Best 22 Round 1 2022

[TheBloods]

True TB- just my opinion. Take yesterday’s game as an example, though of course it was just 1 game, albeit a final.

Both Rowie and Wicks were playing in their first final: now compare their respective contributions. True, one was an on- baller and the other a forward, but we had heaps of entries into our forward 50.

Chalk and cheese in my book. Of course, you may beg to differ, but please back it up- anyone can have an opinion but it helps if it is based on solid facts and figures.

Not going near it sorry .

[Roadrunner]

Not going near it sorry .

Chicken!!!

[barracuda]

That’s fine TB- but please explain why Wicks is better than Rowie. However, don’t say Wicks plays a useful team role
because that is BS pure and simple. He is not best 22 by a long shot at this stage. He and Bell were shocking yesterday and both belong to the ressies. Both can look elsewhere- a bit harsh but we don’t need passengers.

Don’t you watch games. Two of heeneys goals were fed by wicks. 5 tackles, 6 contested possessions. For a defensive forward I would say 11 disposals and 5 tackles easily equals row bottoms 16 disposals and 9 tackles as a mid. Almost won the game himself. Finally in the last quarter when the game was there to be won Wicks was busting his arse. Unlike Papley, 1 disposal, Hayward 2 disposals and Buddy 1 disposal. Seriously mate if you are going to call players shocking and wiping them off get your facts right.

[Captain]

Cunningham McCartin Fox
Lloyd Rampe Blakey
Dawson Parker McInerney
Gulden Reid Hayward
Papley Franklin McDonald
Hickey Mills Heeney
Kennedy Rowbottom, Warner, Campbell
Sub: Florent

In: Mills, JPK, Blakey, Reid, Campbell, McDonald, Fox

Out: McLean, Bell, COR, Melican, Wicks, Florent, Hewett (assuming he leaves)

[Roadrunner]

Don’t you watch games. Two of heeneys goals were fed by wicks. 5 tackles, 6 contested possessions. For a defensive forward I would say 11 disposals and 5 tackles easily equals row bottoms 16 disposals and 9 tackles as a mid. Almost won the game himself. Finally in the last quarter when the game was there to be won Wicks was busting his arse. Unlike Papley, 1 disposal, Hayward 2 disposals and Buddy 1 disposal. Seriously mate if you are going to call players shocking and wiping them off get your facts right.

Ok barracuda- I will watch the replay and happy to be wrong! My comments were based watching the game live and that was my impression. Maybe frustrated by that miss which was very gettable. I don’t like criticising players as every one of them tries his best but sometimes come up short. I guess I would like Wicks to impose himself more, but maybe I missed it! Thanks for pointing out his stats.

[barracuda]

Ok barracuda- I will watch the replay and happy to be wrong! My comments were based watching the game live and that was my impression. Maybe frustrated by that miss which was very gettable. I don’t like criticising players as every one of them tries his best but sometimes come up short. I guess I would like Wicks to impose himself more, but maybe I missed it! Thanks for pointing out his stats.

I am sure he would like to impose himself more as well. The number of times he has got himself into space in recent weeks in front of the goals only to be ignored was very frustrating. The side on the weekend was way too buddy centric. The ball kept getting banged in high to buddy who was beaten on the day. In fact if you go to AFL.com.au stats pro and looks at Wicks extended highlights he was one of the players who was actually lowering his eyes and delivering to the best option. That option was Heeney and wicks delivered key passes to him that resulted in goals. The swans have to recognise when buddy is getting beaten and look for other options. I think this is what cost them the game. One other thing, everyone loves beating up the young guys like Belly and Wicks, but as I outlined above it was actually the young guys that stood up in the last quarter whilst some of the superstars went missing.

[bloodspirit]

Rampe McCartin Cunningham
Lloyd Blakey McInerney

Hickey Parker Warner
Florent Mills Dawson

Wicks Franklin Heeney
Hayward McDonald Papley

Hewitt Gulden Rowbottom Campbell


Notes
1. I feel like I'm short one backman, but perhaps Campbell and Dawson to rotate back.
2. No ruck back-up either.

So two possible changes: Rowbottom/Campbell out for Amartey/O'Riordan

3. Omitting Melican leaves us with the height issue in back half. Partly addressed by Blakey in, but may point to some difficult choices. Can we play all of Blakey, Lloyd, Cunningham, McInerney, Campbell?

4. I'm happy to stick with Florent for now, but concede that he may be under some pressure.

This is a tough ask given we don't know what changes (and how many) there are going to be between now and then. But, I'll join the game. I'm going to guess that we will lose one of Parker or Hewett. Let's say it's Hewett.

