Swans Best 22 2011

[mj233]

I started writing out a team and realised how tough it is we have some real depth.
I guess for me id just like to get some games into the kids and think Rohan will explode next year and im hoping Johnstone has a big impact on the preseason comp. Reid looked like he is going to be quite a good player aswell. TDL could quite easily become a 50 goal forward pocket with his accurate kicking and Jetta gives us some pace. I am so exicted about how the team is shaping up midfielders in Jack, Hannerbery, Kennedy and hopefully Bird can stay injury free.

 

[vonn]

I remember last year we went on about depth and look at us this year...

 

[RUNVS]

I remember last year we went on about depth and look at us this year...

Our depth wasn't too bad it was just unlucky that most of our injuries came to guys over 190cm (Seaby, Bradshaw, Bolton, LRT).

 

[Lakey91]

I remember last year we went on about depth and look at us this year...

Most people had us outside the 8 for 2010 at the beginning of round one.

I reckon we went alright - showed a lot considering Bradshaw, Bolton, LRT and Seaby missed large chunks of the season and others who have been best 22 in the past (eg Bird) also struggled.

 

[Rhino5]

I must say that I am extremely surprised at how consistently TDL appears in everyone best 22 as if its an assumed selection. I thought he finished the year well to an extent and especially his game against Carlton which was fantastic, but both his forward defensive pressure (don't bring up the tackle and goal in the final, it was a needle in a haystack), pack crumbing and ability to push up the ground were seriously lacking. I think the kid has huge potential as a small forward with a super accurate set shot and a great pair of hands but by no means do I think he is a gimme in the 22. I personally would have Rhyce Shaw back in the forward line playing a defensive tagging role whilst also kicking some goals, which would both free up Benny McGlynn to play a more attacking role and also allow us some versitility by giving Shaw's regular running backline role to someone like Rohan who throughout the game can go into the forward line and let Shaw drop back. Anyway, just my opinion.

Definitely hear what you're saying and I think the Bulldogs final put a real dampener on the end of the season for TDL because he suddenly again looked very much like a inexperienced rookie (which he was)....he will be inconsistent but for a few games there he was one of our few reliable shots at goal and without Bradshaw, and with Goodes playing up the ground, really the only guy we had in the forward 50 who could lead into space and knew what he was doing up there. I don't think he's a lock for the best team, but he brings goalkicking and in a team that has few genuine forwards, I think that's valuable and should give him an advantage.

 

[wfdesflj]

Definitely hear what you're saying and I think the Bulldogs final put a real dampener on the end of the season for TDL because he suddenly again looked very much like a inexperienced rookie (which he was)....he will be inconsistent but for a few games there he was one of our few reliable shots at goal and without Bradshaw, and with Goodes playing up the ground, really the only guy we had in the forward 50 who could lead into space and knew what he was doing up there. I don't think he's a lock for the best team, but he brings goalkicking and in a team that has few genuine forwards, I think that's valuable and should give him an advantage.

Yeh I understand your reasoning, but I don't see why TDL's work in the forward like was any more impressive then the few games Paul Bevan played up forward. He also displayed a good pair of hands a fairly accurate kick whilst also getting his hands on the ball more and applying greater defensive pressure on his matchup. Don't get me wrong, I love TDL, but I think it's ridiculous to pick he simply because he is young and has potential. If someone else can do a better job in his position or has more versatility to switch it up in case plan A isn't working I believe you pick them instead. And I'll probably get blasted for saying this but both Rhyce Shaw and Paul Bevan I believe are better selections as a forward pocket than TDL for the reasons i listed in the previous post.

 

[Swans120]

You make some reasonable points but TDL, aside from Bradshaw, is the most natural forward we have and apart from his final against the Dogs, in which he was physically worked over the whole game by Easton Wood, his last 6 weeks was better than anything Bevo or Shaw can produce as a forward I believe. A whole preseason and then home and away season parked in the pocket beside Jesse (with whom he already had a good relationship it seemed), Bradshaw and McGlynn will allow him to really get better.

No way would I be picking Bevo or Shaw in forward pocket ahead of TDL. Shaw should keep his role of a midfield run with player and Bevo will be a depth player.

