Prediction Round 1, 2025: Starting 23

[Dom sheed pocket]

One or the other

Neither has the ability to play as an effective forward whilst not rucking so one in the AFL, the other in the WAFL

Jack Williams is the likely back up ruck although Archer Reid is going to put pressure on him for that spot

Did hear an out of the box idea of scrapping the idea of a first and second ruck and just going with JWill and Reid 50/50 splits ruck and forward.

I can’t see it happening, but the merit in it is we are investing time and games in to the two most talented of the four and the two that are most important to our longer term prospects.

While I can’t see us going that way, it was interesting concept to think about.

Some outlets are starting to report they are expecting Reid to move ahead of JWIll for round one, if he hasn’t already, which surprised me.

 

[TheBudgies]

Did hear an out of the box idea of scrapping the idea of a first and second ruck and just going with JWill and Reid 50/50 splits ruck and forward.

I can’t see it happening, but the merit in it is we are investing time and games in to the two most talented of the four and the two that are most important to our longer term prospects.

While I can’t see us going that way, it was interesting concept to think about.

Some outlets are starting to report they are expecting Reid to move ahead of JWIll for round one, if he hasn’t already, which surprised me.

Dont like the idea of crippling our best 2 young KPF. More inclined to go without a ruck.

 

[Yeahnahmate]

Did hear an out of the box idea of scrapping the idea of a first and second ruck and just going with JWill and Reid 50/50 splits ruck and forward.

I can’t see it happening, but the merit in it is we are investing time and games in to the two most talented of the four and the two that are most important to our longer term prospects.

While I can’t see us going that way, it was interesting concept to think about.

Some outlets are starting to report they are expecting Reid to move ahead of JWIll for round one, if he hasn’t already, which surprised me.

Would rather they play majority of time, if not all in best position (fwd) whether they be at WAFL or in the AFL side. I’ve been really impressed with JWill too, really smart footballer who works to position well and still young enough to explode into a star fingers crossed. He seems to do his best work the higher level he plays too which is always a good sign, competes well at AFL level already.

I think the club sees Archer’s size, agility, ethic snd skill set as somewhat of a unicorn though. Very, very highly rated internally. I think he’s going to have the higher ceiling and they are keen to expose him a little earlier age wise - will play some seniors this year no doubt

 

[THE A5]

Has Baz Williams put on any additional muscle/strength over the preseason?

Hopefully he has if the main criticism of his ruck work is that he gets monstered around the ground.

Tbf a man of his size should be a lot more competitive in ruck duals than he js currently. He is a decent size and while putting more size is good it will also take away from his athleticism

 

[Yeahnahmate]

It’s not that for Baz, he’s a monster in the gym apparently. Heard quoted one of the strongest players on the list. I feel sorry he’s been our best ruck option out of necessity for so long that it’s obviously not helped him develop in crucial years as a fwd option.

Looks like it might happen again too - is Flynn even ahead of him, probably not. We needed a genuine ruck years ago and for Baz to get minutes, and build confidence up fwd in the Beagles. Tip my hat to him for all he has done to step up where they’ve put him but god damn

 

[WCE777]

Would rather they play majority of time, if not all in best position (fwd) whether they be at WAFL or in the AFL side. I’ve been really impressed with JWill too, really smart footballer who works to position well and still young enough to explode into a star fingers crossed. He seems to do his best work the higher level he plays too which is always a good sign, competes well at AFL level already.

I think the club sees Archer’s size, agility, ethic snd skill set as somewhat of a unicorn though. Very, very highly rated internally. I think he’s going to have the higher ceiling and they are keen to expose him a little earlier age wise - will play some seniors this year no doubt

totally agree, we have 2 outstanding talents there in the making!

 

[WCE777]

It’s not that for Baz, he’s a monster in the gym apparently. Heard quoted one of the strongest players on the list. I feel sorry he’s been our best ruck option out of necessity for so long that it’s obviously not helped him develop in crucial years as a fwd option.

Looks like it might happen again too - is Flynn even ahead of him, probably not. We needed a genuine ruck years ago and for Baz to get minutes, and build confidence up fwd in the Beagles. Tip my hat to him for all he has done to step up where they’ve put him but god damn

not his fault he isn't ruck size, agree he is a heart and soul player that has played his guts out in the ruck because we haven't had anyone else.
Flynn has 2025 to cement his spot, he is a better ruck than BW but he cant stay on the park which means he takes up a list spot if he cant have a strong year.
Agree we need a ruck soon and someone 23-25yo 204cm+ who is ready to be play and be number 1 ruck, we can keep BW as backup and Flynn might need another job if he cant get 15+ competitive games in this year.

