Analysis Our backline structure in 2016

[Ironmonger]

I’ve been trying to figure out how our backline is likely to be structured next season.

Some of the players who might play down back:

Merrett and Clarke – Leppa seems to like versatile defenders, but our backline is anchored by two players who are really just stoppers. I think we’ll probably start the season with both of these two in the team, but one of them, most likely Merrett, might lose their spot by year’s end.

Gardiner and Andrews – These guys seem like locks in the backline. Gardiner had a poor sophomore season, but he is a natural defender and can play on a range of opponents. Andrews’ intercept marking is such a valuable weapon surely we’ll play him behind the ball where he can influence the game the most.

Rich – He spent most of last season seemingly as our prime ball carrier out of defence, a role he didn’t really play very well. I’m hoping that the last game against the Doggies, where he played mostly on the ball, is a sign of things to come and that with a bit more fitness he’ll play an outside midfield role in 2016. Of course, that means someone else has to fill that spot.

Mayes – Mayes might fill that spot. Although I think most of us would prefer to see him at the other end of the ground, he’s spent quite a lot of time behind the ball the last couple of years and it wouldn’t surprise me to see him pushed further back. Hanley would be another candidate, but that seems like a big sacrifice offensively.

Ultimately I think one of Rich, Mayes and Hanley will probably spend most of the year down back.

Paparone – He was played mainly as a tall back flanker last year, but he doesn’t have the same defensive instincts of Gardiner and Andrews. I think there’s a good chance he plays a bit further up the ground next year. Maybe as a wingman who tries to cover back and help out defensively.

McStay – Leppitsch seems to prefer him as a defender, and he does drift out of the game easily when playing as a forward. I think he’ll start most games playing as a tall back flanker – which again might see Paparone pushed up the ground – and he’ll go forward when required.

Cutler, Harwood, Claye Beams – Cutler might get a run as an outside midfielder, but I think the best chance for all three of these guys in 2016 is to play as a small defender. Particularly as we don’t really appear to have any genuine small defenders who are locked into the team. We might start the season with one of these three in the backline. For the sake of it, let’s say Claye Beams will start the season.

So that’s Merrett, Clarke, Mayes, Gardiner, Andrews, McStay and Claye Beams in defence. That’s obviously one player too many, but it might be that some of these guys play other roles in other parts of the ground from time to time.

That leaves Paparone, Cutler, Harwood, Evans, and in a pinch maybe Watts, Hipwood and McGuiness as guys who can step in and do a role in the backline.

On the face of it, the backline looks pretty fragile. I think Leppitsch is working towards some sort of long term plan that seems to involve a lot of versatile players who can switch between opponents.

Unfortunately, I can’t figure out a collection of players that’d be likely to make up a more solid defensive unit in 2016. It might be another tough year for us in this part of the ground, but hopefully we can at least see the defensive strategy taking shape.

On the plus side, apart from Merrett, everyone has a good six or seven years of footy left at least.

Is there a better defensive structure for us?

 

[Wounded Lion]

It is a very interesting discussion, I feel we failed more as a back line compared to our forward line in 2015.

My initial starting line up would be of the following:

Andrews Merrett Paparone
Harwood Clarke C.Beams

Generally we play one running defender off the bench which I believe Cutler will be best suited for.

We lack a versatile extractor of the ball in our back line, a player who can cut the line and handball to our ball users in C.Beams, Cutler or Dawson.

I believe Harwood has the attack to play this extractor role but Paparone will need to improve this part of his game if we wants to edge out Gardiner every week. Gardiner is definitely being moulded to the FB role Merrett will vacate after next year IMO.

Andrews should demand a spot every week, he has a lot more upside than any other defender on our list.

Further to this, I believe McStay is best suited to a forward role but hopefully playing higher up the ground as we look to launch Freeman, Walker & Close more consistently.

 

[Milk Steak]

It's Merrett OR Clarke as your main key back for mine, can't afford to have 2 below average ball users. Gardiner and Andrews as the other 2 talls. Height of the 2nd opposition tall deciding which of the 2 matches up on them. Claye Beams adds decent run and good disoposal and would be my choice as the small half backman. That leaves 2 spots. I'd like to see Cutler because he kicks the ball nicely and can play a bit taller or short and adds good dash out of defence. Depending on the opposition I'd like to see Paps in the floating intercept marking role.

