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Analysis Do we have a forward line yet?

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Accidental genius said:
From the current list who do you think can potentially be our long term pressure forwards? I don't see any standouts for this role at this stage.
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We are definitely lacking. LeBois is the only genuine small forward on the list and he is a long way off at the moment. Polson may be okay as it will be hard for him to get midfield minutes. Older options are Murphy Simpson & Thomas. A fit Fasolo may be handy.

Fisher SPS Cuningham may be options down there but I wouldn't like them to be permanent forwards as I think they can be good mids.

May look at someone like Gregson (if fit) as a rookie.
 
Pretty much why I'd love to see us go hard for Jack Martin next year, as he would really round out our team.

Not keen on Rankine though, as I don't get the sense he'd stick around long term. In any case, Walsh is our man.
 

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CFC18 said:
Pretty much why I'd love to see us go hard for Jack Martin next year, as he would really round out our team.

Not keen on Rankine though, as I don't get the sense he'd stick around long term. In any case, Walsh is our man.
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Jack Martin fan here also. Seems SOS had a nibble this year by all reports. So id suggest foundations may have been laid.

Coniglio/Tomlinson/Haynes are 3 FAs id go for and add a Jack Martin up forward and if the we got lucky and Kelly selected us, we would be in for a ripping 2020.

But yes, Jack Martin please!
 
katmanblue said:
I can understand not having touch due not playing. But putting on weight? Not so much.

On [device_name] using BigFooty.com mobile app
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No doubt questions on weight gain can be asked pointing to a lack of supervision and player discipline...however there is also no doubt that an injured wrist makes running and staying fit almost impossible for a while - too jarring - fast blokes pump their arms and hands a lot.
 
Ironically, we have more of a starting midfield (or, at least, will have if we take Walsh) than any other line, it's just that most flankers, pocket players and bench/emergencies have to play like midfielders in the modern game. That confuses people. A SOS clone (maybe a bit taller to suit the modern game) who can swing forward at a pinch is what we need and maybe Curnow doesn't play as a KPF long term so another KPF is not out of the question.
 
What we do need is a powerful medium size forward that can pinch-hit through the middle. Examples from other clubs:
  • GWS: Aiden Bonar
  • Melbourne: Christian Petracca
  • Richmond: Josh Caddy
  • Collingwood: Jordan De Goey
  • Brisbane: Cameron Rayner
  • Geelong: Nakia Cockatoo
Personally hoping we target Aiden Bonar next trade period. Offer a future second (2020 selection) :)
 

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Eiffel 65 said:
What we do need is a powerful medium size forward that can pinch-hit through the middle. Examples from other clubs:
  • GWS: Aiden Bonar
  • Melbourne: Christian Petracca
  • Richmond: Josh Caddy
  • Collingwood: Jordan De Goey
  • Brisbane: Cameron Rayner
  • Geelong: Nakia Cockatoo
Personally hoping we target Aiden Bonar next trade period. Offer a future second (2020 selection) :)
Click to expand...

mitch?
 
Rankine is exactly the type of player we need but we need Walsh more. Our midfield is pretty average and needs to be built up. Our forward line will hold its own as it develops and with a fit list.

Structurally I really like our forward line. McKay and Curnow are good young players and provide adequate marking power. Modern day key forwards with mobility and pace. McGovern is a bit of icing on the cake as he's a medium forward who can jump and play as a tall but he's quick enough and mobile enough to make an impact at ground level or with pressure.

What we are lacking is three smaller quick forwards who can kick goals and apply elite pressure, one of which is a change midfielder. The thing is we may already have them. Zac Fisher is an elite AFL player. He's a very good forward when given the opportunity but because we have been weak he's played a lot of midfield and he's been great in there as well. If his last name was Rioli the hype around him would be huge. I think he's our full package small forward who changes in the midfield. He could be an AA player in this role.

Polson is the other one, his forward pressure has been excellent. You can't really teach that. It's just the other part of the game he's lacking a bit. Possessions, goal assists, goals. He's 19, I think that will come. When you look at other good small forwards like Puopolo, he didn't debut until he was 23. Polson should be judged on his efforts and pressure and left in the side. You would hope in a good team he can become an elite pressure player who averages between 10-15 possessions and a goal per game. He's starting 18 at this stage in my round 1 side.

Fasolo can play and if he gets his mind and body right he'll kick goals for us. It's his pressure efforts that will define him. He may be really really good for us or just mediocre. Time will tell but at this stage he is what we need.

