Opinion Ideal 22 in season 2014

[Number37]

Last year set the limits that players like Kennedy, & Jack, can run, sprint and tackle week in, week out and cumulatively without a break (bar the bye round). In response, this year there will be more resting of players to pace them through the season.

The midfield run out of gas because they carried the team when injuries took out our structure.

Having experienced last year won't our midfield be prepared much better than every other midfield in the comp for what is predicted to come?

With the return of our structure and last years experience I would think that we are going to see a whole lot more the of the type of footy we played against Adelaide and Collingwood when we were flying.

 

[swans2014]

With Pyke we've got a good ruck division, as both Tippett and LRT are decent backups. But if Pyke was to be injured then you're totally right, we don't have much.

But, we've got a brilliant forwardline and a very good backline and midfield. No team is perfect all around the ground, even the best have weaknesses. As you pointed out, Hawthorn were derided for their rucks, and they won the Premiership!

With an elite midfield you can play to a losing ruck and still win your fair share of clearances. Then there are also teams like Geelong in 2013 who weren't so fussed about winning the clearance as they backed themselves to force a turnover at the next contest. If Pyke goes down it will hurt, but it won't be impossible to win games without him, even against the better teams.

 

[Wolftone]

With an elite midfield you can play to a losing ruck and still win your fair share of clearances. Then there are also teams like Geelong in 2013 who weren't so fussed about winning the clearance as they backed themselves to force a turnover at the next contest. If Pyke goes down it will hurt, but it won't be impossible to win games without him, even against the better teams.

I think we are going a bit over the top about how dreadful our ruck stocks are. From what Punts and others are saying Toby, Sammy N. & Derrickx have had a very good preseason. Toby was not rucking in an under-age comp he was playing TAFL. That means he was taking on the best big man in Tassie week in week out, all mature bodies. Derrickx was rucking in the VFL which is a pretty strong comp. Young Sammy is still learning the caper but I am willing to bet he would not be out of place at AFL level this year. We have been developing young Sammy and we don't put that sort of work into a player for nothing. He has TONS of ability and he gets the job done in the Twos.

If Pykie does go down it will be a great loss I agree, he kicked quite a few goals last year and is the best contested mark in the AFL. But in saying that he is probably not the best tap ruck in the AFL and as a tap ruck is replacable. It is his forward work and around the ground marking that would be hard to replace.

 

[baja]

With Pyke we've got a good ruck division, as both Tippett and LRT are decent backups. But if Pyke was to be injured then you're totally right, we don't have much.

But, we've got a brilliant forwardline and a very good backline and midfield. No team is perfect all around the ground, even the best have weaknesses. As you pointed out, Hawthorn were derided for their rucks, and they won the Premiership!

Im pretty sure Pyke is still in the rehab group and really struggling with injury, quad I think?

 

[baja]

With an elite midfield you can play to a losing ruck and still win your fair share of clearances. Then there are also teams like Geelong in 2013 who weren't so fussed about winning the clearance as they backed themselves to force a turnover at the next contest. If Pyke goes down it will hurt, but it won't be impossible to win games without him, even against the better teams.

The rucks are still our weakest link I think that's why it has been mentioned so often there is nothing wrong though for thinking how good we could be to have it all, I think some will be very surprised though at how good the players might be that haven't had the chance yet, we have the 'ruck whisperer' looking after them.

 

[Punts]

Im pretty sure Pyke is still in the rehab group and really struggling with injury, quad I think?

where did you here this , pretty sure he would not be playing in this Wednesday intra if he had a quad and he also played in last Friday intra to and has been back training for a few weeks now.
Are you thinking of Okeffe who had a niggle of his quad a few months ago or Buddy who had a tight quad but is all good now

 

[baja]

where did you here this , pretty sure he would not be playing in this Wednesday intra if he had a quad and he also played in last Friday intra to and has been back training for a few weeks now.
Are you thinking of Okeffe who had a niggle of his quad a few months ago or Buddy who had a tight quad but is all good now

Fair enough I must be a bit behind you know more than me youre on the ball.

 

[DeadlyAkkuret]

I'm coming up with a best 22 with the assumption that we'll have at least 3-4 injured players during any given month (not 4 injuries per month). The first name is the best 22 player while the name next to it is the player I'd have in that position if the first choice is injured.

Backs: Smith Richards Johnson/LRT

Half Backs: Malceski Grundy Shaw

Midfield: Jack Kennedy Hannebery

Half Forwards: Jetta/Rohan Reid Parker

Forwards: Franklin Tippett Bird/Mitchell

Ruck: Pyke McVeigh Goodes

Interchange: O'Keefe Rampe McGlynn B. Jack (SUB)


Emergency options: Cunningham Biggs X. Richards Z. Jones Laidler

 

[bungee]

I'm coming up with a best 22 with the assumption that we'll have at least 3-4 injured players during any given month (not 4 injuries per month). The first name is the best 22 player while the name next to it is the player I'd have in that position if the first choice is injured.

