Prediction 2025 - Best 23 + Emergencies - Rolling

[ianh]

From AFL site:

View attachment 2180583

Your club's best 22 in 2025: Who's in, who's out, who's new

With the trade period and draft done, our reporters have their say on your team's best line-up for next year

www.afl.com.au

Not a bad stab at it, what is clear is that there are a lot a players in the mix for the last half dozen spots or so. There seems to me to be only 10 or so locks that everyone has in, plus a couple more who almost everyone has in. But about half the team have a genuine competitor for their spot, which can be a bad thing as it means they are not good enough to be a lock or a good thing that there is genuine class coming up. My feeling is that it is the latter, but then I am a glass half full type.

 

[JuddgementDay]

I am totally with you g man, on Kempy. He has proven to not be a natural defender and I hope to not see him in defence

ever again. However he is versatile and will most likely be used at both ends at different times. Up forward though is where

I see him flourishing. Needs to keep out of H and Charlies road for sure and with the permanent inclusion of Moir, hopefully.

Will make for a very strong marking forward line, just add Zac for speed and hopefully a fit and in form Motlop and the

balance looks ok to me. Reckon oppo teams will have nightmares thinking about how to nullify that six.

I'm keen to see those 6 forwards playing in as many games as possible together, it's very potent IMO
Then if we get a few goals from our midfield - or floating mid/fwd like Elijah, then we'll be very dangerous - the opposition can't just double team Charlie and H

 

[PezzDogg95]

I like to look at our selected team with the following team roles and rough positioning in a 6-6-6 system.



Noting there are 18 on-field roles, with 22 players rotating through, meaning most players rotating between 2 positions on the field.

1. Ruck (80%) - T de Koning (TOG 80%)

2. Key Fwd (65%) / Ruck (20%) - H McKay (TOG 85%)
3. Key Fwd (75%) / Big Wing (15%) - C Curnow (TOG 90%)
4. Key Fwd (60%) / Big Mid (20%) - J Silvagni / B Kemp (TOG 80%)

5. Small Fwd (75%) - J Motlop / Z Williams (TOG 75%)
6. Small Fwd (25%) / Speedy Half Fwd (50%) - L Fogarty / C Durdin (TOG 75%)

7. Speedy Half Fwd (50%) / Burst Mid (25%) - J Smith (TOG 75%)

8. Def Half Fwd (60%) / Def Mid (20%) - A Cincotta (TOG 80%)
9. Big Half Fwd (75%) - A Moir (TOG 75%)
10. Big Half Fwd (25%) / Def Half Fwd (40%) / Run Wing (15%) - E Hollands (TOG 80%)

11. Run Wing (80%) - O Hollands (TOG 80%)
12. Big Wing (85%) - B Acres (TOG 85%)

13. Big Mid (80%) - P Cripps (TOG 80%)
14. Def Mid (80%) - A Cerra / G Hewett (TOG 80%)
15. Burst Mid (75%) / Run Wing (5%) - S Walsh (TOG 80%)

16. Speedy Half Back (75%) - A Saad (TOG 75%)
17. Speedy Half Back (25%) / Small Def (50%) - J Boyd (TOG 75%)

18. Small Def (50%) / Big Half Back (30%) - L Cowan (TOG 80%)
19. Big Half Back (70%) / Interceptor (15%) - N Newman (TOG 85%)
20. Interceptor (85%) - M McGovern / N Haynes (TOG 85%)

21. Key Def (100%) - L Young / anyone capable (TOG 100%)
22. Key Def (100%) - J Weitering (TOG 100%)

and then pick the sub, which for me is a flexible running player:

23. Sub - S Docherty
I think this team has a balance of roles, not too big, not too small, defence and attack, pace and strength.

Some upgrades needed to fit the system better, mostly at KPD and speedy half fwd/small fwd, but this is what we are rolling with in 2025.



TL;DR:
B: Young, Weitering, Boyd
B: Newman, McGovern, Saad
C: Acres, Cripps, O Hollands
F: Moir, Cincotta, Fogarty
F: Curnow, McKay, Motlop
R: De Koning, Cerra, Walsh
B: Cowan, Smith, E Hollands, Silvagni
S: Docherty

 

[The Blue Weirdo]

A lot of posters going for Moir as our 3rd FWD Tall over both JSOS and Kemp.(only 2 games, like Lord, 1 x sub)

I think he'll have to wait in line to get his chance next season.

 

[Arr0w]

A lot of posters going for Moir as our 3rd FWD Tall over both JSOS and Kemp.(only 2 games, like Lord, 1 x sub)

I think he'll have to wait in line to get his chance next season.

