Preview R1: Changes for 2025

[DJ75]

You have thye play the long game. Most young players join the AFL with massive gaps in their game. They absolutely need to give them roles to improve that.

Rachele hasn't lost anything from his game. And he's maybe improved some areas that needed attention.

I disagree. I think he lost his spark quite a bit over the last year or so.
He's still a good player, but he's below what he could be.

 

[Jeffcrowe]

I disagree. I think he lost his spark quite a bit over the last year or so.
He's still a good player, but he's below what he could be.

Most of that seems due to conditioning , looks like an Adonis but has struggled with his running so far in his career especially when he’s got tired through the year

Looks absolutely on track to explode in 2025 given the reports re his fitness , hopefully doesn’t get injured like Thilthorpe did when he was about to explode as well

 

[Floating Doughnut]

Toby Bedford had more CBA's in 2024 than Matt Crouch.

Harvey Thomas would be the Murphy/ANB role. Certainly not 5 of em.

Toby Bedford was GWS’s hard tag when needed and did it very well plenty of times
getting his CBA’s.

 

[AFC979810]

Could be a bit to do with games played perhaps?

Fair enough. He also had less than Rory Laird despite playing the same amount of games.

 

[hugecannon]

Maybe just be honest about why you were dropping him.

If you dont want to do that - then just bloody be consistent with your lie.

You can't have the club saying he was dropped for constantly not being team first and then 10 weeks later come out as a club saying he finished so high in our B&F because he was such a selfless club man playing the ANB role all year.

Does anyone know if his votes per game dropped over the course of the season?

Did he start the year off strongly and then taper off over the season, if he did it would lend some weight to what Nicks said before the Sydney game when he was dropped (as wrong as the decision was) but if he polled consistently in the last few games then to me it’s further proof that Nicks is talking absolute rubbish .

 

[AFC979810]

Does anyone know if his votes per game dropped over the course of the season?

Did he start the year off strongly and then taper off over the season, if he did it would lend some weight to what Nicks said before the Sydney game when he was dropped (as wrong as the decision was) but if he polled consistently in the last few games then to me it’s further proof that Nicks is talking absolute rubbish .

Where there is smoke there is fire.

‘Some frustration’: Nicks addresses struggling star’s comments amid Crows’ ‘sameness’ worry

‘Some frustration’: Nicks responds to star’s shock comments as Crows’ big problem laid bare

www.foxsports.com.au

This wasn't some well communicated plan to help a young player grow. He had no idea why he was shunted into the selfless team role.

 

[AFC979810]

Wouldn’t have been a heap of centre bounces with both Peatling and Bedford in them

They’re a very nimble small forward front half smalls team

And have just drafted Angove and Hannaford in the top 30 - another 2

Maybe it’s just the way the game is going , there might be a tipping point though

Fair enough. I guess the point I was arguing is that they didnt have 5 players playing the ANB role.

As I said - they have 3 talls, a gun small and a defensive small forward (Daniels). So they have two players at absolute most playing the ANB role.

Their ANB is Harvey Thomas. Pick 59 in the 2023 Draft. Perfect use of talent for the selfless ANB/Murphy role.

They aint using a top 5 pick in that role.

 

[Jeffcrowe]

Fair enough. I guess the point I was arguing is that they didnt have 5 players playing the ANB role.

As I said - they have 3 talls, a gun small and a defensive small forward (Daniels). So they have two players at absolute most playing the ANB role.

Their ANB is Harvey Thomas. Pick 59 in the 2023 Draft. Perfect use of talent for the selfless ANB/Murphy role.

They aint using a top 5 pick in that role.

Nah Harvey Thomas was a first year player just trying to survive

The other 2-3 more likely

If Rachele comes out and has a career best year next year they’ve handled him perfectly , got a feeling it happens with a bit more team first focus but yet keeping the dynamic parts to his game

 

[Dangarman]

So I think most of the posts are looking at a general best 22. Personally I have no idea how the fringe players compare to each other, but for those who know, how would you match up against the Fox team's predicted StK round 1 line up?

