Team Mgmt. Talk about the makeup of our list - midfield balance, height profile, endurance runners

[Ambrosia]

Problem is though, you could say that about 10 blokes. Yet we won't cut 10.

Think 10 is harsh.

For mine auto cuts are: Ambrose, Clarke, Johnson and Zaharakis.

Possible cuts are: BZT, Cahill, Hooker, Cutler, Gleeson, Mosquito.

My guess at what the club will do with the possibles is resign BZT, Cahill and one of Cutler/Gleeson. Invite Mosquito down to preseason for a chance to earn himself a rookie spot.

Given we have Snelling as a must upgrade and Durham with the flexibility of an upgrade that would give 4 main list spots to fill (2 year contracts if all filled by the national draft).

 

[Kyptastic]

Think 10 is harsh.

For mine auto cuts are: Ambrose, Clarke, Johnson and Zaharakis.

Possible cuts are: BZT, Cahill, Hooker, Cutler, Gleeson, Mosquito.

My guess at what the club will do with the possibles is resign BZT, Cahill and one of Cutler/Gleeson. Invite Mosquito down to preseason for a chance to earn himself a rookie spot.

Given we have Snelling as a must upgrade and Durham with the flexibility of an upgrade that would give 4 main list spots to fill (2 year contracts if all filled by the national draft).

They left Snelling on the Rookie list after his last year even when it was obvious that he was a best 22 player, I don't think they'll upgrade Durham just yet.

 

[Ambrosia]

They left Snelling on the Rookie list after his last year even when it was obvious that he was a best 22 player, I don't think they'll upgrade Durham just yet.

I think they might upgrade Durham if it’s a choice between upgrading him or using an extremely late draft pick where we don’t rate anyone.

 

[ghostdog]

Yeah I quite like the way he goes about it but he’s friends of friends of mine. Barring a drastic change he’s gone.

Wait, who? Francis?

 

[Kyptastic]

I think they might upgrade Durham if it’s a choice between upgrading him or using an extremely late draft pick where we don’t rate anyone.

If they don't rate anyone in the draft it'll leave them the option of taking a SSP in the pre-season, like we did with Waterman. They may keep the space open to see if they can convince Rance to play, for example.

 

[Ambrosia]

Wait, who? Francis?

Clarke. Gone as in delisted

 

[Ambrosia]

If they don't rate anyone in the draft it'll leave them the option of taking a SSP in the pre-season, like we did with Waterman. They may keep the space open to see if they can convince Rance to play, for example.

I agree very likely that he stays on the rookie list give our prior history. Just think there is a situation where elevating him makes sense.

 

[andleanback]

Think 10 is harsh.

For mine auto cuts are: Ambrose, Clarke, Johnson and Zaharakis.

Possible cuts are: BZT, Cahill, Hooker, Cutler, Gleeson, Mosquito.

My guess at what the club will do with the possibles is resign BZT, Cahill and one of Cutler/Gleeson. Invite Mosquito down to preseason for a chance to earn himself a rookie spot.

Given we have Snelling as a must upgrade and Durham with the flexibility of an upgrade that would give 4 main list spots to fill (2 year contracts if all filled by the national draft).

Gleeson and mozzie are certainties too be cut, they wanted Gleeson gone at the end of last year.

 

[Milanista28]

My best 22 for next season...

Ridley Laverde Heppell
Redman Reid/Brand/Hurley Hind

Draper Merrett Parish
Cox McGrath Langford

Stringer Jones Perkins
Snelling Wright/Stew/Kid Tippa

Shiel Francis Caldwell Durham

I want to see Reid/Brand fight for a spot in defense and I'd swing Stewart again, competition with Wright will be healthy and it gives us options while some of the kids develop.

The one player that interests me a lot is Bryan, I'd love to see him and Draper in the same team, need to see what that looks like for the one resting? bench and forward/behind the ball? This is something we could get proactive with and test this season still.

 

[ghostdog]

My best 22 for next season...

Ridley Laverde Heppell
Redman Reid/Brand/Hurley Hind

Draper Merrett Parish
Cox McGrath Langford

Stringer Jones Perkins
Snelling Wright/Stew/Kid Tippa

Shiel Francis Caldwell Durham

I want to see Reid/Brand fight for a spot in defense and I'd swing Stewart again, competition with Wright will be healthy and it gives us options while some of the kids develop.

The one player that interests me a lot is Bryan, I'd love to see him and Draper in the same team, need to see what that looks like for the one resting? bench and forward/behind the ball? This is something we could get proactive with and test this season still.

Reid and Hind for me, with McGrath rolling back as the 7th and helping to release Hind.
Let Hurley and Stewart compete with Wright for a forward spot.
Re: Bryan, agreed. Getting a look at both in the same team before the end of the year should enable significant planning.

 

[Yoda_]

Think yesterday was a real reality check day in a lot of ways.

Midfield group has been absolutely humming yes, but being so completely reliant on 3 players isn’t sustainable and that should still be the primary thing we need to look at bolstering. Another real top end talent and then a couple more depth types through trade or the back end of the draft.

Think it really showed that we have a bunch of very one dimensional players.

