Best 22 Round 1 2022

[O'Reilly Boy]

Rampe McCartin Cunningham
Lloyd Blakey McInerney

Hickey Parker Warner
Florent Mills Dawson

Wicks Franklin Heeney
Hayward McDonald Papley

Hewitt Gulden Rowbottom Campbell


Notes
1. I feel like I'm short one backman, but perhaps Campbell and Dawson to rotate back.
2. No ruck back-up either.

So two possible changes: Rowbottom/Campbell out for Amartey/O'Riordan

3. Omitting Melican leaves us with the height issue in back half. Partly addressed by Blakey in, but may point to some difficult choices. Can we play all of Blakey, Lloyd, Cunningham, McInerney, Campbell?

4. I'm happy to stick with Florent for now, but concede that he may be under some pressure.

[Markwebbos]

No JPK!

[Captain]

Good attempt. Would need to find a way to get Fox and JPK in there.

Also, how is the relief ruck?

[O'Reilly Boy]

I am thinking that we can't pick Parker, Kennedy, Mills, Warner, Rowbottom and Hewitt in the same team, and I am seeing enough in Hewitt over the final part of the season to think that he steps into that engine room role. If pushed, Warner to make way for JPK, then, but perhaps only a matter of time? Hamstring injury this late in a stellar career is a worry. Remember how quick the end has been for a number of players once they get a late career injury? I have a WCE friend who constantly used to chip me about the Swans being unable to effect rebuilds because of our attachment to players, and I guess that is part of my thinking, too.


The ruck question is harder, and my inclination is to find a way to get Amartey into the team, as he also offers that height down the line as well as being a forward option. Perhaps McDonald out for Amartey?

I can't see how to get Fox into the team without injuries

[Roadrunner]

I am thinking that we can't pick Parker, Kennedy, Mills, Warner, Rowbottom and Hewitt in the same team, and I am seeing enough in Hewitt over the final part of the season to think that he steps into that engine room role. If pushed, Warner to make way for JPK, then, but perhaps only a matter of time? Hamstring injury this late in a stellar career is a worry. Remember how quick the end has been for a number of players once they get a late career injury? I have a WCE friend who constantly used to chip me about the Swans being unable to effect rebuilds because of our attachment to players, and I guess that is part of my thinking, too.


The ruck question is harder, and my inclination is to find a way to get Amartey into the team, as he also offers that height down the line as well as being a forward option. Perhaps McDonald out for Amartey?

I can't see how to get Fox into the team without injuries

Sorry but Wicks doesn’t deserve a spot- his forward pressure be damned. Put Amartey in as he is needed in the ruck and up forward. His marking alone would put more pressure on defenders than Wicks does by running around. Let’s learn the lesson from yesterday’s game once and for all! If you’re not landing tackles that stick then you’re not applying pressure in my book- period!

[O'Reilly Boy]

Sorry but Wicks doesn’t deserve a spot- his forward pressure be damned. Put Amartey in as he is needed in the ruck and up forward. His marking alone would put more pressure on defenders than Wicks does by running around. Let’s learn the lesson from yesterday’s game once and for all! If you’re not landing tackles that stick then you’re not applying pressure in my book- period!

Respectfully disagree. Small pressure forward is key part of structure, and Amartey plays a different role (as do Papley and Hayward).
I think that the choice is between McDonald, Amartey and Reid for now, with McDonald moving to cover Buddy when Buddy goes. I'm not sure that the balance was right with Bell and Wicks, but Wicks is a keeper in a role which doesn't get much love in the Champion Data Universe. On television we just don't see how much ground he covers cutting off switches, drawing defenders away, and, when the structure requires it, he is a handy target. Gulden could play a similar role, but is more useful in the more attacking role around the ground.

[TheBloods]

Thinking we will trade Hewett but keep Parker and Dawson

B Cunningham Mccartin Fox
HB Blakey Rampe Lloyd
C Dawson Mills Mcinerney
HF Gulden Franklin Heeney
F Hayward McDonald Papley
Foll Hickey Parker Warner

Int Kennedy Florent Campbell Wicks

Medi sub Amartey

[Roadrunner]

Respectfully disagree. Small pressure forward is key part of structure, and Amartey plays a different role (as do Papley and Hayward).
I think that the choice is between McDonald, Amartey and Reid for now, with McDonald moving to cover Buddy when Buddy goes. I'm not sure that the balance was right with Bell and Wicks, but Wicks is a keeper in a role which doesn't get much love in the Champion Data Universe. On television we just don't see how much ground he covers cutting off switches, drawing defenders away, and, when the structure requires it, he is a handy target. Gulden could play a similar role, but is more useful in the more attacking role around the ground.

Understand your view on Wick’s role, which is great in theory; trouble is I don’t see him doing it well. I used to think that it’s due to watching the game on TV, with limited view of the play. If this were true, surely we would see other forwards with more space, if defenders are being pulled out of position, and this very rarely happens- Buddy usually has a couple hanging off him and Paps, Heeney and Wilbur mostly have to make their own space. Hence the constant and pointless bombing to the forward line. If Wicks or Bell were performing as intended, surely this could be avoided a lot more. Don’t need either of them- sorry.

[O'Reilly Boy]

Understand your view on Wick’s role, which is great in theory; trouble is I don’t see him doing it well. I used to think that it’s due to watching the game on TV, with limited view of the play. If this were true, surely we would see other forwards with more space, if defenders are being pulled out of position, and this very rarely happens- Buddy usually has a couple hanging off him and Paps, Heeney and Wilbur mostly have to make their own space. Hence the constant and pointless bombing to the forward line. If Wicks or Bell were performing as intended, surely this could be avoided a lot more. Don’t need either of them- sorry.


I would say that it was happening in the fourth quarter, when we were getting good entries and finding marking targets inside 50. By then we seemed to be benefitting from all that extra attention going to Franklin, and there being more space opened up on the fat side. Converting those marks into goals was the problem!! Earlier in the game, because we weren't able to spend time managing possession, our entries were panicked and Buddy-focussed, which allowed GWS to double and triple-man him. But I agree that we don't need both Wicks and Bell in those roles.

But I don't want you to think that I'm player-obsessed, and I'm really happy to have this exchange of opinions!

- - - Updated - - -


Thinking we will trade Hewett but keep Parker and Dawson

B Cunningham Mccartin Fox
HB Blakey Rampe Lloyd
C Dawson Mills Mcinerney
HF Gulden Franklin Heeney
F Hayward McDonald Papley
Foll Hickey Parker Warner

Int Kennedy Florent Campbell Wicks

Medi sub Amartey

Same problem with my team: no back-up ruck. Have to find a way to get Amartey into the 22!

[TheBloods]

Same problem with my team: no back-up ruck. Have to find a way to get Amartey into the 22!

Could easy take Fox out , Amartey in and then have any of Dawson McInerney Campbell playing out back in Fox's place

[Roadrunner]

Thinking we will trade Hewett but keep Parker and Dawson

B Cunningham Mccartin Fox
HB Blakey Rampe Lloyd
C Dawson Mills Mcinerney
HF Gulden Franklin Heeney
F Hayward McDonald Papley
Foll Hickey Parker Warner

Int Kennedy Florent Campbell Wicks

Medi sub Amartey

That’s fine TB- but please explain why Wicks is better than Rowie. However, don’t say Wicks plays a useful team role
because that is BS pure and simple. He is not best 22 by a long shot at this stage. He and Bell were shocking yesterday and both belong to the ressies. Both can look elsewhere- a bit harsh but we don’t need passengers.

[TheBloods]

That’s fine TB- but please explain why Wicks is better than Rowie. However, don’t say Wicks plays a useful team role
because that is BS pure and simple. He is not best 22 by a long shot at this stage. He and Bell were shocking yesterday and both belong to the ressies. Both can look elsewhere- a bit harsh but we don’t need passengers.

Thats your opinion ,

[longmile]

FF: Papley Franklin Gulden
HF: Wicks Reid Hayward
M: Dawson Hewett Heeney
HB: Blakey Fox Cunningham
FB: Rampe McCartin Lloyd
R: Hickey Parker Mills

I: Warner Kennedy McInerney Rowbottom
Sub: Florent

[Roadrunner]

Thats your opinion ,

True TB- just my opinion. Take yesterday’s game as an example, though of course it was just 1 game, albeit a final.

Both Rowie and Wicks were playing in their first final: now compare their respective contributions. True, one was an on- baller and the other a forward, but we had heaps of entries into our forward 50.

Chalk and cheese in my book. Of course, you may beg to differ, but please back it up- anyone can have an opinion but it helps if it is based on solid facts and figures.

[Ralph Dawg]

B Cunningham ? Rampe
HB Lloyd McCartain Blakey
C JMac Mills Dawson
HF Gulden McDonald Heeney
F Papley Buddy Hayward
Foll Hickey Parker Hewett
Int JPK Campbell Rowbottom Warner
Medi sub Florent

Can't name our second tall defender. Could be Melican or Gould / BOC depending on preseason. Fox if we are happy to play Rampe as second tall. Paddy? Convert Reid / Amartey / McLean. It's really the great unknown but will play a big part in our fortunes moving forward. Hope management gets it right!

I'm hoping McDonald will fullfill his talent and have a breakout year next year. Good chance for the rising Star award. Logan to ruck in F50 to give Hickey a breather - he's a solid young fella, should be serviceable.

Florent has plateaued. I'm predicting he will fall behind our young midfielders. Should still play a fair bit in 2022 but if everyone is fit, will be just on the outer.

[TheBloods]

True TB- just my opinion. Take yesterday’s game as an example, though of course it was just 1 game, albeit a final.

Both Rowie and Wicks were playing in their first final: now compare their respective contributions. True, one was an on- baller and the other a forward, but we had heaps of entries into our forward 50.

Chalk and cheese in my book. Of course, you may beg to differ, but please back it up- anyone can have an opinion but it helps if it is based on solid facts and figures.

Not going near it sorry .

[Roadrunner]

Not going near it sorry .

Chicken!!!

[barracuda]

That’s fine TB- but please explain why Wicks is better than Rowie. However, don’t say Wicks plays a useful team role
because that is BS pure and simple. He is not best 22 by a long shot at this stage. He and Bell were shocking yesterday and both belong to the ressies. Both can look elsewhere- a bit harsh but we don’t need passengers.
Don’t you watch games. Two of heeneys goals were fed by wicks. 5 tackles, 6 contested possessions. For a defensive forward I would say 11 disposals and 5 tackles easily equals row bottoms 16 disposals and 9 tackles as a mid. Almost won the game himself. Finally in the last quarter when the game was there to be won Wicks was busting his arse. Unlike Papley, 1 disposal, Hayward 2 disposals and Buddy 1 disposal. Seriously mate if you are going to call players shocking and wiping them off get your facts right.

[Captain]

Cunningham McCartin Fox
Lloyd Rampe Blakey
Dawson Parker McInerney
Gulden Reid Hayward
Papley Franklin McDonald
Hickey Mills Heeney
Kennedy Rowbottom, Warner, Campbell
Sub: Florent

In: Mills, JPK, Blakey, Reid, Campbell, McDonald, Fox

Out: McLean, Bell, COR, Melican, Wicks, Florent, Hewett (assuming he leaves)

[Roadrunner]

Don’t you watch games. Two of heeneys goals were fed by wicks. 5 tackles, 6 contested possessions. For a defensive forward I would say 11 disposals and 5 tackles easily equals row bottoms 16 disposals and 9 tackles as a mid. Almost won the game himself. Finally in the last quarter when the game was there to be won Wicks was busting his arse. Unlike Papley, 1 disposal, Hayward 2 disposals and Buddy 1 disposal. Seriously mate if you are going to call players shocking and wiping them off get your facts right.

Ok barracuda- I will watch the replay and happy to be wrong! My comments were based watching the game live and that was my impression. Maybe frustrated by that miss which was very gettable. I don’t like criticising players as every one of them tries his best but sometimes come up short. I guess I would like Wicks to impose himself more, but maybe I missed it! Thanks for pointing out his stats.

[barracuda]

Ok barracuda- I will watch the replay and happy to be wrong! My comments were based watching the game live and that was my impression. Maybe frustrated by that miss which was very gettable. I don’t like criticising players as every one of them tries his best but sometimes come up short. I guess I would like Wicks to impose himself more, but maybe I missed it! Thanks for pointing out his stats.
I am sure he would like to impose himself more as well. The number of times he has got himself into space in recent weeks in front of the goals only to be ignored was very frustrating. The side on the weekend was way too buddy centric. The ball kept getting banged in high to buddy who was beaten on the day. In fact if you go to AFL.com.au stats pro and looks at Wicks extended highlights he was one of the players who was actually lowering his eyes and delivering to the best option. That option was Heeney and wicks delivered key passes to him that resulted in goals. The swans have to recognise when buddy is getting beaten and look for other options. I think this is what cost them the game. One other thing, everyone loves beating up the young guys like Belly and Wicks, but as I outlined above it was actually the young guys that stood up in the last quarter whilst some of the superstars went missing.

[bloodspirit]

Rampe McCartin Cunningham
Lloyd Blakey McInerney

Hickey Parker Warner
Florent Mills Dawson

Wicks Franklin Heeney
Hayward McDonald Papley

Hewitt Gulden Rowbottom Campbell


Notes
1. I feel like I'm short one backman, but perhaps Campbell and Dawson to rotate back.
2. No ruck back-up either.

So two possible changes: Rowbottom/Campbell out for Amartey/O'Riordan

3. Omitting Melican leaves us with the height issue in back half. Partly addressed by Blakey in, but may point to some difficult choices. Can we play all of Blakey, Lloyd, Cunningham, McInerney, Campbell?

4. I'm happy to stick with Florent for now, but concede that he may be under some pressure.

This is a tough ask given we don't know what changes (and how many) there are going to be between now and then. But, I'll join the game. I'm going to guess that we will lose one of Parker or Hewett. Let's say it's Hewett.

From your team I would move McInerney to the wing in place of Florent and replace him with another KPD, let's say Paddy McCartin (who could also swing forward as needs be). Could also be Gould, Melican or O'Connor. Florent takes Hewett's place one the bench. Then, I'm going to back Campbell to develop his game and overtake Wicks in the forward pressure role. (If Campbell can't do that, then Wicks keeps his spot and Campbell doesn't get a place until he does.) Amartey (or another forward/ruck - again, could be P. McCartin or another new recruit) takes Campbell's place on the bench. Warner and Rowbottom will need to have good pre-seasons and earn their spots. Their best is more than good enough but if they're not fit and firing they could be replaced by others on the fringes.

[i'm-uninformed2]

This is a tough ask given we don't know what changes (and how many) there are going to be between now and then. But, I'll join the game. I'm going to guess that we will lose one of Parker or Hewett. Let's say it's Hewett.

From your team I would move McInerney to the wing in place of Florent and replace him with another KPD, let's say Paddy McCartin (who could also swing forward as needs be). Could also be Gould, Melican or O'Connor. Florent takes Hewett's place one the bench. Then, I'm going to back Campbell to develop his game and overtake Wicks in the forward pressure role. (If Campbell can't do that, then Wicks keeps his spot and Campbell doesn't get a place until he does.) Amartey (or another forward/ruck - again, could be P. McCartin or another new recruit) takes Campbell's place on the bench. Warner and Rowbottom will need to have good pre-seasons and earn their spots. Their best is more than good enough but if they're not fit and firing they could be replaced by others on the fringes.

I'm with you on JMac. I get they moved him back at one point for good reason, and he had to probably stay there once Blakey went down, and he did the role well.

But, I desperately want him through the centre of the ground. He covers so much terrain as a winger, folds back to help defence anyway, and then goes on long searching runs down the ground and delivers the ball inside 50 pretty well too. As well as use his speed to cover fast breaks from defence by the opposition.

The other element - and we got one glimpse of it a few games back - is his ability to occasionally go into the centre square to give us a dynamic mix in there. I prefer him to play predominantly outside, but he's got clear potential in there, and like Papley, can go in for bursts.

As I said, he can play defence well. But he's a player with so much impact, and I reckon it's maximised as a winger.

[The Runner]

I think the best thing about all of this thread, is there are going to be 25-28 players who you could mount a good argument for their Round 1 selection.
The last 5-8 years have probably felt like 16-18 quality locks and then rationalising then splitting hairs over some middle of the road players.
This will be the deepest we've batted for some time. And we aren't even discussing players coming from back of the pack (O'Connor, Sheather, Gould) or new draft picks pressing a case.

[Roadrunner]

I am sure he would like to impose himself more as well. The number of times he has got himself into space in recent weeks in front of the goals only to be ignored was very frustrating. The side on the weekend was way too buddy centric. The ball kept getting banged in high to buddy who was beaten on the day. In fact if you go to AFL.com.au stats pro and looks at Wicks extended highlights he was one of the players who was actually lowering his eyes and delivering to the best option. That option was Heeney and wicks delivered key passes to him that resulted in goals. The swans have to recognise when buddy is getting beaten and look for other options. I think this is what cost them the game. One other thing, everyone loves beating up the young guys like Belly and Wicks, but as I outlined above it was actually the young guys that stood up in the last quarter whilst some of the superstars went missing.

Agreed being too Buddy focused- I partly blame Buddy as he seems to demand the ball without leading and then gets beaten overhead. He and team should know by now that high marking is not his strength. Therefore he should be playing further up the ground where his field kicking is so effective. Problem was we didn’t have a marking tall up front to allow him to roam around.

Re young Wicks-maybe he is still learning the position and has only played a handful of games, so hopefully next year he will make a big impact.

[NeonBible]

Hi all,

Ruing the results from a disastrous season of Fantasy .. i was looking over some of the centre bounce attendances from the season.. interesting .. one thing that stood out to me..

Rounds 1-13 we ran an average of 6 midfielders through the centre each game
Rounds 15-23 (& the elimination final) we ran an average of 8 midfielders through the centre each game .. players like Gulden, MCinerney, Papley, Heeney, Campbell, Bell and Fox all went through there, and Hewett also.

I wonder if this is an indication that we are trying to add some more dynamism to our midfield ?? Perhaps we are trying to create a rotation of 7 or 8 who can go through the mids and give each centre bounce a different look ?? It will be very interesting to see if we continue this into 2022. If we do, i think the ones who will suffer the most will be the likes of Hewett (If he remains??) and Rowbottom , possibly Warner.. these players don't seem as capable of playing off a forward or half back flank or a wing as much as the others do.. i think having such a large rotation will require players being able to play multiple roles, and i'm not certain those 3 can. Could mean that they will have to really capitalise on their time in the centre otherwise they will have low possession games where they are bystanders in a way, similar to the games Hewett was having earlier in the year or that young Chad had on the weekend.

Do we think this is a good thing or a bad thing?? Am I wrong that a larger rotation of players going through the middle will hurt the more one-dimensional types??

Enjoyed talking footy with you all this year!!

CHEER CHEER

[Roadrunner]

Hi all,

Ruing the results from a disastrous season of Fantasy .. i was looking over some of the centre bounce attendances from the season.. interesting .. one thing that stood out to me..

Rounds 1-13 we ran an average of 6 midfielders through the centre each game
Rounds 15-23 (& the elimination final) we ran an average of 8 midfielders through the centre each game .. players like Gulden, MCinerney, Papley, Heeney, Campbell, Bell and Fox all went through there, and Hewett also.

I wonder if this is an indication that we are trying to add some more dynamism to our midfield ?? Perhaps we are trying to create a rotation of 7 or 8 who can go through the mids and give each centre bounce a different look ?? It will be very interesting to see if we continue this into 2022. If we do, i think the ones who will suffer the most will be the likes of Hewett (If he remains??) and Rowbottom , possibly Warner.. these players don't seem as capable of playing off a forward or half back flank or a wing as much as the others do.. i think having such a large rotation will require players being able to play multiple roles, and i'm not certain those 3 can. Could mean that they will have to really capitalise on their time in the centre otherwise they will have low possession games where they are bystanders in a way, similar to the games Hewett was having earlier in the year or that young Chad had on the weekend.

Do we think this is a good thing or a bad thing?? Am I wrong that a larger rotation of players going through the middle will hurt the more one-dimensional types??

Enjoyed talking footy with you all this year!!

CHEER CHEER

Hi Neon,
Enjoyed your posts over the season.
Re the midfield: Bell won’t play there and Fox belongs to the backline. Paps and Heeney in short bursts as needed, as their main role should be up forward. Joey to play limited time in midfield and is very capable in attack. So our main mids will be Parks, Mills, George ( we need him) Rowie, Errol and Braeden in short spells and resting up forward, and JMac.

I feel very comfortable with this group and see no problems resting them in the forward line- we need the versatility and different matchups depending on the opposition.

- - - Updated - - -


Hi Neon,
Enjoyed your posts over the season.
Re the midfield: Bell won’t play there and Fox belongs to the backline. Paps and Heeney in short bursts as needed, as their main role should be up forward. Joey to play limited time in midfield and is very capable in attack. So our main mids will be Parks, Mills, George ( we need him) Rowie, Errol and Braeden in short spells and resting up forward, and JMac.

I feel very comfortable with this group and see no problems resting them in the forward line- we need the versatility and different matchups depending on the opposition.

I forgot the Chad!!

[bloodspirit]

Hi all,

Ruing the results from a disastrous season of Fantasy .. i was looking over some of the centre bounce attendances from the season.. interesting .. one thing that stood out to me..

Rounds 1-13 we ran an average of 6 midfielders through the centre each game
Rounds 15-23 (& the elimination final) we ran an average of 8 midfielders through the centre each game .. players like Gulden, MCinerney, Papley, Heeney, Campbell, Bell and Fox all went through there, and Hewett also.

I wonder if this is an indication that we are trying to add some more dynamism to our midfield ?? Perhaps we are trying to create a rotation of 7 or 8 who can go through the mids and give each centre bounce a different look ?? It will be very interesting to see if we continue this into 2022. If we do, i think the ones who will suffer the most will be the likes of Hewett (If he remains??) and Rowbottom , possibly Warner.. these players don't seem as capable of playing off a forward or half back flank or a wing as much as the others do.. i think having such a large rotation will require players being able to play multiple roles, and i'm not certain those 3 can. Could mean that they will have to really capitalise on their time in the centre otherwise they will have low possession games where they are bystanders in a way, similar to the games Hewett was having earlier in the year or that young Chad had on the weekend.

