First 22 next year

[Midnight Vultures]

What would be your team for Round 1 next year hypothetically, if we had no injuries?

I know things might change with the draft/trading/whatever, but I'm so pumped for next year, be interesting to see what actually happens.

I'm assuming Lovett gets traded.

B Myers Fletcher Houli

HB Dempsey Ryder Reimers

C Lloyd Watson McPhee

HF Davey Lucas Jetta

F Monfries Neagle Lonergan

R Hille McVeigh Stanton

INT Laycock Slattery Welsh Winderlich

EMG Gumbleton Lovett-Murray Nash

Would like to see Gumbleton play at least the first few rounds in the VFL, and Lovett-Murray and Nash to be made to really earn their spots next year. Hislop, Hocking and Pears all knocking on the door. Bellchambers hopefully pushing Laycock for selection in a mutually beneficial situation. Not sure where Dyson is at for this, hopefully he can have another killer preseason and get up to AFL standard.

[Ben the Gooner]

B: Slattery - Fletcher - Reimers
HB: Dempsey - Ryder - Houli
C: Winderlich - Welsh - Lovett
HF: Monfries - Lloyd - McPhee
F: Gumbleton - Lucas - Davey
R: Hille - Stanton - Watson
I: McVeigh - Jetta - Laycock - Lonergan

But this is pointless until we know who we've traded and who we've drafted.

[essendon2008]

I would have Gumbleton starting up at half forward or on a wing. If his fitness isn't so good he could push into a pocket and have Lucas and Lloyd doing the Richo type roles with Gumbleton, Neagle and the smalls up forward.

[efcboy]

B: Pears - Fletcher - Myers
HB: Dempsey - Ryder - McPhee
C: Stanton - Watson - Reimers
HF: Monfries - Lucas - Jetta
F: Gumbleton - Lloyd - Davey
R: Hille - Welsh - McVeigh
I: Winderlich - Nash - Laycock - Houli

I think its going to be important for either Pears or Hurley? to play beside Fletcher whilst he's still around probably in his last year.

[aintplayin03]

B: Pears Fletcher Lovett-Murray
HB: Houli Ryder Dempsey
C: Reimers Watson Lovett
HF: Jetta Lloyd McPhee
F: Davey Lucas Neagle
Fol: Hille Welsh McVeigh

I/C: Laycock, Gumbleton, Lonergan, Monfries.

-Pears I rate very highly. Has great composure, and after watching a few VFL games I have been very impressed with his work rate and skills.
-Lovett-Murray I am not too sure about, but filling that back position was very hard with Slattery and others who could play.
-Dempsey is a gun and I just hope he can stay injury free. Integral to our game plan.
-Reimiers I wanted to put HFF, but Knights has said he wants to play him on a wing.
-Lovett is one of my favourite players, but that is presuming he's not traded.
-Stanton will be there, but I don't rate him personally and the team was hard to pick so I left him out. Probably take Lovett out, him in.
-Jetta will get stints in the midfield and will probably play up the ground from HF, and at times will swap with Davey in midfield roles.
-I havn't seen enough of Gumby, so I think he'll probably start on the bench at the very start of the season and then get swapped around with Neagle, Lucas and Lloydy.

[Ludwig van Bertstare]

B: Slattery, Fletcher, Dempsey
HB: Myers, Ryder, Reimers
C: Stanton, Watson, Winderlich
HF: McPhee, Lucas, Davey
F: Monfries, Lloyd, Jetta

FOLL: Hille, Welsh, McVeigh

I/C: Laycock, Houli, Lonergan, Gumbleton

[Slattery_20]

Fck me. NLM in over Slattery. Lovett over Stanton. No small defender at all. I have just about seen it all.
Did you think about playing 3 rucks at all? Maybe 17 forwards and no midfield?

Not you RIG. Post above

[dirtywhitepacker]

B: Pears - Fletcher - Myers
HB: Dempsey - Ryder - Houli
C: Winderlich - Watson - McVeigh
HF: Gumbleton - Lucas - Reimers
F: Davey - Lloyd - Monfries
R: Hille - Stanton - Welsh
I/C: Laycock - McPhee - Lonergan - Hocking

Em: Neagle - Slattery - Hislop

[Slattery_20]

I must have missed where we suddenly recruited another few back pockets. My mistake, I would have had our only tight small defender in the team.

[Ben the Gooner]

Fck me. NLM in over Slattery. Lovett over Stanton. No small defender at all. I have just about seen it all.
Did you think about playing 3 rucks at all? Maybe 17 forwards and no midfield?

Not you RIG. Post above

I liked the bit where our best midfielder missed out.

[dirtywhitepacker]

I must have missed where we suddenly recruited another few back pockets. My mistake, I would have had our only tight small defender in the team.

We don't have any "tight" small defenders in our squad in my opinion.

[monfries_monster]

I have also assumed Lovett will be traded.

FB Pears Fletcher Slattery
HB Myers Ryder Dempsey
C McVeigh Houli Welsh
HF Monfries Gumbleton Lucas
FF Davey Lloyd Jetta
R Hille Stanton Watson

I Laycock Neagle Lonergan Reimers

Em: Hislop McPhee Winderlich

[Midnight Vultures]

We don't have any "tight" small defenders in our squad in my opinion.

Slatts is the definition of a tight small defender IMO.

[Spikey]

All this talk of 'tight' defenders is freaking me out

[Ben the Gooner]

All this talk of 'tight' defenders is freaking me out

You've got a filthy mind. They're talking about the way Slats spends his money. Never try and borrow 5 bucks from him:eek:

[Spikey]

He's Jewish?

Oh and Slatts Wiki:

Slattery has also been noted for his similarity in appearance to former Essendon Football Club captain, and current Assistant Coach Gary O'Donnell

:D:thumbsu:

[Ben the Gooner]

He's Jewish?

Oh and Slatts Wiki:



:D:thumbsu:

Remember last year when everyone wanted Spike to get #5, Slats ended up with #10 every time because he looks like GO'D?:D

[dirtywhitepacker]

Slatts is the definition of a tight small defender IMO.

