Best 22 in ‘22

[Mighty Lions]

We also have Payne and Lester as depth for the taller defensive stocks, who could very easily be best 22 in other teams.

Consolation for Payne &/or Lester is that their que to get a gig isn't that long unlike the smalls mentioned.

 

[lionshine]

B Answerth Andrews Gardiner
HB Starcevich Adams Rich
C McCluggage Lyons Robinson
HF McCarthy McStay Bailey
F Rayner Daniher Cameron
R McInerney Neale Zorko
B Fort J.Berry Cockatoo Coleman
Sub Ah Chee
E Payne Robertson Prior

Ah Chee or Dev could easily take Cockatoo's spot on the bench in my opinion.

Love the look of our team this year. So much depth and talent. GF will feature two of Demons, Port and Lions this year in my opinion. I particularly love the mix and balance of our backline. Andrews, Adams, Gardiner, Rich, Starcevich, Answerth and Coleman is a very talented and rock solid back 7. Answerth is going to be a big inclusion and people will realise how big a loss he has been the last season and a half. He looks super fit and I reckon he'll break out and be talked about in the same regard as Rayner, Bailey and Starc. He was drafted a year later but same age as those guys. Likewise Coleman set for a big season. Answerth and Coleman breaking out off half back will make us a much better team as will Rayner and Bailey hitting their straps further up the field rotating between the mids and half forward lines.

So excited for the season ahead, best shot at a flag we've had in years. Obviously been building for the past few years but I reckon this is the strongest list we have had thus far with a lot of the younger guys starting to develop into senior level players improving our talent and depth. Low key trade additions such as Adams, McCarthy, Ah Chee, Cockatoo and Fort have been brilliant for fixing weaknesses and adding to our depth whilst the big names in Cameron, Neale and Daniher have given us that extra star power.

Just on my team above, it really highlights the amount of depth we now have. Assuming my team above is our best 22 replacing Fort with Hipwood, we'd have the following players playing reserves - Ah Chee, Payne, Robertson, Prior, Fort, Sharp, Madden, Lester and Mathieson. That is 9 players who can all come into the senior side, play an important role and play it well. Wilmot also looked very good in the match against Adelaide and based off of that performance could play senior footy this year. Guys like Robinson, J.Berry, Cockatoo, Answerth and Rayner will all need to play consistent footy or risk losing their spot.

I love Robinson and hope he plays seniors and wins a flag with us but I do wonder if at some point this year the coaches will opt to replace him with someone like Sharp, Dev, Madden or Prior? It will be interesting. I am confident we can cover any injuries or suspensions relatively seamlessly this year. Last years injury toll may be a blessing in disguise somewhat as it gave opportunity to the likes of Payne, Dev, Prior, Sharp and Madden, readying them for senior footy.

 

[Section 5]

Team for the Dogs game will most likely be named Wed or Thursday
I expect we name our best side bar maybe 1 or 2 players, Zorko being one

So, it will be harder to name your best 22 for round 1 before Wednesday than after
People put your selection hat on and select a team
It is easy to say such and such is in the best 22
However it is a little harder to find room for some players when you actually select a team
Makes it harder, but great with all players available bar Hippy for round 1. Maybe Zorko is a little in doubt
Don't think naming a sub is that important at this stage. We don't want any injuries early in the season

 

[DashinD]

This is my best 22 come finals if we we’re looking to play our most experienced team.

Starcevich Adams Gardiner
Rich Andrews Answerth
McCluggage Zorko Bailey
Rayner Hipwood McCarthy
Cameron Daniher McStay
McInerney Neale Lyons

Robbo Berry Coleman Cockatoo
Sub Lester or AhChee

Robbos form being the only question marks.


This is my best available team for the next practice match

Starcevich Adams Gardiner
Rich Andrews Coleman
McCluggage Berry Answerth
Rayner McStay Bailey
Cameron Daniher McCarthy
McInerney Neale Lyons

Fort Cockatoo Ah Chee Prior/Dev

 

[bato]

This is my attempt at the best 22 for 2022.

Didn't pay much attention to the bench guys who will probably be named on and off the bench throughout different stages of the year. Could even see Robinson as a regular 'bench' starter.

