2006 player previews - 1. Chris Newman

[mightytiges]

I thought in the lead-up to Round 1, we could do a collective preview of each Tiger over the coming weeks and give our expectations on what would be a good 2006 for each so we can compare our thoughts now with those at the end of the season.

First up is Newman

1. So how do you rate him coming into 2006?
2. And what would be a good 2006 for him in your opinion?


Chris Newman - 2005

* the numbers in brackets are where he ranks alongside his teammates.

Games: 22
Goals: 2

Finalsiren.com ranking:  67.0  (9th)
2004: 55.7
2003: 52.3
2002: 30.6

Disposals: 15.7   (8th)
2004: 13.3
2003: 13.2
2002: 7.4

Contested 1.5   (17th)
Uncontested 13.2  (9th)

Marks:  4.5  (11th)

Rebound 50: 5.7  (2nd) - 8th in the AFL
Inside 50: 1.0   (21st)
Clearances: 1.0  (14th)

Error per disposal: 8.3%  (1.3/15.7)

1%ers: 4.3  (4th)

Best 3 games: 
1. Sydney (R14)
2. Carlton  (R7)
eq 3. Fremantle  (R4 and 19), West Coast (R11)

Poorest 3 games:
1. St Kilda  (R5)
2. Essendon (R15)
3. St Kilda (R16)

All stats are for 2005:
http://www.prowess-sports.com/pro-stats/reports/player_category_leaders.pdf
http://www.prowess-sports.com/pro-stats/reports/rankings.pdf
http://www.finalsiren.com/Fixture.asp?SeasonID=2005&TeamID=8&Sort=AverageRating%20Desc#Player

[Captain__Blood]

1. So how do you rate him coming into 2006?

Good solid 'B' tier player. In our best 10 yet not quite at the level where he is a vital cog.

2. And what would be a good 2006 for him in your opinion?

Needs to take that next step and become in the Cogs/Bowden/Tuck type class. Must move away from the back pocket and to a HBF/midfeild role. Has the skills and is pretty hard at it. More midfeild time is needed. Maybe a tagger who can be attacking going the other way (Corns/Krik)

2006 is a big one for Newman. Either take the next step into a good solid 200 game player and a important part of our future or remain just average.

[mightytiges]

Nice summary CB  . Spot on IMO.

I'm a big Newman fan so here's hoping he does take that next step in a HBF/midfield role. Apart from getting cut up last year in a BP on the top small pockets like Matera and Milne  , he had a pretty consistently good 2005.

[bluey_21]

Newman has done exceptionally well to get where he is today, if my memory is correct, was plucked late in the same draft as Cogs and has become a regular senior player

[WilliamPowell]

Nice summary CB  . Spot on IMO.

I'm a big Newman fan so here's hoping he does take that next step in a HBF/midfield role. Apart from getting cut up last year in a BP on the top small pockets like Matera and Milne  , he had a pretty consistently good 2005.

Fair call both CB & MT.

I don't think BP his position because he really does struggle against those little twirps  you mentioned MT - he seems at times very slow to react. I am not sure about the mid-field either - not sure if he is quick enough.  I actually would like to see him running off a HBF because he is a pretty accurate kick, solid overhead and seems quicker on his feet away from the oppostition goals

[bluey_21]

Although midfield may be Newmans natural position, but IMO he is going to get pushed back into the backline, because of youngsters such as Meyer, Tambo and Lids. Newman is a hard worker but lacks that extra special something that Lids and co. have

[mightytiges]

Although midfield may be Newmans natural position, but IMO he is going to get pushed back into the backline, because of youngsters such as Meyer, Tambo and Lids. Newman is a hard worker but lacks that extra special something that Lids and co. have

The top sides have 10-12 guys rotating through the midfield. If we want to become a successful side then anyone who isn't a tall needs to be able to take turns in the guts. That's what we should be aiming for. At the moment too much is left to Johnson, Cogs and Tuck. Even if Rodan, Hyde, Lids, Tambo and Meyer develop into worthy midfielders we still need a few more. The more versatile we become, the more headaches we can give opposition coaches, as well as allowing Wallace and co to adjust positions if plan A, B, ... isn't working or if a couple of guys are having an off day.