The smooth-moving defender had a year he’d rather forget in 2012, he struggled for form throughout much of the year coming off his career best season in 2011. Yarran’s stats dropped significantly in average disposals, contested possessions, tackles, rebound 50s, time on ground and consequently his SC average dropped by 20 points.
In 2011 Yarran was moved to play across the half-back line, after a horrible round one performance against Richmond, he then averaged a very impressive 93.2 over the next 11 weeks and an overall average of 87.3 for the year, topping 100 eight times. Seemingly adapting extremely well to his sweeping role from the back line, averaging 17.8 disposals at 76% efficiency, 3.3 tackles, 4.3 rebound 50’s and 5.3 bounces per game.
Then in 2012 Yarran injured himself early in the year, missing four matches in the first half of the season, only to return to a ravaged Carlton side where he never found form or fitness. Now with a new coach at the helm in Mick Malthouse, a man who continually gets the best out of his players, Yarran should thrive in 2013 under Mick’s tutelage.
At his best, Yarran possesses silky skills, with lovely delivery by foot in particular, lays plenty of tackles and his greatest asset is his line-breaking pace. A top ten draft pick in 2008 and now into his fifth season, given a strong pre season he will be ready to have another top season much like he did in 2011. Malthouse announced he will look to play Bryce Gibbs through the midfield and with an ageing Heath Scotland, expect to see Yarran as the ‘go to man’ out of defence. He doesn’t need a lot of the ball to rack up big SC scores, due to his great ball use and impact on the game.
He is the type of defender you should always be looking at and at Yarran’s price; it’s hard to look past him for your side. Keep an eye on Yarran’s pre season fitness, if healthy, I’d be expecting a big 2013.