Team Mgmt. 2025 Forwardline

[ghostdog]

We look to have evolved quite a bit in the attacking 50. Where last year Wright, Langford, Gresham and Stringer were regulars, it now appears that Wright is a 50/50 and of course Stringer is goneskis.

Langford's a lock. Done.

We've picked up a quality goal-kicking pressure small in Kako, who just happens to be great mates with CHF hope, Nate Caddy.

Draper training forward this preseason has him primed to spend more time resting forward, which makes sense on two accounts at least;
1. Wright often has bricks for hands and is too easily out-muscled in contests, despite his size.
2. Draper seems to be clunking marks much more than previously and is a competitive beast who loves the contest.
As well though, Draper forward allows Bryan to ruck, which is development we need going forward, especially if Draper is courted by the Crows.

ADJ apparently showed greater intensity and improvement over the summer and Rhys Unwin has brought a couple of much needed traits; speed and defensive pressure. So, the small forward roles Gresham and Menzie have monopolised (Gresh moreso than Menz) won't necessarily be so.

Archie is looking really promising with improved intensity; maybe exiting Stringer has had the desired effect?... but we've seen false dawns with Arch a couple of times before (suck it Horks).

Then there's the currently inconsistent hands of Harry, who's probably better coming into marking contests from the side as third (fourth, fifth) up, and now, the very promising Tom Edwards.

For mine, we should be looking at this forwardline;

Kako Draper Gresham
Perkins Caddy Langford

And for the VFL;
Unwin Wright Menzie
ADJ Edwards ???

I've got really high hopes for the forwards this season because thete's so much scope for improvement. Draper and Perkins are the the ones on watch for mine, because the talent is so palpable the ceiling is still not clear. They could both turn a corner and be elite, or not.
...and people are whispering Jamarra's name.

Interestingly, Brad said recently that he doesn't look at a forwardline in terms of whether it's too tall. He's more interested in how mobile it is. That tells me it's Draper > Wright.

Will be a fascinating year. Looking forward to seeing how this evolves.

 

[Bombers36]

Now we have put Edwards on the list so we might as well give him a decent run at cementing his spot in the 23 and let him play the first 5 or 6 games. This means that Jones and/or 2MP would miss out. I've got our current forward line as;-

Perkins Caddy Langford
Kako Draper Edwards

A few smalls in Gresham, Merrett & Menzie will also likely feature, so for me Jones and 2MP will probably start 2025 in the reserves...

 

[Don Won]

Now we have put Edwards on the list so we might as well give him a decent run at cementing his spot in the 23 and let him play the first 5 or 6 games. This means that Jones and/or 2MP would miss out. I've got our current forward line as;-

Perkins Caddy Langford
Kako Draper Edwards

A few smalls in Gresham, Merrett & Menzie will also likely feature, so for me Jones and 2MP will probably start 2025 in the reserves...

I think Edwards had a great first game - let’s see how he goes against Geelong. All reports out of training have been luke warm so I’m not sure he is a walk up start

 

[ant555]

I think Edwards had a great first game - let’s see how he goes against Geelong. All reports out of training have been luke warm so I’m not sure he is a walk up start

Would not say Luke warm. He did not do anything flashy in the first week or so but the match sim two weeks ago he did a couple of nice things. Playing in the red side he was matched up on one of Reid / Hayes / Prior and he was also sharing the forward spot with Wright. The other issue with some of the training reports is not everyone knew who he was so it was hard to judge how effective he was. I agree that he is not just a walk up start.

 

[MiguelM]

We look to have evolved quite a bit in the attacking 50. Where last year Wright, Langford, Gresham and Stringer were regulars, it now appears that Wright is a 50/50 and of course Stringer is goneskis.

Langford's a lock. Done.

We've picked up a quality goal-kicking pressure small in Kako, who just happens to be great mates with CHF hope, Nate Caddy.

Draper training forward this preseason has him primed to spend more time resting forward, which makes sense on two accounts at least;
1. Wright often has bricks for hands and is too easily out-muscled in contests, despite his size.
2. Draper seems to be clunking marks much more than previously and is a competitive beast who loves the contest.
As well though, Draper forward allows Bryan to ruck, which is development we need going forward, especially if Draper is courted by the Crows.

ADJ apparently showed greater intensity and improvement over the summer and Rhys Unwin has brought a couple of much needed traits; speed and defensive pressure. So, the small forward roles Gresham and Menzie have monopolised (Gresh moreso than Menz) won't necessarily be so.

Archie is looking really promising with improved intensity; maybe exiting Stringer has had the desired effect?... but we've seen false dawns with Arch a couple of times before (suck it Horks).

Then there's the currently inconsistent hands of Harry, who's probably better coming into marking contests from the side as third (fourth, fifth) up, and now, the very promising Tom Edwards.

For mine, we should be looking at this forwardline;

Kako Draper Gresham
Perkins Caddy Langford

And for the VFL;
Unwin Wright Menzie
ADJ Edwards ???

