Prediction 2025 - Best 23 + Emergencies - Rolling

[marcmurphy3]

My best guess
B: Haynes Weitering McGovern
HB: Hollands Silvagni Saad
C: Docherty Cripps Acres
HF: Hollands McKay Williams
F: Motlop Curnow Kemp
OB: TDK Cerra Walsh
IC: Cowan Hewett Jagga Fantastia
Sub: Cottrell

 

[BluStreak]

Binns is an interesting quandry.
From what vision I have seen of him, I perceive an attacking wingman as his natural tendency.
I actually don't mind that. It will be what he does when we don't have the ball that will (IMO) determine his inclusion in the team.

 

[BlueTongue]

My best guess
B: Haynes Weitering McGovern
HB: Hollands Silvagni Saad
C: Docherty Cripps Acres
HF: Hollands McKay Williams
F: Motlop Curnow Kemp
OB: TDK Cerra Walsh
IC: Cowan Hewett Jagga Fantastia
Sub: Cottrell

From all training reports one of those is going to have to come out for Cowan. I reckon Ollie starts on the bench.

 

[Red_man2008]

The potentials to the standard starting 22 include:
Fantasia - looks to have brought the speed and was always a wonderful kick inside 50. Needs to find a spot
Kemp - third tall forward that can run all day. Is it too tall?
Moir - is he ready. I don’t think so yet.
JSOS - can we play four tallish defenders. I think we need to. McGovern to play smaller and Will Haynes to get across and intercept.
Pitto - still looks to be equaling TDK around the ground and in the middle probably winning currently at the tap. But we can’t run with both as well as the 3 talk forwards and 4 tall defenders.
Binns - Is he a better option than Ollie. The first preseason games will show us what we’ve got to deal with
LCampo - as above. But an elite kick.
Cotterell - Does he slot straight in. Can he return to a wing switching with Binns/Doc/Acres and Ollie.
Fogarty - no denying our winning record when he’s around. Elite pressure forward and gets around the ground. Will be fighting with Fanta for a spot.
Boyd - horses for courses with tall/small mix but he adds elite disposal and will take on the game with his kicking. We don’t have much of that in the backline. Has a tendency to not back himself if it’s not coming off.
Lord - is he ready. Haven’t heard alot about him since match sim started.

 

[Soapy V]

My best guess
B: Haynes Weitering McGovern
HB: Hollands Silvagni Saad
C: Docherty Cripps Acres
HF: Hollands McKay Williams
F: Motlop Curnow Kemp
OB: TDK Cerra Walsh
IC: Cowan Hewett Jagga Fantastia
Sub: Cottrell

Won’t be far away

My questions are around defence. I think we will pick 2 of Haynes Silvagni & McGovern while adding Boyd or Docherty to defence. To slow otherwise. We need more run

Kemp or Moir are battling for one spot and it’s close. Kemp fitness/defence has him very slightly ahead maybe?

Fogarty Durdin Fantasia fighting over one spot. Wouldn’t have considered Fantasia over New year but has come on strong. Williams and Motlop flying and having mid minutes. I’m sure apologies won’t happen

No way Cottrell is sub. Lord Wilson L.Campo Binns etc plus others mentioned way ahead of him

Young was having a great pre season until McKay thumped him 2 days ago

I have no idea what Voss will do. This is my take from watching match sims and training. It’s tight for many spots which is what we need.

Pittonet O’Keefe Carroll Duffy White Lemmey McMahon all having great pre seasons

 

[Red_man2008]

Won’t be far away

My questions are around defence. I think we will pick 2 of Haynes Silvagni & McGovern while adding Boyd or Docherty to defence. To slow otherwise. We need more run

Kemp or Moir are battling for one spot and it’s close. Kemp fitness/defence has him very slightly ahead maybe?

Fogarty Durdin Fantasia fighting over one spot. Wouldn’t have considered Fantasia over New year but has come on strong. Williams and Motlop flying and having mid minutes. I’m sure apologies won’t happen

No way Cottrell is sub. Lord Wilson L.Campo Binns etc plus others mentioned way ahead of him

Young was having a great pre season until McKay thumped him 2 days ago

I have no idea what Voss will do. This is my take from watching match sims and training. It’s tight for many spots which is what we need.

