Game Plan 2014

[theGav56]

Tracking towards the new season we have a few things that may be factored into our existing gameplan, and I am interested to hear what changes other posters think may happen;

- Forwards. Clearly there is a drive towards us posting higher scores, and this is where we can expect to see some change. Will it be monumental, or incremental? The key things are the recruits. In Gumbleton and Sylvia we have drafted two players who can bring some added potency. In addition, virtually every recruit we drafted has goal-scoring ability.

But surely it isn't just a question of the personnel available. Lyon and co will be matching that with some incisive changes to the way we set up.

- Structure. Gumbleton is not just about recruiting someone who can take a mark forward and kick goals. If he is actually in the best 22 then our forward structure will be fundamentally different, and the roles of all the other forward players changes. If Taberner makes it into the 22 instead of Gumby this is probably less of a change as he is more likely to play like a tall flanker at this stage of his career, whereas Gumby should be a genuine marking target.

In the midfield we have some players who are very good at delivering the ball forward with accuracy and distance. How is it going to work for us with 2 genuine KPFs, and fleet of brilliant small/medium forwards?

- Interchange cap. Sylvia's recruitment would be a good move regardless of the new interchange cap, but with it coming in next season, his recruitment is brilliant. Our small-medium forwards are going to spend time as midfielders and our midfielders are going to rest forward. With his fitness being worked on Sylvia will be a weapon as either a forward or a midfield, and rotating Sylvia/Ballantyne/Walters with Fyfe/Mundy/Barlow excites me.

The interchange cap is a move to curb game plans similar to our own with a high number of rotations. But in fact I think we have the players to make the mid/forward switch work beautifully as a strategy for resting key players.

- Midfield Depth. Outstanding depth, especially through the midfield is going to make for some interesting strategies. The "fringe" midfielders is a pretty debatable category for us. But with young guns in Neale, Sutcliffe, Crozier and Sheriden we have genuine pressure for positions. In terms of the gameplan this could mean that we see some changes to the way we use the sub (would have to say we used the sub beautifully in 2013 by the way). It also means that we have another mechanism for overcoming the interchange cap restrictions, effectively resting players when required.

- Ruck Depth. When Griffin and Bradley become available it is going to be very interest to see how the brains-trust manages the rucks. So far we have not really been successful in developing the ruck/forward position, but now the position is different with the resting ruck being very much a 3rd tall forward. Butt he most interesting thing for me is that we have quite a few combinations of good ruckmen who we can use throughout the year.

Any comments or other expectations on what may happen regarding developments to our gameplan?

 

[Fred Ziffel]

I see greater role for Michael Walters in the midfield and hence an improvement in the quality of delivery in our forward line.

Zac Clarke as the rucking partner in most games with a rotation policy with Sandi and Griff and to a lesser degree Jack Hannath.
So, two ruckmen and two key tall forwards in Pav and Gumbleton .

Ballantyne predominantly forward.

 

[theGav56]

Ballantyne predominantly forward.

Do you have any idea on what the balance was for him this season? He puts great pressure on in the midfield where he is dangerous as a run down player.

I really like the potential for creating mismatches given the different requirements for defenders who are required to match-up on a Ballantyne for Mundy/Fyfe switch.

I also like the thought of Gumby and Ballantyne staying forward while the rest press up. The quick longkick will be very useful, and what Gumby doesn't mark, Ballantyne can shark.

 

[Dockernut]

For some reason I'm thinking of Sylvia as the new super-sub. Can come on late in the game with fresh legs as a damaging mid-forward. I'd actually like to see the sub used more as a momentum tool in this way. Because when you look at a lot of our games last year, we bolt out of the blocks then either ease off or run out of puff in the third and often leave the door ajar. I think the injection of someone with Sylvia's skill-set at that stage of the game would give us significant lift.

 

[sherrif]

Tracking towards the new season we have a few things that may be factored into our existing gameplan, and I am interested to hear what changes other posters think may happen;

- Forwards. Clearly there is a drive towards us posting higher scores, and this is where we can expect to see some change. Will it be monumental, or incremental? The key things are the recruits. In Gumbleton and Sylvia we have drafted two players who can bring some added potency. In addition, virtually every recruit we drafted has goal-scoring ability.

But surely it isn't just a question of the personnel available. Lyon and co will be matching that with some incisive changes to the way we set up.

- Structure. Gumbleton is not just about recruiting someone who can take a mark forward and kick goals. If he is actually in the best 22 then our forward structure will be fundamentally different, and the roles of all the other forward players changes. If Taberner makes it into the 22 instead of Gumby this is probably less of a change as he is more likely to play like a tall flanker at this stage of his career, whereas Gumby should be a genuine marking target.

In the midfield we have some players who are very good at delivering the ball forward with accuracy and distance. How is it going to work for us with 2 genuine KPFs, and fleet of brilliant small/medium forwards?

- Interchange cap. Sylvia's recruitment would be a good move regardless of the new interchange cap, but with it coming in next season, his recruitment is brilliant. Our small-medium forwards are going to spend time as midfielders and our midfielders are going to rest forward. With his fitness being worked on Sylvia will be a weapon as either a forward or a midfield, and rotating Sylvia/Ballantyne/Walters with Fyfe/Mundy/Barlow excites me.

