Prediction 2023 GWS Giants - Predicted best 22, breakout player(s), general player/team discussion & questions

[PaythePerryman]

Ash could easily play midfield or halfback. His willingness to take the game on with his run and repeat speed has already caught the coaches eye.

I think given we have Kennedy/Fahey/Hamilton as running defenders coming through I'd really rather try Ash as pure mid.
Ash was lacking when it came to one on ones in the back line.
I know that you could apply that to the midfield but he didn't seem to have that issue when tagging so maybe the two way nature of it just clicks better.
He showed a fair amount of frustration on the wing when the ball didn't come his way...great way to rectify that is to say 'right, go get it' in the clearance.

 

[Hendo_21]

I think given we have Kennedy/Fahey/Hamilton as running defenders coming through I'd really rather try Ash as pure mid.
Ash was lacking when it came to one on ones in the back line.
I know that you could apply that to the midfield but he didn't seem to have that issue when tagging so maybe the two way nature of it just clicks better.
He showed a fair amount of frustration on the wing when the ball didn't come his way...great way to rectify that is to say 'right, go get it' in the clearance.

I don't get why someone like Hamilton (undrafted second year player) or Kennedy (fringe veteran) is getting prioritised at half back over the number 4 overall pick from a couple years ago that has shown he can play half back really well and clearly has the skillset to be a great one. Hamilton was pretty solid as a defensive minded small but he didn't really offer a whole lot in possesion on the rebound imo, now that could certainly change going into his second year but the same could be said for Ash and he has more runs on the board and we've invested a lot more into him, if Hamilton doesn't work out then no big deal he was an undrafted rookie but Ash was a top 5 pick we have a lot more riding on his success then Hamilton's. Moving Ash away from his natural position just doesn't seem right, maybe I'll look like an idiot in 6 months and Ash will greatly have improved his ability as a ball winner on the inside or out but if he doesn't (which I think is more likely) then it's going to be another year of not getting the most out of him. Ash is not without his flaws, I think his decision maker as a distributor can really let him down at times but I think if he's moved back behind the ball where he's a got a bit more time to assess things and is given the lisence to be more aggressive as a runner I think he's going to be way more impactful then either of Hamilton or Kennedy.

 

[PaythePerryman]

I don't get why someone like Hamilton (undrafted second year player) or Kennedy (fringe veteran) is getting prioritised at half back over the number 4 overall pick from a couple years ago that has shown he can play half back really well and clearly has the skillset to be a great one. Hamilton was pretty solid as a defensive minded small but he didn't really offer a whole lot in possesion on the rebound imo, now that could certainly change going into his second year but the same could be said for Ash and he has more runs on the board and we've invested a lot more into him, if Hamilton doesn't work out then no big deal he was an undrafted rookie but Ash was a top 5 pick we have a lot more riding on his success then Hamilton's. Moving Ash away from his natural position just doesn't seem right, maybe I'll look like an idiot in 6 months and Ash will greatly have improved his ability as a ball winner on the inside or out but if he doesn't (which I think is more likely) then it's going to be another year of not getting the most out of him. Ash is not without his flaws, I think his decision maker as a distributor can really let him down at times but I think if he's moved back behind the ball where he's a got a bit more time to assess things and is given the lisence to be more aggressive as a runner I think he's going to be way more impactful then either of Hamilton or Kennedy.

I understand where you're coming from. Much like Carlton trying to turn Williams into a midfielder when his best position was half back.
1. I think Kennedy sneakily had his best year last year...and was rewarded with a two year extension.
2. I personally wanna see Ash in the mid BECAUSE he was such a high pick and with all those skills that I wanna see what his ceiling could be in the midfield.
He's done an apprenticeship as a back/tagger/wing.

Whitfield and Ash as running defenders would be a great combo offensively but I think that both lack the tenacity and defensive mindset of Kennedy. Gotta love those scrappers.