Do we think this is a good thing or a bad thing?? Am I wrong that a larger rotation of players going through the middle will hurt the more one-dimensional types??

Enjoyed talking footy with you all this year!!

CHEER CHEER

Great observation! And I think you're right that we will (and we do) value versatility. However I'm not so quick to dismiss the versatility of some of the players you mention. In particular, Hewett is versatile. He has a lot of skills and they are useful around the ground (can win contested ball, has a good tank, excellent user of the footy by hand and by foot on both sides of his body, strong tackler) - although it's true he was wasted playing the Mills role in defence. Hewett is also a reliable set shot for goal. As for Chad and Rowie I reckon they can develop more skills and become more versatile. Gulden and McInerney are already there - both absolutely wonderful players.

I too have enjoyed your contributions this year. I hope you're not signing off until 2022?

[NeonBible]

Great observation! And I think you're right that we will (and we do) value versatility. However I'm not so quick to dismiss the versatility of some of the players you mention. In particular, Hewett is versatile. He has a lot of skills and they are useful around the ground (can win contested ball, has a good tank, excellent user of the footy by hand and by foot on both sides of his body, strong tackler) - although it's true he was wasted playing the Mills role in defence. Hewett is also a reliable set shot for goal. As for Chad and Rowie I reckon they can develop more skills and become more versatile. Gulden and McInerney are already there - both absolutely wonderful players.

I too have enjoyed your contributions this year. I hope you're not signing off until 2022?

Maybe, and I am not diminishing George, Chad or Rowy's ability, more that they may have to "make it or break it" as hard on-ballers at the centre bounce and at stoppages, unless they can develop more strings to their bow.. George has good defensive capabilities as you say, and Chad might be able to make do as a forward when he's there, he can certainly find the big sticks!! But will these boys be able to impress enough in these other roles to have rounded enough performances to keep their spots?? That will be the question.. Errol, Juzzy, Paps these boys, we know can go in a centre bounce and be electric but are also very well suited to other roles like the wing or a forward pocket or flank, so they will always have a spot in the team. It will certainly be interesting to see how we fit all these boys into the one team.. IF we can fit them all into the one team!!

And not quite signing out for the year bloodspirit, though my interest in footy wanes during the off-season.. i can't seem to get into the rumours and speculation about who we will trade in or out.. now that my sons have also moved out of the under 18s system where they played with a lot of the boys who have been drafted over the last 4 or 5 years, i also have no clue about the kids in the draft!! I tend to fall off the grid heh.. :rofl

My hopes though are that we can keep Parker, Dawson and Hewett, especially the first 2. I would be rather sad if we lost them as key pillars of the team but also confident enough when i think about the names who couldn't always get regular games this season .. Campbell, McDonald, Rowbottom, Blakey etc.. that i think we could cover them. Might set us back a year or two though, which is far from ideal as we only have a good year or two left with Buddy, Joey, Ramps and Hickey.. Then for the draft we could go a key defender.. put some pressure on Melican to perform or even possibly overtake Melican and form a good young defensive partnership with Tommy Mac.

Exciting times! Looking forward to it!!

CHEER CHEER

[sprite]

Throwing my hat in the ring here:

Assumption is keeping Parker and Hewett.

B - Rampe - T McCartin - Cunningham

HB - Blakey - Amarty - McInerny

C - Dawson - Mills - Rowbottom

HF - Gulden - Franklin - Papley

F - Heeney - McDonald - Wicks

R - Hickey - Parker - Chad (along with Rowbottom will grow into the contested mid role)

I/C - Hewett - McLean - Lloyd – Hayward

Sub – Florent

I have put Amarty into defence as he has good speed, a great leap, can take contested marks and reads the play well. It worked for McCartin why not Joel?

I keep McLean in as back up ruck and forward, he started to show something against Mumford in ruck contests that he can develop on.

As we move into the next premiership window, unfortunately there has to be some casualties;

Kennedy has signed a one year contract so he knows the writing is on the wall, the kids now need to step up fill his boots.

Buddy may not get to play all games as we manage his load so McLean can step into the role.

Sam Reid is interesting if we keep him, will probably get limited opportunities and will end up as a back up to McLean / McDonald.


Lloyd’s role as a distributor is now being threatened by Blakey and McInerny who provide more dash and willingness to take on the opposition. He may well return to his original position when he was recruited as a mid on the wing.

Fox and COR are unlucky to be left out but both can be valuable back up to the backline in case of injury.


I’m not sure about Paddy McCartin, he is possibly one severe knock away from being forced into retirement. From what I have seen of him in reserve games (only watching on Kayo) he is definitely better than most out there and almost seems that he is cruising. That may be the reason he hasn’t been picked up.

Are there any others running around in the reserves that could be added here? Happy for new information.

[Nico]

Don't underestimate the improvement of Campbell, Gulden, Warner, Blakey and Wicks next year. Wicks missed one game IIRC so in the eyes of the MC it must have been felt that he was doing what was asked of him.

[mcs]

Don't underestimate the improvement of Campbell, Gulden, Warner, Blakey and Wicks next year. Wicks missed one game IIRC so in the eyes of the MC it must have been felt that he was doing what was asked of him.

Campbell is the one I'm really looking forward to watching next year - on the basis that he showed glimpses early this year, but never really came back after that injury. I still rate him every bit as highly as Gulden, and think he will prove an absolute gun too. I sense we are going to enjoy watching these cygnets grow up over the next few years!

[Roadrunner]

Don't underestimate the improvement of Campbell, Gulden, Warner, Blakey and Wicks next year. Wicks missed one game IIRC so in the eyes of the MC it must have been felt that he was doing what was asked of him.

Spot on Nico- I wasn’t impressed by Wicks but undoubtedly the coaches were happy, as he was always selected.

I would add Logan and Joel to the list as I hope we will see big improvements from them as well as young McLean.
Plenty to be excited about for the next few years!

[Bangalore Swans]

Thought I would have a go at the team now:

B Cunningham P. McCartin Rampe
HB J-Mac T. McCartin Blakey
C Florent Mills Dawson
HF Hayward McDonald Gulden
F Amartey Franklin Papley
Foll Hickey Parker Heeney

Inter Lloyd Campbell Chad Kennedy
Medical Rowbottom

[Maltopia]

Thought I would have a go at the team now:

B Cunningham P. McCartin Rampe
HB J-Mac T. McCartin Blakey
C Florent Mills Dawson
HF Hayward McDonald Gulden
F Amartey Franklin Papley
Foll Hickey Parker Heeney

Inter Lloyd Campbell Chad Kennedy
Medical Rowbottom

We are sort of blessed in that the bottom six and the next five to six are not that far apart.

I look at your 22 and it looks good, but then I see RB as medical when he has been more consistent than Chad and Campbell in the back end of the season, so I can’t see the committee putting them both ahead until they have both improved in the JLT pre season games or early NEAFL games next season.

Also Wicks playing almost the entire of last season would suggest he is a certain starter.

Then you have Paddy in ahead of Fox and COR who both has decent games.

Plus no Reid who was very good at the start of this year, not McClean.

Plus no Hewitt.

So if we manage to re sign Dawson and Hewitt, I think we have a very good list and it is really tough luck for 5-6 players who aren’t on the field for round one.

And that doesn’t include Bell, Stephens, Ronke, Melican or Brand who each got a few games during the year!

[bloodspirit]

I think Ludwig & co's latest posts about the best 22 for R1 next season belong in this thread. JPK is best 22 for mine. He didn't stick around for another year to be demoted before R1. Potentially he will be overtaken during next season but for now he is there to lead and show the youngsters the way. Someone else will make way based on pre-season form and any injury/fitness issues - probably one of RB or Warner - possibly Wicks if they want to push someone else into Wicks' role.

- - - Updated - - -


Thought I would have a go at the team now:

B Cunningham P. McCartin Rampe
HB J-Mac T. McCartin Blakey
C Florent Mills Dawson
HF Hayward McDonald Gulden
F Amartey Franklin Papley
Foll Hickey Parker Heeney

Inter Lloyd Campbell Chad Kennedy
Medical Rowbottom

I'm not sure about the positions you have named the players in but this 22 look about right except with Ladhams for Amartey. Good early call BS!

[Ralph Dawg]

Thinking about where our list is placed, I'm rather bullish about our chances for a few reasons:
1) Our defence should be stronger this year. Plenty of competition for the third tall position in our backline which will bring out the best in the young guys competing for the spot. BOC, Gould, Melican, Fox, PMac and possibly Reid all going for the one spot.
2) Growth in our midfield. The loss of Dawson and Hewett hurt but give opportunities to immensely talented youngsters such as Chad and RB (on the inside) and Campbell, JMc, Errol and Stephens on the outside. I'm predicting at least a couple of these guys will have breakout years as a result. Heeney and Paps to also pinch hit more in the midfield.
3) Improved ruck support for Hickey. Ladhams joining is a bonus. McLean and Amartey both improved this year and if Reid stays on the park, is usually handy. I doubt we will see Sinclair in the first team in 2022.
4) More targets in F50 and improving future gun in LMc.

As an aside, are there any lists with as many Macs as ours (TMac, PMac, JMc, LMc)?

[Mark26]

Kennedy might be slow but like you say hes got smarts experience and leadership . Rowbottom is slow and has none of those things to boot . He 's nowhere near Jpk's level so if people want him in over a champion like Joey , it stinks of ageism .

I've been watching our matches again from this year and am baffled that you think that about Rowbottom. He has footy smarts, courage and skill. He's building strength and experience. He is best 22, is young to boot, so he has a lot of upside too.

You've shared your negative opinion on Rowy so many times that I think you are seriously deluded, or you revel with any attention, be it positive or negative.

Regardless, I don't agree with your views. That's okay. In the meantime, Rowbottom is becoming a necessary part of our team. I see it, others see it and more importantly, the coaches do. Dare I say, he could even become a gun.

[wolftone57]

I've been watching our matches again from this year and am baffled that you think that about Rowbottom. He has footy smarts, courage and skill. He's building strength and experience. He is best 22, is young to boot, so he has a lot of upside too.

You've shared your negative opinion on Rowy so many times that I think you are seriously deluded, or you revel with any attention, be it positive or negative.

Regardless, I don't agree with your views. That's okay. In the meantime, Rowbottom is becoming a necessary part of our team. I see it, others see it and more importantly, the coaches do. Dare I say, he could even become a gun.I agree and I think he will. He has the ability to extract when even JPK, Parker etc are getting ready for a ball up. Suddenly the ball pops out. Bloody cleaver at manipulating his body tk get arms free. A long term star.

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[TheBloods]

I've been watching our matches again from this year and am baffled that you think that about Rowbottom. He has footy smarts, courage and skill. He's building strength and experience. He is best 22, is young to boot, so he has a lot of upside too.

You've shared your negative opinion on Rowy so many times that I think you are seriously deluded, or you revel with any attention, be it positive or negative.

Regardless, I don't agree with your views. That's okay. In the meantime, Rowbottom is becoming a necessary part of our team. I see it, others see it and more importantly, the coaches do. Dare I say, he could even become a gun.

Wasnt in the 22 this yr ,was dropped and only in because Mills and Joey were injured , but say im wrong , surely even you can admit that he is nowhere near JPK's level so to suggest we play him over Joey is a joke , im not being nasty they are just two very different players and thinking of the team first

[wolftone57]

Wasnt in the 22 this yr ,was dropped and only in because Mills and Joey were injured , but say im wrong , surely even you can admit that he is nowhere near JPK's level so to suggest we play him over Joey is a joke , im not being nasty they are just two very different players and thinking of the team firstWas injured and he was brought back early because of injuries. He was not ready to come back. So not dropped. He was sent back to get better match fitness in scratch marmtches. It was obvious he came back too early.

You have this hatred fot Rowbottom. Is a hatred of his uncle behind all this? You know who his uncle is, BT. You know that and we all loathe BT. But he cannot choose who he is related to. Your relatives are your relatives. As the old saying goes

You can chose your friends but you are stuck with your relatives.

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[Nico]

Was injured and he was brought back early because of injuries. He was not ready to come back. So not dropped. He was sent back to get better match fitness in scratch marmtches. It was obvious he came back too early.

You have this hatred fot Rowbottom. Is a hatred of his uncle behind all this? You know who his uncle is, BT. You know that and we all loathe BT. But he cannot choose who he is related to. Your relatives are your relatives. As the old saying goes

You can chose your friends but you are stuck with your relatives.

Sent from my JAT-L29 using Tapatalk

I don't loathe BT. I find him quite entertaining.

[wolftone57]

I don't loathe BT. I find him quite entertaining.We all have our likes and dislikes lol Nico

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[TheBloods]

Was injured and he was brought back early because of injuries. He was not ready to come back. So not dropped. He was sent back to get better match fitness in scratch marmtches. It was obvious he came back too early.

You have this hatred fot Rowbottom. Is a hatred of his uncle behind all this? You know who his uncle is, BT. You know that and we all loathe BT. But he cannot choose who he is related to. Your relatives are your relatives. As the old saying goes

You can chose your friends but you are stuck with your relatives.

Sent from my JAT-L29 using Tapatalk

For the 1000th time i dont hate him , i dont RATE him

His done nothing to prove me wrong and change my mind , if he does , happy to admit im wrong as i have done with Hayward , Wicks, Blakey

I wasnt nasty or rude , all i said is he is not the player that Jpk is , and shouldnt be in the 22 over him just because hes 10 years younger . If you suggest that he be in the team over Joey Kennedy the leader of this club then you gotta expect backlash , i guess i took the bait again

[Ludwig]

Simon Dalrymple mentioned Rowbottom as one of our upcoming stars in the podcast previously mentioned and linked. He didn't mention Warner, btw.

I have the highest regard for JPK, who I rate as our best player of the last decade, as I would rate Adam Goodes in the previous decade and Paul Kelly before that. But everyone's time comes to an end. I'm pretty sure this will be Kennedy's last season. Even for those who don't rate Rowbottom, I would probably have Stephens, who also didn't make my best 22, in before Kennedy. It's more a matter of moving on to our new game style.

Wolftone is right. Kennedy cannot chase down even a slow player. Once they're past him, they're gone. He's still a powerful ball winner at stoppages with good skills all around. He's certainly worth a list spot, but I don't think he fits in the team going forward.

[TheBloods]

Simon Dalrymple mentioned Rowbottom as one of our upcoming stars in the podcast previously mentioned and linked. He didn't mention Warner, btw.

I have the highest regard for JPK, who I rate as our best player of the last decade, as I would rate Adam Goodes in the previous decade and Paul Kelly before that. But everyone's time comes to an end. I'm pretty sure this will be Kennedy's last season. Even for those who don't rate Rowbottom, I would probably have Stephens, who also didn't make my best 22, in before Kennedy. It's more a matter of moving on to our new game style.

Wolftone is right. Kennedy cannot chase down even a slow player. Once they're past him, they're gone. He's still a powerful ball winner at stoppages with good skills all around. He's certainly worth a list spot, but I don't think he fits in the team going forward.

Sorry you are way off , Rowbottom is half the player Kennedy is even at 34 Dalrymple isnt gonna say he's a bust is he when he's the one who drafted him ! Also Stephens not much better so far , and Campbell for that matter who was in your 22 , Florent too , none of these are close to JPK at this stage

Why do you want to sabotage team success for the sake of some young players ? They should be made to earn there place and prove they are better than Jpk and then force him out of the team !

[The Runner]

Sorry you are way off , Rowbottom is half the player Kennedy is even at 34 Dalrymple isnt gonna say he's a bust is he when he's the one who drafted him ! Also Stephens not much better so far , and Campbell for that matter who was in your 22 , Florent too , none of these are close to JPK at this stage

Why do you want to sabotage team success for the sake of some young players ? They should be made to earn there place and prove they are better than Jpk and then force him out of the team !

I think people are saying that RB will provide more to the team in 2022 than JPK will. And I tend to agree there. He's been an incredible leader of our club. But he's getting very slow and an average kick of the ball.
For me, it's not about youth winning out. But one player able to provide more across the ground over 4 quarters in a full season of games.

[Ludwig]

Sorry you are way off , Rowbottom is half the player Kennedy is even at 34 Dalrymple isnt gonna say he's a bust is he when he's the one who drafted him ! Also Stephens not much better so far , and Campbell for that matter who was in your 22 , Florent too , none of these are close to JPK at this stage

Why do you want to sabotage team success for the sake of some young players ? They should be made to earn there place and prove they are better than Jpk and then force him out of the team !

I am not comparing players at their peaks. Rowbottom is already pretty close to JPK in what he contributes to the team. By the end of next year he should surpass him, simply because Rowbottom is improving with age while JPK is declining with age. It's not that I think Rowbottom will ever reach JPK's top level. Time will tell, but unlikely given what a great player JPK has been.

It's also the change in team game style, which is not well suited to JPK's strengths. It's similar to the reasons why we let George Hewett go. It's not that he was a poor player, but rather we want more players on the ground who can move the ball quickly.

[TheBloods]

I am not comparing players at their peaks. Rowbottom is already pretty close to JPK in what he contributes to the team. By the end of next year he should surpass him, simply because Rowbottom is improving with age while JPK is declining with age. It's not that I think Rowbottom will ever reach JPK's top level. Time will tell, but unlikely given what a great player JPK has been.

It's also the change in team game style, which is not well suited to JPK's strengths. It's similar to the reasons why we let George Hewett go. It's not that he was a poor player, but rather we want more players on the ground who can move the ball quickly.

Jpk averaged 24 disposals this yr , Rowbottom averaged 16. In 40 odd games hes only had 24 disposals ONCE . Miles off . If he plays he 'll be used as a tagger so you can forget him getting 24 touches . Not bashing him i am just stating facts his numbers dont lie .

I dont want to get into it again i know he is a sensitive topic on here and i think we 've had a productive debate about it today , all i will say is that if you think RB is suited to our game style we must be watching different players

[Auntie.Gerald]

If rowbottom had to play a role like JPK ie dominant ball winner...............is that right...... the comparison being made above ?

[Thunder Shaker]

Wolftone is right. Kennedy cannot chase down even a slow player. Once they're past him, they're gone. He's still a powerful ball winner at stoppages with good skills all around. He's certainly worth a list spot, but I don't think he fits in the team going forward.
Place JPK in the forward line and keep him there. He would be able to win the ball at forward-line stoppages and kick a few goals. This tactic has worked well for other aging star players at other clubs.

Yes, he would not be able to chase down most players running out of the backline, but there will be another 17 players on the ground, some of whom can do that duty.

[Ludwig]

Place JPK in the forward line and keep him there. He would be able to win the ball at forward-line stoppages and kick a few goals. This tactic has worked well for other aging star players at other clubs.

Yes, he would not be able to chase down most players running out of the backline, but there will be another 17 players on the ground, some of whom can do that duty.I agree. He's very hard to stop 1 on 1. He's like Dustin Martin, who doesn't chase either.

[Bloods05]

Oh, just stop it, mate.

Hear, hear.

[mcs]

Oh, just stop it, mate.

We still have months of this bollocks to put up with yet :hmmmm2: Will someone smash the record player already so we don't have to hear the same old track over and over and over and over and over and over. We know how the story goes - we get it, and we don't need to hear it for the umpteenth opportunity.

Cant wait till the record skips onto the next track at some point and we can say 'thank god for that'.....

[Maltopia]

We still have months of this bollocks to put up with yet :hmmmm2: Will someone smash the record player already so we don't have to hear the same tired old track over and over and over and over and over and over.

No one has to fully read any post they think is a tired old track.

Let TB say what he has to say as long as he is respectful, and I think he has been when expressing his view that RB is not ahead of JPK. He hasn’t said that RB is useless etc, he has just clarified that he doesn’t rate him when accused of hating him.

I think we are in a wonderful situation when we are debating who is on our first 22 and we are considering whether or not RB, JPK Warner, (and McDonald) make the first team and have no clear candidates to drop/replace.

Imagine if Bell and Wicks keep improving, along with BOC, Fox, Stephens, Gould and we might get another Gulden from the draft who can be first 22 in their first year!

We lost Dawson and Hewitt and it doesn’t seem that bad at all!

[mcs]

No one has to fully read any post they think is a tired old track.

Let TB say what he has to say as long as he is respectful, and I think he has been when expressing his view that RB is not ahead of JPK. He hasn’t said that RB is useless etc, he has just clarified that he doesn’t rate him when accused of hating him.

I think we are in a wonderful situation when we are debating who is on our first 22 and we are considering whether or not RB, JPK Warner, (and McDonald) make the first team and have no clear candidates to drop/replace.

Imagine if Bell and Wicks keep improving, along with BOC, Fox, Stephens, Gould and we might get another Gulden from the draft who can be first 22 in their first year!

We lost Dawson and Hewitt and it doesn’t seem that bad at all!

Just frustrating to see another thread go down the same rabbit warren that about 50 others have in the past 12 months, that's all. If it was one post here and there - fine. But every time it ends up in pages of circle work, time and time again, reflecting a mission seemingly to convert the masses at every opportunity. And while more recent efforts have been far more respectful, some of the utter tripe posted at various times this year was really not..

Anyway broadly back on topic. Our depth is looking good as you say. But I also suspect we may not be so lucky with a good run with injuries (just my sense, but felt like in broad terms this year we had a decent run - noting a few notable injuries along the way.), so it may be tested. And I suspect, as you always see with young players, some that starred this year in their first year might struggle a bit next years.

Going to be interesting to see what we do at the draft pick wise - we have a lot of options give some of other moves, notably finding a solution to the immediate ruck challenges we were going to face in the trade period.

