Prediction 2025 - Best 23 + Emergencies - Rolling

[BlueTongue]

This is my Prediction for Round 1 (BOLD denotes not a lock).

B: Silvagni, Weitering, Saad
HB: O.Hollands, McGovern, Newman
C: Acres, Cripps, Walsh
HF: Elijah, McKay, Williams
F: Motlop, Curnow, Kemp
Foll: TDK, Cerra, Hewett
Int: Cowan, Lord, Docherty, Young
SUB: Wilson

EDIT: 20241220 - Inspired by ianh I've put Walsh back to the Wing where I initially had him.

 

[HyphensBack]

My December Best 23 based on windows1 training track intelligence

The players in bold are not a lock and those listed first have first running.

FB: Cowan Weitering Newman
HB: McGovern Haynes Saad
C: Docherty Cripps Acres
HF: Fogarty Harry Smith
FF: Motlop Charlie Kemp

Foll: TDK Hewett Walsh

IC: Cerra (m) Lord (m) Williams (f) OHollands (d)
Sub: E Hollands

Haynes/Young/JSOS - KPD- Haynes if fit will get first run as a recruit, Young is break glass, Jack rated low cause he is apparantly training as a forward, Haynes isn’t a true KPD for me and for some games we will need to play a bigger KPD

Docherty/Binns - wing - maybe Binns will force his way in, opportunities will arise, Doch is so versatile

Fogarty/Williams/Cincotta/Cottrell/ - defensive forward - Fogs is surprisingly the best at this, I like any of these four but not sure two of them play unless Williams plays as a small forward because Motts and CDurds stink it up

Smith/E Hollands - high hf/mid - just prefer the concept of Smith coming up to stoppages as an extra mid and then prefer him playing half his time as a mid, EHollands may have better disposal but Smith surely has it, Smith may go straight into middle and this role is then Hollands

Motlop/CDurdin/Williams - some may say we need two of these guys but I prefer an extra mobile mid forward - this is a coin flip, I have preferred Durdin for what he has offered as an extra mid, but we need a mercurial small mid so Motlop needs to turn it on

Kemp/Silvagni/Moir - 3rd Forward - prefer a tall rather than a medium like Moir - but can see Moir providing a POD to other players and may force his way in. Would prefer Jack trialled as a KPD after coming back from a knee injury - Silvagni should get games (2nd ruck so Harry doesn’t have to week in week out)

Bench:
Midfield - Lord/Docherty/Smith - any of these three could play this role - if Docherty plays wing and Smith hhf/mid then Lord is next up, but wouldn’t it be great if Smith just dominated and he just played midfield Day 1

Forward - Williams/ EHollands/JSOS/Moir - can’t see Jack and Kemp both playing unless one plays back or Jack plays second ruck, as much as I am all for Jack, Elijah will play games but depends on Smith, Moir will get a chance but based on 2 quarters he is not yet best 23

Defender - OHollands/Boyd - looks like Ollie is being tried here and I don’t mind it - we need quick ball movement out of back half, Boyd will get a chance

 

[TD2010]

Is Matt Cottrell and Boyd best 23?


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Reckon Boyd will take over Saad next year. Saadly (sic) Adam is just one more injury away from losing his magic weapon. Hope I'm wrong but that's my prediction. Boyd to kick 30-40m diagonals to Ollie that sets up the rebound.

Personally, I love Matty Cottrell. He has a champion working class vibe about him, ala Matty Hogg. Guys who bust their gut, play their role whatever that might be, including getting moved around as needed. Matty Hogg was on the wing, back pocket, and tagger, and that was just the 95 finals incl. GF

 

[LemmingMaster]

Smith/E Hollands - high hf/mid - just prefer the concept of Smith coming up to stoppages as an extra mid and then prefer him playing half his time as a mid, EHollands may have better disposal but Smith surely has it, Smith may go straight into middle and this role is then Hollands

Nothing against you picking Smith, but I'm not sure E Hollands is part of that discussion. I also feel that he is higher in the best 22 than the sub option as well.

 

[WalshistheGOAT]

Nothing against you picking Smith, but I'm not sure E Hollands is part of that discussion. I also feel that he is higher in the best 22 than the sub option as well.

Elijah running at almost 18 touches and a goal a game as a high half forward, would easily be in our top 4-5 kicks on the field.

