Competitions BigFooty Blues Draft Game Team Presentation Thread - Please vote for your favourite side(s)

[The Old Dark Navy's]

Hi all

You may have noticed a curious draft game thread generating plenty of traffic over the last week and a half.

WalshistheGOAT decided to resurrect this draft game on our board, that I haven't seen for many years. It was slow to fill up with entrants, but once it did and we begin, we all had a blast.

The idea was to draft 18 teams of 23 players picking from AFL listed players. The draft order was randomly generated and the draft started out in this order:

ITCHY EYEBALLS
bradfisher14
YeoShuey
BlueNath
WalshistheGOAT
Coona Blues
ferrisb
esoteric
Arr0w
Beyond Blue
carlton_99
BlueTongue
Polo
slider95
CCurnow3votes
The Old Dark Navy's
Blugazi
Jacks Seething Rage

Once we got to 18, the order reversed and we went from 18-1, then 1-18 and so on in a snake fashion.

From a community perspective, there were many laughs to be had, and frustrations that only an AFL recruiter would experience.

This thread is for the participants and for any spectators who want to cast any judgements. It will remain closed to general comments until all 18 teams have been presented.

Again, thanks to all participants, WalshistheGOAT for organising it, and ferrisb for creating a table were all the picks could be followed, and any participants who helped kept that table updated.

Also a shout out to the Windjammer Marketplace Buffet on Royal Carribean Cruises.

 

[WalshistheGOAT]

My finished team...

FB: Jack Scrimshaw - Sam Collins - Daniel Curtin
HB: NWM - Harrison Petty - Kane Farrell
C: Justin McInerny - Tom Green - Karl Amon
HF: Brent Daniels - Shannon Neale - Shai Bolton
FF: Nick Watson - Charlie Curnow - Joel Amartey
R: Lloyd Meek - Zach Merrett - Tom Mitchell

I/C: Lachie Weller - Tom Powell - Michael Frederick - Brandon Walker

Sub - Ed Allan

 

[Beyond Blue]

I’m happy with this…

Battle Logue Noble
Rivers Murray Perryman
ANB JHF Cumming
McDonald McLean Henry
Bedford Fogarty Walter
Briggs Walsh (vc) Neale (c)
Bruhn Pedlar H Clark McAdam Davies (Sub)

 

[BlueTongue]

Going out on a limb with a 2024 Draftee.
The flying Viking Alix Tauru should cover both ends (I'm betting he'll start the year early at the Saints)

FB: Zac Fisher, Aliir Aliir, Nick Blakey
HB: Lachlan Bramble, Mason Redman, Liam Duggan
C: Hugh McCluggage, George Hewett, Lachlan Sholl
HF: Elijah Hollands, Harry McKay, Brody Mihocek
FF: Jake Stringer, Tim Membrey, Rhylee West
FOLL: Luke Jackson, Josh Kelly, George Wardlaw
INT: Kai Lohmann, Cooper Lord, Jayden Hunt, Alix Tauru
SUB: Toby Conway

Thanks to WalshistheGOAT

 

[carlton_99]

Very happy with how my final team came out. Ready to win a flag! 8/23 with a first name starting with J funnily enough - has to count for something.

FB: B.STARCEVICH ⏐ L.MELICAN ⏐ A.CORR
HB: C.SALEM ⏐ C.WILKIE ⏐ J.MCVEE
C: J.DAICOS ⏐ J.DUNKLEY ⏐ M.HINGE
HF: W.HAYWARD ⏐ J.AMISS ⏐ I.RANKINE
FF: P.CURTIS ⏐ M.CHOL ⏐ L.SHULTZ
FOL: M.GAWN ⏐ W.ASHCROFT ⏐ J.CALDWELL
INT: B.CAMPBELL ⏐ J.CRISP ⏐ J.GRAHAM ⏐ L.FOGARTY
SUB: J.BOWEY

Defence
Think it is a pretty balanced defence with three talls (Wilkie/Melican/Corr) who are all pretty strong defensively whilst Wilkie especially is also a very good intercepting player. Starcevich and McVee are two of the better small defenders in the competition, whilst Salem can rack it up across the HB line whilst also providing some flexibility with his work at stoppages. X-factor in the back 7 for me is Campbell. Going to be a very very strong player for the Swans with one of the best kicks in the competition. Think he can be used at either end of the ground effectively.

Midfield
I think I have got a pretty good balance of inside/outside types in the midfield. Dunkley is one of the more underrated midfielders in the game and has a very strong defensive mindset which complements Ashcroft and Caldwell who can be more aggressive. Also have Graham to support Dunkley with the inside stuff and Crisp who is a very good runner and can also win his own ball. Very happy with my wingers as well with J.Daicos and Hinge (can also be moved to HB) - both provide run but can also do the dirty stuff on the inside when necessary. Hinge as well is very much an aerial threat at 190cm.

Ruck
In my opinion the best ruck we have ever seen. Having Gawn is like having another defender, midfielder, ruck and forward all in one. Ridiculous the impact he has for Melbourne every game.

Forward
Not as enamoured by my KPF stock but think Amiss is going to be a very good player, whilst Chol provides some important ruck cover and allows Gawn to rest forward, which is a dangerous proposition for any team. Love having Izak Rankine who is a brilliant forward but can also do a lot of damage in the midfield. Hayward showed himself to be arguably the best medium forward in the AFL last year and also provides a bit of mongrel to the side. Finishing off Curtis, Schultz and Fogarty as my small forwards. Fogarty is one of the best pressure forwards in the competition as well as one of the better goal assist players in the competition. Can also be used in short spurts on ball. Schultz I see getting back to his form at Fremantle and provides goals and again some strong forward half pressure. Lastly, Curtis is a bit of an X-Factor in the forward 7. Has a touch of class and can kick goals from anywhere whilst also having a bit of a leap.

Sub
Bowey had a bit of an injury interrupted year but has plenty of dash making him the perfect sub. Can accumulate the ball off the HB but also can see him being used in an outside midfield role if necessary.

