Melbourne Heart Player Reviews | Thebigtip

With the curtain drawn on the inaugural Melbourne Heart season I have a look at how the players performed.

1. Clint Bolton (Played 30; Clean Sheets 7)

Bolton was coming off a season best performance with champions Sydney.  Expectations were high but unfortunately were not met.  Working with a new defence is never easy, but a keeper of Bolton's experience will be unhappy with a return of less than 25% clean sheets.  Fans should look for a better second season for Clint. Season Rating: 6/10

2. Michael Marone (Played 29; Goals 0)

Was the player who performed above expectations this season.  Marrone was a very reliable player all year, rarely making mistakes at the back.  Not blessed with natural talent, but fans should be happy with Michael's work rate and passion for the shirt. Season Rating: 7.5/10

3. Brendan Hamill (Played 12; Goals 0)

A youngster who has gained an enormous amount of experience.  Playing alongside Colosimo and Beauchamp should pay dividends in the coming seasons.  Hamill should be looking to make the move from squad player to a spot in the starting 11. Season Rating: 6/10

4. Simon Colosimo (Played 26; Goals 1)

For mine, Colosimo was the player of the season.  At one stage found himself out of the starting 11, but otherwise was the standout.  It seemed every week Simon made crucial tackles and was a constant annoyance to opposition strikers. One criticism of Colosimo is that always looks like he dictates the way Heart play the ball, forcing players to always send the ball backwards therefore becoming tactically predictable. Season Rating: 8/10

5. Michael Beauchamp (Played 23; Goals 0)

Possibly the biggest disappointment of the campaign, Beauchamp went from playing in the World Cup to warming the bench.  There didn't seem to be any cohesion with Colosimo, and Matt Thompson became the second choice central defender.  As he gets older, early speed seems to be a major downfall, but Michael is still a quality defender, and will be calling on all his experience next season. Season Rating: 4/10

6. Matt Thompson (Played 29;  Goals 2)

Probably the most consistent member of the Heart squad, Thompson's ability to adapt between midfield and defence made his name one of the first on the team sheet.  Thompson would describe his season good, without being outstanding, but his tenacious work rate won him acclaim throughout the Heart terraces.  Expect Matt to play an even bigger role through the loss of Skoko. Season Rating: 6.5/10

7. Rutger Worm (Played 26; Goals 2)

Was the early fan favourite, but lost that mantle to Brazilian Terra in the later part of the season.  Rutger's main problem was his ability to find consistency, and learning to adapt to the heart style.  A season in the A-League will strengthen Worm's credentials and see him be a mainstay down the left side at AAMI Park. Season Rating: 5.5/10

8. Kristian Sarkies (Played 5; Goals 0)

Sarkies first season was all about rebuilding his confidence after his horrific leg injury.  Limited game time restricted any influence he may have had, but Skoko's absence next year should assist Sarkies' footballing future. Season Rating: 5/10

9. Gerald Sibon (Played 27; Goals 7)

Let's hope Sibon is not remembered for his final appearance in a Heart shirt.  Gerald was a highly skilled veteran who came to the club in the twilight of his career, and still offered great performances on the pitch.  The set piece maestro will leave a tremendous hole in the Heart strike force, both through his height and ability to shoot from anywhere within the box.  Season Rating: 7/10

10. Wayne Shroj (Played 26; Goals 0)

The hard working midfielder will reflect on his season with mixed feelings. The aggressive nature of Shroj resulted in 10 yellow cards throughout the campaign, which resulted on him walking a tightrope for most matches. Over the off season Shroj will have to work on his shooting, the biggest area he has to work on. Season Rating: 6/10

11. Alex Terra (Played 14; Goals 4)

The little Brazilian produced the most spectacular moment of the A-League season with his bicycle kick goal in Perth, but sadly those moments were few and far between. Terra spent most of the season battling niggling injuries, frustrating him, players and fans.  Anyone who saw his work rate in the Gold Coast home match last month cannot question his commitment, and we have all seen his skill, so fingers crossed for an injury free 2011/12. Season Rating: 6/10