I agree with you, I can't imagine a world where he's not best 22 after another pre season under his belt. Certainly ahead of Kemp and Motlop on shown form.

 

[HyphensBack]

Elijah running at almost 18 touches and a goal a game as a high half forward, would easily be in our top 4-5 kicks on the field.

I agree with you, I can't imagine a world where he's not best 22 after another pre season under his belt. Certainly ahead of Kemp and Motlop on shown form.

That is a fair challenge
As I said, I think Smith is a good chance to play as a pure mid, it really depends on how he and Lord perform over the preseason

If Smith does play mid then I think Elijah is our best HighHalfForward - I just think it’s a great way to bring Smith into the team, provide increased clearance numbers in the forward half and sorta opening Smiths FootyIq could plug a gap (roving to KPF) in our forward half until he is 100% mid

You could plug Elijah into my forward line but I don’t think he replaces Fogarty as a defensive forward, Motlop as a small forward or Kemp as a 3rd tall, maybe he replaces Williams as a forward on the bench

HF: Fogarty Harry Smith
FF: Motlop Charlie Kemp

Foll: TDK Hewett Walsh

IC: Cerra (m) Lord (m) Williams (f) OHollands (d)
Sub: E Hollands

when you compare Elijah with someone like Gryan Miers - this is the sort of output Elijah needs and as much as Williams was good in patches at 30 he ain’t gettting much better so Elijah you have the spot

 

[WalshistheGOAT]

That is a fair challenge
As I said, I think Smith is a good chance to play as a pure mid, it really depends on how he and Lord perform over the preseason

If Smith does play mid then I think Elijah is our best HighHalfForward - I just think it’s a great way to bring Smith into the team, provide increased clearance numbers in the forward half and sorta opening Smiths FootyIq could plug a gap (roving to KPF) in our forward half until he is 100% mid

You could plug Elijah into my forward line but I don’t think he replaces Fogarty as a defensive forward, Motlop as a small forward or Kemp as a 3rd tall, maybe he replaces Williams as a forward on the bench

HF: Fogarty Harry Smith
FF: Motlop Charlie Kemp

Foll: TDK Hewett Walsh

IC: Cerra (m) Lord (m) Williams (f) OHollands (d)
Sub: E Hollands

when you compare Elijah with someone like Gryan Miers - this is the sort of output Elijah needs and as much as Williams was good in patches at 30 he ain’t gettting much better so Elijah you have the spot

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Once again, Motlop couldnt buy a touch last year and Kemp has played 3 games as a forward. 1 against traffic cones which he played well in, and the other two he got pantsed against good opposition. I'm sceptical either would keep Elijah out who was one of our biggest success stories from 2024 and still very green.

I also think it's a bit bizarre to compare him to arguably the best high half forward in the game at present, Elijah's output is significantly better than most forwards on our list, whether he matches Gryan Miers or not has little to no relevance, he just has to be better than ours. Which he was in 2024 and I expect the same in 2025.

 

[HyphensBack]

Once again, Motlop couldnt buy a touch last year and Kemp has played 3 games as a forward. 1 against traffic cones which he played well in, and the other two he got pantsed against good opposition. I'm sceptical either would keep Elijah out who was one of our biggest success stories from 2024 and still very green.

I also think it's a bit bizarre to compare him to arguably the best high half forward in the game at present, Elijah's output is significantly better than most forwards on our list, whether he matches Gryan Miers or not has little to no relevance, he just has to be better than ours. Which he was in 2024 and I expect the same in 2025.

Perhaps it wasnt clear but I moved him into my starting 22
I don’t think it’s bizarre to compare him to the best hhf- I actually think as a 22 year old he compares quite well - more so if you look at averages
To reiterate I took on all the feedback and bumped Williams for Elijah

And yes I agree Kemp v JSOS is 50:50, Jack has more runs on the board but coming back from a knee I think Kemp may be the go
And yes I agree Motlop is no guarantee, Durdin or Williams - all are a chance cause no one is a lock

 

[BlueNath]

Perhaps it wasnt clear but I moved him into my starting 22
I don’t think it’s bizarre to compare him to the best hhf- I actually think as a 22 year old he compares quite well - more so if you look at averages
To reiterate I took on all the feedback and bumped Williams for Elijah

And yes I agree Kemp v JSOS is 50:50, Jack has more runs on the board but coming back from a knee I think Kemp may be the go
And yes I agree Motlop is no guarantee, Durdin or Williams - all are a chance cause no one is a lock

Im not sure if it has been mentioned also, but Lij's body shape was not that of an elite AFL player at the start of 2024. He improved throughout the year, but a big preseason will all but guarantee a bump in output for 2025.

