News Herald Sun SuperCoach Articles

[lappinitup]

How can we use 7 trades ?

Bye Rounds = maximum of 3 + 1 trade boost only gives 4 maximum for each of the 3 Bye Rounds.

Unless I am totally confused

Ah interpretation:

"Up to five trade boosts can be used in any round to gain an extra trade for that round, up to a maximum of three per round or four during the byes"

As the maximum is in relation to the "trade boosts" I have read that as maximum trade boosts used a round, not maxium trades for the round.

Suspect your interpretation is correct. They should probably add trades after three and four in the maximum section.

 

[Vicwood]

Does everyone feel Bye planning is a little less important with the ability to use 7 trades in each of the bye rounds.

If possible, planning could simply be loading up on players / mid price stepping stones that play week one (and two) of byes. Potential to move 11 of them in first two bye weeks.

From my understanding, you can use (1) extra trade (5) times. With a maximum of (4) during the bye rounds and (3) other rounds.? How do you get 7 trades.??

 

[lappinitup]

From my understanding, you can use (1) extra trade (5) times. With a maximum of (4) during the bye rounds and (3) other rounds.? How do you get 7 trades.??

See post above yours

 

[baz_machine]

Well..... With covid still a thing, I'll be trying to pick guys that stay at home. Don't worry about byes!

 

[baz_machine]

So ideally, you'd not trade round 12, then boost in R13 / R14 (8 trades).
That'll leave 3 boosts (9 trades) for elsewhere. No doubt ppl will use those in double downgrade scenarios in rookie culling.
I'll still run out by round 19

 

[Shaunpro1]

Well..... With covid still a thing, I'll be trying to pick guys that stay at home. Don't worry about byes!

The chances of the fixture being the same by the time the byes come around would be 50/50 at best; they'll already have to likely find a way to get the Perth sides in and out of WA.

 

[baz_machine]

The chances of the fixture being the same by the time the byes come around would be 50/50 at best; they'll already have to likely find a way to get the Perth sides in and out of WA.

They work out some way for AFL teams to come in / out or Freo / west coast hub for March / April and by then WA borders would probably be open anyway.

 

[Professor]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1488031307128967169

View: https://mobile.twitter.com/scplaybookafl/status/1488031307128967169

 

[Professor]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1487990993693847559

View: https://mobile.twitter.com/scplaybookafl/status/1487990993693847559

 

[Shannon]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1487990993693847559

View: https://mobile.twitter.com/scplaybookafl/status/1487990993693847559

Some very interesting info there 👍

 

[Presto]

KFC SuperCoach 2022: How to pick a winning team (part one)

KFC SuperCoach can be the best fun you’ll have this footy season, but which players should you pick? Follow this free expert advice to start building your winning 2022 squad.

Clarky and Barron Von Crow, News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

1 Feb 2022, 6:00:00 am

Welcome to KFC SuperCoach 101, we are Barron Von Crow and Clarky from the Jock Reynolds SuperCoach community here to provide some insight on how to get started picking your team.

In SuperCoach Classic you are given a $10 million salary cap to spend on your team. Once you’ve selected your appropriate pun-based team name it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the hundreds of names across all the positions.

During the season you are given a limited number of trades with two available each round and three available during bye rounds (Rounds 12-14) – unless you use a new trade boost which can add a trade in up to five rounds this season. Given this, when choosing players it’s important to select players with job security, scoring potential and not letting your personal bias impact your player selection.

It’s important to remember that before Round 1, you can make as many changes to your team as you wish.

Sign up to NRL SuperCoach 2022

SELECTION STRATEGY

There are many different strategies coaches use when selecting their team. So you should use the pre-season to experiment with different players or ways of putting a team together.

The most common strategy is known as Guns and Rookies. The key to this strategy is to pick as many premium-priced players as you can in your team and then fill the rest of your side out with cheap, rookie-priced players. Pretty simple!

With this strategy you’ll need to balance your spending across each field position, while taking a few chances on cheaper players you think have the potential to really increase their scoring from last year.

WHO DO I PICK?

In our collective experience, it’s more fun to start with the top-priced players.

When we select a premium we are looking for someone we think will be in the top rankings of their position all season. You select these guys to keep them all year, unless they are struck down with injury.

The ruck position is easily where a large amount of money can be spent to get two elite players on field. Max Gawn and Sean Darcy are the two most expensive picks in KFC SuperCoach this year but both provide consistent safe scoring.

Gawn averaged 120 points per game in 2021 and Darcy averaged 118, which is a great thing to have. However, selecting these two will cost you $1.3 million, 13 per cent of your total salary.

If you’re concerned about spending too much on two players you can consider cheaper ruck options like Tim English, Marc Pittonet or Reilly O’Brien. These players are cheaper, but that’s because they may not score as well.

Rolling into the midfield we recommend selecting four premium players priced at $550k or more. It’s hard to go past guys like Clayton Oliver, Jack Steele, Sam Walsh or Jack Macrae. Shopping the mids is tricky business, but it is usually safe to consider anyone in the top 20 midfielders.

The defender and
forward positions can be difficult as scoring is a lot more volatile. We recommend two or three premium players in both positions for your starting squad.

