Best 22 in 2009

[eggbeater]

I just dont think Bird, who was amongst our best 22 this year (and unlucky to miss finals due to injury) will be relegated to emergency.

Although I have NO idea who he would replace.

And as for Shaw, I think he will play bar injury. I just can't see the logic in trading for him if we dont use him.

[Haz]

But with shaw and currie certainties to come in you'd think, someone's got to go out.

[woo]

Guys am I alone in worrying about the Ruck???

If anything happens to Jolly...we are f....ed

[573v30]

Guys am I alone in worrying about the Ruck???

If anything happens to Jolly...we are f....ed

That's a definite weakness if Jolly gets injured. Currie is almost certain to play as second ruckman on a regular basis. I'd rather him than White or LRT, although Goodesy might make a comeback in that role (if required).

[Haz]

White's got to be given more game time next season.

[Nico]

B Mattner Barry Richards

HB. Kennelly C Bolton Malceski

C. Jack McVeigh Goodes

HF. O'Keefe Hall Veszpremi

F. Buchanan MOL Moore

R. Jolly, Kirk, Bird

I/C Currie, Bevan, Shaw, LRT

Emerg; Meredith, White, Brabazon, Grundy.


For balance I put Bevan on the bench as a rotating midfielder, but originally had him back pocket/defensive pivot. With Malceski and Bolton fit we will have good defensive depth. On ruck depth, from what I can see most clubs only have a couple of front line ruckmen and I expect LRT will get more time there depending on how Currie comes up.

I kept Leo at full back but could easily have Richards back there given that Leo may be suspect for continued fitness. Grundy and White give us height down back also and you would they come on a fair bit this year.

One player I hope can replicate his first season is Barlow. If he comes up it really does open up team versatility. Schmidt and Thornton are others that add depth if they come up.

[ScottH]

Where's Jude, Nico??

[BSA5]

Where's Jude, Nico??

Exactly what I was thinking!

[Bear]

This is my best 22 for 2009 ... let's hope they all stay fit...

Backs
Mattner Bolton Barry

Half Backs
Kennelly Richards Shaw

Centre
McVeigh Bolton Malceski

Centre Half Forwards
O'Keefe Goodes Buchanan

Forwards
O'Loghlin Hall Jack

Rucks

Jolly Kirk

Rover

Bird

Interchange

Bevan Barlow Veszpremi (LRT or Currie as ruck)

Fosdike, Grundy, Playfair Vespremi all unlucky ... crouch is gone in my books but you never know...

On paper our weakest spot is the second ruckman. I think LRT is also in real trouble this year unless he can re-invent himslf in the ruck.

Quite close but...

Currie on the bench.
LRT in place of the soft cheese.
Playfair in place of the old MOL, who goes to the bench.
Vespremi in place of Spevo on the bench.
Crouch is not gone. Buchanan has a bigger question mark next to his name.

[connolly]

Quite close but...

Currie on the bench.
LRT in place of the soft cheese.
Playfair in place of the old MOL, who goes to the bench.
Vespremi in place of Spevo on the bench.
Crouch is not gone. Buchanan has a bigger question mark next to his name.

So you would drop the second rated defender in 2008 in 2009, best 23 - 25 year old in the club and future skipper and have a three man bench. Hit the turps early this years grizzles???

[Bear]

So you would drop the second rated defender in 2008 in 2009, best 23 - 25 year old in the club and future skipper and have a three man bench. Hit the turps early this years grizzles???

Yes I would drop the second rate "defender".

Ummm... early this year?? Can't remember, it was about 364 days ago.

[Nico]

Where's Jude, Nico??

I added pace to the team and took out 2 slow midfielders.

I also put the best clearance players we have in and around the centre.

You will also note that the other player of similar ilk in Luke Ablett also gets a guernsey in Canberra. It will be a toss up between the two as to the Captain.

I hope Roosey has taken a real good look at the Australian Cricket team disaster and takes a rejuvenation approach in 2009.

[Nico]

So you would drop the second rated defender in 2008 in 2009, best 23 - 25 year old in the club and future skipper and have a three man bench. Hit the turps early this years grizzles???

I would expect the Bevanator to take a midfield role in 2009. Probably rotating and pinch hitting off the bench as a temporary tagger, going forward running off his man in a central pivot type role, to slot running goals at ease. There is no limit to how we can use this valuable asset.

[ScottH]

I added pace to the team and took out 2 slow midfielders.

I also put the best clearance players we have in and around the centre.

You will also note that the other player of similar ilk in Luke Ablett also gets a guernsey in Canberra. It will be a toss up between the two as to the Captain.

I hope Roosey has taken a real good look at the Australian Cricket team disaster and takes a rejuvenation approach in 2009.

I missed the Ablett omission.

At least you're honest.

[Hartijon]

Second Ruckman

With injuries,suspensions, illnesses we need a core group of players across the 3 areas of defense, centre and forwards.We have this! You can knock up some good teams leaving two or three regular players out.This is a very positive sign and the Swans should be a competitive side and a finals finisher in 2009.
However we have one glaring weakness! No second ruckman!That's why we got Spider a season too late,thats why we did so well when Doyle was fit. Currie has promise but I could see someone like Ottens giving him a bath.What about Pyke? Why did we recruit him? Is it worth running him as a second ruckman to learn the trade for 6 weeks then dumping him if he is no good.If he clicked he has the height ,weight and athleticism to make a huge impact on our finals chances with a season behind him.
The other weakness is lack of height in the backlines with the interpretation of hands in the back. That's why we persevere with LRT and why Richards is essential.