 

[DeadlyAkkuret]

I'm struggling to see how Bevan or Shaw are equal or better than TDL as a forward option. I can't remember a time when either Bevan or Shaw have kicked 16 goals in 5 weeks like TDL did in the last few rounds.

 

[J_Moore]

Yeah, he's far more damaging on the scoreboard than Bevo or Shaw.

But I do worry that he might be a bit easily figured out. I think he got away with a bit in those last weeks because coaches didn't factor him into their plans. Now he's shown he can be damaging, we'll have to see how he responds to the increased attention. This'd principally be a strength thing, I think.

 

[GoTheSwannies]

Yeh I understand your reasoning, but I don't see why TDL's work in the forward like was any more impressive then the few games Paul Bevan played up forward. He also displayed a good pair of hands a fairly accurate kick whilst also getting his hands on the ball more and applying greater defensive pressure on his matchup. Don't get me wrong, I love TDL, but I think it's ridiculous to pick he simply because he is young and has potential. If someone else can do a better job in his position or has more versatility to switch it up in case plan A isn't working I believe you pick them instead. And I'll probably get blasted for saying this but both Rhyce Shaw and Paul Bevan I believe are better selections as a forward pocket than TDL for the reasons i listed in the previous post.

woah, there's no way you can compare shaw & bevan to TDL...that's a huge call...in terms of their defensive pressure they may have TDL's measure... but they're no way as dangerous or accurate in front of goal...

both bevan & shaw have burnt alot of easy shots in front of goal... they both lack composure in front of goal... bevan's a good mark, and knows how to move into space & get the footy.... but he's a terrible kick, i'm never confident with the footy in his hands, even at close range... shaw can tgend to spray kicks in front of goal...

TDL, every time he got the ball in front of goal i was confident he'd kick it, even kicking from the pocket he's shown he can still kick em, he's a natural forward, has footy smarts near goal, and provided a target up forward & has good hands...

the bulldogs game was a bit of a let down, the dogs caught him out when other teams didn't really focus on him... he'll have to deal with tha added defensive pressure in 2011, but if bradshaw plays, white picks his game up and mcglynn is up there as well it'll definitely take the focus off TDL...he may not kick bags every week but he'll bob up with some handy totals every now and again

 

[wfdesflj]

woah, there's no way you can compare shaw & bevan to TDL...that's a huge call...in terms of their defensive pressure they may have TDL's measure... but they're no way as dangerous or accurate in front of goal...

both bevan & shaw have burnt alot of easy shots in front of goal... they both lack composure in front of goal... bevan's a good mark, and knows how to move into space & get the footy.... but he's a terrible kick, i'm never confident with the footy in his hands, even at close range... shaw can tgend to spray kicks in front of goal...

TDL, every time he got the ball in front of goal i was confident he'd kick it, even kicking from the pocket he's shown he can still kick em, he's a natural forward, has footy smarts near goal, and provided a target up forward & has good hands...

the bulldogs game was a bit of a let down, the dogs caught him out when other teams didn't really focus on him... he'll have to deal with tha added defensive pressure in 2011, but if bradshaw plays, white picks his game up and mcglynn is up there as well it'll definitely take the focus off TDL...he may not kick bags every week but he'll bob up with some handy totals every now and again

Yes, I realise I worded that completely wrong and i don't believe that Bevan and Shaw are more dangerous in front of goal than TDL. The point I was trying to make is that I think he is still too one dimensional and for that reason I don't see him as a lock in the 22. Maybe it is just because the freshest memory in my head is the final against the dogs, but in that game I couldn't help but think that Paul Bevan would have been a much greater asset in the forward line than TDL. I am not saying that to be controversial or piss anyone off and if I was to make the change it would have been Moore out and Bevan in, but considering Moore wasn't in anybody's best 22 in this thread I thought it would be a moot point to make, TDL on the other hand, is in pretty much everybody's.

 

[Swans120]

But we shouldn't be getting down on anyone for one bad game, which can be done sometimes in AFL supporter bases. TDL's last 6 weeks before the Dogs final was outstanding until Eade (to his credit) worked out how best to play him and lock him down by physically pressuring him every time he went near it (or in fact all the time off the ball). But he knows he needs to get stronger and I feel he is a good enough player to work out with the coaches how best it is for him to overcome that sort of pressure. He's only 10 or so games into his career and I feel that should he be fully fit through the preseason, he is a lock for round 1.

