Next years team and comments

[volcboy]

Team Changes for 2009

With 2008 now a painful memory, its time to talk of 2009 and the changes Geelong can make to improve,

My view on the team changes that should be made are:

Hawkins in, Lonergan out

Lonergan may have been our highest goal kicker in the 2nd half of the season, but it was more due to the quality of our midfield than his good play IMO. Hawkins is a better natural footballer, and should be played deep in the forward line.

Gamble in, Varcoe out

Too much is made of 'forward line pressure' - forward line pressure is being a danger to kick or create a goal every time you go near the ball. Gamble has this ability over Varcoe at this stage. Stokes was bad yesterday, but has been carrying an injury for some time.

Egan in, Taylor out

People forget how much better our backline would look with Egan instead of Taylor. If Egan can get his body right for next year, this is an obvious change.

Wojcinski must play

A couple of years ago, many people on this forum were saying that Wojo couldn't kick and was a liability. He is one of the only players in our side who carries the ball and consistently kicks goals on the run from outside 50. Would that have been handy yesterday?

I'm sure I will think of more, but I'm too depressed at the moment

 

[alfy!]

Re: Team Changes for 2009

Varcoe will develop into a good player, remember he is only 20, but I don't think he is ready for AFL. He will be back though.

 

[della]

Re: Team Changes for 2009

dole queue,

Lonergan, byrnes, Blake, satokes, varcoe and bomber for a start.

 

[year of the cat]

Re: Team Changes for 2009

I reckon with a fit Hawkins and Gamble in for Stokes/Varcoe yesterday the result may have been different.

If if if if if may may may may F*ck f*ck f*ck f*****************ck

 

[vc_viking]

Re: Team Changes for 2009

I wouldn't put Taylor out just yet. He played pretty well for a first year player!

Egan Taylor and Mackie will be our backline when Scarlett, Harley and Milburn retire.

 

[Tahir Bise]

Re: Team Changes for 2009

Apart from the unfortunate fumble that cost a goal Harry Taylor was excellent against Jarad Roughead who had 4 kicks and 4 handballs for the game and kicked a goal in the last few mins 2 for the match. I believe Harry Taylor has had a great 1st season and will only get better.

 

[Topper]

Re: Team Changes for 2009

F%$k off Mooney, stokes, byrnes and possibly Varcoe

into the starting 22, Hawkins, Gamble, Wojack and Egan

Im seriously p1ssed off with Mooney, he's lost a hell of a lot of respect from me, i wouldnt give a sh1t if he wasnt on our list next year, stupid selfish f$%kwit!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Poetic Justice]

Re: Team Changes for 2009

dole queue,

Lonergan, byrnes, Blake, satokes, varcoe and bomber for a start.

You are being a dead set w***er and don't deserve to be posting in the GFC forum.

 

[Geelong Fella]

Re: Team Changes for 2009

can't wait for egan to get back in
Backline
Hunt, Scarlett, Milburn
Mackie, Egan, Harley

plus taylor, wojcinski. looks pretty good. I think we're being a bit harsh on lonergan, remember he was brought in cause hawkins was struggling and overall i think he did well kicked 37 goals or whatever

 

[JoeLCatS]

Re: Team Changes for 2009

I think we will see quite a few changes to the side for next year after todays performance.

• IN: Hawkins OUT: Lonergan

Lonergan looked really out of place today and I just don't think he can cut it at the elite level. I love him and have a massive amount of respect for him just to walk out onto the field every week. Hawkins needs to be given a chance to step up, hopefully he has a massive pre-season and can be a force next year.

IN: Gamble OUT: Stokes or Varcoe

Gamble looked very good and times this year and I would really like to see him play close to 22 games next year. I dont like the idea of Varcoe and Stokes in the same side. They both don't got enough of the ball and Stokes has been horrible for a while now and if he cant get his injuries right then maybe he has to go. Im probly being a bit harsh on him but im pretty shattered atm.

Love Mooney but he has to go. He is not a star forward, He doesnt kick enough goal for a number one forward who plays in a team that gets 400+ disposals every game. He seems afraid to go back and have a shot, instead he will try little passes over the top which half the time result in a turn over. When he does have a shot he tries to kick the ball into next week. It's just not good enough.

Egan will hopefully be back but i also like Taylor but I cant see us fitting them both into the same team. Would like to see Simpson and Hawkins Given a chance to see what they can do.

Does anyone think that Blake can cut it at AFL level? I really cant see him getting any better. I hope im wrong but I just don't think his going to be any better.