 

[pauldrc]

Paine or Close?

We seem to have a lot of young forwards, can't fit them all in....

 

[Lions Lions]

I’ve been trying to figure out how our backline is likely to be structured next season.

Some of the players who might play down back:

Merrett and Clarke – Leppa seems to like versatile defenders, but our backline is anchored by two players who are really just stoppers. I think we’ll probably start the season with both of these two in the team, but one of them, most likely Merrett, might lose their spot by year’s end.

Gardiner and Andrews – These guys seem like locks in the backline. Gardiner had a poor sophomore season, but he is a natural defender and can play on a range of opponents. Andrews’ intercept marking is such a valuable weapon surely we’ll play him behind the ball where he can influence the game the most.

Rich – He spent most of last season seemingly as our prime ball carrier out of defence, a role he didn’t really play very well. I’m hoping that the last game against the Doggies, where he played mostly on the ball, is a sign of things to come and that with a bit more fitness he’ll play an outside midfield role in 2016. Of course, that means someone else has to fill that spot.

Mayes – Mayes might fill that spot. Although I think most of us would prefer to see him at the other end of the ground, he’s spent quite a lot of time behind the ball the last couple of years and it wouldn’t surprise me to see him pushed further back. Hanley would be another candidate, but that seems like a big sacrifice offensively.

Ultimately I think one of Rich, Mayes and Hanley will probably spend most of the year down back.

Paparone – He was played mainly as a tall back flanker last year, but he doesn’t have the same defensive instincts of Gardiner and Andrews. I think there’s a good chance he plays a bit further up the ground next year. Maybe as a wingman who tries to cover back and help out defensively.

McStay – Leppitsch seems to prefer him as a defender, and he does drift out of the game easily when playing as a forward. I think he’ll start most games playing as a tall back flanker – which again might see Paparone pushed up the ground – and he’ll go forward when required.

Cutler, Harwood, Claye Beams – Cutler might get a run as an outside midfielder, but I think the best chance for all three of these guys in 2016 is to play as a small defender. Particularly as we don’t really appear to have any genuine small defenders who are locked into the team. We might start the season with one of these three in the backline. For the sake of it, let’s say Claye Beams will start the season.

So that’s Merrett, Clarke, Mayes, Gardiner, Andrews, McStay and Claye Beams in defence. That’s obviously one player too many, but it might be that some of these guys play other roles in other parts of the ground from time to time.

That leaves Paparone, Cutler, Harwood, Evans, and in a pinch maybe Watts, Hipwood and McGuiness as guys who can step in and do a role in the backline.

On the face of it, the backline looks pretty fragile. I think Leppitsch is working towards some sort of long term plan that seems to involve a lot of versatile players who can switch between opponents.

Unfortunately, I can’t figure out a collection of players that’d be likely to make up a more solid defensive unit in 2016. It might be another tough year for us in this part of the ground, but hopefully we can at least see the defensive strategy taking shape.

On the plus side, apart from Merrett, everyone has a good six or seven years of footy left at least.

Is there a better defensive structure for us?

Ironmonger you have pointed out our team deficiency really well with that synopsis. Am hoping you are right about Mcstay staying as s a backline player instead of Paps and you are spot on with Richy, he is a mid / fwd in my eyes, doesn't move well enough to be a solid defender. I think we will see Hanley back there next year, we need a gun off half back.

 

[POBT]

I've used Hawthorn as a bit of a rough model of how a good defence sets up. While they rotate the mid sized players in and out (eg Hodge, Mitchell etc going back and Burgoyne going onball), it seemed to me that they had a group of 7 mainstay defenders - Lake, Frawley, Gibson, Stratton, Burgoyne, Birchall and Duryea.

