The countdown continues to the Peter Jackson VFL Grand Final on Sunday, and today we look at some of the midfielders taking to Etihad Stadium at 2:15pm for Port Melbourne and Williamstown.
PORT MELBOURNE
2. SHANE VALENTI
2011 games/goals: 17 (98) / 9 (70)
Confirmed as one of the premier players of the competition with his second successive win in the J.J. Liston Trophy. Skilful ball magnet who racks up prolific numbers through the midfield. Member of Sandringham’s 2006 premiership. One of Port’s big game players.
10. TOBY PINWILL
2011 games/goals: 10 (109) / 7 (60)
Considered by many as the heart and soul of the club. Extremely hard working midfielder whose ability to win the ball at the stoppages and break open a game by his sheer determination is a feature of his game. Comes off outstanding game in Preliminary Final. Played in Port’s 2008 Grand Final team.
15. JOHN BAIRD
2011 games/goals: 18 (145) / 6 (52)
Port Melbourne captain whose inspirational play in the Preliminary Final typified his work ethic and commitment to the cause. Club captain since 2009, best and fairest winner and proven big game player. Won Norm Goss medal when he played in Box Hill Hawks 2001 premiership. Hard-nosed player who can play in a variety of roles.
20. SAM DWYER
2011 games/goals: 19 (81) / 15 (76)
Returned to his best and fairest winning form this year after injury cruelled his 2010 season. Named in the VFL Team of the Year for the second time. Provides speed, ability to run and carry and always dangerous around goal. Played in Port Melbourne’s 2008 Grand Final team.
26. NATHAN BATSANIS
2011 games/goals: 19 (64) / 10 (34)
Exciting midfielder who runs hard through the lines and carries and distributes the ball well. Spent time with Port Adelaide and then Box Hill Hawks, but really developed since his move to Port Melbourne. Uses ball to advantage.
WILLIAMSTOWN
3. BEN DAVIES
2011 games/goals: 19 (125) / 7 (55)
Enjoyed another highly successful season where he played his 100th game for club and earned his second successive selection in the VFL Team of the Year. Tall, quick, athletic wingman/midfielder who runs lines well and can break open games with his speed and drive through the midfield.
4. BEN JOLLEY
2011 games/goals: 20 (134) / 5 (42)
Comes off career season with club. Won the Coles Medal for best-on-ground in the Foxtel Cup Grand Final and earned his second selection to the VFL Team of the Year. Great work ethic and capacity to work tirelessly all day. High possession winner who links up well all around the ground.
10. BRETT JOHNSON
2011 games/goals: 15 (179) / 5 (117)
Williamstown captain. Now in his fifth season as captain. Also captained the VFL. Four-time VFL Team of the Year selection. Earned VFL Life Membership this season as well as captaining club to win inaugural Foxtel Cup. Played in Box Hill Hawks 2001 premiership, prolific possession winner who rarely wastes a possession.
20. BRETT GOODES
2011 games/goals: 19 (104) / 17 (51)
Brother of dual Brownlow medallist Adam. Played in two North Ballarat premierships before spending season in Northern Territory. Returned this season as part of his job with Western Bulldogs. Huge pick up for Seagulls as he demonstrated in last week’s Preliminary Final where he dominated at the clearances.
30. CHRISTIAN HOWARD
2011 games/goals: 13 (23) / 11 (11)
Western Bulldogs first round selection in the 2009, but hampered by hip problems. Emerging player who made his AFL debut this season. Shapes as if he’s going to spend more time in the AFL than VFL in the future, oozes class.
Last Modified on 22/09/2011 19:36