Analysis 2019 List, Game Plan and Best 22?

[Punts]

I'm going to assume a few things here.
1. We recruit Darcy Moore
2. Hannebery, Newman and Rohan leave
3. We retain Jake Lloyd
4. We don't recruit any other ready made players (which I hope is the most unlikely of these assumptions)

Based on those, I was thinking about the following side with some pretty big adjustments based on our weaknesses in the midfield right now.

Smith - Melican - Aliir
Lloyd - Moore - McVeigh
Mills - Parker - Florent
Cunningham - Franklin - Hewett
Papley - Reid - Heeney
Sinclair - Kennedy - Rampe

I/C: Jones - O'Riordan - Hayward - Dawson

Rampe, Mills and Jones become primarily midfielders and wingmen. Moore shifts straight into Rampe's role with Melican as key defenders allowing Aliir to be the 3rd man/interceptor. O'Riordan comes in to provide more pace and athleticism from defence.

Our midfield rotation becomes Kennedy, Hewett, Parker, Mills, Rampe, Heeney with bits of Jones, Florent, Cunningham, Dawson on the wings and in the middle.

This allows Papley to stay forward from now on. McCartin and Ronke are unlucky to lose their spots but they have plenty of time to win them back. Their careers are just beginning.

Jack, Grundy are in the reserves under ROK rules, to be used when necessary, which will be likely with injuries being inevitable.

Naismith and Cameron have to battle it out to be Sinclair's understudy. Sinclair got beaten by Lobb on the weekend but people are overreacting to that saying he's not a number one. No, he just got beaten on the day. He has been fantastic this year and competed well with the very best in the league. He's our number one ruckman until we recruit someone better or one of the younger guys takes it from him.

Despite how abysmally the side played on the weekend and what I've posted not being perfect, the prospect of that side right there excites me.

Love to see Rampe go into the midfield but will John take him out of defence

 

[S120]

Love to see Rampe go into the midfield but will John take him out of defence

I'm skeptical as well overall of this, but there are signs that it could be on the cards. Darcy Moore and Tom Jonas both being pursued (reportedly) would imply that the spine is being changed. Rampe has been given such a heavy workload over the last few years battling power forwards out of his weight divison (and performing fantastically I might add), so maybe the club has finally said enough's enough and we need a change. Particularly with respect to how terribly our midfield has performed this year as a unit. We need a deeper group there and Rampe's power and athleticism would work a treat as an inside midfielder. Moore/Jonas could take a key post, Melican returns to take the other, Aliir as the 3rd and Rampe into the middle looks excellent to me. I'd love to see it happen.

 

[6yearsold]

Love to see Rampe go into the midfield but will John take him out of defence

was thinking similar but longmire likes to assume we will lose the clearance and it will get pumped into our defence, where we need rampe, rather than just winning the ball to begin with.

 

[adam waite]

After his drop in output in 2018 compared to 2017 I am not sure we can guarantee that Kennedy is going to be in our best 22 for all of 2019. I hope he is, but he isn't a lock anymore.

He will be a lock if he gets some friggin help!!

 

[adam waite]

For me I want some pace from the backline. Reg, McVeigh and Smith offer a lot, but none can run out of sight on a foggy moonless night. All three will retire at end 2019. COR must play there.

Our mids are bog ordinary. George is the only one who can dispose of the ball. Agree we need a decent tap ruckman.

Sinkers to be traded or play ruck forward when Reid is injured.

Trade Lloyd, Rohan and Hanners, plus other odd jobbers who might get a better deal.

Tell Jack he will be captain of the Ressies and won't get a game in the Seniors unless the the Black Plague hits the Club.

Delist Foote, Rose, Towers, Pink.

Drafting Strategy should be kids and one or two rough diamonds. Mids, a ruck and a lot should be priorities.

All must be able to kick the ball.

Outs from Saturday: Jack, Sinkers, Lloyd, Hannerbury, Newman, Robinson

Ins: Reid, Mills, Naismith, Melican, Blakey and a skilled mid.

 

[adam waite]

Not really up for comments on the whole post at the moment , but trade sinkers or use him to replace Reid when injured

For me I want some pace from the backline. Reg, McVeigh and Smith offer a lot, but none can run out of sight on a foggy moonless night. All three will retire at end 2019. COR must play there.