F: Polson McKay Fasolo
HF: McGovern Curnow Fisher
Changes: Silvagni, Cripps, Murphy, Setterfield, Dow, SPS
EM: Kerr, DeKoning, Lang, Garlett, Cuningham, Pickett, Phillips, Thomas, Casboult, LeBois

Silvagni - See him as a utility, come on and play anywhere needed. We know he can play forward. May excel from having the other talls or it may be an issue. Depends.

Cripps - Has been good going forward at times but Cripps with Curnow, McKay and McGovern is not really necessary and very tall. Will work at times but not all the time. Ideally you would like to see Cripps go to full forward at times changing with McGovern and I hope we explore this option.

Murphy - Handy goal kicker at times when resting forward. Probably lacks tackling and pressure ability as a permanent forward.

Setterfield - None of us know what he can do exactly but it's hard to see him spending big numbers on the ball.

Dow - A player who looks like they could spend burst periods forward.

SPS - Not a natural forward but does kick the odd goal and can rest there.

Kerr - Developing backup tall. Good option.

DeKoning - More of a ruckman but because he's young will play forward a lot which is good for his development.

Lang - one of the backup midfield/forward options.

Garlett - Last chance, needs to show he can run hard and get free but also chase, pressure and tackle. Needs to be there to crumb the ball a lot more.

Cuningham - Backup outside player, can go forward.

Pickett - Needs to dramatically improve his fitness or he's gone. Been a liability in the side so far. Has talent and pace but not involved enough and can not run both ways.

Phillips - Ruckman who can play a bit as a tall forward.

Thomas - Forward craft is probably past him but he's an option.

Casboult - A ruck/forward backup, unlikely to get a look in but you never know.

LeBois - Developing small forward.
 
therubbernub said:
Well with the trade period done and dusted, and with it has gone a lot of our draft picks, leaving our prized #1 pick and some shrapnel . For all intents and purposes we have our list, except for one elite player. IMO that will either be Walsh or Rankine.

I am very torn about which we should take, because I see both as quite exceptional players . However one player stands out as being the logical choice- Rankine. Why? because he can help fill two holes in our list- he can be an elite forward with great evasive skills and elite goal sense, and simply, he has already shown that he can do things that other players cannot. But his skills can also translate very well into the midfield, and so he can also help fill that hole as well.

Walsh on the other hand is the super professional , consistent , high effort/commitment mid that any club needs. He is not irreplaceable as there are many midfielders that tick this box, but he is probably the least risky pick to get an elite player.

That said I always believe in the glass half full theory. In this case I believe that Rankine will deliver on his promise as a junior and become an amazing AFL player.

Which gets me to my point. IF we take Rankine , is our forward line just about complete? Consider the excitement of a half forward line consisting of -

RANKINE CHARLIE MITCH M

That is an elite half forward line in anybodies language. Even Rankine is capable of taking a decent overhead mark. I dont think too many people would argue, that this Half forward line up would be equal to any other teams.

Which leaves a Full forward line up of

FASOLO HARRY RESTING MID/ MURPHY

Now on his day Fasolo can be a real handful and Harry has shown heaps of potential

So just considering the forward line, Taking Rankine instead of Walsh , appears to have completed our future forward line. But as the saying goes, are we robbing Peter to pay Paul? Without Walsh, how does our midfield shape up? Well IMO there is some real depth developing there. I leave you with a proposed line up, where we have moved Docherty into the centre where he can play midfield and direct play and he is replaced with Newman.
I have LOB and Willow on the 2 wings, which I believe will allow them to utilize their elite disposal skills. The back 6 is similar to the past 2 years except for the addition of Newman, and hopefully with AR's help, they can all stay on the park. View attachment 578954
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Walsh - Looks like he will be a constant presence through the midfield, yet might not hit the scoreboard as often as clubs would like.

Rankine - A freak around goals, yet is conditional and selfish, also question marks on whether he will ever play a sustained role through the middle

Other options

Rozee - Not the freak factor of Rankine, but still has xfactor. Committed, team first, silky, can play multiple positions. Perhaps a reach at pick 1

Smith - Bull, with bust speed, that can play, inside and out, while being dangerous while resting forward

Personally, for our "needs", I would rate them in the following order

Smith
Walsh
Rozee
Rankine
 
gbatman said:
Rankine is exactly the type of player we need but we need Walsh more. Our midfield is pretty average and needs to be built up. Our forward line will hold its own as it develops and with a fit list.

