Best 22 2011

[loopy_cam]

B: H. Slatts, Pears, Fletcher
HB: Hocking, Hooker, Heppell
C: Winderlich, Watson, Stanton
HF: Monfries, Gumbleton, Jetta
F: Davey, Hurley, Williams
R: Ryder, Howlett, Welsh
I/C: Hille, McVeigh, Zaharakis
Sub: Prismall

B: Crameri, T. Slatts, Hibberd
HB: Dyson, Davis, Hardingham
C: Colyer, Myers, Dempsey
HF: Reimers, Carlisle, Lonergan
F: Silverlock, Neagle, Daniher
R: Bellchambers, NLM, Melksham
I/C: Jenkins, Long, Quinn
Sub: Steinberg

Others: Browne, Ross, Webster


That's my two sides after completing our list. Personally I would have Hurley back and stick Neagle at full-forward but from all reports Hurley has been training as a forward. I only have Heppell in because everyone is saying that he'll be a starter straight away. If he's not quite there then another mid would come in and McVeigh takes his spot.

Looks like Bendigo will go pretty well next season.

 

[Dunn - Well Done]

B: H. Slatts, Pears, Fletcher
HB: Hocking, Hooker, Heppell
C: Winderlich, Watson, Stanton
HF: Monfries, Gumbleton, Jetta
F: Davey, Hurley, Williams
R: Ryder, Howlett, Welsh
I/C: Hille, McVeigh, Zaharakis
Sub: Prismall

B: Crameri, T. Slatts, Hibberd
HB: Dyson, Davis, Hardingham
C: Colyer, Myers, Dempsey
HF: Reimers, Carlisle, Lonergan
F: Silverlock, Neagle, Daniher
R: Bellchambers, NLM, Melksham
I/C: Jenkins, Long, Quinn
Sub: Steinberg

Others: Browne, Ross, Webster


That's my two sides after completing our list. Personally I would have Hurley back and stick Neagle at full-forward but from all reports Hurley has been training as a forward. I only have Heppell in because everyone is saying that he'll be a starter straight away. If he's not quite there then another mid would come in and McVeigh takes his spot.

Looks like Bendigo will go pretty well next season.

Surely we have to be giving these guys every chance to prove themselves. If thats your best 22 fair enough, but we aint going to far with that side. We need to be giving Colyer, Melksham permanent 22 spots for development. To a lesser extent also Myers and Hardingham. We already know what they can do at VFL or WAFL level we need to find out if they can make the next step.

We arnt exactly looking at a premiership in 2 years time.

 

[timskul]

Just a general observation. I reckon these posted teams need more prismall. With a bit of confidence and a consistent run in the team i reckon he could turn out pretty good. Hes had his detractors but still, hes one that i could see breaking out next season

 

[loopy_cam]

Surely we have to be giving these guys every chance to prove themselves. If thats your best 22 fair enough, but we aint going to far with that side. We need to be giving Colyer, Melksham permanent 22 spots for development. To a lesser extent also Myers and Hardingham. We already know what they can do at VFL or WAFL level we need to find out if they can make the next step.

We arnt exactly looking at a premiership in 2 years time.

I want to win as many games as possible. If the kids aren't good enough yet, don't play them.

 

[table tennis]

I want to win as many games as possible. If the kids aren't good enough yet, don't play them.

Colyer gives us more than welsh, mcveigh & davey

 

[loopy_cam]

Colyer gives us more than welsh, mcveigh & davey

Welsh is a tagger. McVeigh has the option of playing defence or through the midfield. These two both also have the added bonus of experience and strong bodies. Davey maybe but as a small forward I still think Davey is ahead.

 

[Bombers36]

B: H. Slatts, Pears, Fletcher
HB: Hocking, Hooker, Heppell
C: Winderlich, Watson, Stanton
HF: Monfries, Gumbleton, Jetta
F: Davey, Hurley, Williams
R: Ryder, Howlett, Welsh
I/C: Hille, McVeigh, Zaharakis
Sub: Prismall

B: Crameri, T. Slatts, Hibberd
HB: Dyson, Davis, Hardingham
C: Colyer, Myers, Dempsey
HF: Reimers, Carlisle, Lonergan
F: Silverlock, Neagle, Daniher
R: Bellchambers, NLM, Melksham
I/C: Jenkins, Long, Quinn
Sub: Steinberg

Others: Browne, Ross, Webster


That's my two sides after completing our list. Personally I would have Hurley back and stick Neagle at full-forward but from all reports Hurley has been training as a forward. I only have Heppell in because everyone is saying that he'll be a starter straight away. If he's not quite there then another mid would come in and McVeigh takes his spot.

