Analysis Our Backline

[JT_the_Man]

I think the defence is looking great on paper but it's still very much a work in progress which is evident from the way the back 7 was deployed in the second half of 2021.

We gave a number of jobs to Ridley that he didn't seem particularly suited to (certainly not as suited as Stewart or Laverde). I've been operating on the assumption that we were tyring to develop the previously lacking defensive side of Ridley's game. He's generally done well and has made significant improvement to the point that he has played on Naughton twice and done quite well. He did a good job on Greene. It's really only Papley that got hold of Ridley, but then Papley is one of the best forwards in the game.

I would be surprised if we persist with using Ridley on a player as powerful as Naughton, particularly given the quality of his intercept game. I would have thought Laverde, who we have not yet used in a more offensive role, is better suited to that type of forward.

It's also hard to work out what we have been doing with Stewart in the last 4 to 6 games.

There is a rotation of the defenders I'm not picking up which might explain some of it but it seems to me that he is being picked to play on deep lying mid-sized forwards with the aim of using him to zone off at half back (in the way Port do with Aliir). He's been good for 15 possessions a week since we started using him like this but I can't say it has coincided with the sort of prolific intercept game or significant aerial presence you'd expected from someone his size (and with his new found marking strength).

You'd think, for example, that he was the match up for English in the EM but it was mainly Laverde with Stewart seeming mostly to play on Vandermeer.

It will be interesting to see how things settle next year or if the second half of 2021 is the long term plan. You'd think there is an intention to get Reid into the side ASAP but, my guess is, that will depend on Francis. I would be very surprised if Stewart is not in the medium term plan to play on an opponent's number 1 or at least rotate with Laverde based on the matchup which leave Reid to play as a third tall and Ridley to play on a flank.

We were able to play Stewart, Laverde, Francis, Ridley, Redman, Hind and Heppell in the same team. Our 7 defenders for the EM were Stewart, Laverde, Ridley, Redman, Gleeson, Cutler and Heppell. I don't think adding Reid (and Hind) to the mix will imbalance the team. I think the extra big intercept/zoning defender will suit because we don't have a dominant aerial presence at this stage.

In 2022, with it being unlikely that we will pursue either of Young or Carlisle, I'd like to see a back 7 of:

SD1: Redman (HB)	KPD1: Stewart	3TD: Reid (HB)
HB: Hind	KPD2: Laverde (SD2)	HB: Ridley (SD3/3TD)
7D: Heppell

The next step in the progression of the unit will be to have Laverde play small, which I think he can do, and even more of a half back role. Again, I think he is a better match up for the like of Papley and Greene than Ridley (and potentially Redman).

A potential fly in the ointment is if we're not in the business of letting defenders come into a team playing unaccountable roles, which would mean Reid is probably going to have to wait (as I can't see him playing on the oppositions best forwards next year). It may just have been a specific approach for Ridley because he struggled defensively.

Ultimately, you'd want to add another Hind-quick half back with Ridley to assume Heppell's role (though that may not be happening any time soon). In any event, I really like the look of the defence and with the potential improvement over a pre-season, I wouldn't trade it for any defence out there.

This is the back 7 I’ve slowly been coming around to as well. Initially I was thinking Francis in Reid’s role and see how quickly Reid can go past Stewart, but I think Reid seems more than capable of playing an intercept role to fast track him into the seniors. Stewart has been very solid and deserves to hold his spot for the time being.

Unfortunately it leaves Francis as the odd man out.

 

[Nifft]

I think the defence is looking great on paper but it's still very much a work in progress which is evident from the way the back 7 was deployed in the second half of 2021.

We gave a number of jobs to Ridley that he didn't seem particularly suited to (certainly not as suited as Stewart or Laverde). I've been operating on the assumption that we were tyring to develop the previously lacking defensive side of Ridley's game. He's generally done well and has made significant improvement to the point that he has played on Naughton twice and done quite well. He did a good job on Greene. It's really only Papley that got hold of Ridley, but then Papley is one of the best forwards in the game.

I would be surprised if we persist with using Ridley on a player as powerful as Naughton, particularly given the quality of his intercept game. I would have thought Laverde, who we have not yet used in a more offensive role, is better suited to that type of forward.

It's also hard to work out what we have been doing with Stewart in the last 4 to 6 games.

There is a rotation of the defenders I'm not picking up which might explain some of it but it seems to me that he is being picked to play on deep lying mid-sized forwards with the aim of using him to zone off at half back (in the way Port do with Aliir). He's been good for 15 possessions a week since we started using him like this but I can't say it has coincided with the sort of prolific intercept game or significant aerial presence you'd expected from someone his size (and with his new found marking strength).

You'd think, for example, that he was the match up for English in the EM but it was mainly Laverde with Stewart seeming mostly to play on Vandermeer.

