Strategy The midfield

[Jeremias]

There has been a lot of discussion creeping into other threads about our midfield, but it deserves its own thread.

We enter 2020 still reliant on an experienced few, though the depth we have managed to build in this area of the ground is seriously impressive. We now have a glut of talent who could feature prominently, albeit many are very young and require further development.

The proof will as always be in the pudding, but it is very hard to not get excited about what this group may produce in 2020 and beyond, and it all starts in the midfield.

For a while now I have wanted to take a deeper look into our midfield, and 2020 is finally the year to do it.
I will be posting in this thread a weekly update on formations, success rates and any other stats relevant to the midfield debate.

In the meantime, I am keen to hear what you think is our optimal midfield setup come R1 vs the Tigers?
What are your expectations for our midfield group in 2020?
What do you see as the strengths and weaknesses of our midfield options, both individually and as a collective?
Are there any specific types you think we need to target come the player movement period at the end of 2020?

For reference, this is the midfield group we recently voted as being our consensus best 22:

C: Sam Walsh, Patrick Cripps, Will Setterfield
FOL: Matthew Kreuzer, Ed Curnow, Marc Murphy
INT: Sam Petrevski-Seton, Zac Fisher, Jack Newnes

Whether or not you agree with this as being our best setup to start the year, there is no doubt this is a very talented group. Even more telling perhaps is the caliber of footballers who would be waiting in reserve.

Have at it.

 

[HARKER]

Harks this is not the 80s

While there would predominantly be 6 or so rotating through, you will have at least a dozen or so having time at centre bounces, not to mention round the ground stoppages

Newnes, Martin, Jack, Cuners, will play cameos

Don't be surprised to see Doc take a few as well

We do this all the time (he can play midfield and he can and then that one also) yet it rarely eventuates and by cameos, once every few games doesn't count.

By default you go back to the players that serve you best and along with the guys I mentioned, you also have ECurnow, Murphy and Gibbons.
We're not going to have 15 players used through the midfield for the fun of it. We want to win the ball, not to trial players when it counts.

It has nothing to do with an era, but all to do with winning the ball with players that are trained up to do so.
It sounds like fun saying it, but when it counts, it just doesn't come about. i.e. O'Brien, Plowman and CCurnow will go through the midfield.

 

[Coona Blues]

We do this all the time (he can play midfield and he can and then that one also) yet it rarely eventuates and by cameos, once every few games doesn't count.

By default you go back to the players that serve you best and along with the guys I mentioned, you also have ECurnow, Murphy and Gibbons.
We're not going to have 15 players used through the midfield for the fun of it. We want to win the ball, not to trial players when it counts.

It has nothing to do with an era, but all to do with winning the ball with players that are trained up to do so.
It sounds like fun saying it, but when it counts, it just doesn't come about. i.e. O'Brien, Plowman and CCurnow will go through the midfield.

Just a little heads up Harks. A quick perusal of our updated player list on the CFC website lists Jack Silvagni as a midfielder. Might just be a sign of long tern internal projections.

While it remains to be seen if he has what it takes to play consistently in the guts at the top level, to me he has always signalled that he is more Sergio than SOS in player type. His ability to work at close quarters dishing out handballs or taps to advantage led me to state this in his first year. A fraction slow and has been a slow burn getting his tank up to standard, but there a few other clubs who would gratefully give him the opportunity in the middle if we can't find the room. Loathe to consider it, but Josh Kennedy anyone? (Father/son of club great who couldn't get opportunity in a packed midfield)

 

[HARKER]

Just a little heads up Harks. A quick perusal of our updated player list on the CFC website lists Jack Silvagni as a midfielder. Might just be a sign of long tern internal projections.

While it remains to be seen if he has what it takes to play consistently in the guts at the top level, to me he has always signalled that he is more Sergio than SOS in player type. His ability to work at close quarters dishing out handballs or taps to advantage led me to state this in his first year. A fraction slow and has been a slow burn getting his tank up to standard, but there a few other clubs who would gratefully give him the opportunity in the middle if we can't find the room. Loathe to consider it, but Josh Kennedy anyone? (Father/son of club great who couldn't get opportunity in a packed midfield)

Good point and JSilvagni and he is a player I see having the potential to genuinely play midfield, but I feel we have (at least should have) better options.

Of course there will be players thrown into the mix every now for a variety of reasons (injury during games, others on the bench, specific match-ups on the day, trying to get a player into the game etc) but you'll find that there will be those favoured and developed as our premium midfield set-up.

