Three burning questions for the JLT Community Series
Staff writers February 14, 2017 2:00 PM
WITH the JLT Community Series set to kick off on Thursday, football fans are full optimism and curiosity.
Here are some questions we'd like your club to answer during the pre-season comp.
When is your team playing? Check out the full JLT fixture here
ADELAIDE
First JLT Community Series match: Friday, February 24 v Richmond at Etihad Stadium
Will Curtly Hampton grab a midfield spot? The former Greater Western Sydney defender will get a chance to show if he can transition to becoming a midfielder. Hampton has increased his running capacity and has been working on his skills at extracting the ball out of stoppages. With Rory Laird and Brodie Smith locking down the two spots across half-back, playing in the midfield is the best chance for Hampton to be a regular in the Crows' best 22.
Is there a place in Adelaide's best 22 for Troy Menzel? Acquired from Carlton during the 2015 trade period, Menzel was nowhere to be seen last year. He again faces a challenge to force his way into Adelaide's electric forward line. However, if Charlie Cameron spends more time on the wing, there could be an opportunity for Menzel to get himself into the side.
Can the Crows support Rory Sloane at stoppages? Contested ball work has been a major focus for the Crows during the pre-season. Sloane was a one-man band in tight situations last year with support from the aging Scott Thompson and the injury-prone Brad Crouch. Cam Ellis-Yolmen appears to be the leading contender to fill Crouch's spot if his hamstring injury rules him out of round one. Any help Sloane can get in that area will be greatly appreciated. – Lee Gaskin
BRISBANE-LIONS
First JLT Community Series match: Sunday, February 19 v Gold Coast at Broadbeach Sports Club
What will the Chris Fagan era bring?
Three areas stand out: Fagan’s gameplan, how he lines up the magnets and who will be his captain. Dayne Zorko and Dayne Beams have emerged as the captaincy frontrunners, but Fagan has also not ruled out reinstating Tom Rockliff. Since walking into the job, the rookie coach has preached a tighter defence, and now we'll get to see it in action.
Who will lock down the half-back spots?
It's one area of the ground the Lions are quite well stocked in. Sam Mayes and Claye Beams – both excellent users of the ball - have the inside running after strong performances in the intraclub match. However, Tom Cutler is pressing hard and his ability to break lines with run-and-carry is a point of difference. Three into two won't fit.
What will we see from Dayne Beams?
After persistent knee problems and just two games in 2016, Beams has had a mixed pre-season. The former Collingwood premiership player has run a million laps and is super fit, but hasn't participated in much match simulation yet. The Lions are more interested in getting him right for round one, but would love to get a pre-season match in his legs beforehand. - Michael Whiting
Carlton
First JLT Community Series match: Saturday, February 25 v Melbourne at Casey Fields
Is Harry McKay ready to stand tall in attack?
After a back injury disrupted his first season at Ikon Park, Harry McKay is set to get his first taste of senior football. The 19-year-old key forward shapes as an important player for the Blues over the next decade, but the JLT series will give some insight into whether he's ready to play alongside Levi Casboult inside the Blues' forward 50 this season.
Who will grab Zach Tuohy's spot?
With Tuohy's departure to Geelong, there is a vacancy for a small/medium defender in Carlton's backline. Ciaran Sheehan, Dylan Buckley and Dale Thomas are all likely to be trialled as possible replacements, while Ciaran Byrne will press his claims when he returns from a knee reconstruction later this season.
Can Zac Fisher push for a round one spot?
Given Sam Petrevski-Seton will miss Carlton's entire pre-season campaign with a quad strain, Zac Fisher looms as the most likely round one debutant from the Blues' 2016 draft class. The West Australian has impressed on the track with his speed and class this summer, but he is slightly built and Carlton will need to be convinced he is ready to withstand the rigours of the AFL. - Nick Bowen
Carlton draftee Zac Fisher will be thrust into the JLT series early this year. Picture: AFL Photos
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COLLINGWOOD
First JLT Community Series match: Thursday, February 16 v Essendon at Etihad Stadium
Can the Magpies find a spot for Mason Cox?
The big man was impressive in the intraclub and looks to have taken another quantum leap. The third-man up ban should help and he will be a massive handful for any defender. A competitor, he looks to have an X-factor and the Magpies need to persist with him in order to get the pay-off he promises.
