Opinion 2013 preseason best 22

[Partridge]

Looked to me like TV played all over the place in NAB1. Ran down LeCras one minute, put himself on the line on the wing next, then adding pace to the midfield before kicking a goal ( should have been 2 ) up forward. He looked stronger, very quick and apart from the missed goal, didnt miss a target.

Very nice start for Varcoe, but where he will play is in the minds of the MC right now....running through the middle delivering to the lead sounds good to me.

I'd still put him nearer goals for a few weeks until his fitness and match conditioning is absolutely right. Coaches and especially players say it year after year - nothing simulates being ready for the real thing like playing. Varcoe has missed a huge chunk of footy. Throwing him on the ball for Round 1 could mean he doesn't get near it. Give him 2-3 games closer to goal then go into the midfield.

 

[Partridge]

Ill have another go at this

Mackie, Lonergran, Rivers
Enright, Taylor, Varcoe
Motlop, Selwood, Bundy
Hartman, Hawkins, Johnson
Chappy, Pods, Stokes
McIntosh, Kelly, Bartel

Corey, Vardy, T Hunt, Smedts

Sorry I just want to clarify, is that for the Adelaide game, Round 1, or just ideal best 22 this year?

 

[footscore]

I'd still put him nearer goals for a few weeks until his fitness and match conditioning is absolutely right. Coaches and especially players say it year after year - nothing simulates being ready for the real thing like playing. Varcoe has missed a huge chunk of footy. Throwing him on the ball for Round 1 could mean he doesn't get near it. Give him 2-3 games closer to goal then go into the midfield.

wonder if we play Guthrie and if so, he'd be exactly who I'd assign to Rioli

 

[Jmac2225]

wonder if we play Guthrie and if so, he'd be exactly who I'd assign to Rioli

Think Enright will still get the job. Might not be the quickest but he's smart and cut all the angles. Doesn't often get caught with his man goal side.

 

[footscore]

I'm liking Boris to be our play-maker off the backline this year, he's always been that kinda player throughout his entire career but he will get more freedom this year and become that Scarlett-type of 2007 where he took on anyone at will.

Having Varcoe, Guthrie and Mackie is a great luxury.
Rivers could be the recruit of the year, looks very fit and strong...the difference between his game and that of Gillies last night is mind boggling and no wonder we were a little short of help last year.

 

[kimodgers]

Not easy to pick the best 22, Round 1. Even harder to try & pick a mid-term best 22.

We have a string of players, some project players & others around that 20 game mark that should enter senior ranks this years. Others have been thereabouts for a few years now and 2013 is a 'make-it' year for them or perhaps time to get off the bus. For different reasons the following players in 2013 are due -

Varcoe (crazy to include him maybe, but we all want this year to be huge for him)
Brown
Menzel (I know, I know)
Shroeder
Simpson (I'm still a bit glass half full about the big fella)
Cowan
Murdoch
Guthrie
Vardy
Horlin-Smith
Walker
Eardley
Sheringham
Kersen
Stringer

(Thurlow, Rivers, BigMac, Caddy, etc, will enter senior ranks by a more direct path)

Hell of a list! What if, just maybe, half come good this year. Bring it on.

 

[Partridge]

wonder if we play Guthrie and if so, he'd be exactly who I'd assign to Rioli

I'll be amazed if Guthrie is not playing; but even so, Enright has done the job in the past and will probably get first crack.

 

[Partridge]

Varcoe (crazy to include him maybe, but we all want this year to be huge for him)
Brown
Menzel (I know, I know)
Shroeder
Simpson (I'm still a bit glass half full about the big fella)
Cowan
Murdoch
Guthrie
Vardy
Horlin-Smith
Walker
Eardley
Sheringham
Kersen
Stringer

(Thurlow, Rivers, BigMac, Caddy, etc, will enter senior ranks by a more direct path)

Hell of a list! What if, just maybe, half come good this year. Bring it on.

Good post. For me, Schroeder is miles away, as is Cowan, Walker, Eardley, Sheringham (that is to say need another year). Kersten might debut at some point but realistically next year is more likely. Stringer and Murdoch look more ready for seniors.

Guthrie, Vardy and Horlin-Smith I'm pretty sure will be first 22 soon, if not already. Guthrie is in there now and Horlin-Smith is putting his fist through the door. Could not disagree more about Thurlow. There's no way he's ahead of Guthrie or Vardy or Horlin-Smith yet. Or even Murdoch or Stringer. Being honest, after their first outing Caddy can not be considered ahead of Horlin-Smith. He was by far more impressive.

 

[footscore]

I'll be amazed if Guthrie is not playing; but even so, Enright has done the job in the past and will probably get first crack.

can't keep giving those jobs to Enright, gotta throw the kid in the deep end if we expect them to be standing on their own two feet in 2-3 years time.