Too often gives his opponent too much space. Needs to attach himself to his opponents hip and plug holes. He is getting there, but not quite yet. Kind of in limbo. Needs to position himself better.

[eth-dog]

minus Lovett

B: McPhee-Fletcher-Slattery
HB: Winderlich-Ryder-Myers
C: Stanton-Watson-Houli
R: Hille-Welsh-McVeigh
HF: Reimers-Lucas-Davey
F: Monfries-Lloyd-Neagle
Int (from): Gumbleton-Jetta-Dempsey-Nash
Laycock-Lonergan-Lovett-Murray
bold-probable emergencies

[Spikey]

Remember last year when everyone wanted Spike to get #5, Slats ended up with #10 every time because he looks like GO'D?:D

Its only a matter of time before GO'D admits to getting a girl from the West Adelaide area pregnant in 1985....

[Sigmund]

minus Lovett

B: McPhee-Fletcher-Slattery
HB: Winderlich-Ryder-Myers
C: Stanton-Watson-Houli
R: Hille-Welsh-McVeigh
HF: Reimers-Lucas-Davey
F: Monfries-Lloyd-Neagle
Int (from): Gumbleton-Jetta-Dempsey-Nash
Laycock-Lonergan-Lovett-Murray
bold-probable emergencies


Not a bad team eth.. but I would never have widers in the backline. He loses his opponent very easily. Fine as an attacking defender, but really wonder about his defensive side. Wing for me

[TheDon35]

Pears Fletcher Hislop

Myers Ryder Dempsey

Stanton Watson Houli

Gumbleton Lucas Davey

Monfries Lloyd Reimers

Hille Lonergan McViegh

Laycock McPhee Winderlich Jetta


Time to move forward. Plenty of youth, plenty of talent and hunger, no dead weight.

If we're going to start to genuinely challenge for the finals, we need to start getting games into as many of the these youngsters as possible.

[Phat Toni]

B: Pears - Fletcher - Myers
HB: Dempsey - Ryder - McPhee
C: Stanton - Watson - Reimers
HF: Monfries - Lucas - Jetta
F: Gumbleton - Lloyd - Davey
R: Hille - Welsh - McVeigh
I: Winderlich - Nash - Laycock - Houli

I think its going to be important for either Pears or Hurley? to play beside Fletcher whilst he's still around probably in his last year.

A little less Pears and Nash with a little more Neagle and Lonergan

[Longy413]

Too often gives his opponent too much space. Needs to attach himself to his opponents hip and plug holes. He is getting there, but not quite yet. Kind of in limbo. Needs to position himself better.

Got beaten less times this year than Fletcher and Ryder.

I notice you have both of them in key positions.

[Slattery_20]

Got beaten less times this year than Fletcher and Ryder.

I notice you have both of them in key positions.
There's a big blind spot for Fletch's man in most don's fans eyes

Would prefer to see even Hooker given a gig if he can just stick with a tall forward and free up Fletch to basically play Nash's role from this year
And I don't even think Hooker's ready yet, he just has proved that he can stay with a man and make himself an annoyance. Reminds me a little bit of Harry Taylor, who I honestly don't think is that good but recently dominated Reiwoldt

[kelvin_sheedy]

Got beaten less times this year than Fletcher and Ryder.

I notice you have both of them in key positions.

Are you talking Slattery because that is madness.

Didak, Stokes, Brad Johson, Milne, Burton, Ebert, Moore, Brown, Douglas are just a few that Henry was beaten by.

[Longy413]

In a lot of those games we were systimatically flogged..
Collingwood, Geelong, St Kilda.

Brad Johnson kicked three cheat goals and one from a turnover that wasn't Henry's.

Didak only kicked one goal.
Milne had a day out both times.
Slattery beat Burton, the damage was done on Welsh.

Ebert, Moore, Douglas only kicked two each, they hardly had a day out.

Brown also played a cheats game against Henry.

Ryder has five kicked on him by Jonathan Brown and we praise him for playing a good game, Henry has two kicked on him and we say he gets beaten.

[kelvin_sheedy]

The same excuses your making for Henry you can make for Ryder and Fletch.

Ryder and Fletch play on the big guys that are likely to kick 5+. In all fairness they have done much better than Henry by a long way.

I'm not averse to leaving Slatts out of the 22 and having a NLM do his job with McPhee going back there or giving Pears an extended run.

[aintplayin03]

If you looked at what I wrote, I said Lovett would be out and Stanton in instead, as Lovett will be getting traded and I was struggling to fit everyone in. I rate NLM higher than Slattery, deal with it. And Stanton is no where near our best midfielder (did you just choose to ignore Jobe and McVeigh or are you stupid?).

[bomber69]

I would have Gumbleton starting up at half forward or on a wing. If his fitness isn't so good he could push into a pocket and have Lucas and Lloyd doing the Richo type roles with Gumbleton, Neagle and the smalls up forward.
If his fitness is not good enough to run out one game (and in round one!), especially after a pre-season, the fitness staff should be sacked!

[Mr Mosquito]

B: Dempsey Fletcher Pears
HB: Myers Ryder McPhee
C: McVeigh Welsh Stanton
HF: Davey Lloyd Riemers
F: Monfries Neagle Jetta
R:Hille, Watson, Lonergan
Int:Laycock, Gumbleton, Houli, Slattery

Emerg: Lovett-Murray, Winderlich, Nash,

Pears - Dont beleive he is in our best 22 currently BUT i believe knights sees him as our future FB and will give him the game time while fletcher is around.

Gumbleton - very talented, simply just has to play

Nash - rate him, but cant find a place for him

NLM - hope he gets traded or does a knee in game 1

Team will probably change as we should play our No. 5 draft pick or whoever we get through trade. ie Mundy, Kerr, Dal Santo or if we use our pick HURLEY

[loopy_cam]

NLM - hope he gets traded or does a knee in game 1



Stupid comment. :thumbsd:

[Mr Mosquito]

Stupid comment. :thumbsd:

yes, was clearly joking. I believe that he will be part of our plans for next year, was simply stating that I dont the he should be.

he has had plenty of chances and his good patches are few and far between

[Ben the Gooner]

If you looked at what I wrote, I said Lovett would be out and Stanton in instead, as Lovett will be getting traded and I was struggling to fit everyone in. I rate NLM higher than Slattery, deal with it. And Stanton is no where near our best midfielder (did you just choose to ignore Jobe and McVeigh or are you stupid?).