Small Defender (1)

Options: Claye Beams, Harwood, McGrath

Analysis: This is a position which I find very hard to fill. There are huge question marks over all three of the above. Beams can't stay on the field and is not proven in this role. Harwood makes errors, gets injured a bit and hasn't really performed on the very best small forwards. McGrath is still an unknown quantity but has at least played the role at senior level. There are a couple of possible alternatives worth considering. The first is whether, like with Patfull, a taller defender goes to the most dangerous small forward. Gardiner might be best suited to this type of role. While you lose a bit in terms of mobility, you do gain an aerial advantage which can be useful against the likes of Betts, Thomas or Elliott. The absence of a clear option might also give further credence to signing Whitecross.

Preferred option: Harwood with a question mark

Back Half Midfielder (1)

I saw enough signs from Rich across half back that I think it is worth persevering with. Most good sides play with a midfielder behind the footy. With both his strengths (kicking, winning ground contests, reading play) and his weaknesses (aerobic capacity, beating a tag), he seems most suited to the "back half midfield" role. I hope we give this another shot. An alternative that we used late last season was Zorko. This had both its advantages (his ball winning, zip and running penetration) and its disadvantages. Hanley has obviously played as a rebounding defender before but I think he's an integral part of our midfield mix these days. Sam Mayes is also an option but I'm not sure he's yet shown the ball winning and game sense required to play the role behind the footy. It is potentially also a role for the likes of CBeams and Harwood, both of whom have midfield pedigrees.

Preferred option: Rich

Tall Defenders (3)

I agree with Ironmonger 's earlier view that we'll start with Merrett, Clarke and Andrews and see how that works out. Leppa has just about always played a tall defence whilst coaching at Brisbane. I suspect he wants us to win the ball back in the air more often, which requires height and marking prowesss. Clearly, Clarke is the future in terms of playing on the number one key forward and has pretty much played that role for a couple of years now. Even if his form stagnates, it seems unlikely that he will be moved to a different role. When he played back late last year, Merrett was kept deep and often played as a loose defender with a licence to go third man up. I'd have thought Andrews was better suited to that role but perhaps Merrett reads the play better? Gardiner is probably next in line to take on a tall forward and Paparone has played tall at times, although isn't really suited to this. McStay is clearly the other option to go back but I personally hope he plays forward, at least at first.

Preferred Option(s): Clarke, Merrett, Andrews

Hybrid Defender (1)

This seems to be a fairly common role in footy these days. Think Ben Stratton - someone who can play on a forward of almost any size and do a job defensively. I also think it is a role that you ideally want to either get some offensive grunt from or have filled by someone who can take an intercept mark. While I'm not sure he will ultimately give us much offensively, I think Gardiner is the logical choice in this role. The main alternative is probably Paparone, assuming he's still seen as a backman. I think Paps' best footy was played as the "4th tall". As soon as he had to match up on a genuine tall forward, he struggled and so did we. This hybrid role suits him a lot more. A bit of a smokey might be someone like Lester who has played on taller opponents in defence and looks like he might be squeezed out of midfield rotations. If McStay plays back, he could also do this role and would perhaps give the most offensively.

Preferred Option: Gardiner

Running defender (1)

From what I've seen, most defensive groups in footy have either 6 or 7 permanent members. Assuming we'll have a group of 7, I would like to see a running type to play alongside Rich as an offensive threat. This is a position which might depend on who we use to fill other roles. Assuming my preferred options all get played in those positions, it leaves Mayes, CBeams, Cutler, McGrath, Dawson and Paparone as potentials for this role. I wouldn't be upset with any of these guys getting a game. However, purely in terms of what they might bring offensively, the guys that I am most excited about their future as running defenders is Dawson and Cutler. I'll put the former in as my preferred option.

Preferred option: Dawson


So my preferred back 6 + 1 would look something like this:

B: Merrett Clarke Gardiner
HB: Rich Andrews Harwood

Int: Dawson

 

[Ironmonger]

It's Merrett OR Clarke as your main key back for mine, can't afford to have 2 below average ball users. Gardiner and Andrews as the other 2 talls. Height of the 2nd opposition tall deciding which of the 2 matches up on them. Claye Beams adds decent run and good disoposal and would be my choice as the small half backman. That leaves 2 spots. I'd like to see Cutler because he kicks the ball nicely and can play a bit taller or short and adds good dash out of defence. Depending on the opposition I'd like to see Paps in the floating intercept marking role.

