2012 Player Wrap Thread

[CyberKev]

First player I want to wrap for the year - Scott Pendelbury.

We've known he's been a top player for sometime now, but he was deadset off the charts on Friday night.

He wasn't playing against slouches, but he looked in a class of his own at times. There's not much he can't do, and players who are that silky with their outside work, whilst still being all over the hard inside stuff are platinum plated.

He's a great decision maker, and his ability to get the ball out through traffic was top drawer. He was acting captain and gave everything he had. There's little doubt the margin would have been a lot more favourable to Hawthorn on the night were it not for Pendelbury's tireless efforts. Wouldn't be misplaced as permanent captain of the side, for mine.

To think that Collingwood drew so much flak for taking him at pick 5 in 2005. Nobody is laughing now, that's for sure, and it certainly ranks as one of the most astute picks I've seen in the player draft era.

You're a pleasure to watch when on song, Scott, well played.

 

[AuckMel]

Absolute gun. Playing at the top of his game. Was great to be able to keep him.

 

[CyberKev]

He certainly set the trend for my night.

I was repeatedly saying "F#@$ing Pendelbury, AGAIN!!!", out aloud [not good, I'm supposed to be improving markedly on this score, so that the boys will be able to watch games with me when they're older], quickly followed by the thought - 'Geez, how good was that!'

 

[AuckMel]

Yea, I don't think it matters what team you support, you just have to acknowledge class when you see it.

 

[CyberKev]

^^^

Some people have problems with the concept, as per some of the nonsense sprouted in the Franklin thread...

Not to worry, on to this week...

Jimmy Bartel has been one of the best players in the competition for years now, but that doesn't mean he shouldn't get openly lauded when the chance arises. He was massive in yesterday's game, not for the first time, almost single-handedly dragging his side across the line.

He is fantastically built for a footballer, and complements his high skill level with a fabulous centre of gravity that allows him to manouvre through packs and stay upright in tackles. He would be as good a contested mark as I have seen for a midfield player and can always be relied upon to stand up at key moments in games.

Very classy and its no surpise that he's one of the most decorated players to have played the game. I was surprised that he wasn't named captain of the club ahead of Cameron Ling, frankly.

Probably the player I respect most in the competition on a pure reputation against form basis.

 

[AuckMel]

He was great yesterday. Easily the difference between the two sides yesterday. Any young player would do well to mold their game around his.

 

[Azyboy]

^^^

Some people have problems with the concept, as per some of the nonsense sprouted in the Franklin thread...

Not to worry, on to this week...

Jimmy Bartel has been one of the best players in the competition for years now, but that doesn't mean he shouldn't get openly lauded when the chance arises. He was massive in yesterday's game, not for the first time, almost single-handedly dragging his side across the line.

He is fantastically built for a footballer, and complements his high skill level with a fabulous centre of gravity that allows him to manouvre through packs and stay upright in tackles. He would be as good a contested mark as I have seen for a midfield player and can always be relied upon to stand up at key moments in games.

Very classy and its no surpise that he's one of the most decorated players to have played the game. I was surprised that he wasn't named captain of the club ahead of Cameron Ling, frankly.

Probably the player I respect most in the competition on a pure reputation against form basis.

Agree with both player wraps thus far. Pendles is all class. Great hands, good vision, can win the contested footy and always seems to have time. Will ceetainly be the nexy captain of Collingwood - I'd think as early as next year to be honest. Maxwell is a good leader however questions are being rightfully askled over his form.

As for Jimmy, I'm an avid Cats man so the man love has always been there. Early in the 4th quarter with the cats in dire need of a goal, it was Jimmy to take it upon himself and calmly slot it from outside 50 in driving rain. Did the same in last year's GF.

And don't get me wrong - Buddy is an out and out superstar. Nuff said.

 

[CyberKev]

And don't get me wrong - Buddy is an out and out superstar. Nuff said.

Haha. No wuckas, Azy.

The comment in question certainly wasn't directed at you at any rate.

A couple of very easy ones to start off my season in this thread, as praising players like Pendles and Jimmy is about as revolutionary as having butter on the toast, but I could scarcely do otherwise considering the strength of their performances. I'd expect that Adelaide will throw-up a less likely type for me to laud this week.