Analysis 2023 - Best 22

caesar88 · Oct 18, 2022

Usually I would not be looking ahead to our best 22 for next year, but since we were grand finalists, we were inactive during the trade period, and we're unable to see any of next month's draftees in our best side, I think it's safe to assume we already know what our best team will be next year.

Fox Footy have had their go and it's basically spot on:

SYDNEY SWANS

B: Dane Rampe, Tom McCartin, Paddy McCartin

HB: Nick Blakey, Robbie Fox, Jake Lloyd

C: Dylan Stephens, Callum Mills, Justin McInerney

HF: Isaac Heeney, Sam Reid, Will Hayward

F: Tom Papley, Lance Franklin, Ryan Clarke

FOLL: Tom Hickey, James Rowbottom, Luke Parker

I/C: Chad Warner, Logan McDonald, Oliver Florent, Errol Gulden

In: Aaron Francis

Out: Josh Kennedy, Callum Sinclair

WE SAY: The team set to make the least changes for 2023, the Swans were fairly inactive during the trade period. The 2022 beaten grand finalists only acquired Aaron Francisfrom the Bombers – and he’s no certainty to walk into their starting line up. Logan McDonald looms as an interesting watch in 2023 after becoming the GF heartbreak tale when he was dropped to make way for Hayden McLean. But if Sam Reid’s fit, the need for McLean as a back-up ruck lessens.

^ of the above names I'd say Stephens, Clarke and McDonald's spots are the ones most at risk, though you'd imagine it'd also be their spots to lose. And of course, injuries can change things.

Kiama Chris · Oct 18, 2022

caesar88 said:
Usually I would not be looking ahead to our best 22 for next year, but since we were grand finalists, we were inactive during the trade period, and we're unable to see any of next month's draftees in our best side, I think it's safe to assume we already know what our best team will be next year.

Fox Footy have had their go and it's basically spot on:

SYDNEY SWANS

B: Dane Rampe, Tom McCartin, Paddy McCartin

HB: Nick Blakey, Robbie Fox, Jake Lloyd

C: Dylan Stephens, Callum Mills, Justin McInerney

HF: Isaac Heeney, Sam Reid, Will Hayward

F: Tom Papley, Lance Franklin, Ryan Clarke

FOLL: Tom Hickey, James Rowbottom, Luke Parker

I/C: Chad Warner, Logan McDonald, Oliver Florent, Errol Gulden

In: Aaron Francis

Out: Josh Kennedy, Callum Sinclair

WE SAY: The team set to make the least changes for 2023, the Swans were fairly inactive during the trade period. The 2022 beaten grand finalists only acquired Aaron Francisfrom the Bombers – and he’s no certainty to walk into their starting line up. Logan McDonald looms as an interesting watch in 2023 after becoming the GF heartbreak tale when he was dropped to make way for Hayden McLean. But if Sam Reid’s fit, the need for McLean as a back-up ruck lessens.

^ of the above names I'd say Stephens, Clarke and McDonald's spots are the ones most at risk, though you'd imagine it'd also be their spots to lose. And of course, injuries can change things.

If the game plan is relatively unchanged and everyone has a good preseason I would say you (and Fox) are most likely correct.
The interesting question is "who challenges for a spot"?
Sheldrick onto Clarke?
Wicks onto Clarke?
Francis pushing Florent onto Stephens?
Gould pushing Florent onto Stephens?
Campbell onto Stephens?
Campbell onto Clarke?
McLean onto Reid?
Ladhams onto Hickey?
I don't want to see us become complacent. The pressure from VFL needs to be real and rewarded, even if we "manage" players from time to time to give someone a sniff. Buddy, Reid and Hickey certainly come to mind but maybe Heeney too. Keep them hungry.

rustycrate · Oct 18, 2022

caesar88 said:
Usually I would not be looking ahead to our best 22 for next year, but since we were grand finalists, we were inactive during the trade period, and we're unable to see any of next month's draftees in our best side, I think it's safe to assume we already know what our best team will be next year.