No better opportunity for Guthrie, reckon he'd love the challenge but you are probably right though...Enright to play on him again.

 

[you pick one]

I'd still put him nearer goals for a few weeks until his fitness and match conditioning is absolutely right. Coaches and especially players say it year after year - nothing simulates being ready for the real thing like playing. Varcoe has missed a huge chunk of footy. Throwing him on the ball for Round 1 could mean he doesn't get near it. Give him 2-3 games closer to goal then go into the midfield.

Makes sense but!
This is where dumb acts,Johnson and Kelly hurt the side we probable cant do that rd one now, we won't have the cattle to spare.

 

[Partridge]

Makes sense but!
This is where dumb acts,Johnson and Kelly hurt the side we probable cant do that rd one now, we won't have the cattle to spare.

I think also with Johnson (and Menzel) absent that's two proven mid-sized forwards not there. Another reason why playing Varcoe inside the forward line could be a good option. He's a useful goalsneak, excellent with defensive pressure, and he normally converts well. And with Horlin-Smith already looking much better (and hopefully Caddy and possibly Stringer to follow), there are other options for the midfield. There aren't as many to play those small forward roles. We can't let Hawthorn run the ball out easily, or else they'll murder us. Varcoe would be a very good addition in that respect.

 

[Partridge]

Ill have another go at this

Mackie, Lonergran, Rivers
Enright, Taylor, Varcoe
Motlop, Selwood, Bundy
Hartman, Hawkins, Johnson
Chappy, Pods, Stokes
McIntosh, Kelly, Bartel

Corey, Vardy, T Hunt, Smedts

Reading the remaining posts, I'm presuming this is best possible 22 this year, in which case I'll go with something like:

Guthrie - Lonergan - Rivers
Enright - Taylor - Mackie
Duncan - Selwood - Kelly
Motlop - Podsiadly - Varcoe
Chapman - Hawkins - Smedts
West - Johnson - T.Hunt

I/C: Vardy - Bartel - Horlin-Smith - Christensen

* leaving McIntosh, Menzel and Josh Hunt out of calculations until they're fit
+ even with that omissions include Corey, Stokes, Caddy, Stringer, Murdoch, and Brown
^ I admire your faith in him, but Hartman has as much chance of playing senior footy this year as I do. And he's currently behind every one of those 31 players. If he even gets a game we'll be in big, big trouble.

 

[FredLeDeux]

Reading the remaining posts, I'm presuming this is best possible 22 this year, in which case I'll go with something like:

Guthrie - Lonergan - Rivers
Enright - Taylor - Mackie
Duncan - Selwood - Kelly
Motlop - Podsiadly - Varcoe
Chapman - Hawkins - Smedts
West - Johnson - T.Hunt

I/C: Vardy - Bartel - Horlin-Smith - Christensen

* leaving McIntosh, Menzel and Josh Hunt out of calculations until they're fit
+ even with that omissions include Corey, Stokes, Caddy, Stringer, Murdoch, and Brown
^ I admire your faith in him, but Hartman has as much chance of playing senior footy this year as I do. And he's currently behind every one of those 31 players. If he even gets a game we'll be in big, big trouble.

Assuming that McIntosh, Menzel and Josh Hunt were fit, who would you drop for them from your best possible 22?

And out of Corey, Stokes, Caddy, Stringer, Murdoch, and Brown, who would you have in Rd 1 for Johnson and Kelly?

 

[kimodgers]

Reading the remaining posts, I'm presuming this is best possible 22 this year, in which case I'll go with something like:

Guthrie - Lonergan - Rivers
Enright - Taylor - Mackie
Duncan - Selwood - Kelly
Motlop - Podsiadly - Varcoe
Chapman - Hawkins - Smedts
West - Johnson - T.Hunt

I/C: Vardy - Bartel - Horlin-Smith - Christensen

* leaving McIntosh, Menzel and Josh Hunt out of calculations until they're fit
+ even with that omissions include Corey, Stokes, Caddy, Stringer, Murdoch, and Brown
^ I admire your faith in him, but Hartman has as much chance of playing senior footy this year as I do. And he's currently behind every one of those 31 players. If he even gets a game we'll be in big, big trouble.

I assume you have Vardy as filling the 3rd tall role plus back-up ruckman? Am I right in saying that a 3rd tall option is necessary with the strategy of long kicking from half-back? You don't have any runners off halfback.

 

[Partridge]

I assume you have Vardy as filling the 3rd tall role plus back-up ruckman? Am I right in saying that a 3rd tall option is necessary with the strategy of long kicking from half-back? You don't have any runners off halfback.

