Strategy Best 23, Pre Draft edition for Season 2025

[cats_09]

From the folks at Superfooty/Herald Sun

 

[Gazza Greatness]

FB: J. Henry. De Koning. Kolodjashnij.
HB: Humphries. Blicavs. Z. Guthrie.

C: Holmes. Stewart. Dempsey.
FO: Conway. Smith. Dangerfield.

HF: Miers. Cameron. Close.
FF: O Henry. Neale. Stengle.

I/C: Bruhn, Mannagh, Bowes, Clark

Sub: Mullin

Depth

- Veterans

• Mitch Duncan (DEF)
• Jed Bews (DEF)
• Tom Atkins (MID)
• Cam Guthrie (MID/DEF)
• Mark O'Connor (MID/DEF)
• Rhys Stanley (R)
• Jack Martin (FWD)

- Youth/development

• Connor O'Sullivan (DEF)
• Ted Clohesy (MID)
• Mitch Knevitt (MID)
• George Stevens (MID)
• Mitch Edwards (R)
• Joe Furphy (R)
• Oliver Wiltshire (FWD)

Notes:

- Cam Guthrie at even 80% of 2022 form is in this side IMO, I just don't yet have the faith required to put him in automatically. Personally scarred by doing the exact same thing last year.

Although similar could be said for Toby Conway, I'm taking the punt. Hypocritical, I know.

****************************

- Tom Atkins deserves a place in this side. Has become one of my favourites over the years for his endeavour and unquestionable effort.

My worry is I don't believe we can play all three of Bruhn, Clark, & Atkins in the same side, and I expect (well I hope) the aforementioned two to improve in season 2025. The same could be said for Ted Clohesy, who will be in the fold too.

If they don't - especially Clark - Axe will get his spot.

****************************

- Mitch Duncan, Rhys Stanley, Jed Bews, & Mark O'Connor will forever be Geelong heroes for what they did in 2022, and 2011 for Duncan.

However, at this point in their careers, we have better options IMO.

It could start out okay, but I suspect we'll be moving past these names as the season heats up, and the bodies grow more-sore by the week.

****************************

- Connor O'Sullivan, Mitch Knevitt, Oisin Mullin, & Ted Clohesy all have the opportunity over the coming months to follow the paths of Ollie Dempsey, Shannon Neale, Shaun Mannagh, & Lawson Humphries.

It remains to be seen whether they do, but the opportunity is there.

Would be more than happy to see any of these boys in the side provided they've earned their opportunity over the pre-season.

****************************

- Jack Martin. I honestly have no idea what to do. We'll wait and see.

If he's fit and at his best, there will likely be a spot for him. He has gifts others could only dream of.

Unfortunately, there's a fair bit of evidence that he won't be able to deliver that talent on a regular basis, so I have him as depth for now.

KG excellent overall summary and side and pretty much word for word agree with all that you have said. Had Ollie Dempsey from get-go last year as I was expecting big things from him with Lawson Humphries being a revelation but I've gotta say I'm expecting just as big things from Connor O'Sullivan next season, just love this kid and can see him being permanently in our side at some stage during year.

 

[CatToTheFuture]

FB: J. Henry. De Koning. Kolodjashnij.
HB: Humphries. Blicavs. Z. Guthrie.

C: Holmes. Stewart. Dempsey.
FO: Conway. Smith. Dangerfield.

HF: Miers. Cameron. Close.
FF: O Henry. Neale. Stengle.

I/C: Bruhn, Mannagh, Bowes, Clark

Sub: Mullin

Depth

- Veterans

• Mitch Duncan (DEF)
• Jed Bews (DEF)
• Tom Atkins (MID)
• Cam Guthrie (MID/DEF)
• Mark O'Connor (MID/DEF)
• Rhys Stanley (R)
• Jack Martin (FWD)

- Youth/Development

• Connor O'Sullivan (DEF)
• Ted Clohesy (MID)
• Mitch Knevitt (MID)
• George Stevens (MID)
• Mitch Edwards (R)
• Joe Furphy (R)
• Oliver Wiltshire (FWD)

Notes:

Cam Guthrie at even 80% of 2022 form is in this side IMO, I just don't yet have the faith required to put him in automatically. Personally scarred by doing the exact same thing last year.