Recall a few years back now, looking at every centre stoppage over the course of a couple of games and in those two games only 5 players were used -
They were Judd, Gibbs, Murphy, Carrazzo and McLean. That was it and who would have complained for that to have been the case at the time.

I may be wrong but I'd say that on raw numbers after Teague took over, that the majority of centre square ball-ups were tended to by Cripps, ECurnow and Murphy...and that's the point.

We will use others for a reason here and a reason there but there will be a core of 'specialist' mids that will shoulder the load in the centre.

I was just interested in who people saw those players to be, as right now we have many options, but only a few will genuinely become/ be developed into a part of our preferred mid-field set-ups.

BTW - Midfield is used quite liberally ion the site

 

[Stamos]

Harks this is not the 80s

While there would predominantly be 6 or so rotating through, you will have at least a dozen or so having time at centre bounces

All our numbers show that this is false.
We have very few who go to the middle under Teague.

 

[HARKER]

Here's a list of our players that came through the system to us, as midfielders in recent years -

#13 Cripps
#13 Kennedy
# 5 Setterfield
# 6 Petrevski-Seton
# 3 Dow
#27 Fisher
# 1 Walsh
#19 Stocker
#17 Kemp
#20 Philp

9 out of 10 are first rounders and Fisher only just misses out.

My bet would be that other than ECurnow and Murphy, the bulk of midfield duties will be taken up by players that are genuine midfielders.
This shouldn't be hard to understand.

 

[HereComesJuddy]

Dont be surprised when stocker is playing more midfield minutes this year. He's my pick of the biggest improvers in 2020.

Also keen to see SPS, Martin, Cuningham and Betts play some forward minutes together. Love SPS in our backline but would love to see him going forward also

 

[blueman2012]

Don't be surprised to see Doc take a few as well

This.

At end of 2017, I thought that Doc was ready, and indeed the team was ready, for him to move into more of a midfield role, in a similar way that Ratten had matured his game, reading of the play, creativity and disposal through playing down back initially. History had other plans for Doc over the past two seasons and it may take half a season or so down back to get him back up to speed and have the confidence in his body. But if he can stay on the park and we require more grunt in the middle (due to injuries or young guys not stepping up), it definitely would not surprise me to see Doc go into the guts and lead from the front.

 

[ABigOlDoofus]

This.

At end of 2017, I thought that Doc was ready, and indeed the team was ready, for him to move into more of a midfield role, in a similar way that Ratten had matured his game, reading of the play, creativity and disposal through playing down back initially. History had other plans for Doc over the past two seasons and it may take half a season or so down back to get him back up to speed and have the confidence in his body. But if he can stay on the park and we require more grunt in the middle (due to injuries or young guys not stepping up), it definitely would not surprise me to see Doc go into the guts and lead from the front.

This is especially true if SPS shines at half back and Willa can get fit and prove his worth, it'll make room for both of them in the backline.

 

[Coona Blues]

Trouble ranking 6-12, but an overview of how I see our mids and their roles. How much inside time will be afforded will be a wait and see.

CRIPPS - Cripps is Cripps, extractor extaordinaire, but so much more. If I have a criticism it is that he is often guilty of trying to do too much and sometimes precludes his team mates playing a prominent role. This of course is borne from years of having to do more than his share, it is hard to throttle back when the pack catches up sometimes. More time forward and a greater focus of bringing his mates in to the game are the areas he can possibly alter.

SETTERFIELD - The next big thing, rated highly by SOS and co. (and many others) ravaged by injury in his formative years. Gave us a glimpse last year of just what he is capable of. The Bont comparison is perhaps the closest. Can play virtually anywhere, but surely he will ultimately be a centre square midfielder. How quickly this comes about is the question? Can play outside, back, forward, but if the ceiling is as high as he has, why not use him as a prime mover as soon as he is ready?

WALSH - Superlatives abound, we can be sure there will be no second year blues with this one. Debate rages over wing or centre square, and he could easily play either or both. Is just a classical ball hunter, getting to the right spots with an enormous tank. For mine it must be preferable to utilise these natural hunters in the middle rather than pushing up players still building a "tank" and not naturally predisposed to two way running.

MURPHY - Languished under Bolton, I had him written off. Wow, did he turn it around when returned to the coalface? Would have had him entering his last year next season as per contract, but if he finds his late form again this season, it will not be the case. Thanking him for reminding us of vintage Murphy and why he was a one time MVP. Fit and motivated must stay in the mix, but may still be moved around a bit to accommodate some of our young guns.