May not have any speedsters, but there are 6 defenders. Who can all actually defend, get the ball, and use it well. My preference is that over greyhounds who can't actually mind an opponent near goal.

Vardy (and West) may take brief spells up forward, but primarily in this lineup their job is to ruck. If we can't get enough goals out of Hawkins, Pods, Chapman (there's 133 goals last year combined), Motlop, Varcoe, Duncan, Bartel and of course Johnson we're in trouble. Mind you if West or Vardy can push forward and create headaches that's great too (West is already pretty decent at that and you would expect Vardy to get better and better at it).

 

[Partridge]

Assuming that McIntosh, Menzel and Josh Hunt were fit, who would you drop for them from your best possible 22?

And out of Corey, Stokes, Caddy, Stringer, Murdoch, and Brown, who would you have in Rd 1 for Johnson and Kelly?

First question - for McIntosh, Vardy. For Menzel, Smedts. I wouldn't change the back six, that looks ideal to me. Josh Hunt misses out unless there's an injury to someone there. I have very strong reservations about McIntosh as none of us have seen him in Geelong colours yet.

To answer the second question - whoever displays the best form in the next fortnight out of Corey, Caddy and Stringer. It's two midfielders we're replacing. And Caddy is far from a certainty at this point.

 

[David the Cat]

McIntosh will be fine...assuming he gets to 100% fitness, he will make a huge difference. This guy can play....its only the fitness issue that concerns me.

 

[Keystone agony]

Okay heres my go (outsiders view) based on watching you guys past few years and in Nab game agaisnt crows. Im not as astute as you guys with regards to injuries but will try my best.

The back 6 looks pretty set and sold for me

Guthrie - Rivers - Lonergan

Enright - H.Taylor - Varcoe (new role)

Mackie - SJ - Duncan

Bartel - Pods - Bundy

Chapman - Hawkins - West/Vardy

West/Hmac - Selwood - Kelly

For bench you have a long list of options
Caddy, GHS, Motlop, Stringer, J.Corey, Hunt, Menzel, #21(name doesnt come tome argh Murdoch yes it does), Smedts

I expect 4 of them to be picked.

For me ive really liked what ive seen in GHS so id pick him. From reading a bit Corey, Menzel and Hunt are all injured returning taking time. Smedts showed great value and is versatile id pick him. Unsure if Murdoch is good enough he was good last year. So unless i have forgotten someone that leave Motlop and Stringer to be picked for now.

GHS, Smedts 2 of Caddy, Motlop, Stringer (any would be a good sub candidate).

Id say without Kelly and SJ round 1. GHS, Caddy will certainly play that game.

 

[footscore]

Okay heres my go (outsiders view) based on watching you guys past few years and in Nab game agaisnt crows. Im not as astute as you guys with regards to injuries but will try my best.

The back 6 looks pretty set and sold for me

Guthrie - Rivers - Lonergan

Enright - H.Taylor - Varcoe (new role)

Mackie - SJ - Duncan

Bartel - Pods - Bundy

Chapman - Hawkins - West/Vardy

West/Hmac - Selwood - Kelly

For bench you have a long list of options
Caddy, GHS, Motlop, Stringer, J.Corey, Hunt, Menzel, #21(name doesnt come tome argh Murdoch yes it does), Smedts

I expect 4 of them to be picked.

For me ive really liked what ive seen in GHS so id pick him. From reading a bit Corey, Menzel and Hunt are all injured returning taking time. Smedts showed great value and is versatile id pick him. Unsure if Murdoch is good enough he was good last year. So unless i have forgotten someone that leave Motlop and Stringer to be picked for now.

GHS, Smedts 2 of Caddy, Motlop, Stringer (any would be a good sub candidate).

Id say without Kelly and SJ round 1. GHS, Caddy will certainly play that game.

I like it!

The only only change would be Taylor Hunt as he's best 22 and would start the game.
I did my team for RD1 and had him on the bench which was a mistake, he'll start on the ground and will replace SJ who's suspended.

 

[Keystone agony]

I like it!

The only only change would be Taylor Hunt as he's best 22 and would start the game.
I did my team for RD1 and had him on the bench which was a mistake, he'll start on the ground and will replace SJ who's suspended.

Yeh was thinking i forgot Hunt.

So basically i see it GHS, Hunt and Smedts on the bench. Stringer, Motlop and Caddy fighting for the sub position. No doubt Smedts and GHS will get a sub go aswell.

GHS and Caddy both to play round 1 and probably Stringer aswell if fit and Corey isnt.