In defence you should consider players who find lots of the ball like Jake Lloyd, Tom Stewart or Daniel Rich. Disposals efficiency is also a key part of the KFC SuperCoach scoring formula and players like this are known for hitting targets coming out of the backline. If they take behind kick-outs, that’s another bonus.

The volatile nature of scoring as a defender means that you may want to consider more risky options that could improve from last year. These are referred to as “breakout” players. Consider things like their role as a defender, for example a lockdown defender may not score well because their job does not rely on accumulating statistics.

Forwards have the same problem as defenders. Scoring will always be a rollercoaster for key-position players.

Some of the best options in the forward line in recent years have been dual-position players who can be selected in either the midfield or forward line – picking them here effectively opens up a midfield spot for another top-scoring player.

Josh Dunkley, Dustin Martin and Mitch Duncan all fit this category, and during the season you can also rotate them in the midfield to open up more trading options.

As with defenders, you want to consider what type of forward role they play. We want these guys up the ground finding the ball for at least some of the game not stuck all day in the forward pocket!

ROOKIES AND THE PINE

So we’ve had fun and now it’s time to figure out how we’re going to make money.

From round 3, players’ values will go up or down depending on how they are scoring. Players have a calculated “break even” score based on their price, which if exceeded regularly can increase their value. Coaches with SuperCoach Plus subscriptions will be able to see every player’s break even each week. The key when choosing the cheaper players in your team is to select players who will increase in value.

Once we’ve got our premiums locked in, we need to fill out the rest of the field as well as the bench spots. The easiest way to do this is with the new emerging rookies who may play games early in the season, or select slightly more expensive players who may improve after a form slump.

From your bench spots you will be able to select four emergency players. If for any reason a player on your field does not score, that score will be replaced with your emergency score. This is something to consider when selecting your bench spots.

via Getty Images​

The great poet Sir Walter Scott was known as “The Great Unknown” and in KFC SuperCoach your rookies are exactly the same, especially this early in the pre-season. When it comes to picking your team at this time of the year it’s almost imopssible to know which rookies will be good selections when the season begins. Don’t stress, though! Just choose players that fit into your price structure and wait for the round 1 teams to be announced before finalising your selections. The most important thing is to make sure that you don’t end up with a non-playing player when round 1 begins.

That wraps up the first instalment of Supercoach 101. Damo and Azza from the Jock Reynolds team will be back soon here to teach the next lesson and go into some more in-depth tips and strategies for you to consider in 2022.

 

[Zimmer]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1488031307128967169

View: https://mobile.twitter.com/scplaybookafl/status/1488031307128967169

:

Team "Roster"? It's a Team "List" in Australia thanks.

Some good info nonetheless.

 

[Shannon]

Herald Sun interview with new pies coach Craig McRae :-

It’s a new era at Collingwood.

A new president, new coach, new coaching panel and a club-changing father-son.

But can the Pies put the on and off-field horror of last season behind them?

Turn around the Pies? That’s the task before Craig McRae.

Matt Turner goes one-on-one with the rookie coach in the first of News Corp’s Coach’s Clipboard series.

What have been the biggest take-outs of your first pre-season at Collingwood and in senior coaching?

It’s definitely Covid causing it, but there’s a group of players who just haven’t played much footy. We’ve got 20 or 21 players under 21, so there’s significant youth in our group and list, which haven’t played much footy. Take Nick Daicos, for example – he’s played six or eight games in two years. We’ve got guys on our list who’ve played a similar amount of footy in two years. So we’ve got a high priority on our fundamentals, which has been one of the biggest take-outs early.

Who or what has surprised you the most so far?

Probably just the level of want to work in the group. I started in September, the season had just finished, and nearly all to a man were in the gym getting to work, so the level of hunger to improve was smacking me in the face. It was just right there. Every day I was in trying to work out who was who and see a face to a name, and they were all in the gym, and they all wanted to improve, which was a nice starting point.

What does a Craig McRae team look like – what’s your vision for how you want this team to play?

You can’t help but think my time at Richmond is going to influence the way we want to play. Even Melbourne winning the flag (last) year. The teams that are up the top have a real, great contested method. They know how to compete. I want our group to have great pride and a great contested brand of footy that our fans would be happy to come watch us fight for every ball and every moment. I’m really striving to be that team and drive that. I think there was a lot of good work done with Bucks (Nathan Buckley) and the previous coaches around the defensive side of the game – that’s clearly there and I’ve seen it come to life at training. But I think we need to score more. We’ve defended well, but need to take the ball forward more and get the ball inside 50. So in essence, a really strong contested brand with a strong defensive mentality but an ability to score.

Do you feel any added expectation because your first senior gig is at Collingwood?

No, I don’t. I have high expectations on delivering a successful team wherever I am.

How did you assess Collingwood’s list externally? And why do you think the team slid down the ladder last season?

There’s a lot of variables to success but when I presented to the subcommittee there’s, clearly, if you put the best 22 on paper, a strong contingent of quality players. But like any team you don’t have your best 22 on the field, you’re going to struggle and that’s reality for this group last year and even prior years. You step in and see the youth of the list, and last year that youth got opportunities. There was a clear direction from Harvs (2021 caretaker coach Robert Harvey) when he took over that he was going to play a lot more kids. That brings opportunity but is also challenging too. There was a clear development focus at the end of the season versus maybe a winning focus, though again, I can’t really comment on things I wasn’t part of. All in all there’s a lot of variables but some of those things contributed to the slide down the ladder.

