Prediction Round 1 2022 Team

[phantom13]

They got no idea who our best 22 is

That’s exactly what I thought

 

[gringo2011]

That’s exactly what I thought

I don't think I do yet either.

 

[Veer Right]

Highmore seems a much more natural reader of the play than most of our backline. Would be shocked if we didn't find a spot for him on a regular basis

I wouldn't be shocked but very, very disappointed if he doesn't become a regular. So much upside!

 

[PlayerNumber9]

I don't think I do yet either.

Yes, but no-one on here thinks that the retirements of the Carlisle/Frawley/Roberton trio have any real relevance. That article really lacked any insight into the selection issues we have.

 

[aussierulesrules]

Yes, but no-one on here thinks that the retirements of the Carlisle/Frawley/Roberton trio have any real relevance. That article really lacked any insight into the selection issues we have.

Their team did raise one interesting point, which is what happens with the elephant in the room, in Gears?

Just named in the leadership group, so you’d think we intend on playing him, but how and where do we fit him in!?

Guessing he’s likely to play a pressure/defensive role up forward again. But how do we fit him in when we’ve also got Gresh (?), Billings, Higgins, Butler and presumably Byrnes playing/rotating through there?

 

[Hubnester]

Their team did raise one interesting point, which is what happens with the elephant in the room, in Gears?

Just named in the leadership group, so you’d think we intend on playing him, but how and where do we fit him in!?

Guessing he’s likely to play a pressure/defensive role up forward again. But how do we fit him in when we’ve also got Gresh (?), Billings, Higgins, Butler and presumably Byrnes playing/rotating through there?

In the video of Ratts discussing the selections with the group, he did mention that Geary's leadership role may look a bit different going forward.
So he could well have been referencing the fact that he'd be more of an off-field leader, knowing full well he's probably not first picked in any position at the moment.

 

[PlayerNumber9]

In the video of Ratts discussing the selections with the group, he did mention that Geary's leadership role may look a bit different going forward.
So he could well have been referencing the fact that he'd be more of an off-field leader, knowing full well he's probably not first picked in any position at the moment.

That comment caught my attention and I interpreted it the same way. It's hard to see Gears in our best 22, and I'm a big fan. Given that his strength is his contest and leadership he may claim a place in the team on those grounds - he's certainly a leader to reach for if things go south on either of those fronts.

Thinking outside the box, is he a good option as the medi-sub? He's flexible in where he can play and you know he will come on and give you his all. It keeps him involved with the team on match day, rather than sitting in the stand.

 

[_Maximus_12]

That comment caught my attention and I interpreted it the same way. It's hard to see Gears in our best 22, and I'm a big fan. Given that his strength is his contest and leadership he may claim a place in the team on those grounds - he's certainly a leader to reach for if things go south on either of those fronts.

Thinking outside the box, is he a good option as the medi-sub? He's flexible in where he can play and you know he will come on and give you his all. It keeps him involved with the team on match day, rather than sitting in the stand.

Would rather use the medi-sub to drip feed a young player than to hang on to keep someone involved on match day

 

[Hubnester]

That comment caught my attention and I interpreted it the same way. It's hard to see Gears in our best 22, and I'm a big fan. Given that his strength is his contest and leadership he may claim a place in the team on those grounds - he's certainly a leader to reach for if things go south on either of those fronts.

Thinking outside the box, is he a good option as the medi-sub? He's flexible in where he can play and you know he will come on and give you his all. It keeps him involved with the team on match day, rather than sitting in the stand.

Further to this they had Gears on the news tonight and he even said as much - he doesn't have a spot, and expects he'll have to earn it like everyone else.
So probably pretty safe to say no one's expectation is that Gears is a walk up start in front of a kid, which is a good thing.

 

[lewdogs]

Steele definitely a lock now after being named captain.

 

[StJHD]

That comment caught my attention and I interpreted it the same way. It's hard to see Gears in our best 22, and I'm a big fan. Given that his strength is his contest and leadership he may claim a place in the team on those grounds - he's certainly a leader to reach for if things go south on either of those fronts.

Thinking outside the box, is he a good option as the medi-sub? He's flexible in where he can play and you know he will come on and give you his all. It keeps him involved with the team on match day, rather than sitting in the stand.

I don't think any player can be a 'specialist' medi-sub as they need to be rotated to maintain match fitness.

 

[SaintsSeptember]

Yes, but no-one on here thinks that the retirements of the Carlisle/Frawley/Roberton trio have any real relevance. That article really lacked any insight into the selection issues we have.

Carlisle is the only one of those to have made any sort of contribution in the last few years, and he was already phased out in 2021.

