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2018 Best 22

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It isn't meant to be a round 1 team. Logue is our best player for the position he plays. There is nothing to say Cerra is, apart from his draft position, but so far he has zero runs on the board, Logue has a few games under his belt, an extra pre-season, and isn't competing with more established midfielders for a spot.

It is obviously quite a big deal for you that I don't have him in my best 22. If Logue is ready for round 1, he is a definite starter for me, Cerra wouldn't be. Brayshaw and Banfield have forced their way in with persuasive pre-seasons. Cerra is a little behind that having come off injuries, but he'll put his case soon enough. But there's no hurry. I think our best 22 is fluid at this point in time.
Well fundamental disagreement about Logue's current ability then. He might be 5 times the athlete Johnno is but he is not half the footballer yet so IMO shouldn't play ahead of him. Johnno not at his best obviously but overall he would still contribute more than Griff IMO. Could change this season of course.

I think Logue should play simply to develop and I think the same with Cerra. The B22 that helps our real goal (ie win a premiership) has Cerra in it as a far as I am concerned. It is the same rationale that has everyone here omitting anyone over 30 (that is not Sandi or Mundy - and even sometimes relegates them to the bench or altogether) over some shiny <22 player. It is also the same reason that Langdon, Tucker etc make best 22 when really, they have proven less than Sheridan and Sutcliffe. We just assume they will be better because - freo fans.
 
I don't think that is an issue. The resting ruck can roll forward, or as you say Fufe (or Mundy). It is for a pretty minimal period of game time in the end. Helps to be less predictable.

That’s right,rest the ruck forward and he will provide a target - even Darcy has already shown he can clunk a few and enjoys a goal or two



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How I think we will line up in round 1 after the 1.5 preseason games I've seen so far

Johnson Hamling Ryan
Wilson A. Pearce Blakely
Hill Neale Hill
Walters Mundy Ballantyne
Matera Taberner McCarthy
Sandilands Brayshaw Fyfe
Sutcliffe Sheridan D. Pearce Tucker
- If Spurr is fit, he replaces Tucker
- if S Hill isn't fit, he is replaced by Grey or Langdon


How I want us to line up in round 1
Johnson Hamling Ryan
Wilson A Pearce Blakely
Hill Neale Hill
Walters Mundy Banfield
Matera Taberner McCarthy
Sandilands Brayshaw Fyfe
Langdon Tucker Grey Cerra
- assuming Hughes and Logue are out injured


Obligatory not sure if I missed anyone.
 
I’d like to think that D.Pearce is just warming S.Hill’s spot through the JLT games. Despite the massive gap in quality they do try to play a pretty similar role (the big difference being S.Hill is better at everything other than kicking it to the opposition which D.Pearce excels at) which might mean we are not playing a best 22 player outside of the role they’ll play in the home and away season.
 
I’d like to think that D.Pearce is just warming S.Hill’s spot through the JLT games. Despite the massive gap in quality they do try to play a pretty similar role (the big difference being S.Hill is better at everything other than kicking it to the opposition which D.Pearce excels at) which might mean we are not playing a best 22 player outside of the role they’ll play in the home and away season.
This sort of makes sense, hope it is true.
 
I’d like to think that D.Pearce is just warming S.Hill’s spot through the JLT games. Despite the massive gap in quality they do try to play a pretty similar role (the big difference being S.Hill is better at everything other than kicking it to the opposition which D.Pearce excels at) which might mean we are not playing a best 22 player outside of the role they’ll play in the home and away season.
I think some of the older players are being used to give the side structural integrity while younger players develop as well (SHill of course not being a younger player).
 
I think some of the older players are being used to give the side structural integrity while younger players develop as well (SHill of course not being a younger player).

D.Pearce played seven games in 2017. He was only brought in (after he was dropped after round two) when we had lost a heap of experience. I expect the same to happen this year. I reckon he may well be travelling emergency round one. He’ll probably be player 22-26 all year but only play around five games. I’m actually fine with older players being the travelling emergency. I’d rather have the younger guys play at Peel than watching from the stands
 
If you look at our team in R23 last season (where we just lost to Essendon) I think you'd have to lock in at least 8 changes for Rd 1...

+ Aaron Sandilands
+ Michael Walters
+ Alex Pearce
+ Connor Blakely
+ Nathan Wilson
+ Brandon Matera
+ Cam McCarthy
+ Andrew Brayshaw (can't see him not debuting Rd 1 now)

Some very nice ins... (plus Fyfe now in beast mode helps as well). Then there are a few possibles:

+? Bailey Banfield (not a certainty but should be)
+? Ed Langdon (possible with Crozier gone and Bennell unlikely to play)
+? Sean Darcy (seems unlikely we'll play 2 rucks now)
+? Griffin Logue (unlikely given recent interruptions and he'd probably have to replace MJ)
+? Adam Cerra (probably unlikely to debut Rd 1 but won't be a long wait)
+? Brady Grey (can't see it happening with Matera and Ballas both likely to play)
+? Danyle Pearce (BF would rightly melt down if this happened)