CURNOW - The classic workhorse, warrior, team man. His skills and value to the team are sometimes under appreciated by a few. Finished the season in fine form and hard to see the kids going past him just yet. That time will come though, and where we are at may see it unfortunately happening a tad prematurely. Not beyond the realms of possibility he will be asked to reprise his pressure forward role at times while the kids are blooded.

DOW - The conundrum, the "girl with a curl", when he is good, he is very, very good, when he is bad he is awful. I do not for one minute question his potential, his ceiling remains very high. I rate disposal and willingness to worth both ways as non negotiables, so find it hard to have him best 22 in front of some other contenders, but if he has a lightbulb experience is a lock. ??????

STOCKER - Confident young man who has a task to push in to the midfield rotations. Likes a contest and his dual sided disposal is an absolute weapon that would be most welcome coming out of the middle. Can play defence or probably off a wing, but hard to see him anywhere but the guts in years to come. Can he force his way past his experienced team mates this year?

KENNEDY - Has struggled with his body, and subsequently fitness. He is a favourite of mine and offers that something many of his peers don't. That willingness to block and do the one percenters as well as hunting the ball. I had him more of an athlete than his GWS compatriot Hopper, so will be interested to see him after a solid preseason. Capable and creative forward making him "easier" to incorporate in to the 22 for mine.

SILVAGNI - We will never die wondering with Jack, 110% is the norm. Three young talls, Levi, TDK transitioning, perhaps Kennedy and Kemp for the future, make the forward line a competitive spot for talls. Hold a few more marks and he has a spot there. But, I see him as a genuine midfielder, cameos, including the Fyfe blanket suggest he "belongs". An improving tank and maturity will see him press for minutes. Will they be available?

FISHER - One of the bigger conundrums. Can't help but feel he got a little ahead of himself after "starring" in AFLX pre season last year. Only small, but those dancing feet, good vision and disposal give him claims for midfield time. Stated to be concentrating on forward craft pre season, but will be champing at the bit for midfield time. Has real claims.

CUNINGHAM - Most of us see him as a forward staple, and likely that is where he will spend the majority of his time. However is also a capable and explosive midfielder and the club has always given him inside minutes when he has been fit. In the mix, with likely cameos mixed with working up the ground from forward line.

PETREVSKI-SETON - More than capable in the middle and will only improve with maturity. However, seems set to play off half back utilising his skills, smarts and dual sided disposal to set up our forays forward. Lock in to the backline.

GIBBONS - Can't help but love the little pest. Under rated by many, but may still struggle for opportunity at the coal face. I can't help but think he may be as effective as Murphy at the stoppages, but will he get the opportunity? Plenty of competition for outside mid/high half forward spots. If we don't use him in the 22, almost certain to look for (and get) opportunity elsewhere.

O'BRIEN - One of my young favourites. Disposal is a weapon, but can be inconsistent. Needs to tighten up and back his own game, as guilty of being a little conservative at times (Bolton legacy) Feel he is capable in the middle, but wing is his spot. Can see him off there for a decade, but has to earn it first.

NEWNES - Experienced, professional, talented, it would be easy to pick and forget on wing or half back. Could easily play 22 games or could play almost none. Which path is Teaguey and co going to take? Thinking the praccy matches might seal it one way or the other. Can play in guts, but best outside.

COTTRELL - Up against it to force his way in to a talent laden team, but with pace, endurance and quality disposal certainly has his claims. More capable inside than some realise, but his value would be as a linking, running wing or rebounding from half back. Would not totally surprise if he was given an opportunity to audition as a small forward in the twos as well. I love what he offers, but needs opportunity and must form an irrefutable case.

MARTIN - Primarily a forward or outside type, who can both rebound from defence and contribute inside. Very hard to see him utilised for more than cameos in the midfield given our list and the value of his skill set forward.

DOCHERTY - Co skipper and backline general. Was being groomed for midfield role before injury, but difficult to see that happening now with our bevy of developing young stars. Certain to be a defensive staple for the remainder of his career.

LANG - Has struggled with injury and while it may just be an appearance, intensity often seems lacking. Again appears on "light duties" at the start of preseason, needs a huge year to remain on the list for mine. Will be up against it to get senior opportunity with a healthy list.

POLSON - Loved his draft video and happy to see him get opportunity. However, unlike some on here, I see his issues as more than positional. Lost me when viewing Qld camp last year. Mildly slippery conditions and he consistently spilled basic passes through his fingers. Literally under 12's stuff, team mates and coaches stressing thumb position. Not talking one or two misses, double figures under no pressure. I am off him.

