The Forward Line

[Spikey]

So let's look at our forward line options...

Hurley
Neagle
Gumby
Monfries
Williams
McPhee
Lovett-Murray (Backline full time now for these last two?)
Davey
Jetta (Possible delisting?)
Quinn (Cue moaning)
Plus our ruckmen

Did I get everyone? (Thought about Zaka, Reimers and the like but decided not to include them) Anyone wanna throw up some possible forward lines?

PS I'm liking the Williams trade more and more every minute

[Skeeta Olly]

Our forward line has more X (factors) than a porno shop.

[George Washington]

HF: Monfries Hurley Davey
FF: Williams Neagle Ryder/Hille

Gumbleton chilling on a wing.

[Spikey]

So chilled out he requires two posts!

[ghostdog]

Hurley
Neagle
Gumby
Monfries
Williams
Davey

I like the idea of releasing Hurley to play defence where necessary.
Hille or Ryder can go forward.
Reimers can also rotate through.

Has Williams ever played midfield?... could definitely go to a wing.

To do: Neagle- massive pre-season. Work that tank boy.
Gumby- lots of hard tackiling drills. Build your confidence at the ball Gumby.
Davey- a confidence rebuild as well.
Williams- know the game plan.
Knights- a stronger defensive forward line please.

[footycool]

HF: Monfires,Hurley,Davey
F:Williams,Gumbleton,Neagle

i love it :D

[Skeeta Olly]

Hopefully we can add Still to that in a few years time.

[banta]

F: Davey Neagle M. Williams
HF: Monfries Gumbleton Reimers or Ryder

Winderlich/Zaharakis/Reimers (two from these three), to rotate through the midfield, bench and forward line.
OR
Ryder to play there as Hille will most likely start games as ruck next year. when Ryder goes to the ruck, Hille goes off, and one of the smaller types mentioned above, goes forward.

if Gumbleton is not fit or no good, put Hurley there, and hooker to CHB to cover Hurley's vacated spot.

[Tailypo]

Hopefully we can add Still to that in a few years time.
Yep. Effectively another 2009 recruit; would've been, minimum, a 2nd rounder this year from all reports. Smart work by the club.

[horj89]

So let's look at our forward line options...

Hurley
Neagle
Gumby
Monfries
Williams
McPhee
Lovett-Murray (Backline full time now for these last two?)
Davey
Jetta (Possible delisting?)
Quinn (Cue moaning)
Plus our ruckmen

Did I get everyone? (Thought about Zaka, Reimers and the like but decided not to include them) Anyone wanna throw up some possible forward lines?

PS I'm liking the Williams trade more and more every minute

I can't help but agree.

That forward line looks very dangerous. We now have a couple of quality medium forwards in Monfires and Williams and some emerging tall forwards in Gumbleton, Neagle and Hurley. I can only predict some exciting times ahead. We are definently on the up.

[The Dustbin]

Are we talking about John or Mark Williams?

:cool:

[Kong]

HF: Monfries Hurley Davey
FF: Williams Neagle Ryder/Hille

Gumbleton chilling on a wing.I like the look of that forward line. :thumbsu:

[Ludwig van Bertstare]

I like the look of that forward line. :thumbsu:

Ditto.

[bombermick]

It's very early days, but I'm liking the trade for Williams. As another poster said, it gives us a couple of good mid-sized forwards that we lacked. Last season we were top heavy at times. It also gives the chance for Gumby to develop naturally, there is no pressure on him to dominate straight away (assuming he is now over his injuries *touch wood*). If Williams can kick 40 goals a season for the next 2 or 3 it will be a major bonus for us.

[nubrik]

HF: Monfries Hurley Davey
FF: Williams Neagle Ryder/Hille

Gumbleton chilling on a wing.

In the last 5 minutes of every quarter i would rotate them for shits and giggles:
FF: Monfries Hurley Davey
HF: Williams Neagle Ryder/Hille

[Walesy]

It's very early days, but I'm liking the trade for Williams. As another poster said, it gives us a couple of good mid-sized forwards that we lacked. Last season we were top heavy at times. It also gives the chance for Gumby to develop naturally, there is no pressure on him to dominate straight away (assuming he is now over his injuries *touch wood*). If Williams can kick 40 goals a season for the next 2 or 3 it will be a major bonus for us.

Bingo. :thumbsu:

Plus yanno, Williams + pick 24 for Lovett and Nash.

When Lovett was walking anyways... Not too shabby!