Looks like Bendigo will go pretty well next season.

Id have very similar lineups loopy_cam, but Heppel & H.Slats out of the seniors in favour of Dempsey & Melksham.
Wouldn't have Welsh starting on ball either - rather Melksham there and Welsh on bench or a sub.
Geez our Bendigo side will be chock a block with AFL expereinced players and should go very well

 

[The House]

Just a general observation. I reckon these posted teams need more prismall. With a bit of confidence and a consistent run in the team i reckon he could turn out pretty good. Hes had his detractors but still, hes one that i could see breaking out next season

agree 100% timskul.....i've got Pris starting on ball in my best 22, and i think with a good pre season, good coaching, and the opportunity of a more consistant crack at it he will flourish under Jimmy.

Is also my tip to win Essendon's most improved award next year.

 

[BullDurham]

B: McVeigh,, Pears, Fletcher
HB: Heppell, Hurley, Stanton
C: Melksham , Watson, Jetta
HF: Monfries, Gumbleton, Dempsey
F: Davey, Ryder, Williams
R: Hille, Winderlich Zaharakis,
I/C: Prismall, Reimers, Colyer
Sub: Hooker/Myers

 

[eth-dog]

McVeigh, Hooker, Fletcher
Pears, Hurley, Heppell
Colyer, Watson(c), Melksham
Monfries, Gumbleton, Zaharakis
Davey, Hille, Williams
Ryder, Myers, Winderlich
Jetta, Stanton, Howlett
Hocking (sub)

 

[bombermick]

B: McVeigh Pears Fletcher
HB: Heppell Hooker Hibberd
C: Stanton Watson Winderlich
HF: Monfries Gumbleton Jetta
FF: Ryder Hurley Williams
R: Hille Howlett Colyer
INT: Prismall Zaka Hardingham Davey
Sub: Melksham

 

[russea]

H.Slatts Pears Fletcher
Hocking Hooker Stanton
Winderlich Watson Melksham
Monfries Gumby Colyer
Hille Hurley Williams
Ryder Myers Jetta
Heppell Zaharakis Howlett
Sub: NLM/Hardingham

 

[Bombers36]

H.Slatts Pears Fletcher
Hocking Hooker Stanton
Winderlich Watson Melksham
Monfries Gumby Colyer
Hille Hurley Williams
Ryder Myers Jetta
Heppell Zaharakis Howlett
Sub: NLM/Hardingham

Like this mix Russea. Id do straight swap Myers with Howlett for R.Rover position.
Monfries Gumby Colyer
Hille Hurley Williams

looks like a half dangerous forward line also!

 

[Dunn - Well Done]

I want to win as many games as possible. If the kids aren't good enough yet, don't play them.

So you would like to finish between 10th and 17th and not give any games or developmental opportunities into our young kids. Our list is barely in the top 12 list in the entire AFL. Most on here might disagree but thats due to being bias.

 

[Dunn - Well Done]

Like this mix Russea. Id do straight swap Myers with Howlett for R.Rover position.
Monfries Gumby Colyer
Hille Hurley Williams

looks like a half dangerous forward line also!

That forward line might seem great because it looks the most dangerous and likely to kick big scores. But let me know whos going to do the defensive chasing and tackling. I would love being a back playing against those 6, especially the 3 closest to goal. They wouldnt know what defensive pressure is .

 

[Yoda_]

OK people

Been thinking about our best 22 for a little while, now this may not be the best team from round 1, but the team that will be our best 22 come round 6 - 8 when the season is in full swing.

With this in mind, the team from the back line would be:

Henry Slattery: Highly rated by our coaches, and a player who has really been sold up the creek by our terrible midfield. No, he does not get a lot of ball, no, he does not have the best skills, no, he is not the most talented player, but the thing with 'Hank' is that he will never stop trying for the team, for a small defender, this is all you can ask for. I actually think that we will see a markedly better year from 'Hank' if our midfield does improve deffensively and does not allow such an easy passage into the opposition forward 50.

Tayte Pears: I would love to see Hurley here, but that will be explained when Hurley is named. Tayte has shown that he can play on the big, bustling power forwards, at the age of 20, he has shown that he can play and do a super job. A big ask to see him start round 1, after another bout of surgery, but with his strong desire and work ethic could be a real surprise to see him in, round 1.

Mark Mcveigh: I see Hird has slated him to play more midfield time, but he will only be a 'rotation', not a full time member. So when not going on the ball, he should be played in the position he has success in. Having shut down some very good small forwards, Mcveigh could play on the No. 1 small forward, whilst Slattery could take the No. 2 small forward and not be exposed as much as he was last season.

