- Joined
- Oct 19, 2012
- Posts
- 14,653
- Reaction score
- 19,692
- Location
- Minas Morgul
- AFL Club
- Western Bulldogs
A topic that has always been at the height of debate on this forum is the number of small forwards/small mids that we have on our list and if we can fit them all into our side going into future seasons. Out of the 4 general classifications of player types I think we have an abundance of (3rd tall forwards, inside mids and 3rd tall defenders), I believe that our small utilities (who can play both forward and in the middle) combined have the most talent between them out of any player type on our list and that competition for spots is going to be red hot come round 1. Players who I would argue fit the mould include Dahlhaus, Hrovat, Hunter, Daniel, Honeychurch, McLean, as well as the rebirth of Picken as a negating forward/mid. Clay Smith's comeback towards senior footy is also only going to make spots even tighter in this regard. Out of those players mention IMO only 2 of those would be absolute locks for Round 1 for various reasons (Dahlhaus and Picken). Out of the others only McLean at this stage would not be able to make a geniune claim for a round 1 spot as a small forward/mid.
Hrovat - Locked into our best 22 at the end of last season but with injury it hasn't made him a certain starter, not to mention he is arguably the most polarising player on our list, which has drawn vastly different opinions from numerous BF posters as to the judgement of his quality (some who rank him as the next Sam Mitchell and future captain to others suggesting he isn't/won't be a top 25 player on our list.
Hunter - Close to a lock but a possible injury has set him back. His increased time as a midfielder this season, will give us an opportunity as to whether the likes of Honeychurch/Daniel/McLean/Smith will pressure his role in the team.
Honeychurch - Some would argue that out of these types of player Honey would lack a bit of x-factor in comparison to others, however he has had an excellent preseason and named in our bests during the NAB challenge. Another who is on the brink of a breakout year in the best 22.
Daniel - really piling on the pressure in terms of spots for Round 1. Whilst he lacks height he does everything brilliantly and once named in the senior side I can't see him losing his spot often, if at all.
Smith - The forgotten man who apart from Dahl I believe was the most established out of all these players until injury. He's close to ready to go, but injury will have a huge say as to whether he remains in the best 22 at the end of the year.
The purpose of this thread is for serious debate as to whether we can play all of these players is the same side or whether we can afford to trade one or more of these types of players at the end of the season. No doubt most of the names I have mentioned would get us a good player/pick for a position we desperately need more depth in (CHB, CHF, speedy outside user etc).
If your opinion is option a) that we should keep all of these players, how do you see all of these players fitting into the side and who as a consequence drops out.
If your for option b) which is to trade one/or more types of these players at this stage who would we be willing to let go to get a better list balance through trade or drafting. Keeping in mind that at seasons end 3 players who are currently rated roundabouts top 10 in the 2015 draft (Ah-Chee, Parish, Tucker) all are similar in stature and play a similar role to our current crop. Not to mention that our recruiting team have tended to pick sliders such as Daniel/Hrovat/Honeychurch who are often overlooked because of height.
Hrovat - Locked into our best 22 at the end of last season but with injury it hasn't made him a certain starter, not to mention he is arguably the most polarising player on our list, which has drawn vastly different opinions from numerous BF posters as to the judgement of his quality (some who rank him as the next Sam Mitchell and future captain to others suggesting he isn't/won't be a top 25 player on our list.
Hunter - Close to a lock but a possible injury has set him back. His increased time as a midfielder this season, will give us an opportunity as to whether the likes of Honeychurch/Daniel/McLean/Smith will pressure his role in the team.
Honeychurch - Some would argue that out of these types of player Honey would lack a bit of x-factor in comparison to others, however he has had an excellent preseason and named in our bests during the NAB challenge. Another who is on the brink of a breakout year in the best 22.
Daniel - really piling on the pressure in terms of spots for Round 1. Whilst he lacks height he does everything brilliantly and once named in the senior side I can't see him losing his spot often, if at all.
Smith - The forgotten man who apart from Dahl I believe was the most established out of all these players until injury. He's close to ready to go, but injury will have a huge say as to whether he remains in the best 22 at the end of the year.
The purpose of this thread is for serious debate as to whether we can play all of these players is the same side or whether we can afford to trade one or more of these types of players at the end of the season. No doubt most of the names I have mentioned would get us a good player/pick for a position we desperately need more depth in (CHB, CHF, speedy outside user etc).
If your opinion is option a) that we should keep all of these players, how do you see all of these players fitting into the side and who as a consequence drops out.
If your for option b) which is to trade one/or more types of these players at this stage who would we be willing to let go to get a better list balance through trade or drafting. Keeping in mind that at seasons end 3 players who are currently rated roundabouts top 10 in the 2015 draft (Ah-Chee, Parish, Tucker) all are similar in stature and play a similar role to our current crop. Not to mention that our recruiting team have tended to pick sliders such as Daniel/Hrovat/Honeychurch who are often overlooked because of height.