So externally you must have looked at the job with a lot of promise, not just because it is your first gig but because of the squad you’ve got?

I’ve had 15 years as an assistant and most of that’s been in development so that’s always been my eye and I saw a group that was youthful with an opportunity to develop, which is right where I do my best work. I don’t shy away from there’s a lot of work to be done with a development focus clearly front of mind.

What is a realistic number of wins supporters can expect this year? Can you play finals?

As coaches, we’re just not in the prediction industry. It’s so hard to predict anything. But we are in the business of getting better every day. I’d be really disappointed if our supporters don’t see a genuine growth and development in the group from individuals, through the team and the way we perform. What that equates to, time will tell. But I can tell you we’re striving to get better every day. That will be our focus.

Why has Scott Pendlebury been reappointed as captain?

He’s played the most games, he’s been a significant player, could go down as one of the best players of all time for the club – I think he’s earned the right, it’s his decision. He’s clearly a great leader. I was fortunate to work at Collingwood for five years (from 2011-15 as development manager) and watch him be a premiership player and grow as a young leader. When I left he was captain, so I got to see what his strengths were. I come back seven years later and he’s developed his own self more than anything. So I think there’s a lot of reasons why it was always his decision. I let him be, I didn’t pester him with it. We met (earlier this month) and I just wanted to get a feel for what he was thinking. He said he still had the fire in the belly for it and that was enough for me. All the leaders around him, I was specific in having conversations with them and they were all of the same view that he’s clearly the best leader we have, which is not a blight on anyone else, he’s just outstanding with the way he leads. We got board approval to do it and announced it. There’s many that could’ve taken over, so it’s not an issue that we don’t have one (successor). I think there’s probably four or five that could easily step up.

Outside perception seemed to be that given there’s been so much change at Collingwood, perhaps the time was right to hand over the baton.

There’s no doubt that was the thought process. You think for and against, and that was certainly something I thought about. Even just walking in (returning to the club) and getting a feel for the other guys who could step up, there were guys who were there. But I think he’s earnt the right. If you came into our four walls and see him lead, you’d go ‘wow’. You could see why he’s the captain. There’ll be a time that it won’t be the case. Pendles has got a two-year contract and this (role) is not going to be forever. There’s going to be a time that he’ll step sideways but I know if he wasn’t going to do it, he’d still lead the same, it’s just his character. We’re really comfortable with the decision. You’re never going to please anybody when you make a decision but within the four walls, when it was announced, were all in agreeance that it was the right decision.

Who are among those next in line to skipper the club?

There’s no perfect model of leader but there’s a lot of guys that have great leadership qualities. I think Darcy Moore comes to mind – he could easily step up to that position. You’ve got Taylor Adams. Jeremy Howe could easily captain, Brayden Maynard is showing some great qualities to lead from the front. A guy like Jamie Elliott, who’s never really been in a leadership position, is leading from the front, just to name a few.

 

[Shannon]

How is Pendles’ recovery from his leg injury going?

This is the other side of Pendles some see, maybe not all. He’s one of the most professional players I’ve ever seen. He had a small leg fracture and he’s back training now. He was so diligent in his recovery and doing the right things, constantly preparing to be the best player that he can be. He’s a great role model for our players to see how to prepare to be an elite player.

What excites you most about Nick Daicos?

Nick’s shown already in the early pre-season that he’s an elite decision-maker and he’s an elite kick – those things stand out straight away. Whenever we get in game sets, he sees things that others don’t see and his ability to get in and out of traffic is standing out already in the short time he’s been with us. But he’s played eight games in two years, so we’ve got to be really conscious we manage his body well and are getting him through.

Where do you plan to play him?

I’m determined to play him in multiple roles. We’re going to try to play him across halfback and through the midfield, and then I’m certain he’ll play some time forward, too. It’s just a matter of trying to get him to adapt to the physical nature of AFL footy and then making sure we look after a guy that’s played not much footy the last couple of years as well.

What about Jack Crisp? More time up the field, revert down back or a bit of both?

We’re going to play Pendles across halfback a bit more. He’ll still play some time through the midfield, but he’s spending some time in pre-season in the back lines. That’ll present opportunity for some of our younger guys to come through the midfield, as well as guys like Jack, Nick Daicos, Brayden Maynard might go through at times. I think taking someone like Pendles out, being there less permanently, there’ll be opportunities for others to grow and develop into those roles. We’ve got a number of younger midfielders we want to give time to and expose, and find the right mix through there. Pendles being such a great decision-maker and an organiser, he can see the game really well for us at halfback and support the young guys in the midfield and backline. I think he can be really influential back there.

Most people probably considered Brodie Grundy to have been less influential last year. He touched on that before Christmas about losing a few kilos and wanting to get super fit. What else does he need to do to get back to his best?

He’s had an outstanding pre-season and is really standing out on the track. I want Brodie to connect with his midfielders, so that’s a real focus for him, spending some time making those hit-outs to advantage and connecting in other ways. We just want to be the best version of him, which is a real strong, athletic, hard-running midfielder. We give him a clear role and clarity around his role, so that he can execute better. I was fortunate to coach Brodie when he was young, so I’ve got a relationship with him and know what brings the best out in him. Clarity in his role is something we can really drill down on. I think (new midfield coach and coaching director) Brendon Bolton will be great for him.