B: H.Clark, D.Howard, J.Webster
HB: J.Sinclair, C.Wilkie, N.Wanganeen-Milera
C: M.Wood, M.Phillipou, L.Henry
HF: B.Hill, M.King, P. Dow
F: M.Owens, C.Sharman, J.Higgins
FOLL: R.Marshall, J.Steele, J.Macrae
I/C: M.Windhager, D.Wilson, L.Stocker, T.Travaglia, D.Butler

EMG: H.Garcia, A. Caminiti, R. Byrnes

And the commentary:
If history is anything to go by, the Saints look more likely than most to blood top draftee Tobie Travaglia from the get-go — much like Mattaes Phillipou only two seasons ago. New recruit Jack Macrae you would think finds himself starting on-ball, while Phillipou himself could be looking at a dynamic role in the engine room after a strong finish to his 2024 season. Exciting draftee Alix Tauru has a back stress fracture which means he faces a delayed start to pre-season, but is an exciting prospect for Saints fans. Jimmy Webster will help fill the void left by Josh Battle’s departure, while Anthony Caminiti or Angus McLennan could also step right into that void. Hugo Garcia and Ryan Bynes are developing nicely, while Arie Schoenmaker and Angus Hastie will also be looking for more senior opportunities.

 

[Jeffcrowe]

So I think most of the posts are looking at a general best 22. Personally I have no idea how the fringe players compare to each other, but for those who know, how would you match up against the Fox team's predicted StK round 1 line up?

B: H.Clark, D.Howard, J.Webster
HB: J.Sinclair, C.Wilkie, N.Wanganeen-Milera
C: M.Wood, M.Phillipou, L.Henry
HF: B.Hill, M.King, P. Dow
F: M.Owens, C.Sharman, J.Higgins
FOLL: R.Marshall, J.Steele, J.Macrae
I/C: M.Windhager, D.Wilson, L.Stocker, T.Travaglia, D.Butler

EMG: H.Garcia, A. Caminiti, R. Byrnes

And the commentary:
If history is anything to go by, the Saints look more likely than most to blood top draftee Tobie Travaglia from the get-go — much like Mattaes Phillipou only two seasons ago. New recruit Jack Macrae you would think finds himself starting on-ball, while Phillipou himself could be looking at a dynamic role in the engine room after a strong finish to his 2024 season. Exciting draftee Alix Tauru has a back stress fracture which means he faces a delayed start to pre-season, but is an exciting prospect for Saints fans. Jimmy Webster will help fill the void left by Josh Battle’s departure, while Anthony Caminiti or Angus McLennan could also step right into that void. Hugo Garcia and Ryan Bynes are developing nicely, while Arie Schoenmaker and Angus Hastie will also be looking for more senior opportunities.

I’d be very tempted to play Bond on higgins again that’s for sure

Then interesting choice re what tall defenders to select

Keane is a no brainer selection for me as he’s our most prolific intercept marker

Murray plays and could go to King even though Butts is a decent match up for King

If butts and murray play we are likely too tall in defence for their mobile forward line given Worrell also can play tall

So I’m probably selecting Bond over Butts with Murray Keane Worrell then Hinge Max and likely Laird playing roles

Cumming and Sholl likely wings and then pick your mids and forwards regardless of opposition

Starting mid for me likely ROB Rankine Dawson and Soligo

Next in Peatling , M crouch ( bench ) Draper Curtin ( if selected ) Taylor (likely sub )

 

[AFC979810]

If Rachele comes out and has a career best year next year they’ve handled him perfectly , got a feeling it happens with a bit more team first focus but yet keeping the dynamic parts to his game

I wouldn't say that. I would say they handled him terribly in 2024 regardless of how well he plays in 2025.