12. Peter Zois (Played 0; Clean Sheets 0)

Did not play

14. Kamal Ibrahim (Games 3; Goals 0)

An exciting prospect who received his chance to shine late in the season.  Has speed to burn, and enjoys taking on players down the flanks. Will need to find a fine balance between working on his strength, while keeping his speed. One to watch for the coming seasons. Season Rating: 5/10

15. John Aloisi (Played 20; Goals 8)

Not much else can be written about the man.  Age and injury may have caught up with Aloisi, but he still had the ability to be in the right spot at the right time.  Many clubs will be quick to claim Aloisi but his goals in the Melbourne derbies, and farewell game will ensure John Aloisi has a place in Melbourne Heart record books.  Also was the clubs top scorer. Season Rating: 8/10

16. Aziz Behich (Played 25; Goals 0)

A bright young prospect, who received plaudits earlier last month.  Had a very solid year with the Heart, but I think he lacks the confidence to be a great player.  His inability to take opposition players on or take calculated risks may restrict his overall skills. Saying that though I see a bright future ahead of Behich, where he has the ability to build on a successful season. Season Rating: 6.5/10

17. Jason Hoffman (Played 12; Goals 0)

Sorry to say, but Hoffman had a year he would like to forget.  Injuries to Aloisi and Sibon gave him the perfect chance to stake his claim, but showed fans he was simply not up to the standard the league requires.  I don't see Jason retaining his spot on the Heart list, but if he is given the chance next season the club would need to see a great improvement in all areas of his game. Season Rating: 3/10

18. Ante Tomic (Played 0; Goals 0)

Did not play

19. Eli Babalj (Played 13; Goals 2)

Another youth product of the Heart, Babalj will have taken plenty from his season at the club.  During limited opportunities he showed glimpses of what it is required to break through into the starting line-up.  Season Rating: 6/10

20. Josip Skoko (Played 22; Goals 0)

Another in the category of veteran, while not being as spectacular as Aloisi, Skoko had a successful European football career.  While his 2010/11 would probably not be up to his high standards he still showed us what made him so good. While not a prolific goal scorer, failure to get on the scoresheet throughout the entire season would be a minor criticism on Josip. Season Rating: 6.5/10

21. Kliment Taseski (Played 4; Goals 0)

Another one to watch for the future. Very limited game time, but should see more game time next season. Season Rating: 5/10

22. Nick Kalmar (Played 29; Goals 3)

Kalmar had a good season, and managed to take his chances mid-season.  Kalmar has enjoyed playing his attacking role alongside the bigger names in the squad.  A very reliable contributor for most of the season, who has shown he can score from long range.  One criticism about Kalmar during the season is that he sometimes appears like a deer in the headlights when one on one with the keeper. Wrong options were often taken when shooting for goal, when instead of going for power; Kalmar relied on his precision which still needs some work.  Season Rating: 7/10

23. Dean Heffernan (Played 13; Goals 0)

Possibly the biggest disappointment this year for the heart.  The Socceroo representative lost his spot in the starting 11 midway through the season, and was unable to force his way back in. An important signing at the beginning of the season would be disappointed about falling out of favour with Van Schip. Rumoured to be on his way out next season, possibly could be the only way to reignite his career, with younger players getting the nod on selection.  Season Rating: 3/10

25. Adam Zahra (Played 19; Goals 2)

Unfortunately will be remembered for being involved in the Kevin Muscat incident during Derby III. Zahra established himself in the starting line up through his hard work and pace.  A healthy return from injury will be a welcome for all supporters, but also improvements on his crossing and goal scoring ability will also be very welcomed.  Season Rating: 6.5/10

Highlight of the year

No contest, the atmosphere at the first Melbourne derby was electric.  This was a shot in the arm for the A-Leauge.  The result went the right way for heart fans, but I think for all involved it will go down as a great sporting night in Melbourne to remember.

Lowlight of the year

A must win game against the travelling Newcastle Jets was the most disappointing.  Having a one man advantage for 83 minutes, 27-2 attempts at goal, and the bulk of possession you wouldn't expect the heart to be on the wrong end of a 2-0 result.  Chances aplenty went begging on that night, like so many during the year.