Is the team organised within the forward 50?
This will be recruit Chris Mayne's objective as he brings experience to a group that carries precocious talent in Alex Fasolo, Jamie Elliott, Darcy Moore, Will Hoskin-Elliott and, in the JLT series, Josh Daicos. Availability of players will be crucial so the Magpies will need to balance the need for minutes.
What will Daniel Wells add?
Few recruits have joined the Magpies in recent seasons with the potential to make as big a difference as Wells. He moves well and is a good user but can he be relied upon? That question won't be fully answered in the pre-season but preparedness to work and glimpses of the new dynamic he might add will be enough to excite Magpie fans. - Peter Ryan
ESSENDON
First JLT Community Series match: Thursday, February 16 v Collingwood at Etihad Stadium
How will the returning Bombers fare?
The biggest question and the hardest to answer. Coach John Worsfold won't be expecting them all to blitz, but will be hoping they can get through unscathed without any injury concerns ahead of round one. Tom Bellchambers (knee) and Cale Hooker (hamstring) might not play much in the JLT Community Series, but the other eight returning Bombers should feature regularly.
Will we see No.1 pick Andy McGrath?
McGrath has been quiet in the Dons' most recent intraclub games, and the Bombers will steer him through his debut season carefully. But there is an anticipation for Essendon to unveil its first ever No.1 draft pick, and McGrath is good enough to play right away. He's likely to get a chance during the pre-season competition, where his pace and smarts will be deployed across half-back.
How will the Bombers' fleet of small forwards work together?
Scoring has been an issue for the Bombers for several years, not just in 2016 with their depleted list. But this year the club has assembled a cast of exciting, quick and dangerous small forwards who could create some troubles for rivals. Orazio Fantasia has his name on a forward pocket spot and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti has shifted forward. Former Lions rover Josh Green looks fit and has a presence, while Travis Colyer's pace and creativity was sorely missed last year. - Callum Twomey
Fremantle
First JLT Community Series match: Saturday, February 25 v West Coast at Wonthella Oval (Geraldton)
Will Nat Fyfe make a seamless return from his broken leg?
It will have been about 10 months since Fyfe last played when he makes his comeback in the JLT Community Series. The superstar midfielder has been the Dockers' standout on the training track over summer and all eyes will be on Fyfe to see how quickly he gets back to his bullocking best.
Can Freo's new-look forward line deliver?
With Matthew Pavlich riding into the sunset, the Dockers are set to build their attack around Matt Taberner, Cam McCarthy and Shane Kersten. McCarthy looks fit after a year out of the game, but will the former Giant be a touch rusty? Can Taberner build on his potential? And will ex-Cat Kersten grab his opportunity? Also look for Fyfe to spend plenty of time up forward.
Can the Dockers make the most of Bradley Hill's line-breaking dash?
There's no doubt Hill will add pace and classy ball use to the Dockers' midfield, but can Freo exploit the triple-premiership star's attributes as successfully as Hawthorn? Hill has spoken of his desire to prove himself to his new teammates and could be a key to the club climbing back up the ladder in 2017. - Travis King
GEELONG
First JLT Community Series match: Friday, February 17 v Hawthorn at University of Tasmania Stadium (Launceston)
Will others step up to assist Joel Selwood and Patrick Dangerfield?
Throughout 2016 all the commentators wanted to talk about was 'Dangerwood'. The Selwood-Dangerfield combination became a fascination, particularly as they dominated all the major statistical categories. However, the duo's supremacy was also a pitfall for Geelong, as other midfielders struggled to assert themselves on games. The Cats will be hoping Mitch Duncan, Cameron Guthrie, Sam Menegola, Scott Selwood and Steven Motlop can step up and help alleviate the pressure on Dangerfield and Selwood.
What impact will Harry Taylor make up forward?
The All Australian defender has spent this pre-season training as a forward, as the Cats look to address their overreliance on star Tom Hawkins. Taylor, who conceded the least amount of goals of any key defender in the competition last season (0.68 per game), has performed strongly in his new role in match simulation. Taylor's experience in directing his teammates and elite marking ability could provide the Cats with a new dimension up forward.
Can Steven Motlop bounce back?