KEMP - ACL gives us the "luxury" of time to incorporate him in to the rotations, if in fact that is where he ends up long term. Prodigious talent likely to have a variety of roles in his formative years. Unlikely to be thought of as a first team midfielder in his first two years.

PHILP - The "bolter" was well known to me and plenty of others before the draft. Is a footballer first and his speed is a weapon. It is difficult to see him being groomed as a centre square mid in the short term. While a "contested beast" lightning quick and has spend time forward to advantage. Expect to see his role rotated in the twos exploring prospects all over the ground. Plenty of upside.

RAMSAY - Prolific when moved to the engine room and has great skills. Has history off half back and on the wing, but excelled in the guts. Like the other later picks we selected, has skills that could also transfer forward. Reckon SOS and co have had more of a throw at the stumps regarding forwards than many realise.

HONEY - While well regarded by a few posters here, I see him as a forward or bust type. Skilled, but inconsistent, a speculative profile we were happy to run with. Not writing him off, but late/rookie was his spot. Ball is in his court, but I can't see a midfielder there.

 

[Arr0w]

We do this all the time (he can play midfield and he can and then that one also) yet it rarely eventuates and by cameos, once every few games doesn't count.

By default you go back to the players that serve you best and along with the guys I mentioned, you also have ECurnow, Murphy and Gibbons.
We're not going to have 15 players used through the midfield for the fun of it. We want to win the ball, not to trial players when it counts.

It has nothing to do with an era, but all to do with winning the ball with players that are trained up to do so.
It sounds like fun saying it, but when it counts, it just doesn't come about. i.e. O'Brien, Plowman and CCurnow will go through the midfield.

Just a little snapshot of what all teams were doing up to May this year Harks

We are not trying to recreate the wheel, nor is any other side

The men in the guts: Who goes in, who clears it, best combos

AFL.com.au takes a look at your go-to guys, most successful starting four and much more

www.afl.com.au

 

[Arr0w]

All our numbers show that this is false.
We have very few who go to the middle under Teague.

You sure about that?

Perhaps do some research

 

[HARKER]

Just a little snapshot of what all teams were doing up to May this year Harks

We are not trying to recreate the wheel, nor is any other side

The men in the guts: Who goes in, who clears it, best combos

AFL.com.au takes a look at your go-to guys, most successful starting four and much more

www.afl.com.au

That alone demonstrates what I'm saying - Take the ruck-men out and you find that four to five midfielders dominate the rotations and then there are bit players that come into play for reasons outlined earlier.
Anyway, it's getting away from the principle point and question - Who are going to be the go to mids for the CFC next year?

Docherty into the midfield? Why? Why do we do this?

What overall advantage is there for Docherty to to play as a midfielder? For every action there's a reaction....so how does it play out?
Docherty is to important for the back-line to now be reconfigured into something new. Haven't we learned this lesson already?

 

[spry]

Would be epic to have both captains starting in the centre! Throw murph in there as well.


On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[FitzroyBlueBagger]

Trouble ranking 6-12, but an overview of how I see our mids and their roles. How much inside time will be afforded will be a wait and see.

CRIPPS - Cripps is Cripps, extractor extaordinaire, but so much more. If I have a criticism it is that he is often guilty of trying to do too much and sometimes precludes his team mates playing a prominent role. This of course is borne from years of having to do more than his share, it is hard to throttle back when the pack catches up sometimes. More time forward and a greater focus of bringing his mates in to the game are the areas he can possibly alter.

SETTERFIELD - The next big thing, rated highly by SOS and co. (and many others) ravaged by injury in his formative years. Gave us a glimpse last year of just what he is capable of. The Bont comparison is perhaps the closest. Can play virtually anywhere, but surely he will ultimately be a centre square midfielder. How quickly this comes about is the question? Can play outside, back, forward, but if the ceiling is as high as he has, why not use him as a prime mover as soon as he is ready?

WALSH - Superlatives abound, we can be sure there will be no second year blues with this one. Debate rages over wing or centre square, and he could easily play either or both. Is just a classical ball hunter, getting to the right spots with an enormous tank. For mine it must be preferable to utilise these natural hunters in the middle rather than pushing up players still building a "tank" and not naturally predisposed to two way running.

MURPHY - Languished under Bolton, I had him written off. Wow, did he turn it around when returned to the coalface? Would have had him entering his last year next season as per contract, but if he finds his late form again this season, it will not be the case. Thanking him for reminding us of vintage Murphy and why he was a one time MVP. Fit and motivated must stay in the mix, but may still be moved around a bit to accommodate some of our young guns.