Think I've nailed the players though.

 

[Pride of lions]

View attachment 1335170

This is my attempt at the best 22 for 2022.

Didn't pay much attention to the bench guys who will probably be named on and off the bench throughout different stages of the year. Could even see Robinson as a regular 'bench' starter.

Think I've nailed the players though.

If we make it to the finals and come up against Melbourne we will have to go in with 2 rucks. Gawn and Jackson slaughtered us last year and spoon fed Petracca,Oliver etc who completely cut us up. There is no way we could let Daniher or McStay play as a makeshift ruck against them imo.

 

[bato]

If we make it to the finals and come up against Melbourne we will have to go in with 2 rucks. Gawn and Jackson slaughtered us last year and spoon fed Petracca,Oliver etc who completely cut us up. There is no way we could let Daniher or McStay play as a makeshift ruck against them imo.

Maybe. But that would probably be a once-off and not so much a "best 22" kind of thing. Would be too tall if we kept the same structure all year long.

 

[Section 5]

This is my best 22 come finals if we we’re looking to play our most experienced team.

Starcevich Adams Gardiner
Rich Andrews Answerth
McCluggage Zorko Bailey
Rayner Hipwood McCarthy
Cameron Daniher McStay
McInerney Neale Lyons

Robbo Berry Coleman Cockatoo
Sub Lester or AhChee

Robbos form being the only question marks.


This is my best available team for the next practice match

Starcevich Adams Gardiner
Rich Andrews Coleman
McCluggage Berry Answerth
Rayner McStay Bailey
Cameron Daniher McCarthy
McInerney Neale Lyons

Fort Cockatoo Ah Chee Prior/Dev

No hedging Prior or Dev
How about an edit

 

[Section 5]

View attachment 1335170

This is my attempt at the best 22 for 2022.

Didn't pay much attention to the bench guys who will probably be named on and off the bench throughout different stages of the year. Could even see Robinson as a regular 'bench' starter.

Think I've nailed the players though.

Love the set out

 

[Mighty Lions]

If we make it to the finals and come up against Melbourne we will have to go in with 2 rucks. Gawn and Jackson slaughtered us last year and spoon fed Petracca,Oliver etc who completely cut us up. There is no way we could let Daniher or McStay play as a makeshift ruck against them imo.

In my opinion I Dis-agree.....Big O was burned by the time finals came around. This season he will be a lot fresher with some help from Fort early in the season and who knows after that.

 

[Grasshopper17]

Just on my team above, it really highlights the amount of depth we now have. Assuming my team above is our best 22 replacing Fort with Hipwood, we'd have the following players playing reserves - Ah Chee, Payne, Robertson, Prior, Fort, Sharp, Madden, Lester and Mathieson. That is 9 players who can all come into the senior side, play an important role and play it well. Wilmot also looked very good in the match against Adelaide and based off of that performance could play senior footy this year. Guys like Robinson, J.Berry, Cockatoo, Answerth and Rayner will all need to play consistent footy or risk losing their spot.

I love Robinson and hope he plays seniors and wins a flag with us but I do wonder if at some point this year the coaches will opt to replace him with someone like Sharp, Dev, Madden or Prior? It will be interesting. I am confident we can cover any injuries or suspensions relatively seamlessly this year. Last years injury toll may be a blessing in disguise somewhat as it gave opportunity to the likes of Payne, Dev, Prior, Sharp and Madden, readying them for senior footy.

These guys are going to get harder and harder to retain year on year from here... I just hope they have taken heed of J Brown's comments in that Dynasties video, about how your careers are more enhanced by team success than money.

 

[davemc_lions]

In my opinion I Dis-agree.....Big O was burned by the time finals came around. This season he will be a lot fresher with some help from Fort early in the season and who knows after that.

Also not sure Oscar was 100% after injury as well.
Although saying that I still think we need someone who can at least compete as a second ruck.
I felt Joe did not like contact rucking so at best you get a null no win, at worst he jump the other ruck get the tap.
So do we try McStay? Most teams have their tall forward as a pinch ruck be it Allen, Hawkins, Dixon, Walker etc etc.
We have 2 bean poles Joe/Hipwood and McStay.