From your team I would move McInerney to the wing in place of Florent and replace him with another KPD, let's say Paddy McCartin (who could also swing forward as needs be). Could also be Gould, Melican or O'Connor. Florent takes Hewett's place one the bench. Then, I'm going to back Campbell to develop his game and overtake Wicks in the forward pressure role. (If Campbell can't do that, then Wicks keeps his spot and Campbell doesn't get a place until he does.) Amartey (or another forward/ruck - again, could be P. McCartin or another new recruit) takes Campbell's place on the bench. Warner and Rowbottom will need to have good pre-seasons and earn their spots. Their best is more than good enough but if they're not fit and firing they could be replaced by others on the fringes.

[i'm-uninformed2]

This is a tough ask given we don't know what changes (and how many) there are going to be between now and then. But, I'll join the game. I'm going to guess that we will lose one of Parker or Hewett. Let's say it's Hewett.

From your team I would move McInerney to the wing in place of Florent and replace him with another KPD, let's say Paddy McCartin (who could also swing forward as needs be). Could also be Gould, Melican or O'Connor. Florent takes Hewett's place one the bench. Then, I'm going to back Campbell to develop his game and overtake Wicks in the forward pressure role. (If Campbell can't do that, then Wicks keeps his spot and Campbell doesn't get a place until he does.) Amartey (or another forward/ruck - again, could be P. McCartin or another new recruit) takes Campbell's place on the bench. Warner and Rowbottom will need to have good pre-seasons and earn their spots. Their best is more than good enough but if they're not fit and firing they could be replaced by others on the fringes.

I'm with you on JMac. I get they moved him back at one point for good reason, and he had to probably stay there once Blakey went down, and he did the role well.

But, I desperately want him through the centre of the ground. He covers so much terrain as a winger, folds back to help defence anyway, and then goes on long searching runs down the ground and delivers the ball inside 50 pretty well too. As well as use his speed to cover fast breaks from defence by the opposition.

The other element - and we got one glimpse of it a few games back - is his ability to occasionally go into the centre square to give us a dynamic mix in there. I prefer him to play predominantly outside, but he's got clear potential in there, and like Papley, can go in for bursts.

As I said, he can play defence well. But he's a player with so much impact, and I reckon it's maximised as a winger.

[The Runner]

I think the best thing about all of this thread, is there are going to be 25-28 players who you could mount a good argument for their Round 1 selection.
The last 5-8 years have probably felt like 16-18 quality locks and then rationalising then splitting hairs over some middle of the road players.
This will be the deepest we've batted for some time. And we aren't even discussing players coming from back of the pack (O'Connor, Sheather, Gould) or new draft picks pressing a case.

[Roadrunner]

I am sure he would like to impose himself more as well. The number of times he has got himself into space in recent weeks in front of the goals only to be ignored was very frustrating. The side on the weekend was way too buddy centric. The ball kept getting banged in high to buddy who was beaten on the day. In fact if you go to AFL.com.au stats pro and looks at Wicks extended highlights he was one of the players who was actually lowering his eyes and delivering to the best option. That option was Heeney and wicks delivered key passes to him that resulted in goals. The swans have to recognise when buddy is getting beaten and look for other options. I think this is what cost them the game. One other thing, everyone loves beating up the young guys like Belly and Wicks, but as I outlined above it was actually the young guys that stood up in the last quarter whilst some of the superstars went missing.

Agreed being too Buddy focused- I partly blame Buddy as he seems to demand the ball without leading and then gets beaten overhead. He and team should know by now that high marking is not his strength. Therefore he should be playing further up the ground where his field kicking is so effective. Problem was we didn’t have a marking tall up front to allow him to roam around.

Re young Wicks-maybe he is still learning the position and has only played a handful of games, so hopefully next year he will make a big impact.

[NeonBible]

Hi all,

Ruing the results from a disastrous season of Fantasy .. i was looking over some of the centre bounce attendances from the season.. interesting .. one thing that stood out to me..

Rounds 1-13 we ran an average of 6 midfielders through the centre each game
Rounds 15-23 (& the elimination final) we ran an average of 8 midfielders through the centre each game .. players like Gulden, MCinerney, Papley, Heeney, Campbell, Bell and Fox all went through there, and Hewett also.

