our midfield 2019

elsleevador

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This time last year I thought West Coast’s midfield was going to be absolute rubbish.
Redden went from decent at Brisbane to shit at west coast to very decent last yr. maybe Tucker can do the same, maybe Brayshaw takes the step.
If Fyfe is 10/10, we only need one other to climb to a 7/10 and the rest can be honest foot soldiers as we know we have 2 damn good rucks.
Cerra’s body looks ready and, watching our final game last yr, his strength was a feature. Especially when he dropped De Goey and got him HTB. If he only improves 10% we’re laughing.
Here’s hoping Bewley is the next Barlow.
Can’t wait for the “Boooooooooooooo” when Bewley gets a touch. Spread the word
 

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Scham

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Ideally I agree, but if both Brayshaw and Cerra are playing major minutes in the middle I find it hard to see us doing much this year.
Will we be doing much anyway?

Rather have him as a fully fledged mid when we’re ready to challenge for a flag than have him piss around in the backline when he’s a midfielder and we have better options at hb.
 

_007_

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Will we be doing much anyway?

Rather have him as a fully fledged mid when we’re ready to challenge for a flag than have him piss around in the backline when he’s a midfielder and we have better options at hb.
Probably not lol but I'd rather not concede that before the season has started. I don't think we can afford to be non competitive again this year - that's basket case territory which is also damaging to player development and retention.

I'd love to have him in the guts but not if it means we can't compete. Ideally, I wouldn't want Cerra and AB (or other youth) to attend the same bounce until we know we are cooked for the year. If one of the young guys really stand up and their performance actually warrants starting midfield minutes or they prove they're not a liability against AFL sized bodies then that changes things.
 

M_rash

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Will we be doing much anyway?

Rather have him as a fully fledged mid when we’re ready to challenge for a flag than have him piss around in the backline when he’s a midfielder and we have better options at hb.
Couldn’t agree more. We need to rebuild our midfield. It’s our weakest area.

The best way is to pump midfield minutes into the kids. Relying on C-grade (Conca and Colyer) imports to carry additional load isn’t gonna help long term.

Cerra looks as big and strong as Banfield did last year. So shouldn’t have too many worries about increased midfield time.

If it’s about development, I’ld rather use Cerra as a tagger than at half back. Most half backs get a lot of loose ball, easy possessions and afforded plenty of time to dispose (hence their very high disposal efficiency) - all traits not afforded to inside mids. Plus we still actually need to develop another decent small-mid sized defender anyway.

Rotate the centre bounces with:
Fyfe - Brayshaw - Walters
Mundy - Cerra - Conca

Cameos from Tucker and Colyer until SHill and Blakely are back. If we get pants, so be it.
 

theGav56

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anyway.

Rotate the centre bounces with:
Fyfe - Brayshaw - Walters
Mundy - Cerra - Conca

Cameos from Tucker and Colyer until SHill and Blakely are back. If we get pants, so be it.
I would have thought that's what is on the cards anyway. Plus some other names; Banfield, Bewley, Langdon. No need to overload Cerra and Banfield.
 

M_rash

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I would have thought that's what is on the cards anyway. Plus some other names; Banfield, Bewley, Langdon. No need to overload Cerra and Banfield.
I guess my point is that both Cerra and Brayshaw were elite juniors. I’ld like to see something like 50% TOG in the midfield, with no more than about 20% elsewhere (HB or HF). 70% TOG should be ok for them... and if it increases, spend it in the midfield.

These two are the future of our midfield, so I would prefer to see them gaining experience in there rather than being sheltered on the flanks. The rotations I suggested would provide experienced bodies around them at all times - so it shouldn’t overload them.
 

Scham

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Probably not lol but I'd rather not concede that before the season has started. I don't think we can afford to be non competitive again this year - that's basket case territory which is also damaging to player development and retention.

I'd love to have him in the guts but not if it means we can't compete. Ideally, I wouldn't want Cerra and AB (or other youth) to attend the same bounce until we know we are cooked for the year. If one of the young guys really stand up and their performance actually warrants starting midfield minutes or they prove they're not a liability against AFL sized bodies then that changes things.
I get what you’re saying but the hb line is also important to our success so why weaken that area to develop a young mid? We have a host of good hb’s that are actual defenders.