 

[baldandbroke]

I've been trying to work out who drops out, who comes in ... it's a tougher job than this time last year (which is a good thing)

For me, these are the 18 that I have in pen (assuming no injuries) in games played order:

Player	DOB	Age at start of season	Height	Games
Alex Neal-Bullen	09/01/1996	29yrs - 2mths	182cm	176
Ben Keays	23/02/1997	28yrs - 0mths	185cm	136
Jordan Dawson	09/04/1997	27yrs - 11mths	190cm	131
Reilly O'Brien	20/08/1995	29yrs - 6mths	201cm	121
Darcy Fogarty	25/09/1999	25yrs - 5mths	192cm	102
Izak Rankine	23/04/2000	24yrs - 10mths	179cm	83
Isaac Cumming	11/08/1998	26yrs - 7mths	183cm	81
Mitch Hinge	28/06/1998	26yrs - 8mths	187cm	65
Jake Soligo	25/01/2003	22yrs - 1mths	179cm	60
Josh Rachele	11/04/2003	21yrs - 11mths	180cm	56
Nick Murray	18/12/2000	24yrs - 3mths	195cm	55
Riley Thilthorpe	07/07/2002	22yrs - 8mths	201cm	53
James Peatling	21/08/2000	24yrs - 6mths	182cm	45
Max Michalanney	26/02/2004	21yrs - 1mths	190cm	45
Mark Keane	17/03/2000	25yrs - 0mths	194cm	31
Josh Worrell	11/04/2001	23yrs - 11mths	195cm	30
Dan Curtin	08/03/2005	20yrs - 0mths	197cm	7
Sid Draper	05/07/2006	18yrs - 8mths	182cm	0

Which leaves only 4 spots from this batch:

Player	DOB	Age at start of season	Height	Games
Taylor Walker	25/04/1990	34yrs - 10mths	192cm	278
Rory Laird	29/12/1993	31yrs - 2mths	178cm	247
Matt Crouch	21/04/1995	29yrs - 10mths	181cm	158
Wayne Milera	14/09/1997	27yrs - 6mths	185cm	99
Chayce Jones	14/01/2000	25yrs - 2mths	180cm	92
Jordon Butts	31/12/1999	25yrs - 2mths	195cm	75
Lachlan Sholl	07/03/2000	25yrs - 0mths	186cm	74
Sam Berry	12/02/2002	23yrs - 1mths	181cm	57
Luke Pedlar	17/05/2002	22yrs - 9mths	183cm	30
Brayden Cook	18/07/2002	22yrs - 7mths	189cm	27
Luke Nankervis	25/05/2003	21yrs - 9mths	189cm	24
James Borlase	18/07/2002	22yrs - 7mths	192cm	14
Zac Taylor	31/01/2003	22yrs - 1mths	180cm	9
Billy Dowling	01/07/2004	20yrs - 8mths	187cm	9
Hugh Bond	25/09/2004	20yrs - 5mths	185cm	7
Charlie Edwards	18/05/2005	19yrs - 9mths	191cm	0
Oscar Ryan	15/05/2005	19yrs - 10mths	187cm	0
Toby Murray	03/11/2003	21yrs - 4mths	200cm	0

That's tough.

Walker, Laird are straight through ... Walker only in this batch because I don't think he is an automatic selection each week based on management of the old fella!! Laird needs to perform to keep his spot, which I fully expect him to do.

Crouch is on the edge. I love his first class hands but not sure how he fits in, who's spot he takes from the first list?

I have Nankervis in the 22, so that leaves only one best 22 spot.

Jeez - that is quite the squeeze.

Bond pushed back by Laird going to the back-line.
Dowling fighting with quite a list of similar types now, love him ... he looks like a really good prospect.
Taylor is a footballer, but again - who does he push out?

Jones, Cook and Pedlar need some luck with their bodies and a quantum leap to come to fruition sooner than later.

Edwards and Ryan are on the top of my list for "wanting to see what they can do at AFL level".

The other talls in there like Butts, Borlase, Murray will be needed at some stage.

Milera needs to show at SANFL that he still has his weapons - and that they are loaded and firing when needed.

Berry, as others have pointed out is fighting directly with Peatling - a fight he loses at this stage :-(

I reckon it's Sholl that gets the last spot. Had a very good 2024.

Berry is the most probably sub for me from the remainder, although don't exclude Murphy from having his card played by the shape loving coaches for that role.

