Preview Round 17 - Brisbane Lions vs. Adelaide Crows

[Denno]

The only defender that looks vulnerable is McKenna at this stage. In 2025, with Coleman back, Zorko on the Half Back line and Wilmott and Reville in that rotation, we have plenty of rebound, run and transition capacity out of defence. Coleman adds intercept marking to the mix too. McKenna really only runs one way and his lack of defensive ability / willingness, especially in terms of tackling and playing his opponent close, will cost him his spot. Lester, Starcevich, Andrews and Payne are a super tight defensive unit and individually, all are in front of McKenna. Gardiner is even further back and Doedee, who is still an unknown quantity in our team, only comes in if someone is injured. Answerth is going to have to reinvent himself somewhere else perhaps, because Reville has rocketed past him.

Whilst I agree that McKenna isn't the player he was last year, I don't agree that Reville has gone past Answerth in isolation. They are completely different players.

Even with Coleman back, I can see Answerth being back in the mix also, as we can't have a majority of our small/med defenders being attacking players, especially when we continue to be susceptible to opposition small forwards.

I had my doubts on Answerth earlier this year, but besides the first 15 or so minutes in his first game, I thought he was rock solid as a lockdown defender, and was pretty unlucky to be moved to sub when he did (which seemed to also disrupt his ability to get into the game).

With the influx of returning and drafted talent next year, Reville could be a fringe player still, with the half forward/wing options potentially available. Damn good fringe player if that's the case.

BTW, no way Doedee only comes in if someone is injured (provided he's fit, of course). We didn't spend quite a bit of $$$ on a highly regarded free agent to have him as backup. If he's fit, he'll be replacing Lester in the 22 in 2025.

 

[Nuggo]

It is hard to control players like Rankine when they are on. If we control the game itself then that dampens his impact.

 

[Nathan Barley]

Starcevich completely owned Rankine when the latter was with GC.

Unfortunately, Starcevich has tailed off a little over the past couple of years, coinciding with Rankine playing better football.

Hopefully Starcevich can continue to get back to his absolute best form, and take care of Rankine when he goes forward.

Berry every chance to get Rankine through the middle, with Dunkley going to Dawson (who always seems to have an influence against us).

I think the difference is Rankine moving into the midfield

I'm sure if he stayed close to goals Starce would be ok

 

[twhowler]

Whilst I agree that McKenna isn't the player he was last year, I don't agree that Reville has gone past Answerth in isolation. They are completely different players.

Even with Coleman back, I can see Answerth being back in the mix also, as we can't have a majority of our small/med defenders being attacking players, especially when we continue to be susceptible to opposition small forwards.

I had my doubts on Answerth earlier this year, but besides the first 15 or so minutes in his first game, I thought he was rock solid as a lockdown defender, and was pretty unlucky to be moved to sub when he did (which seemed to also disrupt his ability to get into the game).

With the influx of returning and drafted talent next year, Reville could be a fringe player still, with the half forward/wing options potentially available. Damn good fringe player if that's the case.

BTW, no way Doedee only comes in if someone is injured (provided he's fit, of course). We didn't spend quite a bit of $$$ on a highly regarded free agent to have him as backup. If he's fit, he'll be replacing Lester in the 22 in 2025.

Agree on Answerth. Still a bit iffy with disposal especially under pressure, but has pulled off a few nice passes.

He is our best pure lockdown defender in my view. Just ahead of Starcevich who tends to be a bit more up and down, and also attacking. Answerth is just so committed to nullifying.

Reville i think will have to fight for his spot, but he's right in the mix. Excellent disposal that should get better the more he plays (still has the odd blooper) and we don't have many really good LOW kicks in to our forward 50. Also great size although he could use it more.

Doedee agree he plays IF fit but that's the question. Huge road back from back to back knee injuries and third overall. I don't think they will rush him back at all. Lester will be 32yo for most of next season. Some players that's it but others can have another couple of good years.

 

[3KZ is Football]

Whilst I agree that McKenna isn't the player he was last year, I don't agree that Reville has gone past Answerth in isolation. They are completely different players.