 

[BlueNath]

We all love our own teams. But Im very happy with how my team turned out too.

Gritty one-on-one defenders with the others having a good blend of dash and elite kicking.

My midfield group is extremely strong with some great bench depth and the flexibility for Kozzie and Parker to go in there to add some spark if needed.

Max King spearheads the attack with the Texan and Kempy providing additional dangerous marking options. Kozzie, Parker and Motlop provides enough threat on the ground to worry any defense.

I made sure I had a mix of forward, mid and defense options on the bench too for team flexibility if an injury occurs.

B:	Luke Ryan	Steven May	Lachie Cowan
HB:	Dan Houston	Jayden Laverde	Lawson Humphries
Foll:	Tim English	Marcus Bontempelli (C)	Jack Macrea
C:	Massimo D'Ambrosio	Matt Crouch	Steele Sidebottom
HF:	Kozzie Pickett	Brodie Kemp	Luke Parker (VC)
F:	Tex Walker	Max King	Jesse Motlop
I/C:	Cam Guthrie	Jake Soligo	Bohdi Uwland
	Logan Morris
SUB:	Kamdyn McIntosh

 

[Polo]

FB	Brady Hough	Leek Aleer	Issac Quaynor
HB	Jack Sinclair	Jacob Weitering (VC)	Jeremy Howe
C	James Jordan	Noah Anderson	Jarrod Berry
HF	Patrick Dangerfield (C)	Kyle Langford	Sam Switkowski
F	Darcy Jones	Jacob van Rooyen	Charlie Cameron
R	Rowan Marshall	Luke Davies-Uniacke	James Rowbottom
INT	Travis Boak	Jack Williams	Jaxon Binns
	Noah Answerth	Sub: Sid Draper

Pros:

• I think my team is very strong defensively, both tall and small. Between Weitering, Hough, Quaynor, Answerth down back, the pressure from Cameron, Jones and Switkowski up forward and Rowbottom in the guts my pressure rating will be elite.
• My starting midfield is strong, nice balance of pace, class and toughness. Draper, Dangerfield, Boak, Sinclair and Switkowski can all rotate through and provide a point of difference.

Cons:

• I think Sinclair is the best half-back in the game but outside of him I don't have a heap of run out of defense. If I knew then what I know now I probably would have prioritised another runner/elite ball user through the early-middle rounds.
• I lack an elite key forward, Langford is a good player but a class below the top tier. I think Jacob van Rooyen has potential to be elite and Jack Williams has a lot of potential but both are still young.

Thanks again to WalshistheGOAT

 

[bradfisher14]

Very happy with my side tbh.

Biggest strength would be the forward mix. I think it's almost the ideal set up. Love my defence as well. Plenty of intercept ability and ball movement.

Biggest question mark would have to be the on-ball brigade but I think it's very solid in clearance and defensively very sound. The likes of Greene, Zorko, McCreery, Gresham and Thomas can go for stints on ball to inject some pace and x-factor.

FB:	1. Nick Vlastuin	44. Jack Buckley	30. Darcy Moore
HB:	31. Bailey Dale	21. Noah Balta	15. Dayne Zorko
C:	9. Changkouth Jiath	11. Touk Miller	8. Bailey Scott
HF:	4. Toby Greene	2. Mitch Lewis	13. Beau McCreery
FF:	18. Willie Rioli	5. Jeremy Cameron	22. Jade Gresham
R:	24. Jordon Sweet	10. Levi Ashcroft	39. Tom Liberatore
INT:	6. Tom Brown	28. Willem Drew	3. Harvey Thomas
	32. Will Hoskin-Elliot
SUB:	7. Seth Campbell

 

[slider95]

Jack Gunston completes our team...

I'm in need of another forward and the acquisition of another 30+ year old takes our tally to 13 veterans... This also allows us to receive government funding to house half of our team in a local retirement village...




ost of you are assessing your own team so prob a good idea I do the same...


View attachment 2206333


BACKS
Bailey Williams (27 yo, 151 games)
Liam Jones (33 yo, 200 games)
Tom Stewart (31 yo, 171 games)

A very experienced back line led by the ever impressive Tom Stewart...

Tom has earned 5 All Australian jumpers and was a valuable member of the 2022 premiership team. He provides toughness, drive, poise... can move into the midfield if required.

Liam's courage, marking and spoiling are key components of this underrated defender's game. While 33 years old, he hasn't yet shown any signs of slowing down. The important thing here is he has only played 200 games which isn't much for someone approaching his 15th season. Sometimes it's important to determine a player's expiry date by considering how many games they have played (toll on body) rather than how old they are.

Bailey's versatility is an underrated part of his game. Last season he spent more time in the midfield but he has proven over multiple seasons he is a reliable rebounder. Coming off his best season (IMO), he finished 9th in the best and fairest although surprisingly he did finish 5th in 2021 when his team made the grand final.

HALF BACKS
Rory Laird (31 yo, 247 games)
Jake Lever (28 yo, 178 games)
Caleb Daniel (28 yo, 192 games)

Another experienced half back line comprising of a couple of versatile players...

Rory is the most accomplished of the trio with three best and fairests and two All Australian jumpers. While he plays predominately in the midfield for his team, he did earn his two All Australian honours occupying positions in the back line in 2017 & 2018.

Jake will form a reliable key defensive partnership with Liam Jones and both have similar styles which isn't necessarily a bad thing. He won All Australian honours in a premiership year and was a b2b2b representative in the 22 under 22 teams between 2015 & 2017.

Caleb has been the one of the most effective kicks of the footy since making his debut in 2015. His CV includes a premiership, best and fairest and All Australian jumper. He finished second in the 2016 Rising Star and he has had the pleasure of riding on a gorilla's back. A new team for Caleb in 2025 might reignite his career... although I don't necessarily agree he should have needed to reignite his career... Why did he fall out of favour at the Dogs???