Backs: Smith Richards Johnson/LRT

Half Backs: Malceski Grundy Shaw

Midfield: Jack Kennedy Hannebery

Half Forwards: Jetta/Rohan Reid Parker

Forwards: Franklin Tippett Bird/Mitchell

Ruck: Pyke McVeigh Goodes

Interchange: O'Keefe Rampe McGlynn B. Jack (SUB)


Emergency options: Cunningham Biggs X. Richards Z. Jones Laidler

Mostly agree but would have LRT locked in ahead of Rampe. Chalk and cheese.

Similarly I'd have Bird & Mitchell both in the team ahead of BJ

 

[DeadlyAkkuret]

Mostly agree but would have LRT locked in ahead of Rampe. Chalk and cheese.

Similarly I'd have Bird & Mitchell both in the team ahead of BJ

I should clarify. The "second choice" players would be picked ahead of the sub and any bench players, except maybe O'Keefe.

 

[GotTheGoodes]

I should clarify. The "second choice" players would be picked ahead of the sub and any bench players, except maybe O'Keefe.

How hard is it fitting them all in?! I gave it a crack a few posts ago and just couldn't get everyone that deserves a shot a spot. Main notes I made when tryign to get my 'best':

- LRT/Reid: Hopefully both interchangeable swingmen this year and can cover if someone like Goodes has a rest etc
- ROK: I think he'll play more-so in the forward line to keep him more fresh come the business end of the season.
- Jetta/Rohan: Hoepfully both are back fully fit. One on each wing tearing it up would be great to see.
- Rampe: Sensational first season and probably going to be pushed out by AJ/Shaw/LRT/Reid now IMO. Hopefully that taste of seniors keeps him keen and he can take that senior spot full time by this time next year (possible once Shaw/LRT retire).
- McGlynn: Into the midfield this year more-so than previously could be a great addition. But who's spot does he rotate with? I think Rok/Bird.
- Ruck: Who is our back up? Can Tip & LRT cover well enough around the ground? Lats thing we need is to run big Pykey into the ground come finals. COuld Reid do a bit of back up also?

 

[Wolftone]

How hard is it fitting them all in?! I gave it a crack a few posts ago and just couldn't get everyone that deserves a shot a spot. Main notes I made when tryign to get my 'best':

- LRT/Reid: Hopefully both interchangeable swingmen this year and can cover if someone like Goodes has a rest etc
- ROK: I think he'll play more-so in the forward line to keep him more fresh come the business end of the season.
- Jetta/Rohan: Hoepfully both are back fully fit. One on each wing tearing it up would be great to see.
- Rampe: Sensational first season and probably going to be pushed out by AJ/Shaw/LRT/Reid now IMO. Hopefully that taste of seniors keeps him keen and he can take that senior spot full time by this time next year (possible once Shaw/LRT retire).
- McGlynn: Into the midfield this year more-so than previously could be a great addition. But who's spot does he rotate with? I think Rok/Bird.
- Ruck: Who is our back up? Can Tip & LRT cover well enough around the ground? Lats thing we need is to run big Pykey into the ground come finals. COuld Reid do a bit of back up also?

i can't see us playing Rohan on the wing. Longmire has always wanted him forward. Even when he came back he went forward. He played forward in the reserves. He played forward in the game he got injured in and all pre-season. I can't see Longmire changing that strategy.

 

[GoTheSwannies]

Our forward line is going to be unstoppable in 2014 (provided we have a better run with injury). Apart from Tippett (who's no slouch either), our other talls are extremely mobile. Goodes will be a yard slower when he finally gets back into the team, but still mobile for a big man. With Buddy & Reid being as athletic as they are, I can see 4 tall forwards working, particularly with the versatility of our talls.

Imagine starting Tipp, Buddy, Reid & Goodes in the forward line, along with say Rohan & ROK.

Teams will probably have to employ a zone against us because a loose man in defence probably won't be able to cut it with so many avenues to goal.

Tippet will probably stay at FF where he'll be dangerous one-on-one. If at any time we want to create room in the forward line to isolate Tippett, Goodes can take his defender into the midfield and have a roam through there. Buddy & Reid can roam up the wings and take marks. The smalls ROK/Rohan can clear the way to create a one-on-one situation for Tippett, with a player like Jetta to attack the forward 50 from the wing.

