Opinion Is It Time?

[_RT_]

Some issues I've been thinking about over the last few weeks and I thought I'd put them to everyone and see what peoples thoughts are.

1. Should we play only 1 of Hopper or Prestia in the line up moving forward? If so does the other go and play VFL as a result?

2. Can we afford to play both Broad & Vlastuin in the line up together?

3. Should we have a tough discussion with Broad and/or Prestia about early retirement to open up spot/s for the MSD?

4. The club talks about how the 2nd half of the year is something to look forward to with the young kids working their way back from injury, but is it time now to flick the switch and make the kids the priority when it comes to selection and build up some continuity and cohesion before the 2nd half of the season?

FWIW, my thoughts on the above

1. We should only play 1, with the other playing VFL as a mentor to the younger players

2. We need to make the call and play just one of them and give younger players the chance to grow into the role.

3. We should have the discussion but be respectful of their decisions if they want to continue playing. However they should be made aware that VFL time is likely as the club priorities are now on developing the kids.

4. Nothing to lose by making the switch now, in fact it probably helps long term to get 3/4 of the season to develop the kids. Yze constantly mentions that players gain more from playing at senior level than VFL, so give as many kids as possible the chance to play at the higher level.

 

[gunnagunnagunna]

Prestia defiantly offers more then Hopper does at this stage so I'd like to keep him at Hoppers expense. I think next season both spots need to be freed up!

I think Broad needs a tap on the shoulder! Big fan of what he's done but our backline is our most experienced line so we need that spot free for the youth!(Trainor)

Kids definitely need to start taking responsibility! Not for the results yet but for the position they play.

Short also needs to be relocated possibly forward to add some experience to that line. Him playing back is stifling the development of others.

 

[Wooden Robot]

1. Definitely should play only of Hopper or Prestia in the line up moving forward and the other goes to the VFL, even a rotational basis.
To be honest, sick of all this we need them to take the pressure off the kids and they'd be great mentors. I see nothing from them on the field that tells me they are getting around the younger mids and players in general and encouraging them or teaching them. And I've never seen or read an interview with one of our young mids singing the praises of Prestias, Hopper and even Taranto's impact on them and how they set standards and an example. You used to always read that about jack, Cotch and Dusty.
In fact, I have heard - in certain circles - Taranto needs to ease up on the rest of the playing group.

2. No. Keep Vlas, Broad is cooked and we need to make the call. I know that will be tough as we never make the call on premiership players nearing the end and we have backed ourselves in a corner by painting him out to be a hero by staying when others headed west and north.

3. Yes please. Open a spot up for the MSD.

4. Flick the switch. We've got the best out and seen the best of Vlas, Prestia, Short, Broad, Balta, etc. Time for the new breed to be handed the reins.

 

[Joey longshadow]

In regards to Hopper and Prestia .. Prestia played pretty well on Friday so I'd give him first dibs on a seniors spot ..Hopper unfortunately the game has gone past him ..If anyone plays reserves it's Hopper and he'd be a lot more effective there ...As for Broard or Prestia pulling the pin mid season definitely Broard with Prestia at seasons end ..I heard Broard wants to go back to WA let him go early ..Prestia I'd see if he is keen on stepping straight into a development role ...But ultimately these guys need to be pushed out if the youngsters are demanding those spots ..Kmac 2.0 should be played in the mid field ..period ..Trainor should be taking Broards spot now ..as for Vlastuin I think the end will approach quickly

 

[_RT_]

1. Definitely should play only of Hopper or Prestia in the line up moving forward and the other goes to the VFL, even a rotational basis.
To be honest, sick of all this we need them to take the pressure off the kids and they'd be great mentors. I see nothing from them on the field that tells me they are getting around the younger mids and players in general and encouraging them or teaching them. And I've never seen or read an interview with one of our young mids singing the praises of Prestias, Hopper and even Taranto's impact on them and how they set standards and an example. You used to always read that about jack, Cotch and Dusty.
In fact, I have heard - in certain circles - Taranto needs to ease up on the rest of the playing group.

2. No. Keep Vlas, Broad is cooked and we need to make the call. I know that will be tough as we never make the call on premiership players nearing the end and we have backed ourselves in a corner by painting him out to be a hero by staying when others headed west and north.

3. Yes please. Open a spot up for the MSD.

4. Flick the switch. We've got the best out and seen the best of Vlas, Prestia, Short, Broad, Balta, etc. Time for the new breed to be handed the reins.

Just on the see nothing from them mentoring. I was watching Prestia pre game and he was working with Green in regards to his positioning and ground ball gathering and I've also seen him in particular getting over to some of the younger kids in game to give them some feedback/support. Haven't seen it from Hopper as much though, which is disappointing to say the least

 

[Tigerturbulance]

1. Hopper v Prestia - Play one, Prestia offers more right now, the other goes to VFL.
2. Broad & Vlastuin - No, don't play both. Vlastuin stays. Broad looks tiered or disinterested and needs to make way for Trainor.​

3. Early retirement chat - Yes, especially Broad. WA move has been mentioned, so let him go early if he wants. Prestia can finish the year or shift into development later.