Fox Footy have had their go and it's basically spot on:

SYDNEY SWANS

B: Dane Rampe, Tom McCartin, Paddy McCartin

HB: Nick Blakey, Robbie Fox, Jake Lloyd

C: Dylan Stephens, Callum Mills, Justin McInerney

HF: Isaac Heeney, Sam Reid, Will Hayward

F: Tom Papley, Lance Franklin, Ryan Clarke

FOLL: Tom Hickey, James Rowbottom, Luke Parker

I/C: Chad Warner, Logan McDonald, Oliver Florent, Errol Gulden

In: Aaron Francis

Out: Josh Kennedy, Callum Sinclair

WE SAY: The team set to make the least changes for 2023, the Swans were fairly inactive during the trade period. The 2022 beaten grand finalists only acquired Aaron Francisfrom the Bombers – and he’s no certainty to walk into their starting line up. Logan McDonald looms as an interesting watch in 2023 after becoming the GF heartbreak tale when he was dropped to make way for Hayden McLean. But if Sam Reid’s fit, the need for McLean as a back-up ruck lessens.

^ of the above names I'd say Stephens, Clarke and McDonald's spots are the ones most at risk, though you'd imagine it'd also be their spots to lose. And of course, injuries can change things.

Pretty spot on I agree.

Things I would like to see from other players in 2023 (and I like all existing players in the best 22 above)

Sheldrick in for Clarke round 1
Campbell putting pressure on Lloyd
Hall-Kahan putting pressure on Haywood or Reid
Amartey putting pressure on Reid
Gulden playing more mid minutes
Campbell getting a run off the wing delivering inside 50 ball
Rankin putting pressure on Lloyd and Fox
Roberts dominating Reserves and pushing his case for his second game
Ladhams dominating
Gould dominating

Kiama Chris · Oct 18, 2022

rustycrate said:
Pretty spot on I agree.

Things I would like to see from other players in 2023 (and I like all existing players in the best 22 above)

Sheldrick in for Clarke round 1

Campbell putting pressure on Lloyd

Hall-Kahan putting pressure on Haywood or Reid

Amartey putting pressure on Reid

Gulden playing more mid minutes

Campbell getting a run off the wing delivering inside 50 ball

Rankin putting pressure on Lloyd and Fox

Roberts dominating Reserves and pushing his case for his second game

Ladhams dominating

Gould dominating

We agree rather ferociously I think.
I hope our new VFL coach is very achievement-oriented and we see our team contesting hard from the get-go. We should have a good ruck and back ups. At least 2 good KPFs. Melican, Gould and Francis most likely. Our midfield will still be fairly young but talented. No reason that team can't do well and apply plenty of pressure to the seniors.

Millky95 · Oct 18, 2022

bedford said:
But this is the draft thread ?

Probably too earlier for a Best 22 2023 thread

Maximumlnsanity · Oct 18, 2022

caesar88 said:
Usually I would not be looking ahead to our best 22 for next year, but since we were grand finalists, we were inactive during the trade period, and we're unable to see any of next month's draftees in our best side, I think it's safe to assume we already know what our best team will be next year.

Fox Footy have had their go and it's basically spot on:

SYDNEY SWANS

B: Dane Rampe, Tom McCartin, Paddy McCartin

HB: Nick Blakey, Robbie Fox, Jake Lloyd

C: Dylan Stephens, Callum Mills, Justin McInerney

HF: Isaac Heeney, Sam Reid, Will Hayward

F: Tom Papley, Lance Franklin, Ryan Clarke

FOLL: Tom Hickey, James Rowbottom, Luke Parker

I/C: Chad Warner, Logan McDonald, Oliver Florent, Errol Gulden

In: Aaron Francis

Out: Josh Kennedy, Callum Sinclair

WE SAY: The team set to make the least changes for 2023, the Swans were fairly inactive during the trade period. The 2022 beaten grand finalists only acquired Aaron Francisfrom the Bombers – and he’s no certainty to walk into their starting line up. Logan McDonald looms as an interesting watch in 2023 after becoming the GF heartbreak tale when he was dropped to make way for Hayden McLean. But if Sam Reid’s fit, the need for McLean as a back-up ruck lessens.