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Michael Hibberd: Been thinking a lot about 'Hibbo', would love to see him play round 1, but not so sure. A rebounding creative type, he would play the role that Dempsey has been trialled in for the past 2 seasons. You could potentially have Heppell here, but think that the kid may need to prove himself before being picked whereas Hibberd has shown this with Frankston.

Cale Hooker: Proved to us all last year when he burnt Nick Riewoldt a new ring hole in our 4th consecutive victory of last years runner's up. A super athlete, he is best suited to playing on the athletically gifted CHF types like Riewoldt and Josh Kennedy from West Coast. Yes the brain fades are still going to be there, the skills are not the best but he is the best man for the job and should continue to improve his rapid development from last season.

Dustin Fletcher: The effervescent Dustin Fletcher, lining up for his 19th season? WOW. The glue that is going to hold our back line together. Still going as strong as ever, he will be able to teach our batch of new draftees a thing or two about how to go about the rigors of AFL football.

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Jason Winderlich: After finally breaking the injury shackle in season '09, Winderlich again backed it up this year with another 19 games. Stellar games they were in some, very average in others. I feel that his gut running is best suited to the wide open expanses of the wings where his run and carry will be crucial to breaking open defenses.

Jobe Watson: Do I need to say why? Captain of our football club, one of the best in - and - under players in the comp and after reading some training reports, he is finally starting to assert himself as a real leader of men. His kicking has come on in leaps and bounds and has impressed me handling himself off field as well as on.

Brent Stanton: Another gut running, outside reciever, Stanton is the other player most suited to running off the square and into the action. He is a super player who had a down year, hopefully he can find a few mates and take his game back to where it should be. Near a B + level that he has shown he can play at.

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David Hille: Has shown that he can truly dominate games, with a pre season behind him, I hope he can get back to his bullocking best that saw him being mentioned in the same breath as Dean Cox and Aaron Sandilands back in the mid parts of '09. His ability to push forward will be crucial also as we look for multiple avenues to goal.

Ben Howlett: One of those unobtrussive types who will do plenty, but you will not notice a lot. Can play inside, or outside, whilst his tough physical body will help in the clinches of battle, I feel he may be one of our starting 4 in the middle.

Heath Hocking: Showed what he can do this year, and was duly rewarded with a runner's up in our best and fairest. Another tough, uncompromising player who has come on in leaps and bounds since being drafted as a rookie.

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Angus Monfries: One of our better lead up forwards, kicked 24 goals, one less than his '09 career high of 25. Would love to see this hit the 30 + goal mark, but after being touted as a midfield rotation, get the feeling that we will be looking for more avenues to goal and thus will reduce Gus' impact on the score board. 20 + goals will be a win for Angus this season, providing he spends more time running through the midfield.

Scott Gumbleton: WOW, 2010 was a break out year for our 2 meter string pole CHF. Showed some outstanding promise in glimpses this year, whilst not dominating games, he showed that he can handle playing with the big boys that will only hold him in good stead for years to come. A good strong set of hands and a really, really good aerobic capacity, Gumbleton should be our CHF for years to come.

David Zaharakis: Have high hopes for this passionate Bombers supporter. His classy ball use will be most predominant from a HFF, before running on the ball for stints. By the end of the season I am hoping that David will be a key play maker in the Steve Johnson mould.

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Alwyn Davey: One of our leading tacklers, especially inside our forward 50. He was unfortunately one of our leading goal kickers for season 2010 with a pitiful 22 goals, training reports have him on track to return to that blistering form we saw from him when he first burst onto the scene.

Michael Hurley: I am very skeptical to have all of Hurley, Pears, Fletcher and Hooker down back, so the versatility that allows Hurley to play Forward will be fully utilized. Has shown some promise, having turned that single match against the Hawks in our favor off his own boot, it is fair to say that we could have a real winner. I like him a lot down back, but at the moment, we have enough tall defender down there with no real genuine tall forward options available.

Mark Williams: The real unknown at Essendon me thinks. He could be the real leader we have been crying out for up front, hopefully he can organize the forward 50 so that we are a bit more functional rather than kick and hope that was, our kamikaze style of play. At his best he could be a 40 + goal forward, so hoping to get somewhere near that for a pass mark from the boy who has shed a reported 5kg.

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Leroy Jetta: The one player most of us have high hopes for after teasing us with some high class games last season. Jetta, 22, is now at that age heading into his prime should be pushing for a starting 18 spot most likely on a wing or as that classy onballer we have been crying out for.

Andrew Welsh: The hardened body we will need if we are getting smashed in the middle whilst also being our best option as a tagger if required. Would love to see someone push out Welsh this season as a tagger, but not really sure who. Hank perhaps?