Where is Darcy Moore going to play?

I’m really keen to let him lead from the front as a key defender for us. Having said that, I think there’s going to be times where the game may need an injection of him as a ruck or to go forward and kick a goal for us. But he’s been an All-Australian key back so that’s where we’ll predominantly play him.

Are you confident the club will re-sign him?

I have said to the playing group that I won’t speak openly about contracts. Wrighty (football manager Graham Wright) is employed to do that.

How is Jordan De Goey being reintegrated into the squad?

We just want him to be all in. We’re not looking back, we’re going forward and want him to be the best version of himself. If anything, a better version of himself.

It felt like Patrick Lipinski should have played more often at the Bulldogs. Why were you guys so keen to recruit him?

He’s already shown in the early stages of pre-season that he’s an elite runner and can just transition in and out of congestion really well. His hands are standing out in any match play. He was starved of opportunity and searching for opportunity. He would be playing in most other teams. If you look at the calibre of players he was having to get in front of at the Bulldogs, that happens. My time at Richmond, the same thing happens with players – they miss out. He’s setting himself to have a great season on the basis of getting opportunity and being able to display all the things he’s good at. Without having seen him train with us, we thought (he was suited to) a wing or high half-forward role, but he’s been expressing his talents through the midfield so he’ll get good opportunity right through there.

Do Trent Bianco and Caleb Poulter get more midfield time this year?

Both those guys and many others will get opportunities with Pendles going to halfback. We’ll expose them and give opportunities to develop in those roles: midfield, wing, high half-forward.

Collingwood was the third-lowest scoring team in the league last year. How do you plan to get the team scoring more?

We were last in inside 50s too and that was something I presented to the footy subcommittee – we’ve got to get the ball inside 50 more, that’s the reality. We’re trying to develop a method where we take the footy forward more. Some of those things take a bit more time and it’s going to be a part of our game that’s constantly reviewed and improved.

Is ex-Cat Nathan Kreuger someone you envisage can help up there in attack?

We saw an opportunity within our forward line to provide support around (Brody) Mihocek and some others, and find players that can play as a key forward. Nathan played a bit back for Geelong, but I watched some of his footage from when he was at South Adelaide. He’s got really electrifying speed for a big guy and can really cover the ground. It’s a matter for Nathan of getting an opportunity but also he’s got to learn the patterns and craft of being that player. He’s been in the system four or five years, but we’ve got a new system too and it’ll take some time in that role. But he’ll get opportunities to be that player.

You obviously know Justin Leppitsch well. What does he bring to the club?

I’ve had 25 years of friendship, so that’s a great starting point. I’m just really lucky to have Leppa and Bolts. They’ve both been senior coaches previously and I constantly bounce ideas off them. They’re the two best assistants I’ve ever worked with. To know what Leppa’s going to bring to the table with his defensive teachings and the way he educates and his knowledge of the game, it’s such a great acquisition for the whole footy club and the players. Bolts’s experience around educating and working environments and the way he manages people … I’m very lucky in this role as a first-time senior coach with such experience around me. I’m really grateful they’ve chosen to come on board.

What does Leppitsch’s head of strategy role entail?

I’ve just said to Leppa – and he’s going to work with a guy called Anthony Stoitsis, who leads our analyst team – I want him to look forward. What’s happening next? I know there’s a lot of stuff done around Amazon web services in Swimming Australia, so I’ve asked him to explore a bit of that. In the industry, we copy a lot and because of the constant nature of ‘what’s next’ we don’t often have time to show great initiative. I want to give Leppa space to explore where the game’s going. I don’t want to play catch-up, I want to look for opportunities to be ahead of the game. So game-plan related and also strategy around how we can do things as a group better. He’s got a great strategic mind and, having known Leppa for 25 years, I know the areas he excels in and strategy is certainly one of them.

What advice have Leppa and Bolts given you about what you are stepping into?

Leppa said to me ‘watch how much time you get consumed with things that aren’t footy related’ and it’s constant. Until you live it, you can’t say ‘I know what you’re talking about’. But there’s many bits of advice and they happen daily. I keep saying though, I’m a first-year coach but I’ve got a lot of grey hair and wrinkles so I’ve been around for 15 years of assistant coaching and working alongside Clarko (Alastair Clarkson) last year and Dimma (Damien Hardwick). So there’s a lot of things that come with comfort knowing they’ll be needed somewhere. It gives you clarity when things express themselves. There’s a lot of things in footy I haven’t lived but most things in footy tend to repeat themselves. I was at Brisbane as a player in 1998 when we finished bottom and the same reasons were there when I was at Richmond as a coach (and the Tigers claimed the 2007 wooden spoon). The same with winning – the teams that were successful at Brisbane and Richmond looked a lot alike. Hopefully all those experiences will stand me in good stead.

Postive news on Grundy, really warming to him as a starting pick.

Concerns over Daicos - certainly sounds like he will get rested often which is understandable given the lack of footy over the last 2 years, maybe not such a lock now ....

