List Mgmt. 2026 List Management

[Blue Pulse]

Well I don't; not yet, at least. We need a fresh injection of star power to gloss over the mediocrity. This last off-season we lost a bit of the former and simply replaced it with the kind of depth we should have already had. We need to use the future picks we obtained as a springboard for bigger and better things, or we'll be chasing finals success half-cocked again, as we've been doing for over twenty years.

I'm Personally over the "star" power. We have had stars in our line up for years but then lack the back up in certain positions around the ground.

Build a strong side first where we have a variety of players that can cover various positions and play like a team and for each other. Have a game plan which can be tweaked to play against different opposition and then look at "star" power that compliments your list. We get the "star" players and then try to build a team and game plan around them.

 

[SurreyBlue]

I'm Personally over the "star" power. We have had stars in our line up for years but then lack the back up in certain positions around the ground.

Build a strong side first where we have a variety of players that can cover various positions and play like a team and for each other. Have a game plan which can be tweaked to play against different opposition and then look at "star" power that compliments your list. We get the "star" players and then try to build a team and game plan around them.

That’s what occurs when you chase top 5 - 10 picks to rebuild. You lose the focus of what makes a great ‘team’.

 

[Blue__Balls]

I'm Personally over the "star" power. We have had stars in our line up for years but then lack the back up in certain positions around the ground.

Build a strong side first where we have a variety of players that can cover various positions and play like a team and for each other. Have a game plan which can be tweaked to play against different opposition and then look at "star" power that compliments your list. We get the "star" players and then try to build a team and game plan around them.

It's incredible how many other clubs find "stars" with later picks.

Almost like having a cohesive and balanced list affords greater opportunity to develop kids and unlock some unexpected talent

HOK, for example, could be a real find. But if we'd retained TDK and Curnow then he'd have lingered in the twos for another season or two before being delisted or traded for peanuts. He now gets a first team opportunity that otherwise wouldn't have come, and if he grabs it then he and we come out grinning.

 

[Blue By Blood]

Do you think we look at Derksen with haynes under done early on

We should be looking at a tall. I feel like we should have been prior to Haynes going down IMO. It really just depends on how long they think Haynes will miss behind closed doors firstly as that probably impacts as to whether we want a genuine KPD or more versatility in a swingman or even to hold a spot open for the MSD.

Phillips is probably the best KPD not on an AFL list so I think he deserves a shot if we want a key tall.

If we want a swingman then Derksen can play both ends and wouldn't be a bad use of a list spot. Haynes is more a third tall type defender so if the club were happy with the structure of Weiters, Haynes and one of Young or Dean then we may lean more towards Derksen. To answer your question, yes I think we are taking a good look at Derksen and he will most likely get the spot IMO (he could be the Gov replacement going forward as this is most likely Gov's last year on our list unless he turns it around). If he impresses in the remainder of preseason then Mots will be moved onto the LTI list and Elijah and Derksen will get the final two spots.

 

[Espio]

It's incredible how many other clubs find "stars" with later picks.

Almost like having a cohesive and balanced list affords greater opportunity to develop kids and unlock some unexpected talent

HOK, for example, could be a real find. But if we'd retained TDK and Curnow then he'd have lingered in the twos for another season or two before being delisted or traded for peanuts. He now gets a first team opportunity that otherwise wouldn't have come, and if he grabs it then he and we come out grinning.

But that's not really how it works is it? The Geelongs and Brisbanes of the world don't necessarily throw their kids to the wolves. They do their time within a good system and when the time comes (an opportunity or injury) they know exactly what the plan is and what is expected of them and their role.

The "finding" is not the talent, it is the development and having clear coaching, roles and understanding within it.

I believe in the past 20 odd seasons we have not had a shortage of "talent" per se. We have had a rudderless, confused environment that was every man for himself. Most of our successful players in that period have been self starters, going back to Carrots.

I genuinely hope that the club is turning the corner away from Messiahs and forming the groundwork for the club to transition to one that does not hope for success but expects it.

 

[The Return of the Paf]

Well I don't; not yet, at least. We need a fresh injection of star power to gloss over the mediocrity. This last off-season we lost a bit of the former and simply replaced it with the kind of depth we should have already had. We need to use the future picks we obtained as a springboard for bigger and better things, or we'll be chasing finals success half-cocked again, as we've been doing for over twenty years.

To quote myself and clarify, I mean 'through the draft', that's the only way to get 'bang for buck', so to speak.

The last thing we need is to struggle to get to mid-ladder, look incapable of going further, only to trade what's leftover (after working out what we'll need for Walker) on some 'big name' player.

It's pointless saying we have a 'good list' when the job's not finished.