It will be interesting to see how things settle next year or if the second half of 2021 is the long term plan. You'd think there is an intention to get Reid into the side ASAP but, my guess is, that will depend on Francis. I would be very surprised if Stewart is not in the medium term plan to play on an opponent's number 1 or at least rotate with Laverde based on the matchup which leave Reid to play as a third tall and Ridley to play on a flank.

We were able to play Stewart, Laverde, Francis, Ridley, Redman, Hind and Heppell in the same team. Our 7 defenders for the EM were Stewart, Laverde, Ridley, Redman, Gleeson, Cutler and Heppell. I don't think adding Reid (and Hind) to the mix will imbalance the team. I think the extra big intercept/zoning defender will suit because we don't have a dominant aerial presence at this stage.

In 2022, with it being unlikely that we will pursue either of Young or Carlisle, I'd like to see a back 7 of:

SD1: Redman (HB)	KPD1: Stewart	3TD: Reid (HB)
HB: Hind	KPD2: Laverde (SD2)	HB: Ridley (SD3/3TD)
7D: Heppell

The next step in the progression of the unit will be to have Laverde play small, which I think he can do, and even more of a half back role. Again, I think he is a better match up for the like of Papley and Greene than Ridley (and potentially Redman).

A potential fly in the ointment is if we're not in the business of letting defenders come into a team playing unaccountable roles, which would mean Reid is probably going to have to wait (as I can't see him playing on the oppositions best forwards next year). It may just have been a specific approach for Ridley because he struggled defensively.

Ultimately, you'd want to add another Hind-quick half back with Ridley to assume Heppell's role (though that may not be happening any time soon). In any event, I really like the look of the defence and with the potential improvement over a pre-season, I wouldn't trade it for any defence out there.

I wouldn't mind seeing McGrath rotating between midfield and defence based on our requirements week to week (who we're playing, injuries etc).

 

[BrunoV]

I wouldn't mind seeing McGrath rotating between midfield and defence based on our requirements week to week (who we're playing, injuries etc).

I can't see that happening.

It would be interesting to see. There have been no real signs of the pace he had as a kid or in his first year in the last 2 or 3 seasons.

Inside midfield doesn't usually give you the space to go for a run so that could be it but I suspect he's lost a yard as he's matured and thickened. It happens.

 

[BrunoV]

This is the back 7 I’ve slowly been coming around to as well. Initially I was thinking Francis in Reid’s role and see how quickly Reid can go past Stewart, but I think Reid seems more than capable of playing an intercept role to fast track him into the seniors. Stewart has been very solid and deserves to hold his spot for the time being.

Unfortunately it leaves Francis as the odd man out.

I'm neither here nor there when it comes to Francis. He's an AFL standard player but you'd think there is clear scope to upgrade him with Reid. Laverde and Ridley are better in the roles that Francis is suited to. It's much like it was with Gleeson and Ridley. Gleeson could easily have played 150 to 200 games until a freak got drafted in his position (and now he will struggles to make it to 100).

 

[Mikevk123]

B Hind Reid Redman
HB Ridley Laverde McGrath
7th Francis/Heppell

 

[Nifft]

I can't see that happening.

It would be interesting to see. There have been no real signs of the pace he had as a kid or in his first year in the last 2 or 3 seasons.

Inside midfield doesn't usually give you the space to go for a run so that could be it but I suspect he's lost a yard as he's matured and thickened. It happens.

I agree with you, I think Truck has shown that when he gets his mind set on players in certain positions then he sticks with that... however maybe some flexibility would be good as well. As some others have said, it wouldn't have hurt to throw players around a bit in the final, such as trying McGrath on Weightman.

 

[Towno78]

I think the defence is looking great on paper but it's still very much a work in progress which is evident from the way the back 7 was deployed in the second half of 2021.

We gave a number of jobs to Ridley that he didn't seem particularly suited to (certainly not as suited as Stewart or Laverde). I've been operating on the assumption that we were tyring to develop the previously lacking defensive side of Ridley's game. He's generally done well and has made significant improvement to the point that he has played on Naughton twice and done quite well. He did a good job on Greene. It's really only Papley that got hold of Ridley, but then Papley is one of the best forwards in the game.

I would be surprised if we persist with using Ridley on a player as powerful as Naughton, particularly given the quality of his intercept game. I would have thought Laverde, who we have not yet used in a more offensive role, is better suited to that type of forward.

It's also hard to work out what we have been doing with Stewart in the last 4 to 6 games.

There is a rotation of the defenders I'm not picking up which might explain some of it but it seems to me that he is being picked to play on deep lying mid-sized forwards with the aim of using him to zone off at half back (in the way Port do with Aliir). He's been good for 15 possessions a week since we started using him like this but I can't say it has coincided with the sort of prolific intercept game or significant aerial presence you'd expected from someone his size (and with his new found marking strength).