So we've got the ability to push up and compress the midfield, opening up our forward line. If the opposition choose to have a zone set up to counter our Forward line, Buddy & Reid can push up the field and take a mark. From there we'll have field position and push up on our opponents defence and keep the ball locked in our forward line.

If the 4 talls aren't working, Goodes can play primarily in the midfield. Buddy or Reid can be pushed further up the ground. Reid can be swung into defence. We've also got the ability to have a couple of talls on the pine and go small in our forward line which will really test the versatility of our opponents defenders to play tall/small.

We have so many options with our forward line. I'm looking forward to seeing it unfold and seeing how opposition coaches attempt to counter it.

Fun times ahead

 

[lock33]

Hope our forward line doesn't end up being too congested.

 

[bungee]

I'd rather see LRT as a ruck option than Reid if it came down to it. LRT more of a big mature hard body and has shown he can muscle with the biggest of them. He's also got more experience in the role. Tippet would present a handy option in ruck and, I imagine, would present as quite a formidable opponent. Again, he's not inexperienced. On the subject of LRT, I'd say having most of a year off will have a beneficial effect of him. A nice restful break from the rigours of high intensity football and a chance to get the rest of his body right while convalescing with the knee. If he comes back in good form I wouldn't be surprised to see 2 or even 3 more years out of the big hyphen. He's still the perfect swingman, a competent forward and a stingy backman and was hugely missed last year when he could have filled holes at either end of the ground.

 

[Dangas]

Hope our forward line doesn't end up being too congested.

Depends whether Tippett plays as resting ruckman or as a forward line ruck.....can't wait for the season to start!

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

 

[ShaySwannies]

The only thing I'm concerned re: the forward line is if it's too big. Although admittedly Franklin, Goodes and Reid are very mobile for their size. I feel like with those three and possibly even LRT spending some time forward, we need an injection of pace and players with ability on the ground.

After seeing the intra-club (and the reports of McGlynn playing midfield) I think both Towers and Cunningham should be given a chance in the senior team. With their combined pace, ability to run and skills at ground level - they'd be a perfect fit around all the talls. While we don't have a true front & square player on the list, those two could play as hybrid small forwards.

A forward line with some combination of Franklin, Goodes, Tippett, Reid, Rohan, Parker, Cunningham and Towers would provide a perfect mix of speed, size, skill and wouldn't be overly congested.

 

[Wolftone]

I don't think the final line up for the first game is going to be very simple or straight forward. I think there are a few who have put their hands up so far for a gig. Toby, BJ, Rampe, Harry, Rhyce & Laidler will all be fighting for a spot in the 22. Rampe, Rhyce & Laidler will all be vying for a HB spot with LRT, Mal & AJ. Harry, BJ & Deano will be vying for wing/HF spots with Hannas, Jetts, Macca, Benny, Birdie, Mitch, Kizza, Parks & Joey. Our mids/forward situation is wonderful. I am still a bit worried about some of our younger backmen who haven't quite stepped up. Dick did virtually nothing in the Intra-Club, hardly noticed him until he got tackles a couple of times. Lockyer was ok but got caught out in the second half quite often. LRT, then others found him stargazing. Parker at one stage was letting him know in no uncertain terms who his man was as LRT lined up for goal. Parks & Lockyer were playing on the same team and Parker had to contest with LRT for the overhead mark and had no hope as LRT was too far open.

But the lovely thing was that early young Xav was really good on Buddy & Pykie and Aliir was good all day on very tough opposition. Still has problems getting body on body sometimes but he'll learn as he is a very smart kid by the way he acts when he has the ball. Don't know what happened to Xav but didn't see him after quarter time, a bit worried about that.

 

[Wolftone]

The only thing I'm concerned re: the forward line is if it's too big. Although admittedly Franklin, Goodes and Reid are very mobile for their size. I feel like with those three and possibly even LRT spending some time forward, we need an injection of pace and players with ability on the ground.

After seeing the intra-club (and the reports of McGlynn playing midfield) I think both Towers and Cunningham should be given a chance in the senior team. With their combined pace, ability to run and skills at ground level - they'd be a perfect fit around all the talls. While we don't have a true front & square player on the list, those two could play as hybrid small forwards.

A forward line with some combination of Franklin, Goodes, Tippett, Reid, Rohan, Parker, Cunningham and Towers would provide a perfect mix of speed, size, skill and wouldn't be overly congested.

I think you forgot BJ. He is a natural crumbing forward and proved this time and again in the trial. Other than that I agree but I think Harry's best use is on a wing. He played there yesterday, even though he did run forward a lot, it was more in the Jetta sling shot type of footy. Harry is very fast and uses the ball so well.

