Resource Rusty's 2025 List - Weekly Injury, Thoughts and Stats

[rustycrate]

Well here it is. I spent a few hours updating the 2024 list. Out with the old and in with the new.

I have added the new players from the draft and rookie draft.
2025 Home and Away season added
-plus all the associated little things that need to be adjusted.
I will update the 2025 draft picks when Lore does her thing for 2025. Her spreadsheet is amazing.

Looking at the list a few things
Forwards
I am glad we got a gun small forward(and it's great that he sees himself running through the mids).
I am glad we got a medium forward as backup to Hayward and Heeney moving into the mids.
Both Datolli and Bowman are great set shots apparently. The move by clubs to a smaller forward line and Sydney following suit has probably precipitated us taking a small and a medium forward with our first two picks. We are also 'in the window' and it is conceivable that these two players may impact in the shorter term as against taking a KPF who will take 3 years to start to impact meaningfully in the Best 23.
Backs
I see Hamling, Francis and Paton as insurance over the next 1-2 years and then they are gone. Hopefully, Snell and Edwards will have stepped up and pressing for Best 23.
I am perplexed as to why we picked up Bice and Leidler when we have a highly rated halfback coming in next year from the Academy. 3 halfbacks? Anyway.
Nice to have another KPD in Andrew to add to Snell and Edwards. I hope they come on.
Mids
I am looking forward to Sheldrick and Cleary getting into the Best 23. Both look determined competitive players that we need to win the ball and distribute.
Ruck
I thought we would rookie a ruck. Ladhams is not long term. But maybe they want to keep him an extra year into 2026 as break glass insurance before Green hopefully steps up. Looking forward to seeing a dominant Green in the ressies.

 

[Callipygian]

I have been looking forward to this update (overdue, if you don't mind me saying)!

The clubs spurning of mids and talls at this draft was impressive and unexpected. I see it as a vote of confidence in the young tall cattle we have (McDonald, McLean, Amartey, Edwards, Snell, Green) as much as it was about addressing our needs.

We can already start to project forward to the next off-season. At that time we can predict that the following players will retire or be delisted (or possibly traded out):

Rampe
Hamling
At least one of Mitchell and Corey Warner
At least one of Paton, Kirk, Hanily and Leidler


In addition, Chad and Gus are players we don't want to lose but might. I think Melican, Lloyd and Caiden will re-sign. Hopefully the same goes for Fox.

Ladhams will be either extended or replaced with another ruck.

There's a fair chance that Francis will be extended again unless we trade in someone better with experience (something I think is reasonably likely - we probably have our eye on one or more players already) - a draftee couldn't be expected to perform his role.

 

[SydneyBlood]

Thanks Rusty, always appreciate this list as a reference to how the list is looking. Only small change I would make is Hamling as a forward in the depth section to even things out a bit between the talls in defence and attack and because he played almost exclusively as a forward last season in the VFL after the first few games.

 

[rustycrate]

Thanks Rusty, always appreciate this list as a reference to how the list is looking. Only small change I would make is Hamling as a forward in the depth section to even things out a bit between the talls in defence and attack and because he played almost exclusively as a forward last season in the VFL after the first few games.

I think you are right. I will do it.

 

[caesar88]

THE LIST!!!!!!!

 

[rustycrate]

I have been looking forward to this update (overdue, if you don't mind me saying)!

The clubs spurning of mids and talls at this draft was impressive and unexpected. I see it as a vote of confidence in the young tall cattle we have (McDonald, McLean, Amartey, Edwards, Snell, Green) as much as it was about addressing our needs.

We can already start to project forward to the next off-season. At that time we can predict that the following players will retire or be delisted (or possibly traded out):

Rampe
Hamling
At least one of Mitchell and Corey Warner
At least one of Paton, Kirk, Hanily and Leidler


In addition, Chad and Gus are players we don't want to lose but might. I think Melican, Lloyd and Caiden will re-sign. Hopefully the same goes for Fox.

Ladhams will be either extended or replaced with another ruck.