 

[gringo2011]

Yes, but no-one on here thinks that the retirements of the Carlisle/Frawley/Roberton trio have any real relevance. That article really lacked any insight into the selection issues we have.

We have got to a point where we are really playing for Ratts to keep his job. I would be amazed if he was still there if we miss finals again unless absolute disaster hits. He really would be looking at naming his best competitive line up.

There is a huge group of guys who aren't quite there yet that aren't a lock and we have multiple similar types. Highmore, Battle and Coffield don't look guaranteed best 22 yet. The mids with guys like Byrnes, Bytel, Dmac, even Leo aren't set. Does Sharman walk into a best 22 spot on his last season heroics?

There are so many question marks. I don't think that there is one line that I could confidently lock away yet. So many guys could earn a start off this preseason that it's going to be a very interesting watch.

 

[Saint_Dos]

Further to this they had Gears on the news tonight and he even said as much - he doesn't have a spot, and expects he'll have to earn it like everyone else.
So probably pretty safe to say no one's expectation is that Gears is a walk up start in front of a kid, which is a good thing.

Reckon we are more likely to see him as a small defender again or as an inside mid in the 2's.
Think he probably knows his time in the 1's will be limited.

 

[SaintsSeptember]

We have got to a point where we are really playing for Ratts to keep his job. I would be amazed if he was still there if we miss finals again unless absolute disaster hits. He really would be looking at naming his best competitive line up.

There is a huge group of guys who aren't quite there yet that aren't a lock and we have multiple similar types. Highmore, Battle and Coffield don't look guaranteed best 22 yet. The mids with guys like Byrnes, Bytel, Dmac, even Leo aren't set. Does Sharman walk into a best 22 spot on his last season heroics?

There are so many question marks. I don't think that there is one line that I could confidently lock away yet. So many guys could earn a start off this preseason that it's going to be a very interesting watch.

Its kind of good to know that if/when one of our best 22 can't play, we don't have the "oh no , we have to play XXXXX" factor.

 

[SaintsSeptember]

Would rather use the medi-sub to drip feed a young player than to hang on to keep someone involved on match day

It depends on timing and what Sandy are doing.

Is it better to play a full game with the Zebra's or hang around at an interstate game waiting for someone to get injured.
Its less of a role than the previous sub in the 2010's and even that was debateable whether it was good for a young player.

 

[aussierulesrules]

We have got to a point where we are really playing for Ratts to keep his job.

We’re also in a place where a huge chunk of our list and best team are at the prime age of 25-28yo, so we really need to start challenging pretty hard for a top 4 spot as soon as this year. As was the plan for last year.

There are so many question marks. I don't think that there is one line that I could confidently lock away yet. So many guys could earn a start off this preseason that it's going to be a very interesting watch.

Reckon you could lock in these lines:

HF: Billings Membrey Higgins
F: Marshall King Butler
R: Ryder Steele Jones

 

[TobleroneJim]

We have got to a point where we are really playing for Ratts to keep his job. I would be amazed if he was still there if we miss finals again unless absolute disaster hits. He really would be looking at naming his best competitive line up.

There is a huge group of guys who aren't quite there yet that aren't a lock and we have multiple similar types. Highmore, Battle and Coffield don't look guaranteed best 22 yet. The mids with guys like Byrnes, Bytel, Dmac, even Leo aren't set. Does Sharman walk into a best 22 spot on his last season heroics?

There are so many question marks. I don't think that there is one line that I could confidently lock away yet. So many guys could earn a start off this preseason that it's going to be a very interesting watch.

Steele Jones crouch as the starting midfield is probably the safest line, although gresh could go past one of them I guess.

 

[gringo2011]

We’re also in a place where a huge chunk of our list and best team are at the prime age of 25-28yo, so we really need to start challenging pretty hard for a top 4 spot as soon as this year. As was the plan for last year.


Reckon you could lock in these lines:

HF: Billings Membrey Higgins
F: Marshall King Butler
R: Ryder Steele Jones

Ryder is still a bit unknown, do we manage him through the season, do we try to make Marshall take the main role and push him forward more? Where does Sharman fit? Do Gresh and Billings start to see a bit more forward time and do we shuffle some forwards out for them. I think you're probably right but I wouldn't put money on it. I'm really not confident about how we set up. Could Ross and Billings or even Hill start to see time in the VFL if they can't cement themselves with consistent performances in the positions we want them to play. It's going to be a very competitive preseason with plenty of new talent wanting to get a foot in. Can Windhager or Hayes do a Wilkie and walk into the best 22 day one?

 

[_Maximus_12]

With the way things are with Covid, it's very likely that our depth will be more important than ever. Our twos looks pretty strong, and knowing we've got capable foot soldiers to bring up should hold us in pretty reasonable stead this year. Might be a very good year to have a lot of B - C grade players.