Our mids are bog ordinary. George is the only one who can dispose of the ball. Agree we need a decent tap ruckman.

Sinkers to be traded or play ruck forward when Reid is injured.

Trade Lloyd, Rohan and Hanners, plus other odd jobbers who might get a better deal.

Tell Jack he will be captain of the Ressies and won't get a game in the Seniors unless the the Black Plague hits the Club.

Delist Foote, Rose, Towers, Pink.

Drafting Strategy should be kids and one or two rough diamonds. Mids, a ruck and a lot should be priorities.

All must be able to kick the ball.

Outs from Saturday: Jack, Sinkers, Lloyd, Hannerbury, Newman, Robinson

Ins: Reid, Mills, Naismith, Melican, Blakey and a skilled mid.

Are you serious! Trade Sinkers,or play ruck forward when Reid is injured! Sinkers has carried the ruck single handily for the whole friggin season!! When is Reid not injured!!! What nobody realises is that we extenended Reids contract and we made a huge mistake, we re- signed a talented stick figure, whose body just isnt up to the rigours of Afl

 

[TheMase]

Not really up for comments on the whole post at the moment , but trade sinkers or use him to replace Reid when injured

Are you serious! Trade Sinkers,or play ruck forward when Reid is injured! Sinkers has carried the ruck single handily for the whole friggin season!! When is Reid not injured!!! What nobody realises is that we extenended Reids contract and we made a huge mistake, we re- signed a talented stick figure, whose body just isnt up to the rigours of Afl

It depend I suppose on how the club see Naismith. If they see him as number 1 ruck then with Sinclair turning 30 next season, and his value probably never having been higher (and unlikely to get higher), we would be selling high.

Cameron also waiting in the wings with Amartey developing (not sure I see him as a ruck though).

 

[The King!]

Maybe a new gameplan will stop players requesting a trade

 

[The Swans Blog]

Some stats to support the argument that the current game plan is ****ed and needs to be binned

* Lowest no. of wins at SCG in a season since 2011 (5)
* Lowest ever average score at the SCG (74.1, >1 game a season)
* -28 less points scored compared to 2017
* +4.2 points conceded compared to 2017
* First season since 2000 for a negative game differential (-2)
* Most losses at the SCG since 2000 (7)
* First negative score differential since 1994 (-0.6)
* -29.5 less points scored per game than 1994
* 2017-18 most losses (11) over consecutive seasons since 2000-01 (12)
* Lowest ever score at the SCG (30)



Year For Against Crowd
2018 74.1 74.7 34491.5
2017 102.4 70.5 34474.9
2016 102.6 59.3 33817.9
2015 101.0 76.6 32253.6
2014 102.5 65.3 32557.6
2013 109.0 66.7 25628.8
2012 106.8 72.1 22933.7
2011 87.6 79.8 25200.4
2010 101.6 74.5 28975.0
2009 94.0 85.1 26864.9
2008 108.6 78.9 25401.3
2007 115.8 74.0 25222.0
2006 93.8 74.9 30401.9
2005 87.4 69.6 29767.8
2004 85.2 71.2 26880.3
2003 103.3 83.9 26423.3
2002 103.8 99.0 19954.5
2001 103.4 81.5 27159.2
2000 109.5 100.2 24562.5
1999 104.1 92.3 30324.5
1998 98.5 92.8 32354.5
1997 115.0 83.9 35818.1
1996 102.8 76.1 26850.0
1995 112.1 106.6 15976.0
1994 93.6 119.9 9814.1
1993 99.5 138.2 9422.6
1992 98.9 127.5 9962.7
1991 116.0 127.4 11139.6
1990 91.0 120.7 9274.9
1989 94.7 81.5 12317.4
1988 103.8 107.6 12323.2
1987 147.1 97.5 21986.6
1986 127.4 101.2 25846.5
1985 113.9 110.9 10137.2
1984 110.3 116.3 12495.1
1983 106.7 125.2 12015.5
1982 125.9 107.5 15992.5

 

[The King!]