 

[Alesana]

Has always looked like a lack a positioning nous that undoes BWilliams to me, not a lack of strength.

My guess for Round 1;

B: Hough - HEdwards - Maric
HB: Ginbey - McGovern - Baker
C: Hunt - Kelly - Duggan
HF: Cripps - Allen - Owies
FF: Brockman - Waterman - Ryan

R: Flynn - Reid - Graham

Int: Dewar - Long - JWilliams - Hewett

S: Hutchinson

 

[EagleEgo]

16 days to go. Mac Andrew is injured today. Chest injury?

 

[kaiserchief13]

B: Hough - HEdwards - ????
HB: Ginbey - McGovern - Baker
C: Hutchinson - Kelly - Dewar
HF: Cripps - Allen - Owies
FF: Brockman - Waterman - Ryan

R: Flynn - HReid - Graham

Int: Duggan - Long - AReid - Hewett

S: ????

 

[kaiserchief13]

I don't understand what they can see in Duggan either. Not fast and poor disposal. What's he good at?

 

[LewyBroome]

Mine would be
Hough-Hedwards-Duggan(purely here cause he’s captain)
Baker-McGovern-Ginbey
Dewar-Graham-Hunt
Long-OAllen-Brockman
Ryan-Waterman-Owies

R: Flynn, Hutch and Harley
Int: Maric, Kelly, AReid, Hewett and Cripps sub

 

[WCErevival]

I don't understand what they can see in Duggan either. Not fast and poor disposal. What's he good at?

He's never been great and going forward he may prove a bit of a problem as he isn't elite in any particular role. HB is his best position and he's had some good games there but others are proving better options for now. Maybe he can rotate with Baker.

 

[sharps24]

Enjoyed that game today, would have liked to have a look at Maric for Cole and to have played one less ruckman.

For my money, based on AReid still being a bit young to beat up and that I'm still unconvinced Flynn can run out a full game like Bailey:

B: Hough - HEdwards - Maric
HB: Ginbey - McGovern - Baker
C: Duggan- Hutchinson - Dewar
HF: Kelly - Allen - Owies
FF: Brockman - Waterman - Ryan

R: B Williams- H Reid - Graham

Int: J Williams - Hunt - Allan- Hewett

This would be my best 22 for the year, Hunt makes way for Yeo when that needs to happen. Sorry not sorry Noah Long, Tom Cole, Jamie Cripps.

 

[Kegs15]

Get Hutchinson in the centre as his main role, not wing. Maybe wing a bit when Yeo gets back but reckon he's a Yeo-style hunt-it mid. I truly think he offers at least as much as Duggan in there immediately and with so much more upside in that role. Do not want him getting lost on the wing and honestly think Dewar and Hunt both deserve spots out there to run the majority of games out in.

Duggan isn't good enough to be centre all game, think it'd be a mistake to back him as a starting mid. I still rate him, but his skill-set is being an awesome team player, hardness and versatility to fill any role he's asked to play. Have him be our Mr Fix-It (or at least Mr. Paper-Over-The-Cracks) - have him be the one who's thrown around most each game, let the less experienced players develop in a main position.

He could chop out briefly in midfield when Hutch/Yeo/Graham are resting, cover that last spot on the wing when Hunt/Dewar are resting (or be a more defensive option out there if required), swing back to his classic defensive role if Ginbey is resting, hell even cover the loss of a Cripps/Owies forward if they're not around and we need someone to clamp a specific rebounder so Brockman and Ryan can continue to be attacking.

Be the player that gives consistency and chopouts to a large group of players, be a Captain who's present in every line and who no job is too small for, who can see the game from different perspectives throughout and lead the boys accordingly. Reckon this would get the best out of him, and he's a good enough leader to do it well.

 

[Barrybran]

Enjoyed that game today, would have liked to have a look at Maric for Cole and to have played one less ruckman.

