2017 Best 22

[Guardian Hawk]

This is a thread where we can analyse our best 22 through the draft and trade periods and as news of those returning from (or God forbid incurring) injuries (or showing good pre-season form) can be discussed and broken down.

My reason for doing this so early (when the 22 is pretty much the same as how we finished 2016) is to forecast a little in order to address all the threads declaring our demise due to the state of our list.

Look how we could be lining up (around finals) in 2017:

B: Stratton, Frawley, Duryea
HB: Birchall, Gibson, Burgoyne
C: Hartung, S.Mitchell, Smith
HF: Lewis, Roughead, Rioli
F: Puopolo, Gunston, Breust
R: Ceglar, O'Meara, T.Mitchell
I: Hodge, Shiels, McEvoy, Whitecross/Sicily/Burton

Roughead may not return, you could replace him in the above side by Vickery. Another KPD may also be chosen.
Look at that bench though! That is a side more than capable of winning the 2017 flag IMO.

Fun (and greedy?) to dream of the possibilities so soon after so much success.

 

[bradburygold]

Hartung on the wing starting?

Burton in the last spot?

Rough we cant "expect" to be back just yet, he is a bonus

Also ceglar done a knee yet u have him starting?

Vickery needs to be locked into the side

 

[Guardian Hawk]

Hartung on the wing starting?

Burton in the last spot?

Rough we cant "expect" to be back just yet, he is a bonus

Also ceglar done a knee yet u have him starting?

Vickery needs to be locked into the side

I'm assuming Hill goes making Hartung the only other true winger (besides Smith). Can easily re-shuffle.

Who should Burton displace? It's a strong side and Burton is hype only at this stage.

Agree re Rough and Ceglar - mentioned the above is best case and looking September 2017 (not Round 1).

Can just as easily put in McEvoy and Vickery.

Care to give it a shot?

 

[bradburygold]

I'm assuming Hill goes making Hartung the only other true winger (besides Smith). Can easily re-shuffle.

Who should Burton displace? It's a strong side and Burton is hype only at this stage.

Agree re Rough and Ceglar - mentioned the above is best case and looking September 2017 (not Round 1).

Can just as easily put in McEvoy and Vickery.

Care to give it a shot?

A bit early pre trade period when we are linked with so many, nov 1st sure

 

[Guardian Hawk]

A bit early pre trade period when we are linked with so many, nov 1st sure

Very very early. Just wanted to point out some potential positives amidst all the doom and gloom about us plummetting down the ladder. Our long term list needs work (which I'm sure Clarko et. al is fully aware) but our likely list for next season is still very strong and capable.

 

[Baz_hawk]

Currently (before trades occur) this is what I'd have. Note that injuries have been accounted for and O'Meara is almost a certainty so had been included....

FB: Duryea Frawley Stratton
HB: Howe Brand Birchall
Ce: Hartung Shiels Smith
HF: Rioli Schoenmakers Gunston
FF: Breust Fitzpatrick Puopolo
Fol: Pittonet Mitchell O'Meara

INT: Hodge Burton Burgoyne Lewis

Few notes
- Gibson is best 22 but he seems to have lost some pace in the last 12 months. Hard to make a call on him but I imagine Heatherley will get some games into him to fast track his development
- Burgoyne and Hodge will probably have a few games off for management, Lovell and O'Rourke will likely get more game time. Woodward also if he is retained.
- Ceglar and Rough won't be ready till late season if all goes to plan
- I expect given we have for guys who are likely going into their final season that they will sit out more games as we work towards succession.

Probably missed some, will revise post trade period.

 

[HODGEYROAD]

Currently (before trades occur) this is what I'd have. Note that injuries have been accounted for and O'Meara is almost a certainty so had been included....

FB: Duryea Frawley Stratton
HB: Howe Brand Birchall
Ce: Hartung Shiels Smith
HF: Rioli Schoenmakers Gunston
FF: Breust Fitzpatrick Puopolo
Fol: Pittonet Mitchell O'Meara

INT: Hodge Burton Burgoyne Lewis

Few notes
- Gibson is best 22 but he seems to have lost some pace in the last 12 months. Hard to make a call on him but I imagine Heatherley will get some games into him to fast track his development
- Burgoyne and Hodge will probably have a few games off for management, Lovell and O'Rourke will likely get more game time. Woodward also if he is retained.
- Ceglar and Rough won't be ready till late season if all goes to plan
- I expect given we have for guys who are likely going into their final season that they will sit out more games as we work towards succession.

Probably missed some, will revise post trade period.

Can't win the flag with that FF, CHF positions filled by those 2 but hopefully we have a decent season.

 

[Baz_hawk]

Can't win the flag with that FF, CHF positions filled by those 2 but hopefully we have a decent season.

Agreed however late season we can slot Roughead back in which i cannot wait for. The big guy has been sorely missed.

 

[HODGEYROAD]

Agreed however late season we can slot Roughead back in which i cannot wait for. The big guy has been sorely missed.

Yeah we battled manfully without him but at the end of the day it was a bridge too far.