[drybones]

Gumbleton is the biggest key to this area of the field.
The gap between what we could be if he stands up over the next 10 years and where we will sit if he doesn't is huge I feel.
We potentially will have 4 of the best 10 key position players in say 4-6 years time with Hurley, Pears, Gumby and Neagle. The first 2 have already proven they will make the grade in my eyes.. but Gumby (injuries) and Neagle (work rate) have work to do but there's going to be some sort of reward at the end if they can get it all right!! :D

[clees]

Don't forget Daniher and Still either

[Duckworth]

Gumbleton is the biggest key to this area of the field.
The gap between what we could be if he stands up over the next 10 years and where we will sit if he doesn't is huge I feel.
We potentially will have 4 of the best 10 key position players in say 4-6 years time with Hurley, Pears, Gumby and Neagle. The first 2 have already proven they will make the grade in my eyes.. but Gumby (injuries) and Neagle (work rate) have work to do but there's going to be some sort of reward at the end if they can get it all right!! :D

Neagle has big injury concerns as well.

[Grinners89]

Don't forget Daniher and Still either

I would add Ryder to that list as well.

Ryder, Hurley, Pears, Gumbleton, Neagle, Daniher and Still. I dont think any other club can boast a group of talls with as much flexibility and potential as ours.

The first three have made good steps forward this season and they have something good to build on. Now its time for the other 4 to take their chances and replicate what the other three have done.

[Winner]

3 talls does not work in a forward line.

You can't have Neagle/Hurley/resting ruckman all in there at the same time. It does not work.

[Valve Bounce]

I note that a quite a few guys have picked Neagle as a key forward. OK, how good is he and what has he done so far? I don't remember the guy from that many games doing a helluva lot, but I may have missed something.

Anyone??

[bombermick]

I note that a quite a few guys have picked Neagle as a key forward. OK, how good is he and what has he done so far? I don't remember the guy from that many games doing a helluva lot, but I may have missed something.

Anyone??

He was normally good for 2-3 goals a game, which is not Lloyd at his prime but is serviceable. Drybones is spot on, if Gumby can get his body right and become the forward we all hoped for we will have a devastating forward line. Couple that with a Williams who can produce something close to what he could do only last year, and we start to look deadly.

Would be glad if Gumby demands the CHF spot and Hurley has to play CHB, simply because there is no room there for him. Would be a good problem to have, even as he looks like becoming a gun CHF. However, if Gumby doesn't get his body right this year ... :(

[Darealrath]

I hope it means we Monfries sets himself up to have a massive pre season so he's ready to spend more time in the middle.

[eth-dog]

HF: Monfires,Hurley,Davey
F:Williams,Gumbleton,Neagle

i love it :D
Gumbleton is a CHF ffs, Hurley is more of a FF than Gumby!!!!!!
F: Davey Neagle M. Williams
HF: Monfries Gumbleton Reimers or Ryder

Winderlich/Zaharakis/Reimers (two from these three), to rotate through the midfield, bench and forward line.
OR
Ryder to play there as Hille will most likely start games as ruck next year. when Ryder goes to the ruck, Hille goes off, and one of the smaller types mentioned above, goes forward.

if Gumbleton is not fit or no good, put Hurley there, and hooker to CHB to cover Hurley's vacated spot.
Not bad, I'd just say that Neagle is a FF, Gumbleton CHF. mine looks like:

Gus-Hurls-Ryder
Davey-Neagle-Williams

with Gumby starting on the bench

[Frothies Mcveigh]

we do look to have a brilliant future but i think the only problem we have is key position forwards and backs. although not a bad problem to have i just a little worried. hurley neagle gumbleton pears hooker daniher fletcher still. still would still have a while to develop but with neagle and gumby up forward and pears and or hurley also with fletch who probly has 1 or 2 seasons left not to mention daniher its gonna be tough to get a game for sme of them. also with hille and ryder but i still think we have a huge 10 seasons ahead of us.

HF: Monfries Gumbleton Hurley
FF: Davey Neagle Williams
but that 3 tall forward line does look a little worrying. it didnt work last year with riewoldt koshitski and gehrig. i think the next 2 seasons is just what gumby needs to prove that he can play and stay healthy. he has a lot of potential but if he cant get his body right i think hurls can slip into that CHF postion nicely but i hope it dosent come to tht.

[Ben the Gooner]

HF: Monfries Hurley Davey
FF: Williams Neagle Ryder/Hille

Gumbleton chilling on a wing.

