JB's Man Crush, Round 8 - 2009 Post by: James Brayshaw 18 May, 2009 - 11:19 AM

I have done these MVPs for a couple of seasons now and I have to admit to forgetting who has already been nominated. That is certainly the case with this week's nominee, Jimmy Bartel. Hard to imagine, with all the games I have seen Geelong play, that this man hasn't been included at some stage.

On the weekend, he amassed another thirty plus possessions - almost a given these days for the Geelong #3. But it's the way he goes about it I love. Almost always perfectly clean, no matter how intense the heat is around him. His disposal by hand and foot is impeccable and he is exceptional overhead, which is rare for midfielders in the modern game given contested marks have become a monthly event.

He reminds me of a more mobile Guy McKenna, another player who pretty much went through a career without making a mistake. Some players have this amazing ability to always make the correct decision, in every situation. Add to this the fact that he's tough, he plays a totally unselfish team game and he's a ripping bloke.

Gary Ablett, Stevie Johnson, Paul Chapman etc., tend to get all the accolades at this club, and don't worry they deserve them, but Bartel is close to their most consistent performer and despite winning a Brownlow Medal, he is often overlooked.

Not sure the lack of recognition would concern Jim. He lives and plays in Geelong, I don't reckon he'd be a newspaper reader or an opinion listener. He just turns up and plays. What a joy it must be for Bomber Thompson to have such a 'set and forget' superstar.

Excellent on the weekend and thoroughly deserving of an MVP nomination - or two!

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• Ryan Foster says

  Everyone talks about Ablett but I'd rather have Bartel on my team, he is an absolute workhorse who never stops.

  Posted Monday 18 May, 2009 11:23 AM