 

[SkyhorseTamer]

but Moir can stand on heads and is a one grab player...

Both he and kemp have played what 2 games as forwards in the 1s. Only one has stood on heads so far....

 

[HyphensBack]

Im not sure if it has been mentioned also, but Lij's body shape was not that of an elite AFL player at the start of 2024. He improved throughout the year, but a big preseason will all but guarantee a bump in output for 2025.

I think Elijah taking the next step will be crucial to our success, plus either Motlop or Durdin staying on the park and stepping up as a small forward

If all three of those guys and Moir can improve their fitness, availability then they might plug our small forward gap

I’m a big fan of Jack, Kemp and Durdin but not sure how many will be in our best 23, I like what Moir could be, fast-track him please

Gee this discussion just reinforces that our forward line is so uncertain - if only we had an Eddie or a Dominator

 

[LemmingMaster]

Gee this discussion just reinforces that our forward line is so uncertain - if only we had an Eddie or a Dominator

I've got a feeling a few spots are semi locked.
Locks - McKay, Curnow, Williams, E Hollands
Highly likely - Fogarty

We're just looking to fill in a few positions and depending on structures it could go many ways.

Cotts, Moir, Motlop, Durdin, Fantasia, Smith, Wilson, Lord.....

In reality, you have 4 forwards with a group of midfielders.

I like the look of McKay, Curnow, Williams and Moir as they stay at home forwards
Fogarty, E Hollands and maybe Cotts to play that defensive forward role covering the attacking half back flankers maintaining width with the likes of Acres.

 

[BigBreakfast]

Dynamic small forward is our biggest weakness and may well cost us at the business end

 

[LemmingMaster]

Dynamic small forward is our biggest weakness and may well cost us at the business end

Motlop was meant to be that player, he is still young, so who knows, we could have that player already on our list.
I still have hopes that Durdin without injuries can play a serviceable role.

 

[Coona Blues]

Dynamic small forward is our biggest weakness and may well cost us at the business end

Yeah, nah, we have enough excellent options up forward. So many combinations on offer. I am not certain of our best combo, but would dearly love a 2025 version of Skinny Lappin to cobble together a creative mix. The results he produced with Walker and the amigos and nit much more was glorious. We need some dare and creativity, not unimaginative use of our gun talls and a mix if pressure types utilised to cover a flawed midfield group.

McKay, Curnow, Kemp, (TDK), Moir, Elijah Hollands, Williams, Fogarty, Durdin, Motlop, Cottrell, Fantasia, maybe Cincotta, maybe Docherty, Cripps resting and midfield rotations, notably a developing Smith and maybe Camporeale give us many names to consider. Our small forward brigade has been a cause of concern, but a combination involving three of Williams, Fogarty, Durdin and Motlop looks likely and will be adequate in conjunction with talls and “medium” sized players. I expect we will have trouble fitting everyone in if we get better availability.

Granted Corey Durdin and Jesse Motlop have underperformed in recent times, but there are absolutely health issues which have held them back, as well as questions as to how we deploy our small forwards structurally. They may not be headline grabbers, but they are more than adequate if they get a decent amount of continuity.

 

[BluStreak]

ok just on the Kemp Forward move. Against WC he had a day out. But against StK (rnd24) he nullified Callum Wilkies influence. Wilkies was having career best games from Rnd 20 onwards. So to say he was pantsed is a little bit over the top.
Our entire side was pantsed by Brisbane (thanks MC).

 

[goreds]

Both he and kemp have played what 2 games as forwards in the 1s. Only one has stood on heads so far....

Just to be clear, one has played 2 games...

 

[JuddgementDay]

Yeah, nah, we have enough excellent options up forward. So many combinations on offer. I am not certain of our best combo, but would dearly love a 2025 version of Skinny Lappin to cobble together a creative mix. The results he produced with Walker and the amigos and nit much more was glorious. We need some dare and creativity, not unimaginative use of our gun talls and a mix if pressure types utilised to cover a flawed midfield group.