This. I'd rearrange the positions slightly, but that's the front 6 I'd go with.

[Smyth94]

This. I'd rearrange the positions slightly, but that's the front 6 I'd go with.

Needs a pinch of Reimers or a dash of Zaka

[Skeeta Olly]

Gumbleton
Williams
Monfries
Neagle
Ryder
Hille
Davey
Jetta
Still
Hurley
Monfries
Daniher
Zaharakis
Reimers

Plenty of forward options there. For a starting forward line, I'd have (providing the fitness of players):

Williams - Hurley - Hille/Ryder
Monfries- Neagle - Davey

But there is no need to have Neagle in the forward line if he isn't performing.

Zaharakis - Hurley - Hille/Ryder
Monfries - Williams - Davey

As stated in many threads, Gumbleton could be roaming the wing. That leaves us with: Neagle, Daniher, Still, Jetta. Still would be a few years off and Daniher can play forward/back. A fully confident Jetta could be damaging in the forward line and a fully fit Neagle is a powerful FF. A fully fit Reimers could provide a much needed X-factor in the forward line.

Hille, Williams and Neagle are possible full forward which adds flexibility to our line up, compared to last year when we were reliant on LLoyd, then Neagle to hold down the FF position.

Exciting times ahead.

[Ben the Gooner]

Needs a pinch of Reimers or a dash of Zaka

1. Starting in the middle, or on the bench (replacing Winderlich, who's replacing Lovett)
2. Depth

[Valve Bounce]

Actually, we don't have to nail any of the spots down. The big plus is that we now have three forwards : Monfries, Hurley and Williams who can lead and mark. Then we have several others depending on their fitness, and we also have a couple where Knights could place where he thinks they are needed at any stage of a game. This takes a helluva lot of pressure off the coach to find somebody to play inside 50. It also puts more pressure on opponents' defenders.

Now we need a gung ho player to help Jobe in the centre. The way the game is these days, the centre/pack players seem to need to be replaced every 5 to 7 minutes for a rest on the bench.

[Smokin]

Did I hear Knights correctly - I believe he said Williams would free up Monfries? to me, this means his thinking is Williams takes Monfries role in the forwardline, and perhaps Gus will get the K's drilled into this summer and perhaps becomes a midfielder?

12 months ago we said we wanted a 3-4 pronged, tall attack. That really doesnt work.

I feel Zakka is our most natural pure crumber, his game against hawthorn was fanatastic - great positioning and if it wasnt for bad kicking would have snagged 5-6 goals.

the forwardline may look something like:

Reimers KEY2 Zakka
Williams KEY2 Davey

With the keys being 2 of Neagle, Gumby, Hurley or Ryder at any given time.

Reimers and Zakka will have stints upfield, with the likes of Monfries, Stanton, Longergan and Winders also playing forward.

it gives us a much better balance of lead up options, speed, key position strength and crumbing. Williams, Reimers and Zakka can all play the lead up role and add bite/x factor at ground level as well.

Something like that, anyway.

It was our worst area last season, and probably the one specific region which will cop the most attention this off-season.

[George Washington]

http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/news/monfries-stakes-his-claim-for-a-midfield-role/2008/02/21/1203467283502.html

"What I'm trying to do this year is step up into that midfield role and get out of half-forward, and by playing on some of the better guys there you just learn where they run and how they get ball.

http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/news/monfries-stakes-his-claim-for-a-midfield-role/2008/02/21/1203467283502.html


http://www.essendonfc.com.au/team/player.asp?id=91


Monfries has also been rotated through the midfield and would be looking to spend more time in the middle in 2009.


http://www.essendonfc.com.au/team/player.asp?id=91


I think Williams was definitely drafted to free up Monfries.

[Spikey]

It seems like Monfries has been moving into the midfield since 06 though

[Skeeta Olly]

It seems like Monfries has been moving into the midfield since 06 though

Looks like it.

Either he is too valuable not to be in the forward line, or he's too slow for the midfield.

[Enki]

It seems like Monfries has been moving into the midfield since 06 though

And each time he does it so well, they decide he's too good and will make the other midfielders jealous so them put him back in the forward line again.

Ah, another off season another barrage of articles mentioning Monfries' desire to play midfield.

[In the Outer]

Looks like it.

Either he is too valuable not to be in the forward line, or he's too slow for the midfield.

I remember watching him a couple of years back in some early season matches playing as a midfielder and he was killing it!