We traded/retired/delisted 4 from the R23 team in the off-season:

- Lachie Weller (traded)
- Hayden Crozier (traded)
- Jonathon Griffin (retired)
- Nick Suban (delisted)
- Sam Collins (delisted)

Meaning we'd need to omit at least 3 more, probably 5, most likely from this group of Rd23 players:

-? Stephen Hill (expected to play JLT2 or be ready shortly after so think we'll see him Rd 1 now)
-? Harley Bennell (think it's highly unlikely he'll play Rd 1 but hopefully we'll see him early in the season)
-? Tommy Sheridan (can't see how we'll fit him but who knows?)
-? Cameron Sutcliffe (can't see how we'll fit him either but who knows?)
-? Shane Kersten (you'd think we'd play either him or Cox, definitely not both)
-? Brennan Cox (as above)
-? Ethan Hughes (not sure he'll be ready rd 1 - hope he is though)
-? Hayden Ballantyne (all signs is he'll play Rd 1)
-? Michael Johnson (probably unlikely omission with Hughes and Logue still building)
-? Darcy Tucker (unlikely omission imo unless there are more than 10 changes)

So I'm predicting Banfield and Langdon is added to the ins, and the outs are Bennell, Sheridan, Sutcliffe, Cox and Hughes, leaving MJ and Ballas playing.

edit - missed Crozier, adjusted.
 
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Well fundamental disagreement about Logue's current ability then. He might be 5 times the athlete Johnno is but he is not half the footballer yet so IMO shouldn't play ahead of him. Johnno not at his best obviously but overall he would still contribute more than Griff IMO. Could change this season of course.

I think Logue should play simply to develop and I think the same with Cerra. The B22 that helps our real goal (ie win a premiership) has Cerra in it as a far as I am concerned. It is the same rationale that has everyone here omitting anyone over 30 (that is not Sandi or Mundy - and even sometimes relegates them to the bench or altogether) over some shiny <22 player. It is also the same reason that Langdon, Tucker etc make best 22 when really, they have proven less than Sheridan and Sutcliffe. We just assume they will be better because - freo fans.


The reason we dont want sheridan in the team is because he has shown very little and should now be at his peak. Instead he is rubbish. Shanks kicks on the regular, pushed off the ball on the regular, doesn't use his tank to get on the end of a heap of ball and regularly chokes under pressure. He is a peel level player. Sutcliffe has shown more than Sheridan and even his biggest weapon which was his kicking has degenerated over the last three seasons. Next up you'll be saying we want tucker etc in the team over danyle because... freo fans...
 
The reason we dont want sheridan in the team is because he has shown very little and should now be at his peak. Instead he is rubbish. Shanks kicks on the regular, pushed off the ball on the regular, doesn't use his tank to get on the end of a heap of ball and regularly chokes under pressure. He is a peel level player. Sutcliffe has shown more than Sheridan and even his biggest weapon which was his kicking has degenerated over the last three seasons. Next up you'll be saying we want tucker etc in the team over danyle because... freo fans...
Don't worry it is not just Freo fans, it is all fans. Every team overrates their youth because they haven't proven to be **** yet. I am sure if you go to the Eagles board you can hear them talking up Partington and Cole.

I do it, everyone does it. Don't take it personally. D Pearce current level is below every outside player on our list IMO, simply because he turns over 80% of his kicks. Hyperbole to say I would suggest otherwise.

Sheridan and Sutcliffe have both played multiple good games at AFL (especially Sutty) including finals. Clearly most of them were some time ago but at least they have done it. Langdon and Tucker have not done it. Sure they have shown signs, but if you are going to permit best 22 on signs then I want Cerra in - which was my entire point. I wasn't having a stab at anyone.
 

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Don't worry it is not just Freo fans, it is all fans. Every team overrates their youth because they haven't proven to be **** yet. I am sure if you go to the Eagles board you can hear them talking up Partington and Cole.

I do it, everyone does it. Don't take it personally. D Pearce current level is below every outside player on our list IMO, simply because he turns over 80% of his kicks. Hyperbole to say I would suggest otherwise.

Sheridan and Sutcliffe have both played multiple good games at AFL (especially Sutty) including finals. Clearly most of them were some time ago but at least they have done it. Langdon and Tucker have not done it. Sure they have shown signs, but if you are going to permit best 22 on signs then I want Cerra in - which was my entire point. I wasn't having a stab at anyone.

Agree on everything except tommy - I dont think he has ever done it for more than a couple of games here and there. Very disappointing for a high pick. I also think where we are at the more games we can get into Brayshaw and Cerra the better.
 
The Tabernator looked good to me. A few brainfades in JLT1 but you can see the improvement in him this season again.

Think he can do a good job. Play 22 games, do some rucking and kick 30 goals.
40+ would be better but i get your point
 
40+ would be better but i get your point
For sure. It is hard to kick 40+ goals when you ruck though. Especially in our team.