If he’s going to be a liability in the midfield then perhaps allow him to develop in the WAFL as a full time mid. I don’t think he will be a liability in the 1’s. He was one of the best in the country in his age group and he’s had a year in an AFL environment. He’s ready to be thrown in the mix imo. Brayshaw did it last year, I’m sure Cerra can do it this year and it’s not like we’re sorely relying on him and Brayshaw, we have Fyfe, Mundy, Conca, Hill, Langdon, Colyer, Tucker and Blakely when he’s back.

Btw, I highly doubt we’ll be non-competitive this year and if we are it’ll be down to the coaches and/or the conditioners because our list is good. Very good in fact.
 

blue shark

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I get what you’re saying but the hb line is also important to our success so why weaken that area to develop a young mid? We have a host of good hb’s that are actual defenders.

If he’s going to be a liability in the midfield then perhaps allow him to develop in the WAFL as a full time mid. I don’t think he will be a liability in the 1’s. He was one of the best in the country in his age group and he’s had a year in an AFL environment. He’s ready to be thrown in the mix imo. Brayshaw did it last year, I’m sure Cerra can do it this year and it’s not like we’re sorely relying on him and Brayshaw, we have Fyfe, Mundy, Conca, Hill, Langdon, Colyer, Tucker and Blakely when he’s back.

Btw, I highly doubt we’ll be non-competitive this year and if we are it’ll be down to the coaches and/or the conditioners because our list is good. Very good in fact.
I'm confused with some posters, 2020 has been stated when we should massively improve, and with another draft, trade, fix the midfield.
I think we should hold sway, we are building something better than we have ever seen, no point panicking this year.
The list ATM is around the 8-10 mark, as Scham said, anything less than that and Ross should go, a spine that good is a rare commodity.
i have huge respect for Lyon and what he achieved with Freo, we either get back to that intensity, anywhere anytime, that mindset or he
Looking like yesterday's man.
 

salim malik

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I'm confused with some posters, 2020 has been stated when we should massively improve, and with another draft, trade, fix the midfield.
I think we should hold sway, we are building something better than we have ever seen, no point panicking this year.
The list ATM is around the 8-10 mark, as Scham said, anything less than that and Ross should go, a spine that good is a rare commodity.
i have huge respect for Lyon and what he achieved with Freo, we either get back to that intensity, anywhere anytime, that mindset or he
Looking like yesterday's man.

I feel the same, admire Ross and want to see what he can do with the new cattle but imo it's a make or break year for him . Finals or very close must be the objective
 

M_rash

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Hmmmmm we’ll essentially be fielding one of the youngest, most inexperienced teams each week. Our list has one of the highest turnover rates of the past three years... we should be a bottom 4 team really. I think Ross did exceptionally well to get 8 wins last year.

We’re quite lucky that for whatever reason, we seem to have a legitimate home ground advantage. Whether we just play better at home, or other teams fall to pieces - I do not know. But our away form was horrendous last year. To play finals, we’ll need a huge improvement on our away trips. Like, really fricken massive - I don’t think we’ll turn that around within one season... but maybe that Gold Coast camp can work wonders.

Applying Dr Drum’s rule... I reckon there are four winnable away games this year - and three of those are at the back end of the season - so who knows what form/injuries teams will have then; Suns (rnd 2), dogs (rnd 19), saints (rnd 21), Port (rnd 23).

If we make finals, Ross should be extended for an additional 3yrs! Otherwise 8 wins with an improved % would be my pass mark for the year.
 

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sherrif

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Hmmmmm we’ll essentially be fielding one of the youngest, most inexperienced teams each week. Our list has one of the highest turnover rates of the past three years... we should be a bottom 4 team really. I think Ross did exceptionally well to get 8 wins last year.