I wonder if this is an indication that we are trying to add some more dynamism to our midfield ?? Perhaps we are trying to create a rotation of 7 or 8 who can go through the mids and give each centre bounce a different look ?? It will be very interesting to see if we continue this into 2022. If we do, i think the ones who will suffer the most will be the likes of Hewett (If he remains??) and Rowbottom , possibly Warner.. these players don't seem as capable of playing off a forward or half back flank or a wing as much as the others do.. i think having such a large rotation will require players being able to play multiple roles, and i'm not certain those 3 can. Could mean that they will have to really capitalise on their time in the centre otherwise they will have low possession games where they are bystanders in a way, similar to the games Hewett was having earlier in the year or that young Chad had on the weekend.

Do we think this is a good thing or a bad thing?? Am I wrong that a larger rotation of players going through the middle will hurt the more one-dimensional types??

Enjoyed talking footy with you all this year!!

CHEER CHEER

[Roadrunner]

Hi all,

Ruing the results from a disastrous season of Fantasy .. i was looking over some of the centre bounce attendances from the season.. interesting .. one thing that stood out to me..

Rounds 1-13 we ran an average of 6 midfielders through the centre each game
Rounds 15-23 (& the elimination final) we ran an average of 8 midfielders through the centre each game .. players like Gulden, MCinerney, Papley, Heeney, Campbell, Bell and Fox all went through there, and Hewett also.

I wonder if this is an indication that we are trying to add some more dynamism to our midfield ?? Perhaps we are trying to create a rotation of 7 or 8 who can go through the mids and give each centre bounce a different look ?? It will be very interesting to see if we continue this into 2022. If we do, i think the ones who will suffer the most will be the likes of Hewett (If he remains??) and Rowbottom , possibly Warner.. these players don't seem as capable of playing off a forward or half back flank or a wing as much as the others do.. i think having such a large rotation will require players being able to play multiple roles, and i'm not certain those 3 can. Could mean that they will have to really capitalise on their time in the centre otherwise they will have low possession games where they are bystanders in a way, similar to the games Hewett was having earlier in the year or that young Chad had on the weekend.

Do we think this is a good thing or a bad thing?? Am I wrong that a larger rotation of players going through the middle will hurt the more one-dimensional types??

Enjoyed talking footy with you all this year!!

CHEER CHEER

Hi Neon,
Enjoyed your posts over the season.
Re the midfield: Bell won’t play there and Fox belongs to the backline. Paps and Heeney in short bursts as needed, as their main role should be up forward. Joey to play limited time in midfield and is very capable in attack. So our main mids will be Parks, Mills, George ( we need him) Rowie, Errol and Braeden in short spells and resting up forward, and JMac.

I feel very comfortable with this group and see no problems resting them in the forward line- we need the versatility and different matchups depending on the opposition.

- - - Updated - - -

Hi Neon,
Enjoyed your posts over the season.
Re the midfield: Bell won’t play there and Fox belongs to the backline. Paps and Heeney in short bursts as needed, as their main role should be up forward. Joey to play limited time in midfield and is very capable in attack. So our main mids will be Parks, Mills, George ( we need him) Rowie, Errol and Braeden in short spells and resting up forward, and JMac.

I feel very comfortable with this group and see no problems resting them in the forward line- we need the versatility and different matchups depending on the opposition.

I forgot the Chad!!

[bloodspirit]

Hi all,

Ruing the results from a disastrous season of Fantasy .. i was looking over some of the centre bounce attendances from the season.. interesting .. one thing that stood out to me..

Rounds 1-13 we ran an average of 6 midfielders through the centre each game
Rounds 15-23 (& the elimination final) we ran an average of 8 midfielders through the centre each game .. players like Gulden, MCinerney, Papley, Heeney, Campbell, Bell and Fox all went through there, and Hewett also.

I wonder if this is an indication that we are trying to add some more dynamism to our midfield ?? Perhaps we are trying to create a rotation of 7 or 8 who can go through the mids and give each centre bounce a different look ?? It will be very interesting to see if we continue this into 2022. If we do, i think the ones who will suffer the most will be the likes of Hewett (If he remains??) and Rowbottom , possibly Warner.. these players don't seem as capable of playing off a forward or half back flank or a wing as much as the others do.. i think having such a large rotation will require players being able to play multiple roles, and i'm not certain those 3 can. Could mean that they will have to really capitalise on their time in the centre otherwise they will have low possession games where they are bystanders in a way, similar to the games Hewett was having earlier in the year or that young Chad had on the weekend.

Do we think this is a good thing or a bad thing?? Am I wrong that a larger rotation of players going through the middle will hurt the more one-dimensional types??

Enjoyed talking footy with you all this year!!

