Opinion Best side 2018

[witsend]

Buzza is 21 and is a better forward than Blicavs.

By what measure? To the best of my knowledge, Blicavs has rarely, if ever, been used as a permanent forward. I like Buzz's energy and defensive pressure, but he can't judge the fall of the ball in the air, and has yet to learn sufficiently elite running patterns to be a solid KPF in a Premiership side, in my opinion. 2 years away at best to be a solid Best 22 other than in desperation. Blicavs however is possibly the most versatile player in the AFL, with a tank to die for. He is, always will be and should be, a lock in our best 22. Let's also not forget he battled knee tendinitis in the latter half of the year.

 

[Strange Cat]

By what measure? To the best of my knowledge, Blicavs has rarely, if ever, been used as a permanent forward. I like Buzz's energy and defensive pressure, but he can't judge the fall of the ball in the air, and has yet to learn sufficiently elite running patterns to be a solid KPF in a Premiership side, in my opinion. 2 years away at best to be a solid Best 22 other than in desperation. Blicavs however is possibly the most versatile player in the AFL, with a tank to die for. He is, always will be and should be, a lock in our best 22. Let's also not forget he battled knee tendinitis in the latter half of the year.

And came back from a broken leg, people are way too harsh on him imo.

 

[Shai]

I'd not have a problem removing Parson's from the forward line given who we've brought in. Actually, I hope the coaching staff look to push him up the ground and have him compete with the likes of Murdoch and Kelly for that outside midfield role rather than as a forward. I don't think we've got a lot of genuine outside mids in the squad and IMO he's got a better chance of making a regular contribution in that sort of role. As a small forward he's done alright but I don't think he has a long-term future in the position. Whereas I do think some of the others we've brought in are better suited to that role and will help us improve.

I don't see him as a small fwd, more a medium, he's green but hard at the ball. Happy to see him get games wherever he may be needed.

 

[ChookNorris]

B: Bews, Henderson, Kolo
HB: Touhy, Taylor, Stewart
C: Duncan, S. Selwood, Thurlow
HF: Cockatoo, Hawkins, Parfitt
F: McCarthy, Dangerfield, Menzel
R: Smith, J. Selwood, Ablett
I/C: Guthrie, Blicavs, Menegola, Fogarty

Wings look to be a position of weakness now depending on how we use them, might see Tuohy and Guthrie rotating through now.

Could easily swap Menzel for Crameri, inside word from the club body wise physios incredibly happy with Fogarty and loves to tackle as we see from TAC numbers.

Looking forward to realizing i've completely forgotten a clear best 22 player in about an hour.

 

[Ratcat]

B: Bews, Henderson, Kolo
HB: Touhy, Taylor, Stewart
C: Duncan, S. Selwood, Thurlow
HF: Cockatoo, Hawkins, Parfitt
F: McCarthy, Dangerfield, Menzel
R: Smith, J. Selwood, Ablett
I/C: Guthrie, Blicavs, Menegola, Fogarty

Wings look to be a position of weakness now depending on how we use them, might see Tuohy and Guthrie rotating through now.

Could easily swap Menzel for Crameri, inside word from the club body wise physios incredibly happy with Fogarty and loves to tackle as we see from TAC numbers.

Looking forward to realizing i've completely forgotten a clear best 22 player in about an hour.

No kelly?. ...Surely we didn't choose him at his age to play VFL

 

[ChookNorris]

No kelly?. ...Surely we didn't choose him at his age to play VFL

Could interchange between Menegola, Guthrie, Thurlow or Fogarty, depends on where they want to play him. Had his best season as an inside/outside mid. Do you see him getting many minutes there next year?

 

[bulletproof]

I think Cam Guthrie’s stock has fallen too far after a mediocre season. Buy.

He is clearly a best 18 player.

 

[Ratcat]

Could interchange between Menegola, Guthrie, Thurlow or Fogarty, depends on where they want to play him. Had his best season as an inside/outside mid. Do you see him getting many minutes there next year?

I was surprised we went for him tbh. You'd like to think youngsters like Fogarty and Miers may get game time opportunity. Then there's Gregson and McCarthy who are desperate,
Jones and Narkle need to press as well.
Parfitt is talked up as a mid, although I like him HF, due to his evasive skills but lack of disposal stats last year.
I quite like Cunico too from what l've seen.
I hope we didn't blow P24 on Kelly but l think Wells has taken on one to many small/medium mid/forwards.
Some just won't get a fair shot while Kelly at 23-24 years of age has to be ready to play immediately imo to justify his selection.
Saying that, l hope I'm wrong and he's an instant star, but some will just have to miss out unfortunately.
He has to be an instant senior otherwise we should never have bothered.