 

[Claude Balls]

Reading the remaining posts, I'm presuming this is best possible 22 this year, in which case I'll go with something like:

Guthrie - Lonergan - Rivers
Enright - Taylor - Mackie
Duncan - Selwood - Kelly
Motlop - Podsiadly - Varcoe
Chapman - Hawkins - Smedts
West - Johnson - T.Hunt

I/C: Vardy - Bartel - Horlin-Smith - Christensen

* leaving McIntosh, Menzel and Josh Hunt out of calculations until they're fit
+ even with that omissions include Corey, Stokes, Caddy, Stringer, Murdoch, and Brown
^ I admire your faith in him, but Hartman has as much chance of playing senior footy this year as I do. And he's currently behind every one of those 31 players. If he even gets a game we'll be in big, big trouble.

Very close to my team. I have Caddy instead of Motlop. With Varcoe back and Smedts applying forward pressure, I'm not convinced we need Moltop's pace enough to overlook his lack of contested ability. Would rather someone else in who can provide in that dept. Doesn't necessarily have to be Caddy either. Could be stringer, could even be Corey if his form and fitness warrant it.

 

[Partridge]

Very close to my team. I have Caddy instead of Motlop. With Varcoe back and Smedts applying forward pressure, I'm not convinced we need Moltop's pace enough to overlook his lack of contested ability. Would rather someone else in who can provide in that dept. Doesn't necessarily have to be Caddy either. Could be stringer, could even be Corey if his form and fitness warrant it.

No arguments from me. So far this year Motlop hasn't been overly impressive. Caddy is definitely working harder.

 

[Jon Douglas]

We do not want any bodies out there that cannot take what it needs to take - to be a team footballer.

We need all our players to make and take tackles. We also need them to protect themselves - no acts of stupidity. But we need them to take a hit every now and then for the team. No weak links.

If this means that Motlop misses some games and Caddie gets games - because he is more physically developed and has a hard edge - fine by me. I like guys who try 100 % and go hard at the ball. Pressure acts and providing physical presence / contact / contest is something any decent footballer can do. Just got to be fit, have enough physical development and the right attitude. What you do when you have not got the ball can be very important. And everyone needs to be on the same page and doing these things as a team.

Motlop is still a good footballer and he is likely to get more physically involved as his experience and pre-seasons go by. But if Caddy or Smedts is as effective on the offence as Motlop but are better than him defensively - then make a change.

It takes many different things to make a winning combination. Strong committed bodies has been one of the keys for our success. Add real skill and focus to these attributes and it is a killer combination.

Last year we were not a strong team as we had been before. We are getting size back - HMac and Rivers - and Caddie, Hyphen, Murdoch and Smedts will only get bigger and stronger. The size issue was largely to do with the ruck and midfield. We are big down back and forward.

Having a winning ruckman (HMac) with some really hard bodies in the middle - Selwood, Kelly, Bartel and SJ - and add in Duncan and Bundy - then Hyphen or Caddie and we probably have the class and size to get more domination from our midfield.

I think 2012 will be our worst season in the next 5 years.

 

[Senatorguesty]

We do not want any bodies out there that cannot take what it needs to take - to be a team footballer.

We need all our players to make and take tackles. We also need them to protect themselves - no acts of stupidity. But we need them to take a hit every now and then for the team. No weak links.

If this means that Motlop misses some games and Caddie gets games - because he is more physically developed and has a hard edge - fine by me. I like guys who try 100 % and go hard at the ball. Pressure acts and providing physical presence / contact / contest is something any decent footballer can do. Just got to be fit, have enough physical development and the right attitude. What you do when you have not got the ball can be very important. And everyone needs to be on the same page and doing these things as a team.

Motlop is still a good footballer and he is likely to get more physically involved as his experience and pre-seasons go by. But if Caddy or Smedts is as effective on the offence as Motlop but are better than him defensively - then make a change.

It takes many different things to make a winning combination. Strong committed bodies has been one of the keys for our success. Add real skill and focus to these attributes and it is a killer combination.

Last year we were not a strong team as we had been before. We are getting size back - HMac and Rivers - and Caddie, Hyphen, Murdoch and Smedts will only get bigger and stronger. The size issue was largely to do with the ruck and midfield. We are big down back and forward.

Having a winning ruckman (HMac) with some really hard bodies in the middle - Selwood, Kelly, Bartel and SJ - and add in Duncan and Bundy - then Hyphen or Caddie and we probably have the class and size to get more domination from our midfield.

I think 2012 will be our worst season in the next 5 years.

Nothing more to add than you are 100% correct.

 

[DanA]

Okay I think I have my revised best 22:

FB: Hunt Lonergan Rivers
HB: Mackie Taylor Enright
C: Duncan Bartel Varcoe
HF: Smedts Podsiadly S,Johnson
FF: Chapman Hawkins Christenson
R: McIntosh Selwood Kelly
Int: West, GHS, , T-Hunt
Sub: Motlop

Unlucky Murdoch. Menzel could very easily also be in the team pushing GHS out of the team.