Toast Reasons for Optimism

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I love Sonny and think his peak is equal to Bolton. He wasn’t quite there in 2013 though. Couple of years off it.
46, 44, 40, 36 goal tallies vs 41, 34, 33.

Bolton has a few years to catch up, but I probably should have them at least equal or Walters marginally ahead.

Edit: You are arguing for Bolton to be greater than Walters, sorry misread the first time I read it.

Sonny got 46 goals in 2013, so that was pretty close to his peak. Based on goals alone, it is not close. Bolton should rebound in 2025 hopefully. Either way, I think having them close to equal is pretty fair.
 
2013 v 2024 - (with bolton)

Pav > Treacy
Ballas > Switta
Walters = Bolton
Mayne < Amiss
Clarke < Jackson
Sutcliffe < Sturt

A bit harsh on Mayne, he was unbelieve in 2012,13 and 15.

I don't think we have the stars of 2013, but I think our depth is better.

We probably need 1 or 2 players to go from C grades, to B Graders, and a few of our A and B graders to go up another level this year to push for top 4 and a grand final.
Do you mean De Boer? Sutcliffe mostly played half back on my recollection.
 
These things are definitely subjective, so wouldn’t argue, but would add that Serong 2024 AA, Fyfe made the squad in 2013 + Serong 4th on 28 votes in the Brownlow v Fyfe 10th on 18. Not perfect measures but nothing ever is.

Maybe Fyfe’s best games were better (or at least more spectacular), but Serong was consistently at a high level.

Clearly Fyfe’s best years are better than Serong has shown so far, but for me I have to give it to Serong for those seasons.
Caleb has yet to summit!
 

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Completely out of boredom, I have compared our 2013 grand final side with our 2025 best 22 side. (barring injuries for the 2025 side, which will probably not be the case but for simplicity have chosen to do so). The comparisons are based on exactly how that player was in 2013 (not what they were like in different times in their career. Eg. Fyfe at his peak is better than Brayshaw but hadn't hit that level in 2013. Neale was in the team but didn't play much in 2013. Used as a sub in the grand final).


Backs:
Spurr < Ryan
Dawson < Pearce
Duffield = Walker
Johnson = Clark
McPharlin > Cox
Sutchliffe < Chapman

Wings:
Hill > Noddy
D Pearce < Sharp

Forwards:
D Boer < Freddy
Mayne < Treacy
Clark < Jackson
Walters = Bolton
Pav > Amiss
Ballas > Switta.

Middle
Sandi > Darcy
Fyfe = Brayshaw
Crowley < Serong.
Mundy = Young

Int Barlow > Johnson.
Mzungu = Sturt
Suban < Wagner
Neale = Fyfe.

Note: I genuinely believe we have more talent on the park now than in 2013. We have a slightly better forward line, slightly better back line, and break even in the middle. The comparisons are just opinions so others views might be different obviously.
 
46, 44, 40, 36 goal tallies vs 41, 34, 33.

Bolton has a few years to catch up, but I probably should have them at least equal or Walters marginally ahead.

Edit: You are arguing for Bolton to be greater than Walters, sorry misread the first time I read it.

Sonny got 46 goals in 2013, so that was pretty close to his peak. Based on goals alone, it is not close. Bolton should rebound in 2025 hopefully. Either way, I think having them close to equal is pretty fair.

I didn't realise he was above 40 in 2013 - having them about even on output is ok then. It will be interesting to see if Bolton can go beyond the 45 mark regularly here.
 
I didn't realise he was above 40 in 2013 - having them about even on output is ok then. It will be interesting to see if Bolton can go beyond the 45 mark regularly here.
Walters was going mad back then regularly getting 20 possies and kicking bulk goals. Oh boy if Bolton gets to that level while he's running around the feet of our KPF's look out
 
Chappy is looking like an athletic monster this preseason. With is pace, agility and skills he is a perfect match up for a wide range of players. I am looking forward to watching him dominate this season!
Where do you expect him to play?

I kind of hope he plays in defense, and can give us more run and carry out of the back line.
 
Where do you expect him to play?

I kind of hope he plays in defense, and can give us more run and carry out of the back line.

He could be great in a lot of positions. I’m keen to see him play back and then roam forward. Which he will be able to do more if we can keep Pearce and Cox fit and on the park.

His size, speed and disposal make him a potential nightmare matchup. And he gives us a lot of flexibility. Hopefully this is the season he and Clark are dominant attacking from the back half.
 
You should be optimistic and you should expect great things this year.

I think you have close to the best list in the comp. If not now then certainly in the next 2-3 seasons, but this list is already good enough to win a flag. It's scary how many great young players you have under 25, time to embrace the expectations!
 
You should be optimistic and you should expect great things this year.

I think you have close to the best list in the comp. If not now then certainly in the next 2-3 seasons, but this list is already good enough to win a flag. It's scary how many great young players you have under 25, time to embrace the expectations!
Cheers mate, appreciate it.

We will!
 

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