BTW, nobody thinks you're trying to piss anyone off. It is an interesting point you're making that is yet to be talked about much which is good to have over the offseason.

 

[giantsully]

I must say that I am extremely surprised at how consistently TDL appears in everyone best 22 as if its an assumed selection. I thought he finished the year well to an extent and especially his game against Carlton which was fantastic, but both his forward defensive pressure (don't bring up the tackle and goal in the final, it was a needle in a haystack), pack crumbing and ability to push up the ground were seriously lacking. I think the kid has huge potential as a small forward with a super accurate set shot and a great pair of hands but by no means do I think he is a gimme in the 22. I personally would have Rhyce Shaw back in the forward line playing a defensive tagging role whilst also kicking some goals, which would both free up Benny McGlynn to play a more attacking role and also allow us some versitility by giving Shaw's regular running backline role to someone like Rohan who throughout the game can go into the forward line and let Shaw drop back. Anyway, just my opinion.

I think this is a reasonable view - it's been shown that this "defensive forward" role is critical and was at the heart of this year's premier's game plan, and we desperately need someone to fill that role.

You would think that would be Moore but I (and I suspect many others) remain unconvinced. So can TDL fill the breach? That match winning tackle notwithstanding, I share your skepticism. That said, we struggled for goals much of the year and TDL did demonstrate that he was a good source of those so if he can work on the defensive side you would think there's still a role.

It's those who provide neither goals nor tackles that should be most under pressure (and yes, I mean Moore).

 

[GoTheSwannies]

Yes, I realise I worded that completely wrong and i don't believe that Bevan and Shaw are more dangerous in front of goal than TDL. The point I was trying to make is that I think he is still too one dimensional and for that reason I don't see him as a lock in the 22. Maybe it is just because the freshest memory in my head is the final against the dogs, but in that game I couldn't help but think that Paul Bevan would have been a much greater asset in the forward line than TDL. I am not saying that to be controversial or piss anyone off and if I was to make the change it would have been Moore out and Bevan in, but considering Moore wasn't in anybody's best 22 in this thread I thought it would be a moot point to make, TDL on the other hand, is in pretty much everybody's.

fair enough...paul bevan would've been a better asset in the dogs game but who would've thought TDL would be shut out as badly as he was, he was on fire leading up to that game...

the omission of bevan was definitely a mistake, and in the end it probably cost us the opportunity to go a step closer to the GF... but i don't think it was a case of TDL out Bevan in... TDL earnt his spot on that team, he was our only forward who was consistantly scoring goals... Bevan's omission was surprising, TDL would have been a shock...

imo, the thing is bevan, mcglynn, moore all offer something similar in terms defensive pressure + scoring ability...TDL while he may have an underdeveloped defensive side, he offers something that we don't have in abundance, a reliable avenue to goal...

 

[wfdesflj]

fair enough...paul bevan would've been a better asset in the dogs game but who would've thought TDL would be shut out as badly as he was, he was on fire leading up to that game...

the omission of bevan was definitely a mistake, and in the end it probably cost us the opportunity to go a step closer to the GF... but i don't think it was a case of TDL out Bevan in... TDL earnt his spot on that team, he was our only forward who was consistantly scoring goals... Bevan's omission was surprising, TDL would have been a shock...

imo, the thing is bevan, mcglynn, moore all offer something similar in terms defensive pressure + scoring ability...TDL while he may have an underdeveloped defensive side, he offers something that we don't have in abundance, a reliable avenue to goal...

I'm not suggesting at all that TDL should have been dropped for Bevan and I think I made the point that it should have been Moore. However, Moore is not mentioned in anyone's best 22 on this thread and TDL is, thus why I used him as an example. I also would probably have him in my best 22 for round 1 2011, but I don't see him as a lock for that position at the moment by any means.

 

[disgruntled goat]

Yeah, he's far more damaging on the scoreboard than Bevo or Shaw.