There's a fair chance that Francis will be extended again unless we trade in someone better with experience (something I think is reasonably likely - we probably have our eye on one or more players already) - a draftee couldn't be expected to perform his role.

Sorry for the overdue update.

I agree with everything you said.
Rampe -main
Hamling -rookieA
1 of Mitchell and Corey. I suspect Mitchell-main
At least one of Paton, Kirk, Hanily and Leidler-rookieA
Ladhams I suspect we will keep only because we are 'in the window'. If Grundy goes down we may be in a bit of trouble. Green not ready/ McLean as main ruck with support from Amartey not ideal.
Even if Rampe is injured and Snell takes his place in the 23 we still need experienced backup. I can see Francis being retained.

If the above happens then that is only 2 main list ans 2-3 rookies departing.
If Chad and Gus stay then list spots are still tight. Which I suppose is a good thing.

 

[Callipygian]

Guarantee we have at least 5 players off the list at the end of the year. Buller is another who will have to show something (that he's over his injury as a minimum) to be extended.

 

[rustycrate]

 

[Kiama Chris]

I have been looking forward to this update (overdue, if you don't mind me saying)!

The clubs spurning of mids and talls at this draft was impressive and unexpected. I see it as a vote of confidence in the young tall cattle we have (McDonald, McLean, Amartey, Edwards, Snell, Green) as much as it was about addressing our needs.

We can already start to project forward to the next off-season. At that time we can predict that the following players will retire or be delisted (or possibly traded out):

Rampe
Hamling
At least one of Mitchell and Corey Warner
At least one of Paton, Kirk, Hanily and Leidler


In addition, Chad and Gus are players we don't want to lose but might. I think Melican, Lloyd and Caiden will re-sign. Hopefully the same goes for Fox.

Ladhams will be either extended or replaced with another ruck.

There's a fair chance that Francis will be extended again unless we trade in someone better with experience (something I think is reasonably likely - we probably have our eye on one or more players already) - a draftee couldn't be expected to perform his role.

Leidler 2 year contract?

 

[rustycrate]

Leidler 2 year contract?

I thought all rookies got 1 year. Did he get two years?

 

[Kiama Chris]

I thought all rookies got 1 year. Did he get two years?

Sorry, thought he was our 4th pick. My mistake.

 

[rustycrate]

2025 draft picks
New Coach ean Cox

 

[JackHiscoxWasFast]

Well here it is. I spent a few hours updating the 2024 list. Out with the old and in with the new.

I have added the new players from the draft and rookie draft.
2025 Home and Away season added
-plus all the associated little things that need to be adjusted.
I will update the 2025 draft picks when Lore does her thing for 2025. Her spreadsheet is amazing.

Looking at the list a few things
Forwards
I am glad we got a gun small forward(and it's great that he sees himself running through the mids).
I am glad we got a medium forward as backup to Hayward and Heeney moving into the mids.
Both Datolli and Bowman are great set shots apparently. The move by clubs to a smaller forward line and Sydney following suit has probably precipitated us taking a small and a medium forward with our first two picks. We are also 'in the window' and it is conceivable that these two players may impact in the shorter term as against taking a KPF who will take 3 years to start to impact meaningfully in the Best 23.
Backs
I see Hamling, Francis and Paton as insurance over the next 1-2 years and then they are gone. Hopefully, Snell and Edwards will have stepped up and pressing for Best 23.
I am perplexed as to why we picked up Bice and Leidler when we have a highly rated halfback coming in next year from the Academy. 3 halfbacks? Anyway.
Nice to have another KPD in Andrew to add to Snell and Edwards. I hope they come on.
Mids
I am looking forward to Sheldrick and Cleary getting into the Best 23. Both look determined competitive players that we need to win the ball and distribute.
Ruck
I thought we would rookie a ruck. Ladhams is not long term. But maybe they want to keep him an extra year into 2026 as break glass insurance before Green hopefully steps up. Looking forward to seeing a dominant Green in the ressies.