[sharp9]

I’ve been re-watching the long highlights from this year (victories only) and after the first five games a few things have really surprised me. Well three things actually
1) Rowbottom is really, really good. I know he drifts out of games and made quite a few mistakes, but the highlights are awesome
2) Wicks is super. A couple of his goals are just magnificent. Some here have been suggesting that he is a vanilla forward pressure type only. No, no, no. Apart from his speed, tenacity and tackling he has some real tricks. He is a much better kick for goal than Papley.
3) During the season I was a bit underwhelmed by MacDonald but his highlights are first class.
Some of his marking and kicking for goal looks every bit as accomplished as any other first choice key forward going around. I say accomplished rather than spectacular. And surely there’s no reason he couldn’t “accomplish” 50 or so goals in a season pretty soon.

[The Runner]

I’ve been re-watching the long highlights from this year (victories only) and after the first five games a few things have really surprised me. Well three things actually
1) Rowbottom is really, really good. I know he drifts out of games and made quite a few mistakes, but the highlights are awesome
2) Wicks is super. A couple of his goals are just magnificent. Some here have been suggesting that he is a vanilla forward pressure type only. No, no, no. Apart from his speed, tenacity and tackling he has some real tricks. He is a much better kick for goal than Papley.
3) During the season I was a bit underwhelmed by MacDonald but his highlights are first class.
Some of his marking and kicking for goal looks every bit as accomplished as any other first choice key forward going around. I say accomplished rather than spectacular. And surely there’s no reason he couldn’t “accomplish” 50 or so goals in a season pretty soon.

I completely agree with these 3 points.

I don't think the suggestion of JPK to the forward line makes any sense at all. Parker has shown he can potentially make that move in his eventual decline - but JPK has never really shown the marking ability to be a target.
And if you aren't a marking target, you need to be applying pressure. And he hasn't the speed for that.

I think he'll still play 15+ games for us, and he still has a valuable leadership role.

[Aprilbr]

I’ve been re-watching the long highlights from this year (victories only) and after the first five games a few things have really surprised me. Well three things actually
1) Rowbottom is really, really good. I know he drifts out of games and made quite a few mistakes, but the highlights are awesome
2) Wicks is super. A couple of his goals are just magnificent. Some here have been suggesting that he is a vanilla forward pressure type only. No, no, no. Apart from his speed, tenacity and tackling he has some real tricks. He is a much better kick for goal than Papley.
3) During the season I was a bit underwhelmed by MacDonald but his highlights are first class.
Some of his marking and kicking for goal looks every bit as accomplished as any other first choice key forward going around. I say accomplished rather than spectacular. And surely there’s no reason he couldn’t “accomplish” 50 or so goals in a season pretty soon.Some good observations there but a couple of issues to raise. First, be careful to praise Rowbottom on here. It may be dangerous for your reputation. Second, I'm a fan of Wicks too, but his goal-kicking did decline later in the year culminating in a shocker in that area in our final against GWS. Hopefully, he can work on dealing better with nerves when kicking for goal in the future. I would prefer Papps taking the shot to him at this stage.

[i'm-uninformed2]

Ok, I am going to truly shock everyone here. I agree with TB - kind of.

First things first: his constant disparagement of Rowbottom is boring, denies what a stellar 2020 he had, denies he was playing under duress in 2021, and if he disagrees with that, he disagrees with the coaches who had him top 10 last year and said he was playing injured this year but still loved what he offers so much they kept playing him anyway.

But, on JPK, he's right to say, he's best 22, and it's the job of other players to push him out.

I find some of the critique being centred on his defensive work strange. He's never been fast and able to chase down players. But a bloke who can win the ball at the contest is pretty bloody important to a team's ability to defend. And if we're comparing him to others, we're picking some strange targets. Chad? Go watch those two goals he gave up in the final. Ollie? The reason he's barely allowed in the centre square any more is his opponents regularly left him trailing. Campbell? May well be terrific, but hasn't shown it yet.

One of the reasons I am so high on JMac is his willingness to work both ways. That he is slight means the odd tackle gets broken, but he ain't anything other than a two way player. Rowie showed in the final he is elite defensively and almost single-handedly dragged us back into that game in the third quarter.

Then there is game style. It's true we've evolved alot. You've got to get your mix right and we look better when we have a contrasting set of players in there like Heeney, Chad, JMac in glimpses, Papley in patches, Rowie. But you still need blokes that can smash in and win the ball. Mills does it. Parker does it. JPK does it. When others show they can do it when the ball is at its hottest and then use their superior skills offensively, they can have his spot.

I've got no doubt this is likely JPK's last season. I think it's highly likely he steps down as captain. But by christ when it comes to a big moment when we just have to win the ball, I'll still back Joey in any day of the week.

[Ralph Dawg]

Ok, I am going to truly shock everyone here. I agree with TB - kind of.

First things first: his constant disparagement of Rowbottom is boring, denies what a stellar 2020 he had, denies he was playing under duress in 2021, and if he disagrees with that, he disagrees with the coaches who had him top 10 last year and said he was playing injured this year but still loved what he offers so much they kept playing him anyway.

But, on JPK, he's right to say, he's best 22, and it's the job of other players to push him out.

I find some of the critique being centred on his defensive work strange. He's never been fast and able to chase down players. But a bloke who can win the ball at the contest is pretty bloody important to a team's ability to defend. And if we're comparing him to others, we're picking some strange targets. Chad? Go watch those two goals he gave up in the final. Ollie? The reason he's barely allowed in the centre square any more is his opponents regularly left him trailing. Campbell? May well be terrific, but hasn't shown it yet.

One of the reasons I am so high on JMac is his willingness to work both ways. That he is slight means the odd tackle gets broken, but he ain't anything other than a two way player. Rowie showed in the final he is elite defensively and almost single-handedly dragged us back into that game in the third quarter.

Then there is game style. It's true we've evolved alot. You've got to get your mix right and we look better when we have a contrasting set of players in there like Heeney, Chad, JMac in glimpses, Papley in patches, Rowie. But you still need blokes that can smash in and win the ball. Mills does it. Parker does it. JPK does it. When others show they can do it when the ball is at its hottest and then use their superior skills offensively, they can have his spot.

I've got no doubt this is likely JPK's last season. I think it's highly likely he steps down as captain. But by christ when it comes to a big moment when we just have to win the ball, I'll still back Joey in any day of the week.
I agree 110%. JPK is still best 22. A game of footy is an evolving beast, requiring a team to have a range of attributes to keep up with the flow of a game over 4 quarters. There are still plenty of moments where we need Joey's ball winning abilities, leadership and poise. I'm really hoping we can send him out with a premiership in 2022.

[liz]

But, on JPK, he's right to say, he's best 22, and it's the job of other players to push him out.



I haven't sat and tried to do a "best 22" and I probably won't bother. But I do know that if I did, JPK would be firmly in it.

I have to take issue with whoever suggested Wicks is a better kick for goal than Papley. I like Wicks, and I think most of the criticism in here is undeserved. He's still young, inexperienced and developing. He already adds a lot to the side and should gradually add more over the next couple of seasons. If he doesn't, there is a chance he'll be overtaken by others (say a Sheather, maybe). But right now he's doing just fine.

However, his array of goal kicking talents - at the moment - doesn't come close to Papley's. Yes, Papley can sometimes be selfish. He'll sometimes have shots when he should be handing the ball off. And sometimes he misses straightforward set shots. But in between he conjures up some truly remarkable goals. Go and watch the reel on the Swans website of all his 2021 goals if you need convincing.

[i'm-uninformed2]

I haven't sat and tried to do a "best 22" and I probably won't bother. But I do know that if I did, JPK would be firmly in it.

I have to take issue with whoever suggested Wicks is a better kick for goal than Papley. I like Wicks, and I think most of the criticism in here is undeserved. He's still young, inexperienced and developing. He already adds a lot to the side and should gradually add more over the next couple of seasons. If he doesn't, there is a chance he'll be overtaken by others (say a Sheather, maybe). But right now he's doing just fine.

However, his array of goal kicking talents - at the moment - doesn't come close to Papley's. Yes, Papley can sometimes be selfish. He'll sometimes have shots when he should be handing the ball off. And sometimes he misses straightforward set shots. But in between he conjures up some truly remarkable goals. Go and watch the reel on the Swans website of all his 2021 goals if you need convincing.

Spot on. And none of this is to damn Wicks, who I reckon had a terrific year.

But you need blokes that can carve goals out of nowhere. We've got three - Buddy, Heeney and Papley. It's instinctive and it's brilliant - and bloody valuable.

[bloodspirit]

Great post IU2. I'm going to give up on trying to keep this thread on topic and join the conversation.

I'm in the JPK is still best 22 come round 1 camp. Otherwise why would we have re-signed him? Agree he is slow but think his leadership and experience is being undervalued. Right now he is still our club captain! (Although I expect him to step down (maybe be replaced by Mills) before the next season begins.)

No way is Wicks a better kick for goal than Papley. Was that based just on watching the package of Wicks goals in 2021? I was thinking "is Wicks maybe a better set shot?" - but then I remembered the ones Wicks missed (including against Richmond when he kicked 3), and I remembered Papley kicking something like 5 from 5 in the all-stars game (many of which were tough shots) - and I thought "nah, no way".

I was expecting us to de-list more players than we did this year. But we didn't. Because of that, I think we will have greater depth and be better placed to deal with injuries next year. I guess we can afford to keep Reid, Sinclair, Ronke etc because we have so much youth that have started delivering on their promise (as opposed to youth that we merely hope will develop into something). The value of the experienced players is that they teach the younger ones how to train and prepare and generally set and maintain high standards, especially at training and off the field. I think that's an important part of why we have been so successful developing players and avoiding bottoming out as a club for so long (2019 and 2020 excepted).

[Scottee]

Ok, I am going to truly shock everyone here. I agree with TB - kind of.

First things first: his constant disparagement of Rowbottom is boring, denies what a stellar 2020 he had, denies he was playing under duress in 2021, and if he disagrees with that, he disagrees with the coaches who had him top 10 last year and said he was playing injured this year but still loved what he offers so much they kept playing him anyway.

But, on JPK, he's right to say, he's best 22, and it's the job of other players to push him out.

I find some of the critique being centred on his defensive work strange. He's never been fast and able to chase down players. But a bloke who can win the ball at the contest is pretty bloody important to a team's ability to defend. And if we're comparing him to others, we're picking some strange targets. Chad? Go watch those two goals he gave up in the final. Ollie? The reason he's barely allowed in the centre square any more is his opponents regularly left him trailing. Campbell? May well be terrific, but hasn't shown it yet.

One of the reasons I am so high on JMac is his willingness to work both ways. That he is slight means the odd tackle gets broken, but he ain't anything other than a two way player. Rowie showed in the final he is elite defensively and almost single-handedly dragged us back into that game in the third quarter.

Then there is game style. It's true we've evolved alot. You've got to get your mix right and we look better when we have a contrasting set of players in there like Heeney, Chad, JMac in glimpses, Papley in patches, Rowie. But you still need blokes that can smash in and win the ball. Mills does it. Parker does it. JPK does it. When others show they can do it when the ball is at its hottest and then use their superior skills offensively, they can have his spot.

I've got no doubt this is likely JPK's last season. I think it's highly likely he steps down as captain. But by christ when it comes to a big moment when we just have to win the ball, I'll still back Joey in any day of the week.

Good analysis IU2(clap)

[sharp9]

Some good observations there but a couple of issues to raise. First, be careful to praise Rowbottom on here. It may be dangerous for your reputation. Second, I'm a fan of Wicks too, but his goal-kicking did decline later in the year culminating in a shocker in that area in our final against GWS. Hopefully, he can work on dealing better with nerves when kicking for goal in the future. I would prefer Papps taking the shot to him at this stage. Ah well, to be fair I haven’t seen the second half of that game. I was feeling super nervous, watching on delay and went and checked the final score.
I guess what I was getting at was the tremendous ball connection he is capable of making….round the corner from 50 on a few occasions. Papley did get so much better as the season wore on, you’re right. My Christmas wish is that Papley and Heeney both never miss a single shot for goal that they really SHOULD kick…for the whole of 2022. Heeney is a genius bug he won’t be a superstar till he stops missing set shots from basically in front. In my opinion his left foot round the corner from the boundary near 50 was the best goal of the entire competition this year.

[Mountain Man]

Maybe not best 22 issue, but I have always been unsure of the mysteries of "ruck craft": taps to advantage, body contact, winning your of ball etc. The discussion on JPK has brought again to mind.

The desired outcome from the ruck contest is to have the ball going our way (and negate it going their way).

There has a been lots of discussion on the impact that Hickey made in 2021; and the value of "a different look" from the growing number of our potential players attending (and winning) ruck contests - particularly centre bounces.

Do all of those potential players need to equally read the ability of our ruck (and the skills of their ruck)? Does Ladhams create an advantage or just a further learning curve for those attending if his ruck craft differs from that of Hickey. What is the balance between winning the ball, and avoiding damage from an initial loss?

I think that Cox is both our ruck coach and our midfield coach so presumably he has the answers, but I would welcome the education from RWOers (and how that plays out for the best 22 team in 2022 - as a sop to staying on topic!)

[Ludwig]

I believe there's a difference between "best 22" and "starting 22", which would be the players that actually play in a round. The best 22 don't always get to play, as consideration for team balance and player development must play a part in who gets picked each week. Sometimes older players need to be sacrificed, from a playing time perspective, to ensure that quality younger players get enough game time to keep them at the club and improve their skills.

[i'm-uninformed2]

I believe there's a difference between "best 22" and "starting 22", which would be the players that actually play in a round. The best 22 don't always get to play, as consideration for team balance and player development must play a part in who gets picked each week. Sometimes older players need to be sacrificed, from a playing time perspective, to ensure that quality younger players get enough game time to keep them at the club and improve their skills.

Kind of agree, and don't dispute the best vs starting logic.

But I suspect the bit re player development, we've lent heavily that way the last few years at times, particularly during 2019 and 2020.

Where I reckon we got to in 2021 and we will be charging into 2022, is best starting 22. If a young bloke (as Gulden did this year) is good enough to wedge his way in, he'll be picked. If's not (as occurred to Stephens at times this year) he won't be. We'll be going hard at it whilst we have Buddy and are up there challenging.

Take, Logan, for example. He'll get picked as long as he shows he can compete and contribute. But he's still developing, and there'll be times to rest or drop him. If he has a 15 game season, that's cool with me.

As for JPK, there may be times to give him a week off. I suspect what we will more see with him is game time and starting centre square time managed, as occurred this year.

Either way, we now have the luxury of depth, which we haven't really had for a few years.

[NeonBible]

Hi all,

Thought while the topic of what our 22 will look like was relevant I would add my two cents.. I doubt we'll be seeing any of next week's draft picks in our rd 1 team.. Unless there is an Errol Gulden among them, though doubtful.. so i am ruling them out and operating under the pretence that everyone is fit!

& rather than name them as magnets on a field, I have grouped them into the categories and positions I think they are likely to fill..

Defenders: I would say there are five certainties here..
- Tom McCartin, our strong, athletic key defender. He will be more ready to handle the opposition's monster forwards with every year that he gets bigger and stronger and more experienced.
- Dane Rampe, possibly in his final year? Either way he is our leader and general down back, hopefully will take the 3rd tall every week rather than have to play above his size.
- Jake Lloyd, another leader, our accumulator and distributor from half back.
- Harry Cunningham, maybe the best small lockdown defender we have. Handy on the opposition smalls like McDonald-Tipungwuti and Liam Ryan.
- Nick Blakey, a revelation in defence. Floats across to take marks but most important is the penetration we get from his exciting dash and run! It's thrilling to watch..

The final spot in defence will most likely need to be another strong key defender, to work in tandem with Tommy Mac. I have taken the coward's option and left it open for two players.. Lewis Melican and Paddy McCartin.. but i cannot say one over the other as there are too many questions to this stage.. will Melican ever be fit? will Paddy justify our recruiting him??

So that is T. McCartin (1), Rampe (2), Lloyd (3), Cunningham (4), Blakey (5) and either Melican/P. McCartin (6)

Midfielders: I would say there are four certainties here..
- Luke Parker, our spiritual leader and best player.
- Callum Mills, a revelation in the midfield this year, has another level to go to..
- Josh Kennedy. A hot topic on here it seems but i doubt we would sign him and keep him as captain if we were planning on banishing him to the VFL..
- Oliver Florent, another controversial player for RWOers but despite what we might think, he is a favourite of Longmire's, top 10 finish in the best & fairest this year.. he won't be going anywhere.

That adds Parker (7), Mills (8), Kennedy (9) and Florent (10)

Ruckmen: It is safe to assume we will have two next year and it is certain who they will be already..
- Tom Hickey, yet another revelation for us.. made such a huge difference to our midfield
- Peter Ladhams, we've made the investment to get him to the Swans, we will definitely see what he can do as 2nd ruck/resting fwd before we give anyone else a go..

Hickey (11), Ladhams (12)

Forwards: I only have 3 certainties here:
- Lance Franklin.. bring on the 1000!!
- Tom Papley, his first All Australian blazer this year and i bet it won't be his last!
- Will Hayward, turned his form around big-time to have an equal-career high goals.. fantastic effort from Will as the medium fwd.

But i am tempted to include two others as near-certainties:
- Logan McDonald, who we didn't see much of this year but i loved everything i did see! I am confident the coaches will want to see as much of him as possible next year, but not certain of it.
- Sam Wicks, our best defensive pressure fwd, changed the dynamics of our forward line to his credit, but his accuracy and skills occasionally let him down.. it should be enough to see him in the side next year, but cant be certain of it.

That is Franklin (13), Papley (14), Hayward (15), McDonald (16) and Wicks (17)

Miscellaneous: These are the ones who I am certain will be in the team, though where they will play and what role they will serve isn't certain..
- Errol Gulden, a teenage marvel.. what else is there to say? Only question will be whether he spends more time forward or midfield, and if midfield, will that be off a wing or more inside? We know he will be great either way.
- Justin McInerney, love the way Juzzy plays.. he has looked fantastic on a wing and equally fantastic off half back.. hell, even on the inside a couple of times he looked good!! It depends whether we see a need for him in defence with Blakey & Lloyd doing rebounding.. we might want Juzzy further up the field to capitalise on his wonderful kicking inside 50??
- Isaac Heeney, a star. Like Gulden.. what else is there to say?? JL has teased a move to the midfield, but he did kick a career-high goals this year?? Could be a 50/50 split? We know he will be wonderful contributor wherever he plays.
- Chad Warner.. "The Chad" was going great guns until injury disrupted his year.. never got going after that and understandably looked out of sorts in the final. We would've seen enough to know what kind of a ripper talent we are dealing with here.. just a matter of how much midfield time he will get with so many others also wanting a look in.

Gulden (18), McInerney (19), Heeney (20) and Warner (21)

That leaves just one spot left, and there were quite a few to consider, particularly Stephens who i would love to see rewarded for his commitment to the Swans by re-signing and get some confidence back as a former top 5 pick.. but i have given the last spot to another top 5 pick..
- Braeden Campbell, he is the exact kind of explosive, line-breaking, target-hitting left-footer who could do some real damage in our team.. came back from injury with some real confidence and think he'll go to another level next year.

Campbell (22)

Phew, that was a work out!! Maybe i should've stuck to the standard magnet board formula :rofl: Plenty of time for things to change, things to go wrong, things to pleasantly surprise us.. let the journey begin.. onwards to 2022!

CHEER CHEER

[Maltopia]

Hi all,

Thought while the topic of what our 22 will look like was relevant I would add my two cents.. I doubt we'll be seeing any of next week's draft picks in our rd 1 team.. Unless there is an Errol Gulden among them, though doubtful.. so i am ruling them out and operating under the pretence that everyone is fit!

& rather than name them as magnets on a field, I have grouped them into the categories and positions I think they are likely to fill..

Defenders: I would say there are five certainties here..
- Tom McCartin, our strong, athletic key defender. He will be more ready to handle the opposition's monster forwards with every year that he gets bigger and stronger and more experienced.
- Dane Rampe, possibly in his final year? Either way he is our leader and general down back, hopefully will take the 3rd tall every week rather than have to play above his size.
- Jake Lloyd, another leader, our accumulator and distributor from half back.
- Harry Cunningham, maybe the best small lockdown defender we have. Handy on the opposition smalls like McDonald-Tipungwuti and Liam Ryan.
- Nick Blakey, a revelation in defence. Floats across to take marks but most important is the penetration we get from his exciting dash and run! It's thrilling to watch..

The final spot in defence will most likely need to be another strong key defender, to work in tandem with Tommy Mac. I have taken the coward's option and left it open for two players.. Lewis Melican and Paddy McCartin.. but i cannot say one over the other as there are too many questions to this stage.. will Melican ever be fit? will Paddy justify our recruiting him??

So that is T. McCartin (1), Rampe (2), Lloyd (3), Cunningham (4), Blakey (5) and either Melican/P. McCartin (6)

Midfielders: I would say there are four certainties here..
- Luke Parker, our spiritual leader and best player.
- Callum Mills, a revelation in the midfield this year, has another level to go to..
- Josh Kennedy. A hot topic on here it seems but i doubt we would sign him and keep him as captain if we were planning on banishing him to the VFL..
- Oliver Florent, another controversial player for RWOers but despite what we might think, he is a favourite of Longmire's, top 10 finish in the best & fairest this year.. he won't be going anywhere.

That adds Parker (7), Mills (8), Kennedy (9) and Florent (10)

Ruckmen: It is safe to assume we will have two next year and it is certain who they will be already..
- Tom Hickey, yet another revelation for us.. made such a huge difference to our midfield
- Peter Ladhams, we've made the investment to get him to the Swans, we will definitely see what he can do as 2nd ruck/resting fwd before we give anyone else a go..

Hickey (11), Ladhams (12)

Forwards: I only have 3 certainties here:
- Lance Franklin.. bring on the 1000!!
- Tom Papley, his first All Australian blazer this year and i bet it won't be his last!
- Will Hayward, turned his form around big-time to have an equal-career high goals.. fantastic effort from Will as the medium fwd.

But i am tempted to include two others as near-certainties:
- Logan McDonald, who we didn't see much of this year but i loved everything i did see! I am confident the coaches will want to see as much of him as possible next year, but not certain of it.
- Sam Wicks, our best defensive pressure fwd, changed the dynamics of our forward line to his credit, but his accuracy and skills occasionally let him down.. it should be enough to see him in the side next year, but cant be certain of it.

