2013 reviews: McIntosh, Cowan, Hunt
Check out what Geelong's assistant coach, Dale Amos, has to say in this year's player review for 2013.
Hamish McIntosh
The 29-year-old ruckman was traded from North Melbourne at the end of 2012 but did not pull on the blue and white hoops in 2013. Prone to injury, McIntosh failed to get fit before the season was out after knee, Achilles tendon and ankle issues. The most recent ankle injury was operated on in July, ruling him out for the year.
Amos' review:
He's had a very frustrating run with ankle and Achilles injuries. The knee that he came here with (he had LARS surgery to fix the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in August 2012) was no issue, it was just other little things that popped up along the way and meant he couldn't get a run at it. But he was in good shape by the end of the season, in terms of training, which has us all optimistic that moving into next year he'll be able to prepare really well by having a good pre-season. There's no doubting his ability and the influence he could have on our team if we are able to get him right.
Josh Cowan
The skilled midfielder was again dogged by Achilles and hamstring injuries this season which kept him to only six VFL matches in which he averaged 18.8 efficient disposals per game. Struck down with injury over the majority of his four years with the club, Cowan will be looking to break into the AFL side in 2014 as he has the talent and speed to become a standout player.
Amos' review:
He got over his Achilles problems after having surgery in London, but then he had a couple of hamstring issues. Despite all that, we're really buoyant about what we've seen from Josh. If he can just get some continuity in his pre-season, get a really good fitness base, he could have a big year in 2014. He's got great running capacity and is really fierce in the contest. Everyone just wants to see him play.
Taylor Hunt
Taylor Hunt played 15 AFL games in 2013 but found it difficult to hold his spot in a talent-filled team. After making a promising start to the season, Hunt broke his collarbone in round 6 and failed to find the same solid form. The 22-year-old averaged 12.9 disposals per game in the AFL and played a key role in the VFL side’s finals campaign.
Amos' review:
His start to the year was outstanding, but his shoulder injury really interrupted his season. Prior to the injury, he played some outstanding footy and was a really important part of our team. He ran with star midfielders like Carlton's Marc Murphy and was able to get plenty of the ball himself and even make an impact on the scoreboard. After coming back into the side, he played really well on Fremantle's Stephen Hill here at Simonds Stadium. But after that he struggled for consistency. He couldn't get to the same level of confidence he had at the start of the season. But he will be an important part of our team next year.