4. Prioritise kids now? - Yes, flick the switch. We’ve already seen the best of the older core, time to hand the reins to the new breed .

 

[The_Kraken]

Just on the see nothing from them mentoring. I was watching Prestia pre game and he was working with Green in regards to his positioning and ground ball gathering and I've also seen him in particular getting over to some of the younger kids in game to give them some feedback/support. Haven't seen it from Hopper as much though, which is disappointing to say the least

I thought Prestia was good, particularly with his defensive efforts, but the First Crack footage was damning. King exposed him for what he is now: a slow player being found out by quicker mids.

More concerning was the lack of leadership at ball-ups. Dion and the other veterans offered the kids little structural guidance. I love what he’s done and still prefer him over Hopper, but he needs to be managed. We might honestly be better off without him.

 

[Damo80]

It’s time to look at the experience vs kids mix, and how best to structure that to develop and prioritise the kids.

I posted this in the autopsy thread, but pretty much what you’re saying, so I totally agree:

“I’d love to see us aim for a balance of ~3 senior leaders playing on each line, with surrounding positions filled by kids. Gives the kids the best possible chance to learn and grow their games.

As a very loose, top of head starting point:
Backs: Vlas, Miller, plus one of (and certainly not more than two of) Balta/Short/Broad.
Mids: Nank + two of Hopper, TT, Prestia, Ross
Forwards: Lynch….. this is the big problem line. It’s why I’d play TT forward/mid. Address two glaring issues, mid pace and forward line lack of experience/leadership.”

 

[Drunken Wookie]

Prestia in the seniors, Hopper to 2s as mentor/depth. If he doesn't like it find another club willing to take on one of the worst rated mids in the comp.
Broad should be given the tap, if he's leading back there it's not noticeable and if he's leading by example atm it's detrimental.
I think Floss still has a bit to offer he's doing his pre-season now really.
My thoughts on Short have been expressed a hundred times. He's a stat padder and his long bombs to a contest are killing us. Weekend just gone Brown was actually hitting targets off the hb, how much better did we move it?
Lynch probably needs to play on, which isnt something I had planned for at the start of the year. The talls need to be at a level they can be competitive at the least before we can look at life without Lunch. They're barely touching the footy.

 

[Waca Jr]

Pretty hard to consider any of these options you have put forward when there are only 28 fit blokes left to pick from. if you look forward to getting dine by 6000 points then go ahead.

 

[UncleBob]

Prestia has shown that he is still our best mid when fit. We can only hope he stays fit.
The kids will learn infinitely more from him as they gain more inside experience.

 

[beema limapep]

Pretty hard to consider any of these options you have put forward when there are only 28 fit blokes left to pick from. if you look forward to getting dine by 6000 points then go ahead.

We are 0 and 7 with a percentage just above 50%.

I don't think any options should be off the table especially if it means kids getting games over players more their senior.

Nothing to lose.

 

[Drunken Wookie]

Pretty hard to consider any of these options you have put forward when there are only 28 fit blokes left to pick from. if you look forward to getting dine by 6000 points then go ahead.

He's looking to the second half of the year when we get the kids available. Competition for spots will become senior vs junior in a lot of cases. Would you rather a fully fit Smilie getting midfield time or Hopper? Broad or Trainor? Even MRJ or Hotton, Maurice ain't no spring chicken any more.

 

[_RT_]

Pretty hard to consider any of these options you have put forward when there are only 28 fit blokes left to pick from. if you look forward to getting dine by 6000 points then go ahead.

Short term pain for long term gain

 

[The_Kraken]

Prestia has shown that he is still our best mid when fit. We can only hope he stays fit.
The kids will learn infinitely more from him as they gain more inside experience.

Ever hear of Sam Lalor?

 

[beema limapep]

He's looking to the second half of the year when we get the kids available. Competition for spots will become senior vs junior in a lot of cases. Would you rather a fully fit Smilie getting midfield time or Hopper? Broad or Trainor? Even MRJ or Hotton, Maurice ain't no spring chicken any more.

We should trade MRJ and our 2027 third rounder (eg pick 40) to Gold Coast for a 2027 1st rounder (eg pick 20). You just know Dimma would jump at it.

 

[Danog]

Yes, only 1 of Prestia and Hopper. Give Prestia a rest this week, then swap them back and forth. Prestia retires at end of year and becomes our midfield development coach.

Hopper stays for 2027 and then trade him to Tassie as a mature body. They can afford his contracted salary, plus we get a draft pick and free up a spot in the midfield rotation.

Vlas and Broad stay for now. Short moved to wing to accommodate. Trainor in regardless (for Tresize).

 

[UncleBob]

Ever hear of Sam Lalor?

Sure have - and he's going to be an absolute weapon. Every touch is pure gold.

Just needs another 10 possies per game. Totally aware he's probably not got the tank, or positionally they move him forward a lot. If he was in there full time, I've no doubt he would probably be our best.