You'd think, for example, that he was the match up for English in the EM but it was mainly Laverde with Stewart seeming mostly to play on Vandermeer.

It will be interesting to see how things settle next year or if the second half of 2021 is the long term plan. You'd think there is an intention to get Reid into the side ASAP but, my guess is, that will depend on Francis. I would be very surprised if Stewart is not in the medium term plan to play on an opponent's number 1 or at least rotate with Laverde based on the matchup which leave Reid to play as a third tall and Ridley to play on a flank.

We were able to play Stewart, Laverde, Francis, Ridley, Redman, Hind and Heppell in the same team. Our 7 defenders for the EM were Stewart, Laverde, Ridley, Redman, Gleeson, Cutler and Heppell. I don't think adding Reid (and Hind) to the mix will imbalance the team. I think the extra big intercept/zoning defender will suit because we don't have a dominant aerial presence at this stage.

In 2022, with it being unlikely that we will pursue either of Young or Carlisle, I'd like to see a back 7 of:

SD1: Redman (HB)	KPD1: Stewart	3TD: Reid (HB)
HB: Hind	KPD2: Laverde (SD2)	HB: Ridley (SD3/3TD)
7D: Heppell

The next step in the progression of the unit will be to have Laverde play small, which I think he can do, and even more of a half back role. Again, I think he is a better match up for the like of Papley and Greene than Ridley (and potentially Redman).

A potential fly in the ointment is if we're not in the business of letting defenders come into a team playing unaccountable roles, which would mean Reid is probably going to have to wait (as I can't see him playing on the oppositions best forwards next year). It may just have been a specific approach for Ridley because he struggled defensively.

Ultimately, you'd want to add another Hind-quick half back with Ridley to assume Heppell's role (though that may not be happening any time soon). In any event, I really like the look of the defence and with the potential improvement over a pre-season, I wouldn't trade it for any defence out there.

Looks spot on to me.
A lot on here are critical of Stewart and assume Reid will push him out. They'll play together for a couple of years at least I'd think. It was Stewart's first season back there, and only 2 of our back 7 played there in 2020. Stewart will be much better for the run, and our defensive unit has so much upside still. Certain this is why Rutten didn't change the defensive unit much for the year.

 

[Old Campaigner]

I agree with you, I think Truck has shown that when he gets his mind set on players in certain positions then he sticks with that...

are you watching the same team the rest of us are? Truck has moved more magnets around the board than any coach I’ve seen in years

 

[BrunoV]

I agree with you, I think Truck has shown that when he gets his mind set on players in certain positions then he sticks with that... however maybe some flexibility would be good as well. As some others have said, it wouldn't have hurt to throw players around a bit in the final, such as trying McGrath on Weightman.

This is right. He has a vision of what things will look like and he hasn't budged.

He's swung some magnets to set that vision up but there's been no suggestion of further change so far. I think this is likely because he's exhausted the potential of the list for 2021.

If Chol and a mid come in and at least a few of Bryan, Cox, Reid, Durham and pick 11 really kick on and push for best 22 selection we'll likely see the magnets shuffled again as he looks to maximise available potential.

 

[Vindicater]

I would love to see this backline solidified by the end of 2022.

Hind Reid Ridley
McGrath Stewart Laverde

Redman as a defensive wing.

 

[BrunoV]

This was my pre Kelly back 7.

SD1: Redman (HB)	KPD1: Stewart	3TD: Reid (HB)
HB: Hind	KPD2: Laverde (SD2)	HB: Ridley (SD3/3TD)
7D: Heppell

To start with, I think Kelly is good business. We need another running defender. This becomes Redman with Kelly playing as the small defender. I doubt there is a realistic way to get a better half back/running defender than Redman and for nothing but salary cap. I doubt there are many that are better than what Redman will be anyway.

However it is not immediately obvious who he will replace. Whether you have Francis or Hurley there for Stewart or Reid makes it no more obvious to work out how Kelly fits into the best 22.

You'd think we'd have seen Stewart forward by now if it was on the cards. I can't say I like the balance of the defence without one genuine big boy.

I suppose Reid is the weakest link and he probably makes way for Kelly but how long will it be the case that he's not demanding selection?

I wonder how long Heppell has left.

 

[Ants]

.....

We gave a number of jobs to Ridley that he didn't seem particularly suited to (certainly not as suited as Stewart or Laverde). I've been operating on the assumption that we were tyring to develop the previously lacking defensive side of Ridley's game. He's generally done well and has made significant improvement to the point that he has played on Naughton twice and done quite well. He did a good job on Greene. It's really only Papley that got hold of Ridley, but then Papley is one of the best forwards in the game.

I would be surprised if we persist with using Ridley on a player as powerful as Naughton, particularly given the quality of his intercept game. I would have thought Laverde, who we have not yet used in a more offensive role, is better suited to that type of forward.

