2010 AFC Depth Chart, Positional Battles etc

[WALL-e]

First off, sorry about making this so long, hope it’s readable.

There’s been a lot of discussion over spots, depth and positional battle between players that has made me want to get some sort of depth chart going, which I will try (may need some encouragement) to keep updating throughout the course of PS and the NAB Cup, to get discussion flowing on what our round 1 team will look like.

Now the first point of discussion comes from the shape of a squad; height combination, 4-6 man forward lines, loose man in defence, etc, etc, etc.

I’m quite the fan of abusing defences with a tall forward line, subject to those talls being able to provide defensive pressure, which due to the athleticism of our talls, we can do.

So here’s my standard 22, I’ve decided to keep it simple by applying a conventional structure, knowing that we have versatile players, able to move, but a conventional line up would give us the most game day flexibility.

FB: Small Defender Tall Strong Defender 3rd Tall Defender
HB: Small Running Defender Tall Defender Utility Defender
C: Attacking Wing (Mid) Clearance Mid Mid Utility
HF: Utility/Leading Forward Tall Forward Mid Forward
FF: Small Forward Big Man Forward 3rd Tall Forward
RK: Ruck w/ height Class Mid Mid
INT: Ruck/Utility Tall (either end) Mid Mid
E: Tall Mid Mid/Utility

Now this may be all over the place, but in essence you have 3 talls at either end, a utility at either end, two smalls (counting the mid/forward) and the rest is self explanatory.

I’ve decided to break down players into eight classes, some players, depending on their versatility, will appear multiple times. This first list is in no particular order.

Tall Forwards:
Burton, Brett
Davis, Phil
Gunston, Jack
Hentschel, Trent
McKernan, Shaun
Sellar, James
Stevens, Scott
Tippett, Kurt
Walker, Taylor
Young, Will


Small Forwards:
Dangerfield, Patrick
Douglas, Richard
Edwards, Tyson
Goodwin, Simon
Jacky, Jarrhan
Johncock, Graham
Knights, Chris
Porplyzia, Jason
Thompson, Scott


Forward Utility:
Burton, Brett
Dangerfield, Patrick
Gunston, Jack
Moran, Brad
Shaw, Sam
Stevens, Scott
Talia, Daniel
Vince, Bernie


Tall Defenders:
Bock, Nathan
Davis, Phil
Hentschel, Trent
McKernan, Shaun
Rutten, Ben
Sellar, James
Stevens, Scott
Talia, Daniel
Young, Will


Small Defenders:
Armstrong, Tony
Doughty, Michael
Goodwin, Simon
Johncock, Graham
McLeod, Andrew
Petrenko, Jared
Reilly, Brent
Symes, Brad


Defence Utility:
Davis, Phil
Goodwin, Simon
McKernan, Shaun
Moran, Brad
Otten, Andy
Stevens, Scott
Symes, Brad
Talia, Daniel
van Berlo, Nathan
Young, Will


Rucks:
Craig, James
Griffin, Jonathon
Maric, Ivan
McKernan, Shaun
Moran, Brad
Sellar, James
Tippett, Kurt


Midfield:
Armstrong, Tony
Cook, Myke
Dangerfield, Patrick
Doughty, Michael
Douglas, Richard
Edwards, Tyson
Goodwin, Simon
Jacky, Jarrhan
Knights, Chris
Mackay, David
Martin, Brodie
McLeod, Andrew
Otten, Andy
Petrenko, Jared
Porplyzia, Jason
Reilly, Brent
Shaw, Sam
Sloane, Rory
Symes, Brad
Thompson, Scott
van Berlo, Nathan
Vince, Bernie


OK, so that doesn’t really simplify things at all, but it’s a starting point.

I’m now going to provide subdivided groups, according to the specific ‘types’ of positions needed within each category above, as well as have the players ranked in order of their ability to play said position. Now based upon my initial ‘ideal’ team, I will also be able to provide how many players would be selected from each group.

