Higgins moving to North Melbourne has left open a spot in the backline at the kennel and the player most likely to take it would be a small defender who plays that quarter back type rebounding role that higgins played. i am looking at Jason Johannisen (played 11 games 2014)
Yes the South African's supercoach average for 2014 doesn't look too impressive at a measly 64 and awkwardly priced this year at $334,500 nothing really jumps out at you.
Shaun Higgins missed 2 games last year, they were rounds 17 and 18.
JJ (Jason Johannisen) played 11 games in 2014, missed some to small injuries and struggled to break into the bulldogs side due to having to compete with Shaun Higgins for that role at the Dogs. in the 2 games that Shaun Higgins missed JJ scored 118 and 107 for an average of 113.
In the 2 games that Shaun Higgins missed JJ played the role of the rebounding half back flanker using his speed and accurate kicking to hit targets up the ground.
JJ's average without Shaun Higgins = 113
JJ's average with Shaun Higgins = 53
JJ's 2014 season average = 64
also to add his average before bye was = 39
and his average post bye was = 85
it is hard to put him in your team now but he is definitely placed very high on my NAB CUP watch-list.
I think he might of been injured in the 2014 pre season but i cant confirm this but im pretty sure he was injured once during the year, if anyone knows when please tell me.
not sure what the deal with Brett Goodes is, im pretty sure he is on the rookie list but he did play Shaun higgins role 2 years ago when Higgins was injured and scored quite well but Goodes is still on the rookie list and unless he is elevated i would be looking at JJ.
^^ Interesting analysis. Quite a few names have been thrown around a mid price options in Defence, but this is the first time I've seen anything about JJ. Definitely one to watch.
Great post mate. Someone has their own thinking cap on. Really like it,
Could Sam Darley also not play that rebounding role vacated by Higgins? Styles himself on Lindsay Gilbee and surely will be given some games this season and possibly even some time in their midfield as well.
I have absolutely no idea who will replace Higgins. There are a lot more names then JJ that could replace Higgins spot. We have been recruiting a lot of defenders over the past few years all with the desire for a premium attacking half back (e.g. Shaw, Simpson).
This is a list of defenders that we have to pick 6 from:
Brett Goodes: On rookie list but has a lot of experience that could push for a senior position if there is a LTI. Age is a huge factor. Won the best on ground for Footscray in VFL grand final. Is a running half back.
Dale Morris: Legend. Is a KPP. With a fit Roughead, he is our CHB. Can play on best defender but is under-sized. Will always be in our best 22 if fit.
Daniel Pearce: Was redrafted in rookie draft. Not sure his position but looks like a back pocket - more lock-down player than attacking defender.
Easton Wood: Has never played a full season. Very injury prone and has been dropped for poor form. Should be in our best 22 (even though I don't really like him). I guess he is a running defender.
Fletcher Roberts: Hopefully one day he becomes a powerful KPP. Stands at 196cm. Still very under developed and 2014 saw him play regularly in reserves with a few games here and there. Most likely our replacement if Roughead is down.
JJ: Is a pure running defender. I can see him playing on the wing at some stages this coming season. Was in and out of our team in 2014.
Joel Hamling: Was previously a Cats player. Will be a KPP. Could be a replacement for Dale Morris when he retires. No idea where he is in development.
Jordan Kelly: redafted in rookie draft 2014. Know idea about him. Is 191cm so could be our 3rd tall in a few years.
Jordan Roughead: Is our FB. Not uch to say about him. Is in our best 22 if fit.
Liam Picken: Has been used as a lock-down defender and tagger in the midfield. Tough player. Should be in our best 22.
Lin Jong: Is listed as midfielder but has had a few stints in defence early in his career. Is now off rookie list and has tracking well. Might be a fight between JJ and Lin Jong but no idea.
Matt Fuller: Was supposed to be the Brett Goodes of 2014 but didn't get a game. Was injured later part of the season. Came to the club as a mature recruit but apparently was a lot less developed than first thought. I think we thought he could walk in like Matt Suckling of Hawks. No idea. But was recruited as running back - just look at Matt Suckling.
Michael Talia: Only got 3 senior games in 2014. Is still "raw" by all reports. Still needs developing in VFL. Is a key position player. Hopefully he becomes like his older brother from Crows.
Bob Murphy: Captain so will retain his attacking role off half back. I think he has at the very most 2 more seasons. We are probably nurturing JJ to fill the void when he retires.
Sam Darley: Only played a few senior games in 2014. Was traded from GWS to be an attacking half back. But we have a lot of these type of players.
Shane Biggs: IMO from all reports, most likely to replace Higgins position in the side. Sad that he is only listed as a midfielder otherwise I would have locked him in in defence (if played a lot of pre-season games). Is a huge threat to JJ.
Zaine Cordy: Hopefully better then his older brother Ayce Cordy. He is "going to be", with development, a KPP but if he has the same genes as his brother, is just reserves fodder ONLY. Will not get games this season.