I genuinely believe that Stants is better than Jobe and McVeigh. "Deal with it".

B: Dempsey Fletcher Pears
HB: Myers Ryder McPhee
C: McVeigh Welsh Stanton
HF: Davey Lloyd Riemers
F: Monfries Neagle Jetta
R:Hille, Watson, Lonergan
Int:Laycock, Gumbleton, Houli, Slattery

Emerg: Lovett-Murray, Winderlich, Nash,

Pears - Dont beleive he is in our best 22 currently BUT i believe knights sees him as our future FB and will give him the game time while fletcher is around.

Gumbleton - very talented, simply just has to play

Nash - rate him, but cant find a place for him

NLM - hope he gets traded or does a knee in game 1

Team will probably change as we should play our No. 5 draft pick or whoever we get through trade. ie Mundy, Kerr, Dal Santo or if we use our pick HURLEY

No Scotty?

[slugger]

B: Slattery Fletcher Pears
HB: Houli Ryder Myers
C: Winderlich Watson Stanton
HF: Monfries Lloyd Reimers
F: Gumbleton Lucas Davey
R: Hille Welsh McVeigh
Int: Lonergan McPhee Jetta Bellchambers

Ignoring of course: trades and draftees

[Jonesy1987]

FB: Dempsey, Fletcher, Pears
HB: Houli, Ryder, Mcphee
C: Myers, Stanton, Watson
HF: Monfries, Lucas, Davey
FF: Jetta, Lloyd, Neagle
R: Hille, Mcveigh, Lonergan
Inter: Bellchambers, Welsh, Gumbleton, Reimers

EMER: Slattery, Hislop, Winderlich

[kelvin_sheedy]

FB: NLM, Fletcher, Ryder
HB: Houli, McPhee, Dempsey
C: Winderlich, Watson, Stanton
HF: Lloyd, Lucas, Davey
FF: Jetta, Neagle, Monfries
R: Hille, Mcveigh, Welsh
Inter: Laycock, Lonergan, Myers/Lovett, Reimers

EMER: Gumbleton, Slattery, Hislop, Pears

McPhee to go back. With Monfries improvement and Lloyd and Lucas fit we have enough quality up forward. What we need is a third tall defender with a bit more quality. McPhee can play on the likes of O'keefe, Murphy. Ryder and Fletch to play on the talls or resting ruckman.

NLM to play on the best small forward.

Houli and Dempsey to provide the run from half back.

Neagle to provide the big body target at full forward.

Would like to put Gumbleton in there but it's a running game now and I don't think you can play two big blokes on the bench or 4 tall forwards. As long as 3 of Lloyd, Lucas, Neagle, Gumbelton are available we should be right.

[drybones]

I really am just looking forward to (fingers crossed) getting full seasons out of Houli, Davey, Gumby, Reimers, Neagle and Myers. These boys are the key youngsters from all parts of the ground. I know there's not really a defender in that group but Ryder has played a full season and he is the key man down back so he's well on his way. These 6 guys need to follow in his footsteps and play something close to a full season and we'll be right.
Simply need these guys to develop to the potential they have and we should be aiming very high in 2-3 years time.. I can see a midfield combination of Houli, Watson, Stanton and Myers being one of the best in the business in a few years time..

[eth-dog]

Not a bad team eth.. but I would never have widers in the backline. He loses his opponent very easily. Fine as an attacking defender, but really wonder about his defensive side. Wing for me
I think we need a fast HB line, and our starting midfield is pretty settled, with Stants and Houli on the wings, and our 3 toughies in the middle. I think he could start as an attacking defender, and if his defensive game isn't up to it, swap him with Houli or someone like that

[longytap]

Lovett/murray fletcher mcveigh
stanton ryder mcphee
lovett watson houli
riemers lloydy neagle
davey lucas jetta
hille lonergan welsh

bench: Myers,monfries,lazycock,slattery

imo: Gumbleton could easily slot in but he's a bit unkown atm.

[longytap]

Totally off topic, but how do u get elavated off BF newbie status it seems like ages??:confused:

[Ben the Gooner]

Totally off topic, but how do u get elavated off BF newbie status it seems like ages??:confused:

I think it's 100 posts.

Don't be a post whore, though.;):p

[longytap]

Cheers mate:thumbsu::)

[rusman]

B Houli, Bachar (http://www.bombersfc.com.au/TheClub/Players/PlayerProfile/tabid/7739/Default.aspx?playerid=15465&typeid=2), Fletcher, Dustin (http://www.bombersfc.com.au/TheClub/Players/PlayerProfile/tabid/7739/Default.aspx?playerid=14124&typeid=2), Ryder, Patrick (http://www.bombersfc.com.au/TheClub/Players/PlayerProfile/tabid/7739/Default.aspx?playerid=14153&typeid=2)

H/b Dempsey, Courtenay (http://www.bombersfc.com.au/TheClub/Players/PlayerProfile/tabid/7739/Default.aspx?playerid=14121&typeid=2), Lucas, Scott Myers, David (http://www.bombersfc.com.au/TheClub/Players/PlayerProfile/tabid/7739/Default.aspx?playerid=18320&typeid=2)

M Stanton, Brent (http://www.bombersfc.com.au/TheClub/Players/PlayerProfile/tabid/7739/Default.aspx?playerid=14156&typeid=2), Watson, Jobe (http://www.bombersfc.com.au/TheClub/Players/PlayerProfile/tabid/7739/Default.aspx?playerid=14157&typeid=2), Reimers, Kyle (http://www.bombersfc.com.au/TheClub/Players/PlayerProfile/tabid/7739/Default.aspx?playerid=15467&typeid=2)

H/f Monfries, Angus (http://www.bombersfc.com.au/TheClub/Players/PlayerProfile/tabid/7739/Default.aspx?playerid=14145&typeid=2), Lloyd, Matthew J. (http://www.bombersfc.com.au/TheClub/Players/PlayerProfile/tabid/7739/Default.aspx?playerid=14136&typeid=2) McPhee,Adam (http://www.bombersfc.com.au/TheClub/Players/PlayerProfile/tabid/7739/Default.aspx?playerid=14143&typeid=2)