Although similar could be said for Toby Conway, I'm taking the punt. Hypocritical, I know.

****************************

Tom Atkins deserves a place in this side. Has become one of my favourites over the years for his endeavour and unquestionable effort.

My worry is I don't believe we can play all three of Bruhn, Clark, & Atkins in the same side, and I expect (well I hope) the aforementioned two to improve in season 2025. The same could be said for Ted Clohesy, who will be in the fold too.

If they don't - especially Clark - Atkins will get his spot.

****************************

Mitch Duncan, Rhys Stanley, Jed Bews, & Mark O'Connor will forever be Geelong heroes for what they did in 2022, and 2011 for Duncan.

However, at this point in their careers, we have better options IMO.

It could start out okay, but I suspect we'll be moving past these names as the season heats up, and their bodies grow more sore by the week.

****************************

Connor O'Sullivan, Mitch Knevitt, Oisin Mullin, & Ted Clohesy all have the opportunity over the coming months to follow the paths of Ollie Dempsey, Shannon Neale, Shaun Mannagh, & Lawson Humphries.

It remains to be seen whether they do, but the opportunity is there for the taking.

Would be more than happy to see any of these boys in the side provided they've earned their opportunity over the pre-season.

****************************

Jack Martin. I honestly have no idea what to do. We'll wait and see I suppose.

If he's fit and at his best, there will likely be a spot for him. He has gifts others could only dream of.

Unfortunately, there's a fair bit of evidence that he won't be able to deliver that talent on a regular basis, so I have him as depth for now.

I am basically aligned to this though I would like to start with Atkins in and tell Clark to push him out the way

 

[Larry Donohue]

Kolo SDK Guthrie
Stewart Henry Humphries
Dempsey Holmes Miers
Close Cameron Henry
Martin Neale Stengle
Conway Dangerfield Smith
Blicavs Mannagh Guthrie Bowes Atkins

Bring in bruhn when he gets consistent 30 possessions in VFL

 

[Hinkley29]

Yep, both were good, and in general are very handy players. However, the upside to O'Sullivan and Clark is greater and it would be better for the team to see them surpass those others by the end of the season 2025.

O’Sullivan is years away. Not even close to afl calibre yet.

Kolo continues to be criminally underrated by cats fans who should know better. It makes me wonder if the Kolo haters actually watch the full games or if they just watch the Kayo mini highlights.

 

[TheCattery2007]

The strange part about pulling together the best 23 is the positioning of Stewart. The permanent addition of Humphries and I couldn’t move Z Guthrie. I’d prefer Blitz back which probably moves Stewart into the centre dropping back for support.

I found it odd that Stewart was the one making way in the backline. If they give him a full preseason preparing as a midfielder he could be an A grade mid quickly changing the way we look. He’s fast too. Add Bailey Smith

6

Bailey Smith

Age

23

Ht

185cm

Wt

86kg

Pos.

M/F

Career

Season

Last 5

D

18.3

5star

K

8.5

3star

HB

9.8

5star

M

2.3

2star

T

3.8

5star

CL

2.7

4star

D

19.8

5star

K

9.6

4star

HB

10.2

5star

M

1.8

2star

T

3.2

4star

CL

3.2

4star

D

14.8

4star

K

7.6

3star

HB

7.2

5star

M

2.0

3star

T

3.4

5star

CL

1.6

4star

, we suddenly have a super quick midfield (Danger, Holmes, Smith).


Sent from my iPhone using BigFooty.com

 

[Strange Cat]

The strange part about pulling together the best 23 is the positioning of Stewart. The permanent addition of Humphries and I couldn’t move Z Guthrie. I’d prefer Blitz back which probably moves Stewart into the centre dropping back for support.

I found it odd that Stewart was the one making way in the backline. If they give him a full preseason preparing as a midfielder he could be an A grade mid quickly changing the way we look. He’s fast too. Add Bailey Smith, we suddenly have a super quick midfield (Danger, Holmes, Smith).