 

[DashinD]

No hedging Prior or Dev
How about an edit

if it was IRL I’d have to pick Dev for balance.

 

[Section 5]

I know our AFLW team is good. But we have a big task next week according to the "up next" opposition in the Ladder area
According to the ladder we play North and the Dogs
Hope they at least allow us to play one of them at a time

 

[scoman]

I know our AFLW team is good. But we have a big task next week according to the "up next" opposition in the Ladder area
According to the ladder we play North and the Dogs
Hope they at least allow us to play one of them at a time

Our girls can do anything!!

 

[Section 5]

Our girls can do anything!!

True
I accidently put it in the wrong thread.
Too much rain on the brain

 

[knaf]

True
I accidently put it in the wrong thread.
Too much rain on the brain

That’s understandable given reports out of SEQ. I hope everyone is staying dry and especial safe up there.
best wishes from old Fitzroy.

 

[Timetoroarlike44]

In my opinion I Dis-agree.....Big O was burned by the time finals came around. This season he will be a lot fresher with some help from Fort early in the season and who knows after that.

I don't mind horses for courses. If we feel as though Jackson in particular will cut us up then I am okay with bringing in Fort for a final THEORETICALLY - but who is it for? One of our key forwards is one option - if the big 3 are fit it's a big no for me on that. If it's for a runner well we all know we looked short of a run against Melbourne last year so would be a big call.

I am super keen for Fagan to try McStay in the ruck. Has a good leap, 196cm, great kick, super mobile. Jackson incidentally is 199cm from what i can see.

 

[davemc_lions]

I am super keen for Fagan to try McStay in the ruck. Has a good leap, 196cm, great kick, super mobile. Jackson incidentally is 199cm from what i can see.

I thought McStay as well. Other teams have Hawkins, Allen, Dixon etc the larger forward does ruck.
Then we loose out going forward for structure as Hipwood/Daniher not really pack smashes.
Maybe work if Oscar swapped and not bench.. Although again you Big O not a replacement for McStay.

 

[Warwick]

Not enough Dev in this thread for my liking. Not saying people are wrong - I'm also struggling to fit him in.

I just think it's a shame because he is an extremely clever footballer who I believe would excel with a prolonged run and responsibility in the middle.

 

[lionshine]

Not enough Dev in this thread for my liking. Not saying people are wrong - I'm also struggling to fit him in.

I just think it's a shame because he is an extremely clever footballer who I believe would excel with a prolonged run and responsibility in the middle.

Yep I agree. Would love to have Dev in our best side. Irregardless though I have no doubt he will play a lot of senior footy this season.

 

[Mighty Lions]

I don't mind horses for courses. If we feel as though Jackson in particular will cut us up then I am okay with bringing in Fort for a final THEORETICALLY - but who is it for? One of our key forwards is one option - if the big 3 are fit it's a big no for me on that. If it's for a runner well we all know we looked short of a run against Melbourne last year so would be a big call.

I am super keen for Fagan to try McStay in the ruck. Has a good leap, 196cm, great kick, super mobile. Jackson incidentally is 199cm from what i can see.

McStay wont play ruck unless absolutely necessary. If they play Fort after Hippy's return, it will be off the bench....it will depend on how well he performs up to May.

 

[martinson]

McStay wont play ruck unless absolutely necessary. If they play Fort after Hippy's return, it will be off the bench....it will depend on how well he performs up to May.

I don't think playing McStay ruck is such a good idea but not against him taking a stoppage occasionally when it's in his area.

I'm one of those who thinks 2 genuine ruckmen in your team is generally an advantage , but for us it's hard to see how we make that work with Daniher, Hipwood and McStay in the same team

 

[Zhesty]

When we used to play two rucks I was pretty keen on moving to only having the one specialist ruck. However, after last year I'm definitely more inclined to having two rucks in the 22.

Oscar looked pretty fatigued at times last year (niggling injuries could have played a part), and my theory about his tendency to play from behind at boundary throw ins was due to having heavy legs from carrying the ruck load.

Interested to see how Oscar fairs now that he'll likely have genuine ruck support to start the year.

 

[KissKiss]

I think McStay can hold his own at the odd forward stoppage but I wouldnt want him doing too much more than that.