Small Defenders

[BSA5]

Why would you risk moving the best small defender in the comp? You win flags by building teams not shuffling them around.

Because he could potentially become the best tagger in the comp? He's played bits and pieces roles in the midfield in the past, and done extremely well. He also absolutely dominated through the midfield for the reserves when he wasn't a senior player. If we could find a guy who could do the small defender role almost as well as he does, releasing him to be our new Brett Kirk, then we're overall better off. Of course, this is reliant on us actually finding a guy who can play his small defender role almost as well as he does, which is by no means guaranteed. But if we did, then we stand to really benefit.

You win flags by building teams, you KEEP winning flags by developing, innovating, staying one step ahead. If we can move Smith to the midfield WITHOUT significantly sacrificing the job he does in defence (which is admittedly a massive, massive "if"), then we should do it.

[wolftone57]

I think we are all getting ahead of ourselves. Marty and Smithy are not guaranteed as starters in the first game of the MR. They may still be underdone at this stage so Rampe would be good but he is only a rookie and that means there has to be a long term injury for him to be elevated. I think Harry is only being used in defense to improve his defensive skills as they were pretty poor last year. He looks lost at times down there and I can't see him playing an AFL game in defense at this stage. Towers is an option for Marty if he doesn't come up. tony Armstrong would be the other to come in if Smithy doesn't come good. I would suggest Rhyce Shaw or Mal would cover for Smithy and the other two boys would get second stringers.

But the Trial Matches haven't finished yet and we have yet to see Dick or Marsh. Jordie Lockyer may come good, you have to realise he has not played much footy for 12 months so will be a bit rusty to start with.

[jono2707]

Armstrong is definitely next cab off the rank down back for us IMHO....

[ScottH]

Armstrong is definitely next cab off the rank down back for us IMHO....

Definitely.
Provides run and carry, and is pretty accurate by foot.

[wolftone57]

Armstrong is definitely next cab off the rank down back for us IMHO....

Yes I agree there.

[Auntie.Gerald]

Dane doing what he can - SYDNEYSWANS.com.au

he has Seniors within his grasp...... but agree I like Mal pushing up a little to the wing and having Tony come on the field from the bench.

Armstrong adds more to the team at this stage but Rampe is a cat amongst the pigeons and will seriously challenge in the tight tagging role backline or midfield this season and beyond. Rampe is a serious keeper and may do brett kirk where they sneak up on everyone and command a spot in the 22.