 

[Hendo_21]

I understand where you're coming from. Much like Carlton trying to turn Williams into a midfielder when his best position was half back.
1. I think Kennedy sneakily had his best year last year...and was rewarded with a two year extension.
2. I personally wanna see Ash in the mid BECAUSE he was such a high pick and with all those skills that I wanna see what his ceiling could be in the midfield.
He's done an apprenticeship as a back/tagger/wing.

Whitfield and Ash as running defenders would be a great combo offensively but I think that both lack the tenacity and defensive mindset of Kennedy. Gotta love those scrappers.

Yeah Kennedy was pretty good last year but I'd still rather see the younger guys in over him like Ash and Fahey, hoping he's a depth piece this year. I probably see Whitfield as more of a winger so I guess the problem of having Ash and him back there doesn't really matter for me cause Whitfield wouldn't be asked to do that, I also think Ash can hold up well enough as a small defender he's not going to shut anyone down but I don't think he's a liability that's going to get picked on and with how good can he in possession I think being just fine out of possession makes it a worthy trade off. In regards to him completing an appreticeship in other roles, he was only really good as a half back, as a winger he's never been super impactful had some nice games but gone missing far more often and then the tagging part I think is a bit of a gimmicky role that most guys could do, as long as they have the running capacity, discipline and intensity to stick with one player but I think it's a very different role that a lot of players could do if they were asked to do it unlike being a real two way mid that impacts games with the ball which Ash hasn't really shown an ability to do. In a perfect world Ash would be a mid for us but I think it's trying to fit a square peg into a round hole imo, hopefully it works out but I'd have a very short leash with it and something I'd only prefer to see him do as a compliment to his half back role if they persist on trying him as a mid.

 

[PaythePerryman]

Yeah Kennedy was pretty good last year but I'd still rather see the younger guys in over him like Ash and Fahey, hoping he's a depth piece this year. I probably see Whitfield as more of a winger so I guess the problem of having Ash and him back there doesn't really matter for me cause Whitfield wouldn't be asked to do that, I also think Ash can hold up well enough as a small defender he's not going to shut anyone down but I don't think he's a liability that's going to get picked on and with how good can he in possession I think being just fine out of possession makes it a worthy trade off. In regards to him completing an appreticeship in other roles, he was only really good as a half back, as a winger he's never been super impactful had some nice games but gone missing far more often and then the tagging part I think is a bit of a gimmicky role that most guys could do, as long as they have the running capacity, discipline and intensity to stick with one player but I think it's a very different role that a lot of players could do if they were asked to do it unlike being a real two way mid that impacts games with the ball which Ash hasn't really shown an ability to do. In a perfect world Ash would be a mid for us but I think it's trying to fit a square peg into a round hole imo, hopefully it works out but I'd have a very short leash with it and something I'd only prefer to see him do as a compliment to his half back role if they persist on trying him as a mid.

Fair enough. I disagree. I think he's a square peg.
He was tough and useful as a tagger which I think is a harder role than people give it credit for.
I think he's got all the weapons to be a dangerous offensive midfielder and I think defensively, he got consistently found out in 1v1 consistently.
He's a great mover in traffic and finds space when running forward.

Guess it's up to Kingsley.

 

[PaythePerryman]

Fair enough. I disagree. I think he's a square peg.
He was tough and useful as a tagger which I think is a harder role than people give it credit for.
I think he's got all the weapons to be a dangerous offensive midfielder and I think defensively, he got consistently found out in 1v1 consistently.
He's a great mover in traffic and finds space when running forward.

Guess it's up to Kingsley.