 

["The Roar Is Back"]

The backline should already be set for the next 5/7 years . Balta , short shouldn’t have went into backline when returning last year . That would have probably meant broad retired last year.

 

[Ralll]

1. Should we play only 1 of Hopper or Prestia in the line up moving forward? If so does the other go and play VFL as a result?
We should only play 3 of Hopper/Prestia/Taranto/Ross/Lalor. They are all liabilities defensively and it kills us unless we're vs an equally slow midfield. Taranto & Lalor walk up starts, Ross/Hopper/Prestia fighting for one position, then speed and youngsters around them.

2. Can we afford to play both Broad & Vlastuin in the line up together?
Sure, as long as kids like Trainor and Grlj aren't missing games, Vlas is first picked still.

3. Should we have a tough discussion with Broad and/or Prestia about early retirement to open up spot/s for the MSD?
Not unless there are a few we really want.

4. The club talks about how the 2nd half of the year is something to look forward to with the young kids working their way back from injury, but is it time now to flick the switch and make the kids the priority when it comes to selection and build up some continuity and cohesion before the 2nd half of the season?
Kids were my priority last season.

 

[sante]

Only one of Dion, Hopper or Taranto should be in the midfield at a time. Not sure why Taranto is always left out of this convo, his stats always look good, but he is too slow for the midfield

 

[The Vaucluse]

Prestia has a crack when defending transition and turnover, where Hopper tends to jog if the ball isn’t in his immediate area. For that reason alone, I’d keep Prestia and move Hopper on. I wouldn’t mind keeping Prestia next year, he sets standards.

I’m willing to take the hit and continue to play both Vlastuin & Broad, because they bleed Yellow & Black and have earned the right to finish on their terms. I’m certain that if either thought they weren’t contributing or couldn’t play at the level, they’d put their hand up.

It’s important that we play Tom Brown in a role that allows him to play to his strengths. He’s got a great peg and is strong overhead both defensively and offensively. In essence, he’s our main distributor behind the ball. If that means we modify Shorts role, then that needs to happen. Brown has potentially 10 years in front of him, at the age of 22, he is moving towards the peak years in his career.

Keep McAuliffe around the contest, he’s not elite like Lalor or Hotton, but his role can be redefined over time, but we need to build his confidence and connection within the team.

Any decision we make, must be based solely on how this will move us a step closer to our next Premiership. I’m willing to suffer in the moment, if I can see the decisions we are making today are contributing to our next Cup.

 

[Bojangles17]

Some issues I've been thinking about over the last few weeks and I thought I'd put them to everyone and see what peoples thoughts are.

1. Should we play only 1 of Hopper or Prestia in the line up moving forward? If so does the other go and play VFL as a result?

2. Can we afford to play both Broad & Vlastuin in the line up together?

3. Should we have a tough discussion with Broad and/or Prestia about early retirement to open up spot/s for the MSD?

4. The club talks about how the 2nd half of the year is something to look forward to with the young kids working their way back from injury, but is it time now to flick the switch and make the kids the priority when it comes to selection and build up some continuity and cohesion before the 2nd half of the season?

FWIW, my thoughts on the above

1. We should only play 1, with the other playing VFL as a mentor to the younger players

2. We need to make the call and play just one of them and give younger players the chance to grow into the role.

3. We should have the discussion but be respectful of their decisions if they want to continue playing. However they should be made aware that VFL time is likely as the club priorities are now on developing the kids.

4. Nothing to lose by making the switch now, in fact it probably helps long term to get 3/4 of the season to develop the kids. Yze constantly mentions that players gain more from playing at senior level than VFL, so give as many kids as possible the chance to play at the higher level.

Fully concur with all you say
Funny how many clearances lalor had in the absence of TT hop and pres dominating the CBA . I thought our ball movement was the slickest I’d seen in a while , unfortunately it didnt always amount to much as we’re still battling for class in f50

 

[sanaya]

tldr


play kmac2 as a mid is the solution

 

[baazzaa]

We cycle 1-2 fewer guys through the centre than most teams to begin with. Like Prestia + Ross + TT + Hopper will see 250%+ of CBAs when fit. If we distributed it more evenly (like a Collingwood say) we could have Kmac mostly play as an on-baller, with Lalor, Campbell and Cumming rotating through without even dropping anyone.

I suspect we should probably drop Hopper anyway on form but if that's not palatable, just drop the one of the forwards (Lefau/Faull) and have TT and Hopper split that halving their CBAs. Problem solved. I also don't mind Prestia as a linking-player off half-back (which he does do a bit in fairness to the coaches). His stats always look a lot worse when he does that, but I think even then he probably does more for our ball movement than Short.

2. Trainor should obviously be playing atm. Incredible that the one 2024 draftee who hasn't been plagued with injuries, the one who was touted as 'ready-made' and could play R1, was played in the wrong position all last year and now plays in the 2s even though his main defect can only really be fixed in the seniors (decision-making under pressure with ball in hand). No excuse for the MC here, they need to find space for him to credibly claim that we're 'rebuilding'.