Our midfielders are only midfielders, our forwards are only forwards. Those forwards don’t overly Influence in the midfield rotation and those very same midfielders seem to not influence as forwards/backs.

I look at guys like Zorko, Rozzee, Tarryn Thomas who started forward then started influencing more in the midfield.

Outside Stringer who we played midfield through desperation more than coaching we don’t have anyone else capable of playing above average as a rotation. Might hurt not having our full contingent of mids available but yeah, you get my drift.

Edit. Could add Kyle Langford after this years efforts


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Duckworth]

Is there a VFL player that could take over Hookers role. A 2m tall slab of meat that can take a contested mark. Reasonable at a set shot.

 

[Old Campaigner]

I think we can safely do away with the fantasy that we’re just one or two pieces of the puzzle away from being a contender.

 

[BrunoV]

As I understand the rules we’re allowed a total of 42 list spots plus 2 category B rookies for a maximum of 44 players. Our list is currently 45 players in total with 43 main list spots (on account of inactive players, supplementary and midseason additions).

The list still needs a lot of work. There is an obvious lack of midfield depth and we’re carrying 2 to 3 too many KPPs on the list (which is unlikely to be something we can fully resolve until next year for reasons discussed below). We have 1 player too many.

Below is a list of 20 players who, at this point in time, and for various reasons ranging from age to contract status to quality, are the most vulnerable to being moved on and the group from which we’re going to need to create at least 10 to 12 list spots over the next 2 years to complete the rebuild we’re not current engaged in. It is possible that some of the guys will prove themselves over the next 14 months.

[TD valign="top"][/TD]
[TD valign="top"] Player [/TD][TD valign="top"] Explanation [/TD][TD valign="top"] Contract expiry [/TD][TD valign="top"] Decision at end of 2021 [/TD][TD valign="top"] Decision at end of 2022 [/TD]

[TD valign="top"]1[/TD][TD valign="top"] Smith [/TD][TD valign="top"]Physically spent.[/TD][TD valign="top"]2023 – yay![/TD][TD valign="top"]Hold[/TD][TD valign="top"]Hold[/TD]

[TD valign="top"]2[/TD][TD valign="top"] Gleeson [/TD][TD valign="top"]He’s a depth player who has been superseded. Unlucky more than anything but it’s time.

Would love to sign him to the VFL side if he is willing / doesn’t get another look at an AFL list. He knows the game well and would really help with developing young defenders.[/TD][TD valign="top"]2021[/TD][TD valign="top"]Delist / trade[/TD][TD valign="top"]N/A[/TD]

[TD valign="top"]3[/TD][TD valign="top"] Francis [/TD][TD valign="top"]It feels like the writing is on the wall a bit with his mental state.

I also think we’re better with a set up with a bigger more athletic player as the second KPD. This loss is likely to be one we can wear to gain some draft capital (with 3 plausible long term and 1 short term replacement already on the list).

This is the year to strike based on contract status.[/TD][TD valign="top"]2022[/TD][TD valign="top"]Trade – second round[/TD][TD valign="top"]N/A[/TD]

[TD valign="top"]4[/TD][TD valign="top"] Zaharakis [/TD][TD valign="top"]Been cooked for a while.

Sorry it wasn’t a better ride.[/TD][TD valign="top"]2021[/TD][TD valign="top"]Retire[/TD][TD valign="top"]N/A[/TD]

[TD valign="top"]5[/TD][TD valign="top"] Cutler [/TD][TD valign="top"]A month ago it would have been a definite de-listing but he has been good and may be around for at least another 12 months.
I think he’s not going to be signed until very late if at all.[/TD][TD valign="top"]2021[/TD][TD valign="top"]Hold (Re-sign – 1 year)[/TD][TD valign="top"]N/A / De-list[/TD]

[TD valign="top"]6[/TD][TD valign="top"] Hurley [/TD][TD valign="top"]Contracted for another 12 months and it is very hard to see him hanging on beyond that point.

He could be an important general for the defence next year.[/TD][TD valign="top"]2022[/TD][TD valign="top"]Hold[/TD][TD valign="top"]Retire[/TD]

[TD valign="top"]7[/TD][TD valign="top"] Mosquito [/TD][TD valign="top"]Issues with fitness and professionalism.

The Dodoro we have come to know well will give him every opportunity and it helps that he plays a position we need.

I think it will be another late re-signing.[/TD][TD valign="top"]2021[/TD][TD valign="top"]Hold (Re-sign – 1 year)[/TD][TD valign="top"]??[/TD]

[TD valign="top"]8[/TD][TD valign="top"] Hooker [/TD][TD valign="top"]Has slowed to the point of being largely in-effective in a lot of games he plays.

Could hold on if he finishes stronger than he has played in the last few weeks. It will also depend on whether there is anyone else and that is currently looking unlikely.

Thinking he’s a ‘re-sign’ at this stage with a view to trading for someone next year / developing a few players we have.[/TD][TD valign="top"]2021[/TD][TD valign="top"]Re-sign – 1 year[/TD][TD valign="top"]Retire[/TD]

[TD valign="top"]9[/TD][TD valign="top"] Cahill [/TD][TD valign="top"]Does not have a game which is readily transferrable to AFL based on what we’ve seen to date.

