First 22 in 2023

[Saucery]

His end to the season was very impressive and he will undoubtably have a great career.

But Rich, Starcevich, Coleman and McKenna would all get picked before him for me. I probably have him first in the depth chart after that though.

Not so sure McKenna is ahead, he has to show he's a level above VFL again to get some credits in the bank.

 

[On the quiet]

Not so sure McKenna is ahead, he has to show he's a level above VFL again to get some credits in the bank.

unfortunately for Wilmot or maybe Answerth, Fages rates McKenna so unless he is way off the pace in preseason and match sims, likely plays.

 

[Dalions]

unfortunately for Wilmot or maybe Answerth, Fages rates McKenna so unless he is way off the pace in preseason and match sims, likely plays.

Still could play wing though.
Leaving Wilmot as the seventh.

 

[jfn]

B. Berry Payne Starcevich
HB. Coleman Andrews Wilmot

Gardiner had a couple of reasonable games at the end of this year, but was poor at the start of the season. I can only see him playing the same back up role as Lester. Berry is a big bloke, same size as Gardiner, with much better defensive skills, and could handle the lock down of the opposition's third tall. If Berry has a better match up in the midfield, Adams, Gardiner, Fullarton or Lester would slot back in, Gunston could go back, and Rayner forward. Rich will play a fair bit during the year and will interchange with Starcevich, Coleman, and Wilmot.

C. McCluggage Rayner Ashcroft

I think Rayner is ready to fire. He was impressive in the mid late in the season, particularly in the Preliminary Final before he went down. I think he would thrive on the responsibility of being in the middle. McCluggage is a lock on the wing, and Ashcroft to learn his craft on the other, just as Sam Walsh

18

Sam Walsh

Age

24

Ht

184cm

Wt

84kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

25.1

5star

K

13.5

5star

HB

11.6

5star

M

5.1

5star

T

3.2

5star

CL

3.4

5star

No current season stats available

D

26.2

5star

K

15.4

5star

HB

10.8

5star

M

6.0

5star

T

3.2

5star

CL

4.8

5star

has at Carlton.

R. McInerney Dunkley Neale

HF. Hipwood Gunston Bailey
F. Zorko Daniher Cameron.

Gunston to play CHF as a forward General. Hipwood to play a high forward role and have more licence use his speed and roam beyond the wing. He'd be a hard match up given more room to move. Zorko will come good for this coming season. He was injured for most of the year. The lure of a flag will bring the best out of him.

Int. Robertson, Rich, McCarthy, Lyons, Fort. (one to be a Sub.)

Robertson deserves a spot. Blue collar natural footballer. Lyons, like Zorko will want to be part of the finals and a potential flag, so I see him having a real crack. McKenna will play, but has to regain AFL form. Hasn't played for a while, so his current skillset is unknown. If McKenna regains his form, he's a valuable addition on all lines.
I wouldn't mind a bit of experimentation of players out of their usual positions, as long as it doesn't interrupt game plans. One thing that has been missing over the last few years is flexibility.

 

[dlanod]

I think in this thread McKenna is suffering because people didn't exactly watch Essendon games. He is really quite a good AFL player. I love Wilmot but there'd be a comparison in two years - not in 2023. And poor Answerth, there isn't really a comparison (though there's more likely a different role there).

 

[rye]

dont think mckenna would uproot his life again to play in the magoos either tbh - he will be up for it

 

[BigCat2]

I think in this thread McKenna is suffering because people didn't exactly watch Essendon games. He is really quite a good AFL player. I love Wilmot but there'd be a comparison in two years - not in 2023. And poor Answerth, there isn't really a comparison (though there's more likely a different role there).

Yep. Have thought the last few years a player like Conor McKenna or Adam Saad is exactly what we need, would help transform our exit from D50 and ball movement.

