Strategy 2016 Backline

[Art Vandelay_]

With all the talk about best 22, I think we need a more specific focus on the defence for 2016.

Who should be picked, what strategies should we be adopting.

kolo v Henderson v Mackie where do they fit. How tall is too tall. Who plays small defender roles and will Boris and Lonners fall off a cliff.

Interested for the thoughts of others, so what are your thoughts on our backline next season.

 

[dazbroncos]

Id say crowded.
But its a good issue to have. Domsy, HT, Boris, Kolo, Thurlow, Hendo, Bews, Cowan, Delaney, Mackie and now apparently Guthrie. Of course, not all are best 22 now - but there is a good chance all will be available and fit by Rd1.

And I have no doubt that the evolution of the best 6 with a 7th as an intern change perhaps will be funb to watch oner the next 10 months or so…

GO Catters

 

[catempire]

I'm banking on:

- Taylor's presence. But I hope Henderson's inclusion will free him up to play a more attacking role.

- Henderson's presence. We didn't recruit a 26 year old key defender to see him do any role other than that.

- Mackie and Boris's presence, subject to 2015 form holding up. Reports of their demise are being greatly exaggerated on exposed form.

That leaves Lonergan, Kolo, Thurlow and Bews vying for the last two spots, assuming a running type from elsewhere plays as the spare/7th.

 

[dazbroncos]

I'm banking on:

- Taylor's presence. But I hope Henderson's inclusion will free him up to play a more attacking role.

- Henderson's presence. We didn't recruit a 26 year old key defender to see him do any role other than that.

- Mackie and Boris's presence, subject to 2015 form holding up. Reports of their demise are being greatly exaggerated on exposed form.

That leaves Lonergan, Kolo, Thurlow and Bews vying for the last two spots, assuming a running type from elsewhere plays as the spare/7th.

Agree with HT - I tend to think that its more up to him to break his tag he was getting than having anyone else do it for him however. I concur that Hendo could really aid in that as they both can play that same type of role and that will help perhaps draw HT's opponent away from him, but I recall HT saying he needs to lift his games and break their hold himself…

Its gonna be fun to watch however it happens.. and that can only be good for GFC…

Go Catters

 

[catman54]

I think Mackie could move to a wing, his form and size would warrant that. Allowing Harry to play HBF in the old Tom Harley role.
My line up. Guthrie Lonergan Kolo
Harry Henderson Enright
Thurlow, Bews and Delaney rotating as 7th.

 

[Bobby_]

Mackie's regressed a long way from the player he was a few years ago. His second half to the season was good but he's going to be a worry for us now that we have to try finding a spot for him. I feel confident in Thurlow as a lock down defender. He's probably not yet at Mackie's level but it will be a quick climb in development for Jackson.
Kolodjashnij is also a true key defender and his athleticism means he can play on slightly smaller opponents (see the game where he played on Jeremy Howe).

It may be a similar scenario as Jared Rivers where he declined rapidly and natural selection took it's course. Of the three oldies, I can see Mackie dropping off first as the season progresses.
Bates, Delaney & Cowan are going to get their chances as defenders next season.

 

[Art Vandelay_]

Mackie's regressed a long way from the player he was a few years ago. His second half to the season was good but he's going to be a worry for us now that we have to try finding a spot for him. I feel confident in Thurlow as a lock down defender. He's probably not yet at Mackie's level but it will be a quick climb in development for Jackson.
Kolodjashnij is also a true key defender and his athleticism means he can play on slightly smaller opponents (see the game where he played on Jeremy Howe).

It may be a similar scenario as Jared Rivers where he declined rapidly and natural selection took it's course. Of the three oldies, I can see Mackie dropping off first as the season progresses.
Bates, Delaney & Cowan are going to get their chances as defenders next season.

So assuming you're right about Mackie (although I do disagree), what is your back 6 and do you have all of Henderson, Taylor, Lonergan and Kolodjashnij?