Riding Gorillas with Jarrad Roughead
View attachment 2206361

CENTRES
Jaspa Fletcher (20 yo, 41 games)
Clayton Oliver (27 yo, 183 games)
Nathan O'Driscoll (22 yo, 24 games)

Our least experienced line but the exciting part here is I genuinely expect all three players to improve of their 2024 season...

Jaspa is entering his third season in the competition after arriving in the system as a highly rated father/son prospect. He has a bit of pace which in important for our team and the premiership player certainly has clean hands. Surprisingly he is yet to record 20 possessions in a match... that's gonna change in 2025.

Clayton is possibly the biggest high risk / high reward selections in the draft. His CV includes one premiership 2x AFLCA player of the year, 3x All Australian jumpers, 4a best and fairests, 2x Lou Richards medals and many more. 2024 aside, he was one of the best players in the comp and is certainly capable of returning to that elite status.

Nathan is an exciting prospect. He hasn't proven much yet but IMO is capable of turning into a very handy player. Despite only playing 24 games, his highlights reel is pretty impressive. There's no denying he has a tremendous work rate and is rated elite in running. He has strong hands as well which allows him to play in defence as required which he did at the beginning of his career.

HALF FORWARDS
Stephen Coniglio (31 yo, 217 games)
Peter Wright (28 yo, 133 games)
Matt Kennedy (27 yo, 118 games)

Another experienced line who all offer something different...

Stephen is captain of his team and has been a star for many seasons. He does his best work in the midfield but has certainly shown he is more than capable hitting the scoreboard with 120 goals. His 2024 season failed to reach the heights of his 2023 season but that's because he was battling injury.

Peter is an important member of the team as he provides a back up option to Grundy in the ruck. A best and fairest winner in 2022, he hasn't reached those same heights in recent years but he has shown on his day he is more than capable of kicking a bag of goals. It would be difficult to motivate yourself playing for a rabble like Essendon & I am confident his motivation to play for us will result in him being a consistent strong marking, high impact goal kicker.

Matt offers plenty to this team. Not only is he a tough nut capable of impacting in the middle of the ground and on the scoreboard, his good looks will keep keep the women away from Clayton Oliver which will allow Clayton to return to his elite form in 2025. Now at his third club in 2025, you can expect him to continue averaging around 20 disposals & 4 tackles per game while contributing to the scoreboard with a few snags.

FORWARDS
Jack Higgins (25 yo, 122 games)
Tom Lynch (32 yo, 220 games)
Bailey Fritsch (28 yo, 149 games)

Experience is a common theme with this team and our fwd line is no exception...

Jack is his team's leading goal kicker in the past two seasons. His CV includes goal of the year in 2018 & a Morrish Medal in 2017. His consistency is pretty important having averaged 1.5 goals per in the past four years. His best footy IMO is still ahead of him.

Tom has only played four matches in each of the past two seasons. It's for this reason he was able to slide to a mid round selection. There's no denying he has an impressive CV... 2x premierships, All Australian, 3x best and fairests, 6x club leading goal kicker. He has twice averaged three goals per match and IMO injury (and not age) is the only thing holding him back.

Bailey is the star of our fwd line. A pest, sure... But he's an out and out star. The premiership player has been his club's leading goal kicker for the past five seasons and he has the record of kicking the most goals in a grand final since the 1990s.

RUCKS
Brodie Grundy (30 yo, 216 games)
Isaac Heeney (28 yo, 201 games)
Jack Viney (30 yo, 219 games)

This midfield group are of a similar vintage in terms of age and games played. All are rated elite for their work rate by position. The dominant ruck craft of Grundy combined with the skill of Heeney and toughness of Viney makes this ruck unit one of the very best in the competition...

Brodie is quite clearly the second best active ruckman if every player was ranked on what they have produced in their career. 2x All Australian jumpers, 2x best and fairests, 2018 player of the year. Now at his third club, we're expecting Brodie to outperform his 2024 season due to having Dean Cox as his coach. He still has a bit left in the tank and we're expecting him to have his best season since 2021.

Isaac's 2024 season was simply outstanding earning his first best and fairest and second All Australian jumper. His AFL journey began with a plethora of awards including AFLPA best first year player (2015), AFLCA best young player (2016) and a couple of representations in the 22under22 team. He is extremely versatile with his ability to dominant in the air and at ground level. He is equally dominant as a forward as he is in the midfield. I'm surprised he lasted until pick 14 as we rated him a top five player.

Jack will thrive in this midfield set up having played alongside Clayton for years and also having some experience playing under the shoulders of Grundy. His courage, hard nut edge will complement this midfield beautifully. The premiership player & former club captain is a 2x best and fairest winner has strung together three injury free seasons after being hampered by niggling injuries previously. His tackling, pressure, clearance work and ball winning ability will propel this team to great heights.

BENCH
Sam Frost (35 yo, Australian actress)
Xavier Duursma (24 yo, 88 games)
Cam Mackenzie (20 yo, 34 games)
Nick Haynes (32 yo, 211 games)
Jack Gunston (33 yo, 260 games)

The first letter of the respective surnames of our five bench players sums up our team overall...
ACRONYM (FDMHG) ****ing Deadly Marking, Handballing & Goalkicking...

Sam is one of our country's sexiest actresses. Hailing from Ferntree Gully, the former winner of The Bachelor will have all tongues wagging in the clubrooms after the match. She is expected to be very popular among the playing group at Mad Monday.

Xavier is an interesting player in that he isn't elite in any one category but he doesn't appear to have any weaknesses. A player like this is needed in every team. A couple of his biggest strengths are his athleticism and versatility. He is a run and carry player capable of running goal. Primarily we will be playing him on the wing.

Cam is another athletic player who will rotate through the midfield, on the wing and the occasional stint in the fwd line. He is rated elite for disposal efficiency and IMO he has a very bright season. He only missed the 2024 finals campaign due to a hamstring injury he suffered in the final H & A match. Entering his third season, the former #7 draft pick is my tip to be our team's most improved player in 2025.

