I'd love to see Will Gould given a run in 2021. Just not sure exactly what his role would be, who his competition is and who he could displace. He just seems to be a little in no where land - not quite tall, fast or fit enough but has made up for it in junior footy with his strength, competitiveness and disposal.
Can Will be developed into a Josh Kennedy Type? Their height and weight are similar and he can be strong and competitive too. He will need a strong pre-season though.
I'm quite surprised at this. Surely Gould's best position is defence, and I think that's where we'll most likely see him deployed. I don't know why he hasn't played this year but I think he has enough speed and height. And our defence is not the hardest it's been to break into like when Teddy, Reg, Smooch, Macca and Rampe were playing together. Currently, Rampe (when fit) is about the only absolute lock in our defence and there are a whole bunch of players in the mix for the other defensive positions and Gould can contend for the positions played by the likes of Fox and Thurlow who have been in our best 22 most of our recent games.
All opinions are not equal. Some are a very great deal more robust, sophisticated, and well supported in logic and argument than others. -Douglas Adams, author (11 Mar 1952-2001)
So, going into the draft, a potential 22:
Rampe Melican Cunningham
Dawson McCartin Mills
Heeney Kennedy Blakey
Hickey Parker Rowbottom
Papley Reid Franklin
Florent Sinclair Hayward
McInerney Hewitt Stephens Campbell/#3
Probably need to think about another defender into the mix—Fox or Thurlow at the expense of one of the tall forwards?
Maybe too many talls with Reid, Sinclair and, hopefully a fit Buddy (but I'd like to see Sinclair as a forward and secondary ruck, at least for a few weeks).
I did! How funny. Your version feels more balanced, and pretty smart across HB. I'm interested in how I am less upset now by Aliir's departure than I was a couple of days ago.
Make us look like we've got a bit of a team, although I would also be looking towards a level of improvement from Hayward, and to a resumption of Heeney's development. I was a bit more positive about Florent's work in 2020 than many who post here.
I struggle to see how we can play Sinclair, Buddy and Reid in the same forward line. Too slow and won't apply enough forward pressure. Given the injury profile of the 3, especially Buddy and Reid, it's likely only 2 of the 3 will be fit at any given time. Also, still not writing of Cal to give Hickey a good run for his money as our number 1 ruck, given he played 2020 injured.
My 22 for R1 FWIW
B Cunningham Rampe Mills
HB Lloyd McCartain Dawson
C Stephens JPK Florent
HF Blakey Buddy Heeney
F Papley Reid Hayward
Foll Hickey Rowbum Parker
Res Fox McInerney Hewett 2020 Draftee
If Buddy not fit for R1, Sinclair.
I agree with RD that I don't want us to play Sinclair, Buddy & Reid in the forward line together, even though I think Reid and Buddy apply reasonable pressure. I think we only play Sinclair as a second ruck if one of Buddy or Reid is out.
I think it remains to be seen whether Melican will start in Round 1 - hopefully he will, but his form has been up and down. Obviously the fact we have extended him for another 3 years is a big show of faith.
I'm curious about whether McCartin settles in defence or not. He has excelled in the KPD role, but is it easier for us to cover that with someone else (like Brand or Gould) and send him back forward?
One of the things I like best is that there is decent depth outside the 22. Lots of players who have shown they can come in and play a role when called upon to do so when injuries or drop offs in form hit.
All opinions are not equal. Some are a very great deal more robust, sophisticated, and well supported in logic and argument than others. -Douglas Adams, author (11 Mar 1952-2001)
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