Strategy Best 23 for Season 2026

[Kobe Gryant]

Before I post mine for 2026 I thought I should look at what I thought this time last year about 2025.

I was happy to get Mullen right but I left our his Irish team mate in MOC.

I had Bruhn and Kolo in best 23 but I can’t be held responsible for getting those wrong!

I would have had O Henry in the best 23 on the bench.

2026 Best Team

Backs: Guthrie (don’t need the Z anymore), SDK, Stewart, Humphris, J Henry, COS
Centre: Dempsey, Smith, Blitz
Forwards: Miers, close, Stengle, Jezza, Scratcher, Danger
Followers: Toby!! Holmes, Atkins
Interchange: Bruhn, MOC, Mullen, Mannagh, Kolo

Ok…that feels strange that I didn’t fit Worpel into the team…but I already had two taggers on the bench and Bruhn as back up to Atkins so I just don’t know about Worpel

I also didn’t get Ollie Henry into the team. I think he needs an injury to a mid/tall forward? Same for Martin?

Kolo for me was the best backman we had in 2024 and I think is in the team if fit.

Toby is my sole “youngster” establishing himself in the 23 - which means I didn’t have Knevitt, Clark nor any other VFL players stepping up. But every year we have a couple of new “best 23” so maybe mine is Toby and Tanner this year?

If you look at our list this way we do have some strong depth in a strange way

Do you expect Toby to be available early enough to make a difference and be considered though?

Even if it all goes well and the "early stages of 2026" quote actually means the calendar year rather than the season (so Jan-March) he's still surely got a lot of fitness to make up? I see a mini pre-season coming that makes a mockery of the injury list yet again tbh, to the tune of many melts on here.

That's probably my biggest fear with him for at least the next year or so, outside of more injuries obviously.

He's been out so regularly that his fitness base wouldn't have changed much from when he was an 18 year old draftee.

 

[CHAWKS2]

Do you expect Toby to be available early enough to make a difference and be considered though?

Even if it all goes well and the "early stages of 2026" quote actually means the calendar year rather than the season (so Jan-March) he's still surely got a lot of fitness to make up? I see a mini pre-season coming that makes a mockery of the injury list yet again tbh, to the tune of many melts on here.

That's probably my biggest fear with him for at least the next year or so, outside of more injuries obviously.

He's been out so regularly that his fitness base wouldn't have changed much from when he was an 18 year old draftee.

Yeah I think you are right….I am being optimistic but probably not realistic.

In the end I am not worried about fitness but frankly just hard to know whether he can cope with the rigours of the game. We can’t forget how good he looked though when he got a chance so I reckon the Cats will make it a priority to find out what they have…if they can.

 

[CHAWKS2]

Ok…so true to BF I need to change my best 23 and put Knevitte in now given he “wowed his teammates” and “looked stronger” day 1 of pre season. He is therefore a lock for best 23!

(Seriously though I do hold real hope for him. He is a point of difference with his size. I can’t figure out why he didn’t make it work on the wing - he has the running capacity - but I hope he puts selectors under pressure this year. Good kid and if he gets going could add something we don’t have)

 

[cats_09]

 

[strauchnyy]

Fb. Stewart. SDK. Guthrie.
HB. O’Sullivan. Henry. Humphries
C. Dempsey. Holmes. Blicavs
Hf. Miers. Neale. Mannagh
Ff. Stengle. Cameron. Danger
Foll. Stanley. Smith. Worpel
Int. Atkins. Close. Mullin. Bruhn. Martin
Emg. Bowes. Kolo. O’Connor

• Holmes to spend 60% mid, 20% wing 20% half back
• Blicavs second ruck. SDK relief minutes if need be, Blicavs to help out in the backline
• Martin a genuine utility 30/30/30 back wing forward. A distributor when in defence
• mullin tagging or at times on the best small forward. Atkins a run with role if Mullin I’m defence
• Miers and Mannagh push up the field
• at least one of Bruhn / worpel in the middle at all times for hardness

 

[Smurph18]

B: Humphries, SDK, COS
HB: Zuthrie, Henry, Stewart
C: Bowes, M Holmes, Dempsey
HF: Miers, Mannagh, Stengle
F: Neale, Cameron, Dangerfield
Foll: Blicavs, Smith, Worpel

Int: Close, Atkins, Mullin, O'Connor, O Henry

Emergencies: Clark, Martin, Bruhn

If Conway can get himself on the park then plug him as ruck, Blitz to the wing, Bowes to the bench, O'Connor to Emergency.