 

[Mikevk123]

B Rich Andrews Starcevich
HB Mckeena Adams K.Coleman
C Mcluaggage Dunkley Berry
HF Bailey Daniher Gunston
F McCarthy Hipwood Cameron
FOLL- Mclernery Robertson Neale
I/C- Zorko, Payne, Rayner, Ashcroft
Sub- Wilmot
Emerg- Ah’Chee, Mathieson, Fort, Gardiner, Lohmann, Lyons, Prior

 

[Saucery]

unfortunately for Wilmot or maybe Answerth, Fages rates McKenna so unless he is way off the pace in preseason and match sims, likely plays.

Yes he's sure does!

"Josh Dunkley and Jack Gunston are A-graders and Conor was approaching that before he went back to Ireland."

Lions Welcome Added Pressure After Stellar Off-Season

Chris Fagan is embracing the added expectations around Brisbane after a stunning off-season

www.lions.com.au

 

[mattsmob]

I think in this thread McKenna is suffering because people didn't exactly watch Essendon games. He is really quite a good AFL player. I love Wilmot but there'd be a comparison in two years - not in 2023. And poor Answerth, there isn't really a comparison (though there's more likely a different role there).

For me personally it’s the fact he hasn’t played for a couple seasons and also those Essendon teams weren’t exactly lighting it up. If he’s best 22 then great but I think what Wilmot did at the end of last season as the youngest guy in the league is getting a bit underrated. If Wilmot has developed from what we saw last season, as I’d expect he would then for me he’s got the starting spot to begin with.

 

[morsie]

The team is looking amazing but I am trying not to gey ahead of myself.As I am sure has been stated on here many times, the words of Brian Clough are echoing in my head" We had a great team on paper, unfortunately the match was played on grass".

 

[Berrygood]

If we decide to go two rucks, I wonder if Kalin Lane could be considered. Could be a handy type to have against Grundy & Gawn. Very athletic.

Orh mate, I hope he comes on as a player. Would love to see him develop into a good first grade ruck. I'd like to see Smith come on as a fwd/ruck as well. Another big preseason in the gym and on the track, I'd love to see them earn a shot. How good would it be if both could take that next step and become reliable depth?

 

[Berrygood]

dont think mckenna would uproot his life again to play in the magoos either tbh - he will be up for it

I think it just being a 1yr contract there maybe some concern from both sides over current ability. A cpl of intraclub games and cpl of warm up preseason games may not be enough for McKenna to be first grade ready. Some vfl games might be needed. It may even take him till the bye to hit his best essendon form. I don't think he or the club is expecting instant impact, I think this year is for both parties to consider the longer term possibilities.

 

[Section 5]

I thought this recent article gives an insight on how one coach can see things a bit different to others
.......
But with Scott keen to avoid shoehorning players into unnatural and unfamiliar roles as he takes the reins of the club this summer,

"I'm big on trying to get players into the role that suits them best, not trying to push them into a role that the team needs."

Dons gun set for positional switch as Scott assesses options

Former No.1 draft pick Andrew McGrath looks set to return to a former role at the Bombers in 2023

www.afl.com.au

 

[On the quiet]

For me personally it’s the fact he hasn’t played for a couple seasons and also those Essendon teams weren’t exactly lighting it up. If he’s best 22 then great but I think what Wilmot did at the end of last season as the youngest guy in the league is getting a bit underrated. If Wilmot has developed from what we saw last season, as I’d expect he would then for me he’s got the starting spot to begin with.

agree Wilmot should have the starting spot appears to have a lot of upside.

 

[Nuggo]

Wonder where Answerth fits in now. Fagan has in the past thought highly of him as he is a physical defender. Perhaps a spot on the bench is warranted.

 

[On the quiet]

B. Berry Payne Starcevich
HB. Coleman Andrews Wilmot

Gardiner had a couple of reasonable games at the end of this year, but was poor at the start of the season. I can only see him playing the same back up role as Lester. Berry is a big bloke, same size as Gardiner, with much better defensive skills, and could handle the lock down of the opposition's third tall. If Berry has a better match up in the midfield, Adams, Gardiner, Fullarton or Lester would slot back in, Gunston could go back, and Rayner forward. Rich will play a fair bit during the year and will interchange with Starcevich, Coleman, and Wilmot.

