R1 22 2022 - Bring it on

[The Runner]

I'm really excited to see what Ladhams brings for us. I thought McLean was great this year, but he doesn't yet provide an adequate chop out in the ruck.
We will have a high quality ruck with a very good relief - something I don't think we've had since Mummy and Pyke.

And 3 regular quality talls in the forward line. With Hayward and Heeney able to stretch defences even further.

However, we need Wicks in the team. He's the only forward who plays defensively. In modern footy this is essential to curb the running half backs.

In the back half, can we play all 3 of Cunningham, Lloyd and Campbell in the one unit?

[Roadrunner]

I'm really excited to see what Ladhams brings for us. I thought McLean was great this year, but he doesn't yet provide an adequate chop out in the ruck.
We will have a high quality ruck with a very good relief - something I don't think we've had since Mummy and Pyke.

And 3 regular quality talls in the forward line. With Hayward and Heeney able to stretch defences even further.

However, we need Wicks in the team. He's the only forward who plays defensively. In modern footy this is essential to curb the running half backs.

In the back half, can we play all 3 of Cunningham, Lloyd and Campbell in the one unit?

Also Paps in the forward line! Not so sure if we need Wicks, based on his games towards the latter part of the year. If his role was to curb the running half backs, I don’t think he did this very well. I think he needs to improve his game and goal kicking to earn his place in the team. I guess I’m not a fan based on his current form but I don’t want to write him off as he can play a valuable role and contribute to the team.

Regarding Campbell- please play him in midfield, Horse. That’s his natural position and we have players like COR and others for the backline.

[Roadrunner]

Buddy, Ladhams and Logan our 3 talls upfront, with McLean and Amartey as back up. Depending who else we move as a tall down back- could be Paddy if we get him, or Sammy-at some stage we need to try Gould and O’Connor.

I think Blakey can cover Dawso’s loss and whilst preferred to still have him with us, I think by gaining Ladhams we have actually strengthened our team, provided he can play his role for us. Should be good for a goal or two per game and give big Tom a rest as needed. With incremental improvement of our youngsters to be expected, we should be playing really exciting football in 2022 and beyond. A great time to be a supporter!

[sharp9]

Im not writing anyone off i am saying there are players with star potential and those without it . You need solid players like Mclean Bell Rowbottom Wicks on the list but they shouldnt be in the team over the talented ones with star potential , Campbell Mcdonald Stephens Sheather need to be the priorities more next yr and i bet they will be

I don’t know if you are having a laugh, but….Rowbottom has serious star potential. Don’t bother replying with your “reasons,” I’ve been reading them all year. Watch his highlight reel from 2020. Seriously good.

[TheBloods]

I don’t know if you are having a laugh, but….Rowbottom has serious star potential. Don’t bother replying with your “reasons,” I’ve been reading them all year. Watch his highlight reel from 2020. Seriously good.

Not having a laugh , thats my opinion , you have yours , we move on

[Aprilbr]

I knew you would say drop Rowbottom for Wicks but I understand your reasoning.
Re PMac, yes he's not in yet and may not be. If not, Fox, Melican, Gould or BOC with left field options of Amartey or Reid. The third key defender is definitely a very open position.

Wicks played every game in 2021 as a 21 year old. I think that was a great effort and reflects his value to the side in the eyes of our coaches. I think he will continue to improve on the offensive side of his game (including goal kicking I hope!) and I am very glad that he re-signed.

[royboy42]

I can NOT take another season of one player being torn down relentlessly by one contributor. Please do not start it again

[Bloods05]

I can NOT take another season of one player being torn down relentlessly by one contributor. Please do not start it again

Amen to that. We are supporters.

[Rod_]

Amen to that. We are supporters.

Halleluiah, positive team play!

I'm on board!

[707]

I can thoroughly recommend re watching our winning games from this season, I'm getting excited all over again about our potential, exciting times :-)

[Mark26]

I can thoroughly recommend re watching our winning games from this season, I'm getting excited all over again about our potential, exciting times :-)

I'm doing exactly the same thing! I'm limiting myself one quarter per day. On footy rations.

[Aprilbr]

That sounds like good therapy, gang. I must try it!

[barry]

Fox footy had a good summary of our premiership window. It went something like this.
2022 - A smokey. If Buddy can stay fit and impact, and young'n continue upward trend, and we can cover for Dawson.
Otherwise the window opens up 2025-2027 when the next generation kick in. Maybe earlier if we use the cap space from Buddy to target an established star.

[wolftone57]

Wicks played every game in 2021 as a 21 year old. I think that was a great effort and reflects his value to the side in the eyes of our coaches. I think he will continue to improve on the offensive side of his game (including goal kicking I hope!) and I am very glad that he re-signed.

A few things were mentioned about Wicks' defensive game, not by you but the chap you answered. He was very effective I think. In Fact he was not effective against teams who have two fast defenders giving them drive. Why? Because opposition targeted Papley. It started with Essendon. They stuck Hind on Paps. Wicks took Guelfi which was probably a mistake.

Paps, while a great small forward, goal kicker and attacking beast, is not the best defensive player in the comp. He used to be great but some of his efforts in the last few years have been extremely lazy. Opposition coaches have noticed and now they play their most dangerous attacking weapon at HB on him to run off and create. In the Essendon game Wicks was literally chasing two blokes.

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[Roadrunner]

A few things were mentioned about Wicks' defensive game, not by you but the chap you answered. He was very effective I think. In Fact he was not effective against teams who have two fast defenders giving them drive. Why? Because opposition targeted Papley. It started with Essendon. They stuck Hind on Paps. Wicks took Guelfi which was probably a mistake.

Paps, while a great small forward, goal kicker and attacking beast, is not the best defensive player in the comp. He used to be great but some of his efforts in the last few years have been extremely lazy. Opposition coaches have noticed and now they play their most dangerous attacking weapon at HB on him to run off and create. In the Essendon game Wicks was literally chasing two blokes.


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I’m sorry but I don’t agree. A forward’s job first and foremost is to score or assist in scoring. His secondary job is to help in defence if his team needs this. With Paps, he always gets one of the best defenders and as long as he kicks and/or assists in a bagful, I don’t care if his man runs off him.

I appreciate Wicks’ s defensive play, but wish he would impact more with scoring- scoreboard pressure is the best pressure you can exert on your opposition!