I remember talking to mates who support other clubs and even they were saying how good he was looking in the midfield...
The move to the midfield just never eventuated (probably out of necessity).
I think hes settled as a forward now anyway.

Need a massive pre-season from Neagle!!! Similar to what Watson did a few years back when he got serious and got in shape.

I hope Gumby can have as good a return from his back op as Winders did!!!:thumbsu:

[Valve Bounce]

I'll tell you what!! I have seen midfielders rotated out within less than two minutes of the start of a game. They have to work and run that hard that they come off exhausted. How many midfielders do we need in a game? This is a new game and I suppose we must adapt, and if there are guys who are willing to step up and put their heads over the ball, I can only say it's great.

[BrunoV]

In the today's Sun Knights indicated that Hurley would play back next year.

It is exciting to hear just how much the club rates Gumbleton, they think he is good enough to send Hurley back after all Hurley has shown forward. Knights also confirmed that Gumbloton had been begging the club to play in the last month of the season when we became short of tall options. Scotty is fully fit and will commence full pre-season training on November 11 (which I think is our official pre-season start date).

Knights also seems keen to get one of the ruckman to rest forward.

It is going to be a very long summer just waiting for the next footy season :D

[rines]

Gumbleton has a press article written (at least) once every off season.. pumping him up and preaching that he is the key/missing link/next big thing/ (isn't years theme here)..

I can't repeat enough that we should wait for this kid to get on the park and play before we start putting him in our starting 6 for the next 10 years. The last time Gumby played a competitive season it was against 18 year olds.. lets see how he goes against men..

Before then i feel sorry for all our other young talents who do not seem to get any press at all while every year Gumby is paraded out with Knights gushing forth on his virtue..

With Ryder showing his wares in the ruck I am looking forward to seeing Hille in the forward line a bit more this year.. he is a lovely mark and good kick for goal.

[Brent Prismall#9]

I see our foward line being like this for next year and many years to follow:
HF. Monfries - Gumbleton - Reimers
FF. Davey - Neagle - Williams

If this foward line could actually get on the park and play together I see it as being very dangerous with alot of X-factor. We all know how much talent Gumby and Neagle have they just need to get there body right. Williams and Monfries are the small lead up fowards a plus is that they both have great overhead and scoring ability. Then ofcourse Davey and Reimers running around at there feet getting a goal or two each game. Reimers will also be rotating with the resting midfielders as well as one of Hille or Ryder spending time up there to get a rest.

I don't see why so many people want Monfries to push up into the midfield, he's a proven small foward and a good one at that why waste him in the middle. We have enought players to rotate throught the middle in Watson, Prismall, Stanton, Welsh, Winderlich, Houli, Reimers, Zaharakis, McVeigh, why waste a spot by putting Monfries up there.

Lets just hope all can be fully fit and on the park next season!!

[BrunoV]

Gumbleton has a press article written (at least) once every off season.. pumping him up and preaching that he is the key/missing link/next big thing/ (isn't years theme here)..

I can't repeat enough that we should wait for this kid to get on the park and play before we start putting him in our starting 6 for the next 10 years. The last time Gumby played a competitive season it was against 18 year olds.. lets see how he goes against men..

Before then i feel sorry for all our other young talents who do not seem to get any press at all while every year Gumby is paraded out with Knights gushing forth on his virtue..

That is all true. It gets to me because it is Knights saying this. It is Knights raising the expectations and placing pressure on Gumby.

Surely a club wuld not do this to one of its players it if the player couldn't handle the pressure and/or is not capable of matching the expectations.

I repeat, it is very exciting that our club feels this way about Gumbleton.

[The_Young_Gun]

Expecting such a raw forward line next season.. I wouldn't be surprised if knighta ends up chucking Hurley forward throughout the season in a bid to keep him familiar with the forward line.

HF: Monfries - Gumbleton - Winderlich
FF: Davey - Neagle - Williams

[Slattery_20]

personal uninformed opinion only - if Monfries only question was his endurance, he would have been doing midfield stints of maybe 8 or 10 minutes a quarter
He played in there a bit in Sheeds' last 5 or 6 games in charge.

[beehop]

My opinion:

HF: Monfries - Gumbleton/Ryder - Winderlich
FF: Davey - Neagle/Laycock - Williams

I think it'll depend on fitness and form. I don't think Hurley will feature at all in the forward line and will be settled as a key position back.

Hooker will be groomed into fletchers role.

[craaaig]

Expecting such a raw forward line next season.. I wouldn't be surprised if knighta ends up chucking Hurley forward throughout the season in a bid to keep him familiar with the forward line.