 

[Bobby_]

So assuming you're right about Mackie (although I do disagree), what is your back 6 and do you have all of Henderson, Taylor, Lonergan and Kolodjashnij?

nope, Henderson will be alternating between forward and back I think. I sure as hell hope not as Henderson is a truly formidable defender and we'd prevent a flurry of goals from being kicked if he remained in the back six.
Kolodjashnij is a natural and is going to be one of the best young defenders in the entire competition. Has a lot of Daniel Talia about him and can also push forward himself displaying his versatility.

I'm hoping we get to the stage wherein Enright is forced to sit on the sidelines a lot more often as the season comes to a close. Similarly to how Milburn was utilized in his final season.

 

[Art Vandelay_]

nope, Henderson will be alternating between forward and back I think. I sure as hell hope not as Henderson is a truly formidable defender and we'd prevent a flurry of goals from being kicked if he remained in the back six.
Kolodjashnij is a natural and is going to be one of the best young defenders in the entire competition. Has a lot of Daniel Talia about him and can also push forward himself displaying his versatility.

I'm hoping we get to the stage wherein Enright is forced to sit on the sidelines a lot more often as the season comes to a close. Similarly to how Milburn was utilized in his final season.

Wouldn't say I'm "hoping" Enright is forced onto the sidelines. Would be a little disappointing to see a champ bow out like that imo but I guess it's rather possible.

So your back 6? and who's backup/depth?

 

[manboob]

Kolo - Lonergan - Enright
Mackie/Thurlow - Taylor - Henderson

Up to the wing for Mackie or Thurlow when they aren't down back.

 

[Art Vandelay_]

Poll added.

Noticed Smedts_2 suggest something similar elsewhere. Pick your back 6.

 

[Cattery]

Poll added.

Noticed Smedts_2 suggest something similar elsewhere. Pick your back 6.

Haven't you forgotten someone?

 

[Art Vandelay_]

Haven't you forgotten someone?

shut up (in jest). The weather has fried my brain ok

 

[Cattery]

shut up (in jest). The weather has fried my brain ok

Ahhh that looks better, will vote now.

Beautiful here with the A/C on high.

 

[The rabbi]

We now have an abundance of tall to tallish defenders.
I think that the issue will be one of a balanced backline in 2016.
I also think that we have lacked run out of defense since Wojcinski's best days and I thought that Scott tried to find a remedy for that by playing Varcoe and maybe Smedts down back.
So with all the talls, I would like to see some pace and good quick ball movement through some smaller quicker/or quick accurate ball movers in the backline.

 

[Cattery]

Lonners, Harry, Boris, Mackie and Thurlow are locks IMO, leaving the fifth spot between Kolodjashnij and Henderson. Don't think Kolo did much wrong when he got his chance last year so he gets the nod, which leaves Henderson .......... well I'm buggered if I know to be honest, it's up to him to force his way in I guess.

 

[The rabbi]

Lonners, Harry, Boris, Mackie and Thurlow are locks IMO, leaving the fifth spot between Kolodjashnij and Henderson. Don't think Kolo did much wrong when he got his chance last year so he gets the nod, which leaves Henderson .......... well I'm buggered if I know to be honest, it's up to him to force his way in I guess.

That would make the most pedestrian backline in recent history.
Far too slow and tall. It would get murdered by the quick forward lines with clever smalls.

 

[strauchnyy]

SMALLS

Starting 3 would be: mackie, thurlow and enright.

Guthrie rotating between mid and defence.

Emerg: bews.

TALLS

I'd go with Taylor, kolo and Henderson as the starting point.

Lonergan on reserve for when a match up suits (eg cloke) or if there's an injury.


Therefore...

Thurlow - Henderson - kolo
Mackie - Taylor - enright

Mid/7th rotating defender: Guthrie

 

[Cattery]

That would make the most pedestrian backline in recent history.
Far too slow and tall. It would get murdered by the quick forward lines with clever smalls.

Basically the same set up we've had for years and it hasn't done bad.

Sure another Wojcinski type would be very handy but we ain't got one.

 

[The rabbi]

Basically the same set up we've had for years and it hasn't done bad.

Sure another Wojcinski type would be very handy but we ain't got one.

It has been on the decline for a few years now. And small fowards have have hurt us in the past.
It is too tall and too slow and needs balance.
Of course all defenses, and other lines for that matter, will be a case of horses for courses, but that defense will not lead to may positive stories in 2016.