Plays as a small forward, though, and does have an engine. Should get 1 more year.[/TD][TD valign="top"]2021[/TD][TD valign="top"]Re-sign – 1 year[/TD][TD valign="top"]??[/TD]

[TD valign="top"]10[/TD][TD valign="top"] Ambrose [/TD][TD valign="top"]He’s getting on, a depth player at most and will be 31 next year.

I reckon he has a lot to give over the pre-season, seriously, and I struggle to see us de-listing him but a point that has been made to me elsewhere is that he’s playing forward and hasn’t gotten a look this year.

Would love to sign him to the VFL side if he is willing / doesn’t get another look at an AFL list.[/TD][TD valign="top"]2021[/TD][TD valign="top"]Retire / de-list[/TD][TD valign="top"]N/A[/TD]

[TD valign="top"]11[/TD][TD valign="top"] Zerk-Thatcher [/TD][TD valign="top"]Doesn’t have the game to be more than depth and we’re going to have to hold onto Hurley.

I also have 2 players I would gladly add to the list (for the short and long term).[/TD][TD valign="top"]2021[/TD][TD valign="top"]Trade / de-list[/TD][TD valign="top"]N/A[/TD]

[TD valign="top"]12[/TD][TD valign="top"] Phillips [/TD][TD valign="top"]He’s the long-term number 3 and out of contract.

Hold at this stage but I expect it to be a late re-sign. There is a version of this that could see us move (particularly if the right 204cm private school boy becomes available) but it is unlikely.[/TD][TD valign="top"]2021[/TD][TD valign="top"]Re-sign – 1 year[/TD][TD valign="top"]??[/TD]

[TD valign="top"]13[/TD][TD valign="top"] Guelfi [/TD][TD valign="top"]He’s depth only (as proven by his selection). Versatility is handy but it also leaves him exposed to de-listing.

He’s one I’d try to trade because there was supposedly some interest from Freo last year.

Interesting that it’s being reported he’ll be among the last signed.[/TD][TD valign="top"]2021[/TD][TD valign="top"]Trade / de-list[/TD][TD valign="top"]N/A[/TD]

[TD valign="top"]14[/TD][TD valign="top"] Johnson [/TD][TD valign="top"]Gone. Not up to it and no apparent attributes that make him a project worth persisting with.[/TD][TD valign="top"]2021[/TD][TD valign="top"]De-list[/TD][TD valign="top"]N/A[/TD]

[TD valign="top"]15[/TD][TD valign="top"] Clarke [/TD][TD valign="top"]Assume he’s gone but he’s got some tricks we could use in the middle.

We don’t really know how Rutten views him because of injury but the flame is, surely, almost out.[/TD][TD valign="top"]2021[/TD][TD valign="top"]De-list[/TD][TD valign="top"]N/A[/TD]

[TD valign="top"]16[/TD][TD valign="top"] Baldwin [/TD][TD valign="top"]Until we see something, I’m not sure how we can justify the list spot but I accept we will.[/TD][TD valign="top"]2021[/TD][TD valign="top"]Re-sign – 1 year[/TD][TD valign="top"]??[/TD]

[TD valign="top"]17[/TD][TD valign="top"] McBride [/TD][TD valign="top"]Only becomes an issue at the end of 2022 when he will either need to be added to the primary list (as opposed to being a cat B rookie and free hit).[/TD][TD valign="top"]2021[/TD][TD valign="top"]Hold / re-sign – 1 year[/TD][TD valign="top"]??[/TD]

[TD valign="top"]18[/TD][TD valign="top"] Durham [/TD][TD valign="top"]Can’t see him not getting at least another year at this stage.

Plays wing and half back and will likely get a few years to establish himself. Looks a long term option.[/TD][TD valign="top"]2021[/TD][TD valign="top"]Re-sign[/TD][TD valign="top"]??[/TD]

[TD valign="top"]19[/TD][TD valign="top"] Waterman [/TD][TD valign="top"]Already been re-signed but is quite clearly not being selected as a best 22 player.

Has some tricks. Not writing him off at all.[/TD][TD valign="top"]2022[/TD][TD valign="top"]Hold[/TD][TD valign="top"]??[/TD]

[TD valign="top"]20[/TD][TD valign="top"] Hird [/TD][TD valign="top"]Only becomes an issue at the end of 2022 when he will either need to be added to the primary list (as opposed to being a cat B rookie and free hit)[/TD][TD valign="top"]2021[/TD][TD valign="top"]Hold / re-sign – 1 year[/TD][TD valign="top"]??[/TD]

That’s a total of 8 players off the list at the end of 2021 which frees up a total of 7 list spots with another 3 to 5 spots we will likely be able to free without making a difficult decision by the end of 2022. This is how I think we're going to approach the rest of the rebuild (even if I've got some of the names wrong). I don't think we're going to look for 12 changes.