I more or less agree with all of that, except that I can't really see either of Merrett or Clarke missing out.

Clarke is our future full back and would have to be in terrible form to be dropped.

Without Merrett, that backline becomes absurdly young and inexperienced.

On the 'floating intercept marking role', I think that's a slightly loose centre half back, and I reckon Andrews is more suited to that position. Personally, I don't think Paparone has the skillset to be a defender and only a defender. I think his defensive skills, such as they are, need to be a part of a larger role.

 

[Lions Lions]

My Back 6....

B: Dawson Clarke Gardiner

HB: Andrews Mc Stay Hanley

Off the bench defender: Whitecross

As Ironmonger has pointed out our backline is fragile. I think we need to sure it up as best we can with what we have got and let a couple of young players further develop. I'd like to put Dawson in as small defender to continue the great momentum he built in the back half of the season, can win his own ball, is clean and can intercept mark. Play him alongside Clarke who is no sure thing but probably our current best option at fullback. In the other pocket Gardiner, who can go tall or small. Off halfback intercept markers Andrews Mc Stay ... Then the experience and class of Hanley. Off the bench running defender, good utility , highly experienced team player in Whitecross as long as we follow through and take him (have heard it's a certainty he is at brissy next year)... If we are defending small lineups Harwood would come in. 3 players don't want to see in the backline this year, Merrett, rich , paps

 

[lionshine]

I've used Hawthorn as a bit of a rough model of how a good defence sets up. While they rotate the mid sized players in and out (eg Hodge, Mitchell etc going back and Burgoyne going onball), it seemed to me that they had a group of 7 mainstay defenders - Lake, Frawley, Gibson, Stratton, Burgoyne, Birchall and Duryea.

Small Defender (1)

Options: Claye Beams, Harwood, McGrath

Analysis: This is a position which I find very hard to fill. There are huge question marks over all three of the above. Beams can't stay on the field and is not proven in this role. Harwood makes errors, gets injured a bit and hasn't really performed on the very best small forwards. McGrath is still an unknown quantity but has at least played the role at senior level. There are a couple of possible alternatives worth considering. The first is whether, like with Patfull, a taller defender goes to the most dangerous small forward. Gardiner might be best suited to this type of role. While you lose a bit in terms of mobility, you do gain an aerial advantage which can be useful against the likes of Betts, Thomas or Elliott. The absence of a clear option might also give further credence to signing Whitecross.

Preferred option: Harwood with a question mark

Back Half Midfielder (1)

I saw enough signs from Rich across half back that I think it is worth persevering with. Most good sides play with a midfielder behind the footy. With both his strengths (kicking, winning ground contests, reading play) and his weaknesses (aerobic capacity, beating a tag), he seems most suited to the "back half midfield" role. I hope we give this another shot. An alternative that we used late last season was Zorko. This had both its advantages (his ball winning, zip and running penetration) and its disadvantages. Hanley has obviously played as a rebounding defender before but I think he's an integral part of our midfield mix these days. Sam Mayes is also an option but I'm not sure he's yet shown the ball winning and game sense required to play the role behind the footy. It is potentially also a role for the likes of CBeams and Harwood, both of whom have midfield pedigrees.

Preferred option: Rich

Tall Defenders (3)

I agree with Ironmonger 's earlier view that we'll start with Merrett, Clarke and Andrews and see how that works out. Leppa has just about always played a tall defence whilst coaching at Brisbane. I suspect he wants us to win the ball back in the air more often, which requires height and marking prowesss. Clearly, Clarke is the future in terms of playing on the number one key forward and has pretty much played that role for a couple of years now. Even if his form stagnates, it seems unlikely that he will be moved to a different role. When he played back late last year, Merrett was kept deep and often played as a loose defender with a licence to go third man up. I'd have thought Andrews was better suited to that role but perhaps Merrett reads the play better? Gardiner is probably next in line to take on a tall forward and Paparone has played tall at times, although isn't really suited to this. McStay is clearly the other option to go back but I personally hope he plays forward, at least at first.