 

[dangerwood]

If all fit and healthy, id expect lonergan taylor mackie thurlow enright kolo with guthrie rotating through. Id guess henderson may start up forward but if lonergan drops away he'd switch back.

Im worried about lonergan and enright but feel like we have cover for them. I liked what I saw from Delaney last year but have no confidence in considering him within this debate, likewise cowan.

I don't rate bews. He doesn't get a look in at all for mine.

 

[Jon Douglas]

Depends on the timing or context of the choice. If we are saying Round 1 then I say Lonergan will be there and maybe not Henderson. But come the finals it seems more likely Henderson will be in the side and Lonergan, unless we have injury of form issues, maybe out of the side. And sure you can be too tall in the backline.

Some of the teams we will find hard to beat have two good small forwards set up. If you go too tall against such a side not having enough leg speed to cover the smalls could be an issue - and has been in recent times. So 'Too tall' for me means we cannot cover two good small forwards'.

I would really like to see Bews make it because he might be a decent container of small opposition forwards. But I think he will have to wait until 2017 to fully break into the team. He will play say 10-12 senior games but because we have so many players that could play back - he will miss out when finals come around (and we have a full list re backmen).

So for me - come finals 2016 -

Kolo Henderson Enright

Mackie Taylor Thurlow

Its is a bit tall and a bit slow BUT the sheer experience of Mackie, Enright, Taylor and Mackie will generally read the play well enough to deal with faster smaller players. Thurlow is quite quick and Kolo not slow. So its a bit in between backline - but it has the height certainly to handle any opposition tall and mid sized forwards IMO.

Just cannot see all 3 of Henderson, Lonergan and Taylor in the one side - except in exceptional circumstances. Rotate them is how I would handle it.

I think Kolo might a be a very, very good player. He just looks so good and comfortable down back in just 9 senior games. I could be wrong but this guy I think will be better than Hamling and become an integral part of our new, rejuvenated backline by 2017.


2017 backline come finals -

Kolo Henderson Bews

Mackie Taylor Thurlow


2108 backline -

Kolo Henderson Bews

Guthrie Taylor Thurlow

I think that would give us the best balance assuming Kolo, Thurlow and Bews keep on improving. A good range of heights, some good marks, some good pace, good decision makers and good kicks.

Personally I think Guthrie has made (as a backman), Thurlow is very close to best 22 and should become that next season), Kolo, if his performances of this year are any indication of his time to come - is a very likely candidate to make it also by next season's end also.

Bews I cannot be so confident about but he has shown reasonable form and a bit of flair in his times in the firsts. I think he may take a bit more time but will most likely make it.

I assume Henderson will make it because GFC seem confident he will. So for now that is enough for me to go with them on this.

Sure Harry is aging, especially by 2018, but that is still a very nicely balanced line up IMO. Could even be in the top 4 defences in the league (with enough midfield assistance). I think we may enjoy watching the transformation of out backline even though the cost will be the loss of 3 great servicemen of our most successful era - Lonergan, Enright and Mackie.

 

[Jon Douglas]

WE need more people to vote otherwise 50 % of our Board say they believe Harry will not be in the side !

Corey Enright 68 % !

Mackie 50 % !

If Geelong were not going to play these players they would not have given them new contracts. Besides if you asked GFC officials that count - all of them, I would think, say that Enright, Mackie and Harry had good seasons - and right now we do not have, and it does look like until another season has passed, that any youngster is likely to out perform them over the whole season and in big finals games.

 

[The rabbi]

WE need more people to vote otherwise 50 % of our Board say they believe Harry will not be in the side !

I have not listed a 2016 starting 22 because I personally think that trying to make those decisions in December is a tad premature.
I will be a keen observer of the pre-season games and note the form of all players and judge the best 22 for round 1 on those performances.
But I do find it hard to see Harry Taylor being omitted from the side if he is fit.

 

[FredLeDeux]

Poll added.

Noticed Smedts_2 suggest something similar elsewhere. Pick your back 6.

Why only 6 votes, and not 7?