Key Forward

[Docker82]

My concerns are as follows.
Bradley, age and knee recon.
Griffen, knee recon.
Sandilands, age and injury concerns.
Pavlich, as above.
Mcpharlin, age.
Silvagni, in and out of the team, can he find a spot?
Faulks, hasn't played for Freo in two years?
Forster, just starting to show something in wafl.
Sandilands, Griffen are covered by our depth in the ruck, I don't think we can be too pedantic, who ever we think is a good match, or has huge upside, make it happen.

The reality is none of these guys except Griffin and maybe Bradley and/or Silvagni will be at the club in 2015 on current form/age,injuries etc.

We've got to be smart, however there will be mistakes along the way. People have to accept kpps don't always make it. My game plan would be something like.
Back the rucks we've got
2013. Trade/psd in kpf, 1st round kpd, if kpf slips to 2nd round (if we have it still) jump on. ,a mature aged kpp that can play both ends late/rookie draft. (Hardy?? Played defence I believe two-three years ago)
2014. Get all the money we can and throw it at James Frawley, 1st round kpf. Access Taberner/Howson/Moller (if still on rookie list, tabs might not be) rookie a ruckman.
2015. Access 2013 group, Smith and the above. Draft/FA accordingly

Mistakes mean we continue the process, high (FAs, trades, early picks, approx 1/2 late picks) success rate we go back to best available but I must stress we must continue to draft kpps on an even spread so this problem doesn't re-occur.

 

[Seppo]

My concerns are as follows.
Bradley, age and knee recon.
Griffen, knee recon.
Sandilands, age and injury concerns.
Pavlich, as above.
Mcpharlin, age.
Silvagni, in and out of the team, can he find a spot?
Faulks, hasn't played for Freo in two years?
Forster, just starting to show something in wafl.
Sandilands, Griffen are covered by our depth in the ruck, I don't think we can be too pedantic, who ever we think is a good match, or has huge upside, make it happen.

So glad we picked up Hannath, Smith, Taberner, Howson and Moller in the draft last year.
This covers us for the long term, but we need someone around the 50-100 game mark to slot in between our senior blokes who i think we'll be chasing in the PSD/Trade/FA period.

 

[Silent Alarm]

Well Freo are not going to Pay buddy Franklin 1.5 million a year to lure him back to WA. So what are your suggestions?

My source for the Darling rumour (an ex-Richmond footballer) said Freo were offered Buddy for $2 million a year. I don't know if this was pre-GWS or anything.

 

[willoblue]

So glad we picked up Hannath, Smith, Taberner, Howson and Moller in the draft last year.
This covers us for the long term, but we need someone around the 50-100 game mark to slot in between our senior blokes who i think we'll be chasing in the PSD/Trade/FA period.

yes
and don't forget that the 5 players you have named will all have 1 year on an AFL list (rookie for a couple), as well as a second pre-season to help build them up

 

[Schauermann]

Silvagni, in and out of the team, can he find a spot?

My concerns are as follows.
Bradley, age and knee recon.
Griffen, knee recon.
Sandilands, age and injury concerns.
Pavlich, as above.
Mcpharlin, age.
Silvagni, in and out of the team, can he find a spot?
Faulks, hasn't played for Freo in two years?
Forster, just starting to show something in wafl.
Sandilands, Griffen are covered by our depth in the ruck, I don't think we can be too pedantic, who ever we think is a good match, or has huge upside, make it happen.

Yes, because of all the other concerns.

 

[Sman-21]

According to 6pr it seems Ross agrees with many of us that we desperately need a key forward followed by some developing key defenders to replace Mcpharlin when that day comes

So key forward sounds like our main target this offseason and its about bloody time.

As for the Darling rumour i dont believe it at all.
However Eagles have surplus talls and no midfieders.
I would def offer up Michie and Sheridan/Neale for Darling plus a 3rd or if we have to 2nd round pick.
They have been having great games in WAFL and could step into the eagles best 22 as mids.
Solves our key forward problem and gives them some young talented ready to go midfielders.