Pittonet O’Keefe Carroll Duffy White Lemmey McMahon all having great pre seasons

Thanks for your insights SV. They’re always great.

 

[Opium]

Won’t be far away

My questions are around defence. I think we will pick 2 of Haynes Silvagni & McGovern while adding Boyd or Docherty to defence. To slow otherwise. We need more run

Kemp or Moir are battling for one spot and it’s close. Kemp fitness/defence has him very slightly ahead maybe?

Fogarty Durdin Fantasia fighting over one spot. Wouldn’t have considered Fantasia over New year but has come on strong. Williams and Motlop flying and having mid minutes. I’m sure apologies won’t happen

No way Cottrell is sub. Lord Wilson L.Campo Binns etc plus others mentioned way ahead of him

Young was having a great pre season until McKay thumped him 2 days ago

I have no idea what Voss will do. This is my take from watching match sims and training. It’s tight for many spots which is what we need.

Pittonet O’Keefe Carroll Duffy White Lemmey McMahon all having great pre seasons

Thoughts on Lucas Camporeale? For a first year player looks so composed.

 

[marcmurphy3]

From all training reports one of those is going to have to come out for Cowan. I reckon Ollie starts on the bench.

Cowan is there

 

[Soapy V]

Thoughts on Lucas Camporeale? For a first year player looks so composed.

Impressive and will play this year.
Composed is right

 

[The Bighouse]

Won’t be far away

My questions are around defence. I think we will pick 2 of Haynes Silvagni & McGovern while adding Boyd or Docherty to defence. To slow otherwise. We need more run

Kemp or Moir are battling for one spot and it’s close. Kemp fitness/defence has him very slightly ahead maybe?

Fogarty Durdin Fantasia fighting over one spot. Wouldn’t have considered Fantasia over New year but has come on strong. Williams and Motlop flying and having mid minutes. I’m sure apologies won’t happen

No way Cottrell is sub. Lord Wilson L.Campo Binns etc plus others mentioned way ahead of him

Young was having a great pre season until McKay thumped him 2 days ago

I have no idea what Voss will do. This is my take from watching match sims and training. It’s tight for many spots which is what we need.

Pittonet O’Keefe Carroll Duffy White Lemmey McMahon all having great pre seasons

Wow, Duffy ripping it up - where will we see him lining up?
How’s the skills on him? Ball to foot speed (thinking time)?

 

[marcmurphy3]

Won’t be far away

My questions are around defence. I think we will pick 2 of Haynes Silvagni & McGovern while adding Boyd or Docherty to defence. To slow otherwise. We need more run

Kemp or Moir are battling for one spot and it’s close. Kemp fitness/defence has him very slightly ahead maybe?

Fogarty Durdin Fantasia fighting over one spot. Wouldn’t have considered Fantasia over New year but has come on strong. Williams and Motlop flying and having mid minutes. I’m sure apologies won’t happen

No way Cottrell is sub. Lord Wilson L.Campo Binns etc plus others mentioned way ahead of him

Young was having a great pre season until McKay thumped him 2 days ago

I have no idea what Voss will do. This is my take from watching match sims and training. It’s tight for many spots which is what we need.

Pittonet O’Keefe Carroll Duffy White Lemmey McMahon all having great pre seasons

Good to hear about Young. I wonder if that'll effect our SPP choice. If we are happy with him as backup for Weiters we don't really need another KPD.

 

[Coona Blues]

Won’t be far away

My questions are around defence. I think we will pick 2 of Haynes Silvagni & McGovern while adding Boyd or Docherty to defence. To slow otherwise. We need more run

Kemp or Moir are battling for one spot and it’s close. Kemp fitness/defence has him very slightly ahead maybe?

Fogarty Durdin Fantasia fighting over one spot. Wouldn’t have considered Fantasia over New year but has come on strong. Williams and Motlop flying and having mid minutes. I’m sure apologies won’t happen

No way Cottrell is sub. Lord Wilson L.Campo Binns etc plus others mentioned way ahead of him

Young was having a great pre season until McKay thumped him 2 days ago

I have no idea what Voss will do. This is my take from watching match sims and training. It’s tight for many spots which is what we need.