At his best, the Geelong livewire is capable of breaking a game open in an instant. So the Cats will look to Motlop to recapture his best form following a poor 2016 season. Motlop is in much better shape this time around, he has been training strongly and looks ready to again become the midfield goal scoring threat the Cats need him to be. - Ben Guthrie
GOLD-COAST
First JLT Community Series match: Sunday, February 19 v Brisbane Lions at Broadbeach Sports Club
How will David Swallow return after 18 months out?
It's easy to forget that in Swallow's last season – 2014 – he was the Suns' best and fairest. Since then, it's been one knee problem after another and just six senior games. He's had a great pre-season and was strong in the intraclub. Coach Rodney Eade said he'll be used in a variety of roles including wing and half-back. Not a bad virtual new recruit to bring into your team.
Will Jarrod Witts lock himself into the top ruck role?
If round one were played this weekend, Witts would be in. The Collingwood recruit has been a pre-season standout and impressed everyone at his new club with his athleticism and work ethic. Incumbent Tom Nicholls has nursed a calf problem but will get his chance to impress later in the JLT Series. It's Witts' spot to lose, but Nicholls won't just lie down.
Who will win the midfield spots?
Despite losing Jaeger O'Meara and Dion Prestia in the off-season, the Suns now have a plethora of players fighting for spots in the midfield. There's recruits Pearce Hanley, Jarryd Lyons and Michael Barlow, draftee Jack Bowes and regulars Touk Millar, Jesse Lonergan, Aaron Hall and Alex Sexton. There's going to be some unlucky players come round one. - Michael Whiting
GWS-GIANTS
First JLT Community Series match: Saturday, February 18 v West Coast at Narrandera Sports Ground
When will Brett Deledio and Steve Johnson be ready?
Both veterans will miss the Giants' opening game this week against West Coast, and there's no guarantee they'll make it back for round two against the Swans. Deledio (calf) and Johnson (thumb) are more likely to return for game three against North Melbourne in Canberra.
Which draftee will make the biggest mark?
Tim Taranto was the club's first pick at last year's NAB AFL Draft, and will see game time early in the series, along with the likes of Harry Perryman, Will Setterfield, Isaac Cumming and Lachlan Tiziani. Look for Perryman to finish the pre-season competition with his nose in front for a round one spot.
Will Rory Lobb be given the role as the team's number one ruckman?
With Shane Mumford (elbow) unlikely to feature until round three of the JLT, if at all, the Giants could throw Lobb into the ruck to give him more experience in the role, or they might give Tom Downie the same opportunity to let Lobb, Jeremy Cameron and Jon Patton continue to build on their fantastic 2016 seasons. - Adam Curley
HAWTHORN
First JLT Community Series match: Friday, February 17 v Geelong at University of Tasmania Stadium (Launceston)
So many tall forwards. What to do with them? Jarryd Roughead is a walk-up start, but the next few weeks will tell us which of his fellow talls in Ty Vickery, Ryan Schoenmakers and Tim O'Brien can also play there. The Hawks didn't score heavily enough in 2016 but the forward line looks tantalizing this year with medium-sized Jack Gunston, James Sicily and Ryan Burton, and small forwards Luke Breust, Paul Puopolo and, of course, Cyril Rioli also in the mix. Starting Friday we get a glimpse of how it all might work.
Who takes charge in the midfield? It won't be Sam Mitchell, Jordan Lewis and Bradley Hill, so the Hawks will look vastly different. Jaeger O'Meara and Tom Mitchell will add needed class and grunt, but supporters want to see what second-year pair Kieran Lovell and Kade Stewart bring to the mix. Will Langford and Jonathan O'Rourke face the most important seasons of their careers. Hill's departure creates a spot for Hartung if he's good enough. The next month is critical for all of them.
What's in Alastair Clarkson's bag of tricks? Part of the painful decision to offload Mitchell and Lewis was recognition that the Hawthorn gameplan was no longer stacking up against the very best. The inventor of 'Clarko's Cluster' in 2008 and the precise kicking game of 2013-2015 will have added some wrinkles, but it remains to be seen how much will be put on display, starting Friday night. What is interesting is that Clarkson will take charge against the Cats rather than place one of his assistants in charge as has been the norm. - Ashley Browne
MELBOURNE
First JLT Community Series match: Saturday, February 18 v Western Bulldogs at Whitten Oval
Will Melbourne's gameplan change much under Simon Goodwin?