Even with Coleman back, I can see Answerth being back in the mix also, as we can't have a majority of our small/med defenders being attacking players, especially when we continue to be susceptible to opposition small forwards.

I had my doubts on Answerth earlier this year, but besides the first 15 or so minutes in his first game, I thought he was rock solid as a lockdown defender, and was pretty unlucky to be moved to sub when he did (which seemed to also disrupt his ability to get into the game).

With the influx of returning and drafted talent next year, Reville could be a fringe player still, with the half forward/wing options potentially available. Damn good fringe player if that's the case.

BTW, no way Doedee only comes in if someone is injured (provided he's fit, of course). We didn't spend quite a bit of $$$ on a highly regarded free agent to have him as backup. If he's fit, he'll be replacing Lester in the 22 in 2025.

After his second major knee injury, all bets are off. Doedee would have had a long time out of the game. Let’s get him healed and fit. This conversation might be better had next year.

As for Reville, he is superior to Answerth in every department.

 

[Denno]

After his second major knee injury, all bets are off. Doedee would have had a long time out of the game. Let’s get him healed and fit. This conversation might be better had next year.

As for Reville, he is superior to Answerth in every department.

So Reville is a better lockdown defender? You can't compare them.

We continue to get exposed against small forwards (and may again this weekend). Reville, as good as he's been, isn't the answer to that. He's more of an attacking player. We need to get this balance right, when everyone is up and going again.

 

[KissKiss]

So Reville is a better lockdown defender? You can't compare them.

We continue to get exposed against small forwards (and may again this weekend). Reville, as good as he's been, isn't the answer to that. He's more of an attacking player. We need to get this balance right, when everyone is up and going again.

Agreed totally different players playing totally different roles. Not really worth comparing them as they should have zero impact on the selection of the other

 

[Section 5]

 

[M Malice]

Lets hope Jack Payne's foot and the rest of his body gets through the remains of the season unscathed.

 

[martinson]

Lets hope Jack Payne's foot and the rest of his body gets through the remains of the season unscathed.

I'm a little sceptical. Don't think he's played with the freedom he had in the first half of last year since.

There'll be a story there

 

[McIvor]

Whilst I agree that McKenna isn't the player he was last year, I don't agree that Reville has gone past Answerth in isolation. They are completely different players.

Even with Coleman back, I can see Answerth being back in the mix also, as we can't have a majority of our small/med defenders being attacking players, especially when we continue to be susceptible to opposition small forwards.

I had my doubts on Answerth earlier this year, but besides the first 15 or so minutes in his first game, I thought he was rock solid as a lockdown defender, and was pretty unlucky to be moved to sub when he did (which seemed to also disrupt his ability to get into the game).

With the influx of returning and drafted talent next year, Reville could be a fringe player still, with the half forward/wing options potentially available. Damn good fringe player if that's the case.

BTW, no way Doedee only comes in if someone is injured (provided he's fit, of course). We didn't spend quite a bit of $$$ on a highly regarded free agent to have him as backup. If he's fit, he'll be replacing Lester in the 22 in 2025.

He’s also coming off multiple ACLs and barely played in 2-3 years. I think you’re estimating how effective he’ll be or that he’ll be better than Lester after missing so much football given his injuries. I’ll honestly be staggered if he plays more than 20 games for the remainder of his career.

 

[3KZ is Football]

So Reville is a better lockdown defender? You can't compare them.

We continue to get exposed against small forwards (and may again this weekend). Reville, as good as he's been, isn't the answer to that. He's more of an attacking player. We need to get this balance right, when everyone is up and going again.

I think he is. Noah Answerth couldn’t lock down a bicycle. He specialises in giving away free kicks and dump kicks out of defence either straight to an opponent or out on the full. Too harsh?

 

[3KZ is Football]

He’s also coming off multiple ACLs and barely played in 2-3 years. I think you’re estimating how effective he’ll be or that he’ll be better than Lester after missing so much football given his injuries. I’ll honestly be staggered if he plays more than 20 games for the remainder of his career.