I've got really high hopes for the forwards this season because thete's so much scope for improvement. Draper and Perkins are the the ones on watch for mine, because the talent is so palpable the ceiling is still not clear. They could both turn a corner and be elite, or not.
...and people are whispering Jamarra's name.

Interestingly, Brad said recently that he doesn't look at a forwardline in terms of whether it's too tall. He's more interested in how mobile it is. That tells me it's Draper > Wright.

Will be a fascinating year. Looking forward to seeing how this evolves.

And pressure for spots is never a bad thing!

 

[Don Won]

Would not say Luke warm. He did not do anything flashy in the first week or so but the match sim two weeks ago he did a couple of nice things. Playing in the red side he was matched up on one of Reid / Hayes / Prior and he was also sharing the forward spot with Wright. The other issue with some of the training reports is not everyone knew who he was so it was hard to judge how effective he was. I agree that he is not just a walk up start.

That’s promising - I’m sure he will get better with a bit of time in the system too

 

[Yoda_]

Will be good to see the VFL guys be able to play AFL positions. A guy like Vigo would usually be no.1 ruck at VFL level but should be afforded the opportunity to be FF. ADJ can play as a high half forward and not be needed as a mid with the VFL midfield being padded out. Ditto the defenders.

 

[eth-dog]

Still don't see why we need a new one every year tbh

 

[FootyGuru]

If Edwards kicks 2/3 or so in the next couple of practice matches he has to be considered for round 1.

He’s 24 so it really has to be this year or next where he is cementing a spot in our senior side or he will be moved on.

For perspective that puts him 2 years older than cox and a year younger than jones.

It could be those 3 potentially vying for that high half forward role, in the coming seasons.

 

[ghostdog]

We look to have evolved quite a bit in the attacking 50. Where last year Wright, Langford, Gresham and Stringer were regulars, it now appears that Wright is a 50/50 and of course Stringer is goneskis.

Langford's a lock. Done.

We've picked up a quality goal-kicking pressure small in Kako, who just happens to be great mates with CHF hope, Nate Caddy.

Draper training forward this preseason has him primed to spend more time resting forward, which makes sense on two accounts at least;
1. Wright often has bricks for hands and is too easily out-muscled in contests, despite his size.
2. Draper seems to be clunking marks much more than previously and is a competitive beast who loves the contest.
As well though, Draper forward allows Bryan to ruck, which is development we need going forward, especially if Draper is courted by the Crows.

ADJ apparently showed greater intensity and improvement over the summer and Rhys Unwin has brought a couple of much needed traits; speed and defensive pressure. So, the small forward roles Gresham and Menzie have monopolised (Gresh moreso than Menz) won't necessarily be so.

Archie is looking really promising with improved intensity; maybe exiting Stringer has had the desired effect?... but we've seen false dawns with Arch a couple of times before (suck it Horks).

Then there's the currently inconsistent hands of Harry, who's probably better coming into marking contests from the side as third (fourth, fifth) up, and now, the very promising Tom Edwards.

For mine, we should be looking at this forwardline;

Kako Draper Gresham
Perkins Caddy Langford

And for the VFL;
Unwin Wright Menzie
ADJ Edwards ???

I've got really high hopes for the forwards this season because thete's so much scope for improvement. Draper and Perkins are the the ones on watch for mine, because the talent is so palpable the ceiling is still not clear. They could both turn a corner and be elite, or not.
...and people are whispering Jamarra's name.

Interestingly, Brad said recently that he doesn't look at a forwardline in terms of whether it's too tall. He's more interested in how mobile it is. That tells me it's Draper > Wright.

Will be a fascinating year. Looking forward to seeing how this evolves.

Guelfi is the one I forgot.
I'd include Guelf over Gresh. He can play a stronger defensive role and still hit the scoreboard. Kako plays a high half-forward role, so Gresh not needed.

...or is that too harsh?

 

[ghostdog]

And pressure for spots is never a bad thing!

Something's gotta put a rocket under Wright!

 

[dank420_]

Still don't see why we need a new one every year tbh

Yeah. Some dude makes a number change thread every year too.

 

[P Money]

Not trying to be hyperbolic here but do we have the worst fwd line in the league right now?

We have Draper as our key big man, Langford as our biggest goal threat, Gresham as a pseudo-small fwd, Perkins as a medium fwd and generally a mid squeezed into a small fwd role. We also have Caddy and Kako who both look like they will be very good, but they are not very good now.

Our depth options include Peter Wright, Davey jr and Menzie, and some players who are yet to debut in the afl.

I have to say I don't think this fwd line is keeping opposition coaches up at night.

 

[faible]

Not trying to be hyperbolic here but do we have the worst fwd line in the league right now?

We have Draper as our key big man, Langford as our biggest goal threat, Gresham as a pseudo-small fwd, Perkins as a medium fwd and generally a mid squeezed into a small fwd role. We also have Caddy and Kako who both look like they will be very good, but they are not very good now.

Our depth options include Peter Wright, Davey jr and Menzie, and some players who are yet to debut in the afl.