At this point in time, it is difficult to see how else we could meaningfully expand on picks we have other than late picks (if we can get something for the likes of Guelfi, BZT and Gleeson which is very unlikely). We don’t currently have, for example, a high enough first round pick for anyone to want to give us 2 later first round selections.

So I propose:

[TD valign="top"] List spot [/TD][TD valign="top"] Signing method [/TD][TD valign="top"] Use [/TD]

[TD valign="top"]1[/TD][TD valign="top"]Free agent[/TD][TD valign="top"]George Hewett (RFA from Sydney). Adds size, strength and defensive substance to the middle of the ground.[/TD]

[TD valign="top"]2[/TD][TD valign="top"]Free agent[/TD][TD valign="top"]Connor Ballenden (UFA from Brisbane – previously delisted). Would also consider Lewis Young

33

Lewis Young

Age

26

Ht

202cm

Wt

99kg

Pos.

D/F

Career

Season

Last 5

D

11.6

3star

K

7.5

3star

HB

4.1

3star

M

4.4

4star

T

1.6

4star

MG

197.9

3star

D

4.0

1star

K

3.0

1star

HB

1.0

1star

M

3.0

3star

T

0.0

1star

MG

26.0

1star

D

14.4

4star

K

8.2

4star

HB

6.2

4star

M

6.4

5star

T

2.0

4star

MG

181.6

3star

.

Ballenden is big, athletic and versatile. On the limited bits and pieces I’ve seen I’m quite confident he could play as a KPD next year and on a reasonably wide range of opponents.

It provides cover that allows us to use Stewart forward in the event we run out of options (because Hooker fades and others aren't ready).[/TD]

[TD valign="top"]3[/TD][TD valign="top"]1st round (2021 finishing position)[/TD][TD valign="top"]Best mid available. I do like the sound of Goater who’s a bit bigger and who can also play at half back which is something needed.[/TD]

[TD valign="top"]4[/TD][TD valign="top"]2nd round (Francis trade)[/TD][TD valign="top"]Best mid available[/TD]

[TD valign="top"]5[/TD][TD valign="top"]3rd round (2021 finishing position)[/TD][TD valign="top"]Will depend on what is available. I’d be hoping for a quick half back/small defender. If there was a project ruck/forward with the raw ability of Bryan I’d strongly consider. Couldn’t hurt to add a mid of the quality of Jack Ross

5

Jack Ross

Age

25

Ht

187cm

Wt

87kg

Pos.

M/F

Career

Season

Last 5

D

16.2

4star

K

7.8

3star

HB

8.4

5star

M

2.2

2star

T

2.7

4star

CL

3.0

4star

D

13.7

3star

K

6.7

3star

HB

7.0

4star

M

1.7

2star

T

1.7

3star

CL

2.0

4star

D

17.8

5star

K

8.0

3star

HB

9.8

5star

M

2.6

3star

T

2.8

5star

CL

3.0

5star

, Jack Graham

17

Jack Graham

Age

27

Ht

181cm

Wt

85kg

Pos.

M/F

Career

Season

Last 5

D

14.7

4star

K

8.0

3star

HB

6.8

4star

M

2.1

2star

T

6.3

5star

CL

1.8

4star

D

11.8

3star

K

5.3

2star

HB

6.5

4star

M

2.8

3star

T

4.2

5star

CL

1.2

4star

D

14.0

4star

K

6.0

3star

HB

8.0

5star

M

1.8

2star

T

7.0

5star

CL

3.2

5star

or Worpel if available.[/TD]

[TD valign="top"]6[/TD][TD valign="top"]3rd round (not sure of origin but we a second 3rd round pick)[/TD][TD valign="top"]See above.[/TD]

[TD valign="top"]7[/TD][TD valign="top"]4th round (2021 finishing position) / rookie / SSP[/TD][TD valign="top"]It will all depend on what is available. We may not use this spot to keep it free.[/TD]

[TD valign="top"]8[/TD][TD valign="top"]5th round (2021 finishing position) / rookie / SSP[/TD][TD valign="top"]This additional spot could be freed if we move on Cutler of Mosquito. It will otherwise be the same use as spot 7 (and could be the spot to keep free).[/TD]

We’ve actually got a number of (uninspiring) small forward options which I think we’ll persist with for at least another 12 months. It helps to know that the Davey boys will be available in 2022 and that both appear to be good enough to be drafted at this early stage (as quick small forwards). I'd turn a spot into Ronke but I understand he has been continually injured.