CURNOW - The classic workhorse, warrior, team man. His skills and value to the team are sometimes under appreciated by a few. Finished the season in fine form and hard to see the kids going past him just yet. That time will come though, and where we are at may see it unfortunately happening a tad prematurely. Not beyond the realms of possibility he will be asked to reprise his pressure forward role at times while the kids are blooded.

DOW - The conundrum, the "girl with a curl", when he is good, he is very, very good, when he is bad he is awful. I do not for one minute question his potential, his ceiling remains very high. I rate disposal and willingness to worth both ways as non negotiables, so find it hard to have him best 22 in front of some other contenders, but if he has a lightbulb experience is a lock. ??????

STOCKER - Confident young man who has a task to push in to the midfield rotations. Likes a contest and his dual sided disposal is an absolute weapon that would be most welcome coming out of the middle. Can play defence or probably off a wing, but hard to see him anywhere but the guts in years to come. Can he force his way past his experienced team mates this year?

KENNEDY - Has struggled with his body, and subsequently fitness. He is a favourite of mine and offers that something many of his peers don't. That willingness to block and do the one percenters as well as hunting the ball. I had him more of an athlete than his GWS compatriot Hopper, so will be interested to see him after a solid preseason. Capable and creative forward making him "easier" to incorporate in to the 22 for mine.

SILVAGNI - We will never die wondering with Jack, 110% is the norm. Three young talls, Levi, TDK transitioning, perhaps Kennedy and Kemp for the future, make the forward line a competitive spot for talls. Hold a few more marks and he has a spot there. But, I see him as a genuine midfielder, cameos, including the Fyfe blanket suggest he "belongs". An improving tank and maturity will see him press for minutes. Will they be available?

FISHER - One of the bigger conundrums. Can't help but feel he got a little ahead of himself after "starring" in AFLX pre season last year. Only small, but those dancing feet, good vision and disposal give him claims for midfield time. Stated to be concentrating on forward craft pre season, but will be champing at the bit for midfield time. Has real claims.

CUNINGHAM - Most of us see him as a forward staple, and likely that is where he will spend the majority of his time. However is also a capable and explosive midfielder and the club has always given him inside minutes when he has been fit. In the mix, with likely cameos mixed with working up the ground from forward line.

PETREVSKI-SETON - More than capable in the middle and will only improve with maturity. However, seems set to play off half back utilising his skills, smarts and dual sided disposal to set up our forays forward. Lock in to the backline.

GIBBONS - Can't help but love the little pest. Under rated by many, but may still struggle for opportunity at the coal face. I can't help but think he may be as effective as Murphy at the stoppages, but will he get the opportunity? Plenty of competition for outside mid/high half forward spots. If we don't use him in the 22, almost certain to look for (and get) opportunity elsewhere.

O'BRIEN - One of my young favourites. Disposal is a weapon, but can be inconsistent. Needs to tighten up and back his own game, as guilty of being a little conservative at times (Bolton legacy) Feel he is capable in the middle, but wing is his spot. Can see him off there for a decade, but has to earn it first.

NEWNES - Experienced, professional, talented, it would be easy to pick and forget on wing or half back. Could easily play 22 games or could play almost none. Which path is Teaguey and co going to take? Thinking the praccy matches might seal it one way or the other. Can play in guts, but best outside.

COTTRELL - Up against it to force his way in to a talent laden team, but with pace, endurance and quality disposal certainly has his claims. More capable inside than some realise, but his value would be as a linking, running wing or rebounding from half back. Would not totally surprise if he was given an opportunity to audition as a small forward in the twos as well. I love what he offers, but needs opportunity and must form an irrefutable case.

MARTIN - Primarily a forward or outside type, who can both rebound from defence and contribute inside. Very hard to see him utilised for more than cameos in the midfield given our list and the value of his skill set forward.

DOCHERTY - Co skipper and backline general. Was being groomed for midfield role before injury, but difficult to see that happening now with our bevy of developing young stars. Certain to be a defensive staple for the remainder of his career.

LANG - Has struggled with injury and while it may just be an appearance, intensity often seems lacking. Again appears on "light duties" at the start of preseason, needs a huge year to remain on the list for mine. Will be up against it to get senior opportunity with a healthy list.

