The Fev express

Justine McCullagh-Beasy reports about Carlton forward Brendan Fevola, who was so close to being shown the door late last year by management and supporters of the famous club.

He’s blown out of the water before only to drown midway through the season, but marriage and the announcement that his first child is on the way, seem to have rejuvenated Carlton spearhead Brendan Fevola, who could well dominate the competition this season.

The renowned dreadlocks are gone and with a new look has come a hungrier apatite. We’re only two rounds into season 2006 but Fevola is sitting pretty on the goal-kicking tally with 11 majors and has impressed with his ferocity and chase on the ball.

He has been applauded for both his performances against Melbourne and Fremantle but questions are still hovering over the erratic centre half-forward and his ability to sustain such high standards through out the entire season.

After all, it was only twelve months ago that he was awarded the ‘Michael Tuck medal’ in the Wizard Cup grand final only to fail to reach a half-century of goals during the season proper.

Most would say 49 goals from 19 games playing in a side that only won four matches was a superb effort, especially considering that he had pitiful supply from a midfield, which was often mauled.

But for many Blues fans it was Fevola’s lack of determination and poor body language that added to the frustration of winning a wooden spoon for the second time in four years.

Fevola’s season was deemed a disgrace and left him contemplating a move to Tigerland or the Demons at season’s end, even after signing a three-year deal midway through the year.

But as the trade week progressed Fevola had a change of heart and committed long term to the club. His decision was met with mixed responses- some were thrilled with his choice others wished he’d left and taken his bad attitude with him.

He made the correct call.

Fevola is the face of Princes Park, a club icon and a media identity who pulls in the crowds and entices new fans. With out him the Blues would be lacking a key ingredient to success- both on and off the football field.

With 104 AFL games under his belt the 25-year-old, who surpassed 250 career goals on Saturday night against the Dockers, will be looking to provide a target up forward all season whether or not Carlton has a chance of securing four points.

There is no disputing Fevola’s talent - he’s fast on the lead, with strong hands and a brilliant goal sense - but this season he will be expected to add another dimension to his game. Tackling, sheparding and keeping his head high in an embarrassing situation will be high on the agenda.

After all, we all know he is capable of playing a complete game of football after his first two matches this season. Now the ‘Fev’ just has to prove he can play at such a high level for the entire season and with a new and improved mentality there may be no limit to how far he goes.

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