HF: Monfries - Gumbleton - Winderlich
FF: Davey - Neagle - Williams
:thumbsu:

[davydenko]

HF: Gumbleton - Hurley - Zaharakis
FF: Reimers - Neagle - Monfries

[Jivin Jackel]

HF: Gumbleton - Hurley - Zaharakis
FF: Reimers - Neagle - Monfries


No Williams?

HF: Reimers Gumbleton Monfries

FF: Davey Neagle Williams

[davydenko]

No Williams?

HF: Reimers Gumbleton Monfries

FF: Davey Neagle Williams
Not too sure about Davey in there, his pressure is very good but he seems to rush it when he gets the ball and make some average decisions. I should probably have put Williams in there ur right

[Jonesy1987]

How hard is it going to be for oppositions to find match ups.

At least two of our best four forwards, should be better than their defensive counterparts against a majority of teams.

[davydenko]

How hard is it going to be for oppositions to find match ups.

At least two of our best four forwards, should be better than their defensive counterparts against a majority of teams.
The problem i think we will have with lovett gone especially will be trying to get the ball in their quickly to give them the best opportunity to beat their opponents. Our midfield besides jobe is not really great and getting the ball out of the middle and in quick will be pretty tough. However I think if Hille gets back to what he was last year then getting the ball to our midfielders will give us a better shot.

[Grinners89]

The problem i think we will have with lovett gone especially will be trying to get the ball in their quickly to give them the best opportunity to beat their opponents. Our midfield besides jobe is not really great and getting the ball out of the middle and in quick will be pretty tough. However I think if Hille gets back to what he was last year then getting the ball to our midfielders will give us a better shot.

I think Prismall will step up this season and fill the void. Not in terms of his physical pace, but his ability to win the ball and hit targets successfully in the forward line. He has settled in now, and had a good season back from a knee injury. Now, with a good pre-season, im expecting the foursome of Watson, Prismall, Hille and Ryder to make a big impact on this competition.

[HFF_07]

Dont think we will see Williams and Monfries in the same forward line:

Can see something like this happening.

HF: Riemers - Gumbleton - Davey

F: Williams - Neagle - Hille/Ryder

[beev]

HF: Monfries - Gumbleton - Reimers

F: Davey - Neagle - Williams

With Ryder and Hille rotating through.

[essendon2008]

Dont think we will see Williams and Monfries in the same forward line:

Can see something like this happening.

HF: Riemers - Gumbleton - Davey

F: Williams - Neagle - Hille/Ryder

Where would you have Monfries then? He's (IMO) too good a player to not be playing.

[centrelink1]

Dont think we will see Williams and Monfries in the same forward line:

Can see something like this happening.

HF: Riemers - Gumbleton - Davey

F: Williams - Neagle - Hille/Ryder

I dont really like the idea of Ryder in the forward line. Hille can easily go down there, weve seen that.

And Monfries and Williams will start together. When any of these 6 are off we can throw Hille down. Also, with Hille playing, Ryder can play defense and allow Hurley move up the field.

Players these days hardly stick to set positions, and for that reason, this isn't of great importance. HOWEVER... our STARTING forward line could be...

HF : Reimers - Gumbleton - Davey

F: Williams - Neagle - Monfries

With Hille and Hurley occasionly venturing down. Hille is starting ruckman ahead of Ryder and starting Ryder in a forward pocket is crazy

[essendon2008]

I dont really like the idea of Ryder in the forward line. Hille can easily go down there, weve seen that.

And Monfries and Williams will start together. When any of these 6 are off we can throw Hille down. Also, with Hille playing, Ryder can play defense and allow Hurley move up the field.

Players these days hardly stick to set positions, and for that reason, this isn't of great importance. HOWEVER... our STARTING forward line could be...

HF : Reimers - Gumbleton - Davey

F: Williams - Neagle - Monfries

With Hille and Hurley occasionly venturing down. Hille is starting ruckman ahead of Ryder and starting Ryder in a forward pocket is crazy

I agree about not starting Ryder or Hille in a pocket but i like the idea of them doing maybe a 3 way rotation through a pocket throughout the game. Ryder is pretty fit so i think he should stay on the ground as much as possible. I would also swap Davey and Monfries in your lineup. Just my opinion though.