Obviously we will have big rotation of 30 odd players, expect Knevitt, Stanley, Bews, and Kolo to get a decent run throughout the year in addition to those emergencies.

Need to see how Bruhn can get back on his feet after a horror year for him personally.

 

[Pure_Ownage]

The kids we drafted wont be in the seniors. Barker is injured, Holmes needs development time and mellor and driscoll have too many ahead of them in their position. If we have a kid jump up from outside the current 23 (im not counting Clark as he played the GF) obviously Edwards is the one who has a spot wide open but I dont think hes physically ready-i expect sdk rucks most of the year. If we have another kid come from outside the 23 I expect it might be hoffmann-they rate him.
Bruhn and worpel are auto ins-i expect this means one of mullin or oconnor/bowes misses out in the MF-i expect mullin stays in and the other 2 could miss out although they are good depth players. Im not convinced kolo is best 23 anymore but him in allows sdk to ruck. I think o henry is clearly best 23 on talent but structurally im not sure who we drop to get him in. Danger is best 23 but needs to be managed and not play more than 12 games or so.

Afl side
B: Zuthrie Henry Kolo
HB: humphries COS stewart
C: M Holmes Smith Dempsey
HF: Mannagh Cameron Miers
F: Stengle Neale Close
R: SDK Atkins Worpel
Int: Danger bruhn Clark blicavs mullin

Vfl side
B: Bews Molier MOC
HB: Hoffman Martin KMF
C: H Holmes Knevitt Burke
HF: Wiltshire Edwards Mellor
F: Polkinghorne OHenry Driscoll
R: Pike Stevens Bowes
Int: stanley (when not rested)

Injury list Conway, barker

Vfl team is a bit light on for key defenders in particular so I can see someone like molier back there. Whether they try OH in defence as a means to try and help him get back in the senior team i dont know.

 

[CatToTheFuture]

The kids we drafted wont be in the seniors. Barker is injured, Holmes needs development time and mellor and driscoll have too many ahead of them in their position. If we have a kid jump up from outside the current 23 (im not counting Clark as he played the GF) obviously Edwards is the one who has a spot wide open but I dont think hes physically ready-i expect sdk rucks most of the year. If we have another kid come from outside the 23 I expect it might be hoffmann-they rate him.
Bruhn and worpel are auto ins-i expect this means one of mullin or oconnor/bowes misses out in the MF-i expect mullin stays in and the other 2 could miss out although they are good depth players. Im not convinced kolo is best 23 anymore but him in allows sdk to ruck. I think o henry is clearly best 23 on talent but structurally im not sure who we drop to get him in. Danger is best 23 but needs to be managed and not play more than 12 games or so.

Afl side
B: Zuthrie Henry Kolo
HB: humphries COS stewart
C: M Holmes Smith Dempsey
HF: Mannagh Cameron Miers
F: Stengle Neale Close
R: SDK Atkins Worpel
Int: Danger bruhn Clark blicavs mullin

Vfl side
B: Bews Molier MOC
HB: Hoffman Martin KMF
C: H Holmes Knevitt Burke
HF: Wiltshire Edwards Mellor
F: Polkinghorne OHenry Driscoll
R: Pike Stevens Bowes
Int: stanley (when not rested)

Injury list Conway, barker

Vfl team is a bit light on for key defenders in particular so I can see someone like molier back there. Whether they try OH in defence as a means to try and help him get back in the senior team i dont know.

That VFL list is the most interesting watch for me.

I have high expectations for Lenny and want to see him after a full preseason.

Molier-Polk fwd combo i think will be a handful at the level so that will be a watch. I think they'd only put Molier in the backline as a development rotation.

Edwards body mass growth rate

Knevitt i think we should try in the backline. Clark i expect will be in the 2s but a watch (MOC in the senior side)

Can Ollie Henry add enough to his game?

Can Stevens add enough run?

My only real question for the senior side is whether Tanner and Worpel can play together

 

[Mangy Carl]

How I'd like to see the side by the end of 2026 -

B: Henry SDK Zuthrie
HB: Humphries COS Stewart
C: M Holmes Smith Miers
HF: Mannagh Cameron Dempsey
F: Stengle Neale Danger
R: Edwards/Conway Bruhn Worpel
Int: Clark Stevens Blicavs Mullin Atkins

EMG - Kolo Close MOC Martin Bowes O'Henry Edwards/Conway.