 

[phantom13]

We have got to a point where we are really playing for Ratts to keep his job. I would be amazed if he was still there if we miss finals again unless absolute disaster hits. He really would be looking at naming his best competitive line up.

There is a huge group of guys who aren't quite there yet that aren't a lock and we have multiple similar types. Highmore, Battle and Coffield don't look guaranteed best 22 yet. The mids with guys like Byrnes, Bytel, Dmac, even Leo aren't set. Does Sharman walk into a best 22 spot on his last season heroics?

There are so many question marks. I don't think that there is one line that I could confidently lock away yet. So many guys could earn a start off this preseason that it's going to be a very interesting watch.

Ryder, Steele, Crouch, Jones as the four in the square. Beyond that it’s pretty open

 

[pebblesofsand]

We have got to a point where we are really playing for Ratts to keep his job. I would be amazed if he was still there if we miss finals again unless absolute disaster hits. He really would be looking at naming his best competitive line up.

There is a huge group of guys who aren't quite there yet that aren't a lock and we have multiple similar types. Highmore, Battle and Coffield don't look guaranteed best 22 yet. The mids with guys like Byrnes, Bytel, Dmac, even Leo aren't set. Does Sharman walk into a best 22 spot on his last season heroics?

There are so many question marks. I don't think that there is one line that I could confidently lock away yet. So many guys could earn a start off this preseason that it's going to be a very interesting watch.

I've got 16 locks in my team for Round 1, so 6 spots up for grabs with one spot pretty much a straight choice between Paton or Webster.

HBF and CHB is between Highmore, Coffield, Battle, Joyce and Allison with the last 3 to miss out.

Wing - You could probably find a justifiable reason to name a half a dozen different players - DMac, Hanners, Battle, Wood, Windy, Owens, Hayes???

Interchange - any of about a dozen possibilities!!!

B Paton/Webster Howard Wilkie

HB ???? ????? Sinclair

C Hill Steele ?????

HF Billings Membrey Gresham

F Butler King Marshall

Rucks Ryder Crouch Jones

Int Higgins Clark ???? ?????

 

[ScrappyDo]

Their team did raise one interesting point, which is what happens with the elephant in the room, in Gears?

Just named in the leadership group, so you’d think we intend on playing him, but how and where do we fit him in!?

Guessing he’s likely to play a pressure/defensive role up forward again. But how do we fit him in when we’ve also got Gresh (?), Billings, Higgins, Butler and presumably Byrnes playing/rotating through there?

I don't see the imperative to play him. In fact l see his presence in VFL as the best use of his time now and I'd reckon they're realistic about it internally.

 

[gringo2011]

I've got 16 locks in my team for Round 1, so 6 spots up for grabs with one spot pretty much a straight choice between Paton or Webster.

HBF and CHB is between Highmore, Coffield, Battle, Joyce and Allison with the last 3 to miss out.

Wing - You could probably find a justifiable reason to name a half a dozen different players - DMac, Hanners, Battle, Wood, Windy, Owens, Hayes???

Interchange - any of about a dozen possibilities!!!

B Paton/Webster Howard Wilkie

HB ???? ????? Sinclair

C Hill Steele ?????

HF Billings Membrey Gresham

F Butler King Marshall

Rucks Ryder Crouch Jones

Int Higgins Clark ???? ?????

Hill seemed to suggest he was staying back this year so he probably shifts into one HBF spot.

 

[Yabadoo22]

B: Webster Howard Wilkie
Hb: hill battle Sinclair
C: Clark crouch billings
Hf: butler membrey Higgins
F: Marshall king Gresham
Foll: ryder steele jones
Int: highmore Paton Ross byrnes

Think if everyone is fit this is our best team to start the year. The bolded players are locks for me. Coffield/battle/highmore are vying for 2 spots between 3 of them.
Unsure if we can afford to play both of webster/Paton as defenders but I feel they are both capable of running on a wing and are best 22 players. Clark has to play around the ball, whether that’s wing or in the middle. Billing/byrnes/Higgins/Gresham all rotate through wing midfield and half forward. I feel like byrnes might surprise a few and be in rattens best side early, more versatile then bytel. Forward line picks itself, and if Ryder doesn’t play you would think Sharman/wood/Campbell come in for another target up forward. Think Ross starts in he best 22 but would love by round 4 or 5 that a couple of wanganeen/Owens/windhager go past him. Hannebery and Geary both if fit will push hard for spots, and McKenzie also could start on a wing. Bytel would need to either add a string to his bow or go past crouch or jones. Kent and long are only depth and the rest are the young kids Such as Adams and Allison