And these 7 on the next level:

Player	DOB	Age at start of season	Height	Games
Brodie Smith	14/01/1992	33yrs - 2mths	194cm	262
Lachlan Murphy	04/12/1998	26yrs - 3mths	178cm	115
Harry Schoenberg	21/02/2001	24yrs - 0mths	180cm	61
Chris Burgess	26/11/1995	29yrs - 3mths	193cm	43
Kieran Strachan	05/10/1995	29yrs - 5mths	202cm	7
Tyler Welsh	15/08/2006	18yrs - 7mths	192cm	0
Karl Gallagher	21/02/2002	23yrs - 0mths	187cm	0

So my best 22:

F - Thilthorpe, Fogarty, Rachele
HF - Walker, Neale-Bullen, Curtin
Mid - Sholl, Dawson, Cumming
HB - Laird, Hinge, Michalanney
B - Worrell, Murray, Keane
Ruck - ROB, Soligo, Rankine
Int - Draper, Peatling, Keays, Nankervis
Sub - Berry

Looks solid, for a December squad

 

[Kane McGoodwin]

I've been trying to work out who drops out, who comes in ... it's a tougher job than this time last year (which is a good thing)

For me, these are the 18 that I have in pen (assuming no injuries) in games played order:

Player	DOB	Age at start of season	Height	Games
Alex Neal-Bullen	09/01/1996	29yrs - 2mths	182cm	176
Ben Keays	23/02/1997	28yrs - 0mths	185cm	136
Jordan Dawson	09/04/1997	27yrs - 11mths	190cm	131
Reilly O'Brien	20/08/1995	29yrs - 6mths	201cm	121
Darcy Fogarty	25/09/1999	25yrs - 5mths	192cm	102
Izak Rankine	23/04/2000	24yrs - 10mths	179cm	83
Isaac Cumming	11/08/1998	26yrs - 7mths	183cm	81
Mitch Hinge	28/06/1998	26yrs - 8mths	187cm	65
Jake Soligo	25/01/2003	22yrs - 1mths	179cm	60
Josh Rachele	11/04/2003	21yrs - 11mths	180cm	56
Nick Murray	18/12/2000	24yrs - 3mths	195cm	55
Riley Thilthorpe	07/07/2002	22yrs - 8mths	201cm	53
James Peatling	21/08/2000	24yrs - 6mths	182cm	45
Max Michalanney	26/02/2004	21yrs - 1mths	190cm	45
Mark Keane	17/03/2000	25yrs - 0mths	194cm	31
Josh Worrell	11/04/2001	23yrs - 11mths	195cm	30
Dan Curtin	08/03/2005	20yrs - 0mths	197cm	7
Sid Draper	05/07/2006	18yrs - 8mths	182cm	0

Which leaves only 4 spots from this batch:

Player	DOB	Age at start of season	Height	Games
Taylor Walker	25/04/1990	34yrs - 10mths	192cm	278
Rory Laird	29/12/1993	31yrs - 2mths	178cm	247
Matt Crouch	21/04/1995	29yrs - 10mths	181cm	158
Wayne Milera	14/09/1997	27yrs - 6mths	185cm	99
Chayce Jones	14/01/2000	25yrs - 2mths	180cm	92
Jordon Butts	31/12/1999	25yrs - 2mths	195cm	75
Lachlan Sholl	07/03/2000	25yrs - 0mths	186cm	74
Sam Berry	12/02/2002	23yrs - 1mths	181cm	57
Luke Pedlar	17/05/2002	22yrs - 9mths	183cm	30
Brayden Cook	18/07/2002	22yrs - 7mths	189cm	27
Luke Nankervis	25/05/2003	21yrs - 9mths	189cm	24
James Borlase	18/07/2002	22yrs - 7mths	192cm	14
Zac Taylor	31/01/2003	22yrs - 1mths	180cm	9
Billy Dowling	01/07/2004	20yrs - 8mths	187cm	9
Hugh Bond	25/09/2004	20yrs - 5mths	185cm	7
Charlie Edwards	18/05/2005	19yrs - 9mths	191cm	0
Oscar Ryan	15/05/2005	19yrs - 10mths	187cm	0
Toby Murray	03/11/2003	21yrs - 4mths	200cm	0

That's tough.

