Jumpers 31 - 40 Snapshot for 2014.

January 08, 2014, 10:43:12 am

32 – Nick Graham – Games 2. Turns 20 in June.

The buzz was loud about Nick last pre season, here was a boy who was a late pick drifting around the practice matches getting the ball at will and then using it. Injury hits and it took to late in the year to see how he went at AFL level. When he got his chance he did well. Showed a willingness to get in and tackled even though he was out sized and while his disposal was quite wayward he gave a glimpse to what we may have.

Things to improve – Speed and Fitness. Will Nick be a star? Probably not, but will he be a serviceable AFL player with a 150+ game career? Tick that box.
2015 – Two pre seasons and a few more game this year and expect Nick to get some long stints in the seniors.

33 – Andrejs Everitt – Games 79. Turns 25 in March.

I can honestly say I’m wasn’t the biggest fan of Everitt, though he was lazy and got into the league on the back of his brother. Now I wonder if I thought he was lazy because of my perception of Peter. I was duly impressed when I read that he goes to his own boot camp each off season and watching a couple of Swans games on Fox Footy I can see why we went after him.

Things to improve – Not so much improve but integrate. Carlton players need to know his game and vice versa. A Star recruit will have the game plan built around him when the middle rung recruit has to work his game into the teams.
2015 – Hopefully after a year becomes a quality member of the side that plays regular footy.

35 – Ed Curnow – Games 51. Turns 25 in November

What’s not to admire about Eds game? Turned himself for a ball player to a run with specialist and got some big scalps, hasn’t got that out and out speed to go with the quicker midfield guns on the burst but Cotchin types must hate seeing Ed line up next to them.

Things to improve – Made some strides last season but has to get better on the spread after a turnover and some of his kicks are poor.
2015 – More of the same, an automatic selection each and every game after cementing himself this year as the leagues’ best run with.

38 – Jeff Garlett – Games 98. Turns 25 in August.

With Eddie gone Jeffy is our number 1 small forward. Did well last season but there was still too many quite games. Showed what he is capable of when getting up the ground when he went from back pocket to hitting a player on the chest against Essendon for a goal. It will be interesting how he goes this season being the small target for opposition.

Things to improve – Fitness and presence. When Eddie was about the defence was nervous, Jeff is more of a flash through player. This season he needs to get front and centre a bit more.
2015 – Has the skill set to be the best small forward in the league, just has to have the confidence on the field.

39 – Dale Thomas – Games 157. Turns 27 in June

BIG gamble, if we get Thomas circa 2011 then it’s party time at Carlton, who do you cover Murphy, Gibbs, Thomas, Judd.... If we get the injured version then dare I say Mick McGuane.

Things to improve – Foot injury!
2015 – After this year getting comfortable around his new team mates he will make a devastatingly talented mid field group.

40 – Michael Jamison – Games 111 – Turns 28 in June

The stud down back, but is only ever one extended arm away from shoulder surgery. Looks better when Henderson is down back as they work well together and struggled when he was the only big guy down there.

Things to improve – His body. Jammo does most things very well, spoils on the lead and body on body better hands in close.
2015 – This man will need a chop out he will be 29 and with his shoulders being so fragile he needs a couple to stand up sooner than later.

Apart from Graham who will naturally improve because of his age the others are all well aware of what they are capable of and what they can do. Everitt and Thomas improve the team by their inclusion and Curnow, Jeffy and Jammo can all be significant factors into how 2015 pans out.