So that would give us a vastly improved list balance with fewer utilities and talls and a revamped development midfield group together with more inside grit and defensive substance in the middle. I’d use it as follows:

	ESSENDON AFL 2022
3TD1: Jayden Laverde 15 Jayden Laverde Age 29 Ht 193cm Wt 92kg Pos. Def Career Season Last 5 D 11.8 3star K 6.3 2star HB 5.4 4star M 3.9 4star T 2.8 4star MG 152.8 2star D 8.8 2star K 5.0 2star HB 3.8 3star M 3.3 3star T 2.5 3star MG 116.5 2star D 11.2 3star K 5.4 2star HB 5.8 4star M 3.2 4star T 3.6 5star MG 141.2 3star , 26, 191/91 (DU)	KD1: James Stewart, 27, 199/100 (KF3)	SD1: Mason Redman 27 Mason Redman Age 28 Ht 187cm Wt 87kg Pos. Def Career Season Last 5 D 15.2 4star K 10.1 4star HB 5.1 4star M 4.2 4star T 2.7 4star MG 262.0 4star D 12.0 3star K 7.8 3star HB 4.2 3star M 3.2 3star T 1.8 3star MG 210.3 3star D 12.0 3star K 7.0 3star HB 5.0 4star M 4.4 4star T 2.4 4star MG 144.2 3star , 25, 188/87 (HB)
HB2: Nick Hind 19 Nick Hind Age 31 Ht 180cm Wt 78kg Pos. D/F Career Season Last 5 D 10.7 3star K 7.2 3star HB 3.5 3star M 2.0 2star T 1.9 4star MG 117.0 2star D 9.5 2star K 4.0 1star HB 5.5 3star M 2.0 2star T 2.0 3star MG 117.0 2star D 10.2 3star K 7.2 3star HB 3.0 3star M 2.0 3star T 2.2 4star , 28, 180/71	KD2: Michael Hurley, 32, 193/92 (3TD/KF) KPD3: Connor Ballenden, 23 (1999), 200cm/101kg (KF/2R)	HB1: Jordan Ridley 14 Jordan Ridley Age 27 Ht 195cm Wt 94kg Pos. Def Career Season Last 5 D 15.6 4star K 11.1 4star HB 4.5 3star M 6.4 5star T 1.7 4star MG 244.8 4star D 17.0 4star K 11.9 5star HB 5.1 3star M 6.7 5star T 1.7 3star MG 265.4 4star D 13.8 4star K 9.6 4star HB 4.2 4star M 5.2 5star T 1.4 4star MG 208.2 4star , 24, 192/91 (DU)
R1: Sam Draper, 24, 205/107	IM1: Jake Stringer 20 Jake Stringer Age 31 Ht 192cm Wt 92kg Pos. Fwd Career Season Last 5 D 12.9 3star K 8.5 3star HB 4.4 3star M 3.3 3star T 2.5 4star G 1.8 5star D 8.5 2star K 7.0 3star HB 1.5 1star M 2.8 3star T 3.8 4star G 2.5 5star D 7.2 2star K 4.8 2star HB 2.4 3star M 2.6 3star T 1.4 4star G 1.4 5star , 28, 192/95 (3TF)	GM1: Zac Merrett, 27, 180/83
DM2: Andrew McGrath 1 Andrew Mcgrath Age 27 Ht 180cm Wt 83kg Pos. Def Career Season Last 5 D 22.7 5star K 11.6 4star HB 11.1 5star M 1.6 2star T 6.4 5star MG 252.9 4star D 22.7 5star K 11.6 4star HB 11.1 5star M 1.6 2star T 6.4 5star MG 252.9 4star D 22.0 5star K 11.0 4star HB 11.0 5star M 1.2 2star T 6.4 5star MG 219.0 4star , 24, 178/83 (GM4)	W1: Kyle Langford 4 Kyle Langford Age 29 Ht 192cm Wt 88kg Pos. Fwd Career Season Last 5 D 15.7 4star K 8.3 3star HB 7.3 5star M 3.9 4star T 3.3 5star G 0.7 4star D 17.4 4star K 9.0 4star HB 8.4 4star M 4.4 4star T 1.6 3star G 0.7 4star D 8.2 2star K 3.2 2star HB 5.0 4star M 2.0 3star T 2.6 4star G 0.6 3star , 26, 191/90 (HF)	W2: Nik Cox, 20, 200/87 (??)
HF: Dylan Shiel 9 Dylan Shiel Age 32 Ht 182cm Wt 84kg Pos. D/M Career Season Last 5 D 24.6 5star K 12.3 5star HB 12.2 5star M 3.1 3star T 3.9 5star MG 410.2 5star D 23.4 5star K 13.6 5star HB 9.8 5star M 2.2 2star T 3.4 4star MG 334.4 5star D 19.8 5star K 8.4 4star HB 11.4 5star M 2.4 3star T 2.6 4star , 29, 182/83 (GM2)	KF2/2R: Peter Wright, 26, 203/106 (R4)	HF: Will Snelling 11 Will Snelling Age 28 Ht 175cm Wt 79kg Pos. Fwd Career Season Last 5 D 14.1 4star K 4.7 2star HB 9.4 5star M 1.8 2star T 4.8 5star G 0.8 4star D 12.6 3star K 4.3 2star HB 8.3 4star M 1.3 1star T 5.6 5star G 0.4 3star D 16.2 4star K 5.2 2star HB 11.0 5star M 2.4 3star T 3.8 5star G 1.2 4star , 25, 175/75 (SF/GM)
3TF1: Harrison Jones, 21, 196/80 (KF)	KF1: Cale Hooker, 34, 198/105 (KD) (R2) Nick Bryan, 21, 203/90 (KF)	SF1: Anthony McD Tip, 29, 171/77
Int 1: Dyson Heppell, 30, 189/84 (7D) (3TD) Zach Reid, 20, 202/89 (DU)	Int 2: Darcy Parrish, 25, 180/80 (IM2/GM3)	Int 3: George Hewett 29 George Hewett Age 29 Ht 187cm Wt 87kg Pos. Mid Career Season Last 5 D 17.7 4star K 7.4 3star HB 10.3 5star M 2.7 3star T 4.1 5star CL 3.3 5star D 13.8 3star K 4.8 2star HB 9.0 4star M 1.8 2star T 3.2 4star CL 2.8 4star D 11.2 3star K 7.8 3star HB 3.4 3star M 3.4 4star T 4.0 5star CL 0.4 3star , 27, 188/87 (DM1/IM3)
Int 4: Archie Perkins, 20, 188/87 (HF1/GM) Jye Caldwell 6 Jye Caldwell Age 25 Ht 183cm Wt 83kg Pos. Mid Career Season Last 5 D 13.3 3star K 6.8 3star HB 6.5 4star M 3.3 3star T 3.7 5star CL 1.8 4star D 14.3 3star K 7.0 3star HB 7.3 4star M 3.3 3star T 3.3 4star CL 1.8 4star D 13.6 4star K 7.0 3star HB 6.6 4star M 3.8 4star T 3.8 5star CL 1.6 4star , 22, 183/ (GM5)