F Davey, Alwyn (http://www.bombersfc.com.au/TheClub/Players/PlayerProfile/tabid/7739/Default.aspx?playerid=15462&typeid=2), Gumbleton, Scott (http://www.bombersfc.com.au/TheClub/Players/PlayerProfile/tabid/7739/Default.aspx?playerid=15463&typeid=2)/Neagle, Jay (http://www.bombersfc.com.au/TheClub/Players/PlayerProfile/tabid/7739/Default.aspx?playerid=14147&typeid=2), Lonergan, Sam (http://www.bombersfc.com.au/TheClub/Players/PlayerProfile/tabid/7739/Default.aspx?playerid=14137&typeid=2)



Rucks: Hille, David (http://www.bombersfc.com.au/TheClub/Players/PlayerProfile/tabid/7739/Default.aspx?playerid=14127&typeid=2), McVeigh, Mark (http://www.bombersfc.com.au/TheClub/Players/PlayerProfile/tabid/7739/Default.aspx?playerid=14144&typeid=2) , Welsh, Andrew (http://www.bombersfc.com.au/TheClub/Players/PlayerProfile/tabid/7739/Default.aspx?playerid=14158&typeid=2)

Int: Laycock, Jason (http://www.bombersfc.com.au/TheClub/Players/PlayerProfile/tabid/7739/Default.aspx?playerid=14134&typeid=2), Nash, Jay (http://www.bombersfc.com.au/TheClub/Players/PlayerProfile/tabid/7739/Default.aspx?playerid=14146&typeid=2), Slattery, Henry (http://www.bombersfc.com.au/TheClub/Players/PlayerProfile/tabid/7739/Default.aspx?playerid=14154&typeid=2), Pears, Tayte (http://www.bombersfc.com.au/TheClub/Players/PlayerProfile/tabid/7739/Default.aspx?playerid=18319&typeid=2)

EMG: Dyson, Ricky, Hislop, Tom (http://www.bombersfc.com.au/TheClub/Players/PlayerProfile/tabid/7739/Default.aspx?playerid=15464&typeid=2), Jetta, Leroy (http://www.bombersfc.com.au/TheClub/Players/PlayerProfile/tabid/7739/Default.aspx?playerid=15466&typeid=2), Lovett-Murray, Nathan (http://www.bombersfc.com.au/TheClub/Players/PlayerProfile/tabid/7739/Default.aspx?playerid=14139&typeid=2)
Winderlich, Jason (http://www.bombersfc.com.au/TheClub/Players/PlayerProfile/tabid/7739/Default.aspx?playerid=14159&typeid=2)


Big plus I found it very difficult to make a team. This shows our depth that we have found over this season J

Lovett, Andrew (http://www.bombersfc.com.au/TheClub/Players/PlayerProfile/tabid/7739/Default.aspx?playerid=14138&typeid=2): Given he’s gone

Lucas, Scott: So dangerous in the forward line however is a proven defender. Might be worth his experience down their to develop Pears, Ryder, Neagle and Gumby.

McPhee, Adam (http://www.bombersfc.com.au/TheClub/Players/PlayerProfile/tabid/7739/Default.aspx?playerid=14143&typeid=2): Although I am not McPhee’s biggest fan I had to put him in. He presents well however I don’t like his decision making or foot skills. Tends to hold the ball up to much for my liking. Also I think he takes the utility spot over NLM.

Jetta: seems to be in everyone’s teams with 22 games under his belt and in his 2nd season of footy only averaging 9 possessions and 0.61 goals per a game I think he is unproven. He kicked multiple goals only 3 times this year (I think). Although I think next year he will improve dramatically for I think he is an extreme talent I have to leave him out of my 22 man squad.

Bellchambers, Tom (http://www.bombersfc.com.au/TheClub/Players/PlayerProfile/tabid/7739/Default.aspx?playerid=18439&typeid=2): Pushing for #2 ruckman from what I saw of him this year. Talented and mobile.

Hislop, Tom (http://www.bombersfc.com.au/TheClub/Players/PlayerProfile/tabid/7739/Default.aspx?playerid=15464&typeid=2): Loved what I saw of him this year showed a lot of heart.


Players who will play limited games without big improvements.
Daniher, Darcy (http://www.bombersfc.com.au/TheClub/Players/PlayerProfile/tabid/7739/Default.aspx?playerid=15837&typeid=2)
Hocking, Heath (http://www.bombersfc.com.au/TheClub/Players/PlayerProfile/tabid/7739/Default.aspx?playerid=14129&typeid=2)
Hooker, Cale (http://www.bombersfc.com.au/TheClub/Players/PlayerProfile/tabid/7739/Default.aspx?playerid=18321&typeid=2)

[donsman4eva]

FB: NLM, Fletcher, Slattery
HB: Winderlich, Ryder, Myers
C: Stanton, Watson, McPhee
HF: Gumbleton, Lucas, Reimers
FF: Lloyd, Neagle, Davey
Rucks: Hille, McVeigh, Houli

Inter: Welsh, Monfries, Laycock, Lonergan
Emer: NLM, Nash, Jetta

I think we have been lacking attacking defenders for the last couple of years. Sean Wellman was a huge influence in our attacks back in the early 00's. Since his retirement and Rama's illness, we have severly lacked a creative influence in defense. Winderlich and Myers both have decent pace and good foot skills that can be utilised in rebounds. Add Houli to that list, and Dempsey if he ever gets fit.

[chewyonyaboot]

FB: NLM, Fletcher, Slattery
HB: Winderlich, Ryder, Myers
C: Houli , Watson, McPhee
HF:, Jetta, Lucas, Reimers
FF: Neagle, Lloyd, Davey
Rucks: Hille, McVeigh, Stanton
Inter: Welsh, Monfries, Laycock, Lonergan
Emer: lovett, Nash, Gumbleton

[Slattery_20]

The same excuses your making for Henry you can make for Ryder and Fletch.