Walker, Laird are straight through ... Walker only in this batch because I don't think he is an automatic selection each week based on management of the old fella!! Laird needs to perform to keep his spot, which I fully expect him to do.

Crouch is on the edge. I love his first class hands but not sure how he fits in, who's spot he takes from the first list?

I have Nankervis in the 22, so that leaves only one best 22 spot.

Jeez - that is quite the squeeze.

Bond pushed back by Laird going to the back-line.
Dowling fighting with quite a list of similar types now, love him ... he looks like a really good prospect.
Taylor is a footballer, but again - who does he push out?

Jones, Cook and Pedlar need some luck with their bodies and a quantum leap to come to fruition sooner than later.

Edwards and Ryan are on the top of my list for "wanting to see what they can do at AFL level".

The other talls in there like Butts, Borlase, Murray will be needed at some stage.

Milera needs to show at SANFL that he still has his weapons - and that they are loaded and firing when needed.

Berry, as others have pointed out is fighting directly with Peatling - a fight he loses at this stage :-(

I reckon it's Sholl that gets the last spot. Had a very good 2024.

Berry is the most probably sub for me from the remainder, although don't exclude Murphy from having his card played by the shape loving coaches for that role.

And these 7 on the next level:

Player	DOB	Age at start of season	Height	Games
Brodie Smith	14/01/1992	33yrs - 2mths	194cm	262
Lachlan Murphy	04/12/1998	26yrs - 3mths	178cm	115
Harry Schoenberg	21/02/2001	24yrs - 0mths	180cm	61
Chris Burgess	26/11/1995	29yrs - 3mths	193cm	43
Kieran Strachan	05/10/1995	29yrs - 5mths	202cm	7
Tyler Welsh	15/08/2006	18yrs - 7mths	192cm	0
Karl Gallagher	21/02/2002	23yrs - 0mths	187cm	0

So my best 22:

F - Thilthorpe, Fogarty, Rachele
HF - Walker, Neale-Bullen, Curtin
Mid - Sholl, Dawson, Cumming
HB - Laird, Hinge, Michalanney
B - Worrell, Murray, Keane
Ruck - ROB, Soligo, Rankine
Int - Draper, Peatling, Keays, Nankervis
Sub - Berry

Looks solid, for a December squad

Crouch is comfortably best 22 imo.

Tall forward line.

Why are talls on flanks & playing smalls as key position?

 

[1990crow]

I’d be very tempted to play Bond on higgins again that’s for sure

Then interesting choice re what tall defenders to select

Keane is a no brainer selection for me as he’s our most prolific intercept marker

Murray plays and could go to King even though Butts is a decent match up for King

If butts and murray play we are likely too tall in defence for their mobile forward line given Worrell also can play tall

So I’m probably selecting Bond over Butts with Murray Keane Worrell then Hinge Max and likely Laird playing roles

Cumming and Sholl likely wings and then pick your mids and forwards regardless of opposition

Starting mid for me likely ROB Rankine Dawson and Soligo

Next in Peatling , M crouch ( bench ) Draper Curtin ( if selected ) Taylor (likely sub )

Blanket King, Higgins and Owen's up forward goes a long way to beating St.Kilda.

Butts, Bond, and Worrell match ups?
Would leave Keane out of the side though which probably not palatable.

 

[Jeffcrowe]

I wouldn't say that. I would say they handled him terribly in 2024 regardless of how well he plays in 2025.

Entitled to your opinion but I disagree completely

Rachele had a good year in 2024 taking a big step forward by playing good games after mid season break for first time in his career

Looks likely to start 2025 in prime condition for first time in his career which should see him elevate his game further

 

[Jeffcrowe]

Blanket King, Higgins and Owen's up forward goes a long way to beating St.Kilda.

Butts, Bond, and Worrell match ups?
Would leave Keane out of the side though which probably not palatable.

Keane intercept abilities are too important for mine

The others don’t take enough intercept marks , we are a low intercept mark team

 

[baldandbroke]

Crouch is comfortably best 22 imo.

Tall forward line.