 

[ChookNorris]

I was surprised we went for him tbh. You'd like to think youngsters like Fogarty and Miers may get game time opportunity. Then there's Gregson and McCarthy who are desperate,
Jones and Narkle need to press as well.
Parfitt is talked up as a mid, although I like him HF, due to his evasive skills but lack of disposal stats last year.
I quite like Cunico too from what l've seen.
I hope we didn't blow P24 on Kelly but l think Wells has taken on one to many small/medium mid/forwards.
Some just won't get a fair shot while Kelly at 23-24 years of age has to be ready to play immediately imo to justify his selection.
Saying that, l hope I'm wrong and he's an instant star, but some will just have to miss out unfortunately.
He has to be an instant senior otherwise we should never have bothered.

It’s a really good point. Instant impact. Mature age Top 25 picks shouldn’t be for depth.

 

[David the Cat]

No pressure on Narkle....he's recovering from an ACL and will be given plenty of time. Hard to judge on highlights, but Kelly looks like a player to me.....

That said, it worries me when players have no left side by foot....some manage it and become really good players ( Motlop ) but I am bemused that during their development, coaches didn't insist on developing non-preferred foot skills...

 

[Ratcat]

It’s a really good point. Instant impact. Mature age Top 25 picks shouldn’t be for depth.

That's what worries me....just hope he's up for it.

 

[Ratcat]

No pressure on Narkle....he's recovering from an ACL and will be given plenty of time. Hard to judge on highlights, but Kelly looks like a player to me.....

Yeah looks good Dave...fingers crossed.

 

[ChookNorris]

No pressure on Narkle....he's recovering from an ACL and will be given plenty of time. Hard to judge on highlights, but Kelly looks like a player to me.....

That said, it worries me when players have no left side by foot....some manage it and become really good players ( Motlop ) but I am bemused that during their development, coaches didn't insist on developing non-preferred foot skills...

5th round pick coming off ACL... will be safe in the list as long as Cowan was.

 

[David the Cat]

http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au...l/news-story/f666b2d33c80c400c6c9c744c55bd270

 

[The rabbi]

Tale of the tape for your AFL team in 2018: Geelong
Rohan Connolly

http://www.footyology.com.au/tale-of-the-tape-for-your-afl-team-in-2018-geelong/

 

[cynical]

B Bews Henderson Tuohy
HB C Guthrie Taylor Stewart
C Thurlow Duncan Kelly
HF Buzza Cocky Ablett
FF McCarthy Hawkins Fogarty
R Smith Danger J Selwood
I Zuthrie Parfitt S Selwood Gregson

Key outs

Kolo is our 4th best tall defender so he is out (will see how Taylor performs)
Prefer Buzza as 2nd ruck over Blicavs
no need for Menzel as there is Ablett/Danger who can play forward
Menegola is out as id prefer faster and higher skilled players

Backline has 2 KPDs, 1 3rd tall and the rest smalls
Midfield has Danger, Selwood, Ablett and S Selwood as the inside mids, the rest are outside (instead of having 6 inside mids)
Forwardline has a lot more tackling pressure

if Blicavs comes in it will be to replace Buzza as a Forward/Ruck none of this midfield rubbish (unless 2 inside mids are injured)
Menegola is the next in line as an inside mid

 

[Art Vandelay_]

Will bet you any sum of money your 4 outs will not eventuate. Any sum.
Also David the Cat paywall...

 

[Strange Cat]

Will bet you any sum of money your 4 outs will not eventuate. Any sum.
Also David the Cat paywall...

Tbf the Menzel out is borderline but will be more due to injuries/management.

Agree on the other 3 ...won’t be happening

 

[Turbocat]

Will bet you any sum of money your 4 outs will not eventuate. Any sum.
Also David the Cat paywall...

http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au...l/news-story/f666b2d33c80c400c6c9c744c55bd270
Young Geelong speedster Quinton Narkle back running in return from ACL

PROMISING Geelong youngster Quinton Narkle is back running as he begins his return from a serious knee injury.

The 19-year-old suffered an ACL injury in training in June and went under the knife shortly after.

And with a few months of rehab now under his belt, Narkle is back on the track and hopeful of making a return in April next year.

“I’m three sessions in with my running. I’m moving pretty freely — I haven’t done any cutting, it’s mostly straight line stuff, but I’m feeling really good,” Narkle said.

“Hopefully when I get back I’ll be joining in with the boys a lot more.

“It’s hard to say yet (when I’ll be right to play), but they’ve given me around April some time — Round 4-6.”

The ACL injury capped off a frustrating first season for Narkle, who impressed in the VFL when he was fit.

He suffered a hamstring injury earlier in the year that sidetracked his push towards a senior game.

“It is frustrating. This whole year I’ve just had setbacks — my hammy and now the knee,” Narkle said.

“It’s not the ideal first year, but I’ve loved it at the Cats and it’s not the worst thing.

“I’m still young and I’ve got a lot of footy left. I’ll just have to look forward to next year and see what happens.”

