Melbourne Heart – Player Report Card 2011/12
;
Another year is done and dusted at the Melbourne Heart. A debut finals appearance, impressive displays from the Heart youngsters and an increasing membership base all points to a successful future for the Melbourne Heart. JVS will be a great loss for the club, but I expect Ante to step up to the coaching challenge.
Next year finals are on the agenda again, and finishing above Melbourne Victory again would be another bonus. Thanks for a great 2011/12 Melbourne Heart; We will see you at the first home game next year.
Clint Bolton (1) Games Started (GS): 26 Games Played (GP): 26 Clean Sheets (CS):7
Another solid season from the veteran keeper. At times was let down by his young defence, but was Mr. Reliable between the posts. My tip to go back to back for the Heart player of the year. Rating B+
Michael Marrone (2) GS: 28 GP: 28 Goals (G): 0
Was rewarded for his impressive season with a call up to the Socceroos squad mid season. Was the only player to play every game for the season, and would have been one of the first on the JVS team sheet. My Rating: A
Brendon Hamill (3) GS: 18 GP: 23 G: 1
Youthful centre back who managed to hold his spot for most of the year. Heart fans will be looking forward to the Hamill/Good partnership for seasons to come. Has a bright future ahead. My Rating B
Simon Colosimo (4) GS: 13 GP: 16 G: 0
Was linked to cross town rivals, Melbourne Victory at the start of the season. Colosimo will be the first to admit this wasn’t his best season, but there were some times during the year he showed signs of his old self. Missed the clubs final’s appearance through a hamstring injury. Will appreciate a new manager at the club. My Rating: C-
Fred (5) GS: 18 GP: 19 G: 1
If you look at Fred’s numbers you would think he had a very average year, truth is when Fred was on song he was the best player in the league. Fred only scored 1 goal for the year, and was struck down with injury at a crucial time in the season. Finished off with an average performance in Perth, but expect a massive 2012/13 season from the captain. My Rating: C
Matthew Thompson (6) GS: 25 GP: 26 G: 4
Looked more at home controlling the midfield this year. Worked well with Fred, and helped out in defence when needed. His best football is behind him, but still a very good A-League player. My Rating: C
Rutger Worm (7) GS: 14 GP: 20 G: 0
Not a great season but the Dutchman, failing to get on the scoresheet and troubled by injury. A pre season plagued by injury was most likely the catalyst behind this. Hopefully the fan favourite will get another contract next season to show his true capabilities. My Rating: D
Kristian Sarkies (8) GS: 5 GP: 6 G: 2
The free kick specialist scored more goals than Fred, and strikers Williams and Maycon but unfortunately was under par. Sarkies struggled to get a regular run in the Heart line up, and I don’t think we will see him in red & white again. Maybe a Western Sydney prospect. My Rating: D
Maycon (9) GS: 5 GP:13 G: 1
What a horrible year for the Brazilian, failed to adjust to the pace and physical nature of the league. Maycon spent more time rolling around on the ground than celebrating goals, won’t be renewed next season. My Rating: F
Wayne Srhoj (10) GS: 17 GP: 17 G: 0
The player that reminds me of myself more than any other in the line up. Constantly frustrated, collecting yellow cards but will always give 100% for the cause. Srhoj has a good year for the Heart, and managed to cement his spot in the midfield. My Rating: C+
Alex Terra (11) GS: 11 GP: 23 G: 3
Became more of an impact player, coming off the bench 12 times. Failed to improve on his debut season, but managed to get himself on the scoresheet on three occasions. Not sure if we will see the Yarraside favourite next season. Can never accuse Terra’s lack of intensity. My Rating: C
Jonatan Germano (13) GS: 19 GP: 22 G: 3
The signing of the year, by a mile. Germano was a fantastic addition to the Heart. Linked up well with fellow South American Fred, and showed great poise throughout the season. My player of the year. My Rating: A
David Williams (15) GS: 7 GP: 15 G: 1
Along with Maycon was the biggest disappointment of the season. Signed from the now defunct North Queensland Fury with enormous promise and potential. Struggled for confidence and a consistent run of matches and only found the back of the net once. My Rating: F
Aziz Behich (16) GS: 22 GP: 23 G: 1
Another stellar year to the most attacking defender at the club. At times a little too attacking, Behich will never be accused of not taking on players or creating play. Still needing to work on his defensive side of his game, Behich will be looking towards a European contract in the coming years. My Rating: B
Jason Hoffman (17) GS: 5 GP: 15 G: 1
My one time whipping boy, Hoffman proved another solid competitor. Hoffman never really had a consistent run with the Heart this season, perhaps his Olyroos commitment hindered, instead of helping his quest for a starting spot. Expect Hoffman to become a regular on the team sheet in 2012/13. My Rating: C
Curtis Good (18) GS: 19 GP: 25 G: 1
Another success story from the Heart youth team. Good managed 25 appearances, and never looked out of his depth during his first A-League stint. Good is just another example of the legacy JVS leaves at the club. My Rating: C+
Eli Babalj (19) GS: 18 GP: 22 G: 9
The youngster shone when playing up front alone. Only a lack of experience let Babalj down, managing to create chances week after week, but failing to make the most of some great opportunities. My only criticism is that at times he looks like a very lazy player. Babalj manages to get in all the right positions, and I expect him to be scoring for fun during next year’s A-League season. My Rating: B
Mate Dugandzic (23) GS: 22 GP: 23 G: 7
Started the season with a bang, but struggled to hold down that form. Mate combined well with Fred, and at various times throughout the season reaped the rewards of Fred’s handy work. Fans will be looking for a more consistent Dugandzic next year, and maybe a few more goals. My Rating: B-
Adrian Madaschi (24) GS: 9 GP: 0 G: 0
Made a tremendous impact in his brief 10 week stint at the club. Managed to leave his mark on the club, and fans will be looking for a return stint in somewhere in the near future. My Rating: B
Craig Goodwin (27) GS: 3 GP: 4 G: 0
Made the most impressive debut I can remember in the A-League. Goodwin is a player with enormous potential.
Players not rated
Nick Kalmar GS: 0 GP: 3 G: 0
Nikola Roganovic GS: 2 GP: 2 CS: 0
Kamal Ibrahim DNP
Adrian Zahra DNP
Kliment Taseki DNP
Don’t forget that the Club will host their annual Player of the Year awards on Thursday 26th April from 7pm. The awards will be held at ‘The Edge’ at Federation Square. Contact the club for more details
Clint Bolton is my tip for the night, in what will be a hotly contested award. It will be interesting to see any player personnel changes over the next few months at the club, and exciting times ahead for the red & white section of Melbourne.
Google+
