2013 Team

[Grimreepah]

We have some good small defenders emerging - Harwood, Yeo, Golby and Docherty to come, but we are a bit skint on quality small forwards. Any candidates for positional changes? How would Yeo go forward?

 

[POBT]

Interesting to note that Beams spent a reasonable amount of time on the wing last game.

And, when we looked like getting run over, he was the one providing the spread. I don't think a wing role is beyond him.

 

[Gibbo_88]

We have some good small defenders emerging - Harwood, Yeo, Golby and Docherty to come, but we are a bit skint on quality small forwards. Any candidates for positional changes? How would Yeo go forward?

I think Yeo would be about as effective in the forward line as Black is. Green, Harwood and Yeo look like its only a matter of time till they are playing games in the midfield. We are getting by ATM but a small forward would have to be pretty high on our list of needs in the off season.

 

[jackess]

Maybe they'll give Dyson a chance to show something as a small forward.

 

[PattyKwasagun]

Yeah I think both Dyson and Bartlett have shown a fair bit as small forwards. Irony is that both may be gone this season.

 

[POBT]

We have some good small defenders emerging - Harwood, Yeo, Golby and Docherty to come, but we are a bit skint on quality small forwards.

Just wondering whether you need a quality small forward. Some of the best sides don't seem to be playing with one.

At Geelong, Matty Stokes is virtually playing a high half forward role from what i've seen. Stevie J has moved into the midfield with Chapman, a midfielder mostly, shifting to the forward line more often.

Collingwood seem to rotate a whole bunch of players through the forward line. Not sure who their small forward is, to be honest.

Hawthorn obviously has Cyril but Puopolo is the only other "small forward" there - they seem to play a midfielder in the forward line all the time (Lewis, Hodge etc)

West Coast have Hill and Hams - probably more role players than stars.

North's small forward brigade is very good IMO but they don't have a real stay at home small forward. The likes of Harvey and Thomas do a lot of work up field.

I think you need pace up forward to keep the pressure on. But someone like Puopolo can be very effective, without necessarily being a star. I also think it is a big advantage to be able to send one or two of your midfielders forward and, vice versa, to have your small/medium forwards capable of spending parts of the match on ball.

I'd be interested to see how this goes. Will clubs look more and more to have geniune midfielders playing forward, instead of specialist forwards?

 

[Grimreepah]

Just wondering whether you need a quality small forward. Some of the best sides don't seem to be playing with one.

At Geelong, Matty Stokes is virtually playing a high half forward role from what i've seen. Stevie J has moved into the midfield with Chapman, a midfielder mostly, shifting to the forward line more often.

Collingwood seem to rotate a whole bunch of players through the forward line. Not sure who their small forward is, to be honest.

Hawthorn obviously has Cyril but Puopolo is the only other "small forward" there - they seem to play a midfielder in the forward line all the time (Lewis, Hodge etc)

West Coast have Hill and Hams - probably more role players than stars.

North's small forward brigade is very good IMO but they don't have a real stay at home small forward. The likes of Harvey and Thomas do a lot of work up field.

I think you need pace up forward to keep the pressure on. But someone like Puopolo can be very effective, without necessarily being a star. I also think it is a big advantage to be able to send one or two of your midfielders forward and, vice versa, to have your small/medium forwards capable of spending parts of the match on ball.

I'd be interested to see how this goes. Will clubs look more and more to have geniune midfielders playing forward, instead of specialist forwards?

True, but we do play one or two designated small forwards, and often they have been struggling for form but we play them anyway because we don't have anything better.

ps. I think Puopolo is pretty close to being a star. He's got Cyril-like intensity and has an enormous influence whenever I see him play. Perhaps doesn't get enough credit for some of the brilliant things he does. Voss would absolutely love to have him in our team.

 

[POBT]

True, but we do play one or two designated small forwards, and often they have been struggling for form but we play them anyway because we don't have anything better.