But the West Australian has been a bubbly presence around the club, watching Geelong’s VFL side play from the grand stand with crutches next to him.

“I am shattered (not to be playing), but I’ve grown so close to those boys (Brandan Parfitt and Esava Ratugolea) I support them 100 per cent,” he said.

“I love watching them play, I love watching the whole club play.

“I enjoy footy even if I’m not playing, I love watching it.

“I just can’t wait to get out there.”

Narkle said the whole club had been a massive support, but highlighted the influence Daniel Menzel has had on him.

Menzel is no stranger to serious knee injuries and has become a poster boy for players who have suffered ACL tears.

“Menz’s been a really big help. He actually came into the hospital as soon as I woke up from my surgery,” Narkle said.

“That was real comforting. I know that everyone’s there supporting me.

“Especially coming from Menz, I know what he’s talking about. Whatever he has to give me, I’m obviously going to listen.”
http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au...l/news-story/f666b2d33c80c400c6c9c744c55bd270

 

[CatRiot]

http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au...l/news-story/f666b2d33c80c400c6c9c744c55bd270
Young Geelong speedster Quinton Narkle back running in return from ACL

PROMISING Geelong youngster Quinton Narkle is back running as he begins his return from a serious knee injury.

The 19-year-old suffered an ACL injury in training in June and went under the knife shortly after.

And with a few months of rehab now under his belt, Narkle is back on the track and hopeful of making a return in April next year.

“I’m three sessions in with my running. I’m moving pretty freely — I haven’t done any cutting, it’s mostly straight line stuff, but I’m feeling really good,” Narkle said.

“Hopefully when I get back I’ll be joining in with the boys a lot more.

“It’s hard to say yet (when I’ll be right to play), but they’ve given me around April some time — Round 4-6.”

The ACL injury capped off a frustrating first season for Narkle, who impressed in the VFL when he was fit.

He suffered a hamstring injury earlier in the year that sidetracked his push towards a senior game.

“It is frustrating. This whole year I’ve just had setbacks — my hammy and now the knee,” Narkle said.

“It’s not the ideal first year, but I’ve loved it at the Cats and it’s not the worst thing.

“I’m still young and I’ve got a lot of footy left. I’ll just have to look forward to next year and see what happens.”

But the West Australian has been a bubbly presence around the club, watching Geelong’s VFL side play from the grand stand with crutches next to him.

“I am shattered (not to be playing), but I’ve grown so close to those boys (Brandan Parfitt and Esava Ratugolea) I support them 100 per cent,” he said.

“I love watching them play, I love watching the whole club play.

“I enjoy footy even if I’m not playing, I love watching it.

“I just can’t wait to get out there.”

Narkle said the whole club had been a massive support, but highlighted the influence Daniel Menzel has had on him.

Menzel is no stranger to serious knee injuries and has become a poster boy for players who have suffered ACL tears.

“Menz’s been a really big help. He actually came into the hospital as soon as I woke up from my surgery,” Narkle said.

“That was real comforting. I know that everyone’s there supporting me.

“Especially coming from Menz, I know what he’s talking about. Whatever he has to give me, I’m obviously going to listen.”
http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au...l/news-story/f666b2d33c80c400c6c9c744c55bd270

Menzel is a champion bloke. Can't believe we nearly got rid of him. Glad he is with us still.

 

[catswhiskers]

From what I've seen/read of Abbot id love him to get some JLT games to show what he can do.
Pretty excited about the new recruits too, if anyone warrants selection then good times ahead

Abbott started slowly. Looked too light. Not the Mumford type.
He did impact games later in the season though (VFL).He has a fairly good leap and his direction to mids if he won the tap was very good.
Up forward he took a few nice grabs (soft hands) and kicked some useful goals.
The fact we have not drafted a kid/ state leaguer suggests the GFC have some confidence.

Practice matches important for him - as for about 15 others.

 

[catswhiskers]

I don't see him as a small fwd, more a medium, he's green but hard at the ball. Happy to see him get games wherever he may be needed.

I see Parsons as a mid. Have watched enough replays now to realise his reaction times are better than most.Never mind his tackling pressure. He could be one of the prime movers next year.

But the midfield is crowded. I hope we look after him.

 

[Mahlepi]

too many people writing off blitz and scooter
and backing juniors for massive game time

 

[Landgraft]

too many people writing off blitz and scooter
and backing juniors for massive game time

Imo it's that Blitz and Scooter aren't sexy enough in their gamestyle, so people can end up overlooking what they bring.

 

[David the Cat]

Scooter will play most games....I suspect Blitz will get his fair share as well. Our depth is good....though an injury to Henderson or Taylor would cause issues I think. Everywhere else looks like there is reasonable depth.

I haven't seen House or Gardner play and have no confidence in Kolo playing key back. Lets hope Hendo and Harry stay fit.