ROK's improvement so far this season.

[stellation]

2004 averages
14.6 disposals
5.6 marks
2.1 tackles

2003 averages
6.8 disposals
2.2 marks
1.4 tackles

[ScottH]

Certainly a good improvement, but is this directly proportional to his TOG???

[monopoly19]

How good was his kick on Saturday in the last quarter when he was plugging the hole in defensive 50 and sent it out to the flank, pinpointing B1 with a loooooong kick who was standing between two Carlton players. I was impressed!

[NMWBloods]

He's definitely improved, but a lot of that has to do with more time and more responsibility I think.

His goal kicking/producing hasn't really improved though - 13.10 from 14 games, cf 17.5 from 16 games.

Last year he kicked goals in 11 of his 16 games, but this year he has kicked goals in only 7 of his 14 games. This is partly the game plan of course, where does sometimes play further up the ground or as a decoy.

[Schneidergirl]

I have a feeling he will be getting a nice award come the end of the season (most improved player).

[BAM_BAM]

Last Saturday morning he was on Whistles and Hooters sports show on 2WS. They asked him about this and how well he's been playing. He said it was mainly due to confidence and having strung together games in the seniors, Roos belief in him and the fact that he can just go out and have a crack at it and enjoy it.

They also asked him a few questions about Rocket taking on a coaching job. His response was positive, so they asked him if Rocket was to get the Richmond gig and gave Pebs a call would he be interested. He replied. "I'm very happy with the Swans"

IMO he's reading the play and flight of the ball better. Last year he was often arriving at a contest just after the ball and had to try and tackle the player or hold play up, so his impact hadn't been too great. His clangers have gone down too. Last year almost once a game (although the one last Saturday was a classic). He'd also had turbulent couple of years with injuries.

I also think just game time with Baz and Magic have helped him. They are always having a word or two with him after marks/goals, growing is knowledge while on field.

The other important factor is his ability to play down field in the midfield and help get the ball to our main forwards. The last couple of games he's also dropped back to stop the gap in a defensive role during the final quarter.

Very versitile, but I just love his long kicks as Monopoly said, it just goes and it's pretty accurate.

[liz]

I suspect a major reason for his improvement is simply increased fitness. He was listed by the Missen (I think) as one of the most impressive trainers during the pre-season (along with Bevan and a special mention to Ablett).

While I'm not suggesting he was slacking off in previous years, the natural cumulative effect of another year's pre-season to a still young but hard-working player would have to pay dividends.

He covers an enormous amount of ground during games and seems to be able to keep this up for most of the game (ie doesn't spend very much time on the bench). His ability to do this is a major reason why he's been so effective.

[dread and might]

super workrate, and he's having a huge year. i almost died in the 4th when he handballed straight to a blues player on 50 though

[penga]

the nutri-grain fantasy competition on the AFL website usually gives a pretty good indication on how a player's form is.

okeefe has increased his value this year by $92,900... thats a huge improvement!

FWIW, goodesy has decreased his value by $152,300