List Mgmt. 2022 Carlton Consensus Best 22

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PezzDogg95

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Thought I'd share my votes and my rationale behind them.

Walsh - no brainer
Cripps - no brainer
Hewett - 26yo new recruit - no brainer
Cerra - 22yo high profile recruit - no brainer

These 4 will form the majority of our centre square teams. Cerra and perhaps Walsh will spend some time on the wing, and Cripps will likely rest a bit forward.

Next I picked an out and out winger - Lochie O'Brien. Every team has one, Langdon at Melb, Hunter at the Dogs etc. The other wing can be filled through rotation, but you need one staple winger.

For balance, a rounded inside/outside linking mid is needed. I have selected Zac Williams in this position.

Yes it didn't go to plan at all times last season with Zac in midfield. BUT - we are too slow/heavy and inside-centric picking Dow or Kennedy as 6th mid. Zac can come off a wing, take a few inside rotations and also spell Saad for the rebound half back when he is on the bench.

We just can't have Williams and Saad (& Docherty/Newman) playing half back at the same time as we are too rebound heavy and lose to much in our defensive side. This will be reflected in my backline votes where Boyd, Plowman, Stocker and Kemp will feature alongside Saad, Weitering and Young.

Further, the 22nd player on the team, which won't yet be accounted for in this poll should be a mid/fwd and I'll be going for Cuningham (when fit).


TL-DR - Walsh, Cripps, Cerra and Hewett pick themselves. O'Brien because we need a specialist winger & Zac Williams needs to move up the field to balance out both our midfield and defence. Cuningham 7th
 
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It will probably balance out, but it's a structural flaw to be picking more forwards than mids.
If you're picking a 2nd ruckman, he's going to be a forward not a mid (ie you're not going to be picking 0 mid rotations in order to play 2 rucks).

I guess you could go 6/ 5+1 /6 /4.
It seems very early to be making these picks anyway.
Every year this is pointed out, and every year the side ends up imbalanced.

As things stand right now, this midfield as absolutely no width to it, and relies on Walsh for outside run.

People picking Kennedy after picking 3-inside leaning mids and a winger that lacks burst are making a dream team points generator, not an actual AFL side.
 

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I flirted with that but he hasn't got any extensive junior or senior exposure in the middle yet. Won't likely see mid time for years to come.

But have added him now.

I see him as being able to play on a wing, with taking some stoppage work then resting forward. Anyway, good to have options
 
I'm finding this really hard.

There are 4 obvious: Cripps, Walsh, Cerra and Hewett.
But, then after this - most other players can play in different lines - so do we pick them in the midfield or wait for the other lines?

Anyway, I went with:
1. Docherty - I hope he gets a good run at wing position. Will he be fit enough to play this role in the later stage of 2022? I'm just going to assume he will be available and fit. I don't think we can afford to have Docherty in the backline with the other two loose defenders Saad and Williams.
2. Stocker - I think he is ready and needs some midfield time. But, he can also cover the defensive line if required

Anyway, what a difference a year makes. That's a very different 6 to 2021!
And I like it much better my current best 6 mids much better than 2021 :D

Bring it on - finals bound 2022!!!
 

ItsAllAboutMe

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reading the OP, i had completely forgotten that Alex Fasolo played at Carltn..
 
Walsh, Cripps, Cerra, Hewett are the certainties for the centre contested roles.

For the wing I considered a wide range of players like Martin, Saad (who isn't an option), and Stocker. But I ultimately went with O'Brien and Williams. I'm already regretting not picking Martin but I'll stick with my choices.
 

bmaurizio

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My guess at definitive starting engine room is as listed following :-

Cripps
Walsh
Cerra
Hewett
Kennedy

this is a very good midfield, hoping , Setterfield , Stocker, Dow, Philip & Caroll too, gradually begin show signs of wanting to fit in.
 
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Matty411 - I'm not exactly sure how the stats actually work, but when you put up a poll and you get to a certain number - the stats are pretty clear and it doesn't change much from here in.