There will be cases in which a player will be eligible for selection from multiple groups, but I will apply them to their most suited position and grey them out from selection from any other position, opening up a spot for someone else at those places.

KEY
Position Holder
Positioned Elsewhere
Borderline
Depth

Small Defender – with assignment (1 spot)
Johncock, Graham
Doughty, Michael
Symes, Brad
van Berlo, Nathan
Petrenko, Jared
Reilly, Brent
McLeod, Andrew


KPD – the big jobs (2 Spots)
Bock, Nathan
Rutten, Ben
Stevens, Scott
Davis, Phil
McKernan, Shaun
Young, Will
Sellar, James
Hentschel, Trent
Talia, Daniel
Moran, Brad


KPD 3rd man – more agility required (1 Spot)
Davis, Phil
Stevens, Scott
Otten, Andy
McKernan, Shaun
Young, Will
Talia, Daniel
Moran, Brad
Hentschel, Trent


Utility Defender (1 Spot)
Goodwin, Simon
Symes, Brad
Davis, Phil
van Berlo, Nathan
Stevens, Scott
McKernan, Shaun
Talia, Daniel
Moran, Brad


Rebound Defender/QB (1 Spot)
McLeod, Andrew
Goodwin, Simon
Armstrong, Tony
Reilly, Brent
Petrenko, Jared
Doughty, Michael


Small Forward (1 Spot)
Porplyzia, Jason
Knights, Chris
Dangerfield, Patrick
Johncock, Graham
Jacky, Jarrhan
Petrenko, Jared
Thompson, Scott


KPF – Main Targets (2 Spots)
Tippett, Kurt
Walker, Taylor
Hentschel, Trent
Stevens, Scott
McKernan, Shaun
Davis, Phil
Sellar, James
Moran, Brad
Young, Will


KPF 3rd Tall – Ability to create overhead and on the ground (1 Spot)
Walker, Taylor
Stevens, Scott
Burton, Brett
McKernan, Shaun
Davis, Phil
Hentschel, Trent
Talia, Daniel
Gunston, Jack
Shaw, Sam


Utility Forward (1 Spot)
Burton, Brett
Knights, Chris
Goodwin, Simon
Dangerfield, Patrick
Moran, Brad
Talia, Daniel
Gunston, Jack
Shaw, Sam


Mid/Forward (1 Spot)
Knights, Chris
Dangerfield, Patrick
Goodwin, Simon
Vince, Bernie
Thompson, Scott
Edwards, Tyson


Mid/Utility – Can drop forward or back, generally a taller mid (1 Spot)
N/A Otten, Andy N/A
Symes, Brad
Dangerfield, Patrick
van Berlo, Nathan


Clearance Mids (2 Spots)
Dangerfield, Patrick
Thompson, Scott
Symes, Brad
van Berlo, Nathan
Sloane, Rory
Porplyzia, Jason
Cook, Myke


Attacking Mids (2 Spots)
Vince, Bernie
Mackay, David
McLeod, Andrew
Edwards, Tyson
Goodwin, Simon
Porplyzia, Jason
Dangerfield, Patrick
Knights, Chris
Otten, Andy
Martin, Brodie
Cook, Myke
Douglas, Richard
Reilly, Brent
Petrenko, Jared
Jacky, Jarrhan
Armstrong, Tony


Defensive MIds (1 Spot)
van Berlo, Nathan
Doughty, Michael
Symes, Brad
Sloane, Rory
Cook, Myke
Douglas, Richard
Reilly, Brent
Jacky, Jarrhan
Petrenko, Jared


General Mids – The Best of those remaining (2 Spots)
Vince, Bernie
Thompson, Scott
Mackay, David
Edwards, Tyson
McLeod, Andrew
Porplyzia, Jason
Knights, Chris
van Berlo, Nathan
Doughty, Michael
Sloane, Rory
Martin, Brodie
Symes, Brad
Douglas, Richard
Cook, Myke
Armstrong, Tony
Petrenko, Jared
Reilly, Brent
Jacky, Jarrhan