I have to say I don't think this fwd line is keeping opposition coaches up at night.

Given we're relying on two teenagers to lead our attack, it must be pretty close to the worst on paper, yes.

That'll happen when you wheel out the youngest side in the AFL though.

And with Ridley & Langford both out, it may get younger.

 

[thebigboy]

On paper, I’d say we do yes. But we also had 25 scoring shots, which is a pretty competitive amount (8 teams had more in Rd1 & 2 in Opening Round) so something is working.

 

[P Money]

Given we're relying on two teenagers to lead our attack, it must be pretty close to the worst on paper, yes.

That'll happen when you wheel out the youngest side in the AFL though.

And with Ridley & Langford both out, it may get younger.

This is why I am all for going hard for JUH. Another proper key sized fwd is such a need for us, especially one as talented as JUH. Appreciate he comes with baggage and we're not exactly brimming with leadership capabilities and an amazing culture, but if you can't back yourself in as an organisation to manage and support someone with that level of talent and ability in a position of dire need for the team you may as well just pack it all in right now. Particularly as he likely would likely be a relative bargain at the trade table.

 

[faible]

This is why I am all for going hard for JUH. Another proper key sized fwd is such a need for us, especially one as talented as JUH. Appreciate he comes with baggage and we're not exactly brimming with leadership capabilities and an amazing culture, but if you can't back yourself in as an organisation to manage and support someone with that level of talent and ability in a position of dire need for the team you may as well just pack it all in right now. Particularly as he likely would likely be a relative bargain at the trade table.

Not sure that's entirely right, some players have had pretty deep issues and are beyond what a footy club can manage.

Ben Cousins had a lot of help and ended up in a deep dark hole for a really long time, Harley Balic was pretty tragic, Thomas at North had a bucket load of time and support.

We don't know what's going on with JUH and whilst it seems the Dogs have a track record of players with 'issues' it doesn't necessarily mean they'll get better elsewhere if those issues are severe.

 

[P Money]

Not sure that's entirely right, some players have had pretty deep issues and are beyond what a footy club can manage.

Ben Cousins had a lot of help and ended up in a deep dark hole for a really long time, Harley Balic was pretty tragic, Thomas at North had a bucket load of time and support.

We don't know what's going on with JUH and whilst it seems the Dogs have a track record of players with 'issues' it doesn't necessarily mean they'll get better elsewhere if those issues are severe.

Yes true, there is a point at which someone is beyond what a footy club can offer, but I dare say that's the absolute minority. In fact an AFL footy club can probably give a player better support and access to supports than any 'normal' person could ever hope for in society. I guess though there's a pretty short time limit for that support to work, as club patience would run out very quickly while someone is eating up salary cap and a list spot.

 

[Squeaky]

Not trying to be hyperbolic here but do we have the worst fwd line in the league right now?

To answer in a non hyperbolic manner, YES.

 

[faible]

Yes true, there is a point at which someone is beyond what a footy club can offer, but I dare say that's the absolute minority. In fact an AFL footy club can probably give a player better support and access to supports than any 'normal' person could ever hope for in society. I guess though there's a pretty short time limit for that support to work, as club patience would run out very quickly while someone is eating up salary cap and a list spot.

Also requires the player to actually want and accept that support. Thomas had a lot of chances and support at North and simply didn't give a shit about it.

JUH potentially not playing at all this season but seemingly being uninjured means whatever is going on must be pretty bad.

 

[Agronomus]

Could one of our "role players" be a specialist full forward with the elite kicking goal sense etc.?

 

[Just A Tragic]

The obvious answer is all of the above, but if you had to rank our forward line issues from most problematic to least, what would you say?

• i50 disposal / delivery
• i50 position by targets (IQ)
• personal / talent
• Game plan

Genuine question.
I tend to think the disposal gets a lot of attention, but maybe it's more of a game plan - IQ issue?

 

[andleanback]

This is why I am all for going hard for JUH. Another proper key sized fwd is such a need for us, especially one as talented as JUH. Appreciate he comes with baggage and we're not exactly brimming with leadership capabilities and an amazing culture, but if you can't back yourself in as an organisation to manage and support someone with that level of talent and ability in a position of dire need for the team you may as well just pack it all in right now. Particularly as he likely would likely be a relative bargain at the trade table.

I was keen on Marra a couple of years ago but I wouldn’t be touching him now. Would be expected to pay him way too much money and give up assets that could just be flushed down the toilet, if it backfires.

 

[Agronomus]

The obvious answer is all of the above, but if you had to rank our forward line issues from most problematic to least, what would you say?

• i50 disposal / delivery
• i50 position by targets (IQ)
• personal / talent
• Game plan

Genuine question.
I tend to think the disposal gets a lot of attention, but maybe it's more of a game plan - IQ issue?

I'd go talent first off which includes goal kicking ability. Just couldn't stand the thought of a Harry McKay type forward

 

[Bombers36]

Cox Langford Guelfi
Stringer 2MP Davey


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