View attachment 2173283

Brilliant post and thanks for your efforts in compiling rustycrate

 

[wolftone57]

Sorry for the overdue update.

I agree with everything you said.
Rampe -main
Hamling -rookieA
1 of Mitchell and Corey. I suspect Mitchell-main
At least one of Paton, Kirk, Hanily and Leidler-rookieA
Ladhams I suspect we will keep only because we are 'in the window'. If Grundy goes down we may be in a bit of trouble. Green not ready/ McLean as main ruck with support from Amartey not ideal.
Even if Rampe is injured and Snell takes his place in the 23 we still need experienced backup. I can see Francis being retained.

If the above happens then that is only 2 main list ans 2-3 rookies departing.
If Chad and Gus stay then list spots are still tight. Which I suppose is a good thing.

Ladhams I don't rate. I didn't think he was very good in his last 2 appearances. He is hopeless as a forward.

Riak Andrew could be a smokie.

On Infinix X6525 using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[rustycrate]

Updated List with new player numbers.

 

[rustycrate]

Added a new feature.
You can now see which year each player was drafted.

I know, I know.....but it's a long wait until the next game.

BTW the more I look at the list, and I look at the list a lot, the more I think we have a very talented list with pretty much every position covered as regards the depth. There are some really good players not in the best 23. That is a good thing.

Looking at the list constantly I have predicted our first round draft picks 3 out of the last four years.
Sheldrick-21
Green-23, and
Datolli-24
24-I knew this year we were short in the forwards. I knew we would recruit there. With Konstanty a bust I thought we would go small forward. Kako-out, Berry going earlier than our pick I picked Datolli.
23-I thought we were covered in the mids. We never spend a first rounder on defenders. Forwards we were pretty covered. I thought ruck. Hence Green.
21-I watched a lot of WA rep and other footy. I just thought Sheldrick was immense. But I did think we would take him second round not first. I knew we needed mids. Didn't think we would take as many mids as we did in one draft though.

 

[Kiama Chris]

Added a new feature.
You can now see which year each player was drafted.

I know, I know.....but it's a long wait until the next game.

BTW the more I look at the list, and I look at the list a lot, the more I think we have a very talented list with pretty much every position covered as regards the depth. There are some really good players not in the best 23. That is a good thing.

Looking at the list constantly I have predicted our first round draft picks 3 out of the last four years.
Sheldrick-21
Green-23, and
Datolli-24
24-I knew this year we were short in the forwards. I knew we would recruit there. With Konstanty a bust I thought we would go small forward. Kako-out, Berry going earlier than our pick I picked Datolli.
23-I thought we were covered in the mids. We never spend a first rounder on defenders. Forwards we were pretty covered. I thought ruck. Hence Green.
21-I watched a lot of WA rep and other footy. I just thought Sheldrick was immense. But I did think we would take him second round not first. I knew we needed mids. Didn't think we would take as many mids as we did in one draft though.


View attachment 2191692

Rusty, you are my hero in so many ways.
I still would have taken a tall first pick this year but the other two .
As always, thanks so much for the work you put in on our behalf.

 

[rustycrate]

Rusty, you are my hero in so many ways.
I still would have taken a tall first pick this year but the other two .
As always, thanks so much for the work you put in on our behalf.

You are a great poster. I always know that your posts will be quality. Hence i look forward to reading them. I have to thank you too.

 

[rustycrate]

I thought I would update the thread with the news of Melican and Campbell resigning's.
Not many pinks in the Best 23 column have not resigned.
Just a few stalwarts and you know who.

Would like signings of Sheldrick and Cleary. Corey. Wicks. Would like an update on how Hanily is going. Ditto Mitchell and Edwards.
Life is slow with no footy being played.
But it is imminent. 16 days to praccies.

Not long to the real stuff. Can't wait.

 

[caesar88]

I thought I would update the thread with the news of Melican and Campbell resigning's.
Not many pinks in the Best 23 column have not resigned.
Just a few stalwarts and you know who.