Structurally I really like our forward line. McKay and Curnow are good young players and provide adequate marking power. Modern day key forwards with mobility and pace. McGovern is a bit of icing on the cake as he's a medium forward who can jump and play as a tall but he's quick enough and mobile enough to make an impact at ground level or with pressure.

What we are lacking is three smaller quick forwards who can kick goals and apply elite pressure, one of which is a change midfielder. The thing is we may already have them. Zac Fisher is an elite AFL player. He's a very good forward when given the opportunity but because we have been weak he's played a lot of midfield and he's been great in there as well. If his last name was Rioli the hype around him would be huge. I think he's our full package small forward who changes in the midfield. He could be an AA player in this role.

Polson is the other one, his forward pressure has been excellent. You can't really teach that. It's just the other part of the game he's lacking a bit. Possessions, goal assists, goals. He's 19, I think that will come. When you look at other good small forwards like Puopolo, he didn't debut until he was 23. Polson should be judged on his efforts and pressure and left in the side. You would hope in a good team he can become an elite pressure player who averages between 10-15 possessions and a goal per game. He's starting 18 at this stage in my round 1 side.

Fasolo can play and if he gets his mind and body right he'll kick goals for us. It's his pressure efforts that will define him. He may be really really good for us or just mediocre. Time will tell but at this stage he is what we need.

F: Polson McKay Fasolo
HF: McGovern Curnow Fisher
Changes: Silvagni, Cripps, Murphy, Setterfield, Dow, SPS
EM: Kerr, DeKoning, Lang, Garlett, Cuningham, Pickett, Phillips, Thomas, Casboult, LeBois

Silvagni - See him as a utility, come on and play anywhere needed. We know he can play forward. May excel from having the other talls or it may be an issue. Depends.

Cripps - Has been good going forward at times but Cripps with Curnow, McKay and McGovern is not really necessary and very tall. Will work at times but not all the time. Ideally you would like to see Cripps go to full forward at times changing with McGovern and I hope we explore this option.

Murphy - Handy goal kicker at times when resting forward. Probably lacks tackling and pressure ability as a permanent forward.

Setterfield - None of us know what he can do exactly but it's hard to see him spending big numbers on the ball.

Dow - A player who looks like they could spend burst periods forward.

SPS - Not a natural forward but does kick the odd goal and can rest there.

Kerr - Developing backup tall. Good option.

DeKoning - More of a ruckman but because he's young will play forward a lot which is good for his development.

Lang - one of the backup midfield/forward options.

Garlett - Last chance, needs to show he can run hard and get free but also chase, pressure and tackle. Needs to be there to crumb the ball a lot more.

Cuningham - Backup outside player, can go forward.

Pickett - Needs to dramatically improve his fitness or he's gone. Been a liability in the side so far. Has talent and pace but not involved enough and can not run both ways.

Phillips - Ruckman who can play a bit as a tall forward.

Thomas - Forward craft is probably past him but he's an option.

Casboult - A ruck/forward backup, unlikely to get a look in but you never know.

LeBois - Developing small forward.
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Just on Silvagni.... I agree on him being a bit of a utility, at least at this stage of his career, but I'm not convinced he's necessarily needed if we have everyone fit and in form. We've actually got a fair bit of versatility in our other tall/3rd/medium players and I'd hazard a guess that his work at either end of the ground is comfortably shadowed by Mitch.

Charlie: key forward, high half forward, wing, inside mid pinch hitter?
Harry: key forward, ruck
Mitch: 3rd/high half forward, 3rd/intercept defender
Weitering: key back, intercept defender, chf if required
Marchbank: intercept defender, smaller key back, wing if required
Plowman: versatile defender (small-medium plus resting mids in particular), possible inside mid pinch hitter?
Doc: hbf, bp, intercept defender, mid
Willo: hbf, bp, wing
Macreadie: 3rd/intercept defender, key back (not gorillas yet), wing
Jones: key back, intercept defender, 'break glass in case of emergency' ruck
De Koning: key forward, hhf, ruck pinch hitter

Jack played a bit of midfield this year, and I'm hoping that's where he eventually transitions to as a player (in the same way Jobe Watson did), but right now we've already got a few bigger mids who can drift forward and take marks in Cripps, Kennedy & Setterfield, not to mention the medium/smaller types in Fish, Samo, Dow, Murph, Polson, Lang, etc plus hopefully the likes of O'Brien/Pickett/Garlett/Willo running up the wing and putting the ball in from 50.