But I do worry that he might be a bit easily figured out. I think he got away with a bit in those last weeks because coaches didn't factor him into their plans. Now he's shown he can be damaging, we'll have to see how he responds to the increased attention. This'd principally be a strength thing, I think.

Suggesting he's easily worked out by opponents is not giving TDL much credit. He's played a half-dozen games; he's got so much improvement in him, especially with some finals experience. I'm confident he'll add some tricks to his repertoire the more games he plays.

 

[swansfan51]

The things that impressed me most about Dennis-Lane in the WAFL (where he played with Subiaco) were his ability to kick goals from a wide variety of different situations, and his ability to impact on the scoreboard with few disposals. He will never be a 20 touch per game player, but will regularly have 3-4 goal hauls from 10 disposals or less. He can score the classic "crumbing" goals do to his good positioning and above average agility, but is also capable as a 3rd leading forward, and has a good set shot. He is also quite adept at kicking goals on the run, snaps, and shots from the pocket. I believe this flexibility was what initially impressed our recruiters when he sent them a tape of his performances.

I definitely think we should persist with him as we aren't overflowing with forwards who can consistently impact on the scoreboard. He isn't a key forward and he isn't a typical crumbing forward, but I think he plays his niche very well.

 

[J_Moore]

Suggesting he's easily worked out by opponents is not giving TDL much credit. He's played a half-dozen games; he's got so much improvement in him, especially with some finals experience. I'm confident he'll add some tricks to his repertoire the more games he plays.

I'm not saying he has been worked out, just that I worry he may be. I think it's a pretty hard role to pull of at AFL level, and I dont' know enough about him to be totally confident in him pulling it off every week. He may very well be good enough. I just think most people know as much about him as I do, and are backing him to be lock in the side after a handful of games.

 

[kira]

TDL's performances at the end of the season should almost put him as a lock in our best 22... but i got my reservations to

very good reader of the play and positioning whilst man-on-man in addition to good goal sense.... however lacking some of the physical attributes (i.e. height/stregth/speed) should have him blanketed by good defenders in a string of games

if he can bulk a little and start showing some of those crumbing skills (really struggling to think of any) he'll be a definite lock

still streets ahead of Bevo though imo

 

[scaryness]

B: Craig Bolton, Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Nick Smith
HB: Nick Malceski, Heath Grundy, Tadhg Kennelly
C: Lewis Jetta, Adam Goodes, Dan Hannebery
HF: Ben McGlynn, Jesse White, Ryan O'Keefe
F: Trent Dennis-Lane, Daniel Bradshaw, Martin Mattner
R: Shane Mumford, Kieren Jack, Jude Bolton
INT: Mark Seaby, Rhyce Shaw, Josh Kennedy, Jarrad McVeigh

EMG: Ted Richards, Gary Rohan, Andrejs Everitt

 

[Swans120]

Nick Smith?

 

[scaryness]

Nick Smith?

oh yeah
why is it that whenever i make a team i always forget him?

 

[peterss]

So Craig Bolton is in most of your 22's i see?

It was injury this season that meant he didnt play much wasnt it?

 

[indieswan96]

So Craig Bolton is in most of your 22's i see?

It was injury this season that meant he didnt play much wasnt it?

It was an achillies injury you Gumby scum.

 

[Hyphenator]

TDL's performances at the end of the season should almost put him as a lock in our best 22... but i got my reservations to

very good reader of the play and positioning whilst man-on-man in addition to good goal sense.... however lacking some of the physical attributes (i.e. height/stregth/speed) should have him blanketed by good defenders in a string of games

if he can bulk a little and start showing some of those crumbing skills (really struggling to think of any) he'll be a definite lock

still streets ahead of Bevo though imo

he is one of the quickest players on our list over 20m doing it in 2.88, to put that in perspective in this years draft combine that would have put him in equal 6th, so slow he is not.

In terms of strength he has only had 1 AFL pre season, i would expect him to come back 5+ kg heavier this season, so that will help stop him being pushed off the ball.

His height is OK for a medium/small forward at 180cm, and has quite long arm and sure hands in marking contests.

He has all the attributes to be successful at AFL level, if he can continue his form from last year there is absolutely no doubt that he is in our best 22. We have no one else who can really play his role as well