Defenders Discussion

[Impromptu]

I know it's a bit early, actually very early to have this discussion, but after Bryce Gibbs was mentioned in the ChatBox tonight, I thought it may be worthwhile starting the 2014: Defenders thread.

Now most of us had Goddard and Gibbs as locked in our defence in 2013, with a few having Heppell, which haven't been great but steady.

One thing that occurred to me is that Goddard and Heppell will probably not be categorised as Defenders in 2014 and thus a live question is who are our locked premiums at this stage?

Gibbs?
Bock (if discounted)?
Birchall?
Hanley?
Waters?
Walker?

I know we don't know for certain where the players will be categorised, but I think we can just make informed predictions on players' positions. However, if Goddard/Heppell are no longer categorised as defenders, I can't think of any defenders locked in my team.

I think Hanley will be popular and Walker (if categorised as Defender).

Over the remaining rounds, I will progressively open up threads for other positions, but for now we should focus on SuperCoach 2013 and hope one of the SuperCoach Scores Members wins the $50K!

 

[Monya Meow Meow]

For me it's Hanley and Walker at this stage...

 

[Grant]

Hanley has played a lot on the wing hasn't he? May not be a defender either.

 

[BC]

Scott thompson, has a great ceiling

 

[Philzsay]

There is always Heath Shaw!

Wonder whether Hibbert can go another level next year?

Will also keep an eye on how Matt Suckling recovers over the preseason (have no idea how he is going atm)

 

[Damoz]

Birchall and possibly Gibbs.

This will probably change anyways - It always does!

 

[Nk29]

B.Ellis, Grimes, Mckenzie and Suckling close to locks, and maybe Walker or Hanley depending on team structure. Learnt from this year to spend as little as possible on defenders because they always have very lean periods at some stage of the season.

 

[sangkuriang]

Great question.

In fact, for me this is one of the big questions coming out of this season.

Question: what exactly do we want from our premium defenders?

And does this answer vary from coach to coach?

For me, particularly after the turmoil of this season, next year I will be prioritising low standard deviation and low injury risk above all else (scoring ceilings included). But I acknowledge others here may feel that is a little unambitious. I would just prefer a minimal fuss defense than a spectacular high drama one. Will leave that for other lines!

(This rules out players that I have/had this year and have a soft spot for, like Dixon and Waters)

So the players I have in mind at this stage are:

Enright
Houli
Scott Thompson
Harry Taylor

 

[Goodie's Guns]

Hanley has played a lot on the wing hasn't he? May not be a defender either.

DEF/MID possibly but can't see it happening. I would be pleasantly surprised if he was but think he will stay as a DEF.

 

[Bomber18]

Bartel DEF/FWD ?

Hodge or Mitchell to get DEF/MID?
Hodge in DEF would be amazing, I'd love to pick him in my side again ^^

 

[Prochard]

Walker mckenzie Thomas

 

[Dachimas]

There is always Heath Shaw!

Wonder whether Hibbert can go another level next year?

Will also keep an eye on how Matt Suckling recovers over the preseason (have no idea how he is going atm)

Matt Suckling is a good call if he has a strong pre-season. Beautiful left footer...one of the best kicks going around

 

[BlufBlufShuv]

Matt Suckling is a good call if he has a strong pre-season. Beautiful left footer...one of the best kicks going around

Had a poor supercoach year last year after going into the season as a premium defender on most people's books.

 

[Fresh]

NOT Duffield!

 

[Stroppy]

Have to hope that some of the mids playing off half-back this year get the Doctor treatment (MD).
SMitchell, McVeigh, DSwallow.

Otherwise, from a Suns perspective, TMcKenzie for sure as a pure Def.

The way he uses the ball (handballs a rarity, long kicks aplenty), the way the Suns are coming on (go you good things), his age (please get better), and the fact he averages 5 marks and 3 tackles a game.......

Also, please note that he did not have a preseason this year (carried a knee injury most of summer) which is why he did not start the year in the ones. Expect a better player next year.


PS. If Bock plays the season out (great to see him back), expect to see him listed as a fwd. Will not see the defensive 50 in any game this year.

PPS. Big Charlie Dixon will be listed as a ruck/fwd unless those dudes were smoking crack when they watched him play (or heard his coach say..Charlie will play ruck and key forward for us this year).

PPPS. If the dudes smoking crack where fair dinkum, then the great one GAblett would be listed as M/F since that is how he has been used this year. If that happens I also expect Boomer Harvey to send a Xmas card to Ryan Crowley.

 

[IDIG]

I think it would be great if Goddard, Heppell and Gibbs aren't listed as backs. Would make picking players much more interesting.

For me, McKenzie ticks alot of boxes, Hibberd I think still has some improvement, Shaw on scoring ability and Hanley would be my other. Then Bock if listed and cheap enough.

Brett Goodes would have to be considered as well. 90 average in his first season and has been nothing but consistent.

 

[johno686]

I was hoping lids would go back to defense next year.

 

[Bobbie]

I was hoping lids would go back to defense next year.

Reckon he might along with Bartel. (Hoping anyway!)

 

[Goodie's Guns]

pps. Big charlie dixon will be listed as a ruck/fwd unless those dudes were smoking crack when they watched him play (or heard his coach say..charlie will play ruck and key forward for us this year).

Ppps. If the dudes smoking crack where fair dinkum, then the great one gablett would be listed as m/f since that is how he has been used this year. If that happens i also expect boomer harvey to send a xmas card to ryan crowley.

lol!! :d

 

[IDIG]

B.Ellis, Grimes,

Forgot about these two. Grimes i'm really unsure about now, Ellis i'll definitely be going with as well. Have also forgotten about Walker!

So my starting backs will be Shaw, Hanley, Walker, McKenzie, Grimes, Ellis