 

[Baz_hawk]

Yeah we battled manfully without him but at the end of the day it was a bridge too far.

Absolutely. Mind you we had a lot of weaker areas this year but I still have Roughead as our most important player. His versatility is something many have taken for granted and this year we didn't have the flexibility to throw the big Rough into a centre bounce and win a clearance or two. Can't wait to see him back on the park.

 

[tige19]

From all reports it seems more likely than not that Ruffy could be up and running come mid year, if thats the case then you slot him into that forward line along with Vickery,Rioli,Pop,Gunno and a resting mid (assuming Punky is traded) and all of a sudden we look really dangerous in the air and on the ground.

 

[HODGEYROAD]

From all reports it seems more likely than not that Ruffy could be up and running come mid year, if thats the case then you slot him into that forward line along with Vickery,Rioli,Pop,Gunno and a resting mid (assuming Punky is traded) and all of a sudden we look really dangerous in the air and on the ground.

If Punky is traded it would want to be a pretty good deal, reliable small forwards that kick 50 goals every season and pressure well are hard to come by.

 

[tige19]

If Punky is traded it would want to be a pretty good deal, reliable small forwards that kick 50 goals every season and pressure well are hard to come by.

Agreed mate, I'm only basing that on what news has been mooted. Who really knows? Maybe Stewart or Hardwick are better than we think? Maybe with natural development they adapt to that mid-size forward role better than we think? maybe not lol.

 

[bradburygold]

The couch had a go last night fyi, said if we get these trades done then we will be thereabouts

 

[hawks787]

The public response to the captain on the bench would be interesting.
Doesn't happen often or are people predicting a change?

 

[Flag08]

That "on the couch" side would have to have the slowest half back line ever assembled.

I'm sure Clarko realises that we had no run out of the backline this year. The dogs and Giants have pace to burn from half back and that's where it all starts.

I'd be amazed if they didn't try to replace Gibbo and Birch with a couple of blokes who can run. Smith, Burton and Burgoyne will all play back next year.

We can't beat top sides with Mitch, Lewis, Hodge and Gibbo (and BB) in the same side. We were too slow this year and will be worse next.

 

[madhawksfan]

That "on the couch" side would have to have the slowest half back line ever assembled.

I'm sure Clarko realises that we had no run out of the backline this year. The dogs and Giants have pace to burn from half back and that's where it all starts.

I'd be amazed if they didn't try to replace Gibbo and Birch with a couple of blokes who can run. Smith, Burton and Burgoyne will all play back next year.

We can't beat top sides with Mitch, Lewis, Hodge and Gibbo (and BB) in the same side. We were too slow this year and will be worse next.

Agreed. Hodge needs to play in the forward half and Burgoyne in the back half. Mitchell stays in the middle and someone like Smith or Burton supports Birchall by being a running option.

By the end of the year I wouldn't be surprised if one of Lewis, Hodge or Gibson were replaced in the side (like Sewell 2014). I hope they all play well enough to hold their spots but not sure it will happen sadly (prove me wrong boys).

 

[Taskmaster]

Stratts Chip WhiteX
Burto Gibbo Birch
Omith O'Meara O'Rourke
Hodge Gunston Silk
Rioli Vickery Pop
Fitzy S.Mitch T.Mitch

Int: Sheils, Howe, Lewis (One of: BB, Stewart, Hardwick, Lovell, Doc, Siss, or Heatherley)

Bruest - Traded?
Cegs - Inj
Rough - Indefinite

Hartung is not up to it
Woody if he can get going is a big chance.
Shoey, Langers, O'Brien who would even know? Maybe traded?
Spang and Brand??

Changing Fitz and Vickery in Ruck/FF
Keeping Hodge and Silk as permanent Fwds will make any oppo sh!t bricks. And also allow them to get every last bit out of themselves. S.Mitch and Lewy could also swing through the fwd line.
The 2 Mitch's rotate, Sheils/Lewy and Rioli/O'meara.

It is hard to pick a side, but it already looks better than this year. It will be about managing the old crew (Mitch, Hodgey, Gib, Silk). I don't take age as a factor. It's BS. If the player is still making a contribution then age means shit. It will also be about getting these kids playing, especially Burto, Howe, Dimma, Stewart and the human meatball (Lovell).

But as always it's a pure guess.

 

[WWSD]

Put Smith across the half back flank for that needed leg speed and elevate Kade Stewart and have him on the wing. Unfortunately I don't think Ceglar will play any games at all next year.

Shopping list

2x Key defenders
3x Inside midfielders
1x Genuine ruckman
2x Key Forwards

 

[Nash88]

B: Stratton, Brand/Heatherley/Gibson, Birchall
HB: S Mitchell, Frawley, Whitecross
C: Smith, O Meara, Burgoyne
HF: Hodge, Gunston, Rioli
F, Burton, Vickery, Puopolo
FOLL: Ceglar, Shiels, T Mitchell
INT: McEvoy, Lewis, Duryea, Breust

-Josh Gibson overall had a decent enough season however age really caught up to him in the second part of the season and I think he should predominantly play a mentoring role for the likes of brand and heatherley.
-Jordan Lewis an absolute legend of the club however on his last legs, one more season to come.
-Luke Hodge age is catching up but our leader so will play one more season and I believe he can do a lot of damage in the forward line as a pinch hitter potentially worth 30 goals easily.
-Shaun Burgoyne silk in every sense of the word. Still quality and will not be replaced at this stage under any circumstance.
-Sam Mitchell see above, I honestly believe he still has 2 years left in his legs just an absolute champion.