Preferred Option(s): Clarke, Merrett, Andrews

Hybrid Defender (1)

This seems to be a fairly common role in footy these days. Think Ben Stratton - someone who can play on a forward of almost any size and do a job defensively. I also think it is a role that you ideally want to either get some offensive grunt from or have filled by someone who can take an intercept mark. While I'm not sure he will ultimately give us much offensively, I think Gardiner is the logical choice in this role. The main alternative is probably Paparone, assuming he's still seen as a backman. I think Paps' best footy was played as the "4th tall". As soon as he had to match up on a genuine tall forward, he struggled and so did we. This hybrid role suits him a lot more. A bit of a smokey might be someone like Lester who has played on taller opponents in defence and looks like he might be squeezed out of midfield rotations. If McStay plays back, he could also do this role and would perhaps give the most offensively.

Preferred Option: Gardiner

Running defender (1)

From what I've seen, most defensive groups in footy have either 6 or 7 permanent members. Assuming we'll have a group of 7, I would like to see a running type to play alongside Rich as an offensive threat. This is a position which might depend on who we use to fill other roles. Assuming my preferred options all get played in those positions, it leaves Mayes, CBeams, Cutler, McGrath, Dawson and Paparone as potentials for this role. I wouldn't be upset with any of these guys getting a game. However, purely in terms of what they might bring offensively, the guys that I am most excited about their future as running defenders is Dawson and Cutler. I'll put the former in as my preferred option.

Preferred option: Dawson


So my preferred back 6 + 1 would look something like this:

B: Merrett Clarke Gardiner
HB: Rich Andrews Harwood

Int: Dawson

Great analysis POBT and probably the players I would most like to see in our backline week in week out at least for season 2016. As much as I am a fan of Paparone and rated some of his work back there in 2015 I think players like Gardiner and Dawson will have a much better impact and play this roles to a higher standard.

 

[Len S]

My Back 6....

B: Dawson Clarke Gardiner

HB: Andrews Mc Stay Hanley

Off the bench defender: Whitecross

As Ironmonger has pointed out our backline is fragile. I think we need to sure it up as best we can with what we have got and let a couple of young players further develop. I'd like to put Dawson in as small defender to continue the great momentum he built in the back half of the season, can win his own ball, is clean and can intercept mark. Play him alongside Clarke who is no sure thing but probably our current best option at fullback. In the other pocket Gardiner, who can go tall or small. Off halfback intercept markers Andrews Mc Stay ... Then the experience and class of Hanley. Off the bench running defender, good utility , highly experienced team player in Whitecross as long as we follow through and take him (have heard it's a certainty he is at brissy next year)... If we are defending small lineups Harwood would come in. 3 players don't want to see in the backline this year, Merrett, rich , paps

Dawson for Hanley,and that's a wrap !

 

[Happy_Neale]

Not sure on the structure but I really hope we don't persist with the rotating opponent method in the backline - switching opponents when they are a certain distance from goal. Got caught out way too many times...Essendon game in particular springs to mind where Gardiner ended up on the much bigger Daniher who kicked 4 or 6 goals or something ridiculous. Doesn't work for us IMO.

 

[Milk Steak]

My Back 6....

B: Dawson Clarke Gardiner

HB: Andrews Mc Stay Hanley

Off the bench defender: Whitecross

As Ironmonger has pointed out our backline is fragile. I think we need to sure it up as best we can with what we have got and let a couple of young players further develop. I'd like to put Dawson in as small defender to continue the great momentum he built in the back half of the season, can win his own ball, is clean and can intercept mark. Play him alongside Clarke who is no sure thing but probably our current best option at fullback. In the other pocket Gardiner, who can go tall or small. Off halfback intercept markers Andrews Mc Stay ... Then the experience and class of Hanley. Off the bench running defender, good utility , highly experienced team player in Whitecross as long as we follow through and take him (have heard it's a certainty he is at brissy next year)... If we are defending small lineups Harwood would come in. 3 players don't want to see in the backline this year, Merrett, rich , paps

I actually really like that back 6 looking at it. Good ball users,not too tall. McStay is a tough one. I really like him down backbut he also looks like he could be anything as a forward. Great hands and a nice set shot.