The interchange cap is a move to curb game plans similar to our own with a high number of rotations. But in fact I think we have the players to make the mid/forward switch work beautifully as a strategy for resting key players.

- Midfield Depth. Outstanding depth, especially through the midfield is going to make for some interesting strategies. The "fringe" midfielders is a pretty debatable category for us. But with young guns in Neale, Sutcliffe, Crozier and Sheriden we have genuine pressure for positions. In terms of the gameplan this could mean that we see some changes to the way we use the sub (would have to say we used the sub beautifully in 2013 by the way). It also means that we have another mechanism for overcoming the interchange cap restrictions, effectively resting players when required.

- Ruck Depth. When Griffin and Bradley become available it is going to be very interest to see how the brains-trust manages the rucks. So far we have not really been successful in developing the ruck/forward position, but now the position is different with the resting ruck being very much a 3rd tall forward. Butt he most interesting thing for me is that we have quite a few combinations of good ruckmen who we can use throughout the year.

Any comments or other expectations on what may happen regarding developments to our gameplan?

The biggest change that I think will happen is that instead of playing five attacking forwards and one defensive forward (de boer), we will play six attacking fowards for the majority of the game. With the addition of Gumbelton (hopefully injury free and playing to his potential) and Pav playing more games we shoukld be kicking longer into the forward fifty. I think Clarke will play a roaming half forward role when he is not on the ball rather than deep forward.
I would love to see Crozier playing regularly as I think we need to improve our skills to win a flag.

 

[Fred Ziffel]

For some reason I'm thinking of Sylvia as the new super-sub. Can come on late in the game with fresh legs as a damaging mid-forward. I'd actually like to see the sub used more as a momentum tool in this way. Because when you look at a lot of our games last year, we bolt out of the blocks then either ease off or run out of puff in the third and often leave the door ajar. I think the injection of someone with Sylvia's skill-set at that stage of the game would give us significant lift.

If he is used as a sub he would be joining an impressive group of players we have for the sub role.
this past season our sub players have been a strategic selection. Gone are the days at Fremantle of sharing the vest around to everyone.

Crozier, Sutcliffe, Sheridan, Suban, Lachie. Possibly add to that Sylvia and an exciting return to the team via the sub for Morabito.
I don't think I can recall a game in 2013 where our sub did not come on and have an immediate impact.

 

[theGav56]

Maybe with the cap on rotations we could see some key midfielders being subbed, especially if the game is in the bag. Be interesting to see if fatigue is an issue.

 

[couldhavebeen]

Fred the only sub that didn't have great impact was Mzungu only because he is not a high impact type player with a big burst of speed like Suti ,Subs Sheridan or Neale .
Muz is an elite distance running machine that is able to go from contest to contest all day hence last quarter interchange doesn't work for him or us .

 

[couldhavebeen]

Gav
I think the game plan will change both down back and up forward due to rule changes that are being introduced this new season .
Forwards will be able to use strength on defenders without fear of giving away cheap free kicks .
No free kick for a player that drops his head into another player when either being tackled or trying to graft a free kick Al La Weagles by dropping to their knees .
The other rule change is a free kick against anyone sliding into or at another player contact or not .
these changes mean more wrestling for full forwards
The head is protected but if you try to milk a free kick by inducting high tackles by dropping the knees there will be no sympathy from umpires .
The attempt to slide into a players legs means players who keep their feet in a contest will be rewarded .
This rule had to come as too many players getting calf injuries and ACL 's
I think these are changes that where well overdue .
Reduction of the rotations had to come but with our high number of quality mids I see this as a big plus for us and our big mids in particular when they go forward to rest .

 

[Fred Ziffel]

Fred the only sub that didn't have great impact was Mzungu only because he is not a high impact type player with a big burst of speed like Suti ,Subs Sheridan or Neale .
Muz is an elite distance running machine that is able to go from contest to contest all day hence last quarter interchange doesn't work for him or us .

I can't remember which game Gu was sub in but I agree he is an endurance player and is not suited to the sub spot.

 

[theGav56]

My understanding of the ducking rule change is that dropping at the knees is not impacted, only leading with the head.

 

[couldhavebeen]

Gav your right ,I re read the piece and the eagle dropping on the knees still considered legal WTF.
What a joke .
I can't wait till one of those guys get their head torn off and then the rules committee decides that its too dangerous and outlaws that as well .
Just pity the poor sod that does it when it happens because he will have that to live with if the guy being tackled ends up in a wheel chair for the rest of their life .
I hope its just not one of our guys involved .

 

[Wigarus]

My understanding of the ducking rule change is that dropping at the knees is not impacted, only leading with the head.

I think its a pretty subtle 'don't do it' from the AFL. They will probably just start pinging them as going in with their head until they start to change their behaviour.


At least that's what I hope.