Round peg*

 

[fridgeman]

Hard to do a best 22 but I will give it a go,

This would be my Rd 1 team and I am going for experience and partially based on historical selections (Kennedy + Lloyd) and Buckley to be fit. Bold would be locks IMO

Davis in for Buckley if he doesnt get up for Rd 1
Unsure on the 2nd half back with Ash and Whitfield candidates also depending on where they are played but I still feel Kennedy makes it for his experience and versatility.
Ward is in and not sure of his role but with Hopper and Taranto leaving he should head back inside mid and rotate with Perryman, Green, Coniglio, Ash and Kelly
Stone and Peatling others in line for a bench spot to rotate forward and Wehr could also get a bench spot as I see him similar to Kennedy in that he could fill in on all 3 lines (He does need to bulk up a bit imo)
Preuss to start in the ruck at this stage but with his track record any of the 3 could ruck solo or as a pair which I think is my preferred option as none of them really run out games looking the best so they could be looking at a 50/25/25 Ruck, fwd, bench split

Also need to see how some of the guys are training, recovering for injuries and at this stage it is just Max G with the dislocated knee and then Taylor, Whitfield and Callaghan recovering from post season surgeries?

Idun Taylor Haynes
Cumming Buckley Kennedy
Whitfield Kelly Callaghan
Greene HH Lloyd
Bedford Hogan Daniels
Preuss Coniglio Green
Perryman Ward Ash Flynn Stone

 

[RowellAnderson12]

Just trying to get an idea of Conor Stone, as he's had limited games and all that.

Would i be right to assume he's AFL projection is similar to Archie Perkins?

 

[Giant Strides]

Idun Taylor Haynes
Cumming Buckley Kennedy
Whitfield Kelly Callaghan
Greene HH Lloyd
Bedford Hogan Daniels
Preuss Coniglio Green
Perryman Ward Ash Flynn Stone

Your reasoning is close to what I am thinking. I haven't gone with Dan Lloyd, and (no offence to him or you) because I hope that one of the youngsters surpasses him in pre-season, but I understand the call in regards playing experience. The same thoughts in regards Kennedy, whom I too would select for experience, but hope that he gets pushed out by either Josh Fahey or Cooper Hamilton at some point during the season (in a good way - by being better).

I would give Cadman a run, for the reasons I've outlined a couple of times already, provided he shows enough in the pre-season.

I too am undecided on the one ruck or too question. Hopefully, during pre-season, the situation is resolved by someone putting their hand up very clearly!

 

[Giant Strides]

Just trying to get an idea of Conor Stone, as he's had limited games and all that.

Would i be right to assume he's AFL projection is similar to Archie Perkins?

I'm not a huge fan of player comparisons, but understand sometimes that's easiest to get a sense of someone. Also, I probably haven't watched Archie too closely, so I don't perhaps have the best interpretation of his game style and capacity.

But yes, in a broad sense, I think GWS would be very happy if he was tracking in the same style and direction as Archie Perkins. Primarily a third or fourth forward who can take a grab and kick a goal, but has speed and strength and can play through the midfield in bursts.

Stone's development has been set back by repeated hamstring injuries, so he's currently well behind - hopefully his visit to a specialist in the USA this off-season has helped and he can be available for the full season.

 

[fridgeman]

The team has the quality to make the finals but a lot would have to go right, basically minimal injuries, veterans having career best years and a few breakout youngsters and I cant see that happening based on the injury history and youth development at the club, I know some are pointing at the Pies and saying why not us, they have over 100 years of club development, not sure on the travel they had last season but it was much less than what the Giants are looking at this year, I know AFL house tries to create a level playing field but the quality and amount of backroom staff would be significantly different between the clubs. I am not saying it isnt possible for the club to make the finals I just see it as unlikely and I see the clubs range at 10th-14th

Keys to the season, really just some thoughts and ideally better crowds to the home games

Game plan
Manageable injuries
Games into Stone, Callaghan and Cadman (others also)
1 (or 2) of the rucks to stand up and make the position their own
Re-sign a few key contracts, Green, Callaghan, HH
A few of the back up players to have good seasons and continue development, examples Fahey, Hamilton, Peatling, Aleer, Angwin. This carries into the reserves making finals as with less injuries they will have a more stable team leading to better development and improved performance

 

[Giant Pete]

Whether we make finals I think depends on the coaches ability to teach the new gamestyle, as well as our luck and management with injuries.