That is Franklin (13), Papley (14), Hayward (15), McDonald (16) and Wicks (17)

Miscellaneous: These are the ones who I am certain will be in the team, though where they will play and what role they will serve isn't certain..
- Errol Gulden, a teenage marvel.. what else is there to say? Only question will be whether he spends more time forward or midfield, and if midfield, will that be off a wing or more inside? We know he will be great either way.
- Justin McInerney, love the way Juzzy plays.. he has looked fantastic on a wing and equally fantastic off half back.. hell, even on the inside a couple of times he looked good!! It depends whether we see a need for him in defence with Blakey & Lloyd doing rebounding.. we might want Juzzy further up the field to capitalise on his wonderful kicking inside 50??
- Isaac Heeney, a star. Like Gulden.. what else is there to say?? JL has teased a move to the midfield, but he did kick a career-high goals this year?? Could be a 50/50 split? We know he will be wonderful contributor wherever he plays.
- Chad Warner.. "The Chad" was going great guns until injury disrupted his year.. never got going after that and understandably looked out of sorts in the final. We would've seen enough to know what kind of a ripper talent we are dealing with here.. just a matter of how much midfield time he will get with so many others also wanting a look in.

Gulden (18), McInerney (19), Heeney (20) and Warner (21)

That leaves just one spot left, and there were quite a few to consider, particularly Stephens who i would love to see rewarded for his commitment to the Swans by re-signing and get some confidence back as a former top 5 pick.. but i have given the last spot to another top 5 pick..
- Braeden Campbell, he is the exact kind of explosive, line-breaking, target-hitting left-footer who could do some real damage in our team.. came back from injury with some real confidence and think he'll go to another level next year.

Campbell (22)

Phew, that was a work out!! Maybe i should've stuck to the standard magnet board formula :rofl: Plenty of time for things to change, things to go wrong, things to pleasantly surprise us.. let the journey begin.. onwards to 2022!

CHEER CHEER

Careful, your total ignoring of Rowbottom will have some thinking you are an alter ego of TheBloods!!!

I would go with Fox for his altheticism over Melican, and he certainly got more games than Melican last year. Even O’Riordan got more games than Melican and looked solid.

[NeonBible]

Careful, your total ignoring of Rowbottom will have some thinking you are an alter ego of TheBloods!!!

I would go with Fox for his altheticism over Melican, and he certainly got more games than Melican last year. Even O’Riordan got more games than Melican and looked solid.

Heh.. wasn't quite ignoring Rowbottom, he is definitely one to consider and I think he is a good player. I'm a fan, though i don't see a place for him in our best team if all are fit. No shame in that, it's a quality side that i think is going places and that will mean some good players miss out!

And fair stance with Fox & Colin. They did seem better than Melican. I'm not sure what to make of him. He gets my hopes up a lot! I just worry we can't go another year playing 186/187cm players on the key forwards who seem to be getting taller and more athletic with every year!

[Ludwig]

Heh.. wasn't quite ignoring Rowbottom, he is definitely one to consider and I think he is a good player. I'm a fan, though i don't see a place for him in our best team if all are fit. No shame in that, it's a quality side that i think is going places and that will mean some good players miss out!

And fair stance with Fox & Colin. They did seem better than Melican. I'm not sure what to make of him. He gets my hopes up a lot! I just worry we can't go another year playing 186/187cm players on the key forwards who seem to be getting taller and more athletic with every year!
You should have said it was just an oversight on Rowbottom, because, barring injury, he's going to be a regulars in the side in 2022. He's the main reason we let Hewett go.

Fox and O'Riordan are both capable of playing as medium defenders, halfbacks and on the wing, if only we had a spot for them. With Paddy coming onto the list and Reid likely to train up with the key defenders, I don't think we will be playing an undersized defence this year, so Fox is not in competition with Melican for a spot in the side.

[Buzz13]

Pretty amazing when only 7 of best 22 are over age 25



Hi all,

Thought while the topic of what our 22 will look like was relevant I would add my two cents.. I doubt we'll be seeing any of next week's draft picks in our rd 1 team.. Unless there is an Errol Gulden among them, though doubtful.. so i am ruling them out and operating under the pretence that everyone is fit!

& rather than name them as magnets on a field, I have grouped them into the categories and positions I think they are likely to fill..

Defenders: I would say there are five certainties here..
- Tom McCartin, our strong, athletic key defender. He will be more ready to handle the opposition's monster forwards with every year that he gets bigger and stronger and more experienced.
- Dane Rampe, possibly in his final year? Either way he is our leader and general down back, hopefully will take the 3rd tall every week rather than have to play above his size.
- Jake Lloyd, another leader, our accumulator and distributor from half back.
- Harry Cunningham, maybe the best small lockdown defender we have. Handy on the opposition smalls like McDonald-Tipungwuti and Liam Ryan.
- Nick Blakey, a revelation in defence. Floats across to take marks but most important is the penetration we get from his exciting dash and run! It's thrilling to watch..

The final spot in defence will most likely need to be another strong key defender, to work in tandem with Tommy Mac. I have taken the coward's option and left it open for two players.. Lewis Melican and Paddy McCartin.. but i cannot say one over the other as there are too many questions to this stage.. will Melican ever be fit? will Paddy justify our recruiting him??

So that is T. McCartin (1), Rampe (2), Lloyd (3), Cunningham (4), Blakey (5) and either Melican/P. McCartin (6)

Midfielders: I would say there are four certainties here..
- Luke Parker, our spiritual leader and best player.
- Callum Mills, a revelation in the midfield this year, has another level to go to..
- Josh Kennedy. A hot topic on here it seems but i doubt we would sign him and keep him as captain if we were planning on banishing him to the VFL..
- Oliver Florent, another controversial player for RWOers but despite what we might think, he is a favourite of Longmire's, top 10 finish in the best & fairest this year.. he won't be going anywhere.

That adds Parker (7), Mills (8), Kennedy (9) and Florent (10)

Ruckmen: It is safe to assume we will have two next year and it is certain who they will be already..
- Tom Hickey, yet another revelation for us.. made such a huge difference to our midfield
- Peter Ladhams, we've made the investment to get him to the Swans, we will definitely see what he can do as 2nd ruck/resting fwd before we give anyone else a go..

Hickey (11), Ladhams (12)

Forwards: I only have 3 certainties here:
- Lance Franklin.. bring on the 1000!!
- Tom Papley, his first All Australian blazer this year and i bet it won't be his last!
- Will Hayward, turned his form around big-time to have an equal-career high goals.. fantastic effort from Will as the medium fwd.

But i am tempted to include two others as near-certainties:
- Logan McDonald, who we didn't see much of this year but i loved everything i did see! I am confident the coaches will want to see as much of him as possible next year, but not certain of it.
- Sam Wicks, our best defensive pressure fwd, changed the dynamics of our forward line to his credit, but his accuracy and skills occasionally let him down.. it should be enough to see him in the side next year, but cant be certain of it.

That is Franklin (13), Papley (14), Hayward (15), McDonald (16) and Wicks (17)

Miscellaneous: These are the ones who I am certain will be in the team, though where they will play and what role they will serve isn't certain..
- Errol Gulden, a teenage marvel.. what else is there to say? Only question will be whether he spends more time forward or midfield, and if midfield, will that be off a wing or more inside? We know he will be great either way.
- Justin McInerney, love the way Juzzy plays.. he has looked fantastic on a wing and equally fantastic off half back.. hell, even on the inside a couple of times he looked good!! It depends whether we see a need for him in defence with Blakey & Lloyd doing rebounding.. we might want Juzzy further up the field to capitalise on his wonderful kicking inside 50??
- Isaac Heeney, a star. Like Gulden.. what else is there to say?? JL has teased a move to the midfield, but he did kick a career-high goals this year?? Could be a 50/50 split? We know he will be wonderful contributor wherever he plays.
- Chad Warner.. "The Chad" was going great guns until injury disrupted his year.. never got going after that and understandably looked out of sorts in the final. We would've seen enough to know what kind of a ripper talent we are dealing with here.. just a matter of how much midfield time he will get with so many others also wanting a look in.

Gulden (18), McInerney (19), Heeney (20) and Warner (21)

That leaves just one spot left, and there were quite a few to consider, particularly Stephens who i would love to see rewarded for his commitment to the Swans by re-signing and get some confidence back as a former top 5 pick.. but i have given the last spot to another top 5 pick..
- Braeden Campbell, he is the exact kind of explosive, line-breaking, target-hitting left-footer who could do some real damage in our team.. came back from injury with some real confidence and think he'll go to another level next year.

Campbell (22)

Phew, that was a work out!! Maybe i should've stuck to the standard magnet board formula :rofl: Plenty of time for things to change, things to go wrong, things to pleasantly surprise us.. let the journey begin.. onwards to 2022!

CHEER CHEER

[Maltopia]

Imagine if Dawson hadn’t left? NeonBible’s list would have Rowbottom and Campbell outside the team.

Then we have either Paddy or Melican, Stephens, Reid, Fox, O’Riordan, Bell, BOC, Sheather and Gould as well - plus Ronke who played two games last year. What a list!

We are assuming that Paddy is ready to go round one as well. He might be a cheap Reid upgrade or replacement that we figure is good for 10-13 games a year rather than first 22 given his comeback and he has been solid rather than tearing up the NEAFL.

During the year, we just have to hope for no major injury to any in our top 10-12 (like Mills and Blakey last year) as there are so many players who can slot in if one of the second tier get injured with little impact on us.

It will be easier to do this exercise once Franklin, JPK, Rampe and even Parker have all retired in the coming years!

[NeonBible]

You should have said it was just an oversight on Rowbottom, because, barring injury, he's going to be a regulars in the side in 2022. He's the main reason we let Hewett go.

Fox and O'Riordan are both capable of playing as medium defenders, halfbacks and on the wing, if only we had a spot for them. With Paddy coming onto the list and Reid likely to train up with the key defenders, I don't think we will be playing an undersized defence this year, so Fox is not in competition with Melican for a spot in the side.

I don't doubt we will see plenty of Rowy next year, Ludwig. Injuries are unavoidable! I know you are a big fan of his - so am I :) My omission of him was less a knock on James himself and more a desire to see what others like Chad and Campbell can do in the midfield. With spots in there limited it seems inevitable that there will be one who misses out. I suppose everyone will have a different idea of who that player is! You've suggested Joey, others haven't included young Campbell as the most unproven mid.. i just see more of a place for those two than James at this point.

[Auntie.Gerald]

If Heeney can make the transition back to his natural position in the mids hunting the ball with Mills, Kennedy and Parker.....that is a ridiculously powerful inside combo of mids and didn't leave room for Hewett.

That is a very difficult 4 players to match up on as we haven't even seen the ceiling of what Mills and Henney can do in the mids and together with Parker and Kennedy......that is the Guns of Navarone fire-power.

Warner, Florent, Rowbottom, Cambo, Errol, Paps, Wicks, McInerny, Blakey, Stephens rotating through the centre and outside for parts of games and matchups is a strong cartel.

McDonald, Paddy, Latham, Reid and maybe even Sheather added at time to our forward line in 2022 will also bring a different blend than 2021 which is pretty exciting. Hayward 30 plus Paps 40 plus and Bud 50 plus goals for 2022 is starting to look standard if they play 18 plus games each.

Backline I would not discount Gould, Fox, Oriordan going to that next level to support Rampe, Tom, Harry, Lloyd, Blakey.

Strong unit for 2022 and if injuries are minimal top4 should be expected quote frankly.

Lower down the table is not acceptable while we still have critical big time players in Buddy, Kennedy and Rampe all on our list and ighly capable for 2022

[Kafka's Ghost]

If Heeney can make the transition back to his natural position in the mids hunting the ball with Mills, Kennedy and Parker.....that is a ridiculously powerful inside combo of mids and didn't leave room for Hewett.

That is a very difficult 4 players to match up on as we haven't even seen the ceiling of what Mills and Henney can do in the mids and together with Parker and Kennedy......that is the Guns of Navarone fire-power.

Warner, Florent, Rowbottom, Cambo, Errol, Paps, Wicks, McInerny, Blakey, Stephens rotating through the centre and outside for parts of games and matchups is a strong cartel.

McDonald, Paddy, Latham, Reid and maybe even Sheather added at time to our forward line in 2022 will also bring a different blend than 2021 which is pretty exciting. Hayward 30 plus Paps 40 plus and Bud 50 plus goals for 2022 is starting to look standard if they play 18 plus games each.

Backline I would not discount Gould, Fox, Oriordan going to that next level to support Rampe, Tom, Harry, Lloyd, Blakey.

Strong unit for 2022 and if injuries are minimal top4 should be expected quote frankly.

Lower down the table is not acceptable while we still have critical big time players in Buddy, Kennedy and Rampe all on our list and ighly capable for 2022

Great post. It became clear through 2020 we were building a strong list, despite the inexperience then. It bore fruit in 2021, and should again 2022, injuries and form being equal. Agree entirely regarding Mills; a future AA midfielder there.

[Ralph Dawg]

Barring injury, I think it's unlikely any of our draft haul debut R1. Maybe Sheldrick as a small pressure forward - some of his highlights show he's strong in the one on one marking contest around goals and he certainly can tackle.

[Bangalore Swans]

Updated team:

B Rampe P.McCartin Campbell
HF J-Mac T.McCartin Blakey
C Florent Heeney Stephens
HF Heyward Franklin Gulden
F Logan Ladhams Papley
Foll Hickey Mills Parker
Inter Chad Kennedy Rowbotton Sheldrick

Medical-Cunningham

No room in the 22 for Cunningham or Wicks. They are one position players and I want flexibility.

In the backline I can move J-Mac, Campbell or Blakey onto a wing.

Mills can play half back.

Florent, Parker and Heeney can rotate forward.

Papley can play in the centre square.

The bench midfield strength of Chad, Rowbottom, Kennedy and Sheldrick is huge and allows flexibility.

I can’t wait to see J-Mac, Blakey and Campbell breaking the lines with run, carry and skill off half back.

[Ralph Dawg]

Updated team:

B Rampe P.McCartin Campbell
HF J-Mac T.McCartin Blakey
C Florent Heeney Stephens
HF Heyward Franklin Gulden
F Logan Ladhams Papley
Foll Hickey Mills Parker
Inter Chad Kennedy Rowbotton Sheldrick

Medical-Cunningham

No room in the 22 for Cunningham or Wicks. They are one position players and I want flexibility.

In the backline I can move J-Mac, Campbell or Blakey onto a wing.

Mills can play half back.

Florent, Parker and Heeney can rotate forward.

Papley can play in the centre square.

The bench midfield strength of Chad, Rowbottom, Kennedy and Sheldrick is huge and allows flexibility.

I can’t wait to see J-Mac, Blakey and Campbell breaking the lines with run, carry and skill off half back.
Surely there's a spot for Lloyd in there. Cunningham is our best small defender IMO, has to be in the team if fit.

[i'm-uninformed2]

Updated team:

B Rampe P.McCartin Campbell
HF J-Mac T.McCartin Blakey
C Florent Heeney Stephens
HF Heyward Franklin Gulden
F Logan Ladhams Papley
Foll Hickey Mills Parker
Inter Chad Kennedy Rowbotton Sheldrick

Medical-Cunningham

No room in the 22 for Cunningham or Wicks. They are one position players and I want flexibility.

In the backline I can move J-Mac, Campbell or Blakey onto a wing.

Mills can play half back.

Florent, Parker and Heeney can rotate forward.

Papley can play in the centre square.

The bench midfield strength of Chad, Rowbottom, Kennedy and Sheldrick is huge and allows flexibility.

I can’t wait to see J-Mac, Blakey and Campbell breaking the lines with run, carry and skill off half back.

I get your logic and you do want balance and speed and flexibility, but sometimes there's value in having single role players like Cunningham. Hell, Nick Smith was one of our finest for a decade doing just that. I'll bet he saved us a lot more goals every time he clamped a Milne or a Betts or a Cyril than an alternative flexible dasher would have created.

[bloodspirit]

I think it's unlikely that any of our new draftees will debut R1 - with the possible exception of Paddy McCartin once he gets on our list.

[Bangalore Swans]

Surely there's a spot for Lloyd in there. Cunningham is our best small defender IMO, has to be in the team if fit.

Apologies. Sheldrick out, Lloyd in.

[Bangalore Swans]

I get your logic and you do want balance and speed and flexibility, but sometimes there's value in having single role players like Cunningham. Hell, Nick Smith was one of our finest for a decade doing just that. I'll bet he saved us a lot more goals every time he clamped a Milne or a Betts or a Cyril than an alternative flexible dasher would have created.

True. But we can’t go back. The football this year was the most entertaining I’ve seen from a Swans team. I want more of the entertaining football. I want switching, run and carry, corridor and elite skills from players who can play multiple positions.

That’s not Cunningham. We can’t go back.

[Auntie.Gerald]

wow 2011 round 8................. an inside inside inside mid by the name of Luke PARKER got in there at 18yrs of age and ripped in

Could Angus do the same in 2022 before round 8 ?



Sydney Swans v Port Adelaide
SCG – Sat May 14, 7:40pm - 2011

Sydney Swans

B: Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Ted Richards, Alex Johnson
HB: Tadhg Kennelly, Heath Grundy, Nicholas Smith
C: Rhyce Shaw, Craig Bird, Jarrad McVeigh
HF: Ben McGlynn, Sam Reid, Daniel Hannebery
F: Andrejs Everitt, Adam Goodes, Ryan O’Keefe
Foll: Shane Mumford, Jude Bolton, Josh P. Kennedy
I/C: Martin Mattner, Lewis Jetta, Nathan Gordon, L]uke Parke[/B]r
Emg: Jarred Moore, Lewis Johnston, Mark Seaby

In: Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Luke Parker
Out: Jarred Moore, Mike Pyke (Quad)

New: Luke Parker (Dandenong Stingrays)

[i'm-uninformed2]

True. But we can’t go back. The football this year was the most entertaining I’ve seen from a Swans team. I want more of the entertaining football. I want switching, run and carry, corridor and elite skills from players who can play multiple positions.

That’s not Cunningham. We can’t go back.

What’s Tom McCartin, or Tom Hickey?

[Bangalore Swans]

What’s Tom McCartin, or Tom Hickey?

You could throw Tom McCartin forward. It’s versatility. Hickey could go forward but less effective than Tom McCartin.

What I’m enthused about is J-Mac, Blakey and Campbell storing out of the backline and being creative. I got used to McVeigh off half back over many years with his little bauk and 20m kick. Now the Swans half back line is going to dominate the competition. Buddy will be able to play until he’s 40 because the ball will move so swiftly and so accurately. It all starts from off half back.

[i'm-uninformed2]

Personally, I wouldn’t have any of the three bogged down on Charlie Cameron or Kosie Pickett or Toby Greene or Shia Bolton or Weightman. And someone has to tend to them because good small forwards can do serious damage. (I also think it undersells Harry’s speed, willingness to run and kicking skills).

I’ll be clear: I don’t disagree with your principle of how we should play and look at our best, and if one of them can shut down those players AND give us the dash and dare, great.

But let me try it this way, if Papley was playing for an opposing side, which of the three above would you back to do a better job on him than Cunningham?

[Bangalore Swans]

Personally, I wouldn’t have any of the three bogged down on Charlie Cameron or Kosie Pickett or Toby Greene or Shia Bolton or Weightman. And someone has to tend to them because good small forwards can do serious damage. (I also think it undersells Harry’s speed, willingness to run and kicking skills).

I’ll be clear: I don’t disagree with your principle of how we should play and look at our best, and if one of them can shut down those players AND give us the dash and dare, great.

But let me try it this way, if Papley was playing for an opposing side, which of the three above would you back to do a better job on him than Cunningham?

Your correct with that argument. Cunningham would be the match for Papley. I think Blakey on Papley would be an interesting match. Blakey is very good at ground level and if Papley got too close to the marking contest then Blakey would kill the contest 3rd man up. Blakey would match Papley for speed and would challenge Papley with his attacking run.

Has anyone seen a Papley v Blakey match up at training?

[wolftone57]

Firstly, Dawson needs replacing. Do we replace Dawson with a draftee? Or do we look to someone like Gould? The pre-season games will sort out who will come into the side. I am sure that most of our draftees will get a go at some time or other. Rankin, funnily enough, looks very close to being an AFL player. It is interesting that one of dalrymple said that if he hadn't had an injury and a shortedned season he would have been ranked in the top 10.

[AB Swannie]

No room for our draftees and that is an awesome thing.

From our loss to GWS:
Out: Dawson, Hewett, Bell, O'Riordan, McLean
In: Blakey, Mills, Kennedy, Campbell, Ladhams

FB: Cunningham, Melican, Rampe
HB: Lloyd, T. McCartin, McInerney
C: Florent, Kennedy, Heeney
HF: Hayward, Ladhams, Gulden
F: Papley, Franklin, Wicks
Foll: Hickey, Parker, Mills
Int: Warner, Rowbottom, Campbell, Blakey
Sub: Stephens

Melican may be replaced by Paddy or maybe even Reid but I'm hoping that if he is selected, it means that he has trained down several houses in pre-season and has asserted himself as the KPD we need.

[COB]

No room for our draftees and that is an awesome thing.

From our loss to GWS:
Out: Dawson, Hewett, Bell, O'Riordan, McLean
In: Blakey, Mills, Kennedy, Campbell, Ladhams

FB: Cunningham, Melican, Rampe
HB: Lloyd, T. McCartin, McInerney
C: Florent, Kennedy, Heeney
HF: Hayward, Ladhams, Gulden
F: Papley, Franklin, Wicks
Foll: Hickey, Parker, Mills
Int: Warner, Rowbottom, Campbell, Blakey
Sub: Stephens

Melican may be replaced by Paddy or maybe even Reid but I'm hoping that if he is selected, it means that he has trained down several houses in pre-season and has asserted himself as the KPD we need.