Not really competing with Kemp or Jsos, more a medium forward

And unlike the backline and midfield, where there are more known quantity/quality, I believe there are at least 3 spots up for grabs in the forward line, after Harry, Charlie, Elijah and Williams

 

[marcmurphy3]

A lot of posters going for Moir as our 3rd FWD Tall over both JSOS and Kemp.(only 2 games, like Lord, 1 x sub)

I think he'll have to wait in line to get his chance next season.

I dont think theres any line. Spot is there for the taking for whoever wants it the most.

What Moir does have over Kemp and SOS is the ability to play tall and small. Also, much more skilled. SOS and Kemp dont have the same ability to create something out of nothing and are 50/50 at best even with regulation opporunitties. Though both are better overhead if you want genuine marking targets or cover for Harry/Charlie. Also, better running capacity at this stage.

Moir could also play along side them. Hes a different type. Though I think thats less likely then likely at this stage.

 

[The Blue Weirdo]

I dont think theres any line. Spot is there for the taking for whoever wants it the most.

What Moir does have over Kemp and SOS is the ability to play tall and small. Also, much more skilled. SOS and Kemp dont have the same ability to create something out of nothing and are 50/50 at best even with regulation opporunitties. Though both are better overhead if you want genuine marking targets or cover for Harry/Charlie. Also, better running capacity at this stage.

Moir could also play along side them. Hes a different type. Though I think thats less likely then likely at this stage.

I'd like to see Moir get another chance at some stage next year.
But I think they'll go with a third marking option initially(probably JSOS).
It's not an easy position to play consistently well for a young kid

 

[goreds]

I dont think theres any line. Spot is there for the taking for whoever wants it the most.

What Moir does have over Kemp and SOS is the ability to play tall and small. Also, much more skilled. SOS and Kemp dont have the same ability to create something out of nothing and are 50/50 at best even with regulation opporunitties. Though both are better overhead if you want genuine marking targets or cover for Harry/Charlie. Also, better running capacity at this stage.

Moir could also play along side them. Hes a different type. Though I think thats less likely then likely at this stage.

Not so sure on this.

Yes, they might be stronger because of maturity but Moir can stand on heads and is a one grab player...

 

[Coona Blues]

Not so sure on this.

Yes, they might be stronger because of maturity but Moir can stand on heads and is a one grab player...

Will be interesting. Fairly underwhelming VFL season has plenty lacking expectation. He was building nicely in his last couple of games at that level. The coaching and conditioning staff were clearly more concerned with his physical development than his in game output.

Those two cameos were special, indicating he is the type to step up with the level. Genuine draft/underage followers like myself would be aware of his spectacular underage showings and understand that his potential is up there with any x-factor forward type to go through the draft in recent years.

His “ceiling” is incredibly high, I hope the doubters get to see it sooner rather than later.

 

[Blue and Silver]

Will be interesting. Fairly underwhelming VFL season has plenty lacking expectation. He was building nicely in his last couple of games at that level. The coaching and conditioning staff were clearly more concerned with his physical development than his in game output.

Those two cameos were special, indicating he is the type to step up with the level. Genuine draft/underage followers like myself would be aware of his spectacular underage showings and understand that his potential is up there with any x-factor forward type to go through the draft in recent years.

His “ceiling” is incredibly high, I hope the doubters get to see it sooner rather than later.

Has all the makings of a "moments" player.

Agree that the VFL showings were pretty underwhelming for most of the season.

On Pixel 7a using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[JuddgementDay]

It's December now, and I'm still sticking to this as my best 23.

For my best 23, I would like the younger guys to push for best 23 - we need their energy, enthusiasm & speed - mixed with our core group, we have a really potent side.

There are question marks all over these young guys, but we need to give them an opportunity to shine.
I've listed my decisions below. Yeah, some borderline decisions - but, I'm happy with the overall team and flexibility it has.

Bring on 2025 already!


B: Newman Silvagni McGovern
HB: OHollands Weitering Saad
C: Acres Cripps Docherty
HF: Elijah McKay Williams
F: Moir Curnow Motlop
Foll: TDK Cerra Walsh
Int: Lord Kemp Hewett Wilson Smith


Decisions:

• Cowan vs Wilson - I went with Wilson, I think his speed will really help us
• Boyd vs Newman - I love Boyd, but as I have enough young players I need some more wiser heads
• Durdin vs Motlop - I went with Motlop and hoping for a big year from him. Our forward line needs more potency i.e. every player of being able to kick multiple goals in any given week
• Haynes vs JSOS - I went for more flexibility with having both JSOS and Kemp in the side
• Fogarty vs Lord - I hope we've gone pass Fogarty

 

[GapInIkonPark]

Boyd. Weitering. Newman.
Saad. McGovern. Cowan.
O Hollands. Cripps. Acres.
Fogarty. McKay. E Hollands.
Motlop. Curnow. Z Williams.
R. TDK. Cerra. Walsh.