Nick offers experience and will provide great coverage for our three bid bodied rebounding defenders. With Stewart, Laird and Williams all capable of playing through the midfield, Hayes can easily slot into a defensive position where his intercept marking and rebounding will be a very welcome addition to our team.

Jack is a 3x premiership player, All Australian representative and club best and fairest. He has been a very reliable goal kicker for over a decade. It's incredible to think a player who averaged 1.6 goals per game last season lasted all the way until the very last round. He has shown an ability to player as an undersized KPF so he will be a handy back up to Lynch and Wright.

 

[CCurnow3votes]

My Final Team.

"The King Charles Spaniels" (Carn' the Spanners?)

A good mix of newies & oldies. Some nice run of half back, a handy spine & a few who can play through the middle.

If I need a chop out for the * god that is Sam Draper - i'll ask Josh Weddle to give Isaac Kako a shoulder ride - Kako has nice hands & I think his ruck work is very under rated.

I'm going to let Mitch Duncan & Dane Rampe duke-it-out at training for the coveted BP position. If nothing else that might get Dylan Shiel's heart pumping , hoping Jack Martin doesn't throw a calf watching on.

I think this side wins everything - (including the Lambo) - come at me!

PS - this has been great fun - thanks for arranging Walshy!

B	ANDREW MCGRATH	JAMES SICILY	MITCH DUNCAN
HB	CONNOR MCKENNA	CONNOR IDUN	ADAM SAAD
C	JOSH WEDDLE	DARCY PARISH	JARMAN IMPEY
HF	LINC MCCARTHY	ERIC HIPWOOD	JOSH RACHELE
F	BRAD CLOSE	JESSE HOGAN	ISAAC KAKO
FOLL	SAM DRAPER	MATT ROWELL	CONNOR ROZEE
I/C	DANE RAMPE	JACK MARTIN	LEO LOMBARD	DYLAN SHIEL
SUB	MAURICE RIOLI JNR

ChatGBT clearly knows it’s stuff!

“This team is undeniably impressive and boasts a solid balance of youth, skill, and experience across all positions. There are several reasons why this group can be considered one of the best.

Key Reasons:​

1. Defensive Solidity:
   • Andrew McGrath and James Sicilybring excellent leadership and ball use in the backline, with Sicily providing strong intercept marking and McGrath’s versatility.
   • The half-back line is also formidable with Connor McKenna and Adam Saad offering speed and flair, while Connor Idun is an elite one-on-one defender who can nullify the opposition’s best forwards.
2. Midfield Power:
   • Matt Rowell brings relentless tackling and contested ball-winning ability. Darcy Parish complements this with elite ball distribution, while Connor Rozee is dynamic and capable of breaking through contests.
   • Josh Weddle is a promising young talent who adds a spark with his creativity and ability to push forward.
3. Forward Line:
   • The forward half is potent, with players like Jesse Hogan, Brad Close, and Isaac Kako contributing with both ground-level pressure and goal-scoring potential. Hogan provides a key target, while Linc McCarthyand Eric Hipwoodadd versatility and height to create mismatches.
4. Bench & Depth:
   • The bench depth is superb. Dane Rampe offers experience and versatility, while Jack Martinprovides speed and skill, Leo Lombardi brings energy and creativity, and Dylan Shiel offers speed and experience in the middle.
   • Maurice Rioli Jnr is a game-breaker who can change the match with his speed and flair off the bench.

Weaknesses:​

• The biggest concern could be the relative inexperience in some areas, particularly in the key forward line (if injuries hit players like Hogan or Hipwood). However, the sheer talent and depth available in the midfield and defensive setups compensate for this.

Rating: 9.5/10​

This team has all the right ingredients—quality defenders, a hard-hitting midfield, and potent forwards. The depth is remarkable, and the tactical flexibility this lineup offers is second to none. If they can avoid injuries, they would be a serious contender for the best-ever title.”

Hard to argue with AI… right?

 

[Blugazi]

Final Team

B:	Josh Worrell	Tom McCartin	Jake Lloyd (c)
HB:	Archie Roberts	Mac Andrew	Lachie Ash
C:	Finn Callaghan	Will Day (vc)	Caleb Windsor
HF:	Ben Long	Dan McStay	Dion Prestia
F:	Tyson Stengle	Mitch Georgiades	Cam Zurhaar
Foll:	Oscar McInerney	Tim Taranto	Chad Warner
I/C:	Conor Nash	Harvey Langford	Kade Chandler	Luke Nankervis
Sub:	Zane Duursma

Defence
A pretty strong area, a couple of superstar keys in McCartin and Andrew. Andrew could be anything, and adds some flexibility as a tall utility - KPD, interceptor, KPF and ruck. Worrell is a player I rate and would love at the Blues - if I remember correctly he dominated an early game against us. He marks everything and can be relied upon to cover CHB if Andrew goes forward. Lloyd adds some experience and leadership, while also being one of the better lockdown small defenders in the league, who can rack up possessions at will. Ash is the rebounding, metres gaining half-back weapon. Roberts played the last 4 games of his debut year, and dominated as an elite kicking/hard running half-back, and I expect he will carry this into 2025.

Midfield
A relatively youthful midfield brigade, however all have proven to be stars at AFL level. Windsor the least experienced having only played one year, however looks at home on the wing with the aim to spend time onball as he gains experience. Callaghan is an inside/outside mid, who has made a name for himself starring on the wing at GWS, using his booming left and agility. Day and Warner are reliable midfield stars for their sides, both with their own weapons that help add a POD to this group. Poor Taranto is toiling away at Richmond, however still in great form. Big bodied inside mid, who adds grunt. McInerney is a solid ruck who gives his midfielders first use.