I like your team but would probably have McDonald in instead of Rowbottom or Wicks unless playing in the wet.

[bloodspirit]

Firstly, Dawson needs replacing. Do we replace Dawson with a draftee? Or do we look to someone like Gould? The pre-season games will sort out who will come into the side. I am sure that most of our draftees will get a go at some time or other. Rankin, funnily enough, looks very close to being an AFL player. It is interesting that one of dalrymple said that if he hadn't had an injury and a shortedned season he would have been ranked in the top 10.

Good question. I like the Gould suggestion. It depends what about Dawson you are trying to replace but Gould offers both a booming kick and, I'd hope, a decent marking target. Of course, assuming he is ready to play AFL at all, it'll be a good while before he makes Dawson level (if ever).


I like your team but would probably have McDonald in instead of Rowbottom or Wicks unless playing in the wet.

+ 1

Also, may well be Paddy McCartin or even Gould (as per Woltftone's suggestion) instead of Melican depending on who shows the most in the pre-season.

I think there's a small chance Roberts could make it into the team ahead of Wicks in that pressure forward role. Roberts is a noted tackler and has the ability to kick goals. I'd have Wicks as the frontrunner but with a chance for Roberts if he can really impress over the pre-season.

- - - Updated - - -

An idle musing: do you think there's any chance we would have selected Alleer (or any of those other four picked before Gus Sheldrick) if he'd been available at our first pick?

[AB Swannie]

I like your team but would probably have McDonald in instead of Rowbottom or Wicks unless playing in the wet.

Damn. I knew there was someone I missed. Agree totally. McDonald must play as the 3rd tall with Heeney spending more time midfield.

[The Runner]

Good question. I like the Gould suggestion. It depends what about Dawson you are trying to replace but Gould offers both a booming kick and, I'd hope, a decent marking target. Of course, assuming he is ready to play AFL at all, it'll be a good while before he makes Dawson level (if ever).



+ 1

Also, may well be Paddy McCartin or even Gould (as per Woltftone's suggestion) instead of Melican depending on who shows the most in the pre-season.

I think there's a small chance Roberts could make it into the team ahead of Wicks in that pressure forward role. Roberts is a noted tackler and has the ability to kick goals. I'd have Wicks as the frontrunner but with a chance for Roberts if he can really impress over the pre-season.

- - - Updated - - -

An idle musing: do you think there's any chance we would have selected Alleer (or any of those other four picked before Gus Sheldrick) if he'd been available at our first pick?

No. The speed in which we submitted our bid, it implied that we was a major priority for us, and they think they have a steal. Usually there's a little deliberation or debate - it was almost instant.

[Nico]

Whatever, it's going to be a real competition for a spot.

[AB Swannie]

What is obvious is that it is really hard to pick a best 23. Within this thread, there is talk of seriously talented players like Campbell, Rowbottom, Stephens, Wicks, and even JPK missing out on selection. Also consider that the team I picked, there are 16 players aged 25 years or younger.

[Ruck'n'Roll]

I think it's unlikely that any of our new draftees will debut R1 - with the possible exception of Paddy McCartin once he gets on our list.

Sure Paddy was the #1 draft pick seven years ago, but the Swans have had a lot of opportunities to add Paddy to their list, but so far have repeatedly (and maybe pointedly) failed to do so.

Perhaps his inclusion in the Swans VFL squad may need to be viewed as just that - nothing more, nothing less.

[Auntie.Gerald]

SYDNEY SWANS 2022 - if Paddy and Anderson join. For me Melican and Fox will be in the defensive line depending on matchups as they both bring something important depending on who we are playing.

I suspect we will give McDonald a shot first and see how long he can maintain Snr standard.

B - Fox Rampe Cunningham
HB - Lloyd McCartin Blakey
C - Florent Heeney McInerny
HF - Wicks Franklin Gulden
F - Papley McDonald Hayward
Foll - Hickey Parker Mills

Interchange
19. Warner Chad
20. Campbell
21. Ladhams
22. Kennedy

B - Oconnor, Reid, Melican
HB - Gould, Paddy, Oriordan
C - Stephens, Rowbottom, WarnerJnr
HF - Bell, Amartey, Rankin
F - Ronke, McClean, Sheather
Foll - Sinkers, Gus, Roberts
Bench - McAndrew, Taylor, Clarke, Anderson

Long term injury list: Naismith

[Roadrunner]

Sure Paddy was the #1 draft pick seven years ago, but the Swans have had a lot of opportunities to add Paddy to their list, but so far have repeatedly (and maybe pointedly) failed to do so.

Perhaps his inclusion in the Swans VFL squad may need to be viewed as just that - nothing more, nothing less.

We will need Paddy in the backline as we are short against monster forwards. Fox is not strong enough, unlike Ramps, to compete with them. Was thinking that Robbie could be good cover at HB, where first choice would be Blakey and Lloyd, and he and COR in case of injury. He is athletic, has good disposal and a great tank, a good mark- a kinda “replacement” for Dawso. What do you think?

[COB]

We will need Paddy in the backline as we are short against monster forwards. Fox is not strong enough, unlike Ramps, to compete with them. Was thinking that Robbie could be good cover at HB, where first choice would be Blakey and Lloyd, and he and COR in case of injury. He is athletic, has good disposal and a great tank, a good mark- a kinda “replacement” for Dawso. What do you think?

It would seem very unlikely to me that Paddy would be in the seniors early in the season. He hasn't played a senior game since R16 2018 and very little footy of any kind since then. Also very little meaningful experience as a key defender. Very big ask but happy to be proven wrong as I think key defender is our biggest weakness.

[Ruck'n'Roll]

We will need Paddy in the backline as we are short against monster forwards. Fox is not strong enough, unlike Ramps, to compete with them. Was thinking that Robbie could be good cover at HB, where first choice would be Blakey and Lloyd, and he and COR in case of injury. He is athletic, has good disposal and a great tank, a good mark- a kinda “replacement” for Dawso. What do you think?

Me? Two years ago I said the most important player on the list was Sam Naismith, and the Swans year would depend on his fitness or otherwise. As we look towards 2022, I'm trying not to feel the same about Lewis Melican. But with the departure of Brand, the big defender cupbord is looking extremely bare. If he falls over yet again, we will be depending on someone to play well out of their weight division and support McCartin junior. Rampe's done it for years, but like Leo, Dennis and Francis before him - the toll on the bodies of undersized key position players can be hefty.
As I said the Swans none selection of McCartinn senior is suggestive.

[AB Swannie]

Me? Two years ago I said the most important player on the list was Sam Naismith, and the Swans year would depend on his fitness or otherwise. As we look towards 2022, I'm trying not to feel the same about Lewis Melican. But with the departure of Brand, the big defender cupbord is looking extremely bare. If he falls over yet again, we will be depending on someone to play well out of their weight division and support McCartin junior. Rampe's done it for years, but like Leo, Dennis and Francis before him - the toll on the bodies of undersized key position players can be hefty.
As I said the Swans none selection of McCartinn senior is suggestive.

Two things. Firstly, if you think Melican is our lynchpin then surely Tom McCartin is more-so. Secondly, McCartin senior was not selected yet because he couldn't be. He didn't nominate for the draft so couldn't be picked up by any other team. He will be picked up in the supplementary period.

We are still vulnerable in the key defensive positions but for many games last year we played only two key defenders with T McCartin and Rampe. We played the last game with Melican as well. By my reckoning, we will have a depth chart of key defenders that looks something like this: T McCartin, Rampe, Melican, P McCartin, Fox, Reid.

[Roadrunner]

Two things. Firstly, if you think Melican is our lynchpin then surely Tom McCartin is more-so. Secondly, McCartin senior was not selected yet because he couldn't be. He didn't nominate for the draft so couldn't be picked up by any other team. He will be picked up in the supplementary period.

We are still vulnerable in the key defensive positions but for many games last year we played only two key defenders with T McCartin and Rampe. We played the last game with Melican as well. By my reckoning, we will have a depth chart of key defenders that looks something like this: T McCartin, Rampe, Melican, P McCartin, Fox, Reid.

Sammy was retained for cover down back(when fit) I suspect. Then we have Gould and BOC, and these lads surely will get some games and hopefully become valuable players.

[Ruck'n'Roll]

Sammy was retained for cover down back(when fit) I suspect. Then we have Gould and BOC, and these lads surely will get some games and hopefully become valuable players.

I hope so too, I can't see their being space up forward, with Buddy, Logan and Ladhams, plus Hayward and Heeney all as marking targets. I can't see Gould taking a monster, and have no opinion on BOC.

[Roadrunner]

I hope so too, I can't see their being space up forward, with Buddy, Logan and Ladhams, plus Hayward and Heeney all as marking targets. I can't see Gould taking a monster, and have no opinion on BOC.

BOC and Gould to be given some games but it would be unfair to test them against the monsters. So where would we play them ? HB seems the only position- are they strong enough or could they be tried at FB? I guess it will depend on their form in the VFL and injuries. I think if they can show something in 2022 then they will be extended, otherwise…

The same will apply to Paddy….. assuming we list him, which most of us agree we should. By the way, why isn’t our list announced on our website? It had to be lodged yesterday, if I recall correctly.

[Ralph Dawg]

Seeing the footage of Gould launching it from 60 fills me with hope he might fill Dawson's role off HB / pushing up onto a wing. He's very lean so that should translate into better mobility and speed. I remember one of the knocks on Dawson in his first few years was his speed and his tank so maybe 2022 might be Gould's break out?

[Ruck'n'Roll]

Seeing the footage of Gould launching it from 60 fills me with hope he might fill Dawson's role off HB / pushing up onto a wing. He's very lean so that should translate into better mobility and speed. I remember one of the knocks on Dawson in his first few years was his speed and his tank so maybe 2022 might be Gould's break out?

Gould=Lean?

[bloodspirit]

Yeah, he's looking reasonably lean, tipping the scales at a shade under 90kg. Today he finished first in his group in the time trial. He looked knackered afterwards though.

[Mark26]

Yeah, he's looking reasonably lean, tipping the scales at a shade under 90kg. Today he finished first in his group in the time trial. He looked knackered afterwards though.

Good signs for Gould. I'm hoping he cracks it this year.

[Maltopia]

The problem with some of these Best 22 or team suggestions for Round 1 2022 options, is that there was not space left for us to win the Rising Star nomination to start the year (and then win the next two as well). So the Best 22 needs to have Braeden Campbell or one of our newest draftees (etc) in the team!

And if any of our new draftees make the first 22 because of outstanding pre-season form (and not injury to a more established player) then that is a great for our team!

[giant]

SYDNEY SWANS 2022 - if Paddy and Anderson join. For me Melican and Fox will be in the defensive line depending on matchups as they both bring something important depending on who we are playing.

I suspect we will give McDonald a shot first and see how long he can maintain Snr standard.

B - Fox Rampe Cunningham
HB - Lloyd McCartin Blakey
C - Florent Heeney McInerny
HF - Wicks Franklin Gulden
F - Papley McDonald Hayward
Foll - Hickey Parker Mills

Interchange
19. Warner Chad
20. Campbell
21. Ladhams
22. Kennedy

B - Oconnor, Reid, Melican
HB - Gould, Paddy, Oriordan
C - Stephens, Rowbottom, WarnerJnr
HF - Bell, Amartey, Rankin
F - Ronke, McClean, Sheather
Foll - Sinkers, Gus, Roberts
Bench - McAndrew, Taylor, Clarke, Anderson

Long term injury list: Naismith

Tough to fault that. Looks pretty spot on to me.

[The Runner]

I don't see Fox playing ahead of a fit Pelican

[Bangalore Swans]

Tough to fault that. Looks pretty spot on to me.

Wow. Your’ve gone for Corey Warner to start on the left wing. Although I’m a big fan of the family, I would give Stephens his shot first on the lest wing.

[AB Swannie]

Given all the positive chat around the pre-season I thought I'd refresh this thread. The main reason being as a reminder of how difficult it actually is to fit everyone in to a 22.

My current team if forced to pick Round 1 would be:

FB: Cunningham, T. McCartin, Blakey
HB: Lloyd, Rampe, McInerney
C: Florent, Kennedy, Heeney
HF: Hayward, McDonald, Gulden
F: Papley, Franklin, Ch Warner
Foll: Hickey, Parker, Mills
Int: Campbell, Rowbottom, Stephens, Ladhams
Sub: Wicks

In this situation, I have sacrificed Melican as another tall so I could squeeze in more talent. I do think Melican will play many games but it will be opposition dependant.

I'm also controversially going with Campbell/Stephens over Wicks. I really like Wicks and realise he brings something that the others. In fact, I would be more than happy to have him in the side but when push came to shove, I went with Campbell and Stephens.

Others to miss out are McLean, Amartey, Fox, O'Riordan, Gould, and the new draftees.

[Auntie.Gerald]

A seriously strong team AB

[TheBloods]

Given all the positive chat around the pre-season I thought I'd refresh this thread. The main reason being as a reminder of how difficult it actually is to fit everyone in to a 22.

My current team if forced to pick Round 1 would be:

FB: Cunningham, T. McCartin, Blakey
HB: Lloyd, Rampe, McInerney
C: Florent, Kennedy, Heeney
HF: Hayward, McDonald, Gulden
F: Papley, Franklin, Ch Warner
Foll: Hickey, Parker, Mills
Int: Campbell, Rowbottom, Stephens, Ladhams
Sub: Wicks

In this situation, I have sacrificed Melican as another tall so I could squeeze in more talent. I do think Melican will play many games but it will be opposition dependant.

I'm also controversially going with Campbell/Stephens over Wicks. I really like Wicks and realise he brings something that the others. In fact, I would be more than happy to have him in the side but when push came to shove, I went with Campbell and Stephens.

Others to miss out are McLean, Amartey, Fox, O'Riordan, Gould, and the new draftees.

Whos putting pressure on in your forward line

[AB Swannie]

Whos putting pressure on in your forward line

I think everyone in my suggested forward line is strong, athletic and competitive enough to create enough pressure.

[Auntie.Gerald]

AB I suspect that your suggestion re Stephens and Campbell over say Wicks makes sense from a perspective that as juniors they showed much more upside than say Wicks and they bring versatility re being able to play wing from defence and or mid.

But I also suspect that the role that Wicks plays is a critical role also ee shutting down an opposition key small forward. Are u saying this is Warner's role ? Is this the best use of Chad in our 22?

[AB Swannie]

AB I suspect that your suggestion re Stephens and Campbell over say Wicks makes sense from a perspective that as juniors they showed much more upside than say Wicks and they bring versatility re being able to play wing from defence and or mid.

But I also suspect that the role that Wicks plays is a critical role also ee shutting down an opposition key small forward. Are u saying this is Warner's role ? Is this the best use of Chad in our 22?

Firstly, I think that it is highly unlikely that I've been able to pick the team that we will see round 1. The real point to my initial post was to point out how difficult it is to fit everyone in. For every change to the team I have proposed, a very gifted player needs to come out of that team. For example, you may prefer to have Wicks playing. In that case, a player like Campbell, Stephens, Rowbottom, or Warner needs to be removed. That is an awesome situation for our club. If a team is judged on it's bottom six players, then we have a great chance to do well this year.

In regards to Wicks, he plays a specific role that he plays very well. If he isn't in the team, I wouldn't expect any particular person to try to play the same role. The collective would need to apply pressure. In regards to shutting down a small forward - that would be Cunningham's responsibility. Just like I don't think we need to replace Dawson with someone who does the exact thing. Each player has their own strengths. Chad has the ability to play a mix between midfield and high half forward. Gulden has that same ability and so does Campbell.

[barracuda]

Firstly, I think that it is highly unlikely that I've been able to pick the team that we will see round 1. The real point to my initial post was to point out how difficult it is to fit everyone in. For every change to the team I have proposed, a very gifted player needs to come out of that team. For example, you may prefer to have Wicks playing. In that case, a player like Campbell, Stephens, Rowbottom, or Warner needs to be removed. That is an awesome situation for our club. If a team is judged on it's bottom six players, then we have a great chance to do well this year.

In regards to Wicks, he plays a specific role that he plays very well. If he isn't in the team, I wouldn't expect any particular person to try to play the same role. The collective would need to apply pressure. In regards to shutting down a small forward - that would be Cunningham's responsibility. Just like I don't think we need to replace Dawson with someone who does the exact thing. Each player has their own strengths. Chad has the ability to play a mix between midfield and high half forward. Gulden has that same ability and so does Campbell.

Wicks does a bit more than just apply pressure. he kicked 17 goals last year, and would have kicked 25 if he didn't get the ipps. Prior to Wicks' arrival the swans had been rotating a number of players through the small forward defensive role. Even guys like Dan Robinson and James Rose were rotated through without much success. Players like Chad Warner and Dylan Stephens were also rotated through without much luck early on. The reality is that the role requires a two way player who can understand and follow the strict defensive patterns, whilst also taking every attacking opportunity possible. Achieving this is not easy for most players, nor is gut running to cut off the opposition half backs from rebounding very glamorous.

Whilst Wicks suffers from being a Cat B rookie, and is always attractive to look for the higher draft picks it should be remembered he has nearly 30 games under his belt, and was never dropped during a year they made finals. Whilst Stephens etc are getting bigger and stronger, of course so is Wicks. Unless he gets injured or has some major drop off in form or attitude, I don't see why the swans would start the year by ditching a forward formula that made them potent last year. I think they will want to keep building on their structures with each player delivering his part.

I don't think they will want ask other forwards to apply team pressure. I think they believe having a player dedicated to defensive pressure enables the other forwards to concentrate on attack, and to be far more unpredictable.

[Mark26]

Wicks does a bit more than just apply pressure. he kicked 17 goals last year, and would have kicked 25 if he didn't get the ipps. Prior to Wicks' arrival the swans had been rotating a number of players through the small forward defensive role. Even guys like Dan Robinson and James Rose were rotated through without much success. Players like Chad Warner and Dylan Stephens were also rotated through without much luck early on. The reality is that the role requires a two way player who can understand and follow the strict defensive patterns, whilst also taking every attacking opportunity possible. Achieving this is not easy for most players, nor is gut running to cut off the opposition half backs from rebounding very glamorous.

Whilst Wicks suffers from being a Cat B rookie, and is always attractive to look for the higher draft picks it should be remembered he has nearly 30 games under his belt, and was never dropped during a year they made finals. Whilst Stephens etc are getting bigger and stronger, of course so is Wicks. Unless he gets injured or has some major drop off in form or attitude, I don't see why the swans would start the year by ditching a forward formula that made them potent last year. I think they will want to keep building on their structures with each player delivering his part.

I don't think they will want ask other forwards to apply team pressure. I think they believe having a player dedicated to defensive pressure enables the other forwards to concentrate on attack, and to be far more unpredictable.

+1

One of the most enlightening things about BJ's book was the emphasis he said the Swans' coaches place on the one-percenters (tackles, chases, spoils, smothers, blocks, intercepts etc). Coaches keep their own tally of them and display them for all to see after a match. The embodiment of Swans culture is an attitude, not a talent and every player is expected to have a certain amount per game so that we have relentless pressure.

If that's what it means to be part of the Bloods' culture then Wicks is a Blood and he stays in the top 22. He's a great competitor and we often hear Horse and co. talk esteem competitiveness when talking about players.

[Auntie.Gerald]

Hey AB

No criticism from me.

I love the team u picked and totally get the reasons.

It was more Warner coming into that spot that Wicks played and if u saw him as a more important player in our HFF rotation and offers more than Wicks in flexibility to play a few roles in the mids and forwards.

I suppose an area I am super curious on is how the swans playing group and coaches value the role that Wicks currently plays. Ie does his role help us minimise faster rebound from the opposition defence , which then enables us to be better in creating opportunities via turnovers

Two-thirds of all points usually come from turnovers in AFL so they are a massively important opportunity to create and non better then turnovers created in our front half.

Prior to 2021, Richmond was so ruthlessly efficient once they picked up a turnover and we at the Swans were the opposite in 2020. We were 3rd last on the table so terribly in-efficient?

[Ralph Dawg]

F50 pressure extremely important, especially for us as I feel our defence struggles (like most) from the quick rebound. One on one, our defenders can struggle as they are generally undersized compared with their direct opponents. But given time to work as a unit, in conjunction with the ruck and mids flooding back, our defence is great.

I say this not to necessarily advocate directly for Wicks to be a lock every week, but he certainly does add a bit with regards to applying defensive pressure in F50.

What the forwards really need to do though is to hunt as a pack, along with the midfielders and each contribute towards providing a relentless defensive screen to protect the last line.

[barracuda]

Hey AB

No criticism from me.

I love the team u picked and totally get the reasons.

It was more Warner coming into that spot that Wicks played and if u saw him as a more important player in our HFF rotation and offers more than Wicks in flexibility to play a few roles in the mids and forwards.

I suppose an area I am super curious on is how the swans playing group and coaches value the role that Wicks currently plays. Ie does his role help us minimise faster rebound from the opposition defence , which then enables us to be better in creating opportunities via turnovers

Two-thirds of all points usually come from turnovers in AFL so they are a massively important opportunity to create and non better then turnovers created in our front half.

Prior to 2021, Richmond was so ruthlessly efficient once they picked up a turnover and we at the Swans were the opposite in 2020. We were 3rd last on the table so terribly in-efficient?

Last year Wicks had the highest number of points scored from turnovers he forced across the competition

[707]

Last year Wicks had the highest number of points scored from turnovers he forced across the competition

Wicks is an unglamourous Cat B rookie who has exceeded everyone's expectations to this point, a vital part of our success last year.

In my eyes the position is his until someone displaces him with form, not displaces him by dint of having a high draft pick number!

[Auntie.Gerald]

Barra
Would it be fair to say that Wicks was the last option most of the time to kick to vs buddy, Paps, heeney, Hayward therefore he would have been more on the ground sniffing truffles and hence being the highest for scoring on turnovers vs the above players.

Secondly Wicks may have only got 7 or 8 of his goals in 2021 via turnovers which is a very small impact each week ie maybe a couple points per game?