 

[electricfeel]

I know the Weagles and Joel Selwood do that "drop at the knees" thing a lot but when I was re-watching some of our games, particularly in the second half, I noticed Suban and Walters doing it quite often as well, so it makes me feel like a hypocrite poking shit at WCE/Selwood brothers. It's still frustrating as hell watching guys like the Selwoods and Shuey (thank God Hams has retired) constantly getting away with it thought.

 

[theGav56]

I know the Weagles and Joel Selwood do that "drop at the knees" thing a lot but when I was re-watching some of our games, particularly in the second half, I noticed Suban and Walters doing it quite often as well, so it makes me feel like a hypocrite poking shit at WCE/Selwood brothers. It's still frustrating as hell watching guys like the Selwoods and Shuey (thank God Hams has retired) constantly getting away with it thought.

Yeah spot on. I think the main frustration is because it is simply playing the game to get free kicks, and I'd include the shoulder shrugging too.

 

[Bulldocker]

I expect to see a whole lot more of the Fyfernator drifting across the half-forward line as Sylvia runs into the midfield. The ploy of kicking long and high to CHF where Fyfe was lurking would've been a masterstroke in the GF........ if only he was kicking straight. That luxury will be used more with the addition of Gumby and Sylvia I reckon. The high ball becomes much more viable with both Pav and Gumby there - Fyfe drifting across the marking contest and Ballas and Walters front and centre. Goals, goals, goals people!!

 

[Dockernut]

Reckon Walters does it, but only because he is trying to punch holes through the time/space continuum, as shown to him by the Genius. Probably goes without saying that Genius was in control of the time/space continuum, so it was easier for him. But also sometimes you just get bigger guys looking to snipe smaller players like Sonny on the field *coughs* Brian Lake *coughs*.

 

[Freo Hitman]

Maybe with the cap on rotations we could see some key midfielders being subbed, especially if the game is in the bag. Be interesting to see if fatigue is an issue.

The biggest crock of shi ite is the cap on rotations.
If you rotate the rucks forward & stop that crappola of taking off goalscorers everytime they snag one I think suddenly all coaches will have worked out suddenly they may have 5-10% more interchanges they used last season

 

[Freo Dr]

I think key changes will be:

1) 6 Geniune forwards versus 5 + defensive forward. As given our forwards will rotate with mids more often (Sylvia/Fyfe/Walters/Mundy/Ballantyne/Crozier especially). MDB will probably play more a tagging type midfield role than in the forward line heir apparent to Crowley?
2) Our 2nd ruck will become the third tall not 2nd tall with the addition of Gumby or Taberner or Bradley. These three in a race for one spot at present. Be very interesting to see how Jack Hannath is developed as well. Apeness likewise but he is further back.
3) With cap on rotations and our gameplan on frenetic pressure acts, emphasis is on aerobic fitness to run out games. That is why Sam Menegola got another year because he has this in spades. Two of our talls - Taberner and Clarke are right up there with this and could be real weapons in this regard as it suits their game.
4) The sub may copy the Hawthorn gameplan. Hale (2nd ruck and third tall) was subbed out every time for another runner to maintain run including the GF. It may seem harsh but you would have to consider subbing out 211 (older and less mobile) and leaving Clarke or Griffen in as your ruck for the last part of the game so that another runner comes in. Clarke struggles a little still as a forward but thrives as the main ruck, particularly late in games when he can run his opponent ragged. Griff when he is available is probably going to be better as a forward than Clarke for the first part of the game with periods of 211 down there as well. Really key year for Clarke this year having got a lot of opportunity in 2013 he needs to step up again especially in the 2nd half of the season with 211 and Griff hopefully both available.

 

[Freo Dr]

The biggest crock of shi ite is the cap on rotations.
If you rotate the rucks forward & stop that crappola of taking off goalscorers everytime they snag one I think suddenly all coaches will have worked out suddenly they may have 5-10% more interchanges they used last season

Def. agree on the bs rule of always coming off if you score a goal. Stop that and have more roughly time based interchanges by player depending on their position and fitness is def. the way to go. They sprint off when they do it and that probably wears them out more than getting the goal did.

 

[se17enteen]

AFL are so stupid, with the new rotation rules it just means good teams will start resting star players when playing against shit ones. Premier League style.

Looks like we won't be seeing most our star players playing in derbies anymore.

 

[Simmofreo]

Or just simply we won't be seeing a player subbed every time they kick a goal. Simples

 

[FreoRicci]

Mayne, Ballas and Walters to keep doing what they're doing. Gumbleton as CHF rotating with Pav FF. Chuck in the resting ruckman of Clarke/Sandi. THEN add in Fyfe HFF due to interchange rule.. Jesus. Mayne will finally most likely get the third best defender. Leaving who for Ballas and Walters? As well as Apeness and Taberner developing, with Crozier chipping in. Not bad I say not bad..

 

[Fred Ziffel]

One of the forward drills they were doing at training today had a structure of Pav, Gumby, Walters, Ballantyne and David Mundy.

I am tipping a rotating Mids and forward flankers using Mundy, Fyfe, Barlow and Sylvia and Walters to have an occasional run on the ball.
I think that strengthens our forward line without compromising our midfield. In fact it is a bloody awesome forward line with Pav, Gumbleton and Mayne there.