So, you may as well close this poll early :p

It looks like we have the 4 main mids: Cripps, Walsh, Cerra and Hewett
With the other two being Dow and Kennedy

Personally, I think that's a bit of a slow midfield.
But 'em are the consensus
 

GapInIkonPark

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Love this thread.

I went with the 4 … Walsh, Cripps, Cerra and Hewett.
Next couple is a raffle to be honest, and I landed on L’Ob and Ed Curnow.

I hope to see Setterfield, Philip, Dow, Cuningham and Carroll right up there.

Kennedy provides some versatility as a forward that can play mid, but is pushed out by Hewett and Cerra.
 
Just about impossible to pick 6 from that group. Understand why we've done it but the reality is the midfield group extends well beyond that.

I have at least 10 of them in my best side and there are a few others on the cusp and who probably feature in other teams being put forward.

I'll prioritize players who are not only clear best 22 options but who probably don't have the flexibility in their game to be selected elsewhere.

1. Cripps
2. Walsh
3. Cerra
4. Hewett

No surprises there as these four basically pick themselves. The next two are the tricky ones.

Ed: A wonderful servant of the footy club who deserves a heap of praise for the career he's carved out for himself. Seems pretty clear to me we're in the process of phasing him out but still think he has plenty to give and I expect him to play seniors most weeks.

LOB: Earned a reprieve via the rookie list but 2022 is absolutely make or break for Lochie. Has a lot going for him but just hasn't really come close to nailing a spot down so I'm wondering if there's things happening with him off the field. A new coach may mean a new Lochie and I hope that happens, but he's not a consideration here.

Dow: I might be his biggest fan remaining. A lot have jumped off Paddy but he's still so young I still reckon there's a top level AFL footballer in there ready to explode. Will that happen in 2022? Maybe. And if it does it will be ******* glorious. A strong consideration here and I absolutely believe he'll be playing seniors in round one.

Setterfield: I am a fan but just can't trust him after what was a horrific 2021. He'll get games and an opportunity to turn things around but as of right now he's not in our 6 best midfielders and frankly it's not even close. 2022 is a massive year for him, I'm hopeful that he'll turn things around but I can't say I'm confident.

Stocker: Love this kid and can understand why people want him to progress into the midfield but for mine he's cemented a spot in our defence and that's where he should start the year. I can't pick him for a spot in the midfield but can and will pick him when we vote for our defenders.

Williams: Had a really disappointing year in 2021 but he's a much better footballer than that. I'm expecting him to bounce back in a big way and I suspect he'll get plenty of midfield minutes. He'll also spend time behind the ball where he's very capable and that's where I'll pick him.

Martin: Somewhat similar to Williams above but at the other end of the ground. Massive talent but wildly and frustratingly inconsistent, he's a brilliant match winner on his day then virtually invisible the next. Expect him to feature in the midfield at times but has played mostly forward for us and that's where I'll be picking him.

Fisher: A real favourite of mine but another who faces a big year after stagnating over the past few seasons. He is a natural midfielder who we've tried to develop into a forward but he's just not a forward. He'll show glimpses and then nothing and frankly that's not what we need and something we have enough of already. I see him playing at half forward with short stints in the midfield - not a candidate for me here but someone to consider when we vote forwards.

Cuningham: Not considered due to injury and frankly lack of exposed form as a midfielder. Was superb in 2020 v Essendon and looked set to break out in 2021 but as it has too many times over the past few years, injury brought that to an abrupt halt. Keen to see what he can do when he returns but he can't be considered here.

Fogarty: I like him but there are too many ahead of him in the midfield. One to consider for a spot up forward who can attend the odd centre bounce here and there but he's nowhere near our best 6 midfielders.

Cottrell: Not considered for this poll but I'm very keen to see if Voss and his coaching group can make something of Cottrell. Poor kick but absolutely elite runner and I'm keen to see whether these coaches know how to better utilize the wing position.

Philp: My boy. I've tipped him as someone who could 'break out' in 2022 despite no senior games this year. And to be honest it wouldn't surprise me if he's in the senior side come round one, but he's not in our best 6 mids now. He may very well be down the track, but not now.