C. McCluggage Rayner Ashcroft

I think Rayner is ready to fire. He was impressive in the mid late in the season, particularly in the Preliminary Final before he went down. I think he would thrive on the responsibility of being in the middle. McCluggage is a lock on the wing, and Ashcroft to learn his craft on the other, just as Sam Walsh has at Carlton.

R. McInerney Dunkley Neale

HF. Hipwood Gunston Bailey
F. Zorko Daniher Cameron.

Gunston to play CHF as a forward General. Hipwood to play a high forward role and have more licence use his speed and roam beyond the wing. He'd be a hard match up given more room to move. Zorko will come good for this coming season. He was injured for most of the year. The lure of a flag will bring the best out of him.

Int. Robertson, Rich, McCarthy, Lyons, Fort. (one to be a Sub.)

Robertson deserves a spot. Blue collar natural footballer. Lyons, like Zorko will want to be part of the finals and a potential flag, so I see him having a real crack. McKenna will play, but has to regain AFL form. Hasn't played for a while, so his current skillset is unknown. If McKenna regains his form, he's a valuable addition on all lines.
I wouldn't mind a bit of experimentation of players out of their usual positions, as long as it doesn't interrupt game plans. One thing that has been missing over the last few years is flexibility.

I agree with everything, the selections and the rationale, but club signed Gardiner to a min: three year deal so very likely not playing ressies. McKenna who obviously Fagen rates (and stated it in a recent interview), would not have come to us unless he expected to have a starting spot. I just hope that there is some flexibility with team selections, and non performing 'seasoned' senior players are not just automatically selected.

 

[Nathan Barley]

Wonder where Answerth fits in now. Fagan has in the past thought highly of him as he is a physical defender. Perhaps a spot on the bench is warranted.

Backup to Starce as a lockdown small back

 

[martinson]

McKenna is exactly what we've been bemoaning we've been missing for the last couple of years so unless a radically different one turns up to when he last played he'll be an automatic selection.

Well done to Don for hunting him down.

 

[Nathan Barley]

McKenna is exactly what we've been bemoaning we've been missing for the last couple of years so unless a radically different one turns up to when he last played he'll be an automatic selection.

Well done to Don for hunting him down.

Would say the exact same about Wilmott and think its a 51:49 chance McKenna plays better in 2023

 

[martinson]

Would say the exact same about Wilmott and think its a 51:49 chance McKenna plays better in 2023

Understandably Wilmott's not near the level McKenna was at and granted could potentially be a rapid improver.

McKenna's form has been at a high level in Gaelic Footy if that means anything. From memory he was averaging over 20 disposals/game when he last played with the majority of them good ones.

Unless he's gone backwards I doubt Wilmott will be there yet but maybe we'll play both.

The thing that has me a bit excited about McKenna is that he'll be playing in a good team and as cream on the cake he could offer a lot.

 

[mattsmob]

Understandably Wilmott's not near the level McKenna was at and granted could potentially be a rapid improver.

McKenna's form has been at a high level in Gaelic Footy if that means anything. From memory he was averaging over 20 disposals/game when he last played with the majority of them good ones.

Unless he's gone backwards I doubt Wilmott will be there yet but maybe we'll play both.

The thing that has me a bit excited about McKenna is that he'll be playing in a good team and as cream on the cake he could offer a lot.

I have no recollection of what McKenna was like defensively at Essendon but if he’s poor then that’ll give Wilmot a clear and significant advantage imo.

 

[martinson]

I have no recollection of what McKenna was like defensively at Essendon but if he’s poor then that’ll give Wilmot a clear and significant advantage imo.

It's a while ago now but from memory he was getting more reliable in that regard in his last season.

Of course Essendon have stunk defensively for a long time now.

