Which youngster will have a 'breakout season' in 2009?

[DeadlyAkkuret]

No, this isn't a thread about skincare. (Had to hit that pun on the head right away)

Which player from the promising crop of young'ns will take some big steps next year? We had Moore and Jack cement their spots in our starting 22 in 2008, with Vespa and Bird coming on very nicely, too.

My tip is Thornton, who was looking like a real find until he was injured during the preseason. On my "I hope they step up" list would be Currie and Murphy, who's development could prove very important to our chances over the next 4-5 years or so.

I've also heard a lot about Laidlaw, but there are other people here who are more qualified to give an opinion on where he's headed.

[Robbo]

Bevan isn't a youngster anymore mate.

Hopefully Laidlaw can get fit and stay fit next year. We need all the quick midfielders we can get.

[DeadlyAkkuret]

Bevan isn't a youngster anymore mate.

Hopefully Laidlaw can get fit and stay fit next year. We need all the quick midfielders we can get.

That was actually just sarcasm

[ugg]

Kieren Jack will follow in McVeigh's footsteps and break out from his defensive duties and become an attacking midfielder.

[alison.z]

I would have thought Veszpremi would be included in the poll - next year is his time to shine!!!

[SwanJoel]

I think 2009 could be the year of Ryan Brabarzon. He looked very good against the dogs late in the season and have liked his form in pre-season matches over the last 2 or 3 seasons.

[liz]

Assuming he survives the end of season chop - he should but nothing is certain - I hope it is Barlow. Another tall running machine through the middle could make a big difference so long as he also toughens up at the contest.

[2005]

Ed Barlow.

He was my major dissapointment this year.
Though in amongst that frame is a kid who must believe he is good enough to play with the big boys week in week out and the Harden The @@@@ as well.
He could be a very good footballer.

Get rid of the hair , go with the Tow Ball look Cheese.

[ShockOfHair]

Agree on Barlow. A disappointment, and then got injured. I hope he can break back in to the As and make an impact.

I reckon both Jack and Bird will make their presence in the league next year.

I'm looking forward to seeing Currie and Murphy break into the A team.

[royboy42]

Barlow, Jack, Ves and I also have great hopes for Thornton who was on fire and on track for the top 22 when he was injured!

[UglyDuckling]

Word is Thornton is going to be very good so if he can get right he is a real chance
Kennelly said Murphy was close to being selected this year so he should at least get a run next and shine.
Currie is obvious becasue we need another ruckman hopefully they dont tradein an average older ruckman.

[originalswan]

I'd hope it's Currie or Murphy.

Having a good player in the big man department is a priority, but I can see one or two more midfielders coming on next year.

[satchmopugdog]

I am hoping both Orreal (Jayco) and Murphy have break out years even if they are in the ressies as it will be a vindication of our left field recruiting.

[Cheer Squad mbr]

Currie should more than compensate for the absence of Spida.

[Old Royboy]

"Dan will be ready to come up and such has been Jake's improvement over the second half of the season it would not surprise me one little bit if he gets an elevation and debuts next year. One reservation - both these kids are in need of instruction on how to cope with strong, big bodied ruckmen. But when they both fill out and mature we will have a ruck combination to take us through the next ten years.

The same spy who told me that eight were to be cut from the list also said that Mocca was assured of a berth in the starting 22 next year.

I am a big wrap on Columbo and fully expect him to debut next year. where he plays long term will obviously depend on how his body develops. I hope he spends some serious time in the gym this off season.

I am looking for a big year from Matty O. He has that quality every team needs - speed."

I posted this lot in the ressies GF thread. It seems obvious that the two players the club expect breakout years from are Crusher and Mocca.

The players I have hopes for are Orreal and Faulks. Jayco played a terrific Grannie and if he continues his rate of improvement could be THE surprise packet of 2009. With his present build Columbo looks like the heir apparent to Leo, add a few kilos extra and he will be the KPP backman the Swans desperately need.

On what I saw this year, I think Skull Murphy has another year to go.

I am predicting now that as soon as Nathan Gordon reaches drafting age he WILL be drefted and WILL progress immediatelly into the senior team. The kid has so much talent. I've jumped into the drivers seat of his bandwagon, and cannot wait for it to roll.