Prediction How Will The Cats Fare in 2025?

[Mr Meow]

I want to follow up about Holmes and I feel it's relevant as he'll be one of our most important determinants of 2025 success.

Even on draftguru, who now classify players into grades (A+, A, B+, B etc), Holmes is listed as B+ after his 2024 season. Cameron is A+, Stewart is A and Stengle is A. Yet Holmes had more total coaches votes, frequented the coaches votes more often and obviously finished ahead of them all in the BnF, as well as being our best finals player.

At the very least he is on the same level as those other 3 and had a more consistent 2024 than any of them.

For reference, based on 2024 seasons some other players listed in Holmes B+ category: Taranto, Breust, Worpel, Rayner, Keays, Yeo, Crisp, Flanders, Coniglio. Good players but hardly 2024 world beaters.

I'd argue he's almost our main point of difference now.

 

[Taper]

I just never seen Playfair or Spriggs as good quality footballers, before or after injuries, a bit like Murdoch who miraculously played a 100 games..... when those guys were in our side I just seen it as a downer of which in most circumstances they were.

Playfair could have been a handy B grade player if not for injury, as mentioned above he was never the same after his shoulder injury.
Spriggs was looking extremely promising in 2001, and at that stage I thought he looked the best of our 1999 draft class.
Murdoch had pace to burn and a booming left foot, so I can see why Scott persisted with him. Murdoch reminded me of the Lonie twins.

Regarding how we'll fare this year, I see us finishing top 4 again and reaching a preliminary final.

 

[Gazza Greatness]

Playfair could have been a handy B grade player if not for injury, as mentioned above he was never the same after his shoulder injury.
Spriggs was looking extremely promising in 2001, and at that stage I thought he looked the best of our 1999 draft class.
Murdoch had pace to burn and a booming left foot, so I can see why Scott persisted with him. Murdoch reminded me of the Lonie twins.

Regarding how we'll fare this year, I see us finishing top 4 again and reaching a preliminary final.

I repeat what I said initially, neither Playfair, Spriggs or Murdoch were good quality footballers, none had 'football nous' and with Murdoch I dreaded going to the football to see him play and just because a guy has pace to burn and a booming kick does not make them good footballers of which Murdoch 'certainly wasn't'. Cats top 4, prelim final for sure as long as we have decent run with injuries. Thanks for input Taper: and GO CATS 2025

 

[And_ROOS]

I want to follow up about Holmes and I feel it's relevant as he'll be one of our most important determinants of 2025 success.

Even on draftguru, who now classify players into grades (A+, A, B+, B etc), Holmes is listed as B+ after his 2024 season. Cameron is A+, Stewart is A and Stengle is A. Yet Holmes had more total coaches votes, frequented the coaches votes more often and obviously finished ahead of them all in the BnF, as well as being our best finals player.

At the very least he is on the same level as those other 3 and had a more consistent 2024 than any of them.

For reference, based on 2024 seasons some other players listed in Holmes B+ category: Taranto, Breust, Worpel, Rayner, Keays, Yeo, Crisp, Flanders, Coniglio. Good players but hardly 2024 world beaters.

I'd argue he's almost our main point of difference now.

He was the difference between us and a GF last year, and if he goes into the middle more often he will be the difference with Smith between us and a flag this year.

How he is a B listed player is hilarious. Easily an A grader right now and his goal is to hit A+ by the end of the season.

 

[CatToTheFuture]

I want to follow up about Holmes and I feel it's relevant as he'll be one of our most important determinants of 2025 success.

Even on draftguru, who now classify players into grades (A+, A, B+, B etc), Holmes is listed as B+ after his 2024 season. Cameron is A+, Stewart is A and Stengle is A. Yet Holmes had more total coaches votes, frequented the coaches votes more often and obviously finished ahead of them all in the BnF, as well as being our best finals player.

At the very least he is on the same level as those other 3 and had a more consistent 2024 than any of them.

For reference, based on 2024 seasons some other players listed in Holmes B+ category: Taranto, Breust, Worpel, Rayner, Keays, Yeo, Crisp, Flanders, Coniglio. Good players but hardly 2024 world beaters.

I'd argue he's almost our main point of difference now.

His impact on the speed with which we attack has totally changed our complexion. I do worry that we are a Dangerfield calf away from not being able to combat good midfields though.

 

[00VicWard001]

He was the difference between us and a GF last year, and if he goes into the middle more often he will be the difference with Smith between us and a flag this year.

How he is a B listed player is hilarious. Easily an A grader right now and his goal is to hit A+ by the end of the season.

Agree. One thing that is quite pleasing is that our coaches seem to have figured out how to get us primed to have form when it actually matters. The only thing that has let us down is injuries to crucial players at critical times.

The coaches can put everything in place - it’s up to the players to execute

 

[Mr Meow]

His impact on the speed with which we attack has totally changed our complexion. I do worry that we are a Dangerfield calf away from not being able to combat good midfields though.

Agree on both points.