Crameri is a waste of time, yep good player but he is a 3rd tall option like Mayne.
We need the real forward who has played there since he was little and can take big strong contested marks.
Still not convinced Gumbleton or White would offer anymore than Bradley, who realisticly only plays because we have no better options we are chasing forwards above that level not wanting more of the same.

 

[Freomaniac]

So glad we picked up Hannath, Smith, Taberner, Howson and Moller in the draft last year.
This covers us for the long term, but we need someone around the 50-100 game mark to slot in between our senior blokes who i think we'll be chasing in the PSD/Trade/FA period.

I agree... With all those KPPs you have mentioned, They will be in a developing phase for one more season. By the time 2015 rolls around when Pav Sandi and McPharlin are gone, I expect all those guys you mentioned be in our best 22.

 

[Nickos66]

I agree... With all those KPPs you have mentioned, They will be in a developing phase for one more season. By the time 2015 rolls around when Pav Sandi and McPharlin are gone, I expect all those guys you mentioned be in our best 22.

Wishful thinking there, how often does a team get a 100% strike rate with their draftees, or their talls for that matter? And then just to add further perspective, how often has Freo gotten it right with drafting KPP's? I'd be happy if 2 of them make our best 22 for an extended period of time.

 

[Freomaniac]

Wishful thinking there, how often does a team get a 100% strike rate with their draftees, or their talls for that matter? And then just to add further perspective, how often has Freo gotten it right with drafting KPP's? I'd be happy if 2 of them make our best 22 for an extended period of time.

Scary thing is, If you look at the past 10 years, Zac Clarke and Michael Johnson are the only KPPs Freo have drafted and Johnson, like Hannath was a PSD pick. Go back 12 years and you could add Sandi off the Rookie list in 2003. Pav was an early pick in 1999. Bradley was drafted in late 2007 after essendon wanted our 2nd or 3rd round pick from us in which our 3rd round pick in 2007 was chris mayne.

When it comes to trades, Mcpharlin was traded heavily and he has done us well. Griffin was traded in for pick 61.

Going to be interesting what Freo will do with our picks this season.


With those 3 KPPs last season in Smith, Hannath and Tarberner. Hannath is one I'm certain that will make it.

 

[free at last]

Scary thing is, If you look at the past 10 years, Zac Clarke and Michael Johnson are the only KPPs Freo have drafted and Johnson, like Hannath was a PSD pick. Go back 12 years and you could add Sandi off the Rookie list in 2003. Pav was an early pick in 1999. Bradley was drafted in late 2007 after essendon wanted our 2nd or 3rd round pick from us in which our 3rd round pick in 2007 was chris mayne.

When it comes to trades, Mcpharlin was traded heavily and he has done us well. Griffin was traded in for pick 61.

Going to be interesting what Freo will do with our picks this season.


With those 3 KPPs last season in Smith, Hannath and Tarberner. Hannath is one I'm certain that will make it.

Hannath as a kpf or ruck?

 

[chinggis77]

Lloyd/Bond´s underrating of key forwards during past drafts has left our list dangerously unbalanced.

Where are the spots in our best 22 midfield for Sutcliffe, Michie, Sheridan, Neale, Simpson, Schloithe etc...?

Of our current mids, unless some are traded away, Mundy, Crowley are the closest to retiring and they still have several years. The kids are going to get itchy feet and there is no way we will get value for them trading them out having not played much AFL.

The Geelong/Richmond games show that we are still vulnerable without Pav and the other big guys. Particularly up forward.

Ruck division is set though.

Backline is less of a concern with team defence in play.

I have hope for Tabener and Moller though. Moller was a pretty good forward/ruck in the underage comps. Kicked several bags in seniors in NSW. Took 4 contested marks a couple weeks ago. Still very raw and light but is reported to have very good hands. Chuck him in the gym until he is 100kg+.

I wonder if next pre-season we see Hannath take over Clarke´s duties as the new full forward hope in training, with Clarke training for once as a ruckman.

 

[E Shed]

As I mentioned in another thread I was lucky enough to have a chat with Luke McPharlin the other day and he said that having Ross at the Club has given him, Pav and Sandi a new lease of life. They all want to play on for as long as their bodies allow as they can sense success coming for the club. So the desire is there, the rest is up to nature.