McKay, Curnow, Kemp, (TDK), Moir, Elijah Hollands, Williams, Fogarty, Durdin, Motlop, Cottrell, Fantasia, maybe Cincotta, maybe Docherty, Cripps resting and midfield rotations, notably a developing Smith and maybe Camporeale give us many names to consider. Our small forward brigade has been a cause of concern, but a combination involving three of Williams, Fogarty, Durdin and Motlop looks likely and will be adequate in conjunction with talls and “medium” sized players. I expect we will have trouble fitting everyone in if we get better availability.

Granted Corey Durdin and Jesse Motlop have underperformed in recent times, but there are absolutely health issues which have held them back, as well as questions as to how we deploy our small forwards structurally. They may not be headline grabbers, but they are more than adequate if they get a decent amount of continuity.

Agreed, and also other fwd players will get their chance without Owies & Kennedy taking games

 

[GoBlues!]

FB: Cowan Weitering Newman
HB: McGovern Haynes Saad
C: Docherty Cripps Acres
HF: E Hollands Harry Kemp
FF: Williams Charlie Motlop

Foll: TDK Hewett Walsh

IC: Cerra (m) Smith (f/m) Moir (f) Boyd (d)
Sub: OHollands

 

[WalshistheGOAT]

Yeah, nah, we have enough excellent options up forward. So many combinations on offer. I am not certain of our best combo, but would dearly love a 2025 version of Skinny Lappin to cobble together a creative mix. The results he produced with Walker and the amigos and nit much more was glorious. We need some dare and creativity, not unimaginative use of our gun talls and a mix if pressure types utilised to cover a flawed midfield group.

McKay, Curnow, Kemp, (TDK), Moir, Elijah Hollands, Williams, Fogarty, Durdin, Motlop, Cottrell, Fantasia, maybe Cincotta, maybe Docherty, Cripps resting and midfield rotations, notably a developing Smith and maybe Camporeale give us many names to consider. Our small forward brigade has been a cause of concern, but a combination involving three of Williams, Fogarty, Durdin and Motlop looks likely and will be adequate in conjunction with talls and “medium” sized players. I expect we will have trouble fitting everyone in if we get better availability.

Granted Corey Durdin and Jesse Motlop have underperformed in recent times, but there are absolutely health issues which have held them back, as well as questions as to how we deploy our small forwards structurally. They may not be headline grabbers, but they are more than adequate if they get a decent amount of continuity.

Our small forwards are horrific as a collective. It was a hole in 2024, was a hole for the 10 years prior to that and is every chance to remain an issue in 2025.

Fogarty and Williams are AFL standard.

The rest have massive question marks on them.

 

[BigBreakfast]

Yeah, nah, we have enough excellent options up forward. So many combinations on offer. I am not certain of our best combo, but would dearly love a 2025 version of Skinny Lappin to cobble together a creative mix. The results he produced with Walker and the amigos and nit much more was glorious. We need some dare and creativity, not unimaginative use of our gun talls and a mix if pressure types utilised to cover a flawed midfield group.

McKay, Curnow, Kemp, (TDK), Moir, Elijah Hollands, Williams, Fogarty, Durdin, Motlop, Cottrell, Fantasia, maybe Cincotta, maybe Docherty, Cripps resting and midfield rotations, notably a developing Smith and maybe Camporeale give us many names to consider. Our small forward brigade has been a cause of concern, but a combination involving three of Williams, Fogarty, Durdin and Motlop looks likely and will be adequate in conjunction with talls and “medium” sized players. I expect we will have trouble fitting everyone in if we get better availability.

Granted Corey Durdin and Jesse Motlop have underperformed in recent times, but there are absolutely health issues which have held them back, as well as questions as to how we deploy our small forwards structurally. They may not be headline grabbers, but they are more than adequate if they get a decent amount of continuity.

Fair argument however, names to consider, looks likely and adequate are a far cry from match winning creators

This area will cost us in important moments either through lack of pressure, inability to finish or ineffective location on field

They will have moments, will likely grow but remains at the very least, one of our most significant areas of concern

 

[The Old Dark Navy's]

B: Haynes Weitering Saad
HB: O Hollands McGovern/Silvagni Cowan
C: Binns Cripps Acres
HF: Moir McKay Motlop
F: Williams Curnow Kemp
R: De Koning Cerra Walsh

Int: Hewett Smith Docherty Newman
Sub: E Hollands

Emer: McGovern/Silvagni Lord Durdin Fogarty

I have Gov and JSOS together as horses for courses options. The last training report said that Jack was in the forwards group, so I'm not sure what our intentions are for him right now. I trust Jack to defend more than I do Gov, but Gov is quicker and the greater intercept threat. I trust Haynes over both to cover and help Weitering.