With Holmes we could do with cloning him. One rebounding from the back flank and one bursting from stoppages or attacking the wing. For most games we won he was destroying teams from one of those areas. I expect we'll be using him more as a primary midfielder in 2025.

Dangerfield remains crucial even if he's more of a burst player at this point. He can be surprisingly dominant and influential for a 34 year old. We still lack a spark when he is missing or having a down game.

 

[And_ROOS]

Agree on both points.

With Holmes we could do with cloning him. One rebounding from the back flank and one bursting from stoppages or attacking the wing. For most games we won he was destroying teams from one of those areas. I expect we'll be using him more as a primary midfielder in 2025.

Dangerfield remains crucial even if he's more of a burst player at this point. He can be surprisingly dominant and influential for a 34 year old. We still lack a spark when he is missing or having a down game.

I look forward to seeing Danger charging out of the goal square and having a match where he kicks 5. And everyone going "he is HOW old?"

 

[CatToTheFuture]

Agree on both points.

With Holmes we could do with cloning him. One rebounding from the back flank and one bursting from stoppages or attacking the wing. For most games we won he was destroying teams from one of those areas. I expect we'll be using him more as a primary midfielder in 2025.

Dangerfield remains crucial even if he's more of a burst player at this point. He can be surprisingly dominant and influential for a 34 year old. We still lack a spark when he is missing or having a down game.

I think the revelation that is Lawson Humphries at half back gives us a lot to work with moving the ball. He can kick faster than Max can run

 

[Gazza Greatness]

I want to follow up about Holmes and I feel it's relevant as he'll be one of our most important determinants of 2025 success.

Even on draftguru, who now classify players into grades (A+, A, B+, B etc), Holmes is listed as B+ after his 2024 season. Cameron is A+, Stewart is A and Stengle is A. Yet Holmes had more total coaches votes, frequented the coaches votes more often and obviously finished ahead of them all in the BnF, as well as being our best finals player.

At the very least he is on the same level as those other 3 and had a more consistent 2024 than any of them.

For reference, based on 2024 seasons some other players listed in Holmes B+ category: Taranto, Breust, Worpel, Rayner, Keays, Yeo, Crisp, Flanders, Coniglio. Good players but hardly 2024 world beaters.

I'd argue he's almost our main point of difference now.

Apologies Mr Meow: for not replying earlier but I've just seen this post for the very first time and every word written by you is 'spot on'. It's staggering how some so called footy experts can be so off key with their opinions, as they've either not seen enough of Max Holmes to make a proper assessment or they're clueless but I leave that to others to make judgement. But what I do know is that Max Holmes has fast become a 'gun and elite footballer' and not just that but his pace and game is built for the 'MCG' where many big finals are played. In fact, I'd go as far as to say that I'd pick him ahead of 99% players in the AFL if it came to a 'big final' at the 'G' and good luck to anyone that is chasing him.

 

[Vdubs]

I look forward to seeing Danger charging out of the goal square and having a match where he kicks 5. And everyone going "he is HOW old?"

GAS 1993, 1994, 1995, 120+ goals each season, and 3 consecutive Coleman medals, aged 32, 33, 34.

 

[Gazza Greatness]

I look forward to seeing Danger charging out of the goal square and having a match where he kicks 5. And everyone going "he is HOW old?"

What disappointments me with Danger is his lack of 'forward craft' and he is so predictable how he plays in the forward line. I thought over time he'd get better at it but there is nothing I've seen from him that suggests that. So I'm just left with the opinion that he can be a useful forward but that is all, which is so disappointing because a man of his talents should be far better and a greater threat when he moves forward but he's not. PS - Maybe it's not to late late for Danger to get a few tips from Gazza Snr, the same as Blighty gave tips to Gazza, coz it can make a world of difference when playing forward!

 

[iameviljez]

I don't think Neale has enough mongrel to be a Mooney type player.

But he can certainly be like a version of Henry Playfair that is reliable, athletic and talented.

Actually I think he has a fair bit of bash n crash about him.

 

[iameviljez]

What disappointments me with Danger is his lack of 'forward craft' and he is so predictable how he plays in the forward line. I thought over time he'd get better at it but there is nothing I've seen from him that suggests that. So I'm just left with the opinion that he can be a useful forward but that is all, which is so disappointing because a man of his talents should be far better and a greater threat when he moves forward but he's not. PS - Maybe it's not to late late for Danger to get a few tips from Gazza Snr, the same as Blighty gave tips to Gazza, coz it can make a world of difference when playing forward!

Not sure I’d recommend getting tips from Gaz Sr at the moment - might be 10% “keep your feet”, 90% “COVID is a deliberate population control mechanism”

 

[iameviljez]

GAS 1993, 1994, 1995, 120+ goals each season, and 3 consecutive Coleman medals, aged 32, 33, 34.