Goodwin has a fresh canvas to work with in his first year as senior coach. Paul Roos' three years in charge at the club saw gradual improvements in both defence and attack and Goodwin will be looking to take both areas to even greater heights in 2017. The new coach has been on record as saying he wants his players to play with speed and be bold, so look for an attacking Melbourne team during the pre-season competition.
Can Jordan Lewis, Michael Hibberd and Jake Melksham help take Melbourne to the next level?
Apart from their obvious talent, Lewis and Hibberd were recruited to add much-needed experience to a young team with minimal finals experience. Lewis, in particular, has featured in many September campaigns and has been added to the club's leadership group. Hibberd's toughness and powerful kicking should add something different to Melbourne's back six, while Melksham's versatility will be important as the season progresses.
Will Melbourne deliver on its promise?
The Demons are stocked with young talent and appear ready to become a team to be reckoned with in 2017. But, the development phase is over, and it's now time for Melbourne to produce consistent performances to put itself in a position to contend for finals. - Ben Guthrie
NORTH-MELBOURNE
First JLT Community Series match: Sunday, February 19 v Sydney at Co*** Harbour International Stadium
Will 'Goldy' be right for round one?
North's No.1 ruckman Todd Goldstein has been on a modified program since Christmas as he strives to overcome an ankle injury. The Roos are confident Goldstein will return in their second JLT Community Series game against Hawthorn on February 26, but will still be crossing their fingers that the 2015 All Australian's rehab remains on track.
Who will fill Drew Petrie's boots?
Petrie's departure to West Coast leaves a huge hole on North's forward line. Jarrad Waite and Ben Brown enter 2017 as the Roos' established tall forwards, but there is at least one spot available alongside them. Mason Wood should cement a round one berth with a solid JLT series, but at 192cm could be played as a lead-up forward. In this scenario, Majak Daw (expected to return from a knee injury in JLT round two) and Ben McKay will be vying to replace Petrie.
Is there room for Lachy Hansen in defence?
Hansen had a horror run with injury and concussion last season that limited him to just five games. But he was left out of North's round one team despite being fit, and in all but one of his senior games, fellow backman Scott Thompson was sidelined with injury. Thompson and Robbie Tarrant remain the Kangaroos' preferred key defenders, so Hansen will be looking to show he is North's best intercept backman option. - Nick Bowen
PORT-ADELAIDE
First JLT Community Series match: Thursday, February 23 v St Kilda at Etihad Stadium
Will Patrick Ryder be the Power's ruck saviour? With respect to Jackson Trengove, who toiled manfully as the last-man standing in the ruck last year, Ryder will be welcomed back with open arms. Ryder has looked in great shape during the pre-season and will be keen to shake off the rust after serving his 12-month anti-doping suspension last season as part of the Essendon supplements saga. Ryder will be the Power's first choice ruckman while also swapping with Trengove in the forward line.
Can rookie Brett Eddy push his case for a round one debut? The 27-year-old SANFL star is the front-runner to grab one of the two vacant spots on the Power's senior list. Eddy is a proven goal-kicker at state level and has done everything expected of him during his first pre-season. He has the potential to be the perfect ally to Charlie Dixon in the Power's forward line.
How will Sam Powell-Pepper handle the step up to the AFL? From the day the big-bodied midfielder arrived at Alberton in November, praise has followed. Powell-Pepper's strength and size stood out straight away and showed why he didn't look out of place in the WAFL last year. Power fans should be excited to see his combination with vice-captain Ollie Wines at the stoppages. - Lee Gaskin
RICHMOND
First JLT Community Series match: Friday, February 24 v Adelaide at Etihad Stadium
What will the Tigers' midfield look like?
Harder and more dynamic. The additions of Dion Prestia and Josh Caddy will make a difference – Prestia has had injury troubles but is a star when up and running. The added depth should allow Dustin Martin to play more in the forward half of the ground, which will make the Tigers more dangerous.
Will Jack Riewoldt play closer to goal?
Having lost the much-maligned Tyrone Vickery, the Tigers will need to replace his output. Playing Riewoldt deeper could be an option but his creativity and ability to pull the opposition's best defender away from the back 50 means he will likely play a role similar to the past few years.
Does Shaun Hampson hold on to the No.1 ruck mantle?