I did like having Binns and Ollie overlapping in the last couple of home and away games last year. I wasn't a fan of Binns, but he showed me plenty and I think we need to get games into him. Lord is sweating on Hewett and Cerra for a place.

I'm really excited by the x factor in our forward mix.

 

[JustOneTime]

Despite the forward line spots being up for grabs i think it is the defence that is the risk for us in 2025.

The benchmark side is Brissy currently:
Starcevich, Payne, Doesdee
Coleman, Andrews, Wilmot

We've got:
McGovern Weiters Newman
Saad Haynes Cowan

From my point of view, we have equal of the talent or close enough but it is still all wrong somehow.

A backline has a set of ingredients. Physicality/intimidation, mentally miserly and aggressive towards opposition, the right height with the right skillset; think strong legs (think Bews/Kolodashne). After that ingredient set, then it goes to roles/traits.

Our back 6 have no aggression except Newman who if we are honest, doesn't intimidate 'anyone'. He more holds his own ground which i respect and give thanks for. His weakness is he is too slow.

Mcgovern's role is to intercept but he is at times selfish and in 2024 left Kemp isolated quite a lot as they dragged Weitering away in a pre-planned move. Mcgovern could point out his man didn't score in the reviews but from a team perspective, Kemp's opponent's did. Mcgovern doesnt even really intercept that much and most likes kicking out of defence in a free unhindered role. Hardly great defensive qualities (an ex forward) and hardly great intercept qualities. I like him solely because he is fast and semi tall. So he has traits but that is about it when fitting him into the defender profile.

Saad is fast; he is our Kiddy Coleman. I love Saad but somehow he has none of the effect of Coleman going forward...his best work is amazing taps/clearances to get us out the shit. Weird. But I love him. Anyway, Saad runs fast. Coleman simply has developed and cuts opponents midfield up with precise kicking (we dont have anyone like this at all in our backline unless you like Newman's & Saad's high up and unders).

Weiters fits the bill as a 'defender'. But equally frustrating is that we have to use him sometimes as the lockdown potatoe that Brissy use the 197 Payne leaving Andrews to run amok. But, Weitering is the one that fits enough of the defender profile.

Cowan I've left alone because he looks like he has a defenders profile which is nice to see. He simply needs to line up against the physicality/comparison of Starcevich who is near immovable. Cowan will get there and TBH, have other balanced skills that offset Starcevich's bull thickness legs and holding his feet in the hardest of situations.

It's why I'm excited by Haynes but only if they play him in the free or sort of free interceptor role. If they give him Kemp's role, fmd - it will kill me. To take Hayne because he has been a defender and then make him a Payne is just the dumbest thing and I dont think it is possible they could do that...could they?

Brissy have the right defensive profile, right roles, right build, right aggression etc. We dont at all. But we do have good quality players back there which is weird.

If everything goes wrong, we can bring in the aggressive Young or Boyd with his painted pink nails to ruffle opposition feathers! They can fight the entirec backline except weitering to the handball receive whch they are all profiled for.

Carlton have put all the defensive ingredients in the pot and come out with a soft, wobbly defensive souffle! Well when compared to their peers.

Maybe what I've said is a bit jarring. For the positives, I rate our midfield (with a fit version of Walsh and Cerra) and i rate Charlie and Harry. I like our small forwards (well Motlop/Willams). I hate with a passion Carlton's transition plan. I'm sure what we are seeing down the wing is not what Vossy wants but so far he has been ineffectual in changing that outcome. I also unlike many others feel JSoS is best 22. So not completely negative on our side. The defensive profile just stumps me!

And trialling DGB....another interceptor who wants to play non body on body if he can.

 

[GoBlues!]

Our backline is more than just the back 6:

McGovern Weiters Newman
Saad Haynes Cowan

Boyd, Ollie will play there. Acres also plays the defensive wing role.

Newman, Cowan, Boyd and Acres are as aggressive as any especially when it comes to tackling and pressure.