Ruck Main (1 Spot)
Tippett, Kurt
Moran, Brad
Maric, Ivan
Sellar, James
Griffin, Jonathon
Craig, James


Ruck Backup – more versatile (1 Spot)
Tippett, Kurt
Moran, Brad
Sellar, James
McKernan, Shaun
Maric, Ivan
Craig, James
Griffin, Jonathon


Tall Bench (1 Spot)
Stevens, Scott


This would make the 22

FB Johncock Rutten Davis
HB McLeod Bock Goodwin
C MacKay Dangerfield Symes
HF Burton Hentschel Knights
FF Porplyzia Tippett Walker
R Moran Vince Thompson
INT Sellar Stevens Edwards van Berlo
EMRG Doughty McKernan Sloane

Depth
Armstrong, Tony
Maric, Ivan
Cook, Myke
Petrenko, Jared
Young, Will
Jacky, Jarrhan
Talia, Daniel
Douglas, Richard
Reilly, Brent
Craig, James
Gunston, Jack
Griffin, Jon
Shaw, Sam

Now this if just a mock example, and I would personally try and find a way into the squad for McKernan, Sloane and Maybe Cook or Armstrong, also, this is very very harsh on Doughty as he’s earned a spot and he should probably be in.

In an Ideal world, you’d find spots for Maric, Dogga, Sloane, Smack, Cookie, Super Pets, Young, Jacky and Talia…..of course Otten as well.

Unfortunately, injuries and form slumps occur, and a lot of these guys will get a run, but I think this really showcases our depth and positional battles, where it’s harder to get a gig than others, and yes this is, of course, just based on my thought.

Discuss if you wish, preferably less rambling than I.

 

[Jetwa5h]

That is an excellent anaylisis

I think Trent may have some troubles holding out Smack though.
This is going to be one very interesting NAB Cup/Regional challange this Pre - Season

 

[KUNG FU]

Very good.

IMO too many van Berlos, Maric over Sellar, McKernan over Davis, but that they are 100 page threads on their own.

 

[Weekend of Bernie]

Fab u lous way to look at the tensions involved in selecting a team. Great work Wall-E!

Umm, now that you have sorted the team can you come around and sort my shed? You seem to have the mind to do it!

No, really, I think you have hit things on the head very well. I would be surprised if the selection panel doesn't use something similar or if they don't then you could have a job with the team.

 

[Weekend of Bernie]

Agree with your placements except I would have Maric for Sellar because he can give us that grunt around the stoppages and release Moran to do the more diverse roles on field.
At the moment VB, Symes, Moran and ? are on the injured list, not training with the main group and look unlikely to be ready for the NAB. If they don't pull up, that really starts to test the way the team looks.

 

[WALL-e]

That is an excellent anaylisis

I think Trent may have some troubles holding out Smack though.
This is going to be one very interesting NAB Cup/Regional challange this Pre - Season

I belive Smack will force his way in. Whether that be as 3rd tall in defence, CHF, back up ruck, I don't know, but I see him playing.

Very good.

IMO too many van Berlos, Maric over Sellar, McKernan over Davis, but that they are 100 page threads on their own.

I went with Sellar over Maric due to the versatility factor, I love big Ivan, but he's an alkward height for his athletic ability. Our ruck provides a whole discussion on itself, TLF does some good summaries, but I think we'll opt for a versatile back up like McKernan or Sellar, though I have no problems with Ivan in the side.

Agree with your placements except I would have Maric for Sellar because he can give us that grunt around the stoppages and release Moran to do the more diverse roles on field.
At the moment VB, Symes, Moran and ? are on the injured list, not training with the main group and look unlikely to be ready for the NAB. If they don't pull up, that really starts to test the way the team looks.

NAB Cups great because of the extended bench as well, you get to see a lot of players.