I. Hewett. J Smith. Cottrell. Kemp.
E. Lord. J Silvagni. Moir. Binns.


Lots of tough calls … who does Docherty play ahead of? Does JSOS start in the 22? Does Cottrell rotate with Acres and O Hollands? Does Binns leapfrog one of the 3 other wings? Who misses out for Haynes?

Can certainly see the need for versatility … Kemp and JSOS as potential cover for McGovern or as 3rd tall forward

Cowan and Newman in midfield / wing rotations


Depth …
Docherty. L Camporeale. Charleson.
C Durdin. Fantasia.
Cincotta. B Camporeale.
Pittonett. HO’K.
Haynes. Young. Lemmey. O’Farrell.
Monahan. Duffy.
(2 of Wilson, DGB, McMahon and S Durdin)


If we can stay relatively fit, it would be great to see a core of 10-12 listed players gain continuity and development in the VFL.

 

[gbatman]

Moir and Lord weren't stabs in the dark, they were recruited because we have huge deficiencies in these areas. Our small/medium forward group is terrible, as bad as it gets. Our midfield is terrible defensively. Both were recruited with the impression they will come in and improve the team and I think they will.

Lord was ready at the end of last season for AFL. Our coaching group have been poor at identifying this. Moir will be ready this season. Even if he in only half as fit as Cottrell, Fogarty or Fantasia, he will outperform them. IMO, Moir has had a full run in the VFL with an AFL run at the end of the season, he has not had injuries and if he completes this preseason he will be ready to play AFL.

Lord has already stepped things up fitness wise. I can't see us leaving quality players out who have qualities we are desperate for.

I think in another team that is really strong in the middle and good defensively Lord would be a maybe but not ours. In another side where they are strong over their entire forward group there would be no rush to bring in Moir but we are terrible in this area.

Presason is going to be big for our young players. Getting through without much going wrong and getting through strongly gives them all a chance.

We are going to have to play a lot of our younger group this season. One because many of them like Moir and Lord will not develop any further in the VFL and two, we need to get our squad through soundly.

I would not be surprised if we get to the end of the season and some names pop into the best 22. Wilson being one of those names. I think we have some really nice youth coming through.

 

[JuddgementDay]

Moir and Lord weren't stabs in the dark, they were recruited because we have huge deficiencies in these areas. Our small/medium forward group is terrible, as bad as it gets. Our midfield is terrible defensively. Both were recruited with the impression they will come in and improve the team and I think they will.

Lord was ready at the end of last season for AFL. Our coaching group have been poor at identifying this. Moir will be ready this season. Even if he in only half as fit as Cottrell, Fogarty or Fantasia, he will outperform them. IMO, Moir has had a full run in the VFL with an AFL run at the end of the season, he has not had injuries and if he completes this preseason he will be ready to play AFL.

Lord has already stepped things up fitness wise. I can't see us leaving quality players out who have qualities we are desperate for.

I think in another team that is really strong in the middle and good defensively Lord would be a maybe but not ours. In another side where they are strong over their entire forward group there would be no rush to bring in Moir but we are terrible in this area.

Presason is going to be big for our young players. Getting through without much going wrong and getting through strongly gives them all a chance.

We are going to have to play a lot of our younger group this season. One because many of them like Moir and Lord will not develop any further in the VFL and two, we need to get our squad through soundly.

I would not be surprised if we get to the end of the season and some names pop into the best 22. Wilson being one of those names. I think we have some really nice youth coming through.

I like where your thinking is at. Look at my team above - our mix is so h much better with those inclusions

 

[LemmingMaster]

Does a forward line of

E Hollands, McKay, Fogarty
Kemp, Curnow, Williams

Work?

 

[WalshistheGOAT]

Does a forward line of

E Hollands, McKay, Fogarty
Kemp, Curnow, Williams

Work?

Depends who's the 7th imo.

 

[JuddgementDay]

Does a forward line of

E Hollands, McKay, Fogarty
Kemp, Curnow, Williams

Work?

Replace Fog with Motlop, as you need another small fwd IMO

 

[WalshistheGOAT]

Replace Fog with Motlop, as you need another small fwd IMO

Fog is the only one in that line up who genuinely applies pressure, I'd be stunned if he isn't best 23 next year. Was by a long way our best score assist player last season.

