STRENGTHS:

+ Athleticism
+ Creativity
+ Forward craft
+ Ground balls
+ Tackling

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Strength
- Four-quarter consistency

One of a few players from NSW able to showcase their talents in the Coates Talent League, Gothard did well to press his case as one of the better small forwards available in all of his outings, most notably in Round 11 where he managed 20 disposals and a 2.4 scoreline. Whilst Gothard doesn’t always impact the scoreboard in a big way himself, his ability to play a positive role in scoring chains and spot out teammates inside 50 has made him a valuable contributor in the attacking phase of the game. generally pushing further up the field when his side is out of possession, where he utilizes his speed to get the ball forward quickly.

In the Championship-winning Allies side, Gothard was able to play inside 50 for larger chunks of games than in the Talent League, able to make the most of his opportunities when the ball hit the deck with his manic attack on it, and strong defensive application to lay tackles or apply pressure. Although his statline was not quite as eye catching as it was at Talent League level, Gothard adapted to the level seamlessly, playing his role well throughout.

Arguably Gothard's most appealing trait as a prospect is his athleticism, testing excellently for agility, speed and leap. His ability to utilise all three of these on field has improved throughout the season, as he gradually pushed further up the ground and backed himself to weave out of traffic, or take on opposition players one-on-one in foot races heading forward. Along with this improvement saw a more sustained impact on games, where teammates would often look for him out in space and give him the opportunity to run onto the ball, and better utilise his disposal skill free of pressure.

Gothard’s defensive game is another aspect that has evolved as the season has progressed, bringing opponents to ground more consistently the later into the season it got, and gradually building up his urgency to apply pressure or get to opposition in possession, almost working just as hard defensively as he does offensively.

At AFL Level, Gothard has some work to do in regards to his strength, particularly in the contest where he can be pushed off the footy, to give him a better opportunity to consistently win the ball and impact the game. Along with this, hitting the scoreboard more often, or converting some more of his ‘gettable’ goals, would round out his game nicely as a forward half player. In the way of consistency, enhancing his four-quarter impact and turning promising patches into long stints will allow him to have a greater impact - teams want the ball in his hands.