Spoiler: Key

Bold black / grey: clear best 22 / long term development player	Regular black / grey: Player identified in the 20 above.	Bold Red: a player who is likely to spend as much time in the AFL side as not.

[TD valign="top"] KEY: [/TD][TD valign="top"][/TD]
[TD valign="top"][/TD]

[TD valign="top"] KD: Key Defender[/TD][TD valign="top"] 3TD: Third Tall Defender[/TD][TD valign="top"] SD: Small Defender[/TD]

[TD valign="top"] HB: Half Back[/TD][TD valign="top"] 7D: Seventh Defender (largely a zonal role at half back)[/TD][TD valign="top"] DU: Defensive utility, plays from tall to small[/TD]

[TD valign="top"] IM: Inside Midfielder[/TD][TD valign="top"] GM: General Midfielder (plays accumulating role, a bit more outside without being an pure inside pig)[/TD][TD valign="top"] DM: Defensive Midfielder (runs both ways, blocks and potentially a tagger/run with role)[/TD]

[TD valign="top"] R: Ruck[/TD][TD valign="top"] W: Wing[/TD][TD valign="top"][/TD]

[TD valign="top"] HF: Half Forward (where it’s not marked with a number, it’s the Richmond style as opposed to a leading and marking player)[/TD][TD valign="top"] KF: Key Forward[/TD][TD valign="top"] 3TF: Third Tall Forward[/TD]

[TD valign="top"] SF: Small forward (plays deeper than the small HFs who tend to work into the midfield depending on the rotation)[/TD][TD valign="top"] 2R: Second ruck (not a specialist and plays with a no. 1)[/TD][TD valign="top"][/TD]

I initially thought Hurley would be back-up but I’ve been convinced by others that it would be useful to have his experience directing traffic in defence next year (assuming he recovers fitness and enough form).

Hooker is a similar issue at the other end but having watch Bryan’s last few VFL performances he needs a lot of physical development. We can’t plan around him being consistently in a best side next year (certainly not if he is required to play forward which he hasn’t even started doing). Eyre is a long way off and that’s probably still closer than Baldwin.

Perkins plays ahead of Caldwell because he’s the only dedicated half forward we have on the list.

ESSENDON RESERVES 2022

[TD valign="top"]

​

[/TD]

[TD valign="top"] SD: 2021 R3 Pick 1 [/TD][TD valign="top"] KD: Cody Brand, 20, 196/86 (KD6) [/TD][TD valign="top"]HB: Cian McBride, 21, 197/90 (3TD)

Michael Hurley

18

Michael Hurley

Age

35

Ht

193cm

Wt

94kg

Pos.

Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D

18.3

5star

K

12.1

4star

HB

6.2

4star

M

6.4

5star

T

0.9

3star

MG

389.3

5star

D

16.5

4star

K

11.8

5star

HB

4.7

3star

M

6.3

5star

T

0.3

1star

MG

301.2

4star

D

15.0

4star

K

7.6

3star

HB

7.4

5star

M

5.0

5star

T

2.0

4star

, 32, 193/92 (3TD)[/TD]

[TD valign="top"] 3TD3: Zach Reid, 20, 202/89 (KD) [/TD][TD valign="top"] KD: Connor Ballenden, 23, 200cm/101kg (KF/2R) [/TD][TD valign="top"]HB: Tom Cutler

12

Tom Cutler

Age

30

Ht

192cm

Wt

89kg

Pos.