I could be wrong but my gut says this is another development year for Jack and he plays about half the games in the NBs as an inside mid, learning the craft.
 
Arr0w said:
Personally, for our "needs", I would rate them in the following order
Smith
Walsh
Rozee
Rankine
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Interesting having Rankine 4th when discussing immediate needs.

I'd have him at #1 on this basis and by some way.
That's not to say I'd want him above everyone else, but to my eye, he'll be the player that gets going quickest next year and especially so if he lands at a club like Port or Adelaide, where the tall forwards are already in place.

Reckon he may just go OK at Carlton as he's exactly what we need, filling a gaping hole.
 

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Eiffel 65 said:
What we do need is a powerful medium size forward that can pinch-hit through the middle.
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Cuningham. I'll keep saying it until I see it happen.
 
HARKER said:
Interesting having Rankine 4th when discussing immediate needs.

I'd have him at #1 on this basis and by some way.
That's not to say I'd want him above everyone else, but to my eye, he'll be the player that gets going quickest next year and especially so if he lands at a club like Port or Adelaide, where the tall forwards are already in place.

Reckon he may just go OK at Carlton as he's exactly what we need, filling a gaping hole.
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Don't disagree as a short term benefit. In fact, I think Rankine will have the best impact next year over any of his cohorts. We have many wholes to fill and if we had those 2nd rounders still, I would not be as closed to the idea of taking Rankine at pick one.

I know many people, believe you should target small forwards as a matter of priority, I am the opposite. Look at some of the best sides/flag sides, many of the impact forwards are generally resting mids, Caddy, Martin, while WC had many of their forwards able to rotate through the middle. Build midfield depth, then the likes of a Fisher, SPS etc, spend more time forward. May not have the freakish nature of Rankine, but are more vital to the balance and effectiveness of the team
 
Eiffel 65 said:
What we do need is a powerful medium size forward that can pinch-hit through the middle. Examples from other clubs:
  • GWS: Aiden Bonar
  • Melbourne: Christian Petracca
  • Richmond: Josh Caddy
  • Collingwood: Jordan De Goey
  • Brisbane: Cameron Rayner
  • Geelong: Nakia Cockatoo
Personally hoping we target Aiden Bonar next trade period. Offer a future second (2020 selection) :)
Click to expand...

Cuningham says hi.
 
Arr0w said:
Don't disagree as a short term benefit. In fact, I think Rankine will have the best impact next year over any of his cohorts. We have many wholes to fill and if we had those 2nd rounders still, I would not be as closed to the idea of taking Rankine at pick one.

I know many people, believe you should target small forwards as a matter of priority, I am the opposite. Look at some of the best sides/flag sides, many of the impact forwards are generally resting mids, Caddy, Martin, while WC had many of their forwards able to rotate through the middle. Build midfield depth, then the likes of a Fisher, SPS etc, spend more time forward. May not have the freakish nature of Rankine, but are more vital to the balance and effectiveness of the team
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Fair point but let me ask you this; If the same personal accolades being adorned on Walsh were in play for Rankine, would that change your mind? i.e. Leadership, football IQ, commitment etc
We can't change the physical attributes as it's highly unlikely that Rankine will suddenly be able to run all day, but why shouldn't a Rioli or Betts be considered for the first pick in the draft, if it happens to be the missing piece of the puzzle?

We've both watched Rankine and probably both have the same concerns, which may just cloud our value of him a little.
Anyway, I'm arguing against myself to a degree as I'm much happier with us taking Walsh, but I feel there will be some weeks in April and May next year that some may be asking......"Why did we not take Rankine?" :)
 
AlecDuncan said:
Cuningham. I'll keep saying it until I see it happen.
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I'm really hoping he gets a good run at it this year, no injuries, and can spend some time at hff.

From memory that game against GWS in 2017 where he got his RS nomination he played predominantly there (was named on the bench) and managed 19 disposals, 10 contested, 5 marks, 2 goals, a couple of inside 50s and a clearance. I'd like to see more of that thanks David...
 
CJMB said:
I'm really hoping he gets a good run at it this year, no injuries, and can spend some time at hff.

From memory that game against GWS in 2017 where he got his RS nomination he played predominantly there (was named on the bench) and managed 19 disposals, 10 contested, 5 marks, 2 goals, a couple of inside 50s and a clearance. I'd like to see more of that thanks David...
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Me too. Still holding out hope for Davey but he has to start producing next season or he risks being left behind.

Sent from my SM-A520F using Tapatalk
 

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Analysis Do we have a forward line yet?

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