For me it is more about controlling exits from the opposition and Wicks role is an important part of making that happen as he negates the key attacking defender from having a impact

[barracuda]

Barra
Would it be fair to say that Wicks was the last option most of the time to kick to vs buddy, Paps, heeney, Hayward therefore he would have been more on the ground sniffing truffles and hence being the highest for scoring on turnovers vs the above players.

Secondly Wicks may have only got 7 or 8 of his goals in 2021 via turnovers which is a very small impact each week ie maybe a couple points per game?

For me it is more about controlling exits from the opposition and Wicks role is an important part of making that happen as he negates the key attacking defender from having a impact

I think the stat was points scored by anyone in the team as a result of a turnover forced by the player. So Wicks might hit an opponent hard dislodging the ball then heeney might grab it and score.

[Auntie.Gerald]

Gotcha
Thanks mate

[TheBloods]

Why would we want Chad , Gulden Papley etc to be doing defensive stuff off the ball , makes no sense . Put the most talented guys where they can get the ball and give em support with the ones who will work hard , be selfless and make life easy for the stars . Like WICKS

[Bangalore Swans]

When talking about small pressure forwards Barracuda is a master of the position. Barracuda’s wonderful knowledge has immensely helped my understanding of the small forward position.

Barracuda were you a small pressure forward yourself or have you done a lot of coaching of the forwards?

[Roadrunner]

Why would we want Chad , Gulden Papley etc to be doing defensive stuff off the ball , makes no sense . Put the most talented guys where they can get the ball and give em support with the ones who will work hard , be selfless and make life easy for the stars . Like WICKS

A bit simplistic maybe, but the forwards first job is to get the ball and score- or pass it to someone who can. Their second job is to regain possession if an opposing defender has the ball. Ideally, ALL our forwards should do this and exert pressure accordingly, not just Wicks. I think he had a fair season last year but this year I would like to see him do more, and certainly improve kicking for goal. But I do appreciate that his pressure game is good, however there will be intense competition for places so he may have to rise a level to keep his spot.

[AB Swannie]

Holy Dooley. I probably should’ve just put Wicks in my team and left Campbell out. I thought I made it clear that I am actually a fan of his. I’m happy to see others 22s. You are going to have to leave someone out and I’ll be interested to see who that is.

[AB Swannie]

Wicks is an unglamourous Cat B rookie who has exceeded everyone's expectations to this point, a vital part of our success last year.

In my eyes the position is his until someone displaces him with form, not displaces him by dint of having a high draft pick number!

I can’t remember referring to draft position anywhere. I’m confident no one else has either. Wicks is a fantastic player and I’m happy to have him playing for us. Who would you remove from my team to include Wicks?

[707]

I can’t remember referring to draft position anywhere. I’m confident no one else has either. Wicks is a fantastic player and I’m happy to have him playing for us. Who would you remove from my team to include Wicks?

Wasn't specifically referring to you AB but a lot of posters on here and BF tend to put players in based on their draft position rather than their current output.

That said, I don't envy the MC having to pick a side for R1, the two practice games will be crucial for so many players to push their case.

[TheBloods]

A bit simplistic maybe, but the forwards first job is to get the ball and score- or pass it to someone who can. Their second job is to regain possession if an opposing defender has the ball. Ideally, ALL our forwards should do this and exert pressure accordingly, not just Wicks. I think he had a fair season last year but this year I would like to see him do more, and certainly improve kicking for goal. But I do appreciate that his pressure game is good, however there will be intense competition for places so he may have to rise a level to keep his spot.

Disagree , you dont need all 6 doing that . You can have 5 scoring and 1 making it easier for them . Thats Wicks job . I havent rated him much in the past and if his pressure drops he has little to offer but as long as he keeps his pressure up he has more of a purpose than a few others who made AB 's team

[Ralph Dawg]

I remember when Dawson was going ok in reserves and getting the odd game in firsts, I was particularly impressed with his raking kick. Not sure if it was here on another site but I made the suggestion he would be good off half back. Fellow posters disagreed, I think citing his fitness, speed and lack of mongrel as reasons against my suggestion. He then got himself in shape then as they say the rest is history.

I see many parallels with Gould and 2022 is clearly make or break for him. He is my tip as the smokey for this year, playing a similar role that Dawson played off HB. Gould is strong overhead and has a lovely right kick. He will also have the added benefit of providing a bit more defensive muscle compared to Jordan. Campbell can also provide the drive Dawson did, with better run and carry but less marking ability.

[NeonBible]

I feel for AB Swannie! They have merely put forward their best 22 for rd 1, like so many others have! Including myself! But it's been picked apart and taken as gospel! Not to mention they couldn't have been clearer that they DO like Wicks and would be happy to see him in the team!

They are spot on that there are going to be some very worthy players unfortunately missing games this season!! It's a great position to be in and we have all been celebrating that since the draft! AB Swannie has said Wicks, i have said Rowbottom, others have said Campbell! It's not news to any of us! Lets try not to pick apart each others 22s because at the end of the day.. none of us are the coaches and we are all clueless as to what the ACTUAL coaches will do or think until the rd 1 team is announced!! Not long to go now!!

CHEER CHEER

[Auntie.Gerald]

imagine if Dawso and and Hewett were still here.......how many players would be missing out in the 22 each week !

[stevoswan]

Disagree , you dont need all 6 doing that . You can have 5 scoring and 1 making it easier for them . Thats Wicks job . I havent rated him much in the past and if his pressure drops he has little to offer but as long as he keeps his pressure up he has more of a purpose than a few others who made AB 's team

So you're implying that when we haven't got possession in our forward line, the 5 'scorers' just let the ball waltz out of our forward line while giving Wicks daggers as if to say 'it's your job to keep the ball in here!'....?

Sorry, it's up to every forward to apply defensive pressure when we are not in possession. Wicks is just so good at it so gets the tag 'defensive forward'. This does not preclude all other forwards from applying the same defensive pressure or give them the excuse to be lazy and leave it all to one player.

[TheBloods]

So you're implying that when we haven't got possession in our forward line, the 5 'scorers' just let the ball waltz out of our forward line while giving Wicks daggers as if to say 'it's your job to keep the ball in here!'....?

Sorry, it's up to every forward to apply defensive pressure when we are not in possession. Wicks is just so good at it so gets the tag 'defensive forward'. This does not preclude all other forwards from applying the same defensive pressure or give them the excuse to be lazy and leave it all to one player.

Well sorry mate thats the way it works . Buddy Papley etc wouldnt be the players they are if they had to put the same amount of work rate in off the ball as someone like Wicks .

[Goal Sneak]

The same old Wicks debate looks to continue on from last season! It's a perfectly valid argument, I understand people wanting to replace him with more talented squad members. I doubt the coaches see it that way, knowing the contribution he provides and still at such an early stage of his career.

If Wicks can improve on last year, it's is going to take some serious competition to have him dropped. It's a sign of our depth that this could actually be the case.

[stevoswan]

Well sorry mate thats the way it works . Buddy Papley etc wouldnt be the players they are if they had to put the same amount of work rate in off the ball as someone like Wicks .

So you ARE saying that only ONE player is responsible for 'forward defensive pressure'.....just one. No one else on the forward line is required to put on any defensive pressure, ever.....when we are without the ball?

Wow.....

[TheBloods]

So you ARE saying that only ONE player is responsible for 'forward defensive pressure'.....just one. No one else on the forward line is required to put on any defensive pressure, ever.....when we are without the ball?

Wow.....

No , have another read , i said they shouldnt be putting the SAMe amount of pressure on as Wicks , otherwise their role is different and they dont become the players we need them to be ! Never said anything about them not having to put any on at all ,

[stevoswan]

No , have another read , i said they shouldnt be putting the SAMe amount of pressure on as Wicks , otherwise their role is different and they dont become the players we need them to be ! Never said anything about them not having to put any on at all ,

Which I never said. I believe this was Roadrunners original point......to share the forward defensive load and not leave it all to Wicks.

[TheBloods]

Which I never said. I believe this was Roadrunners original point......to share the forward defensive load and not leave it all to Wicks.

Thats not what you said , read your last comment

"No one else on the forward line is required to put on any defensive pressure ever"

Im in favour of sharing the work load but your joking if you think any of them can do it to Wicks level week in week out . And we dont want them to , it would just take away from the things they are good at , like winning the ball and scoring .MAybe in fantasy land its possible to do the defensive stuff that Wicks does and still be dangerous with the ball like Paps, Buddy are , but not in the real world . Someone on here posted last yr Wicks' numbers for pressure acts , they were thru the roof , and its no coincidence that when he is getting numbers like that , Heeney and Papley are having career best yrs on the scoreboard , Buddys having his best season in ages , Hayward finds form again . The forward line is a GROUP . SIX of them . That doesnt mean they share roles , it means they all have different roles that work TOGETHER

[stevoswan]

Thats not what you said , read your last comment

"No one else on the forward line is required to put on any defensive pressure ever"

Im in favour of sharing the work load but your joking if you think any of them can do it to Wicks level week in week out . And we dont want them to , it would just take away from the things they are good at , like winning the ball and scoring .MAybe in fantasy land its possible to do the defensive stuff that Wicks does and still be dangerous with the ball like Paps, Buddy are , but not in the real world . Someone on here posted last yr Wicks' numbers for pressure acts , they were thru the roof , and its no coincidence that when he is getting numbers like that , Heeney and Papley are having career best yrs on the scoreboard , Buddys having his best season in ages , Hayward finds form again . The forward line is a GROUP . SIX of them . That doesnt mean they share roles , it means they all have different roles that work TOGETHER

No, what I claimed is that I never said that the other forwards should put in as much defensive effort as Wicks.....just that they have to apply some.....not none.

[Roadrunner]

No, what I claimed is that I never said that the other forwards should put in as much defensive effort as Wicks.....just that they have to apply some.....not none.

Exactly Stevoswan- that is my view. Wicks is seen as THE pressure forward and while his work may result in more opportunities for Paps and the other forwards, I can’t see why they can’t also apply the same pressure as Wicks.

Would like TB to explain why you need Wicks to be the main, though not the only forward assigned this task.

[TheBloods]

Exactly Stevoswan- that is my view. Wicks is seen as THE pressure forward and while his work may result in more opportunities for Paps and the other forwards, I can’t see why they can’t also apply the same pressure as Wicks.

Would like TB to explain why you need Wicks to be the main, though not the only forward assigned this task.

Watch Papley , Heeney or Hayward , these guys , they work into the right positions on the outside / end of a chain to receive the ball , go back and watch how many of Paps goals this yr were him on the end of a chain of handballs and tackles and chasing ,. They have that luxury because you have guys like Wicks and Bell who dont have much else to offer , no offence to them , but they are good at their role and stick to it . Its discipline and hard work and constant pressure , things that Buddy , Papley , Heeney etc aren 't used to doing because they are the talented ones who finish with their skill and execution . If you tried to get them to do the stuff Wicks does , it would only take away from their strengths . You forgotten how Jetta went when we tried to add a defensive side to his game ?

Its not complicated . If they have a chance to tackle or chase then they should , they aren 't lazy pricks , but otherwise it is best left to the guys like Wicks , that is what they are in the team to do so that the rest can worry about building us a solid score !

[Ludwig]

A small forward can be elite both offensively and defensively. In fact, that's what makes a truly elite small forward. Think Cyril Rioli.

Papley has a great pressure game to go with his scoring prowess, which is why he is rated near the top of the best small forwards in the league.

Wicks has the pressure part of the game down pat, but he also likes to score, and is quite capable in that regard. He's at a good point in his development. He can also play in the midfield, which he did in the reserves.

[stevoswan]

Watch Papley , Heeney or Hayward , these guys , they work into the right positions on the outside / end of a chain to receive the ball , go back and watch how many of Paps goals this yr were him on the end of a chain of handballs and tackles and chasing ,. They have that luxury because you have guys like Wicks and Bell who dont have much else to offer , no offence to them , but they are good at their role and stick to it . Its discipline and hard work and constant pressure , things that Buddy , Papley , Heeney etc aren 't used to doing because they are the talented ones who finish with their skill and execution . If you tried to get them to do the stuff Wicks does , it would only take away from their strengths . You forgotten how Jetta went when we tried to add a defensive side to his game ?

Its not complicated . If they have a chance to tackle or chase then they should , they aren 't lazy pricks , but otherwise it is best left to the guys like Wicks , that is what they are in the team to do so that the rest can worry about building us a solid score !

You keep talking about when we are in possession going forward. I am talking about when we lose possession in our forward line....where it then becomes every forwards job to turn defender to try to regain possession and keep the ball in our forward line. Would you not agree?

[Velour&Ruffles]

A small forward can be elite both offensively and defensively. In fact, that's what makes a truly elite small forward. Think Cyril Rioli.

Papley has a great pressure game to go with his scoring prowess, which is why he is rated near the top of the best small forwards in the league.

Wicks has the pressure part of the game down pat, but he also likes to score, and is quite capable in that regard. He's at a good point in his development. He can also play in the midfield, which he did in the reserves.

Yep. Spot on.

[Ralph Dawg]

B Cunningham Rampe ^
HB Blakey TMac Lloyd
C JMac Mills Florent
HF Papley LMac Heeney
F Hayward Franklin *
Foll Hickey Parker JPK
Int Gulden Warner Rowbottom ?

In my opinion, there are 3 open spots in our team. These spots can be filled by any combination of Melican, Reid, PMac, Gould, Fox, COR, Campbell, Stephens, Bell, Wicks, Ladhams, Amartey and McLean. Later in the season, I'd expect Sheldrick and Roberts to be pushing for a spot.

Good selection headache for the club to have!

[liz]

McLean

Surely you mean HMac?

[Ralph Dawg]

Surely you mean HMac?
I wonder if we will have TMac, PMac, JMac, LMac and HMac in the same team at any stage of 2022?

[liz]

I wonder if we will have TMac, PMac, JMac, LMac and HMac in the same team at any stage of 2022?

It's not inconceivable. TMac is one of the first picked, and JMac isn't far behind. You could certainly see a functioning tall defensive unit that contains PMac as well.

The LMac/HMac combination probably depends on the availability of others. But if either Hickey or Ladhams is injured, and Franklin injured or rested, I could see both of them in the team too. Just depends on whether that occurs while the two McCartins are also in the one team.

[KSAS]

Don't forget we have another JMac in the coaches box!

[dejavoodoo44]

It's not inconceivable. TMac is one of the first picked, and JMac isn't far behind. You could certainly see a functioning tall defensive unit that contains PMac as well.

The LMac/HMac combination probably depends on the availability of others. But if either Hickey or Ladhams is injured, and Franklin injured or rested, I could see both of them in the team too. Just depends on whether that occurs while the two McCartins are also in the one team.
As long as nobody ends up being called, The Big Mac, I'll be happy.

[i'm-uninformed2]

Anyway, back to the Wicks debate, for mine - he's a no brainer to start in that role again all things being equal. He does a stellar job off the ball, defensively, and showed he's got a strong, emerging offensive game - albeit, his conversion could improve a bit. The fact is, the coaches want someone selfless to play that role. It's structural. And while he's doing it well, it's his till he's not performing.

The other intriguing one for me is Hayward. He really had a superb year in 2021, particularly after missing selection in the first few rounds. He had a strong defensive impact, but really reminded us of what a smart and skilled player he is, and his goal kicking accuracy returned. The timing of his leap and body positioning in marking contests is first rate.

And with Heeney pegged for more midfield time this year, there's a chance for him to go to another level again as our mid-sized forward.

[wolftone57]

Last year Wicks had the highest number of points scored from turnovers he forced across the competitionWicks, in the reserves, was very accurate in front of goal. Last year he was not.​I think if he was he would have scored well over 25 goals.

Sent from my JAT-L29 using Tapatalk

[NeonBible]

Some expectations for Wicksy might need adjusting .. he is in the team first and foremost for his defensive pressure that he brings .. yes he could've been more accurate .. but he kicked 17 goals still! That's only 2 less than Tommy McCartin kicked in his first two years combined!! And he was playing as a key forward! Did anyone dare suggest he be dropped?? I doubt it! In fact he was talked about as one of our brightest prospects at the time!

So it is high time Wicks gets some credit for what he was able to do for us last year - he isn't flashy like Gulden or "The Chad", but he is a team player and one of many great contributors to our success!

I can think of a few who would contribute less!

[Auntie.Gerald]

Could Campbell score 35 goals if a goal sneak?

That kid is one of the best kicks in general play and kicks for goals at the same age as Sam Wicks were nuts (when Campbell was in the all stars at 18yrs of age ie 4yrs ago !!!)

Imagine Campbo and Errol huting around that HFF line together.........30 plus goals each me thinks.......Nightmare !!!!

Classy pressure machines hunting the turnovers

Braeden Campbell joins the first goal club (https://www.afl.com.au/video/664548/braeden-campbell-joins-the-first-goal-club?videoId=664548&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1628937566001&tagNames=ProgramType:AFL%20Digital&references=AFL_COMPETITION:1&tagNames=ProgramType:AFL%20Digital&references=AFL_COMPETITION:1&tagNames=ProgramType:AFL%20Digital&references=AFL_COMPETITION:1)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfZLVBdVmvA

I am struggling to find a spot for Campbo in the backline and or mids but I can see his incredible skill and dexterity in the forward line in 2022

[Aprilbr]

It's not inconceivable. TMac is one of the first picked, and JMac isn't far behind. You could certainly see a functioning tall defensive unit that contains PMac as well.

The LMac/HMac combination probably depends on the availability of others. But if either Hickey or Ladhams is injured, and Franklin injured or rested, I could see both of them in the team too. Just depends on whether that occurs while the two McCartins are also in the one team.More Macs than a Scottish Premier League team! I think we need to recruit some more O's to balance our team with the Irish. Barry O'Connor is not enough!

[wolftone57]

Could Campbell score 35 goals if a goal sneak?

That kid is one of the best kicks in general play and kicks for goals at the same age as Sam Wicks were nuts (when Campbell was in the all stars at 18yrs of age ie 4yrs ago !!!)

Imagine Campbo and Errol huting around that HFF line together.........30 plus goals each me thinks.......Nightmare !!!!

Classy pressure machines hunting the turnovers

Braeden Campbell joins the first goal club (https://www.afl.com.au/video/664548/braeden-campbell-joins-the-first-goal-club?videoId=664548&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1628937566001&tagNames=ProgramType:AFL%20Digital&references=AFL_COMPETITION:1&tagNames=ProgramType:AFL%20Digital&references=AFL_COMPETITION:1&tagNames=ProgramType:AFL%20Digital&references=AFL_COMPETITION:1)

PICK 5: Braeden Campbell - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfZLVBdVmvA)

I am struggling to find a spot for Campbo in the backline and or mids but I can see his incredible skill and dexterity in the forward line in 2022Add Paps, Wicks and Hayward. Man that is going to be really hot

Sent from my JAT-L29 using Tapatalk

[liz]

More Macs than a Scottish Premier League team! I think we need to recruit some more O's to balance our team with the Irish. Barry O'Connor is not enough!

We have O'Riordan too. And O'Loughlin on the board.

[bloodspirit]

It's amazing to think that Stephens and Campbell could both start outside the senior team. I guess one of them would be the 23rd medical substitute. Still that slightly uncomfortable situation is likely to go away with the inevitable injuries. At least it's a good problem to have.

[Ludwig]

It's amazing to think that Stephens and Campbell could both start outside the senior team. I guess one of them would be the 23rd medical substitute. Still that slightly uncomfortable situation is likely to go away with the inevitable injuries. At least it's a good problem to have. Both Stephens and Campbell have to play, hopefully in the seniors, but at the very least, in the reserves. We can't have them missing weeks sitting on the bench.

In my projected team so far, I have decided it's best to have JPK as our medical sub, unless he replaces an injured Parker or Mills. I think it's better for both team balance as well as managing Kennedy's time in these final years of his great career.

Finding a best 22 is difficult this year. Even with JPK as the med sub, I still have 1 or 2 that I would like in the senior side, but can't quite fit in. That's probably why some have pushed Wicks out of the side, just to open a spot for Stephens or Campbell.

[Auntie.Gerald]

Luddy......you know I am a sucker for classical music and equally I love ur posts....Most of the time :) 😀 .......but mate I can't see JPK being and sub as yet.....

I suspect that is a low probability

If his legs are gone mid season maybe....and yes, legs do just go around 33-35yrs for many athletes.

But JPK and Bud both appear to have a double dose of love for the game plus their legs and skill levels are very high and may have atleast 2022 as a clear runway for best 22 in my humble opinion

But I get were u are coming from ie we have so much emerging talent and we want to show them the yellow brick road to stay with us and make a 5 year plus top4 team like Geelong have continually executed over the last 10yrs

[Auntie.Gerald]

*med sub

[AB Swannie]

B Cunningham Rampe ^
HB Blakey TMac Lloyd
C JMac Mills Florent
HF Papley LMac Heeney
F Hayward Franklin *
Foll Hickey Parker JPK
Int Gulden Warner Rowbottom ?

In my opinion, there are 3 open spots in our team. These spots can be filled by any combination of Melican, Reid, PMac, Gould, Fox, COR, Campbell, Stephens, Bell, Wicks, Ladhams, Amartey and McLean. Later in the season, I'd expect Sheldrick and Roberts to be pushing for a spot.

Good selection headache for the club to have!

I like the way you’ve done this. Less controversial than leaving one RWO favourite player out. IMO the 19 players you have picked are the 19 most likely to be involved Round 1 barring injury.

[Roadrunner]

Watch Papley , Heeney or Hayward , these guys , they work into the right positions on the outside / end of a chain to receive the ball , go back and watch how many of Paps goals this yr were him on the end of a chain of handballs and tackles and chasing ,. They have that luxury because you have guys like Wicks and Bell who dont have much else to offer , no offence to them , but they are good at their role and stick to it . Its discipline and hard work and constant pressure , things that Buddy , Papley , Heeney etc aren 't used to doing because they are the talented ones who finish with their skill and execution . If you tried to get them to do the stuff Wicks does , it would only take away from their strengths . You forgotten how Jetta went when we tried to add a defensive side to his game ?