Pittonet O’Keefe Carroll Duffy White Lemmey McMahon all having great pre seasons

Loving the names in that last sentence. Duffy great to hear, plus I am certain both McMahon and White are deserving of list spots. Our playing group has “matured” beautifully.

 

[The Old Dark Navy's]

Seems that Ollie is playing half-back no matter what first up. I'm not sure about his defence, but I get we want his endurance and pace there. From what I've seen, Binns has been going great guns on the wing and moving the ball quickly.

Doc says he will mostly be wing and inside mid this year, so I believe him and I'm not putting him back in defence.

I don't think we need heaps of pace in defence if our midfield set up is good.

Look at the likely links coming out. Ollie to Binns, Saad to Acres. Get Jagga and Walsh in the corridor and that ball is not coming back so quickly.

Absolutely love what I saw from JSOS in defence and particularly the way he runs and moves the play on, unlike Lewis Young.

Cowan is looking incredible and Jagga Smith is what we got him for, a difference maker. I was unsure if he could suspend time at AFL level as he did in the U18s, but training form for what it's worth, says that he can. His quick twitch change of direction fibres are magical. We have something very special there.

So impressed with Zac Williams and Jesse Motlop. Way to grab your spot guys. Very excited about the season ahead.

 

[WalshistheGOAT]

Seems that Ollie is playing half-back no matter what first up. I'm not sure about his defence, but I get we want his endurance and pace there. From what I've seen, Binns has been going great guns on the wing a d moving the ball quickly.

Doc says he will mostly be wing and inside mid this year, so I believe him and I'm not putting him back in defence.

I don't think we need heaps of pace in defence if our midfield set up is good.

Look at the likely links coming out. Ollie to Binns, Saad to Acres. Get Jagga and Walsh in the corridor and that ball is not coming back so quickly.

Absolutely love what I saw from JSOS in defence and particularly the way he runs and moves the play on, unlike Lewis Young.

Cowan is looking incredible and Jagga Smith is what we got him for, a difference maker. I was unsure if he could suspend time at AFL level as he did in the U18s, but training form for what it's worth, says that he can. His quick twitch change of direction fibres are magical. We have something very special there.

So impressed with Zac Williams and Jesse Motlop. Way to grab your spot guys. Very excited about the season ahead.

Cowan looking like Pharlap running around out there. Genuine thoroughbred. He's going to be a nightmare for whoever he's defending.

 

[Love the Drake]

So hard to pick a best 23. Will come down to team balance and pre season form.

We have a poster on here who wiped Haynes entirely, having Durdin, Phillips, Young, McMahon and others ahead of him, now saying he is in the mix. Whereas I have had him there from the start. No apologies coming I guess

It’s a great dilemma to have. But NONE of us will know until the team is selected. All of us are guessing..

 

[JustOneTime]

It’s a great dilemma to have. But NONE of us will know until the team is selected. All of us are guessing..

True, but most of us will be 90% right on our team so we can ignore that last line lol.

 

[Coona Blues]

Cowan looking like Pharlap running around out there. Genuine thoroughbred. He's going to be a nightmare for whoever he's defending.

We always had a number of players ready to “break out”. TDK, Motlop, Cowan, Ollie, ‘Lij, maybe Binns, Moir and Lord. Couple of more mature players getting a better run with “niggles” and the likes of Wilson, HOK, Lemmey, the Camporeales and Carroll ready to contribute.

Don’t underestimate the influence of Inness and a “modern” fitness regime. I was supportive of Russell based on his reputation and history. Our group was constantly stressed. “Cooked”. His way of getting them ready for Vossy’s strenuous game style was a heavy workload based on endurance. Suspect our “power and speed” is more quality than quantity, and better suited to the modern game.

I have been “bullish” for a couple of seasons now and thought we under produced. Loving the number of players running on top of the ground. Last year was waiting for the fitness focus to taper, which we didn’t until that early bye, courtesy of the round 2 bye. It doesn’t appear at this stage like we need to relax the pressure physically. (I do remain wary of our timing regarding fitness due o the late season demise of the Swans last season and the potential Inness “effect”)

Arr0w stated the best 22 picks itself. I understand what he means, particularly if we went tried and true plus Jagga, but in reality that is far from the case. I see thirty three players with a genuine chance of lining up in our round one side, dependent on Match Committee priorities or even “toss of a coin” selections.