Agree.

 

[BuntonRules]

He’s also coming off multiple ACLs and barely played in 2-3 years. I think you’re estimating how effective he’ll be or that he’ll be better than Lester after missing so much football given his injuries. I’ll honestly be staggered if he plays more than 20 games for the remainder of his career.

A big part of our rise has been rehabilitating injured players. You can't win them all.

 

[Dalions]

I think he is. Noah Answerth couldn’t lock down a bicycle. He specialises in giving away free kicks and dump kicks out isn’t defence either straight to an opponent or out on the full. Too harsh?

Yes

 

[HereIGoAgain]

I think he is. Noah Answerth couldn’t lock down a bicycle. He specialises in giving away free kicks and dump kicks out isn’t defence either straight to an opponent or out on the full. Too harsh?

It's just a poor call. We all have them from time to time.

 

[McIvor]

A big part of our rise has been rehabilitating injured players. You can't win them all.

Of course and Toms just had rotten luck, no one could’ve foreseen that.

 

[Denno]

He’s also coming off multiple ACLs and barely played in 2-3 years. I think you’re estimating how effective he’ll be or that he’ll be better than Lester after missing so much football given his injuries. I’ll honestly be staggered if he plays more than 20 games for the remainder of his career.

That's why I had the big "if" (in terms of getting fit). I agree that what was somewhat of a risk (recruiting Doedee) is now an even bigger risk (and glad we didn't trade for him - it only cost us $$$), but his peak is clearly elite.

It's all a question of whether he can get back there. One thing I won't question is our medical team leaving no stone unturned to give him every chance to do so.

 

[Brett C]

I think he is. Noah Answerth couldn’t lock down a bicycle. He specialises in giving away free kicks and dump kicks out isn’t defence either straight to an opponent or out on the full. Too harsh?

Such a bad call, Reville is unproven as a defender and would get dominated by bobby hill/Rankine type up forward.

Doesn’t have much of a tank yet and spends less than 70% time on ground.

Answerth is a average kick but our best lockdown small defender by a decent margin, its not a strength of McKenna and Wilmot although the later is improving.

 

[Gadzorks]

Yep, this is now our best 23 for the rest of the season, I can't see Answerth getting his way back into that side unless we all of a sudden go smaller and omit Morris.
__________________________
Keidean Coleman obviously has to come in for someone in 2025 but it will be a hell of a task for the other ACLers to crack it.. Gardiner, Doedee, McCarthy. Good problem to have though.

I reckon McCarthy was out best forward when he was injured. And he is always the most reliable set shot.

Fitting him in is tough, but he deserves the chance.

 

[McIvor]

I reckon McCarthy was out best forward when he was injured. And he is always the most reliable set shot.

Fitting him in is tough, but he deserves the chance.

I’m still devastated for Linc, he was such a consistent and reliable performer; age isn’t on his side but I do harbour hopes that he could get back to the player he was before he was injured even if that’s unlikely.

 

[Grasshopper17]

I think he is. Noah Answerth couldn’t lock down a bicycle. He specialises in giving away free kicks and dump kicks out of defence either straight to an opponent or out on the full. Too harsh?

0.5 free kicks against per game this season. This would include kicks out on the full.

2.5 turnovers per game from an average of 11.3 disposals per game. So 22%.

I don't think that's unreasonable for the role he plays, where most of the ball he gets is usually going to be under pressure. You may have been a bit busy watching Froggy.

 

[Elixuh]

I reckon McCarthy was out best forward when he was injured. And he is always the most reliable set shot.

Fitting him in is tough, but he deserves the chance.

McCarthy was in our top 3 best players on form when he was injured

 

[CarterS]

If results go our way we could be in top 4 this weekend tho pretty unlikely would require a number of upsets most notably Richmond over Freo

 

[M Malice]

If results go our way we could be in top 4 this weekend tho pretty unlikely would require a number of upsets most notably Richmond over Freo

Great minds Carter, I just posted similar in another thread.