D/M

Career

Season

Last 5

D

18.1

4star

K

11.7

4star

HB

6.4

4star

M

4.7

4star

T

1.7

4star

MG

317.5

4star

D

15.5

4star

K

9.5

4star

HB

6.0

3star

M

4.5

4star

T

1.5

2star

MG

317.5

4star

D

12.0

3star

K

8.4

4star

HB

3.6

3star

M

3.0

3star

T

1.0

3star

, 27, 192/92 (W)[/TD]

[TD valign="top"][/TD]
[TD valign="top"][/TD]
[TD valign="top"][/TD]

[TD valign="top"] R2: Nick Bryan, 21, 203/90 (FF4) [/TD][TD valign="top"] IM: Jye Caldwell

6

Jye Caldwell

Age

25

Ht

183cm

Wt

83kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

13.3

3star

K

6.8

3star

HB

6.5

4star

M

3.3

3star

T

3.7

5star

CL

1.8

4star

D

14.3

3star

K

7.0

3star

HB

7.3

4star

M

3.3

3star

T

3.3

4star

CL

1.8

4star

D

13.6

4star

K

7.0

3star

HB

6.6

4star

M

3.8

4star

T

3.8

5star

CL

1.6

4star

, 22, 183/ (GM6) [/TD][TD valign="top"] GM: 2021 R1 Pick [/TD]

[TD valign="top"]IM: Alex Waterman, 26, 183/89 (HF2)[/TD][TD valign="top"] W5: Braydon Ham, 22, 181/75 [/TD][TD valign="top"] W4: Sam Durham, 21, 185/77 (HB) [/TD]

[TD valign="top"][/TD]
[TD valign="top"][/TD]
[TD valign="top"][/TD]

[TD valign="top"]HF: Devon Smith

5

Devon Smith

Age

32

Ht

176cm

Wt

78kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

18.8

5star

K

11.1

4star

HB

7.8

5star

M

3.3

3star

T

5.3

5star

G

0.9

4star

D

16.3

4star

K

9.1

4star

HB

7.1

4star

M

2.3

2star

T

5.0

5star

G

0.6

4star

D

15.6

4star

K

9.2

4star

HB

6.4

4star

M

3.0

3star

T

4.0

5star

G

0.2

3star

, 29, 174/77 (GM)[/TD][TD valign="top"] CHF: Josh Eyre, 20, 198/85 (CHF3) [/TD][TD valign="top"]SF/HF: Tom Hird, 21, 182/70 (W7)[/TD]

[TD valign="top"]SF: Ned Cahill

28

Ned Cahill

Age

24

Ht

178cm

Wt

77kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

7.0

2star

K

2.0

1star

HB

5.0

4star

M

3.0

3star

T

2.0

4star

G

0.0

1star

D

7.0

1star

K

2.0

1star

HB

5.0

3star

M

3.0

3star

T

2.0

3star

G

0.0

1star

D

7.0

2star

K

2.0

1star

HB

5.0

4star

M

3.0

3star

T

2.0

4star

G

0.0

1star

, 21, 178/77[/TD][TD valign="top"]FF: Kaine Baldwin, 20, 193/90[/TD][TD valign="top"]SF: Irving Mosquito, 22, 176/72[/TD]

[TD valign="top"][/TD]
[TD valign="top"][/TD]
[TD valign="top"][/TD]

[TD valign="top"]Int 1: Andrew Phillips, 31, 201/108[/TD][TD valign="top"] Int 2: 2021 R2 Pick – mid [/TD][TD valign="top"] Int 3: 2021 R3 Pick - ?? [/TD]

[TD valign="top"] Int 4: (Kyle Dunkley

48

Kyle Dunkley

Age

25

Ht

185cm

Wt

84kg

Pos.

M/F

Career

Season

Last 5

D

9.6

2star

K

6.8

3star

HB

2.8

2star

M

4.4

4star

T

2.0

4star

CL

0.6

3star

No current season stats available

D

9.6

3star

K

6.8

3star

HB

2.8

3star

M

4.4

4star

T

2.0

4star

CL

0.6

3star

, 22, 185/84) [/TD][TD valign="top"] Int 5: (Jo Atley, 24, 186/84) [/TD][TD valign="top"][/TD]

I’ve added a few VFL listed players to fill out the side. Regardless of who they are we’ll need some mature inside mids to help out a young midfield group.

 

[eth-dog]

I think we can safely do away with the fantasy that we’re just one or two pieces of the puzzle away from being a contender.

Yep. Places where I'm largely unconvinced:

1. Key defence. That's right, defence, not forwrd. "But Laverde has been great this year!". Yes, but he's more suited to being a medium. Stewart is struggling defensively. Laverde, Ridley and Francis are all more medium defenders. Hopefully Reid and one of Brand/Eyre/McBride can fill that second defender space.
2. Defensive midfielders. Not necessarily taggers, but inside mids who defend first and block. The best way to utilise smaller ball winners is to allow them to get the ball and get into space.
3. Big midfielders. Yeah, Stringer and Langford have been really good this year but another big midfielder would be ideal to add more balance in there.

They're the main ones. Key forward wise we've already found a 10 year player in Jones (hopefully) and Wright is solid enough as a second tall, so I'm not overly fussed yet, especially if McBride or Baldwin kicks on.

 

[Big Slam]

2. Defensive midfielders. Not necessarily taggers, but inside mids who defend first and block. The best way to utilise smaller ball winners is to allow them to get the ball and get into space.
3. Big midfielders. Yeah, Stringer and Langford have been really good this year but another big midfielder would be ideal to add more balance in there.

