Our backline has been very unsettled last year and it seems to be continuing this year. It has not functioned well. The forward line is taking shape and on paper I think it will be OK once Reid & White are in and we slot Fas & Kennedy in around them. The midfield is good enough. The rucks are a concern but we can see where they are heading with Witts & Grundy (hopefully a 10 year ruck set up).
Lack of experience is the big worry and really the main reason Maxwell is still so important down there post Heath Shaw. Reid seems forward bound which I love and for us to be a force he will be a forward. He may get reassigned back if things go bad Some of the key players ahead for 2014:
Keefe - I think Keefe is a key player, but needs to be assigned a specific role. He needs to be played on the super sized ruck forwards that are running around and most sides have them. He is ideal for Tippett, Daniher, Cox, Petrie types who traditionally cause us headaches. Play him on smaller leading types and he will get beaten. This is why he didn't play against Freo there was no match up. I would like Keefe to be able to follow these tall ruck forwards into the ruck as well. This is where his game can really become valuable.
Brown - He is solid, but not spectacular. At times I find he gets out of position or tries too much. We just want Brown to take the monsters like Roughead & Hawkins and shut them down using his strength. Its possible that some sides he may not have a great match up for. I would like him to develop a second string like Reid. If he could go forward at times he becomes a handy player that can allow Reid to take athletic types whil Brown fills his shoes forward. As it is now Brown is one dimensional.
Frost - I like Frost. He is a dour defender in the mould of Presti. He can play on a range of guys, but like Presti just don't expect too much more as his decision making and kicking are just average. Its unlikely all 3 of Frost, Keefe & Brown will play in the same side although match ups decide this. The main reason for this is their lack of versatility.
Williams - sigh... Marley was to be a stand out player this year, fingers crossed he still can be. We do not have a player than can match his hardness in the backline. He is in our best back six comfortbly post Heater. If he gets back he does improve this side.
Seedsman - Another ommission so far from 2014 that hurts us greatly. His line breaking run, poise and delicious foot skills means lots of excellent rebound footy. We do not have a player that can provide what he does at this stage.
Toovey - Such an important player who has been missed. However important to remember he is another role player and not the saviour of our backline. When we start listing Brown, Keefe, Frost Maxy & Toovey in the backline it looks very toothless. Tooves will provide excellent resistance but not win the war.
Maxwell - Not much to say about Maxy we know what he gives. Likely his last year but he does set an example, provides effort and leadership. However his best now is only bordeline AFL quality.
Goldsack - Goldy needs to play back and essentially force Maxwell out. Our forward line does not need a bit part utility anymore. Goldy is best as a defender although at times he can be clumsy. He brings great intent and energy. His closing speed makes him a perfect match up for those mid size leading forwards like Mayne and Gunston. He can offer rebound and his booming kick can be handy - even at kick outs. If Goldy can't nail a spot back this year, he is not really in our best 22. Goldy has been around a while too so his expericence can be invaluable for such an inexperienced back 6.
Langdon - Shot into calculations with a bullet. Looks a good type. Most impressed with his composure under pressure, this is a massive plus in the modern day frantic forward presses. Its early days but he looked a rounded player on Friday against Freo.
Scharenburg - The great white hope. This kid will inject class, play a variety of roles and lift our disposal effeciency. Not expecting great impact this year and its possible he moves to the midfield anyway. However, I feel he can do more damage off half back.
Sinclair - Loving his evolution to become a small defender. Has the wheels to take those quick forwards who in the past have been our nemesis. He always has a crack and especially with question marks over Marley's future has forced his way into a role.
Armstrong/Clarke/Yagmoor - I have lumped these guys together. Purely depth now. All offer some run but are missing what it takes at AFL level. Clarke is a marathon man but his footskills have sadly declined and he looks one paced. Armstrong looks good at times but essentially a seagull. Yagmoor continues to entice & I hold out hope, but the clock is ticking and likely to be his last chance. This is an ideal year to cement a spot for these guys, lots of oppurtunity if you perform. I have the feeling they just are not going to impact at all.