 

[Section 5]

Career Season Averages​

Conor McKenna​

Year Team GM K H D M G B T HO FF FA GA I50 CL CG R50 BL 2020​ Bombers​ 6​ 9.2​ 4.2​ 13.3​ 3.0​ 0.2​ 0​ 1.7​ 0​ 0.3​ 0.3​ 0.7​ 2.8​ 0.5​ 3.8​ 1.7​ ​ 2019​ Bombers​ 22​ 14.3​ 6.5​ 20.8​ 2.6​ 0.1​ 0.1​ 1.6​ 0​ 0.6​ 0.4​ 0.3​ 2.4​ 0.9​ 2.2​ 4.9​ ​ 2018​ Bombers​ 18​ 11.8​ 6.1​ 17.9​ 3.2​ 0.4​ 0.2​ 1.7​ 0​ 0.4​ 0.6​ 0.6​ 2.7​ 0.4​ 2.3​ 3.5​ ​ 2017​ Bombers​ 19​ 10.9​ 6.0​ 16.9​ 3.6​ 0.3​ 0.1​ 1.5​ 0​ 0.6​ 0.8​ 0.4​ 2.0​ 0.4​ 3.0​ 2.9​ 0.06​ 2016​ Bombers​ 12​ 8.5​ 5.4​ 13.9​ 3.4​ 0.2​ 0.2​ 1.8​ 0​ 0.8​ 0.8​ 0.2​ 2.1​ 0.5​ 2.1​ 1.8​ ​ 2015​ Bombers​ 2​ 6.5​ 4.5​ 11.0​ 3.5​ 1.0​ 1.5​ 1.5​ 0​ 1.5​ 1.0​ 0.5​ 3.0​ 0.5​ 3.0​ 0​ ​ Career​ 79​ 11.4​ 5.9​ 17.4​ 3.2​ 0.3​ 0.2​ 1.6​ 0​ 0.6​ 0.6​ 0.4​ 2.4​ 0.6​ 2.5​ 3.3​ 0.01​

Career Season Averages​

Conor McKenna​

Year Team G CP UP ED DE% CM MI5 1% BO CL CCL SCL SI MG TO ITC T50 TOG% 2020​ Bombers​ 6​ 3.0​ 9.2​ 9.2​ 68.8​ 0​ 0.2​ 2.0​ 1.8​ 0.5​ 0​ 0.5​ 2.8​ 289.3​ 3.3​ 3.5​ 2.8​ 83.2​ 2019​ Bombers​ 22​ 4.5​ 11.6​ 15.8​ 76​ 0.2​ 0.1​ 1.9​ 3.6​ 0.9​ 0.4​ 0.6​ 3.4​ 438.1​ 3.6​ 4.3​ 3.4​ 86.4​ 2018​ Bombers​ 18​ 4.5​ 11.3​ 13.7​ 76.4​ 0.2​ 0.1​ 2.5​ 2.6​ 0.4​ 0.2​ 0.2​ 4.3​ 365.2​ 3.1​ 4.2​ 4.3​ 84.3​ 2017​ Bombers​ 19​ 4.8​ 11.2​ 12.8​ 75.5​ 0.3​ 0.1​ 1.9​ 2.4​ 0.4​ 0.1​ 0.3​ 3.9​ 337.7​ 3.4​ 4.0​ 3.9​ 77.8​ 2016​ Bombers​ 12​ 3.8​ 9.9​ 10.6​ 76​ 0.1​ 0.2​ 1.8​ 0.7​ 0.5​ 0​ 0.5​ 3.0​ 228.3​ 2.3​ 2.8​ 3.0​ 76.8​ 2015​ Bombers​ 2​ 4.5​ 7.5​ 8.0​ 72.7​ 0.5​ 0.5​ 0​ 0​ 0.5​ 0​ 0.5​ 4.0​ 212.0​ 1.5​ 2.0​ 4.0​ 69.5​ Career​ 79​ 4.4​ 10.9​ 13.1​ 75.5​ 0.2​ 0.1​ 2.0​ 2.4​ 0.6​ 0.2​ 0.4​ 3.6​ 348.4​ 3.2​ 3.9​ 3.6​ 81.7​

 

[dlanod]

I have no recollection of what McKenna was like defensively at Essendon but if he’s poor then that’ll give Wilmot a clear and significant advantage imo.

He was adequate. It wasn't his main strength - obviously that was his carry and run, but I wouldn't say McKenna was a liability defensively.