Josh Honey | 2021 Season Review
Written by Ari Stamatakos
SEASON SYNOPSIS
Josh Honey was the storm brewing in the background ready to explode. Playing only 1 game in 2020, all The Blues fans knew his talents and knew that he could go, it was only a matter of time before he could showcase it on the big stage. He was the sub in round 10 against the Hawks but didn’t make an appearance. He was dropped and then was brought back into the side in round 20 against The Saint’s and showed the talent that we have been raving about. Kicking 2 goals before doing the same in the next weeks. He kicked 6 goals in 4 games and averaged above average for Marks inside 50’ (1.2) and marks on lead (0.8). Very good in areas which traditional small forwards aren’t, he is a different proposition for most defences as they don’t what type of defender to put on him. He was able to exploit undersized or oversized matchups by being lightning quick when the ball hits the deck, or strong and powerful if the ball was in the air.
BEST PERFORMANCE
When Josh Honey came into the side for his debut for the year, he wanted to make an impact and boy did he do that. Round 20 against the Saints, and he showed up big time. Kicking 2 goals, 13 disposals, 7 effective disposals, 7 score involvements, 14 pressure acts and 3 inside 50’s. He complimented Charlie and Harry perfectly and provided a different dynamic with Jack Silvagni spending alot more time in the ruck. He was buzzing around all over the joint and gave fantastic forward pressure. His instinct allowed him to think quickly and play very smart football, giving off 3 goal assist’s when he saw his teammate in a better position.
OFF-SEASON & 2021 OUTLOOK
Where have you been? Josh Honey took the game by storm in the four games he played, kicking 6 goals in 4 games and providing a whole different dynamic for The Carlton forward line. In 2022, he needs to take the small forward position and make it his own. It’s up to him, Matt Owies and Corey Durdin; what Honey provides that is different to the others is his marking ability. He is slightly taller and slightly better overhead than the other small forward, which separates him apart from the rest. He has a splendid eye for goal and can get up the ground and find the footy. He has transitioned into AFL footy fantastically and there is no need to manage his workload. He is ready to play week in and week out whilst having a profound impact as well. While he wasn’t able to show his talents in games that mattered, as he came in for the junk time portion of the season, it is already obvious to see that when the pressure gets hot, Honey will be able to handle it. And when it does, it’s going to be sweet watching him tear the game apart.
2021 REPORT CARD RATING
B+
STATUS HEADING INTO 2022
Fringe 22