 

[Vader]

Interesting that you've got Sellar & Moran as the two incumbent ruckmen, given that Maric & Sellar had the job at the end of 2009 - and Sellar only got selected after Moran went down with injury. Not saying that you're wrong, but it's a strong indicator of just how tight the competition is for positions in the team when we don't even know who are the two preferred ruckmen.

 

[Huntercrow]

Great work Wall!

This could be in the tiser tomorrow

 

[WALL-e]

Interesting that you've got Sellar & Moran as the two incumbent ruckmen, given that Maric & Sellar had the job at the end of 2009 - and Sellar only got selected after Moran went down with injury. Not saying that you're wrong, but it's a strong indicator of just how tight the competition is for positions in the team when we don't even know who are the two preferred ruckmen.

Yep, just generally how tight the battles are.

Also I have Maric as #2 choice for the #1 ruck slot, but #3 choice for the back up role.

You'd have Moran, Maric, Sellar (given he's once again made strides in PS) and McKernan all pushing, Griffin with his finger out would push, then you have Craig then Griffin with the finger in.

Will be great watching in the NAB cup.

 

[Vader]

Great work Wall!

This could be in the tiser tomorrow

No chance. This analysis is far too good for that rag.

 

[Weekend of Bernie]

No chance. This analysis is far too good for that rag.

Too true, and no pics to take up most of the page either.

 

[Macjoe]

Excellent analysis, WALL-e. Love the concept - not only showing up the depth, but giving clearer insight into the selection issues.

This goes straight to the pool room!

 

[ams4crows]

Excellent Job!! Really interesting this is what the selection table would have to do every week!.... it's a tough job!

 

[footy4ever]

Great stuff Wall-e.

For me Dogga, Reilly, Maric, swap with Davis, Symes, Sellar.

 

[Weekend of Bernie]

Have to say ... going to training has opened my eyes as to how good the squad is. Our new players over the past 3 years are absolutely excellent - outstanding even. They are going to cause major major headaches come selection time. Training at the moment is very very classy from all the staff and players. I have never seen the squad train as well as this preseason. The performances from the more mature players right through to the newbies is fantastic. Watch out for Cook this year.

 

[The Sloane Ranger]

great work Wall-e

the only thing I would add is IMO the likes of Danger, Goodwin and Birdman are more like mid-size forward

our only gap is the true small forward role and this is where we need a Jacky, Petrenko or Douglas to step up and nail this role

 

[NTRabbit]

Crumbing forward fiction, the favourite fairy tale of the Adelaide Board.

Don't have one, don't play with one, don't need one.

Our only gaps are in the midfield and the ruck, not the forward line.

 

[tonynotte]

I think Adelaide can go all the way this year. Im just having trouble convincing others of this. The problem is that your midfield looks weak on paper, im not saying it is, just that when you look at it, it doesnt strike fear into opposition supporters. You have the best CHB FB combo in the comp and your tall/medium forwards are awesome and everyone knows this, but I need some help convincing others how good your midfield is. Give me some help please.

And do you think you can realisticlly go all the way?

 

[The Sloane Ranger]

Crumbing forward fiction, the favourite fairy tale of the Adelaide Board.

Don't have one, don't play with one, don't need one.

Our only gaps are in the midfield and the ruck, not the forward line.

re midfield I'm not too concern, thompson is a gun, vince will move to the top shelf, danger and d-mac will only get better, porplyzia will hopefully spend more time there and knights, vb, symes, douglas, dogga, goody, zoomer and radar can all provide support

small forward, yes we can structre up without one however I would not say no to a classy small crumbing forward

 

[NTRabbit]

re midfield I'm not too concern, thompson is a gun, vince will move to the top shelf, danger and d-mac will only get better, porplyzia will hopefully spend more time there and knights, vb, symes, douglas, dogga, goody, zoomer and radar can all provide support

small forward, yes we can structre up without one however I would not say no to a classy small crumbing forward

There is no need for a crumbing forward, period. Our forward line is already highly functional, and very good at defensive pressure. The obsession with finding an aboriginal lad who snaps goals and tackles hard like Rioli has no basis in the real world, since our forward line already accomplishes the only real reason you have one of those players - tackling pressure - and the less important reason, kicking goals off the deck.