POLSON - Loved his draft video and happy to see him get opportunity. However, unlike some on here, I see his issues as more than positional. Lost me when viewing Qld camp last year. Mildly slippery conditions and he consistently spilled basic passes through his fingers. Literally under 12's stuff, team mates and coaches stressing thumb position. Not talking one or two misses, double figures under no pressure. I am off him.

KEMP - ACL gives us the "luxury" of time to incorporate him in to the rotations, if in fact that is where he ends up long term. Prodigious talent likely to have a variety of roles in his formative years. Unlikely to be though of as a first team midfielder in his first two years.

PHILP - The "bolter" was well known to me and plenty of others before the draft. Is a footballer first and his speed is a weapon. It is difficult to see him being groomed as a centre square mid in the short term. While a "contested beast" lightning quick and has spend time forward to advantage. Expect to see his role rotated in the twos exploring prospects all over the ground. Plenty of upside.

RAMSAY - Prolific when moved to the engine room and has great skills. Has history off half back and on the wing, but excelled in the guts. Like the other later picks we selected, has skills that could also transfer forward. Reckon SOS and co have had more of a throw at the stumps regarding forwards than many realise.

HONEY - While well regarded by a few posters here, I see him as a forward or bust type. Skilled, but inconsistent, a speculative profile we were happy to run with. Not writing him off, but late/rookie was his spot. Ball is in his court, but I can't see a midfielder there.

MagNif...

 

[HARKER]

Trouble ranking 6-12, but an overview of how I see our mids and their roles. How much inside time will be afforded will be a wait and see.

CRIPPS - Cripps is Cripps, extractor extaordinaire, but so much more. If I have a criticism it is that he is often guilty of trying to do too much and sometimes precludes his team mates playing a prominent role. This of course is borne from years of having to do more than his share, it is hard to throttle back when the pack catches up sometimes. More time forward and a greater focus of bringing his mates in to the game are the areas he can possibly alter.

SETTERFIELD - The next big thing, rated highly by SOS and co. (and many others) ravaged by injury in his formative years. Gave us a glimpse last year of just what he is capable of. The Bont comparison is perhaps the closest. Can play virtually anywhere, but surely he will ultimately be a centre square midfielder. How quickly this comes about is the question? Can play outside, back, forward, but if the ceiling is as high as he has, why not use him as a prime mover as soon as he is ready?

WALSH - Superlatives abound, we can be sure there will be no second year blues with this one. Debate rages over wing or centre square, and he could easily play either or both. Is just a classical ball hunter, getting to the right spots with an enormous tank. For mine it must be preferable to utilise these natural hunters in the middle rather than pushing up players still building a "tank" and not naturally predisposed to two way running.

MURPHY - Languished under Bolton, I had him written off. Wow, did he turn it around when returned to the coalface? Would have had him entering his last year next season as per contract, but if he finds his late form again this season, it will not be the case. Thanking him for reminding us of vintage Murphy and why he was a one time MVP. Fit and motivated must stay in the mix, but may still be moved around a bit to accommodate some of our young guns.

CURNOW - The classic workhorse, warrior, team man. His skills and value to the team are sometimes under appreciated by a few. Finished the season in fine form and hard to see the kids going past him just yet. That time will come though, and where we are at may see it unfortunately happening a tad prematurely. Not beyond the realms of possibility he will be asked to reprise his pressure forward role at times while the kids are blooded.

DOW - The conundrum, the "girl with a curl", when he is good, he is very, very good, when he is bad he is awful. I do not for one minute question his potential, his ceiling remains very high. I rate disposal and willingness to worth both ways as non negotiables, so find it hard to have him best 22 in front of some other contenders, but if he has a lightbulb experience is a lock. ??????

STOCKER - Confident young man who has a task to push in to the midfield rotations. Likes a contest and his dual sided disposal is an absolute weapon that would be most welcome coming out of the middle. Can play defence or probably off a wing, but hard to see him anywhere but the guts in years to come. Can he force his way past his experienced team mates this year?

KENNEDY - Has struggled with his body, and subsequently fitness. He is a favourite of mine and offers that something many of his peers don't. That willingness to block and do the one percenters as well as hunting the ball. I had him more of an athlete than his GWS compatriot Hopper, so will be interested to see him after a solid preseason. Capable and creative forward making him "easier" to incorporate in to the 22 for mine.

SILVAGNI - We will never die wondering with Jack, 110% is the norm. Three young talls, Levi, TDK transitioning, perhaps Kennedy and Kemp for the future, make the forward line a competitive spot for talls. Hold a few more marks and he has a spot there. But, I see him as a genuine midfielder, cameos, including the Fyfe blanket suggest he "belongs". An improving tank and maturity will see him press for minutes. Will they be available?