For my money, based on AReid still being a bit young to beat up and that I'm still unconvinced Flynn can run out a full game like Bailey:

B: Hough - HEdwards - Maric
HB: Ginbey - McGovern - Baker
C: Duggan- Hutchinson - Dewar
HF: Kelly - Allen - Owies
FF: Brockman - Waterman - Ryan

R: B Williams- H Reid - Graham

Int: J Williams - Hunt - Allan- Hewett

This would be my best 22 for the year, Hunt makes way for Yeo when that needs to happen. Sorry not sorry Noah Long, Tom Cole, Jamie Cripps.

It won't happen but Duggan could start back with Cole as the interchange defender in place of both Allan and Maric, Hutchinson covers Graham's breaks at stoppages and helps Kelly cover breaks for Hunt / Dewar on the wing. That should allow Hewett to be eased in with Cripps available if he's no good. I'm still iffy on Brockman but concede that he has played well in all three games we've seen and won't be floating up the ground. Bailey as ruck for the same reason you mentioned.

B: Hough - Edwards - Duggan
HB: Ginbey - McGovern - Baker
C: Hunt - Kelly - Dewar
HF: Long - Allen - Owies
F: Brockman - Waterman - Ryan

R: B.Williams - H.Reid - Graham

INT: J.Williams - Cole - Hutchinson - Hewett

SUB: Petrucelle

 

[HoneyBadger35]

Dewar, Dewar, Dewar, Dewar.

 

[twce13]

No cole is wishful thinking . Maric didn't even get a Look in. Think we're gonna have to wait.

 

[sharps24]

It won't happen but Duggan could start back with Cole as the interchange defender in place of both Allan and Maric, Hutchinson covers Graham's breaks at stoppages and helps Kelly cover breaks for Hunt / Dewar on the wing. That should allow Hewett to be eased in with Cripps available if he's no good. I'm still iffy on Brockman but concede that he has played well in all three games we've seen and won't be floating up the ground. Bailey as ruck for the same reason you mentioned.

B: Hough - Edwards - Duggan
HB: Ginbey - McGovern - Baker
C: Hunt - Kelly - Dewar
HF: Long - Allen - Owies
F: Brockman - Waterman - Ryan

R: B.Williams - H.Reid - Graham

INT: J.Williams - Cole - Hutchinson - Hewett

SUB: Petrucelle

How dare you reply to me and throw Cripps name back into the ring, DON'T YOU KNOW WHO I AM!

On the Duggan problem, since the team I listed with Kelly at half forward also won't happen I'd actually be interested to see how Duggan went playing some kind of half forward pushing up Cripps role. Definitely no room for him down back anymore and not really required in the middle. Half forward could be his go, wouldn't hurt to hit the odd captains goal either.

 

[wce4premiership]

I don't understand what they can see in Duggan either. Not fast and poor disposal. What's he good at?

In 2024 for the Eagles he averages:

• 1st for metres gained.
• 1st for uncontested possessions.
• 1st for uncontested marks.
• 1st for kicks.
• =1st for metres/disposal.
• 2nd for handball receives.
• 2nd for rebound 50s.
• 3rd for inside 50s.
• 3rd for effective disposals.
• 3rd for disposals.
• =5th for intercept marks.

There are 25 players with a worse disposals/clanger rate than Duggan last year, people really like to focus on any kicks he stuffs up but he's not actually that bad. He probably had 2 bad games early but after that had a very good year.

As you can see his prowess is in open play. His top speed is fine, he's not fast off the mark but he can run fast enough in full flight. He's good at supporting others, by being an option for a kick (hence the uncontested marks) or running on for the handball receive.

I'm not sold on his clearance work just yet but it's no worse than the majority of others in the team who would play the defensive role, it won't ever be like Kelly and Yeo's but I am sure he can still improve that side of it.

He's more like an old school centreman who actually owns the midfield, not a rover who pushes forward or back to be at the ruckmans feet.

I think his best work is a kick behind the ball, he's good there and hopefully can try and ping a few more goals when he gets the intercept possessions.

Last year was his first year really where he was not on the HBF consistently, he did still play there, but he was also on the wing and in the centre, he moved around a bit.

Would like to see him work on his tackling.

tl;dr: He's really not that bad a player, as his B&F positioning consistently shows.

 

[stallon]

Duggan isn't good enough to be centre all game, think it'd be a mistake to back him as a starting mid. I still rate him, but his skill-set is being an awesome team player, hardness and versatility to fill any role he's asked to play. Have him be our Mr Fix-It (or at least Mr. Paper-Over-The-Cracks) - have him be the one who's thrown around most each game, let the less experienced players develop in a main position.