There may be some other things ive miss this is just off the top of my head. We will still be a force in 2009 I have no doubts about that.

 

[Ninty]

Re: Team Changes for 2009

dole queue,

Lonergan, byrnes, Blake, satokes, varcoe and bomber for a start.

You left out della.

Seriously, **** off.

 

[chapman2grandstand]

Re: Team Changes for 2009

SFS listed Hawkins as a possible piece of trade bait.

I would imagine that he would be INTEGRAL to the Cat's future. A big power forward is needed. That's what he'll be.

 

[JoeLCatS]

Re: Team Changes for 2009

SFS listed Hawkins as a possible piece of trade bait.

I would imagine that he would be INTEGRAL to the Cat's future. A big power forward is needed. That's what he'll be.

I saw that as well and nearly fell out of my chair in laughter. Hawkins isn't going anywhere.

 

[bradlz]

Re: Team Changes for 2009

IN: Tom Hawkins OUT: Tom Lonergan

Must be played from first round all year to show confidence in him that they believ he can be the power forward we need.

IN: Ryan Gamble OUT: Matthew Stokes

We really needed a third lead up forward today who is between a tall power forward and small crumber. Vegas provides us with an akward match up for opposing backlines and a bit of mongrel aswell.

IN: Nathan Djerrkura OUT: Travis Varcoe

I too belive trav will become a good afl player, but not yet and think as a crumbing forward who provides tackling pressure, djerrkura should get his chance. has same speed, pressure and could become a perfect crumbing forward.

IN: Matthew Egan OUT: Harry Taylor

Harry had a fantastic first year, and handle the pressure pretty well. his only mistake yesterdat however was crucial and gave the hawks a spur that at that point we didn't need. Egan is a more seasoned and all australian chb and will provide the secure structure for the back six of handling power forwards like buddy, brown, riewoldt etc.

IN: Brent Prismall OUT: Max Rooke

While i love rookies pressure and physicality, his polish is not as good as prismall and with lingy our main tagger, i can't find a spot in our side next year for him....

The starting 22 for round 1 next year:

B: J.Hunt M.Scarlett T.Harley

HB: A.Mackie M.Egan D.Milburn

C: J.Selwood C.Ling C.Enright

HF: P.Chapman C.Mooney J.Bartel

F: R.Gamble T.Hawkins S.Johnson

R: B.Ottens J.Corey G.Ablett

INT: B.Prismall J.Kelly M.Blake N.Djerrkura

 

[Kent_Kingsley]

Re: Team Changes for 2009

One thing i know is Ryan Gamble should play every week unless injured, i think hes shown all of us this year he has what it takes at AFL level.

Im a bit suss about the whole Hawkins thing though...i mean hes clearly not ready and it would take a superhuman effort by him to suddenly transform into what we need him to be.

looking forward to having Matty Egan back though and hopefully getting a look at Djekurra.

 

[Collins-Langford-Ayres]

Re: Team Changes for 2009

Just maybe, some of the guys that struggled yesterday will be far better for the experience. Remember what Xavier Ellis was like a year ago.

Don't be like Richmond supporters and curse half the team because some struggled in one game.

You guys have had a fantastic two years.

 

[Tristagi]

Re: Team Changes for 2009

Don't be like Richmond supporters and curse half the team because some struggled in one game.

Thats it, they lost only the second game for the year and it was just a shame they picked this week not to turn up, but they are still a great team and will be hard to beat again next year.

don't throw the baby out with the bathwater. Can't believe how many Mooney bashers there are in here, FFS when we won there is nothing but Mooney love from you bandwagoners. GROW UP.

Hawkins will be a huge in and so will Egan, it will be great to see us have the depth of 2007 again next year.

 

[Metallica_Man]

Re: Team Changes for 2009

IN: Brent Prismall OUT: Max Rooke

While i love rookies pressure and physicality, his polish is not as good as prismall and with lingy our main tagger, i can't find a spot in our side next year for him....

The starting 22 for round 1 next year:

B: J.Hunt M.Scarlett T.Harley

HB: A.Mackie M.Egan D.Milburn

C: J.Selwood C.Ling C.Enright

HF: P.Chapman C.Mooney J.Bartel

F: R.Gamble T.Hawkins S.Johnson

R: B.Ottens J.Corey G.Ablett

INT: B.Prismall J.Kelly M.Blake N.Djerrkura

Prismall will be injured next year mate

 

[keen cats fella]

Here is my efforts and thoughts for next years team. I would like some feedback!