FISHER - One of the bigger conundrums. Can't help but feel he got a little ahead of himself after "starring" in AFLX pre season last year. Only small, but those dancing feet, good vision and disposal give him claims for midfield time. Stated to be concentrating on forward craft pre season, but will be champing at the bit for midfield time. Has real claims.

CUNINGHAM - Most of us see him as a forward staple, and likely that is where he will spend the majority of his time. However is also a capable and explosive midfielder and the club has always given him inside minutes when he has been fit. In the mix, with likely cameos mixed with working up the ground from forward line.

PETREVSKI-SETON - More than capable in the middle and will only improve with maturity. However, seems set to play off half back utilising his skills, smarts and dual sided disposal to set up our forays forward. Lock in to the backline.

GIBBONS - Can't help but love the little pest. Under rated by many, but may still struggle for opportunity at the coal face. I can't help but think he may be as effective as Murphy at the stoppages, but will he get the opportunity? Plenty of competition for outside mid/high half forward spots. If we don't use him in the 22, almost certain to look for (and get) opportunity elsewhere.

O'BRIEN - One of my young favourites. Disposal is a weapon, but can be inconsistent. Needs to tighten up and back his own game, as guilty of being a little conservative at times (Bolton legacy) Feel he is capable in the middle, but wing is his spot. Can see him off there for a decade, but has to earn it first.

NEWNES - Experienced, professional, talented, it would be easy to pick and forget on wing or half back. Could easily play 22 games or could play almost none. Which path is Teaguey and co going to take? Thinking the praccy matches might seal it one way or the other. Can play in guts, but best outside.

COTTRELL - Up against it to force his way in to a talent laden team, but with pace, endurance and quality disposal certainly has his claims. More capable inside than some realise, but his value would be as a linking, running wing or rebounding from half back. Would not totally surprise if he was given an opportunity to audition as a small forward in the twos as well. I love what he offers, but needs opportunity and must form an irrefutable case.

MARTIN - Primarily a forward or outside type, who can both rebound from defence and contribute inside. Very hard to see him utilised for more than cameos in the midfield given our list and the value of his skill set forward.

DOCHERTY - Co skipper and backline general. Was being groomed for midfield role before injury, but difficult to see that happening now with our bevy of developing young stars. Certain to be a defensive staple for the remainder of his career.

LANG - Has struggled with injury and while it may just be an appearance, intensity often seems lacking. Again appears on "light duties" at the start of preseason, needs a huge year to remain on the list for mine. Will be up against it to get senior opportunity with a healthy list.

POLSON - Loved his draft video and happy to see him get opportunity. However, unlike some on here, I see his issues as more than positional. Lost me when viewing Qld camp last year. Mildly slippery conditions and he consistently spilled basic passes through his fingers. Literally under 12's stuff, team mates and coaches stressing thumb position. Not talking one or two misses, double figures under no pressure. I am off him.

KEMP - ACL gives us the "luxury" of time to incorporate him in to the rotations, if in fact that is where he ends up long term. Prodigious talent likely to have a variety of roles in his formative years. Unlikely to be though of as a first team midfielder in his first two years.

PHILP - The "bolter" was well known to me and plenty of others before the draft. Is a footballer first and his speed is a weapon. It is difficult to see him being groomed as a centre square mid in the short term. While a "contested beast" lightning quick and has spend time forward to advantage. Expect to see his role rotated in the twos exploring prospects all over the ground. Plenty of upside.

RAMSAY - Prolific when moved to the engine room and has great skills. Has history off half back and on the wing, but excelled in the guts. Like the other later picks we selected, has skills that could also transfer forward. Reckon SOS and co have had more of a throw at the stumps regarding forwards than many realise.

HONEY - While well regarded by a few posters here, I see him as a forward or bust type. Skilled, but inconsistent, a speculative profile we were happy to run with. Not writing him off, but late/rookie was his spot. Ball is in his court, but I can't see a midfielder there.

Good stuff Coona.

I find it hard to say how it will play out and maybe there will be a little trial and error as we go along, but ultimately the ones that shine will receive the most opportunity. We think we know who they are but we just can't be sure yet.

 

[Arr0w]

That alone demonstrates what I'm saying - Take the ruck-men out and you find that four to five midfielders dominate the rotations and then there are bit players that come into play for reasons outlined earlier.
Anyway, it's getting away from the principle point and question - Who are going to be the go to mids for the CFC next year?