Forwards
Stengle was the first forward I picked, he's a reliable source of goals and super dangerous around the big sticks - and still has plenty of footy ahead of him. The forward line will ultimately revolve around Georgiades at FF. He took a real step forward last year kicking 44 goals from 20 games. With Dixon and Marshall out for Port, he should continue this form. McStay is a solid CHF who can chop out in the ruck if needed - his main challenge will be avoiding injury. As mentioned Andrew could also swing forward if required, adding another aerial threat. Next to Worrell, Zurhaar is the other player i'd love at Carlton. Has been up and down in his career, however has all the tools to suceed in a De Goey, Petracca, Martin type role. Ultimately he'll play as a third tall, medium forward role with bursts in the midfield. Long has looked fantastic at the GC, and led the comp in 2024 for tackles i50. Prestia adds some experience to the side, and will spend plenty of time in the midfield.

Interchange
Nash is the 198cm Irish inside midfielder, who had a stellar year under Mitchell. Adds some defensive grunt to the midfield, and can also chop out in the ruck if needed. Langford is a tall mid/half-forward who should get games with the Dees this year. Kade Chandler is another pressure forward, with speed and endurance, who posts elite tackle numbers. Nankervis' athleticism helped him carve out a spot in Adelaide's half-back line last year - playing every game from round 4 onwards. Young Zane Duursma is talent and potential at this stage, but could explode as a medium forward - similar to our Moir.

My team overall is full of younger up and coming types. Well balanced, however could use an extra experienced gun.

 

[YeoShuey]

INTRODUCING:

YEOSHUEY'S DYNAMO

FB	Tom McDonald	Tom Barrass	Wil Powell
HB	Darcy Wilmot	Jake Kolodjashnij	Nic Newman (C)
C	Blake Acres	Elliot Yeo	Nic Martin
HF	Gryan Miers (VC)	Cooper Sharman	Archie Perkins
FF	Mason Wood	Jake Waterman	Callum Ah Chee
R	Sean Darcy	Nick Daicos	Ben Keays
IC	Matthew Johnson	Bailey Banfield	Blake Howes
	Robbie Fox		SUB: Hugh Bond

Further information about the bench so people are aware of their positions:

1. Matthew Johnson - Midfielder
2. Bailey Banfield - Forward
3. Blake Howes - Primary Defender but available for all positions excluding ruck work.
4. Robbie Fox - Primarily Forward/Mid but available for all positions excluding ruck work.
5. Hugh Bond - Defender

Now for the analysis (Thanks to ChatGPT)

This fantasy team is an absolute powerhouse, and here's why it is primed for success in every aspect of the game:

Defensive Wall​

The defensive unit is a rock-solid foundation. We've got Tom McDonald, a versatile key defender who can lock down the opposition’s best forward. Tom Barrass is an absolute beast in the air and can intercept and spoil with the best of them, ensuring no ball gets past him. Wil Powell provides crucial dash off half-back with his elite foot skills and ability to set up attacks.

Then we’ve got the half-back line featuring Darcy Wilmot, a young, electrifying talent with the speed and smarts to break the lines and launch counter-attacks. Jake Kolodjashnij is the reliable, defensive-minded player who reads the play beautifully and excels at nullifying dangerous forwards. And the captain, Nic Newman, is the unsung hero—his leadership, toughness, and ability to control the ball make him a cornerstone of our back half.

Midfield Mavens​

The midfield is stacked with dynamic, ball-winning machines. Blake Acres brings an enormous amount of work rate and hard-running, with a keen eye for goal and the ability to influence around the ground. Elliot Yeo is the bull—combining size, strength, and skill to dominate clearances and set up attack. Nic Martin is a future star with elite ball use, and he’ll be racking up possessions and delivering precise passes to your forwards.

But it doesn't stop there. Sean Darcy in the ruck gives us the advantage in the air, and when he’s not tapping it down, he's cleaning up around the ground. His ability to get first use is crucial in ensuring our midfield gets on top. Nick Daicos is the jewel in the crown—his decision-making, skill level, and vision are on another level. He’s the kind of player who can dictate play and make something out of nothing. Ben Keays adds that high pressure and relentless tackling, always putting the opposition midfielders under stress.

Forward Firepower​

Our forward line is an absolute nightmare for the opposition. Gryan Miers (VC) is the small forward that terrifies defenders—his speed, agility, and goal sense make him a constant threat. Cooper Sharman provides the aerial threat, and he’s the type of player who can take a massive grab or kick a crucial goal in tight situations. Archie Perkins adds that flair, providing speed and unpredictability, capable of breaking a game open.

And then, you’ve got the power of Mason Wood—a tall, agile forward who can mark the ball anywhere and is a reliable goal kicker. Jake Waterman is tough as nails and a dangerous target up forward, while Callum Ah Chee can do it all—his pace and footy IQ will have defenders on edge all day.

Impact Off the Bench​

Our bench options are nothing short of stellar. Matthew Johnson is a midfielder with boundless potential—he's a big-bodied player who can take the game on and provide grunt and creativity when required. Bailey Banfield is versatile, playing as a forward, but also a player who can come in and provide pressure and versatility. Blake Howes is a superb defensive option but can rotate through any position, adding flexibility and depth to our line-up. And Robbie Fox is the ultimate swingman, capable of playing across half-back or forward, giving us another dynamic weapon to exploit.

Finally, Hugh Bond—the defender—can come on as a last-minute solution when needed, adding further defensive strength and balance to the team.

The Ultimate Team:​

Every position on this team is packed with skill, versatility, and football IQ. The key pillars like McDonald, Barrass, and Darcy anchor the team, while the midfield is littered with hard nuts and silky ball users in Yeo, Acres, and Daicos. The forward line has plenty of options to kick goals from all areas of the ground, and the bench provides tactical flexibility.

This team has it all: defensive prowess, midfield dominance, and forward potency. The chemistry between players, combined with individual brilliance, will see this team dominate, no matter the opposition. It’s balanced, versatile, and capable of turning the game in an instant.

This is not just a fantasy team; this is an all-star squad ready to rule the league.