Ryder and Fletch play on the big guys that are likely to kick 5+. In all fairness they have done much better than Henry by a long way.

I'm not averse to leaving Slatts out of the 22 and having a NLM do his job with McPhee going back there or giving Pears an extended run.
And vice versa.
We don't have a single backman who could honestly say they had a good year. Slatts at the very least gave a physical contest every time and improved as the season wore on.
For eg Paddy was our best tall back and still had how many kicked on him. A lot.

Disagree with the italic bit. Fairness or not, 5 goals from a tall is worth the same as 5 goals from a small. You want to believe Ryder had a really good year. He didn't. I'm sorry.

[Slattery_20]

FB: NLM, Fletcher, Slattery
HB: Winderlich, Ryder, Myers
C: Stanton, Watson, McPhee
HF: Gumbleton, Lucas, Reimers
FF: Lloyd, Neagle, Davey
Rucks: Hille, McVeigh, Houli

Inter: Welsh, Monfries, Laycock, Lonergan
Emer: NLM, Nash, Jetta

I think we have been lacking attacking defenders for the last couple of years. Sean Wellman was a huge influence in our attacks back in the early 00's. Since his retirement and Rama's illness, we have severly lacked a creative influence in defense. Winderlich and Myers both have decent pace and good foot skills that can be utilised in rebounds. Add Houli to that list, and Dempsey if he ever gets fit.
LOL
Try watching what the tall ranga bloke in #31 does. Or Nash, or any other of our backmen pretty much, Slatts excepted.
What we do not lack is attacking defenders
What we lack is good midfielders, defensive defenders and ruck depth in about that order
We won't start winning contests in the backline until we start creating them
That's not happening at the moment

[Mr Mosquito]

FB: NLM, Fletcher, Slattery
HB: Winderlich, Ryder, Myers
C: Houli , Watson, McPhee
HF:, Jetta, Lucas, Reimers
FF: Neagle, Lloyd, Davey
Rucks: Hille, McVeigh, Stanton
Inter: Welsh, Monfries, Laycock, Lonergan
Emer: lovett, Nash, Gumbleton

fairly everage post right here!!!!!

If you don't believe that lovett is going to be traded then he is absolutely definately in our best 22. Gumbleton will also be playing in rd 1 if fit.......nash in for windas too

[donsman4eva]

LOL
Try watching what the tall ranga bloke in #31 does. Or Nash, or any other of our backmen pretty much, Slatts excepted.
What we do not lack is attacking defenders
What we lack is good midfielders, defensive defenders and ruck depth in about that order
We won't start winning contests in the backline until we start creating them
That's not happening at the moment
Fletch - Good at rebounding, not overly creative. Like to clear it ASAP instead of looking whats going on up ahead.
Nash - Butchers the ball way too often.
Ryder - Good, but not fast. Cant fault him for that though, its his build.
NLM - Same as Nash.

I agree we need a good small defender and another tall defender, but compared to most other teams, we lack a quality rebounding defender.

All of the teams that finished above us have atleast 1 quality creative, damaging rebounding defender. We need one.

There are other things we need, but all I was trying to point out is that I think we can find one within our list. Of course there are things we need to trade for or draft.

[DonMania#5]

FB: NLM, Fletcher, Dempsey
HB: Houli, Ryder, Myers
C: Lovett, Watson, Stanton
HF: Jetta, Lucas, Mpchee
FF: Monfries, Lloyd, Davey
Rucks: Hille, McVeigh, Welsh
Inter: Reimers, Winderlich, Laycock, Lonergan

[Ben the Gooner]

fairly everage post right here!!!!!

If you don't believe that lovett is going to be traded then he is absolutely definately in our best 22. Gumbleton will also be playing in rd 1 if fit.......nash in for windas too

Some fairly "everage" spelling as well.

Winders is better than Nash, and Gumbleton hasn't proven anything. His post was perfectly valid.

[Sigmund]

Without putting a whole lot of thought into it (this team is more based on what I believe we need to do in terms of development)

B Pears, Fletch, Welsh
HB Myers, Paddy, Reimers
C Stanton, Watson, Lovett
HF McPhee, Lucas, Gus
F Davet, Llyod, Neagle
O/B Hille, Lonergan, McVeigh
I/C Slatts, Gumby, Houli, Laycock (just)
Emerg Jetta, Dempsey, Winders, Nash, Hislop, NLM, Bellchambers
Won't make it - Dyson (probably only player I put in this catergory still at the club)

I wanted to fit Leeroy into this team but just couldn't..

As far as I see it, Lonergan is head and shoulders above any other draftee in the past 3 years in terms of an onball position. My guess woul dbe that he will be in our best two onballers by the end of next year

[rusman]

Good team sigmund ;)

[beev]

It is the best team at the end of '08 as we don't no who we will draft or trade (hopefully Kerr). Assuming Lovett is traded.

B: Slattery, Fletcher, Dempsey
HB: Houli, Ryder, Myers
C: Stanton, Watson, Reimers
HF: Gumbleton, Lucas, Monfries
FF: Davey, Neagle, Lloyd
R: Hille, McVeigh, Welsh
INT: Jetta, McPhee, Lonergan, Laycock

EMG: Winderlich, Lovett-Murray, Pears

[BigBomber09]

This is what I think Essendon's best team is. BEFORE trade week. I'll do another one after trade week to see what changes there are. And not including any retiring/delisted players from 08.


FB: Henry Slattery Dustin Fletcher Jay Nash

HB: Mark McVeigh Paddy Ryder Adam McPhee

C: Kyle Reimers Andrew Welsh Sam Lonergan

HF: Scott Gumbleton Scott Lucas Angus Monfries

FF: Alwyn Davey Matthew Lloyd Leroy Jetta

R: David Hille Jobe Watson Brent Stanton

INT: Bachar Houli Jay Neagle Nathan Lovett-Murray Courtenay Dempsey

EM: Ricky Dyson David Myers Jason Laycock




What do you think??????

[GuzzLG]

I'd swap Nash for Myers and get Laycock in there somehow. For Lovett-Murray maybe.