[centrelink1]

I agree about not starting Ryder or Hille in a pocket but i like the idea of them doing maybe a 3 way rotation through a pocket throughout the game. Ryder is pretty fit so i think he should stay on the ground as much as possible. I would also swap Davey and Monfries in your lineup. Just my opinion though.

My idea with a 3 way rotation would be to rotate Ryder and Hille on and off the ruck, with Hille venturing down forward when not on the ball and Ryder down back. This gives Hurley a chance to head up to the forward line.

Its kind of a 3-way rotation...

Ryder on the ball, Hille forward, Hurley back

Hille on the ball, Hurley forward, Ryder back

Hurley on the ball, we must be playing Adelaide.:thumbsd:

[The Donners]

Though I have given Neagle a spot in my best 22, I'm having second thoughts. If this guy doesn't shape up in 2010 he should be shipped out! :cool:

[essendon2008]

Though I have given Neagle a spot in my best 22, I'm having second thoughts. If this guy doesn't shape up in 2010 he should be shipped out! :cool:

True.
I really like Neagle, however he will have to really impress now to get a game. He is behind Monfries and you would think Gumbleton and Williams would get a game before him. With Hurley and a resting ruck possibly playing forward aswell, this leaves no room for Neagle without being a very tall forwardline.

[ghostdog]

True.
I really like Neagle, however he will have to really impress now to get a game. He is behind Monfries and you would think Gumbleton and Williams would get a game before him. With Hurley and a resting ruck possibly playing forward aswell, this leaves no room for Neagle without being a very tall forwardline.

Isn't Knights still committed to playing Hurley back? ...and I thought Williams had been delisted. If so, that ought to make it a bit easier for Neagle to get a run. You're right though: resting ruck + Gumby forward = less need for another tall target.

...if that ruckman is Ryder and he goes back for Hurley to go forward... next year's going to be very exciting. I'm excited!

I'd still like to see Neagle have a massive pre-season and get right, just so we have the choice.

The Brown-Bradshaw-Fevola forward line may set a trend if it works... Neagle could be handy.

[Slattery_20]

Though I have given Neagle a spot in my best 22, I'm having second thoughts. If this guy doesn't shape up in 2010 he should be shipped out! :cool:
I don't think that's a bad thing though
He could go either way now - there should be enough supply without Lloyducas there to have a much better idea.
If he still does nothing, we'll be able to make a call for certain.
It's kind of hard to be sure about a bloke playing 3rd or 4th banana

[teak]

...and I thought Williams had been delisted.
The Brown-Bradshaw-Fevola forward line may set a trend if it works... Neagle could be handy.

I think he meant Mark Williams [the one we traded for from the Hawks] as opposed to John Williams [the one we delisted]

that combo with Bradshaw we will never see to fruition - announced retirement, so I guess it won't be catching on...

[ghostdog]

I think he meant Mark Williams [the one we traded for from the Hawks] as opposed to John Williams [the one we delisted]

that combo with Bradshaw we will never see to fruition - announced retirement, so I guess it won't be catching on...

Yes he did, of course :o *face palms self*
Shame we won't see Brownshawola. I was looking forward to seeing how it works.

[centrelink1]

...if that ruckman is Ryder and he goes back for Hurley to go forward... next year's going to be very exciting. I'm excited!

.

Thats what i said on the previous page in my "3 way rotation"

[yaco55]

It seems that the plan is to have Gumbleton and Neagle as the key forwards with support from Hille and Ryder.

The recruitment of Williams should benefit Gumbleton and Neagle - because he is a smart footballer who will create space in the forward line.

But of course this could change because of form and injury.

[gO_bOmBeRz]

If Neagle goes down with an injury, could Michael Still come in as his replacement ? or would Hurley be put at full forward with Hooker playing his role in the backline ?

[Bombers 2014]

I hope it means we Monfries sets himself up to have a massive pre season so he's ready to spend more time in the middle.

This:thumbsu:

[Mad Bomber Sean]

Jay Neagle & a comparison with other power forwards that played in 2009.



Note a Power forward to me is a guy that is at least 190cm & weighs over 95Kg

Player Ave Goals kicked over first 20 games *
Richardson 2.7
Lloyd 1.8
Fevola 1.8
Bradshaw 1.8
Neagle 1.5
Franklin 1.05
Brown 0.9
Lucas 0.9
Q Lynch 0.85
Hall 0.8
A Rocca 0.5
Roughead 0.35
Riewoldt 0.6

80's ( again 1st 20 games)
Salmon 3.95
Dunstall 2.45
Ablett 2.00
Lockett 2.75


Jay Neagle has played only 20 / 89 games or approximentally 1 in every 5 he should have played. Yet his goal kicking for the games he has played has been very good considering how much footy he has actually played.