^ of the above names I'd say Stephens, Clarke and McDonald's spots are the ones most at risk, though you'd imagine it'd also be their spots to lose. And of course, injuries can change things.

Yeah Fox have it pretty much right on. I'd make a couple changes though. Ladhams for Hickey, no offence ruck jesus but if the offseason goes well he should be in the ressies. Also Reid out for another inside mid, whether that be Gus, Roberts, or a draftee. Heeney and Papley to lose CBA's in the process

caesar88 · Oct 18, 2022

bedford said:
But this is the draft thread ?

The article I quoted literally said "best 22s after the trade period" soooo

Bloods86 · Oct 18, 2022

Kiama Chris said:
If the game plan is relatively unchanged and everyone has a good preseason I would say you (and Fox) are most likely correct.
The interesting question is "who challenges for a spot"?
Sheldrick onto Clarke?
Wicks onto Clarke?
Francis pushing Florent onto Stephens?
Gould pushing Florent onto Stephens?
Campbell onto Stephens?
Campbell onto Clarke?
McLean onto Reid?
Ladhams onto Hickey?
I don't want to see us become complacent. The pressure from VFL needs to be real and rewarded, even if we "manage" players from time to time to give someone a sniff. Buddy, Reid and Hickey certainly come to mind but maybe Heeney too. Keep them hungry.

I'll open by saying I agree, none of the traded in player, nor any draftees will be in the 22 at Round 1 next year. In case I'm accused of going off topic, which would be unheard of.

Francis and Gould don't take Florent's spot. I don't think either are coming in to play as a hybrid small/med defender / half back. They'll come in only for one of the 3 KPDs, or maybe Fox, if there's an injury or significant form drop. As much as some say, I don't see Rampe switching over to play on smalls exclusively at his age. He'll be slowing up, not speeding up. Maybe a one off game against a tall forward line I guess.

Campbell is next in for any small fwd or mid you'd think (he was the GF sub), with shuffle as necessary. But depends on form. If Cunners was in good form, and Fox or Florent or Lloyd went down, it's probably him in (or should be).

Amartey should be the one putting the most pressure on Reid or Logan, given the year he had. But for reasons, he was overlooked for the GF.

caesar88 · Oct 18, 2022

bedford said:
Surely it's general discussion 88

I wasn't thinking that much into it tbh. If Ticky & co see fit to move it then fine by me.

caesar88 · Oct 18, 2022

Heeney2Franklin said:
Nobody is untradeable for the right price Heeney falls into that category imo.

Example would you trade him for a Curnow? Naughton? or perhaps a Oliver or Sam Taylor?

All hypothetical of course as we will never trade him.

No?

Maximumlnsanity · Oct 18, 2022

Huh, I didn't know you could just move comments to new threads. Interesting!

rustycrate · Oct 18, 2022

Kiama Chris said:
We agree rather ferociously I think.
I hope our new VFL coach is very achievement-oriented and we see our team contesting hard from the get-go. We should have a good ruck and back ups. At least 2 good KPFs. Melican, Gould and Francis most likely. Our midfield will still be fairly young but talented. No reason that team can't do well and apply plenty of pressure to the seniors.

I was thinking long and hard whilst constructing my post. You swooped in while I was still completing mine. Very similar posts I agree. Agree I hope the twos start to put intense pressure on the 1s.

Bloods86 · Oct 18, 2022

At least I won't have to vigorously defend from all sides, my non selection of Wicks this year. Hopefully he can string some form together, along with Ronke (assuming he stays) and we've got some good competition for the 2nd small forward spot. Still, we discovered a role for Clarke in the 22.

But as with the Fox and others opinions, from the GF team:

Out: McLean
In: Logan

And next in for various positions should be - Ladhams (ruck), Amartey (KPF/2nd ruck), Gould (KPD), Campbell (small fwd/mid), Cunners (small def/half back). Cunners in for a half back, would require a slight re-shuffle, as he'd come in as a small defender, but then you can just give Fox or Florent more freedom if possible.