 

[Love the Drake]

We always had a number of players ready to “break out”. TDK, Motlop, Cowan, Ollie, ‘Lij, maybe Binns, Moir and Lord. Couple of more mature players getting a better run with “niggles” and the likes of Wilson, HOK, Lemmey, the Camporeales and Carroll ready to contribute.

Don’t underestimate the influence of Inness and a “modern” fitness regime. I was supportive of Russell based on his reputation and history. Our group was constantly stressed. “Cooked”. His way of getting them ready for Vossy’s strenuous game style was a heavy workload based on endurance. Suspect our “power and speed” is more quality than quantity, and better suited to the modern game.

I have been “bullish” for a couple of seasons now and thought we under produced. Loving the number of players running on top of the ground. Last year was waiting for the fitness focus to taper, which we didn’t until that early bye, courtesy of the round 2 bye. It doesn’t appear at this stage like we need to relax the pressure physically. (I do remain wary of our timing regarding fitness due o the late season demise of the Swans last season and the potential Inness “effect”)

Arr0w stated the best 22 picks itself. I understand what he means, particularly if we went tried and true plus Jagga, but in reality that is far from the case. I see thirty three players with a genuine chance of lining up in our round one side, dependent on Match Committee priorities or even “toss of a coin” selections.

Agreed that there are a couple of spots up for grabs, but it is not just Arrow who is strong on his views. I have had spirited discussions about team selection with a certain poster who had a set against Haynes and had kemp rotating on ball, but he is entitled to that view, I just don’t have to agree with it.

As I said, we are all passionate supporters, with our own views and observations. But ALL of us are guessing re the final 23.

 

[The Old Dark Navy's]

So hard to pick a best 23. Will come down to team balance and pre season form.

We have a poster on here who wiped Haynes entirely, having Durdin, Phillips, Young, McMahon and others ahead of him, now saying he is in the mix. Whereas I have had him there from the start. No apologies coming I guess

It’s a great dilemma to have. But NONE of us will know until the team is selected. All of us are guessing..

You don't need to apologise for an opinion, especially when this is a sliding team. Let's let people change their mind or reaffirm in their own time. No need to call each other out.

I agree that Haynes will play.

 

[Arr0w]

Some good sides being shared. This is a version I believe could be selected

I'd also be interested to know what people believe our locks would be before the season has even started. Mine are bolded

Boyd Weitering McGovern
O Hollands Haynes Saad

TDK Hewett Walsh
Docherty Cripps Acres

E Hollands Curnow Motlop
Williams McKay Moir


Cowan Cerra Smith Cottrell Lord

Too early for Smith, but I do believe he could play the majority of the year, certainly has the talent to be a lock

We always had a number of players ready to “break out”. TDK, Motlop, Cowan, Ollie, ‘Lij, maybe Binns, Moir and Lord. Couple of more mature players getting a better run with “niggles” and the likes of Wilson, HOK, Lemmey, the Camporeales and Carroll ready to contribute.

Don’t underestimate the influence of Inness and a “modern” fitness regime. I was supportive of Russell based on his reputation and history. Our group was constantly stressed. “Cooked”. His way of getting them ready for Vossy’s strenuous game style was a heavy workload based on endurance. Suspect our “power and speed” is more quality than quantity, and better suited to the modern game.

I have been “bullish” for a couple of seasons now and thought we under produced. Loving the number of players running on top of the ground. Last year was waiting for the fitness focus to taper, which we didn’t until that early bye, courtesy of the round 2 bye. It doesn’t appear at this stage like we need to relax the pressure physically. (I do remain wary of our timing regarding fitness due o the late season demise of the Swans last season and the potential Inness “effect”)

Arr0w stated the best 22 picks itself. I understand what he means, particularly if we went tried and true plus Jagga, but in reality that is far from the case. I see thirty three players with a genuine chance of lining up in our round one side, dependent on Match Committee priorities or even “toss of a coin” selections.