 

[freowho]

How is Pendles’ recovery from his leg injury going?

This is the other side of Pendles some see, maybe not all. He’s one of the most professional players I’ve ever seen. He had a small leg fracture and he’s back training now. He was so diligent in his recovery and doing the right things, constantly preparing to be the best player that he can be. He’s a great role model for our players to see how to prepare to be an elite player.

What excites you most about Nick Daicos?

Nick’s shown already in the early pre-season that he’s an elite decision-maker and he’s an elite kick – those things stand out straight away. Whenever we get in game sets, he sees things that others don’t see and his ability to get in and out of traffic is standing out already in the short time he’s been with us. But he’s played eight games in two years, so we’ve got to be really conscious we manage his body well and are getting him through.

Where do you plan to play him?

I’m determined to play him in multiple roles. We’re going to try to play him across halfback and through the midfield, and then I’m certain he’ll play some time forward, too. It’s just a matter of trying to get him to adapt to the physical nature of AFL footy and then making sure we look after a guy that’s played not much footy the last couple of years as well.

What about Jack Crisp? More time up the field, revert down back or a bit of both?

We’re going to play Pendles across halfback a bit more. He’ll still play some time through the midfield, but he’s spending some time in pre-season in the back lines. That’ll present opportunity for some of our younger guys to come through the midfield, as well as guys like Jack, Nick Daicos, Brayden Maynard might go through at times. I think taking someone like Pendles out, being there less permanently, there’ll be opportunities for others to grow and develop into those roles. We’ve got a number of younger midfielders we want to give time to and expose, and find the right mix through there. Pendles being such a great decision-maker and an organiser, he can see the game really well for us at halfback and support the young guys in the midfield and backline. I think he can be really influential back there.

Most people probably considered Brodie Grundy to have been less influential last year. He touched on that before Christmas about losing a few kilos and wanting to get super fit. What else does he need to do to get back to his best?

He’s had an outstanding pre-season and is really standing out on the track. I want Brodie to connect with his midfielders, so that’s a real focus for him, spending some time making those hit-outs to advantage and connecting in other ways. We just want to be the best version of him, which is a real strong, athletic, hard-running midfielder. We give him a clear role and clarity around his role, so that he can execute better. I was fortunate to coach Brodie when he was young, so I’ve got a relationship with him and know what brings the best out in him. Clarity in his role is something we can really drill down on. I think (new midfield coach and coaching director) Brendon Bolton will be great for him.

Where is Darcy Moore going to play?

I’m really keen to let him lead from the front as a key defender for us. Having said that, I think there’s going to be times where the game may need an injection of him as a ruck or to go forward and kick a goal for us. But he’s been an All-Australian key back so that’s where we’ll predominantly play him.

Are you confident the club will re-sign him?

I have said to the playing group that I won’t speak openly about contracts. Wrighty (football manager Graham Wright) is employed to do that.

How is Jordan De Goey being reintegrated into the squad?

We just want him to be all in. We’re not looking back, we’re going forward and want him to be the best version of himself. If anything, a better version of himself.

It felt like Patrick Lipinski should have played more often at the Bulldogs. Why were you guys so keen to recruit him?

He’s already shown in the early stages of pre-season that he’s an elite runner and can just transition in and out of congestion really well. His hands are standing out in any match play. He was starved of opportunity and searching for opportunity. He would be playing in most other teams. If you look at the calibre of players he was having to get in front of at the Bulldogs, that happens. My time at Richmond, the same thing happens with players – they miss out. He’s setting himself to have a great season on the basis of getting opportunity and being able to display all the things he’s good at. Without having seen him train with us, we thought (he was suited to) a wing or high half-forward role, but he’s been expressing his talents through the midfield so he’ll get good opportunity right through there.

Do Trent Bianco and Caleb Poulter get more midfield time this year?

Both those guys and many others will get opportunities with Pendles going to halfback. We’ll expose them and give opportunities to develop in those roles: midfield, wing, high half-forward.

Collingwood was the third-lowest scoring team in the league last year. How do you plan to get the team scoring more?

We were last in inside 50s too and that was something I presented to the footy subcommittee – we’ve got to get the ball inside 50 more, that’s the reality. We’re trying to develop a method where we take the footy forward more. Some of those things take a bit more time and it’s going to be a part of our game that’s constantly reviewed and improved.

Is ex-Cat Nathan Kreuger someone you envisage can help up there in attack?

We saw an opportunity within our forward line to provide support around (Brody) Mihocek and some others, and find players that can play as a key forward. Nathan played a bit back for Geelong, but I watched some of his footage from when he was at South Adelaide. He’s got really electrifying speed for a big guy and can really cover the ground. It’s a matter for Nathan of getting an opportunity but also he’s got to learn the patterns and craft of being that player. He’s been in the system four or five years, but we’ve got a new system too and it’ll take some time in that role. But he’ll get opportunities to be that player.

You obviously know Justin Leppitsch well. What does he bring to the club?

I’ve had 25 years of friendship, so that’s a great starting point. I’m just really lucky to have Leppa and Bolts. They’ve both been senior coaches previously and I constantly bounce ideas off them. They’re the two best assistants I’ve ever worked with. To know what Leppa’s going to bring to the table with his defensive teachings and the way he educates and his knowledge of the game, it’s such a great acquisition for the whole footy club and the players. Bolts’s experience around educating and working environments and the way he manages people … I’m very lucky in this role as a first-time senior coach with such experience around me. I’m really grateful they’ve chosen to come on board.