 

[ShaySwannies]

I think you forgot BJ. He is a natural crumbing forward and proved this time and again in the trial. Other than that I agree but I think Harry's best use is on a wing. He played there yesterday, even though he did run forward a lot, it was more in the Jetta sling shot type of footy. Harry is very fast and uses the ball so well.

I'm not as sold on BJ as a lot of people seem to be. I prefer the more physical nature and bigger bodies of Cunningham and Towers. Especially helps with defensive pressure inside our forward 50. Agree he has potential but at this stage I'd be more comfortable giving Cunningham and Towers a game ahead of BJ.

 

[Wolftone]

I think there may be a few surprises come selection. but let's see the NAB first and see how some of these young blokes go there. See how Towers, BJ, Harry, Toby, Derrickx, Naismith, maybe Lloyd go. I liked Lloyd, he always seemed to be able to get free. I think he will develop into a good kid.

 

[Swansujelly]

I'm going for rd 1 vs GWS, so no AJ, Goodes,Jetta (Tippett?), just to be safe, so

B Smith Richards Shaw
HB Mal Grundy McVeigh
C Hanners O'Keefe Cunningham
HF Reid Franklin Rohan
F Parker Tippett McGlynn
Ruck Pyke Kennedy KJ
Int LRT, Bird, Mitchell, Rampe

Nothing wrong with a bit of caution RD 1 vs them, perhaps Shaw, Mitchell and Jetta could do with a run, but I would withhold the others. thats what I would do anyway.

 

[Wolftone]

I'm going for rd 1 vs GWS, so no AJ, Goodes,Jetta (Tippett?), just to be safe, so

B Smith Richards Shaw
HB Mal Grundy McVeigh
C Hanners O'Keefe Cunningham
HF Reid Franklin Rohan
F Parker Tippett McGlynn
Ruck Pyke Kennedy KJ
Int LRT, Bird, Mitchell, Rampe

Nothing wrong with a bit of caution RD 1 vs them, perhaps Shaw, Mitchell and Jetta could do with a run, but I would withhold the others. that's what I would do anyway.

After the Intra Club I would not put Shaw above Laidler. I would also start BJ. Macca will not be on the HB line he will be in the mids. He played there in the Intra-Club and went nowhere near the backs. ROK is looking likely to play a sweeping role. Positioned in the forward line but ranging all over the ground. I like this role for him, thet was the original role he had. I am not sure LRT will play first round. he wasn't that bad the other day but young Toby outpointed him easily as the better option as second ruck. If Tipp doesn't come up for the first game I am sure Toby will play FF.

 

[swansfan51]

After the Intra Club I would not put Shaw above Laidler. I would also start BJ. Macca will not be on the HB line he will be in the mids. He played there in the Intra-Club and went nowhere near the backs. ROK is looking likely to play a sweeping role. Positioned in the forward line but ranging all over the ground. I like this role for him, thet was the original role he had. I am not sure LRT will play first round. he wasn't that bad the other day but young Toby outpointed him easily as the better option as second ruck. If Tipp doesn't come up for the first game I am sure Toby will play FF.

Some devil's advocacy on each point:

Shaw is a rebounding player whereas Laidler is more of a 3rd tall who sticks with his opponent. Not disputing that Laidler looked better in the practice game than Shaw, but I think he needs to be more concerned with pushing out Johnson or, based on last year's role, Rampe. On the other side, who are our options for the offensive half-back role with McVeigh moving into the midfield?

I like the idea of ROK playing a sweeping role from the forward line, but isn't that Goodes' role? Can we have 2 players with that sort of licence?

Is LRT back to being a defensive option with the forward line so stacked? Does he challenge Johnson and others for a position here?

 

[ShaySwannies]

Some devil's advocacy on each point:

Shaw is a rebounding player whereas Laidler is more of a 3rd tall who sticks with his opponent. Not disputing that Laidler looked better in the practice game than Shaw, but I think he needs to be more concerned with pushing out Johnson or, based on last year's role, Rampe. On the other side, who are our options for the offensive half-back role with McVeigh moving into the midfield?

I like the idea of ROK playing a sweeping role from the forward line, but isn't that Goodes' role? Can we have 2 players with that sort of licence?

Is LRT back to being a defensive option with the forward line so stacked? Does he challenge Johnson and others for a position here?

Isn't LRT sort of in no man's land at the moment? Or is he a horses for courses type of guy, as in where/whether he plays is a week-by-week proposition, dependent on opposition and match-ups. I think we're too top heavy in the forward line if we intend to play Tippett, Franklin, Goodes and Reid. We can't afford to have LRT who would probably be the least mobile of that group. He's probably going to have to settle in as a third tall defender who pinch hits in the ruck. Though I'd argue, Tippett can fulfill the ruck need and Laidler looked more than capable of playing that AJ-type role in defense.