Docherty into the midfield? Why? Why do we do this?

What overall advantage is there for Docherty to to play as a midfielder? For every action there's a reaction....so how does it play out?
Docherty is to important for the back-line to now be reconfigured into something new. Haven't we learned this lesson already?

Harks stop deflecting, my post was clear, no deviation

Aside from ruckmen, there will be 5-6 main players, then others playing cameos, based on tactics, conditions, matchups

And every side will be similar

 

[HARKER]

Harks stop deflecting, my post was clear, no deviation

Aside from ruckmen, there will be 5-6 main players, then others playing cameos, based on tactics, conditions, matchups

And every side will be similar

Who will those 5-6 players be Arr0w ?

 

[Arr0w]

Who will those 5-6 players be Arr0w ?

Cripps, Ed, Setters, Walsh, Murphy

Next line down/rotations/cameos/transition

Gibbons, Dow, Fisher, Newnes, Jack, Martin, Kennedy, LOB, Newman, Doc, Stocker/Philp

 

[BlueGum]

Samo too

Reckon we'll be looking to change things up to create mismatches and difficulties for teams to cover players going forward (like Setters and Cripps) or running into space like Murph and Walsh. The others named will be subbing into the midfield regularly IMO

 

[HARKER]

Cripps, Ed, Setters, Walsh, Murphy

Next line down/rotations/cameos/transition

Gibbons, Dow, Fisher, Newnes, Jack, Martin, Kennedy, LOB, Newman, Doc, Stocker/Philp

What happens at the pointy end of midfield involvement, may determine whether other players get a look in.

SPS is being groomed for a backline role
Fisher is being groomed for a forward role.
Martin is being groomed for a forward role.
Stocker is capable in the backline.
Newman is a back-man that can play wing.
Newnes is on the wing.
LOB can play on a wing.
Philp - Way too early.
Kennedy has shown signs forward.
Not even going to mention Docherty...although I just did.

It leaves me wondering where Dow may play.
I'm not sure he functions forward and he won't be going into the backline.

 

[Jeremias]

I'm pretty sure we will see it. When Teague took over, Walsh shifted from the wing and played mainly inside.

He did, but that doesn't necessarily mean anything come 2020.

Teague moved a lot of our kids out of the midfield. Fisher, Dow, Setterfield all featured heavily under Bolton but not so much after he departed.

 

[Arr0w]

What happens at the pointy end of midfield involvement, may determine whether other players get a look in.

SPS is being groomed for a backline role
Fisher is being groomed for a forward role.
Martin is being groomed for a forward role.
Stocker is capable in the backline.
Newman is a back-man that can play wing.
Newnes is on the wing.
LOB can play on a wing.
Philp - Way too early.
Kennedy has shown signs forward.
Not even going to mention Docherty...although I just did.

It leaves me wondering where Dow may play.
I'm not sure he functions forward and he won't be going into the backline.

Harks I think you a missing the point here

Some players will play more minutes in an area, let's say forward, let's call this player JSOS

Then he would rotate through the middle

Again, like every side, in the modern era

As for Dow, he could do stints in the centre, wing, then possibly rest on the bench, and while others rest forward

 

[HARKER]

Harks I think you a missing the point here

Some players will play more minutes in an area, let's say forward, let's call this player JSOS

Then he would rotate through the middle

Again, like every side, in the modern era

As for Dow, he could do stints in the centre, wing, then possibly rest on the bench, and while others rest forward

Jesus Christ man - I haven't missed the 'point'

Having one stint in the midfield per game doesn't make you a midfielder.
Players have strengths and weaknesses and playing midfield isn't a 'everybody can do it' type role. No role is.

Want to give yourself a gold medal? Go right ahead

 

[JohnnyFontane90]

We shouldn't dismiss Fisher when it comes to our starting midfield.

His pace and skill on the outside are a real weapon but it is his hands in close which are arguably his greatest asset.

He was a staple of our centre square work early in the year. I know we moved away from that once Teague took over but it won't surprise should he see an expanded role on the inside in 2020.

Totally agree. I see fisher as the best of the talented prospect midfielders (dow, setterfield, stocker, SPS, o'brien, kennedy etc)

His physique is holding him back right now but his career trajectory from 2017-half way through 2019 statistically mirrored the start of lachie neales career very closely. He's the same height as dayno zorko and zorko didn't average over 20 touches a game until he was 25.

His clean hands and speed at ground level are already an asset but just give him time and exposure to real midfield minutes and he'll become a serious player.