We’re quite lucky that for whatever reason, we seem to have a legitimate home ground advantage. Whether we just play better at home, or other teams fall to pieces - I do not know. But our away form was horrendous last year. To play finals, we’ll need a huge improvement on our away trips. Like, really fricken massive - I don’t think we’ll turn that around within one season... but maybe that Gold Coast camp can work wonders.

Applying Dr Drum’s rule... I reckon there are four winnable away games this year - and three of those are at the back end of the season - so who knows what form/injuries teams will have then; Suns (rnd 2), dogs (rnd 19), saints (rnd 21), Port (rnd 23).

If we make finals, Ross should be extended for an additional 3yrs! Otherwise 8 wins with an improved % would be my pass mark for the year.
Think you are massively underestimating the list. Im expecting Bewley, Colyer, Swita and Logue to be massive surprise packets. Not sure what that means, but certainly think we are capable of a very significant rise up the ladder.
 

Unique Name

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Mundy and Fyfe just need to power through the first 5 games until S Hill and Blakely are back. Brayshaw, Cerra, Walters, Tucker, Conca will all rotate through.

Any midfield with Fyfe and Mundy in it is capable of holding its own and not being bullied. We're just going to be heavily reliant on the two of them for the initial rounds.
 

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Mundy and Fyfe just need to power through the first 5 games until S Hill and Blakely are back. Brayshaw, Cerra, Walters, Tucker, Conca will all rotate through.

Any midfield with Fyfe and Mundy in it is capable of holding its own and not being bullied. We're just going to be heavily reliant on the two of them for the initial rounds.
Our outside run looks ok too, Brad Hill, Ed Langdon are no pushovers. Cerra and Brayshaw some of the most talented youngsters in the league too.
 

masai

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Mundy and Fyfe just need to power through the first 5 games until S Hill and Blakely are back. Brayshaw, Cerra, Walters, Tucker, Conca will all rotate through.

Any midfield with Fyfe and Mundy in it is capable of holding its own and not being bullied. We're just going to be heavily reliant on the two of them for the initial rounds.
Love Mundy, but he never powers through anything, ..... he just waltz’s, spin’s, sidesteps and wanders through the opponents defence.
 
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In my opinion our best 22 is very competitive but the amount of development/fringe players on the list seems much higher than a lot of other clubs. Unfortunately, a fair amount of these are ruck and midfielders. The fact that North, Valente and Bewley (with zero games between them) are being touted as possible Blakely/Neale replacements is a case in point. I’m warming to the idea of Tucker going through there though. If Sean Darcy gets injured things start to get ugly pretty quickly in the ruck department too.

My other main concern is tackling. It seems to be undervalued or not discussed much on this forum. Where is the improvement in our tackling and pressure coming from? I’ve said it before on here, we were downright awful at it last year. I know this should improve as the bodies mature but is it going to change enough this year for us to compete against better midfields? I’m not convinced. I hope I’m wrong because we look like we will be better at launching attacks when we do win possession back.
 

M_rash

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Think you are massively underestimating the list. Im expecting Bewley, Colyer, Swita and Logue to be massive surprise packets. Not sure what that means, but certainly think we are capable of a very significant rise up the ladder.
I see the upside too, just don’t think we’ll improve enough to play finals this year. 2020 is looking more likely.

I think Logue will need to work his way back into the B22, and will take most of the year to get comfortable at AFL level. He’s essentially a second year KPP. He’ll be even better come 2020.

I’m as hopeful about Bewley as anyone. Has the body and VFL form behind him, but even still, it’ll probably take a year or so to really come on at AFL (consistently). Tim Kelly was the exception. Even Luke Ryan took time to find his feet - but now he’s a dead set B22 lock.

Swita could be anything (in a good way). Fingers crossed he stays healthy and can continue to ply his trade at AFL.

I’ve seen some pretty handy games from Colyer over the years. His pace is great, but not getting too excited given his injury history and our S&C staff.

I think we’re building a good list, but many are still unproven and whilst my hopes are high - my expectations are driven by list demographics rather than my purple passion.