We NEED one of Edwards or Conway to take up the #1 ruck mantle. Fingers crossed Stanley is not needed at all.
Hopefully Bruhn makes up for lost time.
Dempsey is more dangerous forward than wing, but you can easily interchange him and Miers.
Clark began to show some signs late in the season.
Really like the look of Stevens, and I hope he can make a permanent position for himself.

Although I like Close, MOC, Kolo, Martin and Bowes, I'm hoping other overtake them.
Given their ages, if Blitz and Atkins (even Stewart and Danger) are overtaken by others by the end of the season, that would bode well for the teams future.
REALLY want Mullin to take another step forward..

 

[Pure_Ownage]

That VFL list is the most interesting watch for me.

I have high expectations for Lenny and want to see him after a full preseason.

Molier-Polk fwd combo i think will be a handful at the level so that will be a watch. I think they'd only put Molier in the backline as a development rotation.

Edwards body mass growth rate

Knevitt i think we should try in the backline. Clark i expect will be in the 2s but a watch (MOC in the senior side)

Can Ollie Henry add enough to his game?

Can Stevens add enough run?

My only real question for the senior side is whether Tanner and Worpel can play together

I have hope for Lenny too i really liked him as a junior. I think with stewart 32 and kolo towards the end (as I said if kolo stays in its only for structure so sdk can ruck if you want to make spots for young guys him and moc and Martin and bowes etc are the logical guys to move out) theres are spot for Lenny to come through as a hybrid defender if he progresses.

Stevens will dominate the vfl (like constable) but I dont think he has the athletic ability for afl.

On molier that list i did shows that the vfl team will be a bit thin for key backs (unless we sign some to the vfl list). If you have polk and Edwards forward you could develop him at the other end.
I agree using knevitt as a 3rd tall back would both cover a spot for the vfl team and possibly give him a route into the afl side.

On Clark its a tricky one. On one hand I can see the MF additions pushing him out. On the other he played 2 really good finals and that should be rewarded with him starting the year in the 1s and seeing if he can keep the spot. And if you look at that vfl team other than Edwards (who isnt physically ready) i would argue Clark is more talented than just about all of them. So i feel a bit like a young career c guthrie you just back him in and play him in the 1s (admittedly his fitness has to be at afl level for that now theres no sub). So id rather keep him in the 1s and have someone like bowes or Martin in the 2s as Clark has way more upside but I get others will disagree.

On tanner and worpel its a valid question given they play the same spot essentially. But worpel is a better stoppage player and a bigger defensive body whereas tanner has more burst speed away from the stoppage and footskills so I can see them playing slightly different roles. My only query is on how we use the bench (with 5 on it) as tanner was a low TOG when he played and atkins tends to not be high TOG either. Can worpel play quite high TOG and if not are we losing too many bench rotations between the 3? It helps that our high fwd are high endurance players that dont need a lot of bench time (miers mannagh close).

On Ollie henry hes clearly got the most talent of anyone outside the 23 the issue is the structure. It mucks up our forward structure if he doesnt contribute defensively (a bit like it did when Menzel came back in) so he needs to improve in that area or he needs to spend pre season training in a different role to try to get back in the team.

 

[CatToTheFuture]

I have hope for Lenny too i really liked him as a junior. I think with stewart 32 and kolo towards the end (as I said if kolo stays in its only for structure so sdk can ruck if you want to make spots for young guys him and moc and Martin and bowes etc are the logical guys to move out) theres are spot for Lenny to come through as a hybrid defender if he progresses.

Stevens will dominate the vfl (like constable) but I dont think he has the athletic ability for afl.

On molier that list i did shows that the vfl team will be a bit thin for key backs (unless we sign some to the vfl list). If you have polk and Edwards forward you could develop him at the other end.
I agree using knevitt as a 3rd tall back would both cover a spot for the vfl team and possibly give him a route into the afl side.

On Clark its a tricky one. On one hand I can see the MF additions pushing him out. On the other he played 2 really good finals and that should be rewarded with him starting the year in the 1s and seeing if he can keep the spot. And if you look at that vfl team other than Edwards (who isnt physically ready) i would argue Clark is more talented than just about all of them. So i feel a bit like a young career c guthrie you just back him in and play him in the 1s (admittedly his fitness has to be at afl level for that now theres no sub). So id rather keep him in the 1s and have someone like bowes or Martin in the 2s as Clark has way more upside but I get others will disagree.