Legend LLoyd played in a team comprised of the largest ever assembly of the Champions of Essendon - the Hirds, Longs, Thompsons, Wanganeens Harveys and also included a few guns like ya Mercuris, Misitis, Bewicks, Wellmans, Lucas'. He would specify which tit the ball should be delivered to. The delivery was pretty good. The team often won & rarely missed the finals.

Comparing Lloyd's development to Neagle, and Neagle looks pretty damn good. He has often competeted for supply ( or a spot in the team ) with Lloyd & Lucas. The team he plays for has a very young midfield group that lacks the polish, class and excellence to provide high level supply to Neagle the type often received by Lloyd. The team he plays for often loses and only managed to scrap into the finals. Yet Neagle has still managed to kick the 30 goals.

It seems many aren't aware of the serious ankle problems he has had across the four seasons he has been at the club. Because of the depth & location of these injuries Neagles tank has been seriously under developed.

I reckon that with a massive preseason & some luck with injury, he will become a very very respectable target at full forward. Give this guy some respect & a treadmill...;)


Jay Neagle will be a Gun

* all stats from http://stats.rleague.com/afl/stats/stats_idx.html

[Kong]

Great post.

There only seem to be a few posters around BigFooty (james_omahoney, from memory) that are aware of Neagle's very respectable goal returns from limited games and game time, in comparison to the other gun forwards.

He's right up there at an early stage of his career, and I can't seem to recall a game he's been able to 'run out' in its entirety. If this kid can stay injury-free and push himself to a point of Lloyd-like fitness, or even Pears, he could tear games apart.

[Skeeta Olly]

Considering he is only effective for about half a game, returns of 3 goals is pretty good. Imagine a return of a full game!

11 games (not including final)

3 goals - 4 times
2 goals - 2 times
1 goal - 3 times
0 goals - 2 times

I have faith.

[zen dice man]

Jay Neagle & a comparison with other power forwards that played in 2009.



Note a Power forward to me is a guy that is at least 190cm & weighs over 95Kg

Player Ave Goals kicked over first 20 games *
Richardson 2.7
Lloyd 1.8
Fevola 1.8
Bradshaw 1.8
Neagle 1.5
Franklin 1.05
Brown 0.9
Lucas 0.9
Q Lynch 0.85
Hall 0.8
A Rocca 0.5
Roughead 0.35
Riewoldt 0.6

80's ( again 1st 20 games)
Salmon 3.95
Dunstall 2.45
Ablett 2.00
Lockett 2.75


Jay Neagle has played only 20 / 89 games or approximentally 1 in every 5 he should have played. Yet his goal kicking for the games he has played has been very good considering how much footy he has actually played.

Legend LLoyd played in a team comprised of the largest ever assembly of the Champions of Essendon - the Hirds, Longs, Thompsons, Wanganeens Harveys and also included a few guns like ya Mercuris, Misitis, Bewicks, Wellmans, Lucas'. He would specify which tit the ball should be delivered to. The delivery was pretty good. The team often won & rarely missed the finals.

Comparing Lloyd's development to Neagle, and Neagle looks pretty damn good. He has often competeted for supply ( or a spot in the team ) with Lloyd & Lucas. The team he plays for has a very young midfield group that lacks the polish, class and excellence to provide high level supply to Neagle the type often received by Lloyd. The team he plays for often loses and only managed to scrap into the finals. Yet Neagle has still managed to kick the 30 goals.

It seems many aren't aware of the serious ankle problems he has had across the four seasons he has been at the club. Because of the depth & location of these injuries Neagles tank has been seriously under developed.

I reckon that with a massive preseason & some luck with injury, he will become a very very respectable target at full forward. Give this guy some respect & a treadmill...;)


Jay Neagle will be a Gun

* all stats from http://stats.rleague.com/afl/stats/stats_idx.html


+2 :thumbsu: Great post

Bulky Neagle's possess the widest shoulders in the AFL & very hard to out mark once in position, strikes me as being a smart footballer who knows how to use the footy very well. His games against the Saints & Hawks were very good. I loved it when he pushed around C slapper Brown- Sure he lacks endurance. But look this will change.

This kid will be very good once he builds up that tank trust me. There is a lot to like about him.