Sent from my iPhone using BigFooty.com

Teams started to tag him hard and it affected his game , I can see why he moved into the middle and thankfully it worked

 

[BlakeyNoFlakey]

B: J. Henry, Blicavs, Kolo
HB: Humpries, Stewart, Zuthrie
C: Smith, Guthrie, Dempsey
HF: Mannagh, Cameron, Miers
F: Stengle, Neale, Close
R: DeKoning, Bruhn, Holmes
I/C: Dangerfield, Martin, O. Henry, Bowes, Bews.
Emergencies: Conway, Atkins, Duncan

 

[Pollywaffle]

The strange part about pulling together the best 23 is the positioning of Stewart. The permanent addition of Humphries and I couldn’t move Z Guthrie. I’d prefer Blitz back which probably moves Stewart into the centre dropping back for support.

I found it odd that Stewart was the one making way in the backline. If they give him a full preseason preparing as a midfielder he could be an A grade mid quickly changing the way we look. He’s fast too. Add Bailey Smith, we suddenly have a super quick midfield (Danger, Holmes, Smith).

Interesting dilemma which I hadn’t really contemplated.
Zuthrie and Humphries seem to pick themselves as HBs.
Difficult to shoehorn them all in, unless we adopt a really ‘active’ HB formula which requires some degree of rotation off the bench, with possible short stints in the middle.
Consigning zuthrie to ‘back pocket’ is another possibility, but might get a little crowded back there!

 

[Lingsface]

Mullin Henry Zuthrie
Stewart De Koning Blitz
Dempsey Smith Humphries
Mannagh Cameron Miers
Stengle Neale O Henry

Conway Holmes Danger

CGuthrie Bruhn Bowes Kolo

Em- Martin Atkins Duncan Clark Close

 

[Gunf]

Mullin Henry Zuthrie
Stewart De Koning Blitz
Dempsey Smith Humphries
Mannagh Cameron Miers
Stengle Neale O Henry

Conway Holmes Danger

CGuthrie Bruhn Bowes Kolo

Em- Martin Atkins Duncan Clark Close

In no way do i see Close not being best 22 without injury

 

[cats_09]

In case it helps anything, the following has recently been released - #5 for us seems to be a bit underappreciated by Geelong fans

EVERY CLUB’S TOP FIVE GOAL KICKERS SINCE 2020:​

 

[Oisin_the_Goat]

Mullin Henry Zuthrie
Stewart De Koning Blitz
Dempsey Smith Humphries
Mannagh Cameron Miers
Stengle Neale O Henry

Conway Holmes Danger

CGuthrie Bruhn Bowes Kolo

Em- Martin Atkins Duncan Clark Close

Close probably in for CGuthrie, otherwise this is how I see it too

 

[Lingsface]

Close probably in for CGuthrie, otherwise this is how I see it too

Yeah you are right and the others two Close should be in the side.

 

[foxdog50]

How does and what is people's view on Shannon Neale...Yes his only played 20 games..Look I fully back him and support him 100%. But there is a small part of me is worried on him and if he will be the player i want him to be. I'm not expecting him to be the next Tom Hawkins

26

Tom Hawkins

Age

36

Ht

197cm

Wt

105kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

12.2

3star

K

7.9

3star

HB

4.4

3star

M

5.5

5star

T

1.9

4star

G

2.1

5star

D

12.7

3star

K

8.6

3star

HB

4.1

3star

M

5.1

5star

T

2.1

3star

G

1.6

5star

D

7.8

2star

K

5.6

3star

HB

2.2

2star

M

4.2

4star

T

1.0

3star

G

2.2

5star

, if his like Cam Mooney id be happy. I'm just a bit concerned if he will make it.. Please don't bag me, I'm just got some questions marks on him

 

[OzeSparky]

How does and what is people's view on Shannon Neale...Yes his only played 20 games..Look I fully back him and support him 100%. But there is a small part of me is worried on him and if he will be the player i want him to be. I'm not expecting him to be the next Tom Hawkins, if his like Cam Mooney id be happy. I'm just a bit concerned if he will make it.. Please don't bag me, I'm just got some questions marks on him

He drops to many easy marks, so Yes I agree there is a big ? on him.