Very small sample size after only two (albeit impressive) games, but after seeing his 2nd + 3rd efforts, high motor, ability to win and deliver the ball with intent and accuracy and especially his physicality I wonder if Durham can be developed to cover these two areas of need.

 

[citizen-erased]

Yep. Places where I'm largely unconvinced:

1. Key defence. That's right, defence, not forwrd. "But Laverde has been great this year!". Yes, but he's more suited to being a medium. Stewart is struggling defensively. Laverde, Ridley and Francis are all more medium defenders. Hopefully Reid and one of Brand/Eyre/McBride can fill that second defender space.
2. Defensive midfielders. Not necessarily taggers, but inside mids who defend first and block. The best way to utilise smaller ball winners is to allow them to get the ball and get into space.
3. Big midfielders. Yeah, Stringer and Langford have been really good this year but another big midfielder would be ideal to add more balance in there.

They're the main ones. Key forward wise we've already found a 10 year player in Jones (hopefully) and Wright is solid enough as a second tall, so I'm not overly fussed yet, especially if McBride or Baldwin kicks on.

Stewart to Reid will ideally happen in the next 12-18 months.

Ridley Reid Laverde
Hind Francis Redman
Heppell
I like that back line assuming Francis hangs around.
Another season where they learn to act as a unit together should set us up nicely.
If Francis leaves, at least we have depth in Brand, McBride & Eyre
Despite one game in the wet, i really like what i saw from Reid. He looks a quality tall defender

On the mid front, i'd love to trade 2022 1st in for another decent pick & have a crack at 2 mids to come and develop at the same rate.

KPF is still a watch point for me
Hooker. has struggled to impact a whole season and it will only get worse
Hurley, who even knows if he plays again
Baldwin is yet to play a game.
I'd like to see what a trio of Wright, Jones & Bryan can do, where the first two use their tanks and size to play as forward targets & Bryan is the 2nd ruck (a la English/Jackson) who plays a bit forward. Not sure we'll get that this year.

 

[eth-dog]

Stewart to Reid will ideally happen in the next 12-18 months.

Ridley Reid Laverde
Hind Francis Redman
Heppell
I like that back line assuming Francis hangs around.
Another season where they learn to act as a unit together should set us up nicely.
If Francis leaves, at least we have depth in Brand, McBride & Eyre
Despite one game in the wet, i really like what i saw from Reid. He looks a quality tall defender

On the mid front, i'd love to trade 2022 1st in for another decent pick & have a crack at 2 mids to come and develop at the same rate.

KPF is still a watch point for me
Hooker. has struggled to impact a whole season and it will only get worse
Hurley, who even knows if he plays again
Baldwin is yet to play a game.
I'd like to see what a trio of Wright, Jones & Bryan can do, where the first two use their tanks and size to play as forward targets & Bryan is the 2nd ruck (a la English/Jackson) who plays a bit forward. Not sure we'll get that this year.

Still undersized. Need a second genuine key defender. So essentially you've ignored the salient point.

 

[Bjchan13]

I think from round 1 next year it should be

B Hind Stewart Laverde
HB Redman Reid Ridley

7th Defender Heppell

With ? still on the status of Francis

Id keep BZT as depth/injury cover

Brand/McBride/Eyre maybe a game or 2 when ready but mainly keep developing in the VFL

 

[TheWeapon]

Assuming our young players develop physically as expected this is an end of 2022 guess:

FB: Laverde Reid Ridley
HB: Hind Cox Redman
C: Langford Parish McGrath
R: Draper Merrett Stringer
HF: Perkins ?? ??
F: AMT Wright Jones
Int: Bryan Shiel Durham ??

Injury prone / almost done: Hooker, Heppell, Smith, Zaharakis, Ambrose

Trade bait: Francis, Ham

2021 draft:
1st priority - big inside mid
2nd priority - quality goalsneak / pressure forward
3rd priority - quality KPF (think Jones is ideally a 3rd tall)

 

[foj1]

Cutler and Gleeson are both list cloggers.
zero Interest in Gleeson last year when he was an ufa
nothing this year has changed that

 

[RedmanWasHere]

How many list changes will Essendon need to make at season's end?

 

[Jobe Watson]

Anyone who thinks we don't need to find another AFL standard key forward is dead set kidding themselves.

 

[Red Black and Blue]

We need 3-4 players and depth, and they are probably the hardest positions to find. Grunt Inside mid, Key forward, Small forward and a powerful tall half forward that can rotate through the guts.

 

[Zach Package]

We need 3-4 players and depth, and they are probably the hardest positions to find. Grunt Inside mid, Key forward, Small forward and a powerful tall half forward that can rotate through the guts.

Key forward is the one

Grunt in the centres absolutely, but I’d argue that grunt is the easiest thing to find, we’ve just never shown the willingness to invest in it.

I’m pretty comfortable in the crop that we’ve got that can rotate mid/forward in Stringer, Perk and Langford. I’d like another similarly sized strong on baller to allow Stringer and Langford in particular to isolate forward more.