 

[Panthera]

Defences play their best as a unit, when all in sync and on the same page. Our back six was in most cases makeshift in 2015 with only Clarke playing 20 games. The majority didn't make it to 10!!!

Cutler 11
Merrett 10
Dawson 10
Gardiner 8
Beams 8
Harwood 3

The bonus was Paparone playing 22 games and developing nicely. Andrews too, with 15 games in defence (out of 19).

For mine, our defensive structure would be the below; with non-flashy halfbacks supported by really good ball users ahead of them:

B: Gardiner Merrett Andrews

(Paparone floating)

HB: Harwood Clarke Beams

C: Hanley Rich Zorko

 

[Shaq attack]

Our back line is the weakest link for us. So many times past year there seemed to be no structure. Players miles away from their direct opponent and a lot of players seemingly beaten by their man on the day.

 

[Jman78]

1 on 1 is a problem but quality disposal out of the back half is only good if the mids work hard to get the ball. Wing is a position which is crucial for us I think too.... Need someone to really stand up for us this yeat

 

[SizeMatters]

Our back line is the weakest link for us. So many times past year there seemed to be no structure. Players miles away from their direct opponent and a lot of players seemingly beaten by their man on the day.

I agree with you somewhat, but in saying that I actually rate our backline considering that our midfield aren't defending as they should be. They have allowed the opposition mids/back flankers plenty of time to weigh up the correct option and deliver the ball lace out to their forwards. Once our midfield actually start to run both ways then we can make a fair judgement on the back half set up. When our mids had the clear advantage on the inside especially our backline looked a million bucks so hopefully we can improve in that area going forward into 2016.

 

[Sherrinator]

This thread outlines how important it would be to get Whitecross in as a defensive general.

If Merrett goes down, what else is there for genuine experience?

 

[pOleK]

Our back line is the weakest link for us. So many times past year there seemed to be no structure. Players miles away from their direct opponent and a lot of players seemingly beaten by their man on the day.

Our backline isn't that bad. it's just our inability to execute up forward allowing opposition teams to rebound quickly and so many times our defenders just don't make it back in time.

 

[Bucking Beads]

I think we are pretty set talent wise down back but need to be patient with them while they develop and mature. I am hopeful that Liam Dawson becomes a top 22 player for us down back. His kicking skills coming out of the backline will be huge for us moving forward. If we can get Dawson a Cutler/C.Beams playing quality footy off the halfback flank it is going to be big for us. Our keys are talented but are young. They will get monstered at times but that is how they will learn. The biggest key to our backline in our midfielders running both ways instead of purely running in the offensive direction which I think has been a huge issue in the past. Accountability.

 

[AFLQLD]

This is a good discussion.

It is difficult to really nail down a backline structure without knowing where McStay, Rich, Mayes and Paparone will play. To me, for next season Merrett, Clarke and Andrews seem the logical three talls. It's the others that are critical to a well functioning backline, especially the players who go to the opposition's small forwards or mid/forwards. I think that is where we often get destroyed in winnable games. A small forward or resting mid will get two or three lazy goals.

Harwood to me has some tools that would be useful back there and we didn't get enough of a look at McGrath but he might also have it in him for that role.

With the right balance I think we can have a well functioning, albeit very young, backline.

 

[xplo]

For me, Harwood has a few nice attributes, but just doesn't have the vision/awareness to see dangerous situations developing. He gets surprised too often, and 'surprised back pocket' is not a good role for us.

But yeah, Sparra McGrath is raw but is also quick, can tackle ok for his size and seems to have good concentration. I'd like to see him get a shot at that small lock down defender.

 

[AFLQLD]

I realized the thing I like about this thread is that people are being respectful of each other's opinions and of the players they are discussing. More of it I say!

 

[Leuy LongerCombo]

Versatility is so important, gameday will throw up lots of different combination, and if we're looking for stability we want a back 6 that can matchup on all varieties.

