Posted on 15 March, 2011

KILSYTH COBRAS

Departing:

Fernandez Lockett, DJ Taylor, James Denton, Ryan Bathie, Glenn Potts

Returning:

Bryan Colson, Tim Mulhall, David Moore, Tim Lang, Matt O’Hea, Quincy Henderson, Auryn McMillan

Newcomers:

Zach Malvik, Matt Maden

Fixture:

Kilsyth cannot afford to ease their way into the season, with their opening five games against Knox (A), Dandenong (A), NW Tasmania (H), Bendigo (A), and Geelong (H). They also face a tough stretch between rounds 9 and 17, where the Cobras take on 2010 finalists eight times in eleven games. Fortunately Kilsyth enjoy a good run to the finals with three of last four games at home, and only one against a playoff team from 2010.

Strengths:

Kilsyth’s two recruits come well credentialed. Matt Maden is 6’11” with NCAA experience, and alongside Tim Lang and Auryn McMillan, the Cobras will have a deep frontcourt. Zach Malvik returns to SEABL after a couple of years absence and looks to be the type of player who can rectify the point guard problems Kilsyth complained of in 2010. And the return of the best stopper in the league in Quincy Henderson will effectively reduce the impact of the best player on opposition teams when they come up against the Cobras.

Weaknesses:

The Cobras have worn some big losses in the off-season, some by design, and others forced upon them. The decision to cut East All-Star Fernandez Lockett may have taken some by surprise, but signalled Kilsyth’s intent about doing whatever it takes to go deeper into the playoffs. However, the loss of Australian Youth Player of the Year in Ryan Bathie to the Geelong AFL team will hurt the backcourt, while you can’t replace the 400 games of experience with the retirement of DJ Taylor.

The Franchise:

The last time he went around in SEABL in 2008, Zach Malvik averaged 22.6 points per game, and he should instantly add firepower to the offence. Malvik also distributes the ball; he averaged 3.6 assists back in 2008. After Matt Shanahan departed in the early stages of 2010, Kilsyth were left floundering at the point guard position, so if Malvik shows the same type of form he left the league in, it could be the answer the Cobras are looking for.

Needs to step up:

Quincy Henderson has always been known as a superb defender, taking on the toughest assignments night-in, night-out. But with the departure of offensive threats Lockett and Bathie, Henderson potentially needs to make more of an impact in the scoring column. If he can add that dimension to his game, Henderson will emerge as an all-round superstar rather than a specialist defender. The Cobras have also made Henderson captain for 2011, and that appointment possibly comes with greater responsibilities.

Watch out for…

Auryn McMillan has spent the off-season playing in Germany, and only played half a season in 2010 due to NCAA College duties. With that international experience, and a full SEABL season to get used to his teammates, McMillan could form a huge frontcourt alongside Tim Lang and Matt Maden.

Predicted Finish:

14 wins, 12 losses

3rd-6th East conference