rookie-list to debut against Fremantle, but couldn’t hold his spot. Has great courage, but body weight and decision making skills could halt his career.