Mega Thread Best 22 Season 2012

[MF]

LRT has to go back to defence, with one of Richards or Grundy taking the other KP post and the other playing as a rebounding defender.

As impressed as I am with Johnson I just don't think he's in front of those 3 at the moment and next season our number 1 priority should be finishing top 4 for a crack at the flag. Developing youngsters needs to come second. He should still play quite a few games when either injury or form hamper any of the 3 and may even find a spot on the bench or elsewhere.

Reid obviously holds down CHF and I think Walsh should be given a chance early at FF. Spangher should retain his spot as 3rd tall with White fighting for a senior birth via the reserves.

I'd also like to see Parker play games early if he improves his fitness over the summer as I think he's best 22 material. I have a feeling that Jude may decline very quickly next year and could lose his spot to Parker.

 

[SM]

Fear not he has been told he will be playing down back next year by the coaching staff.

No more pinch hitting in the ruck or playing forward. Good news for him and especially us.

Source?

Maybe they're gonna try Grundy as a forward again...

And when you consider there's talk of trying White down back..

 

[the_jam]

Hard to see how it will all fit if there are no injuries.

You would say johnson, Richards, Smith, Shaw, Grundy and Mattner would almost all have to get starts so how do you fit in Malceski and LRT. Malceski you would think was the obvious one to go on the bench, with LRT only getting a start if matchups made it important.

This issue has come up before (earlier in this threat from memory) and I don’t think there has been a solution for it yet. I think I more or less agree with you but to expand on your point:

if we are playing a grand final tomorrow, everyone is fit and we do not know who we are playing, it is difficult to decide the key defenders. LRT is probably the strongest of the defenders, and best suited at FB or against the strongest forward. Grundy, fully fit, is a very competent HB, against the running key forward. And Teddy, who reads to ball so well, is very good on the third tall / in the free man role, helping out the others.

So where does AJ fit? The thought of leaving out such a young gun just does not sit right. He could very well be the future of our defence. LRT probably has the least form, and is the easiest to justify leaving out. But he is a very different type of defender. The back line has more balance with LRT in.

As for the rest of the back line, Shaw is obviously in. I know Smith wants to more into the middle of the ground next year but he is clearly our best on a small forward. And even if he does move, AJ cannot play that role. Mal, (in form) probably has a spot on the bench. AJ is not as flexible and not a running type that benches are full with these days. That leaves Mattner, who had a pretty good year and deserves a start next year. Of all these options, replacing Mattner seems to best fit, on a tall to medium forward and playing a little offence. Also Mattner can play on the wing. However, I would hope for a little more speed on the wing next year so I am not confident that move will happen. And this has not taken into account that McVeigh offered a bit rebounding off HB. A position I did not mind him in at all.

AJ seems so good in defence. I would not want to move him forward (where, I believe, he has played before). But in any case, I imagine the problem is more theoretical than practical as a preseason, injury, form, and perhaps matchups will answer the real question in due time. Still that fact that a backline could force out one of LRT, Grundy, Teddy, Mattner or AJ is a pretty good sign.

 

[S120]

LRT has to go back to defence, with one of Richards or Grundy taking the other KP post and the other playing as a rebounding defender.

As impressed as I am with Johnson I just don't think he's in front of those 3 at the moment and next season our number 1 priority should be finishing top 4 for a crack at the flag. Developing youngsters needs to come second. He should still play quite a few games when either injury or form hamper any of the 3 and may even find a spot on the bench or elsewhere.

Reid obviously holds down CHF and I think Walsh should be given a chance early at FF. Spangher should retain his spot as 3rd tall with White fighting for a senior birth via the reserves.

I'd also like to see Parker play games early if he improves his fitness over the summer as I think he's best 22 material. I have a feeling that Jude may decline very quickly next year and could lose his spot to Parker.

AJ is more capable of playing on the smaller/medium types than LRT or Reg are though. It gives him increased value as a defender. Richards can play on smaller players as well but he's now our best defender in terms of playing on the key forwards...so it is a really tricky situation to be in. A good one, but difficult to select. Leaving LRT or Reg out of the best 22 just doesn't seem right.