Carroll: Exciting prospect but very young and still a fair way off it for mine. Just want to see him get games under his belt at VFL level. If form dictates happy to see him play seniors at some stage but as of right now he's not a consideration here.

Docherty: Not considered due to current circumstances, and wouldn't have been considered due to his flexibility. Get well soon, skip, we're all with you.

Williamson: Have always said I'd love to see him on a wing and I still would, but as of right now he's not our best option there and he's certainly not in our best 6 mids. A candidate for a spot down back.

Kemp: Starting to sound like a broken record. Not in our best few mids, but might be voted in elsewhere. A bench candidate at best I'd say.

Newnes: I almost considered him. Mainly for the reaction but I do genuinely believe he's our best wing - he's just not in our top 6 mids. I think he'll play a lot more than many expect.

That just about covers it. Basically we have a very clear top 4 and I have no ******* idea what happens next. I need more time to think.
 
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Just about impossible to pick 6 from that group. Understand why we've done it but the reality is the midfield group extends well beyond that.

I have at least 10 of them in my best side and there are a few others on the cusp and who probably feature in other teams being put forward.

I'll prioritize players who are not only clear best 22 options but who probably don't have the flexibility in their game to be selected elsewhere.

1. Cripps
2. Walsh
3. Cerra
4. Hewett

No surprises there as these four basically pick themselves. The next two are the tricky ones.

Ed: A wonderful servant of the footy club who deserves a heap of praise for the career he's carved out for himself. Seems pretty clear to me we're in the process of phasing him out but still think he has plenty to give and I expect him to play seniors most weeks.

LOB: Earned a reprieve via the rookie list but 2022 is absolutely make or break for Lochie. Has a lot going for him but just hasn't really come close to nailing a spot down so I'm wondering if there's things happening with him off the field. A new coach may mean a new Lochie and I hope that happens, but he's not a consideration here.

Dow: I might be his biggest fan remaining. A lot have jumped off Paddy but he's still so young I still reckon there's a top level AFL footballer in there ready to explode. Will that happen in 2022? Maybe. And if it does it will be ******* glorious. A strong consideration here and I absolutely believe he'll be playing seniors in round one.

Setterfield: I am a fan but just can't trust him after what was a horrific 2021. He'll get games and an opportunity to turn things around but as of right now he's not in our 6 best midfielders and frankly it's not even close. 2022 is a massive year for him, I'm hopeful that he'll turn things around but I can't say I'm confident.

Stocker: Love this kid and can understand why people want him to progress into the midfield but for mine he's cemented a spot in our defence and that's where he should start the year. I can't pick him for a spot in the midfield but can and will pick him when we vote for our defenders.

Williams: Had a really disappointing year in 2021 but he's a much better footballer than that. I'm expecting him to bounce back in a big way and I suspect he'll get plenty of midfield minutes. He'll also spend time behind the ball where he's very capable and that's where I'll pick him.

Martin: Somewhat similar to Williams above but at the other end of the ground. Massive talent but wildly and frustratingly inconsistent, he's a brilliant match winner on his day then virtually invisible the next. Expect him to feature in the midfield at times but has played mostly forward for us and that's where I'll be picking him.

Fisher: A real favourite of mine but another who faces a big year after stagnating over the past few seasons. He is a natural midfielder who we've tried to develop into a forward but he's just not a forward. He'll show glimpses and then nothing and frankly that's not what we need and something we have enough of already. I see him playing at half forward with short stints in the midfield - not a candidate for me here but someone to consider when we vote forwards.

Cuningham: Not considered due to injury and frankly lack of exposed form as a midfielder. Was superb in 2020 v Essendon and looked set to break out in 2021 but as it has too many times over the past few years, injury brought that to an abrupt halt. Keen to see what he can do when he returns but he can't be considered here.

Fogarty: I like him but there are too many ahead of him in the midfield. One to consider for a spot up forward who can attend the odd centre bounce here and there but he's nowhere near our best 6 midfielders.

Cottrell: Not considered for this poll but I'm very keen to see if Voss and his coaching group can make something of Cottrell. Poor kick but absolutely elite runner and I'm keen to see whether these coaches know how to better utilize the wing position.