HF: Stokes Mooney Gamble
FF: Johnson Hawkins Chapman
with Varcoe on the interchange/wing
Milburn pinch hitting
In my opinion, Mooney is at his best leading up the ground, to the flanks and wing and through the centre, getting 7-8 makrs. He is more than capable at ground level once it hits the deck, and is a long and direct kick, which would be good to isolate Hawkins one on one.
Hawkins, I think, will be our number one forward by next seasons end. I think all would agree that he is our best pack mark, and I reckon he has the strongest hands out of any Geelong player. Am I genuinely excited by him. I want him isolated in the 50 by himself next year, ala Buddy was at times yesterday.
Our next key forward IMO is Chapman. I have thought for the last few years he will be used like Brad Johnson – plays taller than he is. He has good hands, good defensive pressure and has a goal kicking knack, but most importantly, is very hard to match up on. Cast your mind back to Cats Vs Collingwood last year – he was isolated in the 50 and kicked 5 on Harry Obrien. He was too quick on the lead, and superior once it hit the deck. I hope you guys can see what I do in Chappy.
The others you can figure out, but, I would like to see Steve Johnson stop being our second highest inside 50 target – yes, he is tricky, but his hands are just okay. I would prefer see him at Hawkins’s feet, snapping.

Our midfield should stay the same, I don’t think it can improve too much. But, I would love to see Mumford in the pre-season. I reckon he has talent, and can over take Blake potentially. He covers the ground better and has much better hands. I think West is a lost cause.

Our backline is incredible.
Simply put. I’m concerned Milburn may retire though.
HB: Enright Egan Mackie
FB: Milburn Scarlett Harley
I am trying to find room for Taylor and Hunt, who are critical IMO, but am struggling I think Milburn will start on the bench with Hunt back pocket.

Our interchange will consist of Blake, Taylor, RANGA and Milburn.
What changes should be made? Have I forgotten anyone? Thoughts?
Here we go 2009!

 

[cat_fanatic]

Nice summery KCF. I think you're right about Hawkins. His inclusion along with Gamble will ensure we have two stay at home forwards to kick to. Chapman and Steve are our two most talented forwards and they both spent time helping out the midfield yesterday - why? We have the best midfield in the comp!

Lonnergan will become a depth player next year IMO, not because he doesn't cut it, i just think the future lies with Hawkins.

We have an aging back line that will still be up and about next year, but even better is the fact that Egan and Taylor are waiting in the wings and both are fantastic players. I would seriously consider playing Taylor as a CHF next year in the VFL to see how he goes. He kicks the ball like T. Cloke from outside fifty and is a sensational, accurate kick when kicking to a leading target. If Hawkins or Mooney should not come up for some reason, i think Taylor might offer something as a contingency plan up forward.

The midfield should only get better. Selwood will have another pre season under his belt while Ablett, Bartel, Corey, Ling and Kelly will still be peaking. I think Selwood will overtake Bartel and Corey as our best inside player next year.

I think we will be as dominant next year as we have been for the last two, but next year we will be more potent up forward and rely less on the midfield for scoreboard pressure.

 

[keen cats fella]

Loving that Cat fanatic.

Especially your comments about Taylor. He was drafted at a flexible utility, who apparently played midfield, back and forward. He has a devestating left boot - we have all seen him from outside 50 a few times. It would be interesting to see.

I'm already so excited about pre season premiership. I want to see the likes of Hawkins, McKenna, Scott SImpson, Djekurra and Mummy run amok. Its going to be OK everyone, exciting times ahead. But boy, did i take winning all of the time for granted.

 

[cat_fanatic]

I don't think your the only one that has taken the winning streak for granted - im sure there'll be some devastated boys looking for revenge next year.

 

[The rabbi]

Re: Team Changes for 2009

Some of these posts are a bit reactionary.

A few players will be told the their sevices are no longer required in the coming months, but I doubt that it will be any of the players who represented us yesterday in the Grand Final.

I look forward to seeing the progress of Hawkins, Scott Simpson and other non senior players next year.

And maybe some cooler headed posts in the next few months.

 

[fpm84]

Re: Team Changes for 2009

FFS, get off Mooney's back, people.

 

[TheMightyAchilles]

Re: Team Changes for 2009

however given wojo and prissa want out, the depth we have had is no longer there
and we will be hurt by this, and may need to keep byrnes and maybe tenance as we will have no depth

wojo apparently has made it clear weeks ago that he wants out, looking for a long term $$$$ contract to see him out

prissa will also go, and word is melb want him to go through PSD, and if he does this he will shaft geelong