Millky95 · Oct 18, 2022

Millky95 said:
Probably too earlier for a Best 22 2023 thread

Now I feel silly

caesar88 · Oct 18, 2022

Millky95 said:
Now I feel silly

Not everyone's as on point as I am Millky.

Millky95 · Oct 18, 2022

caesar88 said:
Not everyone's as on point as I am Millky.

I went to make this thread yesterday and thought "aww nah better wait until after the draft at least"

caesar88 · Oct 18, 2022

Millky95 said:
I went to make this thread yesterday and thought "aww nah better wait until after the draft at least"

Blame the mods for stealing your thunder. They have too much power. Orwell would hate it around here.

Punts · Oct 18, 2022

Reckon Gus will make more impact than Campbell next season

Campbell will struggle with a spot he plays unless injures

Bloods86 · Oct 18, 2022

Punts said:
Reckon Gus will make more impact than Campbell next season

Campbell will struggle with a spot he plays unless injures

Doubtful. Not necessarily because I think the coaches will wake up with Campbell and just play him in a specific position, thus meaning he'll probably have a greater impact. But Campbell is clearly next in, and will be given first crack at a variety of roles, if a small comes out due to injury etc.

Sheldrick's best bet is to show that he can create or score goals, then he's in the frame as a small forward, with a few stints in the midfield to give people a break. I suspect we'll take our time with both he and Roberts, maybe they'll get a few games, some as sub. But we'll also be wary of having them as sub a lot, that will likely go to more experienced, versatile players like Cunners, Campbell, or even just Wicks/Ronke (if he stays). Coaching staff will be wanting Sheldrick, Roberts etc to get as many full games in reserves in the mids as possible.

Of course, Sheldrick could do a Warner and explode over the off season into his 2nd year, thus overtaking Campbell (like Warner did to Stephens). Anything's possible.

Punts · Oct 18, 2022

Bloods86 said:
Doubtful. Not necessarily because I think the coaches will wake up with Campbell and just play him in a specific position, thus meaning he'll probably have a greater impact. But Campbell is clearly next in, and will be given first crack at a variety of roles, if a small comes out due to injury etc.

Sheldrick's best bet is to show that he can create or score goals, then he's in the frame as a small forward, with a few stints in the midfield to give people a break. I suspect we'll take our time with both he and Roberts, maybe they'll get a few games, some as sub. But we'll also be wary of having them as sub a lot, that will likely go to more experienced, versatile players like Cunners, Campbell, or even just Wicks/Ronke (if he stays). Coaching staff will be wanting Sheldrick, Roberts etc to get as many full games in reserves in the mids as possible.

Of course, Sheldrick could do a Warner and explode over the off season into his 2nd year, thus overtaking Campbell (like Warner did to Stephens). Anything's possible.

Can’t see how the coaches need to wake up when he struggles.

Reckon a few will by pass him

Maybe Lloyds spot in a few years

The King! · Oct 18, 2022

Be great if Ladhams forces Hickey out and takes a step in performance and head space.

I could see Rampe being Jpk like next year

Grand Uncle Horace · Oct 18, 2022

I expect Bud will be managed, playing around half the H&A assuming full fitness. Reid will probably play similar numbers tho more from injury. Neither should play with niggles. How this affects B22 status is open to question.

Hickey was also showing his age and injury risk. He like Bud may need management. This means more games for Peter the Idiot. I hope we pick up a bash and crash ruck in the PSD. Like others I have no faith in Big Mac.

I do not see Clarke as best 22. I am hoping Hall Kahn comes on. Ditto Sheldrick. Either should start Round 1.

Punts · Oct 18, 2022

Reckon there could be 2 - 3 that might not make it through the season

Rampe , buddy and hicky if they start getting exposed

caesar88 · Oct 18, 2022

Punts said:
Reckon there could be 2 - 3 that might not make it through the season

Rampe , buddy and hicky if they start getting exposed

Start?

Reckon it was already happening this year. Rampe probably the least out of the three, but that's only because he finally had some help down back.

Punts · Oct 18, 2022

caesar88 said:
Start?

Reckon it was already happening this year. Rampe probably the least out of the three, but that's only because he finally had some help down back.

Of course it did but can’t go to hard around here

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