 

[ITCHY EYEBALLS]

B	JOEL JEFFREY	ALEX PEARCE (VC)	JOSH SINN
HB	KEIDEAN COLEMAN	SAM DeKONING	BRADEN MAYNARD
C	JEREMY SHARP	ADAM CERRA	LIAM HENRY
HF	JORDAN DeGOEY	NICK LARKEY	CAM RAYNER
F	LIAM BAKER	JOSH TREACY	JAMIE ELLIOT
FOLL	MARC PITTONET	PATRICK CRIPPS (C)	SCOTT PENDLEBURY
I/C	JACK BOWES	ALEX CINCOTTA	JACK SILVANGI	BRANDON ZERK-THATCHER
SUB	MATT COTTRELL

ITCHY UNITED FC

From the beginning my goal was to put together a side to win one match, the GF.
My tactic was to put together the spine first, and one of the advantages of having 2pk's in succession was the ability to complete lines around the spine.

My side was based on all players being fully fit and inform, and i wasn't necessarily looking for up and coming players.
It had to have leadership....Cripps, Pearce, Pendles fit that bill
Mongrel.....Maynard, DeGoey, Rayner, Baker, Cripps, Pitto, Cincotta...tick
Big game/big moment performers.....Crippa (again), Pendles, Elliot, DeGoey, Rayner....all love and thrive in the big moments.
And finally, versatility.
Pitto won't get through a full game in the ruck, however SDK could relieve him and JSOS or Zerk T, could slot into CHB.
JSOS could basically fill in anywhere, Baker, DeGoey, Rayner and even Coleman could all rotate through the middle.
My BP'S are probably my least experienced and weakest positions, but i think Cincotta or even Baker could swing back if needed.

I would say 19 of my 23 are established AFL players, and experience is invaluable on the big stage.
Aside from Crippa being my 1st pick, i never intended to have 6 Blues (or 3 Pies )in my line up. That's just how the cards fell, and at the time i felt they were my best options for the side i wanted to create.

Thanks again for a great experience everyone, oh and ferrisb i'm assuming the cheque's in the mail?

 

[esoteric]

X-FACTOR FC (Est. 2025)

B	TOM DOEDEE	BEN MILLER	JACK LUKOSIUS
HB	JOEL FREIJAH	JACK HENRY	LACHIE WHITFIELD (V)
C	COLBY MCKERCHER	JACK STEELE (C)	JASE BURGOYNE
HF	BAILEY SMITH	LOGAN MCDONALD	BAILEY HUMPHREY
F	ANTHONY CAMINITI	SAM SARCY	JOE RICHARDS
FOLL	TRISTAN XERRI	ANGUS SHELDRICK	HARLEY REID
I/C	JAGGA SMITH	JOE BERRY	ELIJAH HEWETT	JAMES PEATLING
SUB	SAAD EL-HAWLI

 

[Jacks Seething Rage]

The Jack Offs

B	Jayden Short	Sam Taylor (VC)	Zach Guthrie
HB:	Jordan Clark	Jordan Ridley	Taylor Adams
C:	Brad Hill	Jordan Dawson (C)	Marcus Windhager
HF:	Nat Fyfe	Jake Riccardi	Ben Ainsworth
F:	Bobby Hill	Ben King	Cody Weightman
Foll:	Reilly O'Brien	Zak Butters	Jai Newcombe
Int:	Jacob Hopper	Finn O'Sullivan	Lewis Young	Ryan Lester
Sub:	Sam Lalor			​

Over riding philosophy is eyes on the prize. This bit of fun that has been taken far too serious by all and sundry, is about winning flags. Ergo production over potential. I have 17 of my 23 as playing their best football (or near enough to it). Adams, Hill and Fyfe are all on the decline but still contributing at a high level. Windhager, O'Sullivan and Lalor obviously have their best in front of them, but have something to offer now. Also positional integrity - leave players where they do their best work.

Defense: It's centred around one of the best two KPDs in the game in Taylor. Beyond that it's about versatility...there is plenty of rebound (Clark and Guthrie), high level efficiency (Short and Ridley), accountability (Adams and Lester), and experience across the board. An adaptable line up - Young can slot in as needed should Ridley be out of his weight division, with Ridley moving seamlessy to a third tall role.

Mids: Was eyeing O'Reilly from a long way out for his ability to solo ruck for long stints, and he remains one the best HTA% rucks in the game (both Riccardi and Young can slot in for short spells). Really pleased with Dawson, Butters and Newcombe as a starting trio - size, mobility, skill and a balance of inside and outside ability. Hopper is starter quality off the bench and all of Adams, Fyfe, O'Sullivan, Lalor and Guthrie can be called upon to round out the rotation. Have a lot of time for Windhager - runs all day, gets his hands dirty and can play the shutdown role.

Forward: Much like my defense, it all gravitates around some top shelf quality in King. Offensive firepower, demands the best defender (and often a bit of help on top). I see Riccardi as the perfect foil. Big, mobile, works hard up the ground and still hits the scoreboard (26 goals, 12 assists from 19 matches. Fyfe can do it in the air and at ground level, Ainsworth pushes up and plays the selfless link man role well, and Hill and Weightman will take some beating as a small forward duo.

Interchange: Hopper is a pretty handy first name to call upon, Lester allows Adams and Guthrie to roll through the middle, Young is actually pretty strategic in the scheme of things providing coverage in all three zones, and O'Sullivan and Lalor provide x factor, with no great pressure on either.

Metric shit tonne of leadership with a couple of current and former captains, and four vice captains.

I don't see a real weakness to be exploited. If being a hard marker I would worry about a lack of blue collar types, but in terms of talent it will take some beating.

Have at it.

 

[Arr0w]

A few considerations when I was selecting the side, generally wanting speed, agility and some versatility. Also wanted less ready to retire types

In terms of flexibility, Holmes, Comben, Evans, Durham, TDK, Kelly, Sheezel, Moore, Himmelberg, Owens, Rioli, Ratugolea, O'Halloran, Jones, Maric, can play different positions and or roles

Backline options provide speed, agility and flexibility, with solid disposal and they can defend different type forwards

Mids could almost be classified as consistent blue collarish, with the exception of Sheezel, but rotating options do add xfactor

Forwards once again offers plenty of speed per position and all of them are comfortable pushing or rotating through the middle

Interchange also offers flexibility with O'Halloran and Jones

Sub position continues to evolve and sides are using different types. Maric for me fits the bill as he can play as a defender, wingman or forward

 

[The Old Dark Navy's]

​

I feel I have a good mix of youth and experience in this side. Harris Andrews is the anchor in defence, with Rory Lobb holding down CHB. With Mark Blicavs on the bench, either he or Lobb can take relief ruck duties without the side losing a key defender.