When I say it picks itself, I mean, IMHO, there are a number of locks and others a fighting for a few spots

 

[goreds]

He did say on the podcast yesterday (?) that at this stage he was still more likely to play the same wing role with spurts inside, maybe some stints on a flank at either end, and that if he went to halfback as his main position “something had gone wrong” (or words to that effect)

Like average kicking out of the backline?????

 

[The Blue Weirdo]

I'd be very surprised if the round 1 team doesn't consist of the 'regulars' from last year, excluding Newy, including Jag.

It's the team that's selected in the second half of the season that might see some young blood introduced, like Binns, Moir and Lord.
I'd have Kemp and SOS in before Moir at this stage, he still goes missing for long periods at VFL level.

 

[The Bighouse]

From our friends at Fox Sports

Stars left out in tight calls; who fills injury voids? Every club’s predicted first-game team

Stars left out in tight calls; who fills injury voids? Every club’s predicted first-game team

www.foxsports.com.au

CARLTON

B: A.Saad, J.Weitering, J.Silvagni

HB: N.Haynes, M.McGovern, O.Hollands

C: B.Acres, P.Cripps, S.Docherty

HF: E.Hollands, H.McKay, M.Cottrell

F: Z.Williams, C.Curnow, J.Motlop

FOLL: T.De Koning, A.Cerra, S.Walsh

I/C: G.Hewett, L.Cowan, J.Smith, C.Lord, A.Moir

EMG: J.Boyd, L.Fogarty, B.Kemp

 

[CJMB]

Like average kicking out of the backline?????

is Doc the solution to that problem?

 

[ianh]

There is a lot of blue-sky thinking going on in this thread (not that I am immune). Still with that in mind (and tongue in check) may I proffer my "if they are all as good as their biggest fans think" 22:

Wilson - because he could run down, catch and run away from Gout Gout

Weitering - because he is Weitering

Haynes - because his last couple of years was mismanagement and we have Rob Innes' patented techniques ("RIPs")

Docherty - because he works well with our Lord, having been resurrected three times now

McKay - because we don't need him forward

Saad - because he balances out the Christian fundamentalism in this team

Acres - because he covers plenty of them

Cripps - because he is Cripps

Walsh - because once he is out of the crushes - just watch him go

Smith - because Jagger's dagger is deadlier than Deadly Motlop

Curnow - because his return to full aerobic fitness (via RIPs) and newfound will to use it makes him the most untouchable player since Untouchable Huxtable, the nemesis of Haydn Bunton Senior

Williams - because 2 good games proves it was no fluke that he fired up forward - compared to 1 good game as a midfielder which in hindsight might have been too small a data pool

Kemp - because he can dominate anywhere, apparently

McGovern- because with CC giving him a paddock to run into and new improved hammies thanks to RIPs, Brackets will finally have a position and fitness to match his skillset - the "Peter McKenna" lead, mark, goal, rinse and repeat routine

Motlop - because he is dealy, but we have the power to resurrect thus avoiding the tribunal consequences that would otherwise follow. [P.S. O'Farreel KC is Plan B for the tribunal.]

TDK - because he is TDK and already deserving of true Sainthood, not the Morrabbin ersatz variety.

E Hollands - because he is as good as his boosters say

Lord - because if they ask "what would we do if the Lord came to Carlton' we could say "Our Lord is already here."

Boyd - because of his divine delivery

Cerra - because he is silk when the hammies hold - and RIPs means no rips.

Duffy - because we haven't noticed any faults, therefore he has none.

O Hollands - because brothers arriving second have long been good for us. John > Don, Charlie > Ed, Lyle > Johnny etc

Moir - gets the subs vest because it is ideal for his endurance level, skill not in doubt

EMERGS (FROM):
the Camporeales - because (see above - as brothers arriving the same year they must logically be better than each other, a concept only philosphically possible at the point of infinity hence they are infinitely good players)

Cincotta & Newman (when fit) - because players get better the longer they are unavailable (DUH!)

And lastly - the rest of the squad because they are good enough to be at the greatest team in the World!!!!!!!!

GET ON FOR THE FLAGS BOYS - 2025-30 at least.