Josh Fraser

[George M]

I got to see him play on Friday afternoon. It was the first good look I've had of him, and I was not disappointed at the end on the game.

It was his first game for many months after suffering from glandular fever, so not a lot was expected from him. He started at full forward, but the Bushrangers were blitzed in the first quarter and he was hardly involved in the play at all. He didn't get a possession in the first quarter i don't think.

In the second quarter, he got a few chances to mark in the forward line, but didn't hold them. His marking does not seem to be a strength. As the bushrangers continued to struggle, he got a run in the ruck. He did ok in the ruck duels, although he looked much taller then his opponent so it would be expected. He only got a couple of touches and had little effect on the game.

It was more of the same in the third quarter, with him playing in the forward line and then having a run in the ruck. By this time, he was really puffing, and looked totally exhausted which is understandable.

In the last quarter, he showed some glimpses of what he is capable of. With his team trailing badly he seemed to lift. He finally took a contested mark in front of goal and scored. He then marked a ball next to the point post. He thought his way through it, ran around and kicked a great, inspirational goal. Earlier in the quarter he gathered a ball 40metres out and snapped it over his shoulder in the same action for a point. It only just missed, but showed his great agility. He kicked 2.2 for the quarter but it was not enough to get the Bushrangers over the line.

the positives are :

*he showed amazing agility. There is no doubt he will be the most agile 200+ centremetre player to ever play.

*He has excellent pace for a big man. He looked as quick as anyone out there.

*Very good skills. Some of his pick ups were excellent. His kicking looks good too.

*He is a leader. He encouraged all his team mates all game and really tried to spark them in the last quarter.

The only negative was his marking. He didn't have a strong pair of hands on the night, and he doesn't attack the in coming ball like a Carey or McKernan. He seemed to pull out of marking contests when he shouldn't.

Overall he showed enough to definitely be our number one pick. Considering it was his first game for months, he only showed glimpses and there is no doubt he can play much better.