He could chop out briefly in midfield when Hutch/Yeo/Graham are resting, cover that last spot on the wing when Hunt/Dewar are resting (or be a more defensive option out there if required), swing back to his classic defensive role if Ginbey is resting, hell even cover the loss of a Cripps/Owies forward if they're not around and we need someone to clamp a specific rebounder so Brockman and Ryan can continue to be attacking.

Be the player that gives consistency and chopouts to a large group of players, be a Captain who's present in every line and who no job is too small for, who can see the game from different perspectives throughout and lead the boys accordingly. Reckon this would get the best out of him, and he's a good enough leader to do it well.

Looked like Baker has taken Duggans old role, I dont think Duggan will get it back either.

 

[stallon]

FB: Hough Edwards Duggan
HB: Ginbey McGovern Baker
C: Hunt Graham Dewar
HF: Long Waterman Owies
FF: Ryan Allen Brockman
R: Flynn Reid Kelly
Int: JWilliams Hutchinson Hewett **

**Last bench spot to be one of Cole/Allan/Maric as a defender.

Sub to be any of the kids who isnt tall, I dunno where Mini sits on Hall/Johnston/Gross/Grego or whichever of the 2 dont get that last bench spot.

Duggan to go to the backline to allow Hutch/Hewett into the middle, I think Graham and Hutch is enough defensive capabilities to let Hewett, Reid and Kelly go to work. Duggan in the D50 helps keep the average height back there down a bit.
A.Reid is a prospect for next year, or to cover injuries. I wasnt blown away by anything he did, but I didnt expect a lot seeing as hes a 2nd year 200+cm KPF.
I have Cripps out of the side of the 5 small forwards we have, I think the others have been better, or at least not worse to the point that it would make sense to pick the guy who is probably in his last season over youth. Long and Brockman both looked good, better than expected a couple of months ago.

 

[Quinz]

I have so many questions about our small player mix and I can't work out quite what we're going to see yet.

Between the following players we need spots in defence, on the wing, on the flanks and midfield rotations

- Ginbey, Hough, Duggan, BAllen, Cole, Hutchins, Dewar, Hunt, Maric, Brockman, Graham, Baker, Johnston. I don't feel like any of them have a locked in spot except Hough as a BP. You can get caught trying too much flexibility though instead of locking players into a gig and I don't know where that sits at the moment.

And then up forward it's Cripps, Ryan, Petch, Long, Owies plus some of the aforementioned when they drift in. Who gets the final cut?

The midfield is still by far our biggest issue. With no dominant ruckman or even AFL level ruckman at this stage. Kelly and Yeo nearing the end and then it's Hewett and Reid the youngsters and then.. who? Who's likely to come and get 20+ touches a game? If Warner comes next year great but we need another 4 or 5 guys who can rack it up in there. Clay Hall capable? Hopefully Mini gets better at developing mids than we have been so they don't all end up at half back.

For the key position stakes- Allen Waterman and McGovern locked in obviously. I'd give HEdwards the first crack at FB and Flynn/JWilliams combo ruck forward. Brock and BWilliams can wait in the wings and AReid is a little too raw yet.

 

[Dark Sharks]

Seems like it's taken forever, but Flynn over Bailey as first ruck seems to be finally happening.

Writing was on the wall for that as soon as Flynn got signed.

Which leaves Williams set for his first WAFL stint since 2022. Unless our MC is totally blind to how bad he is as a forward. Certainly hope that's not the case.

Jilliams is so far ahead of him as FWD/RCK backup to Flynn it's not even funny. That's obvious. Even though I doubt he'll play round 1, Archer Reid is probably also ahead of Bailey for this role now as well. At least he's got some forward craft to his game, despite his poor goal kicking.

 

[MaxHunt]

Seems like it's taken forever, but Flynn over Bailey as first ruck seems to be finally happening.

Writing was on the wall for that as soon as Flynn got signed.

Which leaves Williams set for his first WAFL stint since 2022. Unless our MC is totally blind to how bad he is as a forward. Certainly hope that's not the case.

Jilliams is so far ahead of him as FWD/RCK backup to Flynn it's not even funny. That's obvious. Even though I doubt he'll play round 1, Archer Reid is probably also ahead of Bailey for this role now as well. At least he's got some forward craft to his game, despite his poor goal kicking.

Playing either will ensure they get smashed in the middle and around the ground.