If Tabs is kicking 1.4 goals per game and competing in the ruck then I'd be stoked. That's an excellent output from a rookie list KPF.

Agree on everything except tommy - I dont think he has ever done it for more than a couple of games here and there. Very disappointing for a high pick. I also think where we are at the more games we can get into Brayshaw and Cerra the better.
Tommy is definitely under-performed I agree. Haven't lost all faith yet though. He was also effectively a pick 28 after the pre-selections which makes it a lot more palatable to me.

100% agree on Andy and Cez.
 
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Don't worry it is not just Freo fans, it is all fans. Every team overrates their youth because they haven't proven to be **** yet. I am sure if you go to the Eagles board you can hear them talking up Partington and Cole.

I do it, everyone does it. Don't take it personally. D Pearce current level is below every outside player on our list IMO, simply because he turns over 80% of his kicks. Hyperbole to say I would suggest otherwise.

Sheridan and Sutcliffe have both played multiple good games at AFL (especially Sutty) including finals. Clearly most of them were some time ago but at least they have done it. Langdon and Tucker have not done it. Sure they have shown signs, but if you are going to permit best 22 on signs then I want Cerra in - which was my entire point. I wasn't having a stab at anyone.
You play your way in, you play your way out. I think as fans we all would like to see this happen, something that
rarely occurred in the past.
Players who have failed to deliver so far are the usual suspects, and by now are surely just depth, counting the days.
It is a long season ahead with a crappy fixture, let's just hope Ross has a plan for the long game.
 
How I think we will line up in round 1 after the 1.5 preseason games I've seen so far

Johnson Hamling Ryan
Wilson A. Pearce Blakely
Hill Neale Hill
Walters Mundy Ballantyne
Matera Taberner McCarthy
Sandilands Brayshaw Fyfe
Sutcliffe Sheridan D. Pearce Tucker
- If Spurr is fit, he replaces Tucker
- if S Hill isn't fit, he is replaced by Grey or Langdon


How I want us to line up in round 1
Johnson Hamling Ryan
Wilson A Pearce Blakely
Hill Neale Hill
Walters Mundy Banfield
Matera Taberner McCarthy
Sandilands Brayshaw Fyfe
Langdon Tucker Grey Cerra
- assuming Hughes and Logue are out injured


Obligatory not sure if I missed anyone.
I think your first team is significantly off what will end up being named.
Mundy looked terrific in the midfield yesterday and Kersten, McCarthy and Tabs looked good too.
I can see our Round 1 team as:
B: Johnson Hamling Ryan
HB: Wilson A.Pearce Blakely
C: S.Hill Neale B.Hill
R: Sandy Mundy Fyfe
HF: Banfield McCarthy Walters
FF: Kersten Tabs Matera

I/C Brayshaw, Tucker, Langdon, Cerra
Injured Logue and Hughes.

I personally think only one of Banfield, Ballantyne or Grey will be in the team to play the pressure forward role. Banfleld seems the standout at the moment. Hughes and Logue are miles ahead of Johnson. Not even close, but both appear to be i injured.
 

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How are Hughes and Logue miles ahead of Johnson? Neither has done anything at AFL level yet. Athletic yes, promising yes, may prove to be decent players in the future yes. At the moment likely to contribute more to the team than MJ, definitely no.
 
If you're not going to play a 2nd ruck you've got to have some kind of insurance. You got to have either one of Johnson or Cox with Taberner in the team to get you through a game if your first ruck gets injured early.
 
How are Hughes and Logue miles ahead of Johnson? Neither has done anything at AFL level yet. Athletic yes, promising yes, may prove to be decent players in the future yes. At the moment likely to contribute more to the team than MJ, definitely no.
Watching Mitch McGovern get ten metre aead of Johnson on a thirty metre lead and then seeing Johnson unable to keep up with leading players multiple times in the Crows game is why I think both Hughes and Logue in season 2018 are miles ahead of Johnson. No probs with anyone who disagrees.
 
Alex Pearce
A. Pearce in the ruck?

Basically two years out of the game with severe leg injuries.

Injury to said dodgy legs -----> baby pacifier will be hurled from infant perambulator with great force.
 
Watching Mitch McGovern get ten metre aead of Johnson on a thirty metre lead and then seeing Johnson unable to keep up with leading players multiple times in the Crows game is why I think both Hughes and Logue in season 2018 are miles ahead of Johnson. No probs with anyone who disagrees.
Yeah I'm a massive fan of MJ - think he's been one of the most important players on our list over the past decade. But ever since I went to my first training session this pre-season and saw him moving I've been thinking his time is almost up unfortunately. And every time I've seen him since, that perception has only solidified. Just doesn't appear to have the run in the legs anymore. We'll certainly miss his footy brain in the back half but Pearce and Hamling are our future and Logue and Hughes need to learn to play alongside them and our half backs. Like most of our veterans I'm sure he is very aware of his role in the transition and whether he plays or doesn't I'm sure he'll continue providing plenty of guidance to a number of our younger players.
 

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