I've seen signs in the past two weeks that we might be looking to change that. Green went into the square at times v Carlton. Zorko is spending more and more time upfield. Bewick seems to have a licence to lead up hard to the wings and even beyond. The person who seemed to be playing the true small forward role was Rocky.

ps. I think Puopolo is pretty close to being a star. He's got Cyril-like intensity and has an enormous influence whenever I see him play. Perhaps doesn't get enough credit for some of the brilliant things he does.

Fair call.

 

[Grimreepah]

I've seen signs in the past two weeks that we might be looking to change that. Green went into the square at times v Carlton. Zorko is spending more and more time upfield. Bewick seems to have a licence to lead up hard to the wings and even beyond. The person who seemed to be playing the true small forward role was Rocky.

Is that because of a change in game plan or an improvement in personnel?

 

[Quigley]

With the way modern football is played there are no stay at home small forwards much at all. Even the likes of Milne have to work up the ground.

On the top sides Rioli and Puopolo are very valuable for the Hawks. LeCras is a star and badly missed by WC. Goodes is tall but plays the mobile forward role. Stokes and Motlop (as well as Varcoe) are very important to the Geelong structure. Collingwood has Blair, Elliott, Fasolo and Didak playing as small forwards. Freo have Ballantyne, Walters and Pearce who are very important to them. Adelaide has had Porplyzia and Petrenko playing the best football of their career. In short all the teams that are up and running seem to have a good small forward unit this year.

Personally I have thought this year has seen a bit of a resurgence in the importance of the goal scoring small forward. The mobility and ability to finish around goals has been very important.

 

[POBT]

Is that because of a change in game plan or an improvement in personnel?

Personnel, I reckon. We don't have to play a Sheldon in the forward line any more because we've got players who are becoming triple threats - they can put defensive pressure on, kick goals and take a stint in the midfield.

 

[Viceregal]

What qualities do you need to have to be a successful small forward which are great there but mean that you are not suitable for midfield duties?

Is it possible to have three 'small forward' types who are rotated through that who are just as good there as in the midfield? (ignore the second part - had not refreshed the browser in a few hours and missed the last 5-7 posts)

 

[dlanod]

What qualities do you need to have to be a successful small forward which are great there but mean that you are not suitable for midfield duties?

Being Steven Milne or Hayden Ballantyne. If either got near anyone other than defenders more than a couple of times a game, their dentist bills from getting his teeth smacked in would make them retire. Defenders have more self control.

 

[doddgey]

(Not sure if this belongs here.)
After all the changes over the last few years I hope we get some stability in the movement of assistant coaches this year. I cannot offer an oppinion as to how they are going personally but they all seem to have a good raport with the player's, and other coaches, and the group as a whole is certainly developing.
I just think it would send the right message that we are on the right track and have faith in our direction.

 

[mikey127]

I'll have my first crack
b: Golby Merrett patful
HB Hanley Maguire Adcock
C Rockcliff Beams Rich
HF Zorko brown Bewick
F Green Tippett Lisle
R Leuy reddon Raines
Int Lester Staker Mcrgath
Sub Black
Emergencies Patty K Harwood Longer

 

[jackess]

B: Golby Merrett Drummond
HB: Patfull Maguire Adcock
C: Hanley Rich Rockliff
HF: Zorko Brown Black
FF: McGrath Lisle Bewick
R: Leuenberger Raines Redden
Bench: Lester Polec Beams Karnezis/Cornelius
Emg: Hudson, Green, Harwood

 

[Slax]

Personnel, I reckon. We don't have to play a Sheldon in the forward line any more because we've got players who are becoming triple threats - they can put defensive pressure on, kick goals and take a stint in the midfield.

We don't have to play Sheldon fullstop.

Personally like the idea of Green, Beams and Black being rotated through forward line.

 

[Grimreepah]

I've seen signs in the past two weeks that we might be looking to change that. Green went into the square at times v Carlton. Zorko is spending more and more time upfield. Bewick seems to have a licence to lead up hard to the wings and even beyond. The person who seemed to be playing the true small forward role was Rocky.

Crisp seemed to be spending a lot of time near Brown. I thought he was our designated defensive pressurer in the Crows game.