Based soley on reputation some people in this thread have him behind Gumby for selection and dont see a spot for him. Pfffffffft! Neagle will probably become the centre of our fwd line. Hurley will play switch back & fwd aka Bradshaw/Lucas. Gumby will need to prove himself able to handle a game at Afl level without breaking down before we can really consider him. Hillie, his knee needs to hold up before we can depend on him.

Beware the hungry Neagle - such a large man will bite a hole out of many a defense next year.

[HFF_07]

Where would you have Monfries then? He's (IMO) too good a player to not be playing.

As a lockdown forward, who takes the space of the leading FF.

I would not have monfries in the starting 22.

In fact I would like him to develop into a midfielder, or even as a small defender, because with the inclusion of Williams he is now an unrequired source, although Knights and the coaching staff seem to love him.

[Jonesy1987]

Williams and Monfries play different roles.

[eth-dog]

exactly, Gus plays a RO'K role, Willo plays a Brad Johnson role

[morebeer]

Interesting statistical breakdown of Neagle's first 20 games. Not sure it really matters but obviously not as pretty if you use age as the indicator and not games played. Lloyd was drafted as a 16 year old.

Just hope his body allows him the opportunity to reach his potential. I think there is reason to be optimistic for Jay due to him getting a full year of football into him. Would love to see a Jobe style pre season transformation and then we can see if he does actually have the talent to be the focal point of the attack. Heres hoping.

[Smokin]

well, a few rounds in and we are seemingly clearer as to what Knights' is trying to do with this forward line of ours.

Is something like this our best forward line?:

Monfries Gumbleton Reimers
Williams Hurley Zaharakis

With Ryder dropping forward more so than Hille.

Perhaps throw Colyer on a half forward flank soonish? Can be the little buzzsaw who can actually pick the ball up.

I think it looks so much better with Zaka and Reimers there - both give at ground level and as marking options. There is real flexibility with this line up.

Hurley, I feel, is going to make a huge difference to this forwardline. Williams will probably benefit most, but also Reimers who is a genuine target who can gain separation and make things happen.

Hopefully, we make it all click by the start of next season.

[Slattery_20]

well, a few rounds in and we are seemingly clearer as to what Knights' is trying to do with this forward line of ours.

Is something like this our best forward line?:

Monfries Gumbleton Reimers
Williams Hurley Zaharakis

With Ryder dropping forward more so than Hille.

Perhaps throw Colyer on a half forward flank soonish? Can be the little buzzsaw who can actually pick the ball up.

I think it looks so much better with Zaka and Reimers there - both give at ground level and as marking options. There is real flexibility with this line up.

Hurley, I feel, is going to make a huge difference to this forwardline. Williams will probably benefit most, but also Reimers who is a genuine target who can gain separation and make things happen.

Hopefully, we make it all click by the start of next season.
It's nice when your little midget forward isn't scared of grabbing the footy.
I think that best forward line is what we're aiming for, depending on how much midfield time they give Zaka.

[BrunoV]

The looks the best and most balanced forward line that we have, especially early in 2010.

It could get very complicated if certain players start performing.

[mayhem20202]

I'm looking forward to seeing Hurley come into the side, and be that link between Gumby and the goals. I would think that will allow Gumby to patrol from 30 or 40 out right up to the wing, be the target when the ball is coming out of the backline, and then Hurley will take the better defender that has been nullifying Williams, and Hurley will also give a much stronger option then Williams, and this will allow Williams to play a game a lot more suited to his strengths. The other boys, Zaka, Reimers, Monfries and co will all benefit from this as well. Imagine what Monfries or Williams should be able to do to the 4th best/2nd medium size defender.

[mark1881]

Monfries Gumbleton Reimers
Williams Hurley Zaharakis

For me that's what we should run with for a few weeks. Playing Remiers forward means he doesn't have to be as defensively minded than if we played him on a wing or off half back.

Zaka is quality up forward, is great at leading into space. Just needs to work on his finishing. Monfries, Zaka and Remiers can all play tall which is super handy.

[ghostdog]

I spent a few brief moments in the middle of nowhere on Saturday night, flicking through radio stations in the car trying to find the game, and had to settle for a couple of score updates :mad: Didn't get to see any of it. The best I've seen are the photos of Gumby's mark posted by Smythy - cheers!


Reading the thread though, it sounds as if Gumby's only getting better, and Reimers, Zak and Williams are looking settled. The implication is that Neagle is starting to appear trade worthy? ...or do we keep him for part of a forwardline rotation that Hille and Ryder are already a part of?