2013 SuperCoach Player Profile: Travis Boak

[shorty3264]

Travis Boak
Stats

2012 Games: 18

2012 Ave: 90

Centuries: 6

Highs: 138 vs Gold Coast, 134 vs Brisbane, 128 vs Hawthorn

Lows: 49 vs Essendon, 52 vs North Melbourne, 57 vs GWS

FanPlanner Price: $478,000

Position: Midfield

Thoughts
Boak is entering his seventh season of AFL football, he was recruited by Port Adelaide with pick 5 in the 2006 Draft. After a solid first season and a quality second, Boak looked to be on the verge of breaking into the elite status in coming years, but since then his SC numbers have somewhat stagnated, he averaged 63 (11 games) in his debut season since then he has averaged 84, 83, 97, 90 and 90. Why is this? Possibly due to Port Adelaide struggling as a club has meant Boak, even as a youngster, has always copped the number one tag and last year he also was dealing with contract pressures. Whatever the reason, it is strange for a player of Boak’s class to sit in the 80-100 bracket for five years. Although I think this year we will see his number increase to the next level, at 24 he is in his prime and finally should get some extra support in the midfield with Brad Ebert coming along nicely, Robbie Gray back and improvement from the young guns in Hartlett and Wingard. Boak is an extremely strong tackler, wins the contested ball and supplies plenty of inside 50’s (ranked 3rd for I50 per game). Boak started the year off slowly averaging 83.5 in  the first 10 rounds, then after he returned from a foot complaint in round 15, he finished the year off very strongly averaging 98.1, with a stand out performance against Hawthorn in round 20 were he gathered 32 touches and 128 SC points. I think this year with some of the pressure being relieved from Boak we will see him have a career best year.

Verdict
I think there's no doubt Boaks numbers will rise, how much is the question, is he just one of those good players that never breaks into the elite? Big wraps on him as a youngster and is in his prime. He is in a very awkward price range which will scare many off, if you are willing to take the risk on him he would be a very unique pick. But for mine, especially being at a struggling club, I would suggest leaving Boak out of your starting 22.

Prediction
106

[quinny88]

Not for me 115 ppg or more expected from my mids

[The_Captain]

No way will he average 106..

[shorty3264]

hm i reckon their's a fair chance, 103-106 i reckon, doesnt get the credit on Victoria, he is a class player.

[The_Captain]

Good player. YES. But not that sort of player who racks up the ball.

[shorty3264]

he is a quality player. I do think he will have a career best season this year, but we will have to wait and see.

[The_Captain]

Then we can look back on this and ponder hahaha  8)

[shorty3264]

haha :P we will haha

[nrich102]

he doesn't average over 100, so won't be in my team

[kilbluff1985]

no chance, not even considering him

[Adamant]

He would have been a lock for me if he went to Geelong. Cant see him really lifting his average that much at Port though :-\

Very nice write up shorty!

[blewy09]

He would have been a lock for me if he went to Geelong. Cant see him really lifting his average that much at Port though :-\

Very nice write up shorty!

I like the look of Port now though.  They have had a face lift big time!  They have a young midfield but very talented, Boak could be anything from 90 avg to 110 in 2013-in my opinion.

[shorty3264]

He would have been a lock for me if he went to Geelong. Cant see him really lifting his average that much at Port though :-\

Very nice write up shorty!

I like the look of Port now though.  They have had a face lift big time!  They have a young midfield but very talented, Boak could be anything from 90 avg to 110 in 2013-in my opinion.

thanks mate

yeh your right, they the likes of Boak, Hartlett, Ebert, Gray, Wines, Cornes. His scores will vary on the sides form, but in my opinion, he is a classy player.

[Jay]

Good smokie option IMO

Won't have the guts to start with him though

[Holz]

No way will he average 106..

hmm