Our midfield though, is quite weak - we have two A grade midfielders in Thompson and Vince, and that's all. Porplyzia is and always will be a forward, Knights is far more effective playing a "Paul Chapman" role, Dangerfield is still young, Mackay might get there, Edwards (High B) and Goodwin (Rebounding defender) were there but aren't anymore, and the rest will never be more than B/C Grade or "workman like" supporting midfielders.

In any language that's a midfield that is, while not bereft of depth in grunt and effort, is certainly short on weapons. Dangerfield and Mackay would have to become A grade weapons by the halfway point of the season for our midfield to be listed as strong.

Our ruck is self explanatory.

 

[Drugs Are Bad Mackay?]

The problem is that your midfield looks weak on paper, im not saying it is, just that when you look at it, it doesnt strike fear into opposition supporters.

It's a fair observation. We really only have Vince and Thompson in the midfield at the moment who are in their prime.

The rest are either past their best (Goodwin, Edwards, Doughty), their best is yet to come (Dangerfield, Mackay) or there are question marks over their durability to fill a permanent midfield role (Porplyzia, van Berlo). And then Symes and Reilly are not really top liners to begin with.

 

[Drugs Are Bad Mackay?]

There is no need for a crumbing forward, period. Our forward line is already highly functional, and very good at defensive pressure.

Are we?

My observation is that we are very good at defensive pressure after a behind or even after an opposition mark. When the marks aren't sticking and the ball hits the ground though (see Collingwood semi, 2nd, 3rd and 4th quarters) we are decidedly average in this department.

Part of this is because Burton and Hentschel have had their mobility hampered by injury and Porplyzia is still protecting his old shoulder injury but our ground level work inside the forward fifty is a clear achilles heel imo.

When it's clean, skillful minor round footy we are fine with the forward structure as it is. When it is tough, hard, uncompromising finals footy where clean F50 entries are hard to come by though...

 

[CarnCrows]

Well done on the analysis.

I loved the way Maric was going at the end of the year and I think he will be #1 ruck at the start of this year. Moran over Seller as 2nd ruck.

Smack potentially over Hentchell?

I still think we do need a crumbing fwd, sitting right under Tippett.

 

[Thumpy]

Excellent anayalsis

I have found this really helpful when building my dream team to work out which players are in the best 22 and which aren't.

However, I have to say there our somethings I don't agree with. Doughty as first emergency is one. He has had two very good years and I think deserves a spot before Symes.

Secondly, I would replace Maric with Sellar. Other than that I think you've done a fantastic job!

 

[Witty Remark]

Well that was just super ! Awesome effort.

Looking at your analysis, we have have one glaring problem and another that may be overcome. As has been mentioned to death, our ruck is really lacking the class that is needed to give our mids first use. Moran and Maric will only ever be workmanl like IMO. Added to this is that we're missing one top notch mid, however I believe a gem in Danger will be uncovered during the year to compensate (if he can find a way to attack the ball without sacrificing his head/body).

Other than that, our back line looks solid with room for attacking runs (particularly if Bock gets up). The thing i'm most excited about though is our forward lline. If you think about the output that Knights and Tippett had in a year where they didn't get settled until after round 8 (?). Plus Tex (mach II) coming back in. Throw in Hentschel and Burton with full pre seasons, and Danger rotating through.....wow. Your analysis shows the real depth we have there too - something that we haven't really seen ever.

I'm really looking forward to NAB to see live some of the younger fellas get a run, instead of youtube highlights.


EDIT: I just realised I forgot to include Porps in our forward line . Let me reiterate....wow!