Patty Ryder: OK, the reason I have not just named Ryder at Full Forward is that our two resting ruckmen are better floating forward, rather than playing as mainstay forwards. If they are to play permanent forward, I get the feeling that they may play as a third tall, and not as one of the true KPF (FF, CHF). Ryder also brings a little bit of flexibility to our line up, I can see him being able to play as a wingman ala Adam Goodes, so watch this space to see how he goes in season 2011.

(Substitute) Courtenay Dempsey: Not completely sold on him starting round 1, but feel on pure talent he will be given a game. I feel he will be used more as an impact player rather than a full time member of our starting 18, mainly off a wing or half forward flank. Interesting to see what comes of Dempsey's role next season.

The 22:

B: H.Slattery - T.Pears - M.Mcveigh

HB: M.Hibberd - C.Hooker - D.Fletcher

C: B.Stanton - J.Watson - J.Winderlich

HF: A.Monfries - S.Gumbleton - D.Zaharakis

F: A.Davey - M.Hurley - M.Williams

R: D.Hille - B.Howlett - H.Hocking

I/C: (From) L.Jetta - A.Welsh - P.Ryder - (Sub) C.Dempsey

Eme: B.Prismal - J.Melksham - N.Lovett - Murray

Rotations:

Midfielders: (11)
M.Mcveigh
B.Stanton
J.Watson
J.Winderlich
A.Monfries
D.Zaharakis
B.Howlett
H.Hocking
L.Jetta
B.Prismal
C.Dempsey

Bendigo Bombers:

B: A.Browne - T.Slattery - A.Long

HB: D.Heppell - N.Lovett-Murray - L.Davis

C: R.Dyson - J.Melksham - T.Colyer

HF: T.Silverlock - J.Carlisle - K.Hardingham

F: K.Reimers - J.Neagle - M.Quinn

R: T.Bellchambers - T.Silverlock - D.Myers

I/C: A.Steinberg - S.Crameri - S.Lonergan - J.Jenkins

Eme: D.Daniher - J.Webster - M.Ross



So people there we have it, my take on what we may be looking at next year. Gee it was hard, if everyone is fit it reallly is a question of, who the coaches rate and how they are going.

Probably missed someone, but meh, took me a little while to get it all out, enjoy and discuss

 

[juppy]

So people there we have it, my take on what we may be looking at next year. Gee it was hard, if everyone is fit it reallly is a question of, who the coaches rate and how they are going.

Probably missed someone, but meh, took me a little while to get it all out, enjoy and discuss

Yeah, I have been looking at doing my own but struggle with a few positions. I would probably have something similar to you but would be trying to squeeze in some of Heppell, Coyler and Melky.

One thing I will say is that we are in a position now where the senior blokes will have pressure on them becuase there is a bit of quality in the bendigo boys. That is a very good thing and may translate to a bit more effort next year.

 

[Ambrosia]

OK people



Bendigo Bombers:

B: A.Browne - T.Slattery - A.Long

HB: D.Heppell - N.Lovett-Murray - L.Davis

C: R.Dyson - J.Melksham - T.Colyer

HF: T.Silverlock - J.Carlisle - K.Hardingham

F: K.Reimers - J.Neagle - M.Quinn

R: T.Bellchambers - T.Silverlock - D.Myers

I/C: A.Steinberg - S.Crameri - S.Lonergan - J.Jenkins

Eme: D.Daniher - J.Webster - M.Ross

I'm not saying your wrong just suprised I would have thought Daniher would be pushing for games in the seniors next year but you have him 45th picked.

 

[Dunn - Well Done]

Id be hoping that we can get plenty of games into Colyer, Melksham, Heppell, Myers and Hardingham. Wouldnt mind with a few missing each week, but i suspect 2 will play just about every week. As you said it is hard to fit all these players in and that is the shining light for me, we finally have depth.

The player im really excited about is Zaharakis who i think can go to high levels next year and be a really quality player. Will be a future high possession midfielder who can kick goals.

 

[loopy_cam]

So you would like to finish between 10th and 17th and not give any games or developmental opportunities into our young kids. Our list is barely in the top 12 list in the entire AFL. Most on here might disagree but thats due to being bias.

No. I want to make finals and do as well as possible. I think this would be the most beneficial to our younger players. Besides, half the side are 22 or younger. It is still a youthful side. Every side needs its share of experience or we'd just get flogged every week and that'd be no good for the young guys' development. That's why I have those older players in my side. If you think we'd be better off tanking then that's up to you.

