The coaches' review continues with a crop of second year defenders including breakout young gun Jack Henry.
Jack Henry
The local boy improved rapidly this year as he became a mainstay of the senior line-up.
Henry took to a move into defence like a duck takes to water with his ability to read the play helping him settle comfortably into the back six and secure a seventh-placed Rising Star finish.
Eleven marks and a Rising Star nomination in round seven against the Giants set the benchmark for the level the young Cat can reach.
Stats
Games Played – 22
Goals – 8
Disposals (Avg) – 10.59
Marks (Avg) – 3.82
Tackles (Avg) – 3.00
Standout Game
Round 7 vs GWS – 18 disposals, 11 marks, three tackles
Coaches Comments (James Rahilly):
“Jack had a really good year – we moved him back early and we were impressed with his ability to jump at the ball and intercept mark. He has the ability to read the ball, has good closing speed, is strong in the air and at ground level. He showed versatility to be able to play on talls and smalls and has all the attributes to be a very good defender.”
“Obviously with a few injuries Jack needed to swing forward and gave us a really good option and contest up there as well. He’s going to be a very versatile and flexible player for the football club.”
Mark O’Connor
The former Gaelic footballer continued his development in his second year at the club, managing to play the last four games of the season including the elimination final against Melbourne.
O'Connor provided some dash and zoned off well against the Dees in just his seventh game of senior football.
Stats
Games Played – 5
Disposals (Avg) – 11.60
Marks (Avg) – 4.60
Standout Game
Elimination Final vs Melbourne – 12 disposals, three tackles
Coaches Comments (Shane O’Bree):
“Mark was in the AFL team early on and had a bit of an ankle injury which hampered him a little bit early in the year. As the season went on he was probably one of our most consistent players and definitely another leader in our backline.”
“We want Mark finding the ball more, I think he got better as the year went on. Mark is one of those reliable players that you know is going to give his all and play the right way.”
“Another pre-season will help him get fitter and stronger and more confident in his game.”
Timm House
House didn’t receive another contract after his second year at the club ended without the West Australian making his debut at AFL level.
The key defender polled well in the VFL Best and Fairest Count.
Stats
Games Played – 22
Disposals (Avg) – 14.67
Marks (Avg) – 5.67
Standout Game
Round 2 vs Sandringham – 28 disposals, 8 marks
Coaches Comments (Shane O’Bree):
“He finished second in our VFL Best and Fairest and had a really good consistent year down back off an interrupted pre-season. He was a real leader in defence and set others up in right positions.”
“His ability to intercept mark got better as the year went on. Every week Timm had the job of controlling the opposition best tall forward and was rarely beaten.”
Zach Guthrie
Guthrie lost his place in the side following round 7 and only played one more game for the rest of the year after nine games in the back half of last year.
Season 2019 is shaping as a big year for the young defender, as Guthrie attempts to shake off the second-year blues and earn his place back in the team.
Stats
Games Played – 7
Disposals (Avg) – 11.71
Marks (Avg) – 3.57
Standout Game
Round 2 vs Sandringham – 22 disposals, six marks
Coaches Comments (Shane O’Bree):
“Zach obviously played a lot of senior football in his debut season last year. While he hasn’t played as many AFL games this year, Zach has really come out of his shell in the VFL program. This was evident by his on-field leadership and communication. He consistently set up our defence and is continuing to develop the attacking side of his game.”
“Zach put a lot of work into his game which put him in contention for a senior position later in the year.”
