Just bounce the ball already!
Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
If i see sps in the backline next year I’ll deadset vomit. He needs to be playing wing or middle
Agree.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.
Plowman is lock - by a long way.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.
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.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.
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.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.
Betts, Charlie, MarchbankMy 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