Best back 6 for 2021

[TwiggleyFanClub]

Just bounce the ball already!

 

[koutaaa]

If i see sps in the backline next year I’ll deadset vomit. He needs to be playing wing or middle

 

[1981]

If i see sps in the backline next year I’ll deadset vomit. He needs to be playing wing or middle

Exactamundo.

 

[thylacine60]

I believe the term is "spew up".

 

[gbatman]

This is going to be one hell of a tough one if everyone is fit. Our defence is pretty good but does lack a gun third tall who can float off and intercept and help out the big boys and does lack a bit of dash but most of it is pretty good. Most players can put forward a real strong argument IMO.

I think Saad, Docherty, Weitering and Jones are all locks and the foundation of our defence. The rest will be made up of Plowman, Williamson, SPS, Newman, Marchbank and I would even throw McGovern in there and Kemp if he was fit.

 

[Ash24]

This is going to be one hell of a tough one if everyone is fit. Our defence is pretty good but does lack a gun third tall who can float off and intercept and help out the big boys and does lack a bit of dash but most of it is pretty good. Most players can put forward a real strong argument IMO.

I think Saad, Docherty, Weitering and Jones are all locks and the foundation of our defence. The rest will be made up of Plowman, Williamson, SPS, Newman, Marchbank and I would even throw McGovern in there and Kemp if he was fit.

Agree.

Jones, Weiters, Doc, Saad, Plowman all locks. The remaining 2 spots go to Newman and Marchy, both when fully fit. Depending on team injuries, I expect to see a lot more of SPS/Willo through a wing/on-ball this year.

 

[BlueTang]

I reckon we could see a funny coaching move like putting Doc to the wing for 2021, I think he would make a great impact there

 

[BoundbyKreuze]

The Locks

Jones - He's a lock because he's coming off a season where he played really well. Exposed playing close to goal at times at full back he was moved to CHB and he was great. Expect him to be penciled in wherever possible.

Weitering - Absolute lock. He takes the biggest and best forward week in week out at full back and does a fantastic job. Was close to AA this season.

Docherty - Captain and great player. Wasn't at his best after a couple of seasons off but he will be back and better than ever.

Saad - Big name recruit, huge talent and an attacking weapon on the half back line.

The contenders

Plowman - Great old fashioned defender and solid stopper. Has been exposed at times playing on quicker blokes out of the square or coming up against a much taller opponent but rarely beaten. Weakness is his offensive game, doesn't provide a lot when it comes to coming off his man and being able to intercept or kill a pack contest or provide run and a lose man on the rebound. Has not had competition for his spot in his time at Carlton but with Marchbank back and McGovern possibly going to defence that could change quickly. I expect with one or two other tallish defenders in the side he may find himself matched up against fairly different opposition which will either improve his game or expose his weaknesses and that could be challenging. My take on Plowman is that he is a very good honest defender who can do a job and certainly is not a weakness of our side however it's not out of the question a better player will come along and take that spot and we may have them on our list.

Williamson - I think he plays most weeks. He's quick, competitive and physical and has a terrific kick on him. Ball handling skills could be better but he's a solid defender and can be damaging with the ball in hand. Like his physicality and aggression.

SPS - He was our weakest defender last season and was exposed in one on one and physical contests a lot. He gave us some good rebound at times with good disposal but his poor physicality and aggression towards contests has held him back and is the reason he does not get considered for a midfield role. There could be some more competition for defensive roles next season and he will find himself left out of our 22 if his ability and desire to compete physically does not improve significantly. Has boatloads of talent but he lacks something more important in talent but thankfully positive signs started to show through towards the end of the season with some more committed efforts.

Newman - Nearly forgot him. He's a really good small defender. Tough and a smart footballer. It's hard not to pick him but we have good depth and high quality here.

McGovern - Played the last game in defence and looked good. His brother being an elite defender and he himself possession some really high level talent and ability suggests he has all the tools to become the perfect third tall defender. Quick, strong, good skills, good leap good mark and good pedigree all point to a player who should be able to defend, attack, intercept and defend players of nearly all sizes and ability. It's unseen but I see the potential here to move from a hit and miss forward to a consistent and high level defender much as Jones has done. He's a massive talent and athlete but that has not been tapped into properly as I feel he has been playing a role not suited to him at all lately. IMO has the tools to be elite in this role.

Marchbank - Massive talent. Close to kep position size but quick and an elite runner. Good play reader and mark and isnt afraid of a contest. Keeps getting injured however but he's very highly rated. At times I have though that he isn't the best when defending one on one and with his vision when kicking but I may be proven wrong here.

The Reserves and possibilities

Casboult - He's a good replacement for a KPD, especially Weitering. Big and strong who has footy smarts and strong in the air.

Kemp - Could possibly spend time here developing but I hope he plays a more offensive role.

Williams - We know he is a top level defender but the feel is he will play more a midfield role for us.


My Prediction
B: Marchbank Weitering McGovern
HB: Docherty Jones Saad
IC: Williamson
EM: Plowman SPS

That backline is tall, aggressive, quick and has a lot of players who should be able to both attack and defend. Has some talls who can run both ways and play small and provide rebounding run as well as defend and intercept. It's a lot like Richmond's IMO. A lot will come down to how those players preseason turns out to build that two way running.

Plowman is lock - by a long way.

 

[Kreuuuzeurns]

Didn’t Teague and/or Russell hint SPS would stay in the backline this season? Clearly doesn’t have the tank to play full time midfield and we have enough coverage at half forward.