Given all 4 of them are fit leading into round 1, I'd probably pick LRT, Reg and Richards and go with it until it fails. AJ would be terribly, desperately unlucky but I'd give that a go. Having said that, I'm pretty sure I said I wouldn't have those 3 I just said in the same 22 about a week ago so **** me I dunno.

 

[GoTheSwannies]

I would not he leaving aj out of the side, he IS the future and should play. If we were playing the gf, than perhaps he misses out on experience, but in terms of form vs experience, he's good enough to be in the side without making us weaker while getting much needed experience into him. And hypothetically, he's the last you'd want to leave out in case of injury, he needs continuity to make sure he's primed for finals, whereas a more experienced player can be called up in case of injury and be more ready to perform under the circumstances.

Realistically, mattner's probably the first one out. His form was outstanding in 2011, but he's more prone to making mistakes (on a bad day), he's at the tail end of his career and more easily replaced than the others.

But geez, with mal, mcveigh & Armstrong also capable of playing down back we really do have some depth. But on team balance is it depth in the wrong part of the field?

I have a theory/game plan that the swans are well placed to introduce in 2012. Guys like mcveigh & malceski in the backline, and guys like mcglynn / rohan / rok / bolts in the forward line, ALL rotating through the middle (with the full time midfielders), just a constant influx of players rotating through the middle & resting up forward/back while also utilizing the bench, you could really run the opposition midfield into the ground, but obviously everyone needs 2 develop the tank to contribute. I'm not sure how many teams currently do it, but with the versatility horse has been trynna work into guys like tdl, the swans are primed for that kind of revolving-door type gameplan. I know collingwood did it using the bench in 2010, but this is taking it to the next level

 

[lock33]

Source?

Maybe they're gonna try Grundy as a forward again...

And when you consider there's talk of trying White down back..

Where did you hear we will be trying White down back?

 

[DerpWerls]

What are the chances of Jed Lamb breaking into the best 22? I thought his draft highlights were impressive and will be a great player to watch.

I hope Mitch Morton goes well at Sydney. He was never that bad at Richmond just the occasional brain fade and disappearing acts. Incredibly reliable set shot from the pocket but not as reliable when kicking drop punt set shot, just one of those players that is much better when running across or at goal. If any club can help him fulfil his potential it's Sydney.

 

[MARK In TIME]

Quite surprised that people have AJ out of the best 22. LRT was great before his injury, but when he came back he was used as a forward and did not displace AJ. Form counts for something and the only way I see AJ going out of the side and LRT coming in is if Alex drops his current form. He was rarely beaten and apart from a few bad kicks was rock solid this year. This was all in his first year. I think he'll be great next year and am certain the coaches have him in their best 22.

On Jed Lamb, he probably has to have a big preseason and really increase his fitness base to get a proper look in next year. The reserves watchers can correct me if I'm wrong, but Jed's best position seems to be in the midfield and his tank will have to improve to be able to play that role in the seniors. I'm sure he'll get his chance to debut because he seems to be really smart with the ball in hand.

Lastly, I think we all hope for the best with Mitch Morton. What do you think his best position is? From an interview, he said he was better forward, but it seemed like his best from came when he played on the wing?

 

[DerpWerls]

He only played a few for a very short while on the wing and whilst he was good in one or two games his opponent damaged us the other way. I don't think the defensive side of his game is good enough to be a full time mid but like I said maybe you guys can transform him like you have with a number of players.

 

[mark121]

I expect Alex Johnson to stay in the senior team based on the facts he was able to break into the team so early in the year keep the spot and even after missing a week with an injury he returned to the team straight away without going through the reserves. The coaching team must hold him in high regards.

 

[Super sub]

On Jed Lamb, he probably has to have a big preseason and really increase his fitness base to get a proper look in next year. The reserves watchers can correct me if I'm wrong, but Jed's best position seems to be in the midfield and his tank will have to improve to be able to play that role in the seniors. I'm sure he'll get his chance to debut because he seems to be really smart with the ball in hand.

