Well that's just not true. Most teams have 6 defenders. Some have 5. Most have 4-5 forwards including a second ruck. Add the ruck and the sub and we're talking 12-13 non-midfielders. 9-10 mids.
OK for our team:
(Assuming Hurley stays back, Carlisle forward and Ryder and Dempsey stay)
Backs (6): Hooker, Hurley, Hibberd, Baguley are locked. Then it will either be Fletcher OR another 'tall/medium' defender. Dempsey OR Gleeson.
Forwards (5): Carlisle, Daniher, Ambrose (3rd tall), Chappy and Coyler are locked.
Rucks (2): Ryder and Tbell
Specialist Roles (2): Tagger - Hocking, Lock Down Defensive Forward - Howlett (could be Kommer)
So that is 15 roles taken. Leaving 7 positions for pure midfielders, 8 for best case scenario if you say that Stanton could play the defensive forward position...
I am really really sorry.. but you are 100% correct that as of right now.. he is in our best 22, no doubt. The question is whether he can hold that position next year.
1. Heppell
2. Watson
3. Goddard
4. Zaka
5. Myers
Are all ahead of Stanton for various reasons.
So now (as we keep discussing) there are 2/3 spots left (including that 1 will play as sub) and you have to choose:
Stanton, Z Merrett, Dempsey/Gleeson (depending on who plays HB), J Merrett, Ekav etc etc..
Stanton will be 21st or 22nd picked player next year.. unless we get a heap of injuries or poor form.