My preferred line up would be
Gardiner, Merrett, Andrews
Dawson, Clarke, Cutler

Merrett / Clarke need both, or were vulnerable to get monstered by the big FF/CHF.

Gardiner to take the dangerous 3rd tall, being able to play on a variety players help.

Andrews to play slightly lose, intercepting marks are a great way of generating scoring opportunity.

Cutler to play on the dangerous small, reasonably quick done a decent job towards the end of the year. Should help with rebounding too.

Dawson, think his year went somewhat under-appreciated. Great ball use coming out of defense and wasn't a liability when he needed to defend. Im really upbeat about his potential, Showed signs in the forward line too but didn't get the supply.

Dawson and cutler will be the player with the least ammount of sercurity, Beams/Harwood/McGrath/Paparone Could all potentially play a similar role.

I'm not a fan of putting Rich or Hanley off the Half Back Flank, these type of guys need to be working hard up the ground to get the outlet pass. Better team balance if theyre delievering the ball to our forwards, as long as the others can delirver it to them.

Going to be a development year, need to get games into Clarke, Gardiner and Andrews.

 

[jjami15]

Defences play their best as a unit, when all in sync and on the same page. Our back six was in most cases makeshift in 2015 with only Clarke playing 20 games. The majority didn't make it to 10!!!

Cutler 11
Merrett 10
Dawson 10
Gardiner 8
Beams 8
Harwood 3

The bonus was Paparone playing 22 games and developing nicely. Andrews too, with 15 games in defence (out of 19).

For mine, our defensive structure would be the below; with non-flashy halfbacks supported by really good ball users ahead of them:

B: Gardiner Merrett Andrews

(Paparone floating)

HB: Harwood Clarke Beams

C: Hanley Rich Zorko

The best teams that I played in always had a strong back six. Pin one team they were called the six pack and they stopped everything coming in. It would be interesting to see the coaching panels view on our best backline due to how many played through their last year. IMO their thinking of our current best would be

FB: Andrews Merrett Harwood
HB: Paparone Clarke Rich

But I would actually like to see Dawson and Cutler in the mix at the end of the year with Rich playing midfield minutes. Gardiner will be Merrett's replacement and will fill in the KPD posts when one of the others go down. Paparone had a good start and tailed off but like most here I hope he puts some size on this pre-season or he will eventually be passed over in a few seasons as those around him mature.

 

[Len S]

Versatility is so important, gameday will throw up lots of different combination, and if we're looking for stability we want a back 6 that can matchup on all varieties.

My preferred line up would be
Gardiner, Merrett, Andrews
Dawson, Clarke, Cutler

Merrett / Clarke need both, or were vulnerable to get monstered by the big FF/CHF.

Gardiner to take the dangerous 3rd tall, being able to play on a variety players help.

Andrews to play slightly lose, intercepting marks are a great way of generating scoring opportunity.

Cutler to play on the dangerous small, reasonably quick done a decent job towards the end of the year. Should help with rebounding too.

Dawson, think his year went somewhat under-appreciated. Great ball use coming out of defense and wasn't a liability when he needed to defend. Im really upbeat about his potential, Showed signs in the forward line too but didn't get the supply.

Dawson and cutler will be the player with the least ammount of sercurity, Beams/Harwood/McGrath/Paparone Could all potentially play a similar role.

I'm not a fan of putting Rich or Hanley off the Half Back Flank, these type of guys need to be working hard up the ground to get the outlet pass. Better team balance if theyre delievering the ball to our forwards, as long as the others can delirver it to them.

Going to be a development year, need to get games into Clarke, Gardiner and Andrews.

This is my preferred option also....so well done! Not sure of your small forward match up. Gardiner could be handy. Absolutely agree on Hanley and Rich. Neither are natural defenders,and both are unsure overhead,particularly Hanley. Both better value downfield as you say. Leppa's positioning at the end of the year,indicates you are on the same page. I think McStay however, will come into calculations ,depending on what might be happening in the forward half. I think he is better placed in the back half...his original position. Merrett may be the one to battle to hold on.