 

[JJBagger]

To quote myself and clarify, I mean 'through the draft', that's the only way to get 'bang for buck', so to speak.

The last thing we need is to struggle to get to mid-ladder, look incapable of going further, only to trade what's leftover (after working out what we'll need for Walker) on some 'big name' player.

It's pointless saying we have a 'good list' when the job's not finished.

Then it’s pointless saying we have a good list at any time - because the job is never finished. An AFL list never stops moving and evolving

 

[teddy-hopkins]

We should be looking at a tall. I feel like we should have been prior to Haynes going down IMO. It really just depends on how long they think Haynes will miss behind closed doors firstly as that probably impacts as to whether we want a genuine KPD or more versatility in a swingman or even to hold a spot open for the MSD.

Phillips is probably the best KPD not on an AFL list so I think he deserves a shot if we want a key tall.

If we want a swingman then Derksen can play both ends and wouldn't be a bad use of a list spot. Haynes is more a third tall type defender so if the club were happy with the structure of Weiters, Haynes and one of Young or Dean then we may lean more towards Derksen. To answer your question, yes I think we are taking a good look at Derksen and he will most likely get the spot IMO (he could be the Gov replacement going forward as this is most likely Gov's last year on our list unless he turns it around). If he impresses in the remainder of preseason then Mots will be moved onto the LTI list and Elijah and Derksen will get the final two spots.

I would imagine the list team would be well aware we are short a couple of key pos players. I assume the issue is they are struggling to find a player they think is worthy of a list spot.

If we get to the end of the SSP period and they only take EH (or EH+White) then it will be a sure sign they really don't rate Phillips or Derksen as being good enough.

We wasted that spot with Sam Durdin on the list for how many years? He was nowhere near AFL level. I also think the club consider Gov to be a key pos player. So in defense we've got Dean, Gov, Young and Weiters with Kemp able to swing back and it looks like we're not putting HOF on the LTI so there must be hope he can come back late in the season.

Is that enough depth? I doubt it - but likewise I recognize unless you can find a bloke good enough there's no point putting them on the list.

Similar with Archie Ludowyke in the draft. We didn't preference him in the draft over Byrne just because he filled a need when we clearly thought he wasn't up to AFL level. Time will tell if that's right.

Having said that - jeez it would have been nice to work out a way to get Tauru (as well as Jagga) in the 2024 draft.

 

[teddy-hopkins]

Duffy has effectively had half a season, with ACL rehab and a very conservative introduction. We don’t have the Development League option anymore to my knowledge.

Monahan has been a slow build, but as much the club’s fault as his, trying to introduce him as a forward in a relatively dis functional group cost us the best part of a year. Rob pretty much has the skills, it is more about game awareness now. Yes, it would have been nice to have something definitive by now and grab another Cat B, but I am looking forward to what he can bring this season.

For me Monahan has to be settled down in one spot - most likely the half-back flank. I think he's played his best games there. It's also where the irish guys tend to excel - I imagine that's because that pos requires you to play a similar style to how gaelic is played.

Give him an even chance - but this is a massive year for him. Needs to start getting 20+ pos per game rather than 10-15.

Duffy coming from much further back. Good luck to him but it's hard to see that working at this stage.

 

[JustOneTime]

I would imagine the list team would be well aware we are short a couple of key pos players. I assume the issue is they are struggling to find a player they think is worthy of a list spot.

I don't have faith they recognise this at all. We have been short the second tall grit defender for 4+ years. Young being tall doesnt fit that requirement. Mcgovern either. Marchy injury prone, Kemp wrong weight division/personality.

JSoS went close for half a season. Haynes isnt the right type but a competitor to McGovern and Marchy types.

I have no faith as Austin protects his decision on Young (contract/selection).

The suitors for JSoS (Pies, Doggies) shows you what clubs are looking for. At least one dogged/grit defender in their lineup. Carlton had it for 12/13 games and let it slip with little respect. JSoS doesnt fit a star acquisition, he fits a role to a tee.

And i dont rate yet again another doggies player Austin tried to get in the off-season. Deplorable and more a Mcgovern link than a JSoS link.

 

[teddy-hopkins]

I don't have faith they recognise this at all. We have been short the second tall grit defender for 4+ years. Young being tall doesnt fit that requirement. Mcgovern either. Marchy injury prone, Kemp wrong weight division/personality.

JSoS went close for half a season. Haynes isnt the right type but a competitor to McGovern and Marchy types.

I have no faith as Austin protects his decision on Young (contract/selection).

The suitors for JSoS (Pies, Doggies) shows you what clubs are looking for. At least one dogged/grit defender in their lineup. Carlton had it for 12/13 games and let it slip with little respect. JSoS doesnt fit a star acquisition, he fits a role to a tee.