Ryan burton needs more time but will become a star of the game. 2017 will be his breakout year barring anything (knock on wood)

Ryan schoenmakers has been on the list for what 6 years now? Unfortunately not good enough it's as simple as that. A liability in defence and not powerful enough in the forward line which is sad because he has the size to dominate and really take games by the scruff of the neck.
Billy Hartung really disappointed in his game against the Bulldogs, I didn't see him until the last quarter and I don't believe he cuts it at AFL level, sneaky suspicion that clarko may agree with that.
James Sicily I think will be traded, him or TOB must go. Not sure who I would prefer at this point.

I think the following lineup obviously while blooding younger players throughout the season is the perfect mix of youth and experience and will have a good next season with the potential to go a far way and will hold us in good stead for years to come.

 

[Badesumofu]

I'm assuming Hill goes making Hartung the only other true winger (besides Smith). Can easily re-shuffle.

Who should Burton displace? It's a strong side and Burton is hype only at this stage.

I think you just answered your own questions with your own questions. Burton plays on the wing. Burton is more than hype, his performances were seriously good. He was on track to be named in our best before he went down against the Cats. Obviously still has it all to prove but the hype is at least based on actual performance not just potential.

So much water to go under the bridge before we can really get into best 22 for finals 2017, though. I'd not expect Ceglar to play, ACL is a 12 month injury and I don't think you can just parachute him in for the finals having missed the whole year.

The side from The Couch is about what I'd expect for round 1 next year. Though Fitzpatrick would be a chance to make that side as well. That side is horribly undersized in defence and there should be big question marks over Birchall and Gibson. If the trade gods could arrange a CHB for us as well, that'd be great.

 

[Cynic]

FB: Ben Stratton - Kaiden Brand - Taylor Duryea
HB: Grant Birchall - James Frawley - Billy Hartung
CE: Bradley Hill - Daniel Howe - Isaac Smith
RU: Marc Pittonet - Liam Shiels - Veteran
HF: Cyril Rioli - Ryan Schoenmakers - Jack Gunston
FF: Luke Breust - Ben McEvoy - Paul Puopolo
IN: Veteran - James Sicily - Ryan Burton - Veteran

Veteran = Josh Gibson, Luke Hodge, Sam Mitchell, Shaun Burgoyne or Jordan Lewis

We're not winning it next year so these players can be rested often to ensure our next generation get games under their belts.

Hartung on the flank as we need pace. Pittonet over Fitzpatrick as he's a genuine ruck and we may need McEvoy to provide a more constant forward target.

FB: Ben Stratton - Kaiden Brand - Taylor Duryea
HB: Grant Birchall - James Frawley - Billy Hartung
CE: O'Meara - Daniel Howe - Isaac Smith
RU: Ben McEvoy - Liam Shiels - Veteran
HF: Cyril Rioli - Ryan Schoenmakers - Jack Gunston
FF: Luke Breust - Tyrone Vickery - Paul Puopolo
IN: Veteran - James Sicily - Ryan Burton - Veteran

Is what I expect it to look like after the trade period.

 

[Collins-Langford-Ayres]

With Brand being supposedly uncontracted, for whatever reason, I can't see him in gold and brown next year.

He's our most promising KPP since Budd and Rough and we would in no way let him get to this stage if we wanted to keep him.

Something is definitely going on....

 

[Brant]

The couch had a go last night fyi, said if we get these trades done then we will be thereabouts

If we play Birchall, Hodge & Mitchell in the same backline & play Gibbo at CHB then we'll be lucky to make the Top 8.

We won 4 (or was it 5) games this year by less than 10. Drop those games (which we will if Mitch, Hodge, Birch & Gibbo play in the same backline) & we're out of the Top 8 & that's without everyone getting a year older/slower/less-jumpy.

Silly couch folk...

 

[Collins-Langford-Ayres]

If we play Birchall, Hodge & Mitchell in the same backline & play Gibbo at CHB then we'll be lucky to make the Top 8.

We won 4 (or was it 5) games this year by less than 10. Drop those games (which we will if Mitch, Hodge, Birch & Gibbo play in the same backline) & we're out of the Top 8 & that's without everyone getting a year older/slower/less-jumpy.

Silly couch folk...

For mine, Gibbo needs to be the third tall as he just doesn't have the leap any more to punch above his weight, particularly since key forwards are so often getting closer to 200 cm now.

Assuming he plays that position, we cannot afford to play Hodge down there too as we just look like treacle coming out, since Birch is slowing, Stratts and Doc have never been express and one doesn't want Chip sprinting out from full back with the ball in his hands.