 

[marcmurphy3]

Despite the forward line spots being up for grabs i think it is the defence that is the risk for us in 2025.

The benchmark side is Brissy currently:
Starcevich, Payne, Doesdee
Coleman, Andrews, Wilmot

We've got:
McGovern Weiters Newman
Saad Haynes Cowan

From my point of view, we have equal of the talent or close enough but it is still all wrong somehow.

A backline has a set of ingredients. Physicality/intimidation, mentally miserly and aggressive towards opposition, the right height with the right skillset; think strong legs (think Bews/Kolodashne). After that ingredient set, then it goes to roles/traits.

Our back 6 have no aggression except Newman who if we are honest, doesn't intimidate 'anyone'. He more holds his own ground which i respect and give thanks for. His weakness is he is too slow.

Mcgovern's role is to intercept but he is at times selfish and in 2024 left Kemp isolated quite a lot as they dragged Weitering away in a pre-planned move. Mcgovern could point out his man didn't score in the reviews but from a team perspective, Kemp's opponent's did. Mcgovern doesnt even really intercept that much and most likes kicking out of defence in a free unhindered role. Hardly great defensive qualities (an ex forward) and hardly great intercept qualities. I like him solely because he is fast and semi tall. So he has traits but that is about it when fitting him into the defender profile.

Saad is fast; he is our Kiddy Coleman. I love Saad but somehow he has none of the effect of Coleman going forward...his best work is amazing taps/clearances to get us out the shit. Weird. But I love him. Anyway, Saad runs fast. Coleman simply has developed and cuts opponents midfield up with precise kicking (we dont have anyone like this at all in our backline unless you like Newman's & Saad's high up and unders).

Weiters fits the bill as a 'defender'. But equally frustrating is that we have to use him sometimes as the lockdown potatoe that Brissy use the 197 Payne leaving Andrews to run amok. But, Weitering is the one that fits enough of the defender profile.

Cowan I've left alone because he looks like he has a defenders profile which is nice to see. He simply needs to line up against the physicality/comparison of Starcevich who is near immovable. Cowan will get there and TBH, have other balanced skills that offset Starcevich's bull thickness legs and holding his feet in the hardest of situations.

It's why I'm excited by Haynes but only if they play him in the free or sort of free interceptor role. If they give him Kemp's role, fmd - it will kill me. To take Hayne because he has been a defender and then make him a Payne is just the dumbest thing and I dont think it is possible they could do that...could they?

Brissy have the right defensive profile, right roles, right build, right aggression etc. We dont at all. But we do have good quality players back there which is weird.

If everything goes wrong, we can bring in the aggressive Young or Boyd with his painted pink nails to ruffle opposition feathers! They can fight the entirec backline except weitering to the handball receive whch they are all profiled for.

Carlton have put all the defensive ingredients in the pot and come out with a soft, wobbly defensive souffle! Well when compared to their peers.

Maybe what I've said is a bit jarring. For the positives, I rate our midfield (with a fit version of Walsh and Cerra) and i rate Charlie and Harry. I like our small forwards (well Motlop/Willams). I hate with a passion Carlton's transition plan. I'm sure what we are seeing down the wing is not what Vossy wants but so far he has been ineffectual in changing that outcome. I also unlike many others feel JSoS is best 22. So not completely negative on our side. The defensive profile just stumps me!

And trialling DGB....another interceptor who wants to play non body on body if he can.

I wonder if you are interpreting things through the lens of brisbane being a premiership team, so creating a narrative that fits why they are better? Not a slight. We all do it at times.

If I look at our back 6 I think Newman, Saad and McGovern are better then their counterparts. Weitering and Andrews about equal. Haynes and Cowan lesser. On talent we are about even at worst (as you pointed out).

Cowan, Weitering, Newman, McGovern all have plenty of aggression. Saad might not have that demeanour but he plays aggressive. I dont think aggression is a problem and I'm not sure the whole intimidation factor is really a thing.

I reckon our defensive breakdown this year was more a team defense issue then a backline issue. In either case defense has never been Brisbanes strength either (though they improved this year). The main issue for us vs brisbane is they are quicker and more skilled across the board plus have alot more forward half threats.

Doesn't mean our backline is perfect. I think we are one 2nd KPD short (no short-term fix) and need another accumulator with good disposal that can add run (hopefully O.Hollands).