 

[Gunf]

Neale if he produces the same output as in 2024 for the rest of his career he would go at 1.5 goals a game whilst giving as marking ability and ruck chop outs which would put him at a 40ish goal per year forward.

I would take that but he has every chance to get better as he is only 22 and played what 20 games?

He could end up averaging 2-2.5 goals a game and become an A grade 200+ game Key forward.

 

[foxdog50]

He drops to many easy marks, so Yes I agree there is a big ? on him.

And thats the first thing that came to my thought.. For a man his size he should take those marks easier then others. I wish we had a another young key forward to challenge Neale in the best 23

 

[Kobe Gryant]

How does and what is people's view on Shannon Neale...Yes his only played 20 games..Look I fully back him and support him 100%. But there is a small part of me is worried on him and if he will be the player i want him to be. I'm not expecting him to be the next Tom Hawkins, if his like Cam Mooney id be happy. I'm just a bit concerned if he will make it.. Please don't bag me, I'm just got some questions marks on him

Thinking conservatively, probably a second tall forward in a perfect world when he's at his peak.

Mooney was similar, but we had such a great midfield feeding him combined with some generational half forwards that it didn't really matter in the end.

It's hardly a bad thing either. If we can find that genuine number 1 (likely through a trade unless we get lucky) to partner Neale, with Ollie Henry as the third tall then we're set up well IMO.

Like Gunf says though, even if he just never got any better from here - which is unlikely - you'd still take a 40 goal a year forward who can pinch hit in the ruck.

 

[foxdog50]

Thinking conservatively, probably a second tall forward in a perfect world when he's at his peak.

Mooney was similar, but we had such a great midfield feeding him combined with some generational half forwards that it didn't really matter in the end.

It's hardly a bad thing either. If we can find that genuine number 1 (likely through a trade unless we get lucky) to partner Neale, with Ollie Henry as the third tall then we're set up well IMO.

Like Gunf says though, even if he just never got any better from here - which is unlikely - you'd still take a 40 goal a year forward who can pinch hit in the ruck.

I would definitely hope Neale would get better... yes it's early days, his only played 20 games.. but I would think Ollie Henry will give us more goals and output the Neale.

 

[Lana]

How does and what is people's view on Shannon Neale...Yes his only played 20 games..Look I fully back him and support him 100%. But there is a small part of me is worried on him and if he will be the player i want him to be. I'm not expecting him to be the next Tom Hawkins, if his like Cam Mooney id be happy. I'm just a bit concerned if he will make it.. Please don't bag me, I'm just got some questions marks on him

He has no foreseeable competition on our list. Injury permitting he'll get 100 games from that alone.

He has a lot of good attributes, probably won't be the type to lead a forward line but a great 2nd KPF, he is mobile, I like his field kicking, seems to read the play well enough, can pinch hit in the ruck. It is good that he isn't a stay at home type. He'll be able to have an impact without relying on kicking goals, of which he is already kicking more then enough.

The only think holding him back is that he doesn't believe that he is "The Guy tm" Took Hawkins awhile to get that part right. His marking issues are overstated, a lot of young KPFs have that issue, the fact that he gets his hands to the ball is a great sign. The hard part is being in the right place.

The breakout game isn't far away

 

[Vdubs]

The only jarring issue in all these draft teams is ruck. I just have little faith in Conway’s feet being reliable. I’m thinking there is a situation where SDK is the ruck with Stanley as a back up given his age now, and Blitz at CHB for one or two years. Hopefully by then Mitch Edwards is ready to take over no 1 ruck, and COS is ready to take over CHB. That plan makes sense to me. All the plans assuming Conway as No 1 ruck don’t make sense to me.

Yep, very interested that most posters have Conway as starting ruck. Of course, that is the hope, but very little evidence is supportive. Stanley, if fit is starting ruck in my team, swapping with DeK, until proven otherwise.