Reply to thread

In: McKay, Boyd, Wilson, Moir,

Out: Kemp, Haynes, McGovern, Docherty

B: Cowan - Young - Silvagni

HB: Boyd - Weitering - Saad

C: Hollands - Cripps - Cerra

HF: Williams - Curnow - Fogarty

F: Moir - McKay - Motlop

R: De Koning - Hewett - Walsh

IC: Cottrell - Acres - Lord - Wilson

Sub: Camporeale

Kemp to the VFL – Develop as a Forward

Kemp needs to go back to the VFL and play exclusively as a forward to earn his spot at AFL level. Right now, he looks completely lost—his positioning, awareness, and footy IQ just aren’t where they need to be. Physically, he’s got the tools to be a weapon, but until he develops the smarts and instincts of a dangerous forward, he’s not offering enough. Let him grind it out, build his craft, and come back when he’s ready to have real impact.

Young Over Haynes & McGovern – Time to Move Forward

I thought Young looked better down back than both Haynes and McGovern if not in skill then in overall consistency of effort. This should be the year we move on from McGovern in the best 22 and focus on the future. Silvagni can play the role we expect from Haynes/McGovern more effectively, and we all know you’ll never question his effort. The only way one of those two (McGovern or Haynes) stays in is if SOS doesn’t come up from whatever niggle forced him off the ground.

Boyd In – Quarterback from Half-Back

Boyd comes in to provide the skill and composure that’s missing in our defensive half. If his foot skills are as good as people say, then he should be given the role of the primary ball-user out of defence, allowing Saad to focus on his attacking run. Cowan can be developed across the year, while Hollands moves into the wing/half-back rotation that the club envisioned for him. Wilson comes in for much-needed pace and experience at AFL level.

McKay In, Moir to Start

If McKay is fit, he comes straight back in—simple as that. Curnow should improve with another game under his belt. The addition of Moir should give us some spark, but I don’t want to see him thrown in as the sub. He needs to start and play a full game or, if he’s not quite ready to run out all four quarters, be subbed off late. The best way to develop him is to push him and let him feel what’s required at AFL level over a full game.

Docherty – A VFL Reset Might Be Needed

We all love Doc, no question. But if he can’t handle the pace and pressure of AFL right now, he needs to go back to the VFL for a few weeks. Give him time to find his legs again, regain confidence, and help mentor the younger guys. If he can build back into form, he earns his recall—simple as that.