What does Leppitsch’s head of strategy role entail?

I’ve just said to Leppa – and he’s going to work with a guy called Anthony Stoitsis, who leads our analyst team – I want him to look forward. What’s happening next? I know there’s a lot of stuff done around Amazon web services in Swimming Australia, so I’ve asked him to explore a bit of that. In the industry, we copy a lot and because of the constant nature of ‘what’s next’ we don’t often have time to show great initiative. I want to give Leppa space to explore where the game’s going. I don’t want to play catch-up, I want to look for opportunities to be ahead of the game. So game-plan related and also strategy around how we can do things as a group better. He’s got a great strategic mind and, having known Leppa for 25 years, I know the areas he excels in and strategy is certainly one of them.

What advice have Leppa and Bolts given you about what you are stepping into?

Leppa said to me ‘watch how much time you get consumed with things that aren’t footy related’ and it’s constant. Until you live it, you can’t say ‘I know what you’re talking about’. But there’s many bits of advice and they happen daily. I keep saying though, I’m a first-year coach but I’ve got a lot of grey hair and wrinkles so I’ve been around for 15 years of assistant coaching and working alongside Clarko (Alastair Clarkson) last year and Dimma (Damien Hardwick). So there’s a lot of things that come with comfort knowing they’ll be needed somewhere. It gives you clarity when things express themselves. There’s a lot of things in footy I haven’t lived but most things in footy tend to repeat themselves. I was at Brisbane as a player in 1998 when we finished bottom and the same reasons were there when I was at Richmond as a coach (and the Tigers claimed the 2007 wooden spoon). The same with winning – the teams that were successful at Brisbane and Richmond looked a lot alike. Hopefully all those experiences will stand me in good stead.

Postive news on Grundy, really warming to him as a starting pick.

Concerns over Daicos - certainly sounds like he will get rested often which is understandable given the lack of footy over the last 2 years, maybe not such a lock now ....

A couple of good snippets in there. Has Daicos played any senior footy? We know JHF has.

 

[Presto]

AFL 2022: Every club’s predicted best 22

What does your club’s best line-up look like? As coaches throw the magnets around over pre-season, check out our experts’ predicted best 22 for every team.

5 min read

February 1, 2022 - 4:41PM

News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

The countdown to the AFL season is on, but how will your team line up in Round 1?

Every coach knows the best possible line-up on paper and who runs out in the season opener can be very different things, but if the planets aligned what would your team’s best 22 look like?

Who makes the cut, who misses out and who is ready for a new role this season?

Scroll down for our expert verdict for every club.

ADELAIDE

B: Luke Brown, Jordon Butts, Andrew McPherson

HB: Will Hamill, Tom Doedee, Brodie Smith

C: Paul Seedsman, Ben Keays, Jordan Dawson

HF: Wayne Milera, Riley Thilthorpe, Harry Schoenberg

F: Ned McHenry, Taylor Walker*, Josh Rachele

Foll: Reilly O’Brien, Rory Laird, Rory Sloane

Int: Lachlan Sholl, Darcy Fogarty, Matt Crouch, Chayce Jones

Sub: Sam Berry

EMG: Shane McAdam, Jackson Hately, Nick Murray, Lachlan Murphy

* suspended for first three rounds of 2022

BRISBANE LIONS

B: Brandon Starcevich, Darcy Gardiner, Marcus Adams

HB: Daniel Rich, Harris Andrews, Ryan Lester

C: Hugh McCluggage, Dayne Zorko, Mitch Robinson

HF: Zac Bailey, Dan McStay, Cameron Rayner

F: Lincoln McCarthy, Joe Daniher, Charlie Cameron

Foll: Oscar McInerney, Lachie Neale, Jarryd Lyons

I/C: Darcy Fort, Callum Ah Chee, Jarrod Berry, Jax Prior

Sub: Keidan Coleman

EMG: Jack Payne, Deven Robertson, Darcy Wilmot, James Madden

Unavailable due to long-term injury: Eric Hipwood

CARLTON

B: Liam Stocker, Jacob Weitering, Nic Newman

HB: Adam Saad, Mitch McGovern, Zac Williams

C: George Hewett, Sam Walsh, Paddy Dow

HF: Jack Martin, Charlie Curnow, Zac Fisher

F: Jack Silvagni, Harry McKay, Ed Curnow

Foll: Marc Pittonet, Patrick Cripps, Adam Cerra

I/C: Tom De Koning, Lewis Young, Will Setterfield, Sam Docherty

Sub: Jack Newnes

EMG: Brodie Kemp, Lachie Plowman, Jesse Motlop, Matt Owies, Josh Honey

COLLINGWOOD

B: Jeremy Howe, Jordan Roughead, Brayden Maynard

HB: Scott Pendlebury, Darcy Moore, Isaac Quaynor

C: Josh Daicos, Jack Crisp, John Noble

HF: Oliver Henry, Brody Mihocek, Patrick Lipinski

F: Steele Sidebottom, Darcy Cameron, Jamie Elliott

FOLL: Brodie Grundy, Jordan De Goey, Taylor Adams

I/C: Nick Daicos, Trent Bianco, Finlay Macrae, Will Hoskin-Elliott

Sub: Caleb Poulter

EMG: Will Kelly, Jack Ginnivan, Callum Brown, Tyler Brown, Mason Cox

ESSENDON

B: Jake Kelly, Jayden Laverde, Mason Redman

FB: Dyson Heppell, Jordan Ridley, Nick Hind

C: Cox, Merrett, McGrath

HF: Will Snelling, Harrison Jones, Kyle Langford

F: Devon Smith, Peter Wright, Jake Stringer

Foll: Sam Draper, Darcy Parish, Jye Caldwell

I/C: Dylan Shiel, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Archie Perkins, James Stewart