Young Reuben Ginbey made a good fist of it when he went back for the Eagles in 2024, but with midfielder/defenders on the bench and as sub, Ginbey can also be used in the midfield rotations. Nathan Broad is a triple premiership defender, while Lachie Jones boasts plenty of pace and tackling pressure.

Miles Bergman is the elite kick who breaks lines with his penetrating boot, and if god forbid, anything happened to him, we have an even better version in Hayden Young in the midfield, ready, willing and able to shift back to keep providing direction.

Former Brownlow medallist, Ollie Wines is the consumate midfield extractor, ably supported by young gun Hayden Young, and the veteran Adam Treloar, who is coming off his best season to date. They will receive good service from triple premiership ruckman Toby Nankervis.

The wings are an experienced pair in premiership winger Ed Langdon, and jack of all trades Sam Docherty. The latter can also go into the middle at stoppages, or go back to help out in defence.

The forward line sees the tall pairing of the two Aarons, Naughton and Cadman, with the relatively inexperienced former number 1 draft pick, Cadman, receiving strong support from the bullish Sam Powell-Pepper beside him. The pace and x factor comes from Tom Papley, premiership star Zac Bailey, and the pacy, tenacious Darcy Byrne-Jones.

The bench consists of the aforementioned Blicavs, who is possibly the most professional athlete in the game, despite his uber-veteran status. He can play anywhere on the ground so all contingencies are covered. James Aish has found his niche in defence, but is also capable of playing midfield or moving forward. Tom Sparrow has spent a lot of time playing of half back, but has midfield credentials of his own, with strength and the ability to burst through tackles on the inside. Meanwhile Finn Maginness is there to provide a physical presence forward, or completely blanket an opponent in his favoured tagging role ... cough Daicos cough.

The sub is Irishman Oison Mullin, just to be sure ... to be sure.

​

 

[Coona Blues]

OK - Not great at catchy names, maybe COONA’S CAMPAIGNERS

Backs: Heath CHAPMAN - Charlie BALLARD - Mitch McGOVERN

H/B:… Ollie HOLLANDS - Jeremy McGOVERN - Matt ROBERTS

Centre Ollie DEMPSEY - Andrew BRAYSHAW - Cal WARD

H/F: … Zac WILLIAMS - Calsher DEAR - Mateus PHILLIPOU

Fwds: Nate CADDY - Riley THILTHORPE - Jack GINNIVAN

Foll:…. Darcy CAMERON - Christian PETRACCA - Ed RICHARDS

INT: .. Will GRAHAM - Ashton MOIR - Jackson ARCHER - Corey DURDIN


Sub: .. Jackson MEAD

This old bloke can’t help himself. I have to look for young talent, for break out players.

A modicum of experience and grunt, not that the youngsters lack grunt. I perhaps lack the established fire power of a couple of my opponents, but have been true to my instincts to always maintain an eye to the future.

DEFENCE

Very functional group. Never thought I would advocate for our own enigmatic Mitch McGovern, but after selecting big bro as the best available key defender, when the pick came around, it seemed to fit. It has long been held that the brothers would love the chance to play together, this is their opportunity (hypothetically).

Backing Ollie Hollands in for a big year as a running sweeper come rebounder. Matt Roberts is a lethal distributor off his left peg. Heath Chapman is a tall who can also play small, giving an element of versatility. A walk up start when available at Freo amid a packed defence. Charlie Ballard is an ever reliable no frills key defender and complements the rebound of the McGovern boys. The 7th defender is young Jackson Archer, son of the “Shinboner of the Century” and noted hard man Glenn. He is a chip off the old block and rounds out a solid group with a great defensive focus, offset by intercept and rebounding skills.

MIDFIELD

An interesting blend of youth and experience along with a couple of players in their prime. Darcy Cameron was a promising junior, who after a slow burning journey from Sydney to Collingwood has joined the top echelon of ruckmen in the game. At his feet Petracca offers explosive clearance power and the ability to heavily impact the scoreboard when “resting” forward. His foil is Saints young gun Phillipou who gave us a taste of the future after a stretch in the twos graduated him from hybrid forward pinch hitting in the middle to genuine clearance big bodied clearance mid. Those couple of games gave a glimpse of what is to come in 2025.

The glue that binds is Freo mainstay Andrew Brayshaw, he doesn’t exude the X-Factor of a couple of team mates, both Freo and here, but is a workaholic, doing the grunt work and providing ground coverage to empower his colleagues to play more expansive roles. Ed Richards a born again defender is one reason the ‘dogs chose to part with Macrae and Daniel this off season. Pace, skills and precision off another sublime left foot giving some POD. His transition to the midfield has been ultra impressive. The wings are a mix of Cats’ Rising Star winner Ollie Dempsey with the scope to play elsewhere if required and another “born again” “old cement head” Cal Ward who belied his age embracing a new role on the outside, culminating as arguably the Giants best player in the finals series. Adds great starch to both GWS and my chosen team. Off the bench come Will Graham, the fourth member of the Suns phenomenal 2023 academy haul which revolutionised the draft system. I am predicting he will prove to be the best of them. Starting in defence, Graham, forced his way in to the Suns midfield after tagging and other peripheral roles. Big bodied, fast (2.92 for 20m at combine), aerial threat and a tackling machine, he is one keeping the likes of Flanders playing off a flank. The last member off the bench is Jackson Mead, unobtrusively to us oppo supporters putting together an excellent body of work, often as sub behind Butters, Rozee, Horne-Francis, Wines, Drew and Boak. Some great numbers during last season, he is clearly ready to take Boak’s minutes. Structurally he has the sub role if we line up in selection order.