Its not complicated . If they have a chance to tackle or chase then they should , they aren 't lazy pricks , but otherwise it is best left to the guys like Wicks , that is what they are in the team to do so that the rest can worry about building us a solid score !

Thanks for your explanation TB. My own view on this is like Stevoswan’s comment but I get where you’re coming from.
As long as we score more than the opposition I’m happy to have young Wicks in the team, but thankfully there is a lot of healthy competition for places this year- look at Ralph’s selection! Hopefully he regains his kicking accuracy when he does play- wishing him all the best, as for all our boys!

[liz]

More Macs than a Scottish Premier League team! I think we need to recruit some more O's to balance our team with the Irish. Barry O'Connor is not enough!

I've just realised we missed a Mac. We have an LMac Mk 2.

Which means that the likelihood of squeezing all the Macs into one senior team in 2022 is somewhat lower.

[Goal Sneak]

I like the way you’ve done this. Less controversial than leaving one RWO favourite player out. IMO the 19 players you have picked are the 19 most likely to be involved Round 1 barring injury.

I agree this is the best way to look at the team for now. I can't think of one of the listed 19 players that wouldn't be an almost automatic selection to start the season, equally I can't name one of the remaining players that demands to be chosen ahead of anyone else.

Those spots will be decided between now and the first round, I'm getting impatient to see who will make the cut.

If no one else demands selection, I'd be happy to go with a rotation of the remaining players to leverage our match ups week to week. Competition for spots is as good as I can remember. We have no room for complacency and the squad looks stronger for it. Whatever team runs out for round 1 will be brimming with confidence.

[Auntie.Gerald]

even harder is predicting the trajectory of say Campbo, Stephens, Gould, McLean, Amartey and McDonald and or even Matty Roberts who has the composure suited to Snr footy

Plus Clarkey at only 24yrs of age and in the system for a long time now and a fair few games in Snrs...........does he come back

Fox, Oriordan, Melican? ahhhhhhhhhhh lol its to much to process

could some players do a second year blues?

it is so fortunate to have Warner, Gulden, JMac, Hickey who in my opinion just changed everything re the depth of our squad. These guys have brought impact very close to the output expected of snr traded in players........yet only one was a trade

[Auntie.Gerald]

Ps can anyone think of a player like Nic Nac Paddy Wak coming back mid 20s and being g highly successful?

Cody walker for south Sydney came from the wilderness at 25yrs of age and has been one of the best players in the NRL

I cant hink of too many that have been say a no1 draft / played 3yrs / take a few years out the fight their way back onto an AFL squad

[Goal Sneak]

Ps can anyone think of a player like Nic Nac Paddy Wak coming back mid 20s and being g highly successful?

Cody walker for south Sydney came from the wilderness at 25yrs of age and has been one of the best players in the NRL

I cant hink of too many that have been say a no1 draft / played 3yrs / take a few years out the fight their way back onto an AFL squad

Ash Barty is the first one that came to mind.

[111431]

Ps can anyone think of a player like Nic Nac Paddy Wak coming back mid 20s and being g highly successful?

Cody walker for south Sydney came from the wilderness at 25yrs of age and has been one of the best players in the NRL

I cant hink of too many that have been say a no1 draft / played 3yrs / take a few years out the fight their way back onto an AFL squad

Mike Fitzpatrick did pretty well at Carlton many years ago

[i'm-uninformed2]

Mike Fitzpatrick did pretty well at Carlton many years ago

Don't sully this board with his name being used in a positive context

[Nico]

Appears a fair bit of underrating of Campbell.

[Mountain Man]

The 2nd year blues has been pretty often quoted over the years - no reason why our Cygnets will join the join the club in 2022, but there is a chance.

[wolftone57]

Ps can anyone think of a player like Nic Nac Paddy Wak coming back mid 20s and being g highly successful?

Cody walker for south Sydney came from the wilderness at 25yrs of age and has been one of the best players in the NRL

I cant hink of too many that have been say a no1 draft / played 3yrs / take a few years out the fight their way back onto an AFL squadPeter​Busustow, Brian Peake, Austin Robertson Jr. The latter played for the 18 games for the Swans, kicking 60 goals. Malcolm Blight would definitely havd been a number 1 draft pick,​ had there been a draft, and started his VFL career at 24 after starting with Woodville at 16.

Peter Hudson came back and played one season where he kicked 110 goals after already kicking 600 goals in8 seasons. Three of which he only played 4 games all up

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[TheBloods]

Appears a fair bit of underrating of Campbell.

He is sensational talent and will get games this yr but there arent a lot of spots available . Stephens is smashing the pre season and Wicks is needed inside fwd 50 .

[wolftone57]

He is sensational talent and will get games this yr but there arent a lot of spots available . Stephens is smashing the pre season and Wicks is needed inside fwd 50 .Campbell will take an inside mid position. We have 2 spots up for grabs. Dawson and Hewitt spots. He will probably take Hewett's spot. Dawson might be taken by Stephens. How we work out the big man situation is more interesting.

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[Aprilbr]

Campbell will take an inside mid position. We have 2 spots up for grabs. Dawson and Hewitt spots. He will probably take Hewett's spot. Dawson might be taken by Stephens. How we work out the big man situation is more interesting.

Sent from my JAT-L29 using TapatalkI can't see Campbell as an inside mid. Skilful flanker type to me or outside mid.

[TheBloods]

Campbell will take an inside mid position. We have 2 spots up for grabs. Dawson and Hewitt spots. He will probably take Hewett's spot. Dawson might be taken by Stephens. How we work out the big man situation is more interesting.

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Midfield needs to be Parker Mills Heeney Warner Gulden Campbell Stephens . When that happens i dont know but thats the right mix . Joey still in there this yr . Sounds like Stephens will make his move this year , havent heard much about Campbell so might not be ready to break out yet , thats ok

[Auntie.Gerald]

I agree re Campbell
it is his slicing angled kicks that expose opposition defence and provide us strong opportunities for goal.
HBF, WING and or HFF are the areas that allow players with amazing kicks to pick apart oppositions.

He is a bloody good tackle one on one also. Really brings that league nsw upside of lining up the man one on one like Henney.
At 20yrs of age. Now 181cm (which amazes me that Chad Warner is still listed at 181cm who appears way taller) and 79Kg now for Braeden !
I can only imagine his trajectory this year. Quite simple Campbell will push out players that cant compete with his elite skill.

In my humble opinion i see better decision making and penetrating elite kicking ability than Merrett or McGrath at the same age. Braeden could be a absolute gun. Same height and already not far in weight after this last off season (just turned 20yrs old yest).

McGrath great run at same age but not the same decision making.
Merrett more established himself yr2 and 3

Braeden Campbell | AFL (https://www.sydneyswans.com.au/players/2940/braeden-campbell)

[Auntie.Gerald]

Re Sam Reid
I listened to one of the interviews this week and I think it was with Pelican
He said Sam Reid was training down back with the squad this season not in the forwards.

[wolftone57]

Re Sam Reid
I listened to one of the interviews this week and I think it was with Pelican
He said Sam Reid was training down back with the squad this season not in the forwards.Yes, I saw that. All the reports are saying the same. I think he is seen as a stop gap this year.

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[i'm-uninformed2]

Campbell is an interesting one.

The comparison to Merrett is a good one. But Merrett seemed to have a midfielders tank from season one. I’ve got little doubt Campbell’s destiny is a similar one, but not sure he’s yet ready for permanent midfield time. And that’s ok. Some players take a bit of time to build that level of fitness and hardness.

I think the more interesting question is the role he plays in the meantime. I like the role he had down back last year as it suits his speed, vision and kicking skills - and our style of play. (Plus, it’d potentially help achieve my pet obsession which is releasing JMac back to the wing.)

[stevoswan]

Re Sam Reid
I listened to one of the interviews this week and I think it was with Pelican
He said Sam Reid was training down back with the squad this season not in the forwards.

Barry O'Connor said the same thing. 1:52 mark of this vid.

O'Connor: We know what we need to do - YouTube (https://youtu.be/hovKOXerQi0)

[707]

Barry O'Connor said the same thing. 1:52 mark of this vid.

O'Connor: We know what we need to do - YouTube (https://youtu.be/hovKOXerQi0)

BOC is such an impressive looking unit and by all reports is very athletic, two Covid decimated seasons trying to learn the game hasn't helped him. Could be a suprise packet in the next 12 months, that would be a bonus.

As you look through the list, it's hard to contain ones excitement :-)

[dejavoodoo44]

Campbell is an interesting one.

The comparison to Merrett is a good one. But Merrett seemed to have a midfielders tank from season one. I’ve got little doubt Campbell’s destiny is a similar one, but not sure he’s yet ready for permanent midfield time. And that’s ok. Some players take a bit of time to build that level of fitness and hardness.

I think the more interesting question is the role he plays in the meantime. I like the role he had down back last year as it suits his speed, vision and kicking skills - and our style of play. (Plus, it’d potentially help achieve my pet obsession which is releasing JMac back to the wing.)
I suspect that we can probably include both Campbell and McInerney in the category of hybrid player. That is, their roles are likely to vary, both from game to game, and within games.

Last year, we definitely settled on a strategy of having at least one fast player at centre bounces, so I expect both of them to be in attendance pretty regularly. Though, I wouldn't really want either of them spending extended amounts of time as an inside mid, constantly bashing up against midfield beasts. So, I'd rather them spend time on the wings, where they can use their pace and kicking skills to advantage. And of course, those assets can be used successfully as rebounding defenders. So I can see both being used in defence. Though probably not as lockdown defenders. Although, if Harry Cunningham got injured, Campbell might be an option to take the opposition's most dangerous small forward.

So, I can see them both playing that combination of roles. Possibly the trick will be, to maximise the difficulty for the opposition to match up on them, without just confusing ourselves?

Blakey should be used similarly: though with probably more emphasis on defence, rather than winger or occasional inside mid.

[wolftone57]

Campbell is an interesting one.

The comparison to Merrett is a good one. But Merrett seemed to have a midfielders tank from season one. I’ve got little doubt Campbell’s destiny is a similar one, but not sure he’s yet ready for permanent midfield time. And that’s ok. Some players take a bit of time to build that level of fitness and hardness.

I think the more interesting question is the role he plays in the meantime. I like the role he had down back last year as it suits his speed, vision and kicking skills - and our style of play. (Plus, it’d potentially help achieve my pet obsession which is releasing JMac back to the wing.)I think Campbell is totally wasted in the back half. He has sublime skill. We need him further up the ground to kick darts to the forwards. Think of the difference once Dawson was released to the wing. He went from averaging 19 disposals to 29.

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[i'm-uninformed2]

I think Campbell is totally wasted in the back half. He has sublime skill. We need him further up the ground to kick darts to the forwards. Think of the difference once Dawson was released to the wing. He went from averaging 19 disposals to 29.

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Oh, I definitely think his long-term future is exactly as you've described. And I'd go further. With his kicking process and length, he could be a 25-goal a year midfielder.

My comment was about the role he plays till he has the tank to go through there more permanently. If he gets there this year, great. But I don't get the impression he's got the natural running capacity of a Gulden or JMac, and may take a season or so to build to it. I'd love to be proven wrong, very quickly.

[wolftone57]

Oh, I definitely think his long-term future is exactly as you've described. And I'd go further. With his kicking process and length, he could be a 25-goal a year midfielder.

My comment was about the role he plays till he has the tank to go through there more permanently. If he gets there this year, great. But I don't get the impression he's got the natural running capacity of a Gulden or JMac, and may take a season or so to build to it. I'd love to be proven wrong, very quickly.In the Under 19's he had that capacity so I don't see why that should have changed. He was used in the All Stars Under 19 game on GF day as a forward because he is incredibly damaging around goal. From memory I think he kicked 4 and was BOG with about 14 disposals. Shows there is hope that a non mid might one day win a Brownlow.

I think after 2 preseasons he will have the tank.

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[TheBloods]

Whats the rush with Campbell , am i missing something . Fantastic talent but is 20 in his 2nd year for christ sake . He will play games this yr and will be a jet in the future but if we are banking on him becoming a star this year then we 're in big trouble .

Dylan the one im more excited by for 22 , i want to see more of Blakey too . Good talent but he needs to start putting together 20 games of good footy , not the odd one here n there . Liked him in defense

[wolftone57]

Whats the rush with Campbell , am i missing something . Fantastic talent but is 20 in his 2nd year for christ sake . He will play games this yr and will be a jet in the future but if we are banking on him becoming a star this year then we 're in big trouble .

Dylan the one im more excited by for 22 , i want to see more of Blakey too . Good talent but he needs to start putting together 20 games of good footy , not the odd one here n there . Liked him in defenseNot rushing Campbell. But he,​ like Gulden, Heens and Mills, is an extraordinary talent. Kids with his sort of ability with ball in hand are rare. We are lucky to have had Dawson. But even without him, Blakey, McInerney, Gulden, Campbell, Gould, Lloyd, Tom & Paddy Mac all use the ball so well. Add Warner, Florent (as long as his decision making improves), Rowbottom, Roberts, Rankin to that list and we have some super deliverers.

Campbell, I have no doubt, is being groomed for the midfield. He spent time back and forward last year but this year I see him being released into the mids more. Whether it be as a winger, centre or Ruck Rover is the question. His delivery is sublime so he would be incredibly damaging on a wing. This would help make up for the loss of Dawson.

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[TheBloods]

Not rushing Campbell. But he,​ like Gulden, Heens and Mills, is an extraordinary talent. Kids with his sort of ability with ball in hand are rare. We are lucky to have had Dawson. But even without him, Blakey, McInerney, Gulden, Campbell, Gould, Lloyd, Tom & Paddy Mac all use the ball so well. Add Warner, Florent (as long as his decision making improves), Rowbottom, Roberts, Rankin to that list and we have some super deliverers.

Campbell, I have no doubt, is being groomed for the midfield. He spent time back and forward last year but this year I see him being released into the mids more. Whether it be as a winger, centre or Ruck Rover is the question. His delivery is sublime so he would be incredibly damaging on a wing. This would help make up for the loss of Dawson.

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Agree he will be in midfield but wont be this yr , unless he does what Chad did .

Heeney ,Chad, Gulden , Stephens to come into the mid group from our elim final , doesnt leave much room for Campbell does it

[wolftone57]

Agree he will be in midfield but wont be this yr , unless he does what Chad did .

Heeney ,Chad, Gulden , Stephens to come into the mid group from our elim final , doesnt leave much room for Campbell does itI think he will play a wing

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[i'm-uninformed2]

In the Under 19's he had that capacity so I don't see why that should have changed. He was used in the All Stars Under 19 game on GF day as a forward because he is incredibly damaging around goal. From memory I think he kicked 4 and was BOG with about 14 disposals. Shows there is hope that a non mid might one day win a Brownlow.

I think after 2 preseasons he will have the tank.

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Put simply, the difference in the tank and physical hardness needed between under19s and AFL is mammoth for any player, but particularly a midfielder.

Hell, as good as say Chad was last year, I posted on here before he got injured that I thought there were signs of fatigue and a rest may have been in order. Both Gulden and Campbell got injured too. Even the most natural runners take a few years to get there. You even look at the difference between his first and third years of a freak like Sam Walsh. Cam Rayner, a No1 pick, largely played forward his first three years with a few bursts in the middle. Petracca followed a similar pattern. Andrew McGrath played down back his first two or three years.

It's no knock on Campbell. If he can occasionally pinch hit through the middle this year, I'll consider that a win. But I don't have any major expectations. And I'd rather be a bit patient with a precious asset than burn him out.

Out of interest, have any training watchers got insights to add on how he's being used in pre-season training?

[wolftone57]

Put simply, the difference in the tank and physical hardness needed between under19s and AFL is mammoth for any player, but particularly a midfielder.

Hell, as good as say Chad was last year, I posted on here before he got injured that I thought there were signs of fatigue and a rest may have been in order. Both Gulden and Campbell got injured too. Even the most natural runners take a few years to get there. You even look at the difference between his first and third years of a freak like Sam Walsh. Cam Rayner, a No1 pick, largely played forward his first three years with a few bursts in the middle. Petracca followed a similar pattern. Andrew McGrath played down back his first two or three years.

It's no knock on Campbell. If he can occasionally pinch hit through the middle this year, I'll consider that a win. But I don't have any major expectations. And I'd rather be a bit patient with a precious asset than burn him out.Look. Playing on wing rotating HFF is going to be the way we go this year. Maybe some rotating HB. Not Campbell though. Not more HB for him. He is not training with the backs. I think there are a whole group of players that can rotate through those positions and it gives us lots of options, therefore players need less tank and have more zip. It also makes us far more unpredictable. I do not believe in the old way of playing anymore. We need to be different and use every resource in every way we can.

Campbell will play wing but he will also play HF. Chad will play mid and HF. Blakey HB and wing. Stephens Wing/Mids/HB, Roberts, if he is included, wing and HF. Rankin, If he gets a game, HB & wing. There are a plethora of rotations. That helps to ease the problem of players getting winded. When you look at the other rotations it makes sense

Heens Mid/HF/FF/FP
Paps HF/FP/Mids
Parker Mids/HF
Kennedy Mids/HF
Ollie Wing/Mids/HF
Mills Mids/HF
McInerney Wing/Mids/HB


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[i'm-uninformed2]

Thanks for the clarification on where he's (not) training.

And I agree with the flexibility piece. It was a huge asset for us last year and hopefully we continue to develop it. For example, Lloyd player higher up the ground at times in the back end of last year. And I'm a huge fan of a couple of players like Paps and JMac pinch hitting in the centre square to give us a fresh mix and real spark. Gulden mixed between high half forward and wing at times at the back end of the year and it worked a treat, for him and the team. If Campbell can step up, brilliant.

The wing spots will be fascinating, as we arguably have five or six players who can roll through. My starting wingers right now would be Heeney and JMac. I think it's their best position, they complement each other well, have varying skills and strengths, both are good marks (which is important for a winger), have excellent foot skills, tough at the contest and can kick goals playing there (let alone Heeney's obvious ability to go forward and do it). JMac would potentially play more as a defensive winger, and Heeney more forward of the ball. But that's just a personal preference and with rotations during a game and evolution of the game plan over the season others will get a crack.

[dejavoodoo44]

In the Under 19's he had that capacity so I don't see why that should have changed. He was used in the All Stars Under 19 game on GF day as a forward because he is incredibly damaging around goal. From memory I think he kicked 4 and was BOG with about 14 disposals. Shows there is hope that a non mid might one day win a Brownlow.

I think after 2 preseasons he will have the tank.

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If my memory is correct, he played as a midfielder in that All Stars game and kicked 3 long goals from around about the 50.

[stevoswan]

Whats the rush with Campbell , am i missing something . Fantastic talent but is 20 in his 2nd year for christ sake . He will play games this yr and will be a jet in the future but if we are banking on him becoming a star this year then we 're in big trouble .

Dylan the one im more excited by for 22 , i want to see more of Blakey too . Good talent but he needs to start putting together 20 games of good footy , not the odd one here n there . Liked him in defense

I'm not sure anyone is 'banking' on him becoming a star this season, as in, if he doesn't we're stuffed. Like me, I think they see 'future star' and would like it to happen this season...if it doesn't, well it's still coming. Agree with you on Stephens and Blakey though.

[Auntie.Gerald]

I must say though with Campbell at 19yrs of age last year, he showed better decision thrn blakey and or Stephens

He send low darts at your face with out thinking twice.......effortlessly

Campbell could definitely be a player in 2022 that will be very tricky for us supporters to guess re his roles and or trajectory of impact.

Campbell is a bit of a wizard in attack and hence rated pick 5ish? in the draft.

He is up at 78kg already which ain't bad for a kid who has just turned 20yrs of age a few days ago.....but none of us know where he is at re cardio to run out games

[TheBloods]

I'm not sure anyone is 'banking' on him becoming a star this season, as in, if he doesn't we're stuffed. Like me, I think they see 'future star' and would like it to happen this season...if it doesn't, well it's still coming. Agree with you on Stephens and Blakey though.

Then why the desperation to see him ? I dont get it , if hes a future star he will prove it when he is ready . Til then we want our best team out there and if hes not in it then too bad . I think he will be some weeks , others he wont be , hes you ng and will find afl level too hard at times .

I would rather he spend the year in the vfl learning the midfield where he will ultimately spend his career , rather than playing on a wing or flank in the afl side just for the sake of giving him games

[Kumarangk]

Talking about Blakey, has he put on any muscle or beef in the off season ? It would complete him.

[stevoswan]

Then why the desperation to see him ? I dont get it , if hes a future star he will prove it when he is ready . Til then we want our best team out there and if hes not in it then too bad . I think he will be some weeks , others he wont be , hes you ng and will find afl level too hard at times .

I would rather he spend the year in the vfl learning the midfield where he will ultimately spend his career , rather than playing on a wing or flank in the afl side just for the sake of giving him games

I'm not 'desperate' to see him become a star this season....by all means he can do it at his own pace, I'd just like him to be a star and the sooner the better. I think we all do. If that means plying his trade in the two's....fine. If he's deemed by our selectors of being good enough to be in our best team....even better. What will happen will happen.

[Kumarangk]

Talking about Blakey, has he put on any muscle or beef in the off season ? It would complete him.

[i'm-uninformed2]

Blakey is an interesting cat physically. He could put on some more weight but suspect he’ll always be tall and lean. The biggest issue for me is his fearlessness and the awkward way he approaches contests. This is not a knock on him. He wants to impact. But sometimes he just throws himself recklessly into contests awkwardly in a desire to make a dent on it.

He gets himself into a strange and exposed position accordingly.

[Bangalore Swans]

Blakey is an interesting cat physically. He could put on some more weight but suspect he’ll always be tall and lean. The biggest issue for me is his fearlessness and the awkward way he approaches contests. This is not a knock on him. He wants to impact. But sometimes he just throws himself recklessly into contests awkwardly in a desire to make a dent on it.

He gets himself into a strange and exposed position accordingly.

I cannot wait until the three headed monster of Blakey, J-Mac and Campbell is unleashed off half back. Their combination of speed, kicking skills and drive has the potential to make the Swans counter attack the best in the competition.

