Backs: Hart Bassett Bickley
This line is the ultimate consistecy line. The full-back and pocket positions will change around for match-ups depending on who we are playing but these three should give us a lot of run and drive from the last line of defence, where our attack starts. Expect Bickley to have a bigger role in defence if body can't stand up to the strain of constant midfield battle but will also still be used on rotation in the middle.
Half-backs: Smart McGregor Torney
Once again the half-back line should provide us with a lot of run through Smart and Torney and this could prove to be a rock of a back 6. Smart may get a manning-up job or a running job depending on the opposition but Torney could be the real quiet acheiver, roaming the half-back line in the mould of a Montgomery for Port Adelaide. Crowell could be stiff opposition to these three as could John(ock but hopefully these three can form a formidable partnership.
Centre: Bode Riccuito Stenglein
The centre line once again looks very strong with the skillful Bode and workman like Stenglein on the wings and Riccuito in the centre to dish out some drive and physical presence. These positions will be rotated highly throughout games with the likes of Doughty and Ladhams to challenge for spots as may Burton if he is moved up the ground. Stenglein may possibly go into the centre for a tagging role in some circumstances but next year I have a feeling he may start to play a more attacking role if there is no key player to be tagged.
Half-forward: Welsh Stevens Edwards
These three are three of the most underrated players in the competiton but could easily cause headaches for opposition coaches. With the marking target of Stevens there, anything he doesn't grab, Edwards will swoop on and Welsh can play either a marking role or a crumbing role. This will prove to be either our big weapon or our downfall depending on the form an/or injuries of these three however IMO it is more likely to be our weapon. Rotations such as Ladhams, Burton, John(ock, McLeod, Riccuito, Burns etc. could occur on this line which provides us with a lot of depth.
Full-forward: Burns Carey Burton
A formidable line for any team. this provides us with the brilliance of Carey, the athleticism of Burton and the crumbing skills of Burns. As with the half-forward line these three could play multiple roles - Carey as the strong marker, Burns as the crumber and Burton as either depending on which we need him most. An excellent line if all players are fit and firing and this will no doubt be one of the most crucial lines in our team. All are capable of kicking 40+ goals if they are in form but we will have to keep them fit, focused and in form.
Rucks: Biglands Goodwin McLeod
Surely our biggest and best line in the team, this would be close to the best midfield in the league when you add Riccuito to it. McLeod is near unstoppable even with multiple taggers and the run and drive of Goodwin will no doubt be essential. Biglands can only get better and with excellent support from Clarke we will be well served in the ruck. Expect Mcleod to turn on an outstanding year considering his 2002 where he was consistent without being brilliant. A lot of rotation will occur on this line.
INT: Clarke Mattner Ladhams John(ock
A good young interchange to be a part of the midfield rotation. John(cok can play anywhere if he is needed and Ladhams can provide us with goalscoring opportunites if we need. Clarke will be an excellent assistance to Biglands and Mattner will thirve after another pre-season and will again do the 1%'s and the hard things.
Crowell, Massie, Doughty, Gallagher, Rutten and others very unlucky to miss out yet they will no doubt be used during the year and will get their chance to prove that they want to be a part of something special.
All looks good for season 2003 provided we stay relatively injury-free if the team puts in a great pre-season and the hunger is still there which it no doubt will be.
This line is the ultimate consistecy line. The full-back and pocket positions will change around for match-ups depending on who we are playing but these three should give us a lot of run and drive from the last line of defence, where our attack starts. Expect Bickley to have a bigger role in defence if body can't stand up to the strain of constant midfield battle but will also still be used on rotation in the middle.
Half-backs: Smart McGregor Torney
Once again the half-back line should provide us with a lot of run through Smart and Torney and this could prove to be a rock of a back 6. Smart may get a manning-up job or a running job depending on the opposition but Torney could be the real quiet acheiver, roaming the half-back line in the mould of a Montgomery for Port Adelaide. Crowell could be stiff opposition to these three as could John(ock but hopefully these three can form a formidable partnership.
Centre: Bode Riccuito Stenglein
The centre line once again looks very strong with the skillful Bode and workman like Stenglein on the wings and Riccuito in the centre to dish out some drive and physical presence. These positions will be rotated highly throughout games with the likes of Doughty and Ladhams to challenge for spots as may Burton if he is moved up the ground. Stenglein may possibly go into the centre for a tagging role in some circumstances but next year I have a feeling he may start to play a more attacking role if there is no key player to be tagged.
Half-forward: Welsh Stevens Edwards
These three are three of the most underrated players in the competiton but could easily cause headaches for opposition coaches. With the marking target of Stevens there, anything he doesn't grab, Edwards will swoop on and Welsh can play either a marking role or a crumbing role. This will prove to be either our big weapon or our downfall depending on the form an/or injuries of these three however IMO it is more likely to be our weapon. Rotations such as Ladhams, Burton, John(ock, McLeod, Riccuito, Burns etc. could occur on this line which provides us with a lot of depth.
Full-forward: Burns Carey Burton
A formidable line for any team. this provides us with the brilliance of Carey, the athleticism of Burton and the crumbing skills of Burns. As with the half-forward line these three could play multiple roles - Carey as the strong marker, Burns as the crumber and Burton as either depending on which we need him most. An excellent line if all players are fit and firing and this will no doubt be one of the most crucial lines in our team. All are capable of kicking 40+ goals if they are in form but we will have to keep them fit, focused and in form.
Rucks: Biglands Goodwin McLeod
Surely our biggest and best line in the team, this would be close to the best midfield in the league when you add Riccuito to it. McLeod is near unstoppable even with multiple taggers and the run and drive of Goodwin will no doubt be essential. Biglands can only get better and with excellent support from Clarke we will be well served in the ruck. Expect Mcleod to turn on an outstanding year considering his 2002 where he was consistent without being brilliant. A lot of rotation will occur on this line.
INT: Clarke Mattner Ladhams John(ock
A good young interchange to be a part of the midfield rotation. John(cok can play anywhere if he is needed and Ladhams can provide us with goalscoring opportunites if we need. Clarke will be an excellent assistance to Biglands and Mattner will thirve after another pre-season and will again do the 1%'s and the hard things.
Crowell, Massie, Doughty, Gallagher, Rutten and others very unlucky to miss out yet they will no doubt be used during the year and will get their chance to prove that they want to be a part of something special.
All looks good for season 2003 provided we stay relatively injury-free if the team puts in a great pre-season and the hunger is still there which it no doubt will be.