And i dont rate yet again another doggies player Austin tried to get in the off-season. Deplorable and more a Mcgovern link than a JSoS link.

In fairness they did put pretty much all their eggs into a CHB-shaped basket this offseason with Dean.

JSOS was good when we finally found his best position but paying $800k+ for a guy who played only 65 games in 6 years would be irresponsible. Carlton was around $600k.

 

[JJBagger]

I don't have faith they recognise this at all. We have been short the second tall grit defender for 4+ years. Young being tall doesnt fit that requirement. Mcgovern either. Marchy injury prone, Kemp wrong weight division/personality.

JSoS went close for half a season. Haynes isnt the right type but a competitor to McGovern and Marchy types.

I have no faith as Austin protects his decision on Young (contract/selection).

The suitors for JSoS (Pies, Doggies) shows you what clubs are looking for. At least one dogged/grit defender in their lineup. Carlton had it for 12/13 games and let it slip with little respect. JSoS doesnt fit a star acquisition, he fits a role to a tee.

And i dont rate yet again another doggies player Austin tried to get in the off-season. Deplorable and more a Mcgovern link than a JSoS link.

Who was available at the right price and tenure for us to pick up? We’ve got a top 5 pick in Dean and a young KPD in o’Farrell who showed more than enough signs to suggest he will be a best 23 key defender for years to come. Why would we waste money and tenure on a position that won’t need to be filled in 2-3 years time?

 

[teddy-hopkins]

We do lack a you KPF though. Which makes me suspect we're after a FA or in a trade.

 

[The Bighouse]

We’re building a solid base of contributors with our >/= 24yo’s but the KPF/ruck needs attention.
Still have some older players to base around but only really Kemp, Walsh, Cerra from ‘19, ‘18, ‘17 drafts where the hole is.

 

[BluStreak]

IMO Harry owns the forward half, plays his best when he has continued involvement in the game rather than just sitting in the forward 50. Skull on the other hand has an aggressive streak and likes to crash the pack a bit so I would have him play the FF role. Kemp is a flyer and Hayward is a smart mover. I would have all 4 in and only 2 smalls, with a 3rd small F on the bench.
Moir is interesting and I love how he will tap the ball out of congestion usually to our advantage if he cannot pick it up.

 

[GuruJosh]

I dunno I’m not completely sold on kemp. It’s ok to kick goals against west coast but show us consistency against the big boys. The one I’ve been impressed w at training is S Walsh. Hopefully those back niggles n other niggles stay clear and we get some impressive outside clearance from the lad.

 

[JJBagger]

I dunno I’m not completely sold on kemp. It’s ok to kick goals against west coast but show us consistency against the big boys. The one I’ve been impressed w at training is S Walsh. Hopefully those back niggles n other niggles stay clear and we get some impressive outside clearance from the lad.

Kicked 5 against the Bulldogs last year

 

[sweethoney]

I dunno I’m not completely sold on kemp. It’s ok to kick goals against west coast but show us consistency against the big boys. The one I’ve been impressed w at training is S Walsh. Hopefully those back niggles n other niggles stay clear and we get some impressive outside clearance from the lad.

Kicking 5 against western bulldogs last year count?

 

[Coona Blues]

We have McKay O’Keefe Young Kemp Hayward Ainsworth Byrne Evans Fogarty Ison Moir and maybe EH or White fighting for spots up forward

We have been trialling a two ruck set up with one up forward

We seem to have pushed Williams back at least to start

We have also been using Cripps forward a lot and rotating Lord Jagga Walsh Cerra through there

This is all for 6-8 spots

Yep, tough that one. I feel Hayward will be grouped with the smalls when allocating spots. O’Keefe becomes the 23rd man to me. Not as last picked, but as second ruck. Assume Pitto gets first look in front of Reidy.

Harry shouldn’t be asked to ruck unless having trouble getting in to a game and needs a “starter”. This dictates to me Skull being in the team.

I could claim Talor Byrne as “my man” but I see him starting in the twos, it seems the Fog love remains with the coaching group, Ainsworth is a lock, Frankie earned some credits and Hayward brings enough at ground level to round out a quartet. Clearly with Smith, Walsh, Lord and maybe Cerra spending time forward. I would not be surprised if Williams reverts to the forward line, but Haynes injury and rumours Cowan has had a setback may alter that.

I would rather keep Lord in the 23 than revisit the five smalls structure Vossy ran with last year. He is the future and needs to be nourished after his showing in ‘25 off limited time in his preferred role(s).