CHEER CHEER

Great observation! And I think you're right that we will (and we do) value versatility. However I'm not so quick to dismiss the versatility of some of the players you mention. In particular, Hewett is versatile. He has a lot of skills and they are useful around the ground (can win contested ball, has a good tank, excellent user of the footy by hand and by foot on both sides of his body, strong tackler) - although it's true he was wasted playing the Mills role in defence. Hewett is also a reliable set shot for goal. As for Chad and Rowie I reckon they can develop more skills and become more versatile. Gulden and McInerney are already there - both absolutely wonderful players.

I too have enjoyed your contributions this year. I hope you're not signing off until 2022?

[NeonBible]

Great observation! And I think you're right that we will (and we do) value versatility. However I'm not so quick to dismiss the versatility of some of the players you mention. In particular, Hewett is versatile. He has a lot of skills and they are useful around the ground (can win contested ball, has a good tank, excellent user of the footy by hand and by foot on both sides of his body, strong tackler) - although it's true he was wasted playing the Mills role in defence. Hewett is also a reliable set shot for goal. As for Chad and Rowie I reckon they can develop more skills and become more versatile. Gulden and McInerney are already there - both absolutely wonderful players.

I too have enjoyed your contributions this year. I hope you're not signing off until 2022?

Maybe, and I am not diminishing George, Chad or Rowy's ability, more that they may have to "make it or break it" as hard on-ballers at the centre bounce and at stoppages, unless they can develop more strings to their bow.. George has good defensive capabilities as you say, and Chad might be able to make do as a forward when he's there, he can certainly find the big sticks!! But will these boys be able to impress enough in these other roles to have rounded enough performances to keep their spots?? That will be the question.. Errol, Juzzy, Paps these boys, we know can go in a centre bounce and be electric but are also very well suited to other roles like the wing or a forward pocket or flank, so they will always have a spot in the team. It will certainly be interesting to see how we fit all these boys into the one team.. IF we can fit them all into the one team!!

And not quite signing out for the year bloodspirit, though my interest in footy wanes during the off-season.. i can't seem to get into the rumours and speculation about who we will trade in or out.. now that my sons have also moved out of the under 18s system where they played with a lot of the boys who have been drafted over the last 4 or 5 years, i also have no clue about the kids in the draft!! I tend to fall off the grid heh..

My hopes though are that we can keep Parker, Dawson and Hewett, especially the first 2. I would be rather sad if we lost them as key pillars of the team but also confident enough when i think about the names who couldn't always get regular games this season .. Campbell, McDonald, Rowbottom, Blakey etc.. that i think we could cover them. Might set us back a year or two though, which is far from ideal as we only have a good year or two left with Buddy, Joey, Ramps and Hickey.. Then for the draft we could go a key defender.. put some pressure on Melican to perform or even possibly overtake Melican and form a good young defensive partnership with Tommy Mac.

Exciting times! Looking forward to it!!

CHEER CHEER

[sprite]

Throwing my hat in the ring here:

Assumption is keeping Parker and Hewett.

B - Rampe - T McCartin - Cunningham

HB - Blakey - Amarty - McInerny

C - Dawson - Mills - Rowbottom

HF - Gulden - Franklin - Papley

F - Heeney - McDonald - Wicks

R - Hickey - Parker - Chad (along with Rowbottom will grow into the contested mid role)

I/C - Hewett - McLean - Lloyd – Hayward

Sub – Florent

I have put Amarty into defence as he has good speed, a great leap, can take contested marks and reads the play well. It worked for McCartin why not Joel?

I keep McLean in as back up ruck and forward, he started to show something against Mumford in ruck contests that he can develop on.

As we move into the next premiership window, unfortunately there has to be some casualties;

Kennedy has signed a one year contract so he knows the writing is on the wall, the kids now need to step up fill his boots.

Buddy may not get to play all games as we manage his load so McLean can step into the role.

Sam Reid is interesting if we keep him, will probably get limited opportunities and will end up as a back up to McLean / McDonald.


Lloyd’s role as a distributor is now being threatened by Blakey and McInerny who provide more dash and willingness to take on the opposition. He may well return to his original position when he was recruited as a mid on the wing.

Fox and COR are unlucky to be left out but both can be valuable back up to the backline in case of injury.


I’m not sure about Paddy McCartin, he is possibly one severe knock away from being forced into retirement. From what I have seen of him in reserve games (only watching on Kayo) he is definitely better than most out there and almost seems that he is cruising. That may be the reason he hasn’t been picked up.

Are there any others running around in the reserves that could be added here? Happy for new information.