This year's season probably demonstrated how important depth outside the so-called Best 22 is to the success or otherwise of an AFL team. As such I am interested in who our next 8 players outside the 22 are, and how good are they as the next 8?
For myself, I think the next 8 players outside the 8 are:
For myself, I think the next 8 players outside the 8 are:
- Walters - With Bolton's introduction, I think Walters now finds himself as the 23rd player and probably the first picked sub player. I think as a forward pocket player, I think to a degree Walters can do what he suggests and use his footy smarts to kick a few goals, but I think his age and fitness will see him injured a bit. He is still one of the few that can kick goals not facing the goals. Rating: C
- Aish - Another aging player who finds himself out of the 22, Aish has the advantage of being able to play a few different positions including defence (back pocket and half back flank), inside wing, maybe bits on the forward flank. Rating: C+
- Draper - Maybe a little unlucky to be outside after having a reasonable season this year, I think they will give Draper a bit more time i the WAFL if Cox and Pearce are both back to further develop his defensive skills and maybe also try out other roles. I think he can improve significantly into next year. Rating: A-
- O'Driscoll - Was out of sorts mid way through this year but picked up towards the end of the year, O'Driscoll is the next in if they need a winger, or another flanker. Assuming a good pre-season, I can see him improving and pushing to move O'Meara out of the side. Rating: B
- Reidy - Played a few AFL games at the end of the year and was serviceable and was also very dominant at WAFL level. Probably won't push out a player, so is more backup if Darcy or Jackson is off the table. Rating: C
- Erasmus - Improved on many of his deficiencies towards the end of this year and was looking very strong, if he can maintain his end of year trajectory, he can probably overtake Fyfe throughout the year as the fourth centre midfielder. Main issue is lack of another position. Rating B
- Voss - Played a few games this year and got the ball but was pretty inaccurate, Voss had a good WAFL season. Lacking a bit defensively and offensively (lack of speed, endurance and accuracy in front of goals), nevertheless a reasonbly competitve back up if Amiss or Treacy goes down. Rating C-
- Worner - Considered Simpson and Reid for the eighth position purely on talent but really Worner had a really good year, looks to have massively improved both defensively and offensively and deserved to be upgraded (and be one of the next 8). Rating: B