SPS and Marchy are my 6 and 7. The club rates Marchy highly.

 

[Ash24]

Didn’t Teague and/or Russell hint SPS would stay in the backline this season? Clearly doesn’t have the tank to play full time midfield and we have enough coverage at half forward.

SPS and Marchy are my 6 and 7. The club rates Marchy highly.

One of the coaches said he'll have bursts in the midfield but play mainly on the flank. Just like Cunners, neither have the tank to be a full time mid.

 

[FitzroyBlueBagger]

SPS will play in defence but i do really hope he gets some midfield time this year on a few occasions, IMO his future is in the midfield and forward...

Williamson up onto a wing for his run, beautiful left peg and attacking game style...

Marchbank and Newman are coming from a fair way back and atm have a lot of work to do in even being close of playing, good luck too them hopefully they can get back healthy and soon...

Stocker would be my choice for a role across halfback provided his endurance is at the level required, he’s a clever footballer with hardness, great one on one, and beautifully skilled both sides who would give us great some great drive through his kicking, maybe a few little stints in centre bounces giving him a taste of what he’ll eventually be, a midfielder...

1.Saad
2.Jones
3.Plowman
4.Docherty
5.Weitering
6.Stocker

 

[JustaBattler]

Looking forward to seeing Stocker play - I hope he absolutely smashes it when he gets his chance.

 

[The Blue Baggers]

Docherty L.Jones Williamson
Marchbank Weitering Saad

 

[CJMB]

Looking forward to seeing Stocker play - I hope he absolutely smashes it when he gets his chance.

From memory, the first half of last year he was playing a mid-fwd role in the reserves before he left the bubble. Probably a little easier to get into 22 that way then down back where he'd be competing with Doc, Saad, SPS, Plow, Newman, Marchbank & Williamson.

 

[JustaBattler]

From memory, the first half of last year he was playing a mid-fwd role in the reserves before he left the bubble. Probably a little easier to get into 22 that way then down back where he'd be competing with Doc, Saad, SPS, Plow, Newman, Marchbank & Williamson.

I don't pay much attention to labelling non-KPP tbh and here is why:

Even under Bolton the Club was stating that they want players to be able to play multiple roles, Teague has suggested similar objectives and expectations In my mind I separate the playing group types into specialist ( typically KPP ) and rotations ( players who move between to 50M parts of the field: eg HB-Mid or HF-Mid) When I look at the game plan and execution - I divide the playing roles into 3 backs 6 mids between the arcs who can run back into defensive 50 or forward 50 and 3 half forwards who can run back into between the arcs.

The demarcation lines between HB | Mid and HF roles gets blurry in actual play except in center ball bounces with the AFL rules about 6,6,6, and set ball ups which is all about structures depending on field position.

This is why a premium is placed on the ability to run two ways as they say, as well as halving or wining the contested situation man on man - and this ability or lack thereof has been the main factor holding back the development of the team's 4 quarter ability between the arcs or transition into attack and defense - and breakdowns have seen the 4-5 goal turnarounds.

This requirement of player fitness as well as skill - has seen Teague run with so called 'role players' - blokes like Gibbons/Newnes and I would put Murphy into that category these days - blokes that are fit enough to cover ground. Cottrell is a superior runner so he got preference a few times.

Given superior skill V superior running - coaches have to go with superior ability to run each way - especially between the arcs - whenever you see opposition players in clear ground without a Carlton player covering them - you are actually seeing inferior running ability gifting uncontested territory - our worst stat is allowing uncontested possession stats to the opposition - that is where we have been murdered by better teams.

As younger blokes develop their fitness and endurance to match more developed players - that is when their particular skill sets start to place them in a position to replace lesser skilled players.

Only when Stocker has developed a running base to match typical AFL standards can he hope to cement a senior role. The same applies to all the younger players on the list. If Stocker/Dow etc have developed genuine 4 quarter running - then their superior attributes will see them played. Walsh has played every game since being drafted - because he has elite running ability as well as a great football brain. eg Kennedy isn't a lock because he isn't a great two way runner - despite being above average in other aspects of his game. For Setterfield to make himself a permanent fixture he is going to hve to prove that he can at times take on Cripps role.

With the addition of Saad and Williamson - that is 2 walk up starting players in any CLub let alone Carlton - that will make it harder for all players to get a starting role - Saad may be viewed as a specialist defender- but you will see him running outside the defensive 50 and I have no doubt we will see Williams playing various roles during games as required- not just between the arcs.

It is pretty exciting times for us looking forward - the more skilled running power Teague can call on - the easier everything will get.

 

[Blue and Blue]

My best back six

Charlie.....love to get him back
Kemp ......ditto
Newman...cant wait to see him back
Marchbank..ditto
TDK....likewise
Eddie...hes back

 

[skadoosh]

My best back six

Charlie.....love to get him back
Kemp ......ditto
Newman...cant wait to see him back
Marchbank..ditto
TDK....likewise
Eddie...hes back

Betts, Charlie, Marchbank
Kemp, TDK, Newman

...lines up pretty well, I reckon.

 

[Aphrodite]

Pre-season report card: Defenders

Get the thoughts of assistant coach Dale Amos on six defenders this pre-season.

www.carltonfc.com.au

 

[BigBreakfast]

Nice that Saad will find it easier to get "passed" the man on the mark with ease.