How I see the backline lining up:
Talls: Brown, Keefe, Frost - pick 2 depending on match ups, with Reid our emergency
Med: Toovey, Maxwell, Goldsack, Scharenburg
Small: Williams, Sinclair, Langdon, Yagmoor
Running HBs: Seedsman, Armstrong, Clarke
At this stage our best six IMO (exc Ben Reid):
Williams Brown Toovey
Goldsack Keefe Seedsman
We are currently running with(exc Ben Reid):
Sinclair Brown Toovey
Maxwell Frost Langdon
Our best six within the next year (exc Ben Reid):
Williams Brown Toovey
Scharenburg Keefe Seedsman
Lack of experience is the big worry and really the main reason Maxwell is still so important down there post Heath Shaw. Reid seems forward bound which I love and for us to be a force he will be a forward. He may get reassigned back if things go bad Some of the key players ahead for 2014:
Keefe - I think Keefe is a key player, but needs to be assigned a specific role. He needs to be played on the super sized ruck forwards that are running around and most sides have them. He is ideal for Tippett, Daniher, Cox, Petrie types who traditionally cause us headaches. Play him on smaller leading types and he will get beaten. This is why he didn't play against Freo there was no match up. I would like Keefe to be able to follow these tall ruck forwards into the ruck as well. This is where his game can really become valuable.
Brown - He is solid, but not spectacular. At times I find he gets out of position or tries too much. We just want Brown to take the monsters like Roughead & Hawkins and shut them down using his strength. Its possible that some sides he may not have a great match up for. I would like him to develop a second string like Reid. If he could go forward at times he becomes a handy player that can allow Reid to take athletic types whil Brown fills his shoes forward. As it is now Brown is one dimensional.
Frost - I like Frost. He is a dour defender in the mould of Presti. He can play on a range of guys, but like Presti just don't expect too much more as his decision making and kicking are just average. Its unlikely all 3 of Frost, Keefe & Brown will play in the same side although match ups decide this. The main reason for this is their lack of versatility.
Williams - sigh... Marley was to be a stand out player this year, fingers crossed he still can be. We do not have a player than can match his hardness in the backline. He is in our best back six comfortbly post Heater. If he gets back he does improve this side.
Seedsman - Another ommission so far from 2014 that hurts us greatly. His line breaking run, poise and delicious foot skills means lots of excellent rebound footy. We do not have a player that can provide what he does at this stage.
Toovey - Such an important player who has been missed. However important to remember he is another role player and not the saviour of our backline. When we start listing Brown, Keefe, Frost Maxy & Toovey in the backline it looks very toothless. Tooves will provide excellent resistance but not win the war.
Maxwell - Not much to say about Maxy we know what he gives. Likely his last year but he does set an example, provides effort and leadership. However his best now is only bordeline AFL quality.
Goldsack - Goldy needs to play back and essentially force Maxwell out. Our forward line does not need a bit part utility anymore. Goldy is best as a defender although at times he can be clumsy. He brings great intent and energy. His closing speed makes him a perfect match up for those mid size leading forwards like Mayne and Gunston. He can offer rebound and his booming kick can be handy - even at kick outs. If Goldy can't nail a spot back this year, he is not really in our best 22. Goldy has been around a while too so his expericence can be invaluable for such an inexperienced back 6.
Langdon - Shot into calculations with a bullet. Looks a good type. Most impressed with his composure under pressure, this is a massive plus in the modern day frantic forward presses. Its early days but he looked a rounded player on Friday against Freo.
Scharenburg - The great white hope. This kid will inject class, play a variety of roles and lift our disposal effeciency. Not expecting great impact this year and its possible he moves to the midfield anyway. However, I feel he can do more damage off half back.
Sinclair - Loving his evolution to become a small defender. Has the wheels to take those quick forwards who in the past have been our nemesis. He always has a crack and especially with question marks over Marley's future has forced his way into a role.
Armstrong/Clarke/Yagmoor - I have lumped these guys together. Purely depth now. All offer some run but are missing what it takes at AFL level. Clarke is a marathon man but his footskills have sadly declined and he looks one paced. Armstrong looks good at times but essentially a seagull. Yagmoor continues to entice & I hold out hope, but the clock is ticking and likely to be his last chance. This is an ideal year to cement a spot for these guys, lots of oppurtunity if you perform. I have the feeling they just are not going to impact at all.
How I see the backline lining up:
Talls: Brown, Keefe, Frost - pick 2 depending on match ups, with Reid our emergency
Med: Toovey, Maxwell, Goldsack, Scharenburg
Small: Williams, Sinclair, Langdon, Yagmoor
Running HBs: Seedsman, Armstrong, Clarke
At this stage our best six IMO (exc Ben Reid):
Williams Brown Toovey
Goldsack Keefe Seedsman
We are currently running with(exc Ben Reid):
Sinclair Brown Toovey
Maxwell Frost Langdon
Our best six within the next year (exc Ben Reid):
Williams Brown Toovey
Scharenburg Keefe Seedsman