Philp: My boy. I've tipped him as someone who could 'break out' in 2022 despite no senior games this year. And to be honest it wouldn't surprise me if he's in the senior side come round one, but he's not in our best 6 mids now. He may very well be down the track, but not now.

Carroll: Exciting prospect but very young and still a fair way off it for mine. Just want to see him get games under his belt at VFL level. If form dictates happy to see him play seniors at some stage but as of right now he's not a consideration here.

Docherty: Not considered due to current circumstances, and wouldn't have been considered due to his flexibility. Get well soon, skip, we're all with you.

Williamson: Have always said I'd love to see him on a wing and I still would, but as of right now he's not our best option there and he's certainly not in our best 6 mids. A candidate for a spot down back.

Kemp: Starting to sound like a broken record. Not in our best few mids, but might be voted in elsewhere. A bench candidate at best I'd say.

Newnes: I almost considered him. Mainly for the reaction but I do genuinely believe he's our best wing - he's just not in our top 6 mids. I think he'll play a lot more than many expect.

That just about covers it. Basically we have a very clear top 4 and I have no ******* idea what happens next. I need more time to think.

Good write up, although I believe Cerra and Hewett have enough flexibly/versatility to play on a flank (Cerra forward flank, Hewett can play back or forward), which allows us to have better balance in rotations.
 

BigBreakfast

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Feel like we are slow. Rely on an inconsistent Dow\Cuners for burst speed. How does Cerra rate for leg speed?
 
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Just about impossible to pick 6 from that group. Understand why we've done it but the reality is the midfield group extends well beyond that.

I have at least 10 of them in my best side and there are a few others on the cusp and who probably feature in other teams being put forward.

I'll prioritize players who are not only clear best 22 options but who probably don't have the flexibility in their game to be selected elsewhere.

1. Cripps
2. Walsh
3. Cerra
4. Hewett

No surprises there as these four basically pick themselves. The next two are the tricky ones.

Ed: A wonderful servant of the footy club who deserves a heap of praise for the career he's carved out for himself. Seems pretty clear to me we're in the process of phasing him out but still think he has plenty to give and I expect him to play seniors most weeks.

LOB: Earned a reprieve via the rookie list but 2022 is absolutely make or break for Lochie. Has a lot going for him but just hasn't really come close to nailing a spot down so I'm wondering if there's things happening with him off the field. A new coach may mean a new Lochie and I hope that happens, but he's not a consideration here.

Dow: I might be his biggest fan remaining. A lot have jumped off Paddy but he's still so young I still reckon there's a top level AFL footballer in there ready to explode. Will that happen in 2022? Maybe. And if it does it will be ******* glorious. A strong consideration here and I absolutely believe he'll be playing seniors in round one.

Setterfield: I am a fan but just can't trust him after what was a horrific 2021. He'll get games and an opportunity to turn things around but as of right now he's not in our 6 best midfielders and frankly it's not even close. 2022 is a massive year for him, I'm hopeful that he'll turn things around but I can't say I'm confident.

Stocker: Love this kid and can understand why people want him to progress into the midfield but for mine he's cemented a spot in our defence and that's where he should start the year. I can't pick him for a spot in the midfield but can and will pick him when we vote for our defenders.

Williams: Had a really disappointing year in 2021 but he's a much better footballer than that. I'm expecting him to bounce back in a big way and I suspect he'll get plenty of midfield minutes. He'll also spend time behind the ball where he's very capable and that's where I'll pick him.

Martin: Somewhat similar to Williams above but at the other end of the ground. Massive talent but wildly and frustratingly inconsistent, he's a brilliant match winner on his day then virtually invisible the next. Expect him to feature in the midfield at times but has played mostly forward for us and that's where I'll be picking him.

Fisher: A real favourite of mine but another who faces a big year after stagnating over the past few seasons. He is a natural midfielder who we've tried to develop into a forward but he's just not a forward. He'll show glimpses and then nothing and frankly that's not what we need and something we have enough of already. I see him playing at half forward with short stints in the midfield - not a candidate for me here but someone to consider when we vote forwards.