 

[carlton_99]

My best 23 for 2025 post draft and trade period:
FB: Cowan Weitering McGovern
HB: Newman Haynes Saad
C: O.Hollands Cripps Acres
HF: E.Hollands McKay Silvagni
FF: Williams Curnow Fogarty
FOL: De Koning Walsh Cerra
INT: Boyd Hewett Smith Motlop
SUB: Docherty

Toughest call was between Young and Haynes. Genuine 50/50 for me but have opted with Haynes as I think the club are more likely to start him in the team. However, I was pretty impressed with Young's performances in the back half of the year with Weitering.

Have kept Silvagni forward as a third tall as well. This will be an unpopular opinion but I do think he has the best forward craft in our team - his leading patterns especially are exceptional and also provides good pressure for a tall. Also a really good connector between the midfield and forward lines whilst providing us another option to ruck which will hopefully eliminate the need for Cripps to spend any time in that role. If the rumours are true and we are turning him into a defender I would have Kemp/Moir next in line to fill that spot.

Think overall there is a much better balance in the team especially in that midfield group. That group consisting of TDK, Cripps, Walsh, Cerra, Hewett, Smith, E.Hollands and Docherty (when sub is activated) gives us a good split of inside/contested types that can get the ball out of congestion to our distributors and outside players that can spread from the stoppage and use the ball inside 50. My belief is a healthy Cerra alone will also go a long way to solving our issues with defending stoppage in 2024 - an area where we were very strong in in 2023.

 

[Pinnell]

Depends who's the 7th imo.

Could easily be Jagga

 

[gbatman]

I like where your thinking is at. Look at my team above - our mix is so h much better with those inclusions

yep, very very similar to my side. There is a real speed focus and that has had to happen.

 

[CoachB]

Moir and Lord weren't stabs in the dark, they were recruited because we have huge deficiencies in these areas. Our small/medium forward group is terrible, as bad as it gets. Our midfield is terrible defensively. Both were recruited with the impression they will come in and improve the team and I think they will.

Lord was ready at the end of last season for AFL. Our coaching group have been poor at identifying this. Moir will be ready this season. Even if he in only half as fit as Cottrell, Fogarty or Fantasia, he will outperform them. IMO, Moir has had a full run in the VFL with an AFL run at the end of the season, he has not had injuries and if he completes this preseason he will be ready to play AFL.

Lord has already stepped things up fitness wise. I can't see us leaving quality players out who have qualities we are desperate for.

I think in another team that is really strong in the middle and good defensively Lord would be a maybe but not ours. In another side where they are strong over their entire forward group there would be no rush to bring in Moir but we are terrible in this area.

Presason is going to be big for our young players. Getting through without much going wrong and getting through strongly gives them all a chance.

We are going to have to play a lot of our younger group this season. One because many of them like Moir and Lord will not develop any further in the VFL and two, we need to get our squad through soundly.

I would not be surprised if we get to the end of the season and some names pop into the best 22. Wilson being one of those names. I think we have some really nice youth coming through.

The big question is, is our match committee ready to make the big decisions? To get better we need to play kids, not too many, but enough to get growth. I agree with you, we need to roll the dice with Lord, Moir and Smith as a starting point and maybe someone down back. In the second half of last season we were injured, slow and predictable and getting picked off by teams left, right and centre. We can't run that back again and hope to be top 4. Coaches also need to lift their game, we need more style options when things aren't working. And please no more 2 rucks, Harry needs to be 2nd ruck.
CB

 

[CoachB]

My best 23 for 2025 post draft and trade period:
FB: Cowan Weitering McGovern
HB: O.Hollands Haynes Saad
C: Smith Cripps Acres
HF: E.Hollands McKay Lord
FF: Williams Curnow Moir
FOL: De Koning Walsh Cerra
INT: Boyd Motlop Newman Docherty
SUB: Hewett
EMER: Kemp, Binns, JSOS

We need to prepare for life after Hewett, Newman and Docherty among others even though atm they are probably best 18. Harry and Charlie need a third marking option to create space so Moir, Lord and Smith are all in starting 18. Position change for O.Hollands, lets see what drive Smith can bring. Cerra is the hard one, last season the defensive side of his game was horrible, will give him some consideration due to injuries but he is a watch for me.

 

[Benaly28]

Is Matt Cottrell and Boyd best 23?


On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[LemmingMaster]

Replace Fog with Motlop, as you need another small fwd IMO

Fog is a "small forward", he is just a pressure forward and less attacking.

I picked Fog in the starting 22, because I want a player that can be defensive in nature.
Neal Bullen styled forward is what we really need long term. Runs back into the defensive 50m and covers the attack half back flankers.