Final Team
B: Josh Worrell Tom McCartin Jake Lloyd HB: Archie Roberts Mac Andrew Lachie Ash C: Finn Callaghan Will Day Caleb Windsor HF: Ben Long Dan McStay Dion Prestia F: Tyson Stengle Mitch Georgiades Cam Zurhaar Foll: Oscar McInerney Tim Taranto Chad Warner I/C: Conor Nash Harvey Langford Kade Chandler Luke Nankervis Sub: Zane Duursma
Defence
A pretty strong area, a couple of superstar keys in McCartin and Andrew. Andrew could be anything, and adds some flexibility as a tall utility - KPD, interceptor, KPF and ruck. Worrell is a player I rate and would love at the Blues - if I remember correctly he dominated an early game against us. He marks everything and can be relied upon to cover CHB if Andrew goes forward. Lloyd adds some experience and leadership, while also being one of the better lockdown small defenders in the league, who can rack up possessions at will. Ash is the rebounding, metres gaining half-back weapon. Roberts played the last 4 games of his debut year, and dominated as an elite kicking/hard running half-back, and I expect he will carry this into 2025.
Midfield
A relatively youthful midfield brigade, however all have proven to be stars at AFL level. Windsor the least experienced having only played one year, however looks at home on the wing with the aim to spend time onball as he gains experience. Callaghan is an inside/outside mid, who has made a name for himself starring on the wing at GWS, using his booming left and agility. Day and Warner are reliable midfield stars for their sides, both with their own weapons that help add a POD to this group. Poor Taranto is toiling away at Richmond, however still in great form. Big bodied inside mid, who adds grunt. McInerney is a solid ruck who gives his midfielders first use.
Forwards
Stengle was the first forward I picked, he's a reliable source of goals and super dangerous around the big sticks - and still has plenty of footy ahead of him. The forward line will ultimately revolve around Georgiades at FF. He took a real step forward last year kicking 44 goals from 20 games. With Dixon and Marshall out for Port, he should continue this form. McStay is a solid CHF who can chop out in the ruck if needed - his main challenge will be avoiding injury. As mentioned Andrew could also swing forward if required, adding another aerial threat. Next to Worrell, Zurhaar is the other player i'd love at Carlton. Has been up and down in his career, however has all the tools to suceed in a De Goey, Petracca, Martin type role. Ultimately he'll play as a third tall, medium forward role with bursts in the midfield. Long has looked fantastic at the GC, and led the comp in 2024 for tackles i50. Prestia adds some experience to the side, and will spend plenty of time in the midfield.
Interchange
Nash is the 198cm Irish inside midfielder, who had a stellar year under Mitchell. Adds some defensive grunt to the midfield, and can also chop out in the ruck if needed. Langford is a tall mid/half-forward who should get games with the Dees this year. Kade Chandler is another pressure forward, with speed and endurance, who posts elite tackle numbers. Nankervis' athleticism helped him carve out a spot in Adelaide's half-back line this year - playing every game from round 4 onwards. Young Zane Duursma is talent and potential at this stage, but could explode as medium forward.
My team overall is full of younger up and coming types. Well balance, however could use an extra experienced gun.
Updated with rationale.