[loopy_cam]

B: Slatts, Fletch, NLM
HB: Houli, Ryder, Dempsey
C: Stanton, Jobe, Winderlich
HF: Monfries, Lloyd, McPhee
F: Davey, Lucas, Jetta
R: Hille, McVeigh, Welsh
I/C: Laycock, Lonergan, Neagle, Reimers

Emerg: Myers, Pears, Gumby, Nash

[Slattery_20]

B: Slattery Hooker Fletcher
Dempsey Ryder Myers
Stanton Watson Winderlich
Davey Lloyd McPhee
Monfries Lucas Reimers

R: Hille McVeigh Lonergan

Int: Houli Pears Jetta Laycock

Nash is Dempsey's understudy IMHO. I would be trying to get a few games into Hooker & Pears while the team's fit & rotate them out later on for more mature bodies. Hocking's pretty unlucky not to get a gig, but will no doubt get a run for Winders later on

[myers_23]

In the event we get hurley he should be played if fit i think.

FB: Slattery---Hurley---Fletcher
HB: Dempsey--Ryder---Myers
C: Reimers----Watson---Houli
HF: Lloyd-----Gumby----Davey
FF: Monfries---Neagle---Lucas

R: Hille--------McVeigh---Stanton

INT: Welsh--Laycock--Pears--Jetta--Lonergan and a whole host of others

this is a developmental side, there is no point in not playing the likes of neagle and gumby if they are fit, we have to get them as much game time as possible that spine has so much potential its looking great. I think it will definitly be lucas's last year possibly as well as fletchers especially if hurley fires and one of gumby and neagle.

[Ludwig van Bertstare]

I wouldn't let Hurley play FB in his first year. Maybe a third tall.

[BigBomber09]

For those who have put Welsh and McVeigh on the bench. They would be DEFINITE starters. Either in the midfield or off half back.

[myers_23]

I wouldn't let Hurley play FB in his first year. Maybe a third tall.


I would let him take the second tall.. ryder taking the best.
So eg,
Bradshaw, Anthony, Roughead, etc etc fletcher just to play the loose man. Best for our development. I reckon there would be about 30 players that could go in the first 22 so it will be interesting to see with a full list just who can make it.

[Ludwig van Bertstare]

You can't seriously expect a 18/19 year old in his first year to take forwards like Roughead, Bradshaw, etc.

[myers_23]

Ryder did in his second year... and he was bottom aged. Whats the wait for??
Fletcher did in his first year... and he was playing on lockett, dunstall, kernahan so if fletch can and then go on to play 280+ games anyone else can.

[mercs]

FB Winderlich Fletcher Slattery
HB Nash Ryder Dempsey
C Reimers Stanton Welsh
HF McPhee Gumbleton Lucas
FF Davey Lloyd Nagle
R Hille McVeigh Watson

I Laycock Lonergan Houli Monfries

Em: Hislop Jetta Myers

Lovett will be in there if he does not go
I chose Nash over Myers as he seems more settled at this stage
Jetta un lucky but with injures he will be in there most of the year
Gumby - please stay injury free I want to see him play

[loopy_cam]

B: Slatts, Fletch, NLM
HB: Houli, Ryder, Reimers
C: Winderlich, Watson, Lovett
HF: McPhee, Lloyd, Monfries
F: Davey, Lucas, Jetta
R: Hille, McVeigh, Welsh
I/C: Laycock, Lonergan, Stanton, Prismall

Emerg: Neagle, Gumby, Myers

Now that was hard. :eek:

[AhSteveSteve27]

B: Atkinson, Fletcher, Slattery
HB: Houli, Ryder, Lovett
C: Myers, Watson, Stanton
HF: Monfries, Lloyd, McPhee
F: Davey, Lucas, Reimers
R: Hille, McVeigh, Lonergan
INT: Welsh, Prismall, Laycock, Winderlich

Emerg: Dempsey, Jetta, Gumby, Neagle, NLM, Nash

Similar to loopy cam's. Needed to fit in Reimers, the only one I could take out was Jetta. It will be interesting to see how tall or small they go, next year could be the last in the best 22 for someone like McPhee.

[mercs]

FB Dempsey Fletcher Slattery
HB Welsh Ryder Dempsey
C Lovett Watson Stanton
HF McPhee Gumbleton Lucas
FF Davey Lloyd Nagle
R Hille McVeigh Prismall

I Laycock Reimers Longergan Monfries

Em: Jetta Myers Houli Winderlich

Team starting looking exciting boys

[Midnight Vultures]

B Myers Fletcher Houli
HB Dempsey Ryder Reimers
C Lloyd Watson McPhee
HF Davey Lucas Jetta
F Monfries Neagle Lonergan
R Hille McVeigh Stanton
INT Laycock Slattery Welsh Winderlich
EMG Gumbleton Lovett-Murray Nash

B Slattery Fletcher Houli
HB Dempsey Ryder Reimers
C Lloyd Watson McPhee
HF Davey Lucas Lovett
F Monfries Neagle Lonergan
R Hille McVeigh Stanton
INT Laycock Prismall Welsh Winderlich
EMG Jetta Lovett-Murray Nash

This is much harder now :thumbsu: Myers unlucky but it probably would be good for him to play one or two VFL games before seniors. Same with Gumby.

[trix17]

FB Dempsey Fletcher Slattery
HB Welsh Ryder Dempsey
C Lovett Watson Stanton
HF McPhee Gumbleton Lucas
FF Davey Lloyd Nagle
R Hille McVeigh Prismall

I Laycock Reimers Longergan Monfries

Em: Jetta Myers Houli Winderlich

Team starting looking exciting boys

hmm, i see one problem with this team, well 2 actually, for starters, unless we have a cloning device that i dont know about, i dont know how we will put 2 dempseys out there, lol.
and also i just think laycock is a spud and shouldnt be there.

[mojon95]

taytes the spud ;)

[Tambu]

Ryder did in his second year... and he was bottom aged. Whats the wait for??
Fletcher did in his first year... and he was playing on lockett, dunstall, kernahan so if fletch can and then go on to play 280+ games anyone else can.
Spot on.

[Tambu]

I'll give it a go.