Why are talls on flanks & playing smalls as key position?

Just listed the lines, didn't mean them all to be reflective of the positions.

I think it's more fluid than that nowadays anyway - back 6 get's moved around a lot for example ...

I think Crouch is on the edge, who does he push out of my 22 in your opinion?

F - Fogarty, Thilthorpe, Rachele
HF - Neale-Bullen, Walker, Curtin
Mid - Sholl, Dawson, Cumming
HB - Laird, Michalanney, Hinge
B - Worrell, Murray, Keane
Ruck - ROB, Soligo, Rankine
Int - Draper, Peatling, Keays, Nankervis

Sholl, Draper, Nankervis, Peatling?

 

[Kane McGoodwin]

Just listed the lines, didn't mean them all to be reflective of the positions.

I think it's more fluid than that nowadays anyway.

I think Crouch is on the edge, who does he push out of my 22 in your opinion?

My 22 had Crouch in for Nankervis.

Crouch is still our best inside midfield extractor.

 

[baldandbroke]

My 22 had Crouch in for Nankervis.

Crouch is still our best inside midfield extractor.

Probably more realistic.

I'd rather Sholl out than Nankervis, but that's harsh too.

 

[crows dude]

Just listed the lines, didn't mean them all to be reflective of the positions.

I think it's more fluid than that nowadays anyway - back 6 get's moved around a lot for example ...

I think Crouch is on the edge, who does he push out of my 22 in your opinion?

F - Fogarty, Thilthorpe, Rachele
HF - Neale-Bullen, Walker, Curtin
Mid - Sholl, Dawson, Cumming
HB - Laird, Michalanney, Hinge
B - Worrell, Murray, Keane
Ruck - ROB, Soligo, Rankine
Int - Draper, Peatling, Keays, Nankervis

Sholl, Draper, Nankervis, Peatling?

Crouch is still our best extractor. From that side he replaces Nankervis which then matches my side.

 

[Kane McGoodwin]

Probably more realistic.

I'd rather Sholl out than Nankervis, but that's harsh too.

Sholl was our best wingman this season, so he will be in our best side until others surpass him.

Many are ignoring his consistent form as he's one of the whipping boys on this board.

We need need players who are good outside runners who cover plenty of the ground & get plenty of the ball.

 

[1990crow]

Keane intercept abilities are too important for mine

The others don’t take enough intercept marks , we are a low intercept mark team

Its for this reason I find it difficult to pick Butts. Worrell a better player than Butts and wouldnt want to leave him out.
Murray first picked.

 

[Trigger13]

So my best 22:

F - Thilthorpe, Fogarty, Rachele
HF - Walker, Neale-Bullen, Curtin
Mid - Sholl, Dawson, Cumming
HB - Laird, Hinge, Michalanney
B - Worrell, Murray, Keane
Ruck - ROB, Soligo, Rankine
Int - Draper, Peatling, Keays, Nankervis
Sub - Berry

Looks solid, for a December squad

Solid effort. The glaring issue here is Curtin. Play him forward and that front half looks light on for pressure/speed. Quite top heavy. And Rash ain’t exactly a ‘pressure’ type player. That forward line looks much better with Keays in place of Curtin. Will be very interesting to see how he goes next year. I’m very concerned there isn’t a regular spot for him.

 

[1990crow]

Solid effort. The glaring issue here is Curtin. Play him forward and that front half looks light on for pressure/speed. Quite top heavy. And Rash ain’t exactly a ‘pressure’ type player. That forward line looks much better with Keays in place of Curtin. Will be very interesting to see how he goes next year. I’m very concerned there isn’t a regular spot for him.

The naming on the field probably doesnt matter so much, ie only 3 of TT, Fog, Tex and Curtin should be forward at any point in time rotating off the bench (or TT in the ruck to chopout Rob).

 

[Mutineer]

Keane intercept abilities are too important for mine

The others don’t take enough intercept marks , we are a low intercept mark team

The only reason Butts doesn't take a lot more intercept marks is definitely Coach influenced.

Intercept marking and ground coverage was his absolute one wood for the 3 years I watched him at NAB League and VC level.