On tanner and worpel its a valid question given they play the same spot essentially. But worpel is a better stoppage player and a bigger defensive body whereas tanner has more burst speed away from the stoppage and footskills so I can see them playing slightly different roles. My only query is on how we use the bench (with 5 on it) as tanner was a low TOG when he played and atkins tends to not be high TOG either. Can worpel play quite high TOG and if not are we losing too many bench rotations between the 3? It helps that our high fwd are high endurance players that dont need a lot of bench time (miers mannagh close).

On Ollie henry hes clearly got the most talent of anyone outside the 23 the issue is the structure. It mucks up our forward structure if he doesnt contribute defensively (a bit like it did when Menzel came back in) so he needs to improve in that area or he needs to spend pre season training in a different role to try to get back in the team.

Yeah with the forward structure i'm not really accounting for Pike. I don't expect we get much from him. If you're forcing someone into the backline for me it's him. Not that I think he'd make a great defender, i'd just be trying to get him.out the way

 

[Pure_Ownage]

Yeah with the forward structure i'm not really accounting for Pike. I don't expect we get much from him. If you're forcing someone into the backline for me it's him. Not that I think he'd make a great defender, i'd just be trying to get him.out the way

Funnily enough although pike might get delisted in 12 months (although he could survive on our list for years we have seen rucks do that) for next year i can see him being the lead vfl ruck. Conway is injured (and I dont see that changing) stanley is cooked and Edwards wasn't able to ruck full vfl games so I expect to see like rucking a lot.
Molier is also probably better behind the ball as hes more athletic and could intercept but doesnt have the frame for a ruck role yet.

 

[Mr Meow]

I have hope for Lenny too i really liked him as a junior. I think with stewart 32 and kolo towards the end (as I said if kolo stays in its only for structure so sdk can ruck if you want to make spots for young guys him and moc and Martin and bowes etc are the logical guys to move out) theres are spot for Lenny to come through as a hybrid defender if he progresses.

Stevens will dominate the vfl (like constable) but I dont think he has the athletic ability for afl.

On molier that list i did shows that the vfl team will be a bit thin for key backs (unless we sign some to the vfl list). If you have polk and Edwards forward you could develop him at the other end.
I agree using knevitt as a 3rd tall back would both cover a spot for the vfl team and possibly give him a route into the afl side.

On Clark its a tricky one. On one hand I can see the MF additions pushing him out. On the other he played 2 really good finals and that should be rewarded with him starting the year in the 1s and seeing if he can keep the spot. And if you look at that vfl team other than Edwards (who isnt physically ready) i would argue Clark is more talented than just about all of them. So i feel a bit like a young career c guthrie you just back him in and play him in the 1s (admittedly his fitness has to be at afl level for that now theres no sub). So id rather keep him in the 1s and have someone like bowes or Martin in the 2s as Clark has way more upside but I get others will disagree.

On tanner and worpel its a valid question given they play the same spot essentially. But worpel is a better stoppage player and a bigger defensive body whereas tanner has more burst speed away from the stoppage and footskills so I can see them playing slightly different roles. My only query is on how we use the bench (with 5 on it) as tanner was a low TOG when he played and atkins tends to not be high TOG either. Can worpel play quite high TOG and if not are we losing too many bench rotations between the 3? It helps that our high fwd are high endurance players that dont need a lot of bench time (miers mannagh close).

On Ollie henry hes clearly got the most talent of anyone outside the 23 the issue is the structure. It mucks up our forward structure if he doesnt contribute defensively (a bit like it did when Menzel came back in) so he needs to improve in that area or he needs to spend pre season training in a different role to try to get back in the team.

People here probably won't love it, but I expect Bruhn will spend some time on the "slow wing" where we often saw Bowes or Clark in 2025. If he has 65% time on ground, maybe 40% around stoppages and 25% on the wing.

 

[Pure_Ownage]

People here probably won't love it, but I expect Bruhn will spend some time on the "slow wing" where we often saw Bowes or Clark in 2025. If he has 65% time on ground, maybe 40% around stoppages and 25% on the wing.

Maybe although I feel like our better structure is with tanner worpel and atkins as our inside mids and then smith and Holmes as the wingers (or if Holmes is at hb then dempsey is the other winger). This assumes tanner is fit enough to lift his amount of gametime he can play in tbe middle though.

 

[CatToTheFuture]

People here probably won't love it, but I expect Bruhn will spend some time on the "slow wing" where we often saw Bowes or Clark in 2025. If he has 65% time on ground, maybe 40% around stoppages and 25% on the wing.