I really like this kid. From the posts that I have seen most watchers of the twos do tend to agree with you that he is a mid who can play forward.

I actually think he is more the other way a forward who can go through the middle. He has a great pair of hands and is good overhead for his size, which makes him dangerous when forward. Not overly quick bit not often caught with the ball and seems to know where the goals are.

If he gets fit then he should see time in the ones. A good old fashioned footballer, all the skills not like a lot who are athletes trying to learn the skills.

 

[SM]

Where did you hear we will be trying White down back?

I meant talk on this board.

 

[S120]

He isn't getting mentioned much around these parts (rightly so really after how he played in 2011 for the most part), but I think if a decent forward line gets set up to include Walsh, Reid, Rohan etc. I think Andrejs Everitt could play a part up there. He suffered from having to play as a sub and down back he was pretty rubbish. But up forward he did show glimpses interspersed with poor play mainly when he was playing out of FF and on the best defender.

I think he could give us something as a 3rd tall/HFF. Perhaps this is just typical off-season hope but I'll hang on to the thought...

 

[AG]

Prefer Spangher a lot more as a 3rd tall. If Spangher isn't getting the ball at least he is throwing his weight around. Everitt is useless if he isn't getting touches.

 

[S120]

As do I. Just a thought really and a reference to just how far off the map Everitt has gone since about half way through the year.

 

[Caj]

As do I. Just a thought really and a reference to just how far off the map Everitt has gone since about half way through the year.

Good point S120, he really is the forgotten man, mainly due to his ordinary performances in 2011.

I don't have high hopes of him succeeding at AFL level, but if (a very big if) he can get his head right he is extremely talented and would be a fantastic permanent forward option for us.

The trade from the Bulldogs obviously didn't give him the kick up the bum he needed because he still has that issue with lack of ferocity at the contest and a tendency to drift out of games.

I hope he isn't gifted games again in 2012 but rather earns a spot in the seniors from tearing apart pre-season or reserves.

 

[WWSD]

Team

B T.Richards H.Grundy A.Johnson
HB N.Smith L.R.Thomson R.Shaw
C K.Jack J.McVeigh D.Hannebery
HF B.McGlynn A.Goodes R.O'Keefe
F M.Morton S.Reid M.Spangher
R S.Mumford J.Bolton J.Kennedy

INT C.Bird M.Mattner N.Malceski G.Rohan (Sub)

EMG M.Seaby B.Meredith L.Parker

Ladder Position: 6th-8th
B & F: Josh Kennedy/Karen Jack
Needs a Big Pre Season: Jarred Moore
Most Improved: Garry Rohan

 

[DeadlyAkkuret]

Team

B T.Richards H.Grundy A.Johnson
HB N.Smith L.R.Thomson R.Shaw
C K.Jack J.McVeigh D.Hannebery
HF B.McGlynn A.Goodes R.O'Keefe
F M.Morton S.Reid M.Spangher
R S.Mumford J.Bolton J.Kennedy

INT C.Bird M.Mattner N.Malceski G.Rohan (Sub)

EMG M.Seaby B.Meredith L.Parker

Ladder Position: 6th-8th
B & F: Josh Kennedy/Karen Jack
Needs a Big Pre Season: Jarred Moore
Most Improved: Garry Rohan

As good as we are at getting the best out of unlikely prospects, I just can't see Kieren's sister getting a game.

In all seriousness though, good effort from an outsider and I hope KJ does win the B&F again along with Rohan.