B: Henry Slattery, Dustin Fletcher, Tayte Pears
HB: David Myers, Patrick Ryder, Courtenay Dempsey
C: Andrew Lovett, Jobe Watson, Brent Stanton
HF: Adam McPhee, Scott Lucas, Andrew Welsh
F: Alwyn Davey, Matthew Lloyd, Angus Monfries
FOL: David Hille, Mark McVeigh, Brent Prismall
INT: Jason Laycock, Leroy Jetta, Sam Lonergan, Kyle Reimers.

Houli unlucky.

I really like the look of that backline for the future to be honest.

[Midnight Vultures]

We really do have some great depth, it's hard to find places for quality players.

[Atavistic]

B: A McPhee, D Fletcher, B Houli
HB: D Myers, P Ryder, C Dempsey
C: A Welsh, McVeigh, B Stanton
HF: ROK, S Lucas, A Lovett
F: A Davey, M Lloyd, S Gumbleton
FOL: D Hille, J Watson, B Prismall
INT: Jason Laycock, Sam Lonergan, J Ziebell; Kyle Reimers.

[acursi08]

In my opinion, this pre season (provided there are no injuries) will be one of the best in a long time. There is so much competition to get in that 22 so the players will push themselves to get in there. It's so good to see a bit of depth at the bombers. Haven't seen it in a while. If our luck is much better with injuries next year, i'll say good luck to the selectors next year. It's gonna be tough.:thumbsu:

[Joeyjoejoe]

B: Slattery Fletcher Lonergan
HB: Dempsey Ryder McPhee
C: Lovett Welsh Reimers
HF: Lucas Gumbleton Monfries
F: Jetta Lloyd Davey
Foll: Hille Watson McVeigh
Int: Laycock Winderlich Houli Stanton

Emg Hocking Nash NLM Neagle

Myers, Prismall, Pears, Hislop to come into the team mid-year... Or with injuries.

What do you think? and Why?

[Atavistic]

Nobody's putting Dyson in their team...

[Slattery_20]

Funny that. Prismall just puts him one further down the order. Ricky'd need to pull out something pretty special to get into the team IMHO

B: Slattery Hooker Fletcher
Dempsey Ryder Myers
Stanton Watson Winderlich
Davey Lloyd McPhee
Monfries Lucas Reimers

R: Hille McVeigh Lonergan

Int: Houli Pears Jetta Laycock
What's changed? Probably Winderlich out for Prismall, Winders is normally injured by round 12 ( :( )so should be a straight swap.

[longytap]

B:Lov/murray Fletcher Mcveigh

HB: Myers Ryder Stanton

C: Houli Prismall Lonergan

HF: Reimers Lloyd Neagle

F: Davey Lucas Jetta

R: Hille Watson Welsh

B: laycock,monfries,slatterry,lovett

can't see a spot for Dempsey( has'nt convinced me yet)
also gumby have'nt really seen him yet either, winders gets pushed out by prismall.:thumbsu:

[AhSteveSteve27]

Myers will definitely start. In at centre bounces aswell. Knights adores him. And so do I.

[Reimers]

B:Lov/murray Fletcher Mcveigh

HB: Myers Ryder Stanton

C: Houli Prismall Lonergan

HF: Reimers Lloyd Neagle

F: Davey Lucas Jetta

R: Hille Watson Welsh

B: laycock,monfries,slatterry,lovett

can't see a spot for Dempsey( has'nt convinced me yet)



also gumby have'nt really seen him yet either, winders gets pushed out by prismall.:thumbsu:


Lovett-Murray is not in our best 22. He is hopeless

[mercs]

hmm, i see one problem with this team, well 2 actually, for starters, unless we have a cloning device that i dont know about, i dont know how we will put 2 dempseys out there, lol.
and also i just think laycock is a spud and shouldnt be there.

FB Dempsey Fletcher Slattery
HB Welsh Ryder Reimers
C Lovett Watson Stanton
HF McPhee Gumbleton Lucas
FF Davey Lloyd Nagle
R Hille McVeigh Prismall

I Laycock Jetta Longergan Monfries

Em: Myers Houli Winderlich

sorry big feller rushed it a little, but still excited about the team we have ready to go for 2009. top 8 here we come

[mercs]

Lovett-Murray is not in our best 22. He is hopeless

agree would of like him to be thrown up as trade bait. but maybe Knights is concerned about what we have down back if injuries occur

[Smyth94]

If Gumbleton has a huge pre-season and a good NAB cup he'd be a monty

Our forward set up could get interesting if we snare ROK in the PSD; I'd be really worried about McPhee because he really isn't suited to playing down back.

FB: Slattery Fletcher Dempsey
HB: Nash Ryder Houli
W: Winderlich Watson Stanton
HF: Monfries Lucas McPhee
FF: Lloyd Neagle Davey
R: Hille McVeigh Welsh
INT: Lonergan Laycock Reimers Jetta

EMG: Gumbleton Myers Pears

Can't believe I didn't have room to fit Lovett in

[efcboy]

B: Nash - Fletcher - Welsh
HB: Dempsey - Ryder - McPhee
C: Stanton - Watson - Reimers
HF: O'Keefe - Lucas - Lovett
F: Monfries - Lloyd - Davey
R: Hille - Prismall - McVeigh
I: Winderlich - Myers - Laycock - Houli
Emeg: Jetta, Pears, Gumbleton

This side is definitely premiership contender material.

[Houli2Gumbleton]

Best 22:

B: David Myers – Dustin Fletcher – Henry Slattery
HB: Courtney Dempsey - Patrick Ryder – Adam McPhee
C: Bachar Houli – Jobe Watson – Brent Stanton
HF: Alwyn Davey – Scott Lucas – Kyle Riemers
FF: Angus Monfries – Jay Neagle/Scott Gumbleton – Matthew Lloyd
R: David Hille - Mark McVeigh – Andrew Welsh
I/C From: Jason Laycock – Sam Lonergan – Jason Winderlich – Andrew Lovett - Brent Prismall - Leroy Jetta

That is no doubt our top 24 players. One of Neagle and Gumbleton will get a game at a time. Which ever one is in good form.

