Matthew SCARLETT

2012 Digest:   The game’s premier defender suits up for his 15th season and has stated it could be his last. Hard to believe given 2011 form that saw him finish sixth in the best and fairest playing a sweeping role in defence. Has been able to reinvent his game with the development of Taylor and Lonergan, who have taken more defensive roles, allowing Scarlett to read the play and zone off. He is poised under pressure, can play on smalls or talls and is smart enough to counter any attempt to shadow him.

2012 NAB Cup:   The game’s premier defender suits up for his 15th season and has stated it could be his last. Hard to believe given 2011 form that saw him finish sixth in the best and fairest playing a sweeping role in defence. Has been able to reinvent his game with the development of Taylor and Lonergan, who have taken more defensive roles, allowing Scarlett to read the play and zone off. He is poised under pressure, can play on smalls or talls and is smart enough to counter any attempt to shadow him.

2012 Season

Played for : Geelong

1	Frem	Not a great start to the year. Highlight was a left hook to Ballantyne’s chin.	3
5	Bris	Patrolled deep back with aplomb in first game for four weeks. Steady.	5
6	Melb	Stout in the back half and gathered a season-high tally of touches.	6
9	WB	Frugal when ball in his area and used the ball well out of the back half.	6
10	GWS	Patrolled the last line in typical cool fashion. Good when GWS had a run on.	7
11	Carl	Forced to take Hampson and Kreuzer at times and excellent one-on-one.	8
13	Syd	Fought on well down back and was among the better performers.	7
14	Port	Saw Ebert off then had Lobbe. Umpire Farmer is off his Christmas card list.	6
15	GCS	Not sure how much respect he paid Suns’ opponents. No real influence.	4
16	Coll	Played on Dawes at times and OK defensively but not much rebound.	5
17	Ess	Still trying to find his best. There in parts but not over four-quarter journey.	5
19	Haw	Clean ball handling late stood out in what was a solid defensive display.	6
20	WCE	Outmarked by some of the Eagle tall timber and not his best outing.	4
21	StK	Not often we say it but had a shocker – looked sluggish and was beaten.	2
23	Syd	In ominous sign for opponents he suddenly found some form. Solid.	7
EF	Frem	Farewell game ended in disaster. Only three effective disposals tells tale.	2