Discussion 2022 AFL: Practice Matches & AAMI Community Series Discussion
- Thread starter RIAL
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I was about to say the same thing. Due to his talent he will at worst be coming off our bench (Carlton) if he doesn't nail down a position and filling different roles across the game. Can't see him playing in the two's so job security should be good but his role week to week is unclear and he will probably score erratically
Saints - First quarter was a mare, zero pressure and their ability to turn it over under no pressure was a real standout, it didn't get much better really after that except their pressure lifted and the Blues came down to their level. I've said it many times and I don't love to harp on it but I just can't see them being a competitive team as long as they keep playing so many butchers through the midfield and actively keeping the ball away from their better players. They've got talented players but Ratten seems to be all about heart and hardness at the expense of all else.
Jones - I love his effort, his speed is dynamic for them and something they do lack badly but good god his disposal leaves a lot to be desired. Weirdly he's almost better when he runs himself into trouble than when he has time
Gresham - His TOG seemed low, might just be that he didn't get near it as he was still out there in the 4th and was definitely there in the 1st also. Only 2 CBA that I saw and very limited midfield role. Playing as a forward pocket when forward rather than that high HF role as well isn't ideal. Ultimately he's such a creative forward close to goal that he kept being there rather than other spots and Ratten's seriously low focus on skilled ball use out of the guts doesn't help here. I like him and he could be a good pick but he definitely had a cross today rather than the tick.
Crouch - See team description... He's not the worst at it but he's just become a real plodder that can't kick unfortunately.
Ross - He is the worst of them. He had a play in the first quarter where he had 3 touches in about 15 seconds, all uncontested and basically all because he missed his target by so much that he ended up going and getting it again... Honestly his ability to find the ball is exceptional but he's just so terrible with it and so utterly limited as a player that I don't understand why he's still playing AFL, nevermind the 2nd main midfielder. It's genuinely crazy.
Hill - Off half back, still lazy and doesn't work hard enough. There's a genuine fantasy role there to be had as well if he will work to find space.
Steele - Tick for him, like that he played all game in the mid, good sign he's feeling good. Honestly, he's the only mid who can hit a target reliably for them so will continue to funnel the ball through him. I don't like the team around him though, so hard to continually be an elite scorer with so little help.
Clark - Underwhelming, role was decent but he just is so close to being really good but doesn't seem to want to take it. Has size but doesn't use it, has class but rushes and doesn't demand the ball enough. Just kind of floating by at this point sadly. Would be nice if he got a full game in the mids though to really find out.
King - Was solid.
Byrnes - Same role as last year, nothing really of note here.
Billings - Started HF, wing mostly, wasted talent out there. I don't get it at all.
Butler - Like Gresham it felt like his TOG was low and yet I think he played a whole game. Did very little.
Long - Came on 2nd half, played forward, did very little.
Higgins - Worked hard and was the standout of the smaller forwards for mine. Not fantasy relevant but at least I can say I know he was there!
Battle - Probably the Saints best for mine, played Curnow very well but intercepted even better, hard to do against the main forward, and used the ball well for the most part. Reckon it's the right role for him. Definitely a sneaky fantasy bet if he can get freed up by Howard to play as a genuine intercept player.
Membrey - Was outstanding as an intercept extra man when he did it, was solid as a forward but wasteful in front of goal. Is what he is.
Webster - Solid game for him, same old. Think the fantasy god dream is dead but has grafted a nice little career.
Wood - Was really good, wing/HF and worked really hard, especially defensively. I thought he was one of their best. I still think there's a legit player there if he plays 22 games but I'm not taking the punt!
Paton - Good to see him back, was solid. Mostly defensive role as others did the rebound, too expensive unfortunately but good player.
Sinclair - Probably their most consistent rebounder, could definitely push into the 90s this year but lot of others stealing touches.
McKenzie - Played wing, highlight of the game was a huge tackle on Newman, might be his only highlight though
Campbell - Was solid but he's not playing if the main two are fit.
Joyce - Was really solid as well down back, hard to squeeze everyone in though.
Sharman - Solid but nothing special. 2nd ruck early was interesting.
Wilkie - Same old for him.
Jones - I love his effort, his speed is dynamic for them and something they do lack badly but good god his disposal leaves a lot to be desired. Weirdly he's almost better when he runs himself into trouble than when he has time
Gresham - His TOG seemed low, might just be that he didn't get near it as he was still out there in the 4th and was definitely there in the 1st also. Only 2 CBA that I saw and very limited midfield role. Playing as a forward pocket when forward rather than that high HF role as well isn't ideal. Ultimately he's such a creative forward close to goal that he kept being there rather than other spots and Ratten's seriously low focus on skilled ball use out of the guts doesn't help here. I like him and he could be a good pick but he definitely had a cross today rather than the tick.
Crouch - See team description... He's not the worst at it but he's just become a real plodder that can't kick unfortunately.
Ross - He is the worst of them. He had a play in the first quarter where he had 3 touches in about 15 seconds, all uncontested and basically all because he missed his target by so much that he ended up going and getting it again... Honestly his ability to find the ball is exceptional but he's just so terrible with it and so utterly limited as a player that I don't understand why he's still playing AFL, nevermind the 2nd main midfielder. It's genuinely crazy.
Hill - Off half back, still lazy and doesn't work hard enough. There's a genuine fantasy role there to be had as well if he will work to find space.
Steele - Tick for him, like that he played all game in the mid, good sign he's feeling good. Honestly, he's the only mid who can hit a target reliably for them so will continue to funnel the ball through him. I don't like the team around him though, so hard to continually be an elite scorer with so little help.
Clark - Underwhelming, role was decent but he just is so close to being really good but doesn't seem to want to take it. Has size but doesn't use it, has class but rushes and doesn't demand the ball enough. Just kind of floating by at this point sadly. Would be nice if he got a full game in the mids though to really find out.
King - Was solid.
Byrnes - Same role as last year, nothing really of note here.
Billings - Started HF, wing mostly, wasted talent out there. I don't get it at all.
Butler - Like Gresham it felt like his TOG was low and yet I think he played a whole game. Did very little.
Long - Came on 2nd half, played forward, did very little.
Higgins - Worked hard and was the standout of the smaller forwards for mine. Not fantasy relevant but at least I can say I know he was there!
Battle - Probably the Saints best for mine, played Curnow very well but intercepted even better, hard to do against the main forward, and used the ball well for the most part. Reckon it's the right role for him. Definitely a sneaky fantasy bet if he can get freed up by Howard to play as a genuine intercept player.
Membrey - Was outstanding as an intercept extra man when he did it, was solid as a forward but wasteful in front of goal. Is what he is.
Webster - Solid game for him, same old. Think the fantasy god dream is dead but has grafted a nice little career.
Wood - Was really good, wing/HF and worked really hard, especially defensively. I thought he was one of their best. I still think there's a legit player there if he plays 22 games but I'm not taking the punt!
Paton - Good to see him back, was solid. Mostly defensive role as others did the rebound, too expensive unfortunately but good player.
Sinclair - Probably their most consistent rebounder, could definitely push into the 90s this year but lot of others stealing touches.
McKenzie - Played wing, highlight of the game was a huge tackle on Newman, might be his only highlight though
Campbell - Was solid but he's not playing if the main two are fit.
Joyce - Was really solid as well down back, hard to squeeze everyone in though.
Sharman - Solid but nothing special. 2nd ruck early was interesting.
Wilkie - Same old for him.
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