 

[TheWhiteRhino]

Team

B T.Richards H.Grundy A.Johnson
HB N.Smith L.R.Thomson R.Shaw
C K.Jack J.McVeigh D.Hannebery
HF B.McGlynn A.Goodes R.O'Keefe
F M.Morton S.Reid M.Spangher
R S.Mumford J.Bolton J.Kennedy

INT C.Bird M.Mattner N.Malceski G.Rohan (Sub)

EMG M.Seaby B.Meredith L.Parker

Ladder Position: 6th-8th
B & F: Josh Kennedy/Karen Jack
Needs a Big Pre Season: Jarred Moore
Most Improved: Garry Rohan

Not bad, but I would have thought all these guys will be ahead of Meredith:

Walsh
Armstrong
White
Mitchell (most likely)
Jetta

 

[Super sub]

Team

B T.Richards H.Grundy A.Johnson
HB N.Smith L.R.Thomson R.Shaw
C K.Jack J.McVeigh D.Hannebery
HF B.McGlynn A.Goodes R.O'Keefe
F M.Morton S.Reid M.Spangher
R S.Mumford J.Bolton J.Kennedy

INT C.Bird M.Mattner N.Malceski G.Rohan (Sub)

EMG M.Seaby B.Meredith L.Parker

Ladder Position: 6th-8th
B & F: Josh Kennedy/Karen Jack
Needs a Big Pre Season: Jarred Moore
Most Improved: Garry Rohan

I don't get it.

Just about everyone seems to have Morton in their best 18.

I know we are desperate to try and fix our forward line, but the guy couldn't get a regular game with the tigers. About to be delisted by the tigers and traded to us for pick 79 (which is really pick 91).

Has a lot of potential but rarely delivers. Seems like a lot of these teams are being picked on hope rather than actual form.

Parker is 19 and had a good finish to the year, surely he has more upside than Morton.

I hope Morton goes well but he will need to take ( and he may well do) some very large steps to make our best 18.

 

[Dangas]

^^Tommy Walsh ahead of Morton atm I reckon

 

[Aardvark]

I don't get it.

Just about everyone seems to have Morton in their best 18.

I know we are desperate to try and fix our forward line, but the guy couldn't get a regular game with the tigers. About to be delisted by the tigers and traded to us for pick 79 (which is really pick 91).

Has a lot of potential but rarely delivers. Seems like a lot of these teams are being picked on hope rather than actual form.

Parker is 19 and had a good finish to the year, surely he has more upside than Morton.

I hope Morton goes well but he will need to take ( and he may well do) some very large steps to make our best 18.

At last some sense. Anyone who believes Mitch will solve our forward problems is dreamin !!!

 

[BarneyBent]

I don't get it.

Just about everyone seems to have Morton in their best 18.

I know we are desperate to try and fix our forward line, but the guy couldn't get a regular game with the tigers. About to be delisted by the tigers and traded to us for pick 79 (which is really pick 91).

Has a lot of potential but rarely delivers. Seems like a lot of these teams are being picked on hope rather than actual form.

Parker is 19 and had a good finish to the year, surely he has more upside than Morton.

I hope Morton goes well but he will need to take ( and he may well do) some very large steps to make our best 18.

I don't have Morton in our 18, but I can understand the thinking of those that do. On talent alone, he'd be in our top 10, and his inability to get a game at the Tigers was due to more than just playing ability. He wasn't happy, the coaches weren't happy with him, it just wasn't working. If the Swans have targeted him, it suggests that the coaches are probably willing to give him a fair go at it.

For comparison, Rhyce Shaw was in and out of a fairly meh Collingwood side, and we got him for a downgrade of pick 46 to pick 61, which is worth not much more than pick 79. He was into our best 22 immediately and came 2nd in the B&F.

 

[Leg End]

The swans are grdually constructing apotentiall superb forward line - Sam Reid, TWalsh, Jesse White with TDL, McGlynn sniping.

These would be a genuine handful for any defensive team.

AND - I am confident that we will win more games next year because we will be averaging 12.26 instead of 9.21

 

[swansfan51]

The swans are grdually constructing apotentiall superb forward line - Sam Reid, TWalsh, Jesse White with TDL, McGlynn sniping.

These would be a genuine handful for any defensive team.

AND - I am confident that we will win more games next year because we will be averaging 12.26 instead of 9.21

The only one of those players that wasn't on our list last year is Walsh, and I don't think he can single handedly rescue our forward line. White has failed to impress and TDL spent almost the entire year battling away in the reserves. Lets hope things change in 2012 but I think it will take a major contribution from players outside of that group