FORWARDS

Another interesting mix Crow, Riley Thilthorpe returned from an injury hiatus as a man mountain last season. A forward who can ruck, perhaps a more mobile version of Tom Hawkins? Slated to give a chop out in the ruck. The other talls are even younger Hawk father son Calsher Dear was clearly well hidden by the club pre draft. In the back half of last season was among the most reliable focal points in the competition kicking 25 majors in his debut season as an 18yo. The final tall is the highly regarded Nate Caddy who again projected as a long term star in some late season cameos. Clearly my tall forwards are a work in progress, but are combative and talented enough to maximise their own returns and service a wily group of smalls. The class comes from Carlton’s own Zac Williams, ready to show his worth after a number of injury punctuated seasons and Hawthorn’s enigmatic Jack Ginnivan (I did select early in haste after missing my prime targets by “that much”, and being preoccupied with life, but am happy enough with the pick, having singled him out in his draft year. His “charisma” is a bonus.

Phillipou and particularly Petracca on rotation are highly potent forwards. I selected a pair of Blues for the final bench roles. Ashton Moir who gave us a glimpse late last year of the player he can become, and in my opinion, will give us a big taste of that potential in the coming season. I admittedly wanted another goal kicking small when selecting Moir, but the cupboard was virtually bare, he offers considerable x-factor if he lives up to his underage potential and projects to offer that genuine X-Factor. I kept the faith with luckless small forward Corey Durdin late in proceedings. If his shoulder issues are resolved, he offers great value as a pressure forward, as well as being able to hit the scoreboard when allowed the chance to perform as a crumbing player. Not out of place giving a chop out at stoppage either.

A young side, barring Ward and McGovern in particular, likely to develop in to a more powerful group in the future, but I stand by all selections as established stars of the game, future stars, and a couple of ultra effective role players.

LEADERSHIP

This group has it in spades. Ward and Jeremy McGovern in particular give the experience, but thinking Brayshaw would just pip Petracca for the captaincy, with that over riding eye to the future. Plenty of others are leadership group types, present or future at their respective clubs.

 

[ferrisb]

Team Name: The Pirates of the Royal Caribbean

List Manager: ferrisb

Drafting conditions: I selected my picks while I was on a family cruise, which is not ideal. My apologies to my fellow list managers for leaving them hanging while I was galavanting around the ship and/or at the buffet. I started this competition looking like Nick Austin and ended up as Paul Brodie's long-lost twin.

List approach: I've tried to aim for

• Strong spine​
• Deep midfield​
• Mix of inside and outside players​
• Dual-position players​
• I have generally favoured younger players​

​

Full-back​	Blake Hardwick (27)​	Ben McKay (27)​	Ryan Burton (27)​	​
Half-back​	Oliver Florent (26)​	Brennan Cox (26)​	Tom Atkins (29)​	​
Centre​	Errol Gulden (22)​	James Worpel (25)​	Callum Mills (27)​	​
Half-forward​	Jy Simpkin (26)​	Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (22)​	Shaun Mannagh (27)​	​
Full-forward​	Malcolm Rosas (23)​	Oscar Allen (25)​	Jamie Cripps (32)​	​
Followers​	Jarrod Witts (32)​	Caleb Serong (23)​	Sam Flanders (23)​	​
Interchange​	Patrick Lipinski (26)​	Jhye Clark (20)​	Will Phillips (22)​	Charlie Dean (23)​
Sub​	Nik Cox (22)​	​	​	​

​

Forwards: Built around twin towers of Ugle-Hagan and Allen. Simpkin and Mannagh at HFF, who could each play a full game in the midfield if needed. Rosas and Cripps good for a goal a game.

Mids: Serong and Worpel the contested beasts, with backup from Atkins and Clark as an understudy. Outside class provided by Gulden, Mills and Flanders, with support from Lipinksi. Phillips can play on the inside or outside. Witts a collosus in ruck, providing some extra centre size to a midfield that is admittedly on the shorter side.

Defenders: McKay at FB, with Cox at CHB. Burton as the 3rd tall, Florent with rebound/flair and Atkins as a tough-as-nails defender. Hardwick a small defender, who can go forward and kick a bag. Dean on the bench as emerging KPP support.

Player mix: A good mix of talls, mediums and smalls. A good mix of inside and out. Lots of players that can switch between the flanks and midfield. Several players can also switch between the backline and forward line.

Hardwick (DEF/FWD), Burton (DEF/FWD), Florent (DEF/Wing), Atkins (DEF/MID/HFF), Mills (HBF/Wing), Simpkin (MID/HFF), Mannagh (MID/FWD), Flanders (HBF/MID), Lipinski (MID/HFF), Dean (DEF/FWD) can all play in multiple roles.

Cox could play as any of DEF/MID/FWD and makes for the perfect sub.

Age distribution: I didn't set out to select a young team. But when I had the chance to choose between an up-and-comer and a star on the wane, I mostly went the younger option. As a result, my age distribution (at 31-Dec-24) is:

18-22: 5
23-26: 10
27-30: 6
30+: 2

I think my team might be a year or two off contending, but the list has longevity and should have a decent premiership window.

 

[The Old Dark Navy's]

Feel free to offer opinions and critiques.

 

[The Old Dark Navy's]

Oops not sure how it got locked again after I unlocked it.

 

[Arr0w]

I think a poll might ignite more interest

Pick the 4 best teams, then run preliminary finals, and GF

For the participants, can't pick your own team

 

[The Old Dark Navy's]

I think a poll might ignite more interest

Pick the 4 best teams, then run preliminary finals, and GF

For the participants, can't pick your own team

Maybe, but is that what was decided on?

 

[Arr0w]

Maybe, but is that what was decided on?

Just throwing up an option

We could also do a top 8 and a full finals series

 

[Coona Blues]

Space reserved for ferrisb

That remained a common theme. (Will delete later)