Jim Park Medal 2016

[crashlander]

Its odd to see Nick Graham regarded by fans but keeps getting dropped.

To be honest, he is nowhere near the form he was in last year before he got injured. But he isn't playing badly; well, he did have a couple of quietish games, but nothing terrible.
When he started he got a lot of marks, especially in defence, and moved the ball on VERY slowly. He might get 15 possessions, but he didn't hurt anyone. He appeared to lack confidence and he took no risks at all. He was often out-bodied and he got relatively few clearances. Considering that the whole team was playing 'safely', it is no surprise when he didn't jell.
Last year after the coaching change, his style of play changed radically. He was involved in a lot more clearances and he took very few marks. He was a more attacking player.
This year he has played somewhat more like he used to, although he is getting more ball and moving the ball on faster and more accurately. He hasn't had the clearances and he has been out-bodied more than a little. He is probably been dropped because he hasn't been able to get the clearances yet. I think that will come. But he does need to get stronger, as he probably won't get much faster.
Another thing is the different way we set up in the middle. A lot of our mids have had some trouble with that. It appears that Bolton wants some faster people in there to get a fast break. Also he has to share the job with Kerridge and Wright, who have taken his time in the middle.
I cannot be certain that he will return to his 'old' form, but he has developed a lot more than he did under Malthouse. He was one step from delisting then.