You are correct. People won't love it

 

[Mr Meow]

Maybe although I feel like our better structure is with tanner worpel and atkins as our inside mids and then smith and Holmes as the wingers (or if Holmes is at hb then dempsey is the other winger). This assumes tanner is fit enough to lift his amount of gametime he can play in tbe middle though.

My comment was on what I expected to see, not what I thought our best structure was.

There is a big time assumption that we are simply going to see Holmes and Smith on the wings a lot next season. I think people will be surprised at how much their stoppage minutes are retained (where they combined for 200 odd coaches votes in 2025).

Scott won't go with an overly slow midfield 3 primarily. He will rotate heavily and get creative, but it's unlikely he removes our speed and agility from stoppages next year.

 

[Mr Meow]

You are correct. People won't love it

People seemed to enjoy Clark giving up a few goals in defence each week. I don't always trust people.

 

[Pure_Ownage]

My comment was on what I expected to see, not what I thought our best structure was.

There is a big time assumption that we are simply going to see Holmes and Smith on the wings a lot next season. I think people will be surprised at how much their stoppage minutes are retained (where they combined for 200 odd coaches votes in 2025).

Scott won't go with an overly slow midfield 3 primarily. He will rotate heavily and get creative, but it's unlikely he removes our speed and agility from stoppages next year.

Fair. Although i can see why Holmes and smith would become wingers they are clear metres gained players and that might be the best use of them. Conversely worpel and atkins cant really effectively play wing or half back whereas Holmes for example can. Scott will have to work around that.

 

[Mr Meow]

Fair. Although i can see why Holmes and smith would become wingers they are clear metres gained players and that might be the best use of them. Conversely worpel and atkins cant really effectively play wing or half back whereas Holmes for example can. Scott will have to work around that.

Don't be surprised to see Atkins in the backline at times ala 2021. Especially with his age I suspect his stoppage or even time on ground will be tuned down a bit. The crash and bash role at stoppages will be shared.

I agree that we'll see Holmes rotate to half back to give us a bit more drive from there like in 2024.

Remember it wasn't long ago that Scott rolled with 6 or 7 midfield rotations and reduced time on ground for players so that they could give short, sharp bursts. It wasn't possible last year so we ran our main 3 into the ground. Then you have 3 players without ultra elite footskills giving some tired turnover kicks. Bits of the old rotation model could be applied to address this.

For stoppage and centrebounce attendance it'll be a case of supporting and enhancing Holmes/Smith's work there, rather than a massive overhaul that sees them reposition as primary wingmen. We obviously do really rate Dempsey and Miers work on the wings already too.

 

[CatToTheFuture]

People seemed to enjoy Clark giving up a few goals in defence each week. I don't always trust people.

I think i'll enjoy seeing him with a point to prove in the 2s

 

[Mr Meow]

I think i'll enjoy seeing him with a point to prove in the 2s

He's always fine at VFL level. Nothing will change there. Knevitt will prove his 5th point at that level next season too.

 

[year of the cat]

Certainly the year that Clark and Knevitt need to have break out seasons. Time is now for them to demonstrate the faith in their drafting was justified. Otherwise they will end up going the way of Will Phillips at Nth. A high draft pick that just couldn’t cut it.

 

[Pure_Ownage]

Certainly the year that Clark and Knevitt need to have break out seasons. Time is now for them to demonstrate the faith in their drafting was justified. Otherwise they will end up going the way of Will Phillips at Nth. A high draft pick that just couldn’t cut it.

Clark showed some good signs this year (especially the finals) and has pretty clearly had injuries that have held back his endurance and body. So I think so long as he makes reasonable progress he will be given another year or two.

Whereas knevitt has always been one of our fittest players and has had great pre seasons so this year is make for break for him if he cant show his football is at the level its probably his last year (with us).

 

[Footy Smarts]

Certainly the year that Clark and Knevitt need to have break out seasons. Time is now for them to demonstrate the faith in their drafting was justified. Otherwise they will end up going the way of Will Phillips at Nth. A high draft pick that just couldn’t cut it.

After the prelim final I'd be staggered if Clark isn't on our list in 2027. You just don't delist a guy who can play like that in a massive final while still having massive physical development.

 

[Mr Meow]

After the prelim final I'd be staggered if Clark isn't on our list in 2027. You just don't delist a guy who can play like that in a massive final while still having massive physical development.

When's the massive physical development starting? He's not a defender so he needs to find a way to go past Bruhn, Atkins or Worpel fairly soon. Clark is probably relying on Bruhn being rusty after a year off, or Worpel having another injury ruined year - if he's to break into our core midfield group next season.