Our best 22: 2-3 spots still up for grabs

[Cosmic Starchild]

With Kerr likely to return this week (probably for Adkins), I think it's fair to say that 19-20 guys are automatic selections.

B: Wirrpunda Glass Jones*
HB: Stenglein Hunter Chick
C: Kerr Cousins Braun
HF: Embley Hansen Sampi
F: Matera Lynch Gardiner
R: Cox Judd Fletcher
INT: Banfield Seaby Selwood* Butler*

* These are the guys who are yet to fully cement their spots.

Jones is probably safe for now but needs to step it up a gear over the next month. He's been solid, but made some bad decisions against Brisbane, and sometimes wasn't clean enough by hand in traffic. While I think he will become a very useful player, he needs to keep improving and hit more targets on the rebound.

Selwood and Butler are tricky ones. While they have looked very good at stages, but both have had patchy games. Both need to produce regularly to justify selection ahead of Nicoski and Wooden. Long-term, Butler and Selwood are fantastic prospects, but they need to contribute every week.

Butler in particular was poor against Brisbane, and I'm not really sure what he brings to the side. He's obviously still young and will improve, but I think Nicoski would offer us more drive and flexibility in the back half.

So I think there are really 2 spots up for grabs (3 if Jones drops off the pace), with the following pressing for selection: Wooden, Nicoski, Adkins, Graham, Staker, McDougall, Graham, R. Jones, McConnell.

It's a great position to be in: 5-0 with a dozen guys competing for the final 2-3 spots each week.

I'd be interested to hear thoughts on how our side will look when (if?) McDougall is recalled. What's the story with him? I thought he was set for a big year.

Go Eagles!

 

[West Coast Fan 123]

I think Jones is very safe mate. He did some good things against Brisbane and did well on Chris Scott after hed bagged a few early on Banners. We will never have a "set" 22. There will usually always be 2-3 spots up for grabs because we dont have 22 deadset guns. I think as long as Butler and Selwood get a bit of gametime this year, they will be alot better for it in the long haul. I think Wooden should be in the team- very underatted performer. Id also like to see Stakes and Doogs back in the team, confidence in the big time is what they both need. I didn't know there were two Grayham's pushing or selection???

 

[Monocle]

Bones second and third efforts and his ability to run in straight lines more than compensate for his errors in decision making. The more games of AFL he has under his belt the better his decision making will become.

B Jones is a tough no nonsense player and as such has a point of difference, a fact that I am sure is not lost on Woosha and the match committee.

Therefore I reckon his place is safe , until Beau Waters is fit again and that { curse it } may be some time away.