 

[Dunn - Well Done]

No. I want to make finals and do as well as possible. I think this would be the most beneficial to our younger players. Besides, half the side are 22 or younger. It is still a youthful side. Every side needs its share of experience or we'd just get flogged every week and that'd be no good for the young guys' development. That's why I have those older players in my side. If you think we'd be better off tanking then that's up to you.

I doubt we will make finals with our best 22 eg: not including the young kids. Even if we do whats the good of coming 7th or 8th for 4 or 5 years but doing being able to win a flag. Look at the buldogs for example. Needed to give there young kids a go 3-4 years ago and never did, that is why they were never able to win a flag.

Its hardly tanking look at the roos and freo for example. Played plenty of young kids last 2 years and starting to see the benefits. For me the top 8 is to strong ATM anyway.

 

[loopy_cam]

I doubt we will make finals with our best 22 eg: not including the young kids. Even if we do whats the good of coming 7th or 8th for 4 or 5 years but doing being able to win a flag. Look at the buldogs for example. Needed to give there young kids a go 3-4 years ago and never did, that is why they were never able to win a flag.

I have no doubt that we have the ability to make the finals and do well in the finals. All any team needs is a little luck. Had we beaten W. Coast x2, Port in Melbourne, Brisbane in Melbourne, Melbourne and Adelaide last year we would have finished equal fifth and I'm sure most people would've backed us to win those games. You add in our close losses to Sydney and Hawthorn and you can see we aren't that far off.

No idea what you're talking about with the bulldogs. You want them to not play their best side even when they are in contention for a premiership?

Its hardly tanking look at the roos and freo for example. Played plenty of young kids last 2 years and starting to see the benefits. For me the top 8 is to strong ATM anyway.

Freo played kids. They also played Grover, Hayden, McPharlin, Pavlich,
Sandilands, Crowley, Tarrant, Dodd, Hasleby, Solomon, Thornton and Headland over the last two years pretty regularly. North played Harvey, Rawlings, Petrie, Pratt, Firrito, Harding, Simpson, Hale and Jones over the last two years.

It's better to make kids earn games rather than just gifting it to them. Obviously, the times when we actually have every player available is going to be slim to none so the other young players will get their opportunities as well.

 

[Dunn - Well Done]

I have no doubt that we have the ability to make the finals and do well in the finals. All any team needs is a little luck. Had we beaten W. Coast x2, Port in Melbourne, Brisbane in Melbourne, Melbourne and Adelaide last year we would have finished equal fifth and I'm sure most people would've backed us to win those games. You add in our close losses to Sydney and Hawthorn and you can see we aren't that far off.

No idea what you're talking about with the bulldogs. You want them to not play their best side even when they are in contention for a premiership?



Freo played kids. They also played Grover, Hayden, McPharlin, Pavlich,
Sandilands, Crowley, Tarrant, Dodd, Hasleby, Solomon, Thornton and Headland over the last two years pretty regularly. North played Harvey, Rawlings, Petrie, Pratt, Firrito, Harding, Simpson, Hale and Jones over the last two years.

It's better to make kids earn games rather than just gifting it to them. Obviously, the times when we actually have every player available is going to be slim to none so the other young players will get their opportunities as well.

Love your optimism but you could also say if we had loss to Stkilda and the other top teams we beat who weren't expected to we would've finished last.

Its well known that the buldogs didn't get games into the youngsters 3 or 4 years ago. There scope for improvement was little and the only way they would improve or increase their upside was with young kids who had 3-4 years of games under there belt on a consistent basis.

I would suggest looking up how many games Headland, Dodd, Thornton, Hayden 2009, Tarrant this year, Crowley, Solomon (please, he retired before this year), Grover this year and Haslbey missed the entire 08 season.

Ive also stated that you do need to find a certain degree of balance. FWIW i have Flecther, Mcveigh, Stanton, Watson, Winderlich, Monfries, Hille, Ryder, in the side who offer more than enough experience. The games continuing to lean the way of younger players because of the speed ect. Younger players are becoming very capable of playing in their first year - especially high draft picks (Heppell, Melksham, Colyer, Myers) or mature aged (Howlett, Hibberd). So we will need that balance similar to what you were getting at with kangaroos and other teams.

 

[Duckworth]

I'm not saying your wrong just suprised I would have thought Daniher would be pushing for games in the seniors next year but you have him 45th picked.

Surely he could push one of the Silverlocks out.

 

[yaco55]

HFF

A touch surprised that you went for such a conservative time.

My team is somewhere back in this thread but I had 5 or 6 differences

from memory had

Hardingham
Heppell
C.Daniher
reimers
nlm

I imagine that the team for Round 1 will be different from our two teams.