KissKiss
Norm Smith Medallist
- Nov 26, 2012
- 8,664
- 11,064
- AFL Club
- Brisbane Lions
Early days with lots of room over list changes and pre-season but here's my thinking. (Sorry that its turned into suck an essay)
Key backs (two tall one medium):
Andrews is locked in. Adams/Payne will be an interesting battle for the second role. Personally I hope we persevere with Payne as I like what I have seen so far.
That leaves a battle between Gardiner and Lester. Its a bit rough as both have played really well this year but I think we are better balanced with a second tall and one of these two. Payne in provides more height and pace.
Small backs (4 small):
I think Rich is locked in as well as Starc now. Good balance of kicking and speed.
Despite Birchall having triggered another year I think we should move past him. Still not convinced by his lack of speed and hope we have enough experience down back now. Witherden should have learnt enough to take on that role.
That leaves a battle between Ah Chee and Answerth for the 7th spot. Both offer plenty and Im not sure of the best option. I havent seen enough of Prior or other young options to know about them
Inside mids (3-4):
Neale and Lyons are locked in but I think we need another (if not two more) to support them. CEY isnt bad when there but doesnt do enough elsewhere. Berry could be an option or we could play him on the wing more (in Robbos role). Would like to see one of Dev or Ely get a run here but they are still unknowns. Personally think Matho isnt the answer. Think he's a little too small and doesnt run enough defensively to be more than backup.
Bailey can do a bit of Zorko's role but it makes us small inside - think he will play wing and rotate everywhere
Cockatoo might be an option but not sure if he is the wing option.
Wing/Outside mids (3-4):
McClug is the star - we've talked about him playing more inside but think thats robbing Peter to pay Paul. As above I think Bailey will also keep playing wing rotating with Clugg.
Personally think we have a need for another option here. I think Robbo has played a little less wing but might be time for someone to take over his bigger wing role. Need to be big and run hard to help inside or cover ground. Berry could do this and play inside a bit or maybe this is why we are chasing Cockatoo and can ease him into the team.
Ruck:
Oscar should be taking on the main role from now on. I still have concerns especially with how he always plays from behind but that should be coachable.
Stef unfortunately might be done. I think he takes a bit of time to work into the year but we cant afford that now. He has also always been a shorter ruck and had to over come that.
Not sure if Archie continues on either. Consistently has low ToG% as isnt flexible enough to play other roles. If we are getting Daniher (forward/ruck role) I think that pushes him further out.
Clear need to chase/draft a backup ruck
Tall forwards (2 tall and 1 forward/ruck):
Hipwood starts no question.
McStay has been the best option but I see why its a constant argument. Does Daniher push him out or does he play the R/F role?
If we dont get Daniher then we probably need another option.
Skinner unfortunately I think the knees have cost him too much pace/agility. Ballenden is still a maybe - needs more aggression. Fullerton showed promise and is probably first option to come in next.
Think we need to look at drafting another key forward option
Small forwards (3-4):
Charlie, Rayner and Linc are obvious starters. I would also think Zorko will play more here as well. Like Ablett played against us. All have shown ability to be dangerous and pushing into the middle at times. Although again they are smaller (ignore Rayner) and need to be balanced with bigger bodies when they do that.
KColeman (and hopefully BColeman) are first choice backups as well as TBerry. All look to provide great pressure and can grow into the role.
Biggest list needs:
Key backs (two tall one medium):
Andrews is locked in. Adams/Payne will be an interesting battle for the second role. Personally I hope we persevere with Payne as I like what I have seen so far.
That leaves a battle between Gardiner and Lester. Its a bit rough as both have played really well this year but I think we are better balanced with a second tall and one of these two. Payne in provides more height and pace.
Small backs (4 small):
I think Rich is locked in as well as Starc now. Good balance of kicking and speed.
Despite Birchall having triggered another year I think we should move past him. Still not convinced by his lack of speed and hope we have enough experience down back now. Witherden should have learnt enough to take on that role.
That leaves a battle between Ah Chee and Answerth for the 7th spot. Both offer plenty and Im not sure of the best option. I havent seen enough of Prior or other young options to know about them
Inside mids (3-4):
Neale and Lyons are locked in but I think we need another (if not two more) to support them. CEY isnt bad when there but doesnt do enough elsewhere. Berry could be an option or we could play him on the wing more (in Robbos role). Would like to see one of Dev or Ely get a run here but they are still unknowns. Personally think Matho isnt the answer. Think he's a little too small and doesnt run enough defensively to be more than backup.
Bailey can do a bit of Zorko's role but it makes us small inside - think he will play wing and rotate everywhere
Cockatoo might be an option but not sure if he is the wing option.
Wing/Outside mids (3-4):
McClug is the star - we've talked about him playing more inside but think thats robbing Peter to pay Paul. As above I think Bailey will also keep playing wing rotating with Clugg.
Personally think we have a need for another option here. I think Robbo has played a little less wing but might be time for someone to take over his bigger wing role. Need to be big and run hard to help inside or cover ground. Berry could do this and play inside a bit or maybe this is why we are chasing Cockatoo and can ease him into the team.
Ruck:
Oscar should be taking on the main role from now on. I still have concerns especially with how he always plays from behind but that should be coachable.
Stef unfortunately might be done. I think he takes a bit of time to work into the year but we cant afford that now. He has also always been a shorter ruck and had to over come that.
Not sure if Archie continues on either. Consistently has low ToG% as isnt flexible enough to play other roles. If we are getting Daniher (forward/ruck role) I think that pushes him further out.
Clear need to chase/draft a backup ruck
Tall forwards (2 tall and 1 forward/ruck):
Hipwood starts no question.
McStay has been the best option but I see why its a constant argument. Does Daniher push him out or does he play the R/F role?
If we dont get Daniher then we probably need another option.
Skinner unfortunately I think the knees have cost him too much pace/agility. Ballenden is still a maybe - needs more aggression. Fullerton showed promise and is probably first option to come in next.
Think we need to look at drafting another key forward option
Small forwards (3-4):
Charlie, Rayner and Linc are obvious starters. I would also think Zorko will play more here as well. Like Ablett played against us. All have shown ability to be dangerous and pushing into the middle at times. Although again they are smaller (ignore Rayner) and need to be balanced with bigger bodies when they do that.
KColeman (and hopefully BColeman) are first choice backups as well as TBerry. All look to provide great pressure and can grow into the role.
Biggest list needs:
- Back up ruck (probably from draft)
- Key forward or forward ruck - Daniher is clearly the target but another from the draft might be needed
- Another mid or wing option - Cockatoo or O'Hallaran seem to be the target (would love Caldwell still). Otherwise need Dev or Smith to step up