Some stats to support the argument that the current game plan is ****** and needs to be binned

* Lowest no. of wins at SCG in a season since 2011 (5)
* Lowest ever average score at the SCG (74.1, >1 game a season)
* -28 less points scored compared to 2017
* +4.2 points conceded compared to 2017
* First season since 2000 for a negative game differential (-2)
* Most losses at the SCG since 2000 (7)
* First negative score differential since 1994 (-0.6)
* -29.5 less points scored per game than 1994
* 2017-18 most losses (11) over consecutive seasons since 2000-01 (12)
* Lowest ever score at the SCG (30)



Year For Against Crowd
2018 74.1 74.7 34491.5
2017 102.4 70.5 34474.9
2016 102.6 59.3 33817.9
2015 101.0 76.6 32253.6
2014 102.5 65.3 32557.6
2013 109.0 66.7 25628.8
2012 106.8 72.1 22933.7
2011 87.6 79.8 25200.4
2010 101.6 74.5 28975.0
2009 94.0 85.1 26864.9
2008 108.6 78.9 25401.3
2007 115.8 74.0 25222.0
2006 93.8 74.9 30401.9
2005 87.4 69.6 29767.8
2004 85.2 71.2 26880.3
2003 103.3 83.9 26423.3
2002 103.8 99.0 19954.5
2001 103.4 81.5 27159.2
2000 109.5 100.2 24562.5
1999 104.1 92.3 30324.5
1998 98.5 92.8 32354.5
1997 115.0 83.9 35818.1
1996 102.8 76.1 26850.0
1995 112.1 106.6 15976.0
1994 93.6 119.9 9814.1
1993 99.5 138.2 9422.6
1992 98.9 127.5 9962.7
1991 116.0 127.4 11139.6
1990 91.0 120.7 9274.9
1989 94.7 81.5 12317.4
1988 103.8 107.6 12323.2
1987 147.1 97.5 21986.6
1986 127.4 101.2 25846.5
1985 113.9 110.9 10137.2
1984 110.3 116.3 12495.1
1983 106.7 125.2 12015.5
1982 125.9 107.5 15992.5

Geez our scoring at home went off a cliff

 

[kickthething]

I am keen to see how Amartey fares after another off season, if he can build up, his ability was on show a number of times through he NEAFL season. He just might be able to establish himself as an athletic tall forward option... not sure about his speed, but he might be a bit of xfactor for us next year??

The biggest overhaul is reserved for the game plan. Also, how will the coaches box look next year with Shaw leaving. Looking at it right now, we are likely to be in the 6-12 bracket of sides next year I assume. Unless we can radically change up some things. out - low scoring and -ve inside 50 differentials Ins c- scores over 100 at home.

 

[6yearsold]

I am keen to see how Amartey fares after another off season, if he can build up, his ability was on show a number of times through he NEAFL season. He just might be able to establish himself as an athletic tall forward option... not sure about his speed, but he might be a bit of xfactor for us next year??

The biggest overhaul is reserved for the game plan. Also, how will the coaches box look next year with Shaw leaving. Looking at it right now, we are likely to be in the 6-12 bracket of sides next year I assume. Unless we can radically change up some things. out - low scoring and -ve inside 50 differentials Ins c- scores over 100 at home.

yeah, i like a lot of what i saw from amartey. has certainly shown more than toby pink.

 

[mcs095]

I am keen to see how Amartey fares after another off season, if he can build up, his ability was on show a number of times through he NEAFL season. He just might be able to establish himself as an athletic tall forward option... not sure about his speed, but he might be a bit of xfactor for us next year??

The biggest overhaul is reserved for the game plan. Also, how will the coaches box look next year with Shaw leaving. Looking at it right now, we are likely to be in the 6-12 bracket of sides next year I assume. Unless we can radically change up some things. out - low scoring and -ve inside 50 differentials Ins c- scores over 100 at home.

I like Amartey - but I think he might need another full NEAFL season + 2 pre-seasons before he will really be ready to challenge for seniors. But who knows - as you say he has done some good things this year in reserves and shown there is something about him.

 

[Heeney2Franklin]

Geez our scoring at home went off a cliff

Somehow we lost 5 goals a game with a similar forward setup to 2017.

 

[caesar88]

I suspect it wouldn't just be our scoring numbers that were down. It felt like we lost more 50/50 contests than at any point in recent memory, were laying less tackles than ever, hardly anyone could take a mark, as previously mentioned our bounce stats indicate our inability to get into space. Felt like our application in games was pretty average, and I think that goes back to training where obviously the boys just haven't bought in yet. To me that's what it's really about.

Players by in >>>>> the hunger will help them in games >>>>> things fall into place >>>>> the basics like skills will become easier.