Sub: Alec Waterman

Emg: Matt Guelfi, Michael Hurley, Ben Hobbs, Garrett McDonagh

FREMANTLE

B: Griffin Logue, Alex Pearce, Luke Ryan

HB: Jordan Clark, Brennan Cox, Hayden Young

C: Michael Frederick, Andrew Brayshaw, James Aish

HF: Neil Erasmus, Matt Taberner, Michael Walters

F: Lachie Schultz, Rory Lobb, Jye Amiss

Foll: Sean Darcy, Nat Fyfe, Caleb Serong

I/C: David Mundy, Heath Chapman, Will Brodie, Sam Sturt

Sub: Liam Henry

EMG: Josh Treacy, Blake Acres, Nathan Wilson, Darcy Tucker

GEELONG

B: Jed Bews, Mark Blicavs, Jake Kolodjashnij

HB: Tom Stewart, Jack Henry, Mark O’Connor

C: Isaac Smith, Cam Guthrie, Mitch Duncan

HF: Jeremy Cameron, Esava Ratugolea, Sam Menegola

F: Gary Rohan, Tom Hawkins, Brad Close

Foll: Rhys Stanley, Patrick Dangerfield, Joel Selwood

I/C: Brandan Parfitt, Quinton Narkle, Zach Tuohy, Gryan Miers

Sub: Tom Atkins

EMG: Jon Ceglar, Max Holmes, Cooper Stephens, Shaun Higgins

GOLD COAST

B: Wil Powell, Sam Collins, Sean Lemmens

HB: Jack Lukosius, Charlie Ballard, Jack Bowes

C: Oleg Markov, Touk Miller, Brandon Ellis

HF: David Swallow, Mabior Chol, Lachie Weller

F: Izak Rankine, Ben King, Malcolm Rosas Jnr

Foll: Jarrod Witts, Matt Rowell, Noah Anderson

I/C: Levi Casboult, Elijah Hollands, Connor Budarick, Nick Holman

Sub: Sam Flanders

EMG: Brayden Fiorini, Alex Davies, Charlie Constable, Mac Andrew

GWS GIANTS

B: Phil Davis, Sam Taylor, Connor Idun

HB: Lachie Whitfield, Nick Haynes, Isaac Cumming

C: Harry Perryman, Jacob Hopper, Josh Kelly

HF: Toby Greene*, Harry Himmelberg, Daniel Lloyd

F: Brent Daniels, Jesse Hogan, Bobby Hill

R: Braydon Preuss, Tim Taranto, Stephen Coniglio

Inter: Callan Ward, Matt Flynn, Tom Green, Lachie Ash

Sub: Matt de Boer

EMG: Jarrod Brander, Adam Kennedy, Tanner Bruhn, Jake Riccardi

* suspended for first five matches of 2022

HAWTHORN

B: Jarman Impey, Kyle Hartigan, Blake Hardwick

HB: Jack Scrimshaw, Sam Frost, James Sicily

C: Tom Phillips, James Worpel, Will Day

HF: Luke Breust, Jacob Koschitzke, Liam Shiels

F: Dylan Moore, Mitchell Lewis, Chad Wingard

Foll: Ben McEvoy, Jaeger O’Meara, Tom Mitchell

I/C: Changkuoth Jiath, Jack Gunston, Jai Newcombe, Dan Howe

Sub: Denver Grainger-Barras

EMG: Max Lynch, Tyler Brockman, Lachie Bramble, Conor Nash

MELBOURNE

B: Michael Hibberd, Steven May, Jake Lever

HB: Trent Rivers, Harrison Petty, Christian Salem

C: Angus Brayshaw, Christan Petracca, Zac Langdon

HF: Alex Neal-Bullen, Tom McDonald, Tom Sparrow

F: Charlie Spargo, Ben Brown, Bayley Fritsch

Foll: Max Gawn, Clayton Oliver, Jack Viney

I/C: James Harmes, Luke Jackson, Jake Bowey, Kysaiah Pickett

Sub: James Jordon

Emg: Adam Tomlinson, Jayden Hunt, Sam Weideman, Luke Dunstan

NORTH MELBOURNE

B: Jack Ziebell, Ben McKay, Kayne Turner

HB: Aaron Hall, Aidan Corr, Aiden Bonar

C: Jaidyn Stephenson, Jy Simpkin, Hugh Greenwood

HF: Jason Horne-Francis, Nick Larkey, Tarryn Thomas

F: Cam Zurhaar, Callum Coleman-Jones, Curtis Taylor

Foll: Todd Goldstein, Ben Cunnington, Luke Davies-Uniacke

I/C: Luke McDonald, Tom Powell, Jed Anderson*, Will Phillips

Sub: Bailey Scott

EMG: Josh Walker, Atu Bosenavulagi, Phoenix Spicer, Flynn Perez

*if eligible

PORT ADELAIDE

B: Tom Jonas, Tom Clurey, Darcy Byrne-Jones

HB: Dan Houston, Aliir Aliir, Ryan Burton

C: Xavier Duursma, Ollie Wines, Karl Amon

HF: Connor Rozee, Mitch Georgiades, Robbie Gray

F: Orazio Fantasia, Charlie Dixon, Steven Motlop

Foll: Scott Lycett, Travis Boak, Zak Butters

IC: Willem Drew, Lachie Jones, Miles Bergman, Riley Bonner