 

[Docker82]

History shows rucks and key defenders can come from the rookie draft and that this happens a lot. History also shows a low success rate with key forwards drafted in the rookie draft and also shows that many actually end up being defenders. The obvious exceptions are mature agers indentified before they were drafted as being already ready to play AFL footy. History is there to be proven wrong but if something hasn't worked in the past much it's more unlikely it'll happen much in the future.

What I'm getting at is wasting a whole draft on kpps won't work, almost guaranteed but waiting until late picks or the rookie draft is unlikely to work for key forwards at all if we're lucky. Don't think I'm writing Taberner and Howson off I'm just saying they should be plan B rather than plan A.

 

[Freomaniac]

Hannath as a kpf or ruck?

Exactly Like Zac Clarke, a bit of both. Hannath will be Solid ruckman and like some of our mids, If he plays 20 games a season, I expect 10-15 goals from him.

 

[Freomaniac]

History shows rucks and key defenders can come from the rookie draft and that this happens a lot. History also shows a low success rate with key forwards drafted in the rookie draft and also shows that many actually end up being defenders. The obvious exceptions are mature agers indentified before they were drafted as being already ready to play AFL footy. History is there to be proven wrong but if something hasn't worked in the past much it's more unlikely it'll happen much in the future.

What I'm getting at is wasting a whole draft on kpps won't work, almost guaranteed but waiting until late picks or the rookie draft is unlikely to work for key forwards at all if we're lucky. Don't think I'm writing Taberner and Howson off I'm just saying they should be plan B rather than plan A.

I agree on that bit. Darren Glass, Ben Rutten and to a small degree Chris Tarrant are good examples.

 

[Freo Dr]

White has only recently realised that he needed to work much harder to make it at AFL level where his natural athleticism isn't enough.

I have to admit to being much more impressed with him in the game against the Slime. My opinion of him was based on previous years games and that was the first game I saw him play this year other than highlights from Swans versus Adelaide. Have to admit my previous comment in this thread about looks like tarzan plays like Jane is no longer correct - he has pulled his finger out and I would not be averse to getting him. That said now he has finally shown a bit his currency will have gone up and Goodes is near the end as well.

Looks like the way he was put up for trade last year has made him rethink his workrate.

 

[Freo Dr]

I rate Hannath as a forward. He is learning the structures and often is open but not spotted up.
Also if you give him a pre-season on this and slim him down a touch to be faster across the ground he will be more than handy up forward. He makes for a better natural forward than Clarke, is a good contested mark of the ball and his kicking is very good.

Not that we don't need someone else but on the present list I see Taberner and Hannath as the next most likely to play alongside Pa next year should all else fail. Keplar will fight hard but should be outclassed by them you would think.

 

[Freomaniac]

My concerns are as follows.
Bradley, age and knee recon.
Griffen, knee recon.
Sandilands, age and injury concerns.
Pavlich, as above.
Mcpharlin, age.
Silvagni, in and out of the team, can he find a spot?
Faulks, hasn't played for Freo in two years?
Forster, just starting to show something in wafl.
Sandilands, Griffen are covered by our depth in the ruck, I don't think we can be too pedantic, who ever we think is a good match, or has huge upside, make it happen.

Now for my opinion of those players you mentioned...

Bradley: Knee Reco is the problem. Age isnt, He will be 28 at the end of the season, at least 2-3 years left minimum. Contract runs out at the end of the season will have a 1 year offer based on the fact he and Pav are the only experienced key forwards.

Griffen: Knee recon. Yeah will be out until mid season next year, Turns 28 next season. Again easily 2-3 good years left minimum. He is a very good player. Once Sandilands retires, The ruck spots will be between Griffin, Clarke and Hannath.

Pavlich: Age is a Problem, got a feeling he has only 1, maybe 2 years left. If 2, theres enough time to get another key forward.

McPharlin: Again Age is the only Problem. Signed a 2 year contract 2 months before his 31st birthday. I reckon he will retire in 2014. Maybe one more season.

Silvagni: A required player. Only 25 and is a good depth player.

Faulks: Have only seen him play 2 games... Must be on his last chance

Forster: Dont know. you might know more than me.