Think it is 8 spots, but includes Skull as one “bench” (not necessarily starting there) spot. Still needs some creativity around wings and half back to make rotations work with the players “needing” a spot.

There will be five or more players miss out on spots in opening round who absolutely deserve one. It is going to be a tough haul for the likes of Ben Camporeale who will be ready, but have players in front of him already playing secondary roles to fit in.

 

[lopezz]

Has to be picked first

I reckon its McKay & O'Keefe. We have been trialling two rucks (nit sure we will) and then IMO it's Hayward fighting with Kemp and maybe Moir for a spot

Really? Are we honestly thinking that Hayward is fighting Moir for a spot? Like actually saying Hayward is fighting Kemp and Moir to make the 23? Just making sure i read that right

 

[macky99]

Has to be picked first

I reckon its McKay & O'Keefe. We have been trialling two rucks (nit sure we will) and then IMO it's Hayward fighting with Kemp and maybe Moir for a spot

Hayward is a proven 30-40 goal forward, we were very keen to get him, highly doubt he is fighting with Moir & Kemp both yet to prove themselves.

More likely Kemp or O'Keeffe as the 2nd tall target.

 

[GuruJosh]

Has to be picked first

I reckon its McKay & O'Keefe. We have been trialling two rucks (nit sure we will) and then IMO it's Hayward fighting with Kemp and maybe Moir for a spot

I like the look of Hudson O. he needs to stay on the park and maybe pinch hit Ruck. It’ll be horses for courses.

 

[Soapy V]

Yep, tough that one. I feel Hayward will be grouped with the smalls when allocating spots. O’Keefe becomes the 23rd man to me. Not as last picked, but as second ruck. Assume Pitto gets first look in front of Reidy.

Harry shouldn’t be asked to ruck unless having trouble getting in to a game and needs a “starter”. This dictates to me Skull being in the team.

I could claim Talor Byrne as “my man” but I see him starting in the twos, it seems the Fog love remains with the coaching group, Ainsworth is a lock, Frankie earned some credits and Hayward brings enough at ground level to round out a quartet. Clearly with Smith, Walsh, Lord and maybe Cerra spending time forward. I would not be surprised if Williams reverts to the forward line, but Haynes injury and rumours Cowan has had a setback may alter that.

I would rather keep Lord in the 23 than revisit the five smalls structure Vossy ran with last year. He is the future and needs to be nourished after his showing in ‘25 off limited time in his preferred role(s).

Think it is 8 spots, but includes Skull as one “bench” (not necessarily starting there) spot. Still needs some creativity around wings and half back to make rotations work with the players “needing” a spot.

There will be five or more players miss out on spots in opening round who absolutely deserve one. It is going to be a tough haul for the likes of Ben Camporeale who will be ready, but have players in front of him already playing secondary roles to fit in.

Yep. If we can stay fit we effectively have 15 or so players fighting for 8 spots

Wouldn’t that be nice

 

[GuruJosh]

We have McKay O’Keefe Young Kemp Hayward Ainsworth Byrne Evans Fogarty Ison Moir and maybe EH or White fighting for spots up forward

We have been trialling a two ruck set up with one up forward

We seem to have pushed Williams back at least to start

We have also been using Cripps forward a lot and rotating Lord Jagga Walsh Cerra through there

This is all for 6-8 spots

Good point I notice cripps drifting forward in that training clip on the app.

 

[gbatman]

I really hope we don't go with two rucks. We have two rucks who can't go forward. IMO two rucks (who aren't forwards) against a good side who picks an extra runner will be a worse thing in 2026. Will get torched IMO on pace and agility, particularly late.

What we do have is the ability to rest Pitto on the bench with O'Keeffe (or at times McKay) in the ruck and a bunch of really good overhead players like Kemp, Moir, Hayward, Ainsworth and Byrne who take the slack of there being one less big forward. It's what modern football looks like. It actually is a wild card move, when we rotate rucks we are less predictable and utilise our smaller and medium forwards more. Stuff like that can disrupt team's team defence and we can actually get a scoring run from it.

You have Pitto or Reidy forward too often then you end up with a player opposition intercept defenders feed off and it's a liability.

I don't trust Voss tactically or his vision for the game yet, it's been his biggest weakness. It's an experiment that could be costly. I don't want to see it.

There will be teams who see the fifth bench spot as an opportunity to play a second ruck. I think it's best used to go with two genuine tall forwards, one who can ruck and a genuine utility type small/medium who is strong forward and can pinch hit in the midfield and defence. Someone like Williams.

I actually think we have the right team if structured well to finish fairly high if we are ahead of the game in terms of our vision and making the 5th bench spot work and don't have too many injuries.