.....

Just on this, Ridley had the best one-on-one contest win rate of our entire defensive unit. I think 2021 has shown that we can play him just about any role in the back 6 and he excels. Whether that is the best use of his strengths going forward is another matter.

 

[Yoda_]

The acquisition of Jake Kelly

29

Jake Kelly

Age

30

Ht

190cm

Wt

90kg

Pos.

D/M

Career

Season

Last 5

D

14.5

4star

K

8.3

3star

HB

6.3

4star

M

4.6

4star

T

2.6

4star

MG

157.8

2star

D

8.1

2star

K

6.3

3star

HB

1.9

1star

M

3.3

3star

T

2.6

4star

MG

104.1

2star

D

14.8

4star

K

9.0

4star

HB

5.8

4star

M

6.0

5star

T

4.2

5star

MG

107.0

2star

has one question, and one question only.

Why spend money on a ready made, reliable AFL player when we have similar (albeit inconsistent) types already on the list. Who is moving out of the back 6 (7) that exceeded all expectations this year, still managing to finish in the top half (9th) of conceded points for the season.

 

[ant555]

The acquisition of Jake Kelly has one question, and one question only.

Why spend money on a ready made, reliable AFL player when we have similar (albeit inconsistent) types already on the list. Who is moving out of the back 6 (7) that exceeded all expectations this year, still managing to finish in the top half (9th) of conceded points for the season.

Answer. Better one on one defender than all of them.

 

[Ants]

Plus, we really really need depth in that area. We lost Hind, and only had Gleeson to replace him. We had no depth behind them. We've tried Cahill, Guelfi, Zaka in the last 18 months we've lacking so much in small back depth. Kelly immediately means we've got a bit of cover there.

If Truck wants a stronger defender in the team and sees him as best 22 I honestly don't know who comes out. But assuming Truck is correct that that will strengthen the team, whoever misses out will be putting pressure on those in the team, which can only be a good thing.

 

[faible]

The acquisition of Jake Kelly has one question, and one question only.

Why spend money on a ready made, reliable AFL player when we have similar (albeit inconsistent) types already on the list. Who is moving out of the back 6 (7) that exceeded all expectations this year, still managing to finish in the top half (9th) of conceded points for the season.

I assume it would entail Redman & Hind playing more offensive roles, with Kelly taking a more defensive position given that's his strength.

Stewart, Laverde, Ridley, Kelly, Redman, Hind with Heppell as the 7th, Reid still to come in somewhere along the way, and Francis might train forward to play a forward line of Wright, Francis & Jones as the 'talls'?

 

[MarkJohnson#1]

How long do we think it will take Reid to develop? Defensively our only weakness is the lack of a competent big dog, Stewart is ok but we need better.

 

[Old Campaigner]

How long do we think it will take Reid to develop? Defensively our only weakness is the lack of a competent big dog, Stewart is ok but we need better.

I think he's probably 3-5 years away from being able to compete physically with the big units but he'll get regular games playing on lighter players well before that.

 

[BrunoV]

How long do we think it will take Reid to develop? Defensively our only weakness is the lack of a competent big dog, Stewart is ok but we need better.

I doubt Reid is playing as our number 1 before 2024 (at the absolute earliest).

Go back and look at Reid playing on Hipwood. That's an equivalent body shape and height, etc.

He's such a stick he made Hipwood look built like Draper (where there is at least 10kgs between Hipwood and Draper). It's going to take a while to stack on the 10 to 12 kgs he'll ultimately put on. He does have the ability to play as a half back/third tall. If I'm reading Rutten correctly, he wants to play Reid asap and this is likely how he will need to do it.

 

[ant555]

Our gun CHB has not played there yet.

 

[Vindicater]

So by the end of the season what does it look like?

Hind Reid Kelly

Redman Laverde Heppell

 

[Bipolar Bear]

People seem to be forgetting Conor Mckenna

 

[ghostdog]

So by the end of the season what does it look like?

Hind Reid Kelly

Redman Laverde Heppell

Maybe Stewie is going forward again.

I think Hind was sent forward in the EF? (unless I'm not remembering accurately) which doesn't seem right because we know how well he rebounds, but that would accommodate Kelly and solve the small forward quandary.

 

[Ants]

People seem to be forgetting Conor Mckenna

Damn I'd love him to return.

 

[Ants]

So by the end of the season what does it look like?

Hind Reid Kelly

Redman Laverde Heppell

Well, we normally play 7 defenders and between you and me I think Ridley will probably deserve a place.

I actually think that seven though (Ridley, Lave, Reid .... Kelly ... Redman, Heppell, Hind) will be our starting 7 next year, with Cutler, Zerk and Stewart as depth in the VFL. The coaches seemed to want to get games into Reid and with another preseason they may do it from the go.