With North’s 2016 season complete, NMFC.com.au analyses the performance of each player by using statistics, a coach review, season highlights and much more.
Returning from a long-term injury which ruined his 2015, Vickers-Willis immediately turned heads with his performances in the VFL.
On the verge of an AFL debut by the end of the year, the 20-year-old was frequently in the bests for Werribee.
View Ed Vickers-Willis’ player profile
Statistics
VFL
Games: 13
Disposals: 225
Marks: 65
Rebound 50s: 47
Season highlights
VFL Round 18: 18 disposals, 7 marks, 6 tackles v Box Hill
VFL Round 20: 20 disposals, 9 tackles, 8 marks v Footscray
Quotes
"It was a hectic night. I was going from just standing on the sideline – I just had a bread roll – and I saw 'Wellsy' [Wells] come off….then it was suggested that…there’d be a spot at half-back, so I'd be the emergency to get the call-up.” – Vickers-Willis on almost making his debut in Round 18
“I was always looking to re-sign with the club, but it’s great to know that they want me here as a player and know that I can contribute to the football club in the future.” – Vickers-Willis after signing a new contract until the end of 2018
What the coach said – Development Manager Ben Dyer
“Even from early on in the year, when he hadn’t played for the best part of a year and he didn’t miss a beat when he started back again.
“The parts of his game that suggests he’ll be able to transition into AFL footy are that he’s looking to come off to intercept or mark in the air.
“He’s able to understand setups, structures and also adjust in-game. He’s pretty good at that, and you’ve got to be switched on to see things in-game and deal with it.
“He’s really good at reading the cues up-field to know when to come off and when to stay at home (on his opponent). That helps him get it right more often than not.
“As a defender if you’re able to react that split second quicker than your opponent, it puts you in a better position if you’re going to help out.
“He was really pushing for selection in the back half of the year and he was right on the cusp a few times. That’ll drive him over summer and keep him going.”