It will be a closely run contest. Toby Nankervis has impressed in his first pre-season at Punt Road and looked good in the intraclub last Saturday. Hampson is coming off a career-best season and will have to produce a similar level to keep his spot. – Dinny Navaratnam
ST-KILDA
First JLT Community Series match: Thursday, February 23 v Port Adelaide at Etihad Stadium
How will Jake Carlisle look and will he fit in well with the rest of the Saints' defence?
It's tough to see the former Bomber dominating straight out of the blocks. He hasn't played since 2015 and was in rehab for much of this pre-season after hip surgery, so the backline will need time to jell. There will probably be some rust from Carlisle but he has obvious talent and should strengthen what was an undersized defence last year.
Will Nathan Freeman take part and what will his form be like?
Coach Alan Richardson said Freeman is a chance to represent the Saints for the first time, as long as his body is sound. His hamstrings have held up well this pre-season but given the midfielder has never played a senior game, expectations on him should be tempered.
What will St Kilda look like under a new captain?
It's been 11 years since Nick Riewoldt wasn't St Kilda's permanent skipper but not too much will change under Jarryn Geary. The tough defender might not have the profile of Riewoldt but his leadership is outstanding and Geary should slot seamlessly into the role. - Dinny Navaratnam
SYDNEY
First JLT Community Series match: Sunday, February 19 v North Melbourne at Co*** Harbour International Stadium
Can the Swans cover the loss of Tom Mitchell?
The numbers might not be there to begin with, but Isaac Heeney's move into the midfield will more than make up for Mitchell's absence. He's faster, more athletic and is an extremely tough match-up given his aerial ability.
Will Sam Reid re-establish himself?
The tall forward took baby steps in last week's intraclub, and the Swans will continue to ease him back into senior footy in a bid to have him ready for round one. With his game time monitored, the series will be more about gaining confidence and touch than goals for Reid, who is crucial to the team's forward structure.
Has the lack of midfield speed been addressed?
The addition of Heeney will help, but it's the move of Zak Jones from defence that has given the Swans the outside run they needed. Jones is likely to hover between half-back and the midfield, carries the footy at speed as good as anyone in the League, and is hungry for more responsibility this season. - Adam Curley
WEST-COAST
First JLT Community Series match: Saturday, February 18 v GWS at Narrandera Sports Ground
Can Drew Petrie and Nathan Vardy stand up in the ruck?
An untimely thumb injury for Jonathan Giles could increase the ruck reliance on Petrie and Vardy, who have both played the majority of their careers up forward, for the early part of the pre-season series. With Scott Lycett still no certainty for round one, the Eagles will hope their two tall recruits compete strongly and, most importantly, get through unscathed.
How big will Sam Mitchell's impact be on West Coast's midfield?
Mitchell's new midfield teammates have spoken glowingly about his influence on the training track and Eagles fans are eager to see the Brownlow medallist in action. Mitchell's consistency over his career has been remarkable and that won't change. But how much heat can he take off Luke Shuey and co? And will his football smarts improve those around him?
Can Eric Mackenzie force his way back into the best 22?
He is something of a forgotten man but the 2014 club champion has had a strong pre-season and should be more comfortable in West Coast's zone defence after struggling to adapt upon his return from a knee reconstruction last year. If Mackenzie regains his spot, it could unshackle Jeremy McGovern to swing forward more often and possibly into the ruck. - Travis King
WESTERN-BULLDOGS
First JLT Community Series match: Saturday, February 18 v Melbourne at Whitten Oval
Can Travis Cloke and Tom Boyd become a deadly duo up forward?
With the Dogs lacking a consistent, tall marking target in attack for some time, Cloke will be desperate to demonstrate he's worthy of a spot in a top-four side. Boyd will be out to prove that his Grand Final heroics weren't just a flash in the pan.
Is Matt Suckling in the Dogs' best 22?
The playmaker had a solid debut campaign at Whitten Oval, but the former Hawk missed out on another premiership after battling an Achilles problem in the latter half of the season. Suckling struggled at times even when fit in 2016, and he will have to vie with several young Dogs for a wing/flanker role.
Will exciting draftee Tim English make an early-season debut?
There's plenty of hype surrounding the West Australian, with his ruck work and contested marking in match simulation impressing all at Whitten Oval. He also possesses elite foot skills, and is competent below his knees for a player who is 205cms tall. - Ryan Davidson