An extraordinary player in what was the golden age of the full forward. The planets aligned

 

[And_ROOS]

What disappointments me with Danger is his lack of 'forward craft' and he is so predictable how he plays in the forward line. I thought over time he'd get better at it but there is nothing I've seen from him that suggests that. So I'm just left with the opinion that he can be a useful forward but that is all, which is so disappointing because a man of his talents should be far better and a greater threat when he moves forward but he's not. PS - Maybe it's not to late late for Danger to get a few tips from Gazza Snr, the same as Blighty gave tips to Gazza, coz it can make a world of difference when playing forward!

If our midfield fires and Neale doesn't, we could park Danger in the goal square and he would kick goals for fun. The tall defenders aren't quick enough, and he is physically too big for the small defenders.

If he isn't in the midfield this year sit him deep at FF.

 

[Cataholic]

Not sure I’d recommend getting tips from Gaz Sr at the moment - might be 10% “keep your feet”, 90% “COVID is a deliberate population control mechanism”

From my experience there's more people believing that than I would've thought, and the new virus gripping China is only going to re-energize the conspiracies re: contrails, population control etc.

Hopefully the AFL's 'deliberate population entertainment mechanism' comes about asap.

 

[CatToTheFuture]

From my experience there's more people believing that than I would've thought, and the new virus gripping China is only going to re-energize the conspiracies re: contrails, population control etc.

Hopefully the AFL's 'deliberate population entertainment mechanism' comes about asap.

Had to google that out of mild panic. Not a new virus, no issue.

 

[D BRIDGE]

I want to follow up about Holmes and I feel it's relevant as he'll be one of our most important determinants of 2025 success.

Even on draftguru, who now classify players into grades (A+, A, B+, B etc), Holmes is listed as B+ after his 2024 season. Cameron is A+, Stewart is A and Stengle is A. Yet Holmes had more total coaches votes, frequented the coaches votes more often and obviously finished ahead of them all in the BnF, as well as being our best finals player.

At the very least he is on the same level as those other 3 and had a more consistent 2024 than any of them.

For reference, based on 2024 seasons some other players listed in Holmes B+ category: Taranto, Breust, Worpel, Rayner, Keays, Yeo, Crisp, Flanders, Coniglio. Good players but hardly 2024 world beaters.

I'd argue he's almost our main point of difference now.

It's an error/incorrect assessment of Holmes... Simple a that... The person giving out the grades is wrong 100%.

Holmes is A grade and could push up to A+ if he keeps improving.

It wouldn't shock me if he won a Brownlow.

Terrible call by whoever rated him B+.

If Holmes is a B+ then my boy Bruhn is an F.

 

[Cataholic]

Had to google that out of mild panic. Not a new virus, no issue.

Sorry.

Should've said 'new outbreak '.

 

[And_ROOS]

It's an error/incorrect assessment of Holmes... Simple a that... The person giving out the grades is wrong 100%.

Holmes is A grade and could push up to A+ if he keeps improving.

It wouldn't shock me if he won a Brownlow.

Terrible call by whoever rated him B+.

If Holmes is a B+ then my boy Bruhn is an F.

Reminds me of the end of last year when Fox did like a minimum expectations for ever team for this upcoming season and wildly it had Geelong and GWS minimum expectation is a PF but Pies and Blues minimum was a GF.

Whoever does these is taking the piss.

 

[CatToTheFuture]

Reminds me of the end of last year when Fox did like a minimum expectations for ever team for this upcoming season and wildly it had Geelong and GWS minimum expectation is a PF but Pies and Blues minimum was a GF.

Whoever does these is taking the piss.

I can't wait for those articles to be quoted as gospel during the season. Doesn't lead to repetitive, valueless, and recursive discussion at all

 

[Footy Smarts]

Reminds me of the end of last year when Fox did like a minimum expectations for ever team for this upcoming season and wildly it had Geelong and GWS minimum expectation is a PF but Pies and Blues minimum was a GF.

Whoever does these is taking the piss.

I get where they're coming from though. Fast forward 4 years and our list looks like it will be right in the premiership window. Collingwood and Carlton look like they'll be off a cliff by then. For those 2 teams it's a case of if not now when?

Sometimes we joked about competing while rebuilding last year. But from an age demographic perspective we shouldn't have been anywhere near top 4.

 

[Taper]

His impact on the speed with which we attack has totally changed our complexion. I do worry that we are a Dangerfield calf away from not being able to combat good midfields though.

I expect the likes of Dempsey and Humphries to rotate more through the middle as they build their tanks, and the likes of Bruhn, Clark and Knevitt to step up a level or two as well.
This on top of Smith coming in and joining Holmes as an A grader, and suddenly our midfield is looking pretty good.
Anything we get from Dangerfield is a bonus in my opinion, especially at 35 years of age.

 

[And_ROOS]

I think the revelation that is Lawson Humphries at half back gives us a lot to work with moving the ball. He can kick faster than Max can run

But sometimes you need "linebreaking speed" and when you have Max who gets the ball, bursts out of congestion for 20m and then kicks it 40m into the f50 thats just as valuable as a quick 40m kick to a target from Humphries.