So, we've talked about the issues with the midfield, our problems with injuries in the backline, but I've been wondering how exactly we're going to set up the forward line in 2015, particularly in the first 5 or 6 weeks if Jack Darling isn't playing there.
Tall forwards- Kennedy is the mainstay here, a top 5ish key forward in the competition and a critical player if we want to make any serious progress this year- he needs to have a big one. McGovern may be used more in defence, and we haven't seen much of McInnes. It seems a given that Lycett and Naitanui will rotate through a key forward spot, probably on a 65/35 basis with Lycett taking the majority of time up forward. No idea what we're going to get from Darling with his lack of pre-season. Sinclair will play forward too if one of the other rucks isn't playing, otherwise I don't see much of a spot for him in the side right now.
Medium forwards- LeCras plays like a medium forward, and like Kennedy we need him to stay fit and firing- forget the midfield experiment for the moment, I'd love to see him get back and kick 45+ for the season. Class player. Hill may be on the outside given that he didn't play for the Eagles this weekend, instead putting in a fairly average performance at East Perth by all accounts. Tunbridge is a bit of an unknown, not sure he will play early in the season but he is a potential option if he gets more involved at WAFL level. Tom Lamb has been great during the preseason and I think he will certainly get a gig pretty soon.
Small Forwards- Who knows? Cripps is probably the one who will certainly be in the Round 1 side, and I think he has a fair bit to offer, can push up the ground a little as well. We heard a fair bit during the pre-season about Newman and Karpany, and although we need another small forward I can't see either of them starting the season. The spots are there though if they can push in. Right now as much as I don't agree with it I think McGinnity will play as a lockdown small forward.
Anyone else with the potential to play forward? Our forward line was touted as a big advantage for us last year but we rarely got the best out of it IMO.
Likely round 1 lineup
HF: Cripps Kennedy LeCras
FF: Lamb Lycett McGinnity
Best lineup? Darling will be in there for sure, McGovern hopefully if the defence is holding up alright, and obviously Cripps and Lamb have plenty of improvement left, but there's still a spot or two to fill.
Tall forwards- Kennedy is the mainstay here, a top 5ish key forward in the competition and a critical player if we want to make any serious progress this year- he needs to have a big one. McGovern may be used more in defence, and we haven't seen much of McInnes. It seems a given that Lycett and Naitanui will rotate through a key forward spot, probably on a 65/35 basis with Lycett taking the majority of time up forward. No idea what we're going to get from Darling with his lack of pre-season. Sinclair will play forward too if one of the other rucks isn't playing, otherwise I don't see much of a spot for him in the side right now.
Medium forwards- LeCras plays like a medium forward, and like Kennedy we need him to stay fit and firing- forget the midfield experiment for the moment, I'd love to see him get back and kick 45+ for the season. Class player. Hill may be on the outside given that he didn't play for the Eagles this weekend, instead putting in a fairly average performance at East Perth by all accounts. Tunbridge is a bit of an unknown, not sure he will play early in the season but he is a potential option if he gets more involved at WAFL level. Tom Lamb has been great during the preseason and I think he will certainly get a gig pretty soon.
Small Forwards- Who knows? Cripps is probably the one who will certainly be in the Round 1 side, and I think he has a fair bit to offer, can push up the ground a little as well. We heard a fair bit during the pre-season about Newman and Karpany, and although we need another small forward I can't see either of them starting the season. The spots are there though if they can push in. Right now as much as I don't agree with it I think McGinnity will play as a lockdown small forward.
Anyone else with the potential to play forward? Our forward line was touted as a big advantage for us last year but we rarely got the best out of it IMO.
Likely round 1 lineup
HF: Cripps Kennedy LeCras
FF: Lamb Lycett McGinnity
Best lineup? Darling will be in there for sure, McGovern hopefully if the defence is holding up alright, and obviously Cripps and Lamb have plenty of improvement left, but there's still a spot or two to fill.