Looking at last years ladder and those that missed the 8, I think Roos, Essendon and Crows should finish higher than us. Port are a bit unknown but they started last year so well, it would be foolish to right them off. Dogs have a better midfield, but our forward line and defence is better. Brissy are probably on par with us but have a better midfield, whilst defence and forward lines are probably similar. They didn’t have any blow outs last year and will be looking to be competitive again this year. It’s so hard to tell which teams will rise and which will slide, but given where I think we are with our list and rebuild, I’m expecting a bottom 6 finish (top end of bottom 6 mind you).
 

wayToGo_

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My other main concern is tackling. It seems to be undervalued or not discussed much on this forum. Where is the improvement in our tackling and pressure coming from?
Well we traded out our worst tackler (most tackles broken in the AFL) :) And we traded in someone who would have been our best tackler if on our list last season. That's a start isn't it?
 

theGav56

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In my opinion our best 22 is very competitive but the amount of development/fringe players on the list seems much higher than a lot of other clubs. Unfortunately, a fair amount of these are ruck and midfielders. The fact that North, Valente and Bewley (with zero games between them) are being touted as possible Blakely/Neale replacements is a case in point. I’m warming to the idea of Tucker going through there though. If Sean Darcy gets injured things start to get ugly pretty quickly in the ruck department too.

My other main concern is tackling. It seems to be undervalued or not discussed much on this forum. Where is the improvement in our tackling and pressure coming from? I’ve said it before on here, we were downright awful at it last year. I know this should improve as the bodies mature but is it going to change enough this year for us to compete against better midfields? I’m not convinced. I hope I’m wrong because we look like we will be better at launching attacks when we do win possession back.
North, Valente and Bewley all have mature bodies and I think it is quite reasonable to expect them to be given the opportunity to play supporting roles (not replacements). Injury is where opportunity come from in football. But before we get to those 3 we have other options in Banfield and Crowden have a dip in the midfield.

If Darcy is injured we are well placed, with Lobb very capable of stepping in there and either Cox or McCarthy joining the forwards. And that assumes Sandilands is also injured. I also think Meek or Jones as a fill in if we have injuries to all of our top 3 rucks is quite acceptable.

I'm trying to figure out what you expect from a club that has been going through a massive rebuild and list restructure. Do you want us trading in even more mature players? I think the club has pretty much got it right, and while I can see that there will be some times where a player needs to step up, that is far better than having C grade mature depth clogging up the works.

In terms of tackling, we were terrible last year. Like you I think it is an area we need urgent improvement. Unrealistic to expect it in an immature and injury riddled side, but this coming season Logue, Conca, Bewley and Brayshaw will definitely brings some tackling pressure to the contest.
 

Jezzitizle

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The exciting thing about our midfield this year is that there are a few players who could have break out years and the opportunities are going to be there.

I think we will get comfortably beaten by the top midfields some weeks but it’s about improvement this year.
 
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Can’t say I’m surprised to hear Neale led the league for missed tackles last year. Maybe there is hope, especially if Conca and Brayshaw and the like can set the standard for the others to follow.

I’m definity not expecting drastic improvements this year. Slow and steady development of the players and the game plan would be nice to see if we can stay relatively healthy.
 

Docker82

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Probably more about what it’ll be in 2021 to be honest.

S.Hill (31), Fyfe (30), Walters (30), Colyer (30), Conca (29), B.Hill (28), Bewley (26), Blakely (25), Langdon (25), Tucker (24), Banfield (23), Cerra (22), Brayshaw (22), Valente (21).

Keep in mind in that most other key players will be in that 25-28 year old bracket.

Trading wise I don’t see much more to add rather than an A Grade mid, maybe a medium forward (although we just drafted Sturt for that) and maybe ruck depth. Imagine how that midfield group looks if we bring another absolute A Grade gun in.
 

sherrif

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I see the upside too, just don’t think we’ll improve enough to play finals this year. 2020 is looking more likely.

I think Logue will need to work his way back into the B22, and will take most of the year to get comfortable at AFL level. He’s essentially a second year KPP. He’ll be even better come 2020.

I’m as hopeful about Bewley as anyone. Has the body and VFL form behind him, but even still, it’ll probably take a year or so to really come on at AFL (consistently). Tim Kelly was the exception. Even Luke Ryan took time to find his feet - but now he’s a dead set B22 lock.