[essendon2008]

Best 22:

B: David Myers – Dustin Fletcher – Henry Slattery
HB: Courtney Dempsey - Patrick Ryder – Adam McPhee
C: Bachar Houli – Jobe Watson – Brent Stanton
HF: Alwyn Davey – Scott Lucas – Kyle Riemers
FF: Angus Monfries – Jay Neagle/Scott Gumbleton – Matthew Lloyd
R: David Hille - Mark McVeigh – Andrew Welsh
I/C From: Jason Laycock – Sam Lonergan – Jason Winderlich – Leroy Jetta - Brent Prismall

That is no doubt our top 24 players. One of Neagle and Gumbleton will get a game at a time. Which ever one is in good form.

I like this team. Would like to see Bellchambers develop enough to be competing with Laycock by the end of the season. If fit and in form, Prismall prob would get a starting position.

I would like to fit both Neagle and Gumbleton in the same side but it's hard to see who misses out. I think Knights will play both if fit due to youth policy. Neagle and FF and Gumbleton CHF. I would swap Lloyd and Davey.

That forward line seems very balanced with tall, 'power' types (Lloyd, Lucas, Gumbleton, Neagle), and smalls (Davey, Reimers, Monfries) who can be defensive as well as attacking.

[Houli2Gumbleton]

I like this team. Would like to see Bellchambers develop enough to be competing with Laycock by the end of the season. If fit and in form, Prismall prob would get a starting position.

I would like to fit both Neagle and Gumbleton in the same side but it's hard to see who misses out. I think Knights will play both if fit due to youth policy. Neagle and FF and Gumbleton CHF. I would swap Lloyd and Davey.

That forward line seems very balanced with tall, 'power' types (Lloyd, Lucas, Gumbleton, Neagle), and smalls (Davey, Reimers, Monfries) who can be defensive as well as attacking.

I realised i forgot Lovett.

Um, Yeah i would rather Bellchambers in the team but I believe Laycock should play the first few rounds just to see if he has improved. If he hasn't, we should bring in Belly.

[retroparty]

Hopefully we can have a small injury list next year and make the FINALS!

Backs: Slattery, Fletcher, McPhee (He's been great this year but I believe he plays best when down back)

Half backs: Houli, Ryder, Winderlich

Centre: Stanton, Watson, Lovett

Half forwards: Remiers, Lucas, Davey

Forwards: Monfries, Lloyd, Jetta

Rucks: Hille, McVeigh, Lonergan

Bench: Laycock, Neagle, Welsh, Prismall

Emergencies: Pick 5, Gumbleton, Myers, Nash

Our forward line looks promising but the backline needs a lot of work.

[Reimers]

agree would of like him to be thrown up as trade bait. but maybe Knights is concerned about what we have down back if injuries occur

He will hopefully be delisted

[james_omahoney]

FB Dempsey Fletcher Slattery
HB Welsh Ryder Dempsey
C Lovett Watson Stanton
HF McPhee Gumbleton Lucas
FF Davey Lloyd Nagle
R Hille McVeigh Prismall

I Laycock Reimers Longergan Monfries

Em: Jetta Myers Houli Winderlich

Team starting looking exciting boys

2 Dempseys - if only it were true... he's gonna be great for us.

[timbo3195]

If all my wishes come true:

FB: Pears - Fletcher - Reimers
HB: Houli - Ryder - Myers
C: Prismall - Watson - Stanton
HF: Monfries - Lucas - Welsh
FF: Davey - Lloyd - Neagle
R: Hille - McVeigh - Cousins

I: Laycock - Lonergan - Slattery - Sidebottom

Em: Dempsey - Lovett - McPhee

[Ben the Gooner]

B: Slattery - Fletcher - Reimers
HB: Dempsey - Ryder - Houli
C: Winderlich - Welsh - Lovett
HF: Monfries - Lloyd - McPhee
F: Gumbleton - Lucas - Davey
R: Hille - Stanton - Watson
I: McVeigh - Jetta - Laycock - Lonergan

But this is pointless until we know who we've traded and who we've drafted.

Prismall fighting with Winders, Jetta and Houli for that last spot.

[Houli2Gumbleton]

Prismall fighting with Winders, Jetta and Houli for that last spot.

Houli is a curtain starter. He proved to be a very important player when he played.

[Ben the Gooner]

Houli is a curtain starter. He proved to be a very important player when he played.

That's what excites me.

[gavdog08]

B: Henry Slattery, Dustin Fletcher, Jay Nash
HB: Adam McPhee, Patrick Ryder, Nathan Lovett-Murray
C: Brent Prismall, Jobe Watson, Andrew Lovett
HF: Angus Monfries, Matthew Lloyd, Alwyn Davey
F: Jay Neagle, Scott Lucas, Scott Gumbleton
Foll: David Hille, Mark McVeigh, Brent Stanton
I/C (from): Jason Laycock, Leroy Jetta, Andrew Welsh, Kyle Reimers

EMG: Tayte Pears, Sam Lonergan, David Myers

[Ben the Gooner]

B: Henry Slattery, Dustin Fletcher, Jay Nash
HB: Adam McPhee, Patrick Ryder, Nathan Lovett-Murray
C: Brent Prismall, Jobe Watson, Andrew Lovett
HF: Angus Monfries, Matthew Lloyd, Alwyn Davey
F: Jay Neagle, Scott Lucas, Scott Gumbleton
Foll: David Hille, Mark McVeigh, Brent Stanton
I/C (from): Jason Laycock, Leroy Jetta, Andrew Welsh, Kyle Reimers

EMG: Tayte Pears, Sam Lonergan, David Myers

:eek: Surely he's in the 22 ahead of (for example) Nash, NLM, Prismall, Jetta, even Reimers.

[HFF_07]

You have to look at what each player offers us.

For example: we can play Lucas/Lloyd/Neagle in the same team, as they are all very different players, Lucas is a good focal point, Lloyd a really good hitup/ high half forward type player as shown this year, and Neagle can be very potent out of the square as shown early in the year.

This is what we have to consider with the mids.

For example:

Winderlich/Prismall/Houli/Lovett/Myers/Riemers all provide that run and carry option, and tbh, Prismall is really going to have to shine if he is to play in our midfield as we already have options as formentioned.