Would like signings of Sheldrick and Cleary. Corey. Wicks. Would like an update on how Hanily is going. Ditto Mitchell and Edwards.
Life is slow with no footy being played.
But it is imminent. 16 days to praccies.

Not long to the real stuff. Can't wait.

View attachment 2224874

You're awesome rusty, love your work.

 

[rustycrate]

I have been moving the magnets around constantly in the last 10 days.
Injuries/Cox/form have changed the side.
We will find out next Thursday.

Injured/suspended players likely/unlikely playing Round 0 include those with a red or purple in the Availability column.
I am unsure of Cunningham's injury status.
I am still unsure about McLean. He plays that 2nd ruck. But Swans might move to a smaller forward line with Amartey and McCartin. We will find out next Tuesday.
I can't see Fox playing forard in the future. We have bolstered our forwards at the last draft with Datolli and Bowman. That shows direction. Campbell and Warner playing more forward also skinnies his opportunities.

A few comments on other players
1. Wicks deserves a place in the best 23 on his last performance. Playing in defence he still got a goal assist. He finds a way. He loves the contested stuff, he has the necessary pace and mongrel to be best 23 down back.
2. McCartin showed he has the class to be a/the focal point up forward. 4 goals.
3. With the injuries to Mills and Gulden and the suspension of Cleary I have moved Sheldrick and Adams into the mids.
4. Campbell and Jordon forward.

Emergencies
Corey and Mitchell in the mids.
Paton Francis in defence.
Ladhams in the ruck.

 

[Callipygian]

Hey Rusty

A couple of questions:

1. What are the tiny numbers in superscript after the players' names?
2. Why do you include retired players?

We have 14 players out of contract this year. At least half a dozen of them will go (quite possibly more). It's very hard to pick now who they will be (which is a good thing). The one I'm surest of is Rampe and even there I'm only at 95%. Hamling a close second. With Buller he needs to get his body right and show something. It's a position of need so we won't get rid of him if we don't have to. Obviously Chad may choose to leave. As for the others, I feel a lot will depend on how the season plays out.

 

[SydneyBlood]

Hey Rusty

A couple of questions:

1. What are the tiny numbers in superscript after the players' names?
2. Why do you include retired players?

We have 14 players out of contract this year. At least half a dozen of them will go (quite possibly more). It's very hard to pick now who they will be (which is a good thing). The one I'm surest of is Rampe and even there I'm only at 95%. Hamling a close second. With Buller he needs to get his body right and show something. It's a position of need so we won't get rid of him if we don't have to. Obviously Chad may choose to leave. As for the others, I feel a lot will depend on how the season plays out.

Rusty mentioned those new numbers a little while back. First number is the selection at which each player was taken in the national draft. Or an 'R' if they were taken in the rookie or mid season draft. Second number is the year in which that happened.

 

[rustycrate]

Hey Rusty

A couple of questions:

1. What are the tiny numbers in superscript after the players' names?
2. Why do you include retired players?

We have 14 players out of contract this year. At least half a dozen of them will go (quite possibly more). It's very hard to pick now who they will be (which is a good thing). The one I'm surest of is Rampe and even there I'm only at 95%. Hamling a close second. With Buller he needs to get his body right and show something. It's a position of need so we won't get rid of him if we don't have to. Obviously Chad may choose to leave. As for the others, I feel a lot will depend on how the season plays out.

Retired players are removed just prior to the season opener.
When the team is named for Round 0 I will remove them.

 

[rustycrate]

What an injury report before the season has started?
If we manage to win our first few it seams by about round 4-6 we should have most back.

I attempted to name my best 23.
I resisted moving Lloyd back moving him from his best position on the wing(gave that to Corey)and playing Paton instead. However, I wanted both Sheldrick and Corey playing in the mids. Hanily sub.
Somone on here amongst you weather boffins said it would be greasy underfoot if not wet. So I went smaller. Could play Corey forward instead of one of the talls but if Grundy is suspect I wanted McLean to pitch in as ruck to rest Grundy.