Sub: Todd Marshall

EMG: Martin Frederick, Boyd Woodcock, Sam Mayes

Unavailable due to long-term injury: Kane Farrell

RICHMOND

B: Dylan Grimes, Noah Balta, Nick Vlastuin

HB: Dan Rioli, Robbie Tarrant, Jayden Short

C: Jack Graham, Dustin Martin, Kamdyn McIntosh

HF: Kane Lambert, Tom Lynch, Shai Bolton

F: Shane Edwards, Jack Riewoldt, Liam Baker

Foll: Toby Nankervis, Dion Prestia, Trent Cotchin

I/C: Nathan Broad, Sydney Stack, Jack Ross, Ivan Soldo

Sub: Marlion Pickett

EMG: Riley Collier-Dawkins, Jake Aarts, Matthew Parker, Jason Castagna

ST KILDA

B: Callum Wilkie, Dougal Howard, Jimmy Webster

HB: Jack Sinclair, Tom Highmore, Hunter Clark

C: Bradley Hill, Brad Crouch, Jack Billings

HF: Jade Gresham, Rohan Marshall, Tim Membrey

F: Dan Butler, Max King, Jack Higgins

Foll: Paddy Ryder, Jack Steele, Zak Jones

I/C: Seb Ross, Ben Paton, Dan Hannebery, Cooper Sharman

Sub: Nick Coffield

Emerg: Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Daniel McKenzie, Jack Bytel, Jarryn Geary

SYDNEY

B: Harry Cunningham, Lewis Melican, Dane Rampe

HB: Jake Lloyd, Tom McCartin, Nick Blakey

C: Justin McInerney, Callum Mills, Ollie Florent

HF: Tom Papley, Peter Ladhams, Errol Gulden

F: Sam Wicks, Lance Franklin, Isaac Heeney

Foll: Tom Hickey, Luke Parker, Josh Kennedy

Inter: Chad Warner, Hayden McLean, James Rowbottom, Braeden Campbell

Sub: Will Hayward

EMG: Dylan Stephens, Logan McDonald, Sam Reid, Will Gould

WESTERN BULLDOGS

B: Taylor Duryea, Zaine Cordy, Bailey Williams

HB: Bailey Dale, Alex Keath, Caleb Daniel

C: Bailey Smith, Tom Liberatore, Lachie Hunter

HF: Adam Treloar, Aaron Naughton, Josh Dunkley

F: Cody Weightman, Tim English, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan

R: Stef Martin, Marcus Bontempelli, Jack Macrae

I/C: Laitham Vandermeer, Tim O’Brien, Jason Johannisen, Mitch Hannan

Sub: Anthony Scott

EMG: Lachlan McNeil, Josh Schache, Sam Darcy, Hayden Crozier

Unavailable due to long-term injury: Josh Bruce

WEST COAST

B: Josh Rotham, Tom Barrass, Tom Cole

HB: Liam Duggan, Jeremy McGovern, Shannon Hurn

C: Andrew Gaff, Luke Shuey, Dom Sheed

HF: Tim Kelly, Jack Darling*, Liam Ryan

F: Oscar Allen, Josh Kennedy, Jamie Cripps

Foll: Nic Naitanui, Elliot Yeo, Jack Redden

I/C: Jackson Nelson, Willie Rioli, Sam Petrevski-Seton, Bailey Williams

Sub: Zac Langdon

Emerg: Alex Witherden, Jake Waterman, Harry Edwards, Jack Petruccelle

*if eligible

 

[Herbie66]

Quick read through that and we might not even get enough playing rookies for our benches let alone any onfield.

Interesting times ahead.

 

[Burly]

I wouldn't put too much faith in the "experts" at this point. Educated guesswork... some of it not so educated.

 

[scarfaceclaw]

Quick read through that and we might not even get enough playing rookies for our benches let alone any onfield.

Interesting times ahead.

I wouldn't be too worried yet. Boyd Woodcock is listed as an emergency for Port even though he was de-listed and is playing for Southport this year! First year (especially Vic) players might struggle with a lack of footy over the last couple of years.

 

[Herbie66]

I wouldn't be too worried yet. Boyd Woodcock is listed as an emergency for Port even though he was de-listed and is playing for Southport this year! First year (especially Vic) players might struggle with a lack of footy over the last couple of years.

Not worried at all , the less starting rookies the better personally , might see a lot more different thinking on starting teams.