It won’t happen because the coaching staff and Red and White love Cunningham and Lloyd.

Is Cunningham on borrowed time before the Swans unleash the three headed monster?

People will say that the three headed monster does not have the defensive skills of Cunningham. That’s true, but how is a small forward going to have attacking energy once they have repeatedly chased J-Mac, Blakey and Lloyd.

[Goal Sneak]

I cannot wait until the three headed monster of Blakey, J-Mac and Campbell is unleashed off half back. Their combination of speed, kicking skills and drive has the potential to make the Swans counter attack the best in the competition.

It won’t happen because the coaching staff and Red and White love Cunningham and Lloyd.

Is Cunningham on borrowed time before the Swans unleash the three headed monster?

People will say that the three headed monster does not have the defensive skills of Cunningham. That’s true, but how is a small forward going to have attacking energy once they have repeatedly chased J-Mac, Blakey and Lloyd.

The coaching staff love Harry and Jake because they're fantastic players and fulfil the roles they've been assigned very well. The match committee pick the side they see works best.

I'd love to see those three killing it off half back, but only if their form warrants it. Both Cunningham and Lloyd have been amongst our most consistent players over the last few seasons. Harry would need to have a huge drop in form to be considered replaceable or on "borrowed time"

[bloodspirit]

It's still too early to call R1 but it sounds like right now Stephens is in front of Rowbottom: Sydney young guns Ollie Florent, James Rowbottom struck down by injury, co-captain Callum Mills still on modified duties (afl.com.au) (https://www.afl.com.au/news/703329/sydney-young-guns-struck-down-by-injury-co-captain-still-on-modified-duties).

[mcs]

Hardly did Mills any harm playing out of his natural position for the first chunk of his career however - even though for some part of that early period he wasn't exactly smashing the door down in the position. I'll be intrigued to see how Campbell can go this year - he had an interrupted first season and I think some people may be underplaying his potential quality. He wasn't taken and bid on where he was for nothing.

But only time will tell as with many young players.

[i'm-uninformed2]

It's still too early to call R1 but it sounds like right now Stephens is in front of Rowbottom: Sydney young guns Ollie Florent, James Rowbottom struck down by injury, co-captain Callum Mills still on modified duties (afl.com.au) (https://www.afl.com.au/news/703329/sydney-young-guns-struck-down-by-injury-co-captain-still-on-modified-duties).

That can be a nasty injury for Rowbottom. History suggests it can be anywhere from two to eight weeks recovery. Hope he’s all good soon.

[dejavoodoo44]

Hardly did Mills any harm playing out of his natural position for the first chunk of his career however - even though for some part of that early period he wasn't exactly smashing the door down in the position. I'll be intrigued to see how Campbell can go this year - he had an interrupted first season and I think some people may be underplaying his potential quality. He wasn't taken and bid on where he was for nothing.

But only time will tell as with many young players.

I looked at the Rising Star odds a few days ago and Campbell is at $13. Which seems a better bet than most.* Logan McDonald is actually a bit shorter at $10. The favourite is Daicos at around $4.50 with Horne-Francis just a little bit longer.

*Warning: last year I thought that Stephens was a good bet.

[TheBloods]

Mills better be ok

Stephens

[Goal Sneak]

That can be a nasty injury for Rowbottom. History suggests it can be anywhere from two to eight weeks recovery. Hope he’s all good soon.

At least it's not related to his bone bruising from last season and he'll be able to keep his fitness up while recovering.


Mills better be ok

It's concerning that the injury that kept him out of the team last season is still keeping him from match practice. I know it's a tricky issue, but it seemed like they almost had him right to play in the final last year. Hopefully the coaches are just being over cautious.

[TheBloods]

This probably stuffs up my call of Sheather debuting rd 1 too . Oh well ,

Good that Florent isnt serious , needs a big pre season

[graemed]

Disagree , you dont need all 6 doing that . You can have 5 scoring and 1 making it easier for them . Thats Wicks job . I havent rated him much in the past and if his pressure drops he has little to offer but as long as he keeps his pressure up he has more of a purpose than a few others who made AB 's team

Besides the pressure aspect of his game which you correctly identify as elite in our forward line, he is an excellent mark (one on one), selfless with the footy in hand, tough in the clinches (taking no prisoners), a great tackler (just look at his tackle on Taylor in last year’s EF), a fantastic team mate, (first in if someone is taking liberties) and executes the team plan perfectly.
Exactly the type of player you love beside you on the field.

[Auntie.Gerald]

unless the team mate has more score involvements and equal elsewhere ?

Gulden did that in his first year at 18yrs of age vs 21yrs of age

and with a royal flush !

it is just so tricky to predict some our emerging juniors right now

[TheBloods]

unless the team mate has more score involvements and equal elsewhere ?

Gulden did that in his first year at 18yrs of age vs 21yrs of age

and with a royal flush !

it is just so tricky to predict some our emerging juniors right now

Sorry Gulden cant do what Wicks can do , just like Wicks cant do what Gulden can do . They are different but both have a role and serve a purpose . i prefer Gulden , reminds me of my grandson , little fella but all heart and skill . But wouldnt have one without the other .

[graemed]

Easy to criticise others making predictions, but this year it is seriously difficult.
Returning to the final games from 2021 and comparing our team lists is the way I believe our selectors may go. Obviously we had some injuries at the time and others have left and others have become available. Enough said:

FB. Cunningham Rampe Fox/Melican

HB. Blakey McCartin T. Lloyd

C. Florent Mills Heeney

HF. Hayward McLean Gulden

F. Wicks Franklin Papley

Foll. Hickey Parker Kennedy

Interchange: Bell Reid Warner Rowbottom/Stephens/Campbell/O’Riordan

I know that makes 26 players and that’s a lot more than 22 but I want to have some slack to allow for match-ups and pre-season form.

I realise there is some unpopular selections like Bell and Reid but I believe that Bell like Wicks was in the team for some very good reasons. I also believe he deserved his spot last year and it will be up to others to win it off him. As for Reid I have stated elsewhere that he is still more valuable than many give him credit for and like Bell will need to lose his place to someone performing better before I’m prepared to let him go.

I am looking forward to watching the reserves go around nearly as much as I am to the seniors as I see such much to be excited by in this squad. The likelihood that there will be severe disruptions to lists as a result of COVID protocols means that depth in a squad will be of paramount importance going forward towards finals.

[Roadrunner]

Easy to criticise others making predictions, but this year it is seriously difficult.
Returning to the final games from 2021 and comparing our team lists is the way I believe our selectors may go. Obviously we had some injuries at the time and others have left and others have become available. Enough said:

FB. Cunningham Rampe Fox/Melican

HB. Blakey McCartin T. Lloyd

C. Florent Mills Heeney

HF. Hayward McLean Gulden

F. Wicks Franklin Papley

Foll. Hickey Parker Kennedy

Interchange: Bell Reid Warner Rowbottom/Stephens/Campbell/O’Riordan

I know that makes 26 players and that’s a lot more than 22 but I want to have some slack to allow for match-ups and pre-season form.

I realise there is some unpopular selections like Bell and Reid but I believe that Bell like Wicks was in the team for some very good reasons. I also believe he deserved his spot last year and it will be up to others to win it off him. As for Reid I have stated elsewhere that he is still more valuable than many give him credit for and like Bell will need to lose his place to someone performing better before I’m prepared to let him go.

I am looking forward to watching the reserves go around nearly as much as I am to the seniors as I see such much to be excited by in this squad. The likelihood that there will be severe disruptions to lists as a result of COVID protocols means that depth in a squad will be of paramount importance going forward towards finals.

Agreed re Sammy as I think he can still contribute if he can stay fit. Not keen on Bell as he was given chances last year, which he deserved, but couldn’t really deliver. He may get chances again if we have injuries but on form he doesn’t deserve a place. I think our youngsters should be given a go now before James.

[Auntie.Gerald]

No Jmac ?

[Rod_]

No Jmac ?

Or McDonald - (or Amartey or McCartin P who could be handy ... if match ready / fit!)

There is usually one of the kids that gets a game or 2 early in the year.. Gould or Sheldrick, or ?)

Very early to be locking in the team for the year.. best 25+ players appears to have depth!

[graemed]

Oops. McInerney must come into the side. Sorry James relegated to the extras along with the other 5 pluses.

[graemed]

Since we’re just talking about round 1 I can’t see McDonald as a starter ahead either McClean or Reid.
I’m not sure if it’s physique or his fitness but he seems to fade early in games at least he did last year. I’m hoping that another pre-season and another year under the conditioning staff will cure the problem however I can’t see him in the team unless he has an outstanding couple of practice games.

[Ralph Dawg]

Since we’re just talking about round 1 I can’t see McDonald as a starter ahead either McClean or Reid.
I’m not sure if it’s physique or his fitness but he seems to fade early in games at least he did last year. I’m hoping that another pre-season and another year under the conditioning staff will cure the problem however I can’t see him in the team unless he has an outstanding couple of practice games.
If we only want to play 2 tall forwards, McLean, Amartey, Reid and Ladhams can all provide a chop out in the ruck. LMac as far as I'm aware, does not provide ruck relief (Buddy as well but he's Buddy!) so with him in the team, it demands we play a three tall setup or a reserve ruck at the expense of one of our young midfield / small forward brigade (eg Campbell, Wicks, Stephens, Sheldrick, Roberts even Bell or Sqizzy). It's all irrelevant if his form doesn't warrant selection but certainly becomes interesting if he's playing well along with most of our midfielders. Wouldn't want to be picking the team.

[Nico]

Since we’re just talking about round 1 I can’t see McDonald as a starter ahead either McClean or Reid.
I’m not sure if it’s physique or his fitness but he seems to fade early in games at least he did last year. I’m hoping that another pre-season and another year under the conditioning staff will cure the problem however I can’t see him in the team unless he has an outstanding couple of practice games.

I guess he faded a bit in games because he was 18yo.

[Bexl]

ok I will have a go

FB CUNNINGHAM P MCCARTIN RAMPE

HB BLAKEY T MCCARTIN LLOYD

C J MAC MILLS HEENEY

HF HAYWARD LADHAMS GULDEN

FF WICKS FRANKLIN PAPLEY

R HICKEY PARKER CH WARNER

INT KENNEDY FLORENT FOX STEPHENS

EMERG MCDONALD CAMPBELL ROWBOTTOM

of course this is dependent on a few things. MILLS being ok and reports that Stephens has had a great pre-season. also that ROWBOTTOM has recovered. of course P MCCARTIN at full back is a bit of a unusual call at this stage of his come back but I'm going with it anyway.

[TheBloods]

ok I will have a go

FB CUNNINGHAM P MCCARTIN RAMPE

HB BLAKEY T MCCARTIN LLOYD

C J MAC MILLS HEENEY

HF HAYWARD LADHAMS GULDEN

FF WICKS FRANKLIN PAPLEY

R HICKEY PARKER CH WARNER

INT KENNEDY FLORENT FOX STEPHENS

EMERG MCDONALD CAMPBELL ROWBOTTOM

of course this is dependent on a few things. MILLS being ok and reports that Stephens has had a great pre-season. also that ROWBOTTOM has recovered. of course P MCCARTIN at full back is a bit of a unusual call at this stage of his come back but I'm going with it anyway.

too short forward . Ladhams will be 2nd rucking and you have no one else except Buddy . Need another f50 target

Gulden also will be playing mids more so you have named 9 mids , too many

No offence

[Bexl]

too short forward . Ladhams will be 2nd rucking and you have no one else except Buddy . Need another f50 target

Gulden also will be playing mids more so you have named 9 mids , too many

No offence

none taken. so maybe take Stephens out and put in McDonald. i'd keep Fox for the back line rotation. also J Mac can rotate through half back.
Just my opinion but I see what you mean about another tall forward.

[Bangalore Swans]

ok I will have a go

FB CUNNINGHAM P MCCARTIN RAMPE

HB BLAKEY T MCCARTIN LLOYD

C J MAC MILLS HEENEY

HF HAYWARD LADHAMS GULDEN

FF WICKS FRANKLIN PAPLEY

R HICKEY PARKER CH WARNER

INT KENNEDY FLORENT FOX STEPHENS

EMERG MCDONALD CAMPBELL ROWBOTTOM

of course this is dependent on a few things. MILLS being ok and reports that Stephens has had a great pre-season. also that ROWBOTTOM has recovered. of course P MCCARTIN at full back is a bit of a unusual call at this stage of his come back but I'm going with it anyway.

Like your team. I have P Mccartin in my team as well. Does anyone know how P Mccartin is training? Is he screaming round 1.

I would have Lloyd on the bench to start J-Mac in the back 6. Need his run and drive back there.

I would drop Fox and bring in McDonald for some forward height.

The final one is Campbell for Wicks.

People will tell me about the small forward roles and the like. Campbell is a better and more versatile footballer. Campbell played a game as small forward later in 2021 and looked good.

If you played Campbell at small forward he would be just as effective as Wicks defensively, he’s quicker and you would have better finishing skills. You could also use Campbell at half back or on a wing in a game if a change was needed. Wicks has not demonstrated AFL versatility at this stage.

[TheBloods]

Like your team. I have P Mccartin in my team as well. Does anyone know how P Mccartin is training? Is he screaming round 1.

I would have Lloyd on the bench to start J-Mac in the back 6. Need his run and drive back there.

I would drop Fox and bring in McDonald for some forward height.

The final one is Campbell for Wicks.

People will tell me about the small forward roles and the like. Campbell is a better and more versatile footballer. Campbell played a game as small forward later in 2021 and looked good.

If you played Campbell at small forward he would be just as effective as Wicks defensively, he’s quicker and you would have better finishing skills. You could also use Campbell at half back or on a wing in a game if a change was needed. Wicks has not demonstrated AFL versatility at this stage.

Agree about Mcdonald over Fox

Disagree about Cambell ovrr Wicks . Campbell has the strength of my 12 yr old grandson . He was a turnstile for opponents last year . Cant tackle and pressure yet He is 23rd man in my opinion

[graemed]

I guess he faded a bit in games because he was 18yo.

I have no doubt that his age and perhaps living away from home may have contributed to my observation.
I support his endeavours to date and believe that if we can hang on to him, he will be a significant asset going forward.
My point is that I believe that he wasn't able to play a full game out last year and whilst he is impressive in bursts he needs better conditioning to truly contribute to the team ahead of others that have proven endurance and resilience.

[Bangalore Swans]

Agree about Mcdonald over Fox

Disagree about Cambell ovrr Wicks . Campbell has the strength of my 12 yr old grandson . He was a turnstile for opponents last year . Cant tackle and pressure yet He is 23rd man in my opinion

I would have Wicks as medical sub. Still gets a game to the tally sheet and gets paid.

Disagree strongly on turnstile observation. Literally all Swans Academy kids are better equipped at tackling than young kids drafted in AFL football states.

They have all been exposed to some Rugby League or Rugby Union in their junior sporting development. They learn how to tackle through that exposure. Look at Heeney’s tackles for instance. Even James Bell can execute a great tackle.

Campbell’s no turnstile. He’s a Sydney boy and they’re bred to tackle.

The Swans need Campbell in the side. I’ll become opinionated if Bell gets games ahead of Campbell.

[Bangalore Swans]

I have no doubt that his age and perhaps living away from home may have contributed to my observation.
I support his endeavours to date and believe that if we can hang on to him, he will be a significant asset going forward.
My point is that I believe that he wasn't able to play a full game out last year and whilst he is impressive in bursts he needs better conditioning to truly contribute to the team ahead of others that have proven endurance and resilience.

Drove past McDonald on Moore Park Road. The man is massive and has a frame that could destroy with some time. Maybe his frame can become like Tom Hawkins’s build.

[bloodspirit]

Since we’re just talking about round 1 I can’t see McDonald as a starter ahead either McClean or Reid.
I’m not sure if it’s physique or his fitness but he seems to fade early in games at least he did last year. I’m hoping that another pre-season and another year under the conditioning staff will cure the problem however I can’t see him in the team unless he has an outstanding couple of practice games.

Except McDonald started in Round 1 last year and has no doubt improved since then, whereas I don't think the same can be said for Reid and I think McLean is competing with Ladhams and Amartey for a spot. I think McDonald will be selected if we go with three talls forward as I hope and expect (barring injury).

[TheBloods]

I would have Wicks as medical sub. Still gets a game to the tally sheet and gets paid.

Disagree strongly on turnstile observation. Literally all Swans Academy kids are better equipped at tackling than young kids drafted in AFL football states.

They have all been exposed to some Rugby League or Rugby Union in their junior sporting development. They learn how to tackle through that exposure. Look at Heeney’s tackles for instance. Even James Bell can execute a great tackle.

Campbell’s no turnstile. He’s a Sydney boy and they’re bred to tackle.

The Swans need Campbell in the side. I’ll become opinionated if Bell gets games ahead of Campbell.

You 'll become opinionated ?

Campbell might be a good tackler one day but he is not YET . Rewatch games from last yr , struggled physically , hes only a teenager and not a big one at that ! If your giving Wicks the boot i 'd even prefer RB as small fwd than Campbell and it is well known i dont want him within a Quinlan drop punt of the afl side . Campbell is a wing / mid . He needs to play that position and if he cant in the seniors let him do it in the magoos to learn .

[bloodspirit]

You 'll become opinionated ?



:rofl::rofl::rofl:

[i'm-uninformed2]

Club has posted a JMac interview on a couple of socials.

I'd forgotten he had no pre-season last year, which really made what he did all the more remarkable. Said he'd been training a mix of wing, halfback and midfield. He's very articulate about things and fits someone else's observation on here that he's got potential to be in the leadership group.

I've said a few times he's the club house leader of our young crew and let's hope he goes from strength to strength this year. He really is a special talent.

[NeonBible]

Club has posted a JMac interview on a couple of socials.

I'd forgotten he had no pre-season last year, which really made what he did all the more remarkable. Said he'd been training a mix of wing, halfback and midfield. He's very articulate about things and fits someone else's observation on here that he's got potential to be in the leadership group.

I've said a few times he's the club house leader of our young crew and let's hope he goes from strength to strength this year. He really is a special talent.

I completely agree with you about Juzzy. He is a fantastic young player. & i concur he is the leader of the young brigade at this stage. I expect that will change pretty quickly.. i can't quite see our best player over the next decade being a wingman/HB flanker with a light build!! More likely to be a star inside mid like Chad or Gulden.. or a key fwd.. Logan?? Or maybe even Blakey.. with his height and his incredible speed.. he could be anything!! Such exciting times!

[wolftone57]

unless the team mate has more score involvements and equal elsewhere ?

Gulden did that in his first year at 18yrs of age vs 21yrs of age

and with a royal flush !

it is just so tricky to predict some our emerging juniors right now

But Gulden is a rare talent let's face it.

[wolftone57]

Easy to criticise others making predictions, but this year it is seriously difficult.
Returning to the final games from 2021 and comparing our team lists is the way I believe our selectors may go. Obviously we had some injuries at the time and others have left and others have become available. Enough said:

FB. Cunningham Rampe Fox/Melican

HB. Blakey McCartin T. Lloyd

C. Florent Mills Heeney

HF. Hayward McLean Gulden

F. Wicks Franklin Papley

Foll. Hickey Parker Kennedy

Interchange: Bell Reid Warner Rowbottom/Stephens/Campbell/O’Riordan

I know that makes 26 players and that’s a lot more than 22 but I want to have some slack to allow for match-ups and pre-season form.

I realise there is some unpopular selections like Bell and Reid but I believe that Bell like Wicks was in the team for some very good reasons. I also believe he deserved his spot last year and it will be up to others to win it off him. As for Reid I have stated elsewhere that he is still more valuable than many give him credit for and like Bell will need to lose his place to someone performing better before I’m prepared to let him go.

I am looking forward to watching the reserves go around nearly as much as I am to the seniors as I see such much to be excited by in this squad. The likelihood that there will be severe disruptions to lists as a result of COVID protocols means that depth in a squad will be of paramount importance going forward towards finals.

Justin McInerney?

[wolftone57]

ok I will have a go

FB CUNNINGHAM P MCCARTIN RAMPE

HB BLAKEY T MCCARTIN LLOYD

C J MAC MILLS HEENEY

HF HAYWARD LADHAMS GULDEN

FF WICKS FRANKLIN PAPLEY

R HICKEY PARKER CH WARNER

INT KENNEDY FLORENT FOX STEPHENS

EMERG MCDONALD CAMPBELL ROWBOTTOM

of course this is dependent on a few things. MILLS being ok and reports that Stephens has had a great pre-season. also that ROWBOTTOM has recovered. of course P MCCARTIN at full back is a bit of a unusual call at this stage of his come back but I'm going with it anyway.

Mills and Rowbottom very doubtful for round 1

[Ralph Dawg]

Instead of R1 I'm going for the best team for the first trial, usually 8 on the bench for community series:

B Cunningham Rampe Lloyd
HB JMac TMac Blakey
C Heeney Mills Florent
HF Wilbur Buddy Papley
F Wicks Ladhams LMac
Foll Hickey Chad Parker
Int Gulden Stephens Campbell Melican Gould Reid McLean Amartey

If I was coach, like to guage who is in front for the third taller defender out of Melican, Gould and Reid. PMac and BOC to play VFL first.

I see the ruck / forward role as a contest between McLean, Ladhams and Amartey

I've left Mills and RB out due to injury.

JPK out as we well and truly know what we get from him and would rather view some of our fringe players.

[Bangalore Swans]

Mills and Rowbottom very doubtful for round 1

If your injury prognosis is correct then Mills goes out of my team and Wicks comes in.

Chad off the bench and into the middle. Use Wicks up toward and move Campbell to half back with J-Mac shifting to the middle.

[Aprilbr]

A few people seem to have Heeney on the wing. I doubt that he will play there. I think we need his marking power up forward so he mainly will play there with bursts in the midfield like Stringer. Looking at the Middle we really need one or two of the youngsters to really step us this year with Mills doubtful early and Kennedy in decline. Best bets seem to be Chad and Stephens.