I think the gamestyle really stands up (based on what we see from Richmond and Collingwood).

We have the cattle.

 

[Giant Pete]

Ward will be an interesting one. He can only play on-ball. His lack of speed and endurance exposes him on the outside… watched him live a couple of times at halfback. Small forwards expose him.

 

[sydney_gws]

Ward will be an interesting one. He can only play on-ball. His lack of speed and endurance exposes him on the outside… watched him live a couple of times at halfback. Small forwards expose him.

Play him on the slowest small forward they have might work best. He will spend some time on ball, unless we have few injuries and he is often out of the team or player 23.

 

[Giant Gutsache]

Play him on the slowest small forward they have might work best. He will spend some time on ball, unless we have few injuries and he is often out of the team or player 23.

Am not sure any of the contending teams will be playing slow enough small forwards. I think Ward will earn his spot through the midfield with chunks of time on the bench.
A plus will be his outstanding leadership.

 

[Ichabod Noodle]

or Kennedy (fringe veteran)

Kenners is not a ‘fringe’ player - he sits 10th on the all time games list for the club (8th among active players). He’s 2 games shy of life membership.

You have to go back to 2015 as the only time in his career that he played any significant number of games in the magoos on form.

If he’s fit, he plays.

we have this same argument every year - he’s never (rarely) in anyone’s 22, but ends up playing most games (except for injury or coming back from injury)

he has great speed, missed by a lot of commenters on here, and his disposal efficiency has never dropped below 76% and is usually above 80%. Coming out of defence that’s more than handy.

he along with Ward are what I would call the two “heart & soul” players of the club.

it will be interesting to see what the new coach does, but for mine, he plays.

 

[Hendo_21]

Kenners is not a ‘fringe’ player - he sits 10th on the all time games list for the club (8th among active players). He’s 2 games shy of life membership.

You have to go back to 2015 as the only time in his career that he played any significant number of games in the magoos on form.

If he’s fit, he plays.

we have this same argument every year - he’s never (rarely) in anyone’s 22, but ends up playing most games (except for injury or coming back from injury)

he has great speed, missed by a lot of commenters on here, and his disposal efficiency has never dropped below 76% and is usually above 80%. Coming out of defence that’s more than handy.

he along with Ward are what I would call the two “heart & soul” players of the club.

it will be interesting to see what the new coach does, but for mine, he plays.

Kennedy is a solid player and someone thats played his role well for a long time and was certainly a favourite of Leon, we'll have to see if Kingsley values his skillset the same way in a new system, think it would be a good result for our team if Kennedy isn't walk up best 22 that would mean there's a clear sign of growth from Fahey or Ash and they've shown to be capable to play and if they don't then we know he's there to do a decent job.

 

[GWS Goose]

Kenners is not a ‘fringe’ player - he sits 10th on the all time games list for the club (8th among active players). He’s 2 games shy of life membership.

You have to go back to 2015 as the only time in his career that he played any significant number of games in the magoos on form.

If he’s fit, he plays.

we have this same argument every year - he’s never (rarely) in anyone’s 22, but ends up playing most games (except for injury or coming back from injury)

he has great speed, missed by a lot of commenters on here, and his disposal efficiency has never dropped below 76% and is usually above 80%. Coming out of defence that’s more than handy.

he along with Ward are what I would call the two “heart & soul” players of the club.

it will be interesting to see what the new coach does, but for mine, he plays.

He is a polarising figure here.
My view is he always sits just outside the 22, we are rarely full strength and he ends up getting a game.
This year, again, I have outside my 22 but expect him to get some games again.

 

[PaythePerryman]

Kenners is not a ‘fringe’ player - he sits 10th on the all time games list for the club (8th among active players). He’s 2 games shy of life membership.

