u/Schweh

I've been trying to push to get selected for some higher quality teams for a few years now without any success, and have come to realise the biggest weakness in my game is probably my ability to change directions. I have a pretty good top speed when running in a straight line, but as soon as I try to run in proper cutting shapes I look like I'm not putting in any effort, even though to me it feels like I'm going as fast as I can.

I slip over when changing directions a lot. If I ever have to jump soon after I turn it feels like I have bricks tied to my feet. If I know I'm going to have to slow down to change directions, the fastest I can run looks nothing like a sprint. Even things like pivoting to throw a break feel like I'm doing it in slow motion.

I've been doing drills that require changes of direction for as long as I've been playing but they haven't helped. It feels like when I'm doing them, I'm just practicing getting better at changing directions slower than everyone else.

I think I need to break it down to the basics, and work on simple exercises that build strength and explosiveness, but I have no idea where to even begin. I was a runner growing up, I know all the theory behind technique to running fast, but I just don't have the muscles developed to do it over short distances or as soon as it's not in a straight line.

I would love some suggestions and advice. Preferably things I can do outside of a gym, but at this point I'll try anything

I had this discussion with my dad earlier and there's upsettingly few players who have improved or equalled their form over previous years.

I've left out players that are only just getting their first taste at AFL level, this is mostly based on how players form compares to the best we've seen of them. Also happy to hear differing opinions, but if you can't tell from how I've worded some of these reviews I don't really like bringing players down.

Morrison: You always want more out of him. He was great this week and passable for many. Had some stinkers too though. I would say he's had better years around when clarko left. Barely not a pass for me, but it feels harsh

Lewis: Honestly I'm gonna give him a pass just cause seeing him put some decent footy together is all I want from him right now. Pressure is on next year with another preseason to get back to his pre-injury form.

Newcombe: Big win getting the co-captaincy. He's had some insane numbers in some games, but struggles when tagged. I would say he played better last year but was also tagged less. Also we haven't seen his finals performances yet. Gonna give him a pass but barely

Impey: Finally getting the media attention he deserves. Ironically I think he was even better last year but this is the year they talk about him as potentially AA. Even though I think he's played better in the past, he's so good you have to give him a pass

Watson: Pass. You kick that many goals as a small forward sharing with Gunston and you get a pass. Would love some more consistency and goals late in games. But we can't have everything right?

Sicily: An improvement over last year (remember when he couldn't kick). However comparing him to what he's done in the past it's really hard to give him a pass. He doesn't intercept unless it's a bottom 4 team kicking the ball to him. He tries to draw the pressure to himself by holding the ball too long, then pays for it with an awkward disposal. He sometimes just... gives up. And all the poor discipline. I want to believe in him but I'm not giving him a pass for the year.

Reeves: The best season he's had, but the bar is not very high. He can put in some good performances, but the way we get destroyed by A grade ruckmen leaves a bit to be desired. Still a pass, hopefully the improvement continues and he works on some of his weaknesses.

Dylan Moore: I believe in this guy. Absolutely loves his character and his best footy is really good. That being said this year was a big drop off and I will not be giving his season a pass

Cmac: A weird one. He's turned from a good small forward to a serviceable midfielder. I like the idea but he seems much more dangerous when he's kicking goals. Harsh for a guy in a new role but the season isn't a pass to me

Amon: was not surprised to learn he has been carrying an injury. His form was really off, especially for a guy who was so consistently great for the past two years. Hope he gets back into form, but based on results it's not a pass

Nash: Pass. Playing well until the injury, and we miss him now he's gone.

Day: Recency bias makes me want to not give him a pass. However much like Mitch Lewis, after being injured so long, even just the two good games is enough for a pass. Hope to see more of his best in the next few weeks

Scrimshaw: Not a pass, just hasn't got to play. Not sure if any VFL watchers can tell me otherwise. Hard to fault him with the injuries, and he's been alright when he's played. But he's been better than alright in the past.

Hardwick: Pass. So reliable. Hard to say if he's had a better season in the past. You just know what you're going to get, and it's some good footy.

D'Ambrosio: The hardest to grade for me. He's played better seasons. But that first one was magical and I don't know if we'll get to see if again. Not a pass based on the way I'm judging but I think he's been fine.

Meek: The only player who had rules changed on him that took away the best part of his game. He was always gonna have a rough season. He's been getting back into it though. But once again it's a harsh non-pass based on how I'm grading. (Also got destroyed by Gawn and Jackson which hurts)

Chol: There has been improvements over previous seasons on his willingness to compete to bring the ball to the ground (one or two bad weeks is better than 8-10). But his goal kicking got worse (it might be fixed now) could be a pass, could not be one. Also there's been fewer defensive pressure moments so I changed my mind; not a passing grade this season

Gunston: Pass. Unc still got it

Maginess: People are too harsh on him. Still not a pass but relax a bit guys

Mraz: Pass. What a find. Low-key hoping Sic retires so we play this guy every week.

Weddle: What did they do to my boy. The season doesn't get a pass but I believe in him

Battle: So reliable last year, not so much this year. I think we sometimes do things as a team on the journey to improve that takes us backwards and I think that's the story for a lot of the backline. Not a pass

Ward: Big pass. Took his game to another level this year. Hard to tell what the ceiling is but I don't think he's hit it yet

Mackenzie: Big pass. Took his game to another level this year. Something something ceiling, hasn't hit it yet. Love our young mids

Butler: Injury impacted. I'm not gonna grade his season cause I don't think he deserves a fail

Ginnivan: Love the guy. Wow has he dropped off. He's tried to work down the field more and it's taken him away from where he's most dangerous. It might also leave him fatigued cause his decision making is really bad right now. Once again I believe he can get back to his amazing form but this season is not a pass.

Blanck: Ooft. Wishing him well

Barrass: Another drop in form in the backline. I don't really think it's the fault of the individual. Just something back there isn't working. Hoping for a big turnaround in the off season but this one wasn't a pass.

Bmac: Gonna be a pass. Definitely one of the weaker players receiving a pass but he's young and improving. Hope he doesn't just turn into a decent roleplayer cause some of us seem to love shitting on our decent role players.

Hustwaite: How can someone be so dominant at VFL level but look so out of place on an AFL field. No hate on the guy but we should delist him just to take the temptation away from the team selectors. Hope he finds the secret sauce that brings his game to where it needs to be, but maybe on another team's list

Sam Mitchell: Clearly there has been a shift in the game plan. I don't like it. We're much less entertaining to watch. Feels like a downgrade but we're higher on the ladder than we've ever been under him. He's had games where it feels like he's been out coached, and I can't remember games against relevant teams where it feels he's got the better of the opposition coaches. I'm gonna postpone my review on the season until finals are done, I don't think I would say this if I felt he deserves a pass so far

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