Swita could be anything (in a good way). Fingers crossed he stays healthy and can continue to ply his trade at AFL.

I’ve seen some pretty handy games from Colyer over the years. His pace is great, but not getting too excited given his injury history and our S&C staff.

I think we’re building a good list, but many are still unproven and whilst my hopes are high - my expectations are driven by list demographics rather than my purple passion.

Looking at last years ladder and those that missed the 8, I think Roos, Essendon and Crows should finish higher than us. Port are a bit unknown but they started last year so well, it would be foolish to right them off. Dogs have a better midfield, but our forward line and defence is better. Brissy are probably on par with us but have a better midfield, whilst defence and forward lines are probably similar. They didn’t have any blow outs last year and will be looking to be competitive again this year. It’s so hard to tell which teams will rise and which will slide, but given where I think we are with our list and rebuild, I’m expecting a bottom 6 finish (top end of bottom 6 mind you).
Im not expecting a bottom 6 finish. No problems with those who do. I see plenty of similarities with our rise up the ladder in 2010 where we went from 14th in 2009 to 6th in 2010. Barlow starting the year as an absolute gun, some exciting kids emerging in Mora, Fyfe and S.Hill and the presence of some veterans playing more after injury severely affected 2009 where some of the key elements in that year. Obviously, we've lost Neale, but if a few players step up to cover that loss n midfield then our improvement could be massive in other areas of the field. Really think Swita and Bewley are massive keys. Ill disagree that Ryan wasnt good from the get go. I thought he emerged after only half a dozen or so games to be a very good player. If Swita and Bewley can do the same then having two players with the physical attributes of experienced players means our list may still be young, but physically we can compete against teams with more experience. Really think Logue will emerge to be a gun player early on. HE just shows so much athletically with his ability to shutdown players. A year ago I said Alex Pearce looked like he would be ready to go after watching him train despite the injury layoff. Logue looks a heap better than Alex Pearce did (in 2018 preseason training) in training from what I saw in my holidays. Colyer really could be more important than I thought at the time of his recruitment. One more player with speed was what our midfield needed in my opinion. The Captain Obvious call is that for us to improve greater player availability from our experienced players is the obvious missing ingredient in the comparison between the 2010 and a potential 2019 rise up the ladder. If that happens anything is possible.
 
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Probably more about what it’ll be in 2021 to be honest.

S.Hill (31), Fyfe (30), Walters (30), Colyer (30), Conca (29), B.Hill (28), Bewley (26), Blakely (25), Langdon (25), Tucker (24), Banfield (23), Cerra (22), Brayshaw (22), Valente (21).

Keep in mind in that most other key players will be in that 25-28 year old bracket.

Trading wise I don’t see much more to add rather than an A Grade mid, maybe a medium forward (although we just drafted Sturt for that) and maybe ruck depth. Imagine how that midfield group looks if we bring another absolute A Grade gun in.
What does concern me about this a little is we're almost looking old again! Probably only got a 2/3 year bracket to do much with. Walters isn't quick anyway and can go forward later in his career, but it'll be interesting to see how Fyfe ages from 30+. He's an absolute freak of an athlete but what body adjustments would he need to make? Will he go forward?

I think the age group shows the importance of someone like Tucker getting a run on the ball this year, or Bewley + Banfield, try and get a couple more in that prime age group as these guns hit 30.
 

prpl_jss

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What does concern me about this a little is we're almost looking old again! Probably only got a 2/3 year bracket to do much with. Walters isn't quick anyway and can go forward later in his career, but it'll be interesting to see how Fyfe ages from 30+. He's an absolute freak of an athlete but what body adjustments would he need to make? Will he go forward?

I think the age group shows the importance of someone like Tucker getting a run on the ball this year, or Bewley + Banfield, try and get a couple more in that prime age group as these guns hit 30.
Agreed, and Fyfe isn't exactly Pav-like in his ability to stay on the park either. Put Coniglio in that list though, hooo boy, those would be a good few years.
 
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