James STRAUSS

2014 Digest:   The former top 20 draft pick faces a make-or-break season having yet to establish himself at senior level. Fans have not seen his reputedly elite kicking and his defensive game will need to improve to be considered for a place in the back half under Paul Roos.

2014 NAB Cup:   Struggled against Richmond in defence then missed the Cats clash. Didn’t set the world on fire at the weekend.

2014 Season

Played for : Melbourne

1		Casey Scorpions didn’t play.
2		Casey Scorpions didn’t play.
3		Didn’t play for Casey.
4		19 touches on return from injury. OK.
5	VFL	Among Casey’s best at half back. Encouraging sign for the Dees.	–
6	VFL	OK across half back but didn’t set the world on fire.	–
7	VFL	A bit quiet in defence.	–
8	VFL	OK at half back without starring.	–
9	VFL	Provided some rebound with 20 disposals at half back.	–
10	VFL	Bye.	–
11	VFL	Bye.	–
12	VFL	Did his job well at half back. Improving defensively.	–
13	VFL	Just fair at half back with 15 possessions.	–
14	VFL	Clean by foot unlike some teammates, but wasn’t a factor.	–
15	VFL	Just went at half back. Defensively questionable.	–
16	VFL	Pushed forward for a goal and had 17 touches. OK.	–
17	VFL	25 touches at half back to be among the best.	–
18	VFL	Mopped up well down back but opponent had a bit of it.	–
19	VFL	OK at half back without playing a major role.	–
20	VFL	Gave some run off half back but days looked numbered.	–
21	VFL	One of his better games this year, Provided some run.	–
22	VFL	Just fair at half back with 17 touches.	–
23		–
QF		–
SF		–
PF
GF		–

2013 Season

Played for : Melbourne

1		Rested.
2	VFL	Slow start but was more influential with each passing moment.	–
3	VFL	Good rebounding at half back but sprayed a few kicks.	–
4	VFL	Kept Bombers small under wraps. Rebounded well too.	–
5	VFL	Rebounded beautifully from half back. Incisive effort.	–
6	Carl	Used down back on small forwards but found it tough and offered little else.	3
7	GCS	Kicked a nice goal and certainly not the worst. Just needs more game time.	4
8	Rich	What he does is good but needs to do more of it playing down back.	3
9		Senior emergency.
10	Haw	Played on Puopolo and made him look like Cyril Rioli. Tackling was horrid.	2
11	VFL	OK without being a standout. Needs a confidence boost.	–
12	VFL	Bye.	–
13	VFL	Used the ball fairly well and did better defensively.	–
14	VFL	Good response after a few poor games. Great run and carry off half back.	–
15	VFL	Bye.	–
16	VFL	Poor game at half back. Numerous turnovers marred his day.	–
17	VFL	Didn’t have a big impact in defence. Kicking was mediocre in the wind.	–
18	VFL	27 possessions across half back and used the ball much better.	–
19	VFL	Good speed and disposal at half back. Earned a recall.	–
20	GCS	Late inclusion who had unremarkable game. Copped accidental boot to head.	3
21	Frem	Fair down back early then injured shoulder and took no further part.	2
22		Shoulder.
23		Shoulder.
QF		Shoulder.
SF
PF
GF

2012 Season

Played for : Melbourne

13	VFL	Used the ball well on VFL return.	–
14	VFL	Down game after returning from injury a fortnight ago.	–
15	VFL	Matched up on Cain and did a reasonable job.	–
16	Frem	Subbed on late second term and deployed in defence. Did a few good things.	4
17	Port	Sub only had a couple of touches.	1
18	NM	Started as the sub and activated in the third term.	3
19	GCS	Deployed down back. Not huge stats but used ball well.	5
20	StK	Flashed in and out.	4
21	GWS	Had an equal team-high nine tackles in a decent game in defence.	5
22	Adel	Had his hands full trying to stop Callinan.	2