 

[Heeney2Franklin]

I suspect it wouldn't just be our scoring numbers that were down. It felt like we lost more 50/50 contests than at any point in recent memory, were laying less tackles than ever, hardly anyone could take a mark, as previously mentioned our bounce stats indicate our inability to get into space. Felt like our application in games was pretty average, and I think that goes back to training where obviously the boys just haven't bought in yet. To me that's what it's really about.

Players by in >>>>> the hunger will help them in games >>>>> things fall into place >>>>> the basics like skills will become easier.

I bet the average of 74 points would coincide with our inside 50's also fallen off a cliff and being trapped in defence its all connected to one we just lacked drive our of defence.

 

[caesar88]

I bet the average of 74 points would coincide with our inside 50's also fallen off a cliff and being trapped in defence its all connected to one we just lacked drive our of defence.

But it so often ended up in defence because our efforts up the ground weren't up to scratch. And it's weird because individually, you could look at our entire best 22 and say they'd give their 100%, but there was just too many moments where their efforts just weren't 100%. And it all adds up. As a whole we just seemed flat, and I genuinely think it's because our players haven't bought in to Horse's system.

 

[The King!]

But it so often ended up in defence because our efforts up the ground weren't up to scratch. And it's weird because individually, you could look at our entire best 22 and say they'd give their 100%, but there was just too many moments where their efforts just weren't 100%. And it all adds up. As a whole we just seemed flat, and I genuinely think it's because our players haven't bought in to Horse's system.

We kicked it backwards quite a bit too

 

[RobbieK]

Somehow we lost 5 goals a game with a similar forward setup to 2017.

Those goals were lost because of an inferior midfield rather than issues with the forward line.

 

[The King!]

I’d give Parker the captaincy next year or at least co captain

 

[Jewelsbon]

I’d give Parker the captaincy next year or at least co captain

Isn't he co-captain already?
Agree with giving him the captaincy.

Edit - forgot he is the vice captain and we don't have a co-captain.
Sorry King, continue....

 

[hashdag]

I wonder whether we have been thinking about potential changes to the way the game is being played in our list decisions.

If you look at our drafting over the last three years, where there has been a choice (I.e we are not getting top level talent through the academy) we have been taking speed, mobility and kicking over power and close in contested ability (Florent, Hayward, Ling, Stoddart, Leonardis).

This could be to follow trends in the industry or as I hope, to pre-empt future trends around what McLachlan and Hocking are trying to achieve in reducing congestion and creating more space for players to display their skills.

 

[caesar88]

Frustrating observation I noticed from watching a few of our replays this year,

I'd like to see us use our smalls more efficiently. IMO we are at our best and most dangerous when Buddy isn't as prolific in a game. I'd rather Buddy have two blokes on him, and give our smaller forwards some isolation because they can do some damage if they're one out in space.

Look at Florent's match-winner vs the Bulldogs when he got it out the back and had the space to use his leg speed.
Papley last year kicked the match-winner against Adelaide in Adelaide in almost the same way as Florent, getting it out the back and running into the 50.
Ronke's first ever goal in Geelong came because he had an open 50 to break away and run into the open goal.
There have been times where Hayward has also done it this year.

We have the leg-speed in this team, I don't doubt that for a second, but it's too few and far between when we get to see them in those situations that favour them. Too often these fleet-footed types aren't in positions that will let them go on a run. So many times in a game I think, why did we kick to Buddy in a 3v1 when we had a smaller, faster player in a 1v1? Why is Papley or Hayward getting it in the middle of a stoppage? Why are other forwards running into the space of a smaller forward rather than leading away to give that team-mate the isolation?

I don't know who's to blame whether it's the players or the coach or the SCG or what. We are among the best teams in the comp at certain things, but creating and using space is one thing where we are absolutely one of the worst. Buddy will always be out-numbered because opposition coaches would never let him get isolation. We should be using that to our advantage by bringing the smalls into the game, yet we seem to go the opposite route and try and persist with Buddy. Capitalise on the fact we have quick players at ground level, get the ball to them more in dangerous positions and back them to beat their opponent. My guess is it will work out more often than not.

 

[Grand Uncle Horace]

We are among the best teams in the comp at certain things, but creating and using space is one thing where we are absolutely one of the worst.

Spot on.

 

[Number37]

Spot on.

We create plenty of space in our forward line. Miles of it.