 

[willoblue]

ok, here's one from left field.
J Brown.
free agent.
get him a coaching gig as well.
he HAS looked a shadow of himself lately, but every time he plays he has the best defender.
Yes, his forward pressure is similar 2 Pav's
but then again, why not look at a "2nd Pav" for a season or 2?
we are after all in the "premiership window"
imagine a forward line of Pav, J Brown, Sandi, Mayne, Walters & Ballantyne!!!
just bomb it long 2 the old fellas.
Brownie would also have lots 2 pass on 2 the young forwards.
just an idea

 

[Freomaniac]

ok, here's one from left field.
J Brown.
free agent.
get him a coaching gig as well.
he HAS looked a shadow of himself lately, but every time he plays he has the best defender.
Yes, his forward pressure is similar 2 Pav's
but then again, why not look at a "2nd Pav" for a season or 2?
we are after all in the "premiership window"
imagine a forward line of Pav, J Brown, Sandi, Mayne, Walters & Ballantyne!!!
just bomb it long 2 the old fellas.
Brownie would also have lots 2 pass on 2 the young forwards.
just an idea

Jonothan Brown turns 32 at the end of the year. Would also command a fair bit of Cash.

As it stands This is Freos Current Key forwards on freos list.

Pavlich: Excellnt player but near the end of His career.

Bradley: Still 27 but has a knee reconstruction and wont be back until mid next season. His contract runs out this season as well.

Tarberner: Rookie and at least 2 years away from fully developed.

To be realistic Theres not a good chance Freo will lure an Elite Forward unless we shell out the cash and possibly a decent draft pick or Player.

To be Realistic Freo have 2 other options...

1. Get a player from another AFL club in a cheap deal Like a Jesse White, Shaun Mckernan or any other player out of favour at another AFL club.

2. Search Hard in the WAFL, SANFL, VFL, or any other local league and get a mature aged recruit between the ages of 21-25 and at least get a good 6 years of solid service. Im happy With Mzungu despite he was 24/25 when we got him.

 

[Bulldocker]

Just one other bloke we may be able to have a crack at is perhaps Tom Bellchambers. May take some serious trading, but that is a guy that fits the bill pretty well. He doesn't get a walk-up start at the bombers due to their wealth of forward options and he is second in line to Ryder for ruck duties. With Daniher now there also, he may be pushed back in the pecking order still more.
But for us, he can clunk marks, kick goals and provide a third option for short rucking stints. The other thing I like about him is that he's got a bit of mongrel in him.
Just think that we must be prepared to pay well and/or trade generously to pull something like that off. But it could be well worth it.
Jesse White is definitely the other good option and I suspect we may be able to get him with less of a fight.

 

[Freomaniac]

I agree that we should be looking at Port Power as a potential trading partner during the off season as they seem to have quite a few tall forward options, with Butcher, Schultz, Westhoff, Shaw, Stewart & perhaps even others. Surely they can't all play in the same side.
Would they be keen to arrange a deal with one of our young mids or flankers?
I assume that Schultz & Westhoff would be off limits, but maybe one of the others could be traded.

I dont want to touch Port after the Josh Carr Trade in 2004.

 

[willoblue]

I dont want to touch Port after the Josh Carr Trade in 2004.

that was nearly a decade ago.
I would be prepared to trade with ANY club if we could get what we needed for a reasonable price.
nothing about emotion.
purely about the outcome

 

[go_the_dockers]

Lloyd/Bond´s underrating of key forwards during past drafts has left our list dangerously unbalanced.

Lloyd\Bond turned our list around in 5 years, with out any priority picks. All but 6-7 people on our list have been drafted in the last 5 years.

Pavlich, Sandilands, McPharlin, Johnson, Mundy and maybe a couple of others.

I believe they didnt under rate KP's, they just realised you can not win a premiership without a dominate midfield and were trying to fill the KP hole with mature age recruits.

 

[free at last]

If we can get Jesse White in the PSD it's a no brainier IMO.
I'm not sure what price we'd have to put on his to head to deter other clubs though.

Carltank,brissy,dogs and st Kilda could all be stumbling blocks for us.And maybe Melbourne too.