Cuningham: Not considered due to injury and frankly lack of exposed form as a midfielder. Was superb in 2020 v Essendon and looked set to break out in 2021 but as it has too many times over the past few years, injury brought that to an abrupt halt. Keen to see what he can do when he returns but he can't be considered here.

Fogarty: I like him but there are too many ahead of him in the midfield. One to consider for a spot up forward who can attend the odd centre bounce here and there but he's nowhere near our best 6 midfielders.

Cottrell: Not considered for this poll but I'm very keen to see if Voss and his coaching group can make something of Cottrell. Poor kick but absolutely elite runner and I'm keen to see whether these coaches know how to better utilize the wing position.

Philp: My boy. I've tipped him as someone who could 'break out' in 2022 despite no senior games this year. And to be honest it wouldn't surprise me if he's in the senior side come round one, but he's not in our best 6 mids now. He may very well be down the track, but not now.

Carroll: Exciting prospect but very young and still a fair way off it for mine. Just want to see him get games under his belt at VFL level. If form dictates happy to see him play seniors at some stage but as of right now he's not a consideration here.

Docherty: Not considered due to current circumstances, and wouldn't have been considered due to his flexibility. Get well soon, skip, we're all with you.

Williamson: Have always said I'd love to see him on a wing and I still would, but as of right now he's not our best option there and he's certainly not in our best 6 mids. A candidate for a spot down back.

Kemp: Starting to sound like a broken record. Not in our best few mids, but might be voted in elsewhere. A bench candidate at best I'd say.

Newnes: I almost considered him. Mainly for the reaction but I do genuinely believe he's our best wing - he's just not in our top 6 mids. I think he'll play a lot more than many expect.

That just about covers it. Basically we have a very clear top 4 and I have no ******* idea what happens next. I need more time to think.
Nice summary... but, Kennedy?
 
Nov 3, 2020
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Feel like we are slow. Rely on an inconsistent Dow\Cuners for burst speed. How does Cerra rate for leg speed?
That's what I've been thinking too. Can we afford to play Cripps, Kennedy and Hewett in the same midfield without compromising our speed and ball movement?
 
Nice summary... but, Kennedy?

Massive respect for the way he carried himself last year. Things haven't been easy for him at Carlton but he's never dropped his head.

Fought hard for and deserves his promotion back onto the senior list and there's a lesson there for someone like LOB. Shows that opportunities can present when you really knuckle down.

He'll play senior footy next year but for mine, like so many others on that list, I'm not sure he's in our top 6 mids and I feel like the addition of Hewett and Cerra may further restrict his midfield minutes.

As I've posted previously I'd love to see Kennedy spend significant time inside 50. He's slow but has a strong body and has terrific hands for someone his height and he's generally a very reliable kick for goal.

I pushed for it a while back when our talls were out injured and I think he could excel in that role. Maybe we'll see it more if Gov moves back and Charlie spends time up the ground.
 
Dec 8, 2020
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Massive respect for the way he carried himself last year. Things haven't been easy for him at Carlton but he's never dropped his head.

Fought hard for and deserves his promotion back onto the senior list and there's a lesson there for someone like LOB. Shows that opportunities can present when you really knuckle down.

He'll play senior footy next year but for mine, like so many others on that list, I'm not sure he's in our top 6 mids and I feel like the addition of Hewett and Cerra may further restrict his midfield minutes.

As I've posted previously I'd love to see Kennedy spend significant time inside 50. He's slow but has a strong body and has terrific hands for someone his height and he's generally a very reliable kick for goal.

I pushed for it a while back when our talls were out injured and I think he could excel in that role. Maybe we'll see it more if Gov moves back and Charlie spends time up the ground.
Fair summary again. imo, he's there round 1 based on his 2021 output. It's up to the likes of Dow, Martin, Setters, Fisher, Philp, Carroll & LOB to push him out. I figure our top-4 mids in 2021 were Walsh..... Cripps, Kennedy & Ed. 5 and 6 were debatable.
 

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