 

[thoselionslads]

Crisp seemed to be spending a lot of time near Brown. I thought he was our designated defensive pressurer in the Crows game.

Each player in the Lions forward line adopts a specific role while down there.

I know there is a 'crumber', 'workhorse' and 'spreader', with players swapping roles constantly throughout the game. Cant remember the others though.

Without knowing the specific details of each, I'd imagine they are quite self explanatory. Perhaps this explains Crisp's role?

 

[jackess]

Each player in the Lions forward line adopts a specific role while down there.

I know there is a 'crumber', 'workhorse' and 'spreader', with players swapping roles constantly throughout the game. Cant remember the others though.

Without knowing the specific details of each, I'd imagine they are quite self explanatory. Perhaps this explains Crisp's role?

I really don't want to know what the 'spreader' does.

 

[Grimreepah]

IN: GREEN

 

[acuguy]

If McGrath plays a full season as a small forward and we get enough footy into the forward line he could kick 50-70 goals. He is an elite small forward.

 

[jjami15]

And if he stays injury free. Wear and tear is staring to mke an impact on the old fellas body.

 

[lionshine]

I'll have a crack. Why not?

B Adcock Merrett Golby
HB Patfull Maguire Drummond
C Hanley Rockliff Rich
HF Zorko Brown Bewick
F McGrath Staker Green
R Leuenberger Redden Raines
I Black Beams Polec
S Karnezis
E Polkinghorne Lester Harwood

When I was doing this team it made me realise just how many good young players will be missing out if everyone is injury free. Polkinghorne, Lester, Harwood, Yeo, Crisp, Bartlett, Docherty, Banfield, Lisle and Longer. I could not find a spot for Hudson either if he chooses to go round again.

Players competing for same spots:

Beams vs Polkinghorne: I chose to go with Beams because even though they are different types of players, I think Beams could play Polks role better and also contribute in other ways. It is a shame because I am actually a fan of Jimmy but I can see other players overtaking him next year.

Karnezis vs Lester: I am a big fan of Lester but I think next year Karnezis will be primed for a big year after another pre season under his belt. I also feel Karnezis can add more to our side particularly up forward compared to Humphreys output up there.

Staker vs Lisle: I decided to put Staker at the full forward position as our second key tall forward even though he isn't really suited for that. The main reason he is at that position is because he can kick 2-3 goals a game and his versatility means he can play back up ruck and then become like another midfielder at ground level. So despite losing most of the taps, we will benefit with him at ground level.

Golby vs Harwood: This one could go either way IMO and even though I have loved Harwood's improvement in the backline for this second half of the year, I have decided to put Golby at the BP position because I feel Harwood will still end up a midfielder and he will benefit from playing in the backline this year. Unfortunately, Harwood will have to fight his way into the midfield through the reserves but as injures occur and certain players don't perform I am sure he will be given plenty of chances to come into the side and cement his spot in our midfield. I also chose Golby because I think he is still the better defender and he deserves his spot after his form this year which has been cut short due to injury.

Green vs Banfield: After both of these players form this year it was a pretty easy decision for me! Green has improved beyond belief and Banfield has gone backwards. Banners will have to grind it out in the reserves and aim to get his career back on track. In the mean time, Greeny will be dominating in the seniors

So there you go folks. That is my 2013 team at this stage but it will no doubt change before Round 1 2013. I hope you enjoyed the read and like my team although I am more then happy to read your own opinions and thoughts. I believe the team that I have named could really compete for a top 8 spot next year and I get so, so, so excited when I look at that team because I instantly look at all of the young players and picture them filling their potential next year and boy do we have some talented young players!

GOOOOOO LIIIOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Bert Man]

B: Harwood Merret Golby
HB: Adcock Maguire Patful
C: Beams Rich Hanley
HF: Zorko Lisle Rockliff
FF: Staker Brown Green
Fol: Leunberger Black Redden
Inter: Drummond/Lester Hudson/Longer Raines
Sub: Polec
Emerg Hudson/Longer Lester/Drummond Karnezis
Polec in for a big year