So, for the sake of the argument (isn’t that what we are here for – beyond cheering on our mighty side), let’s revisit best 22 as we come into finals and touch wood, knowing we’re close to a fit list (bar Naismith).
But, I’m going to do it based on what I think Horse’s preferred structure is. I’ll use last week’s side as the start point.
KPF Buddy
Second Ruck Reid
2 x small/mid goal kickers Papley / Hayward
2 x pressure forwards Wicks / Bell
7th forward Ronke
Ruck Hickey
Contested ball mids Parker / Kennedy / Hewett / Rowbottom
Running/ball use mids Heeney / Florent / Dawson / Gulden (with Florent or Dawson rotating more behind the ball and acting as extra outlet from defence)
Tall defenders Rampe / McCartin / Fox (allowing for Rampe and Fox not being, but that’s their role)
Outlet defenders Lloyd / Blakey
Lockdown small defender McInerney
Now, we know there is one position up forward negotiable – the 7th forward. It won’t be Ronke. Does Horse go with a third tall, or use a mix of Heeney or Gulden to the role? Those two are more likely dependent on match ups.
We also know Harry comes straight back in, which probably pushes McInerney up into the spot Gulden or Heeney had among the running/ball use mids and that person back to the seventh forward role. I'll go with Gulden for now.
We know Mills comes back in, which for me means Rowbottom is the one to fall out at the moment.
Which gives us:
KPF Buddy
Second Ruck Reid
2 x small/mid goal kickers Papley / Hayward
2 x pressure forwards Wicks / Bell
7th forward Gulden
Ruck Hickey
Contested ball mids Parker / Kennedy / Hewett / Mills
Running/ball use mids Heeney / Florent / Dawson / McInerney (with Dawson or McInerney rotating more behind the ball and acting as extra outlet from defence)
Tall defenders Rampe / McCartin / Fox
Outlet defenders Lloyd / Blakey
Small defender Cunningham
Now, if that’s the structure – and I think it is – and you want another player in, who goes out? I get people will argue for Warner or wanting to see Campbell back in, for example, but for whom in the confines of that structure. For example, Warner is a better player than Bell – but that’s not the point. Horse wants at least two pressure forwards. So if Warner comes back in, is it for Florent? You choose! If you want Melican in, is it for Fox, or does someone else get squeezed out?
Part of the beauty of this is it shows depth. Amarty, Melican, Warner, Campbell, Rowbottom - just to name a few - aren't in that side.
If you think we should have a different structure, go for it – but your argument isn’t with me. It’s with Horse. If you think we have a radically different structure, argue for it.
Anyway, go for it . . .
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