You have to go back to 2015 as the only time in his career that he played any significant number of games in the magoos on form.

If he’s fit, he plays.

we have this same argument every year - he’s never (rarely) in anyone’s 22, but ends up playing most games (except for injury or coming back from injury)

he has great speed, missed by a lot of commenters on here, and his disposal efficiency has never dropped below 76% and is usually above 80%. Coming out of defence that’s more than handy.

he along with Ward are what I would call the two “heart & soul” players of the club.

it will be interesting to see what the new coach does, but for mine, he plays.

Agree 100%
Underrated.
Peatling,Fahey, Hamilton will need to usurp him.

 

[Danny88]

Kenners is not a ‘fringe’ player - he sits 10th on the all time games list for the club (8th among active players). He’s 2 games shy of life membership.

You have to go back to 2015 as the only time in his career that he played any significant number of games in the magoos on form.

If he’s fit, he plays.

we have this same argument every year - he’s never (rarely) in anyone’s 22, but ends up playing most games (except for injury or coming back from injury)

he has great speed, missed by a lot of commenters on here, and his disposal efficiency has never dropped below 76% and is usually above 80%. Coming out of defence that’s more than handy.

he along with Ward are what I would call the two “heart & soul” players of the club.

it will be interesting to see what the new coach does, but for mine, he plays.

Earlier in the yeah an episode of footy Phil had him playing a wing as his best position. I think internally he is highly rated

 

[Keystone agony]

Himmelberg, Hogan, Greene, Resting Ruck/Flynn, Daniels, Bedford probably secure 6 forward spots

The other is up in the air whether its more of a midfielder like Callaghan off a high HFF. Older Lloyd, Stone or going taller with Cadman which i dont see with 3 talls already there

Think Darcy Jones is a genuine chance to play early and maybe round 1 if hes getting through PS training

Played against men last year and played at a high quality kicking goals as a small forward. Dont write him off for a chance there round 1 imo

I know hes super slight but hasnt stopped small forwards previousily with other teams who are there to provide space, pressure and goal sense. All of which he has in spades

 

[GWS Goose]

Himmelberg, Hogan, Greene, Resting Ruck/Flynn, Daniels, Bedford probably secure 6 forward spots

The other is up in the air whether its more of a midfielder like Callaghan off a high HFF. Older Lloyd, Stone or going taller with Cadman which i dont see with 3 talls already there

Think Darcy Jones is a genuine chance to play early and maybe round 1 if hes getting through PS training

Played against men last year and played at a high quality kicking goals as a small forward. Dont write him off for a chance there round 1 imo

I know hes super slight but hasnt stopped small forwards previousily with other teams who are there to provide space, pressure and goal sense. All of which he has in spades

I hope you are right in regards to Jones.
I m confident that both Callaghan and Stone will be there somewhere.
The only question is if we play 1 or 2 rucks

 

[The Kings Ransom]

Surprised to see Jack Buckley named at CHB in a number of teams.
Always thought he was like 189cm and played tall due to injuries.
Very surprised to see he is 194cm. Seems to move pretty well for his size.

 

[PaythePerryman]

Surprised to see Jack Buckley named at CHB in a number of teams.
Always thought he was like 189cm and played tall due to injuries.
Very surprised to see he is 194cm. Seems to move pretty well for his size.

He's a dogged defender, I think thats why most people have put him in the team. He also has great switchability (as does Cumming) so he can handle smalls but gives players the option to switch on a tall out of blocks/screens.

 

[PaythePerryman]

I hope you are right in regards to Jones.
I m confident that both Callaghan and Stone will be there somewhere.
The only question is if we play 1 or 2 rucks

If we have Daniels and Bedford in then I'd assume we would go with another midsize forward like Stone.
But you're right. If we have a Ruck resting forward it changes the dynamics a bit.
Where would you play Callaghan? Wing to start?