Position 2023: Midfield Discussion
- Thread starter KLo30
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I usually like to start a 5 super-premo midfield, or a 4+1 balance where the one is a cheaper breakout/discounted premo pick.
I've got 4 such on the radar at the moment: LDU, Warner, Green and Mitchell. Any thoughts on how you'd rank them? And would people be bold enough to go 3+2 with guys from that lot (eg. Oliver, Touk, Steele + 2 type setup)?
I've got 4 such on the radar at the moment: LDU, Warner, Green and Mitchell. Any thoughts on how you'd rank them? And would people be bold enough to go 3+2 with guys from that lot (eg. Oliver, Touk, Steele + 2 type setup)?
Tom Mitchell is a real conundrum, when look at historical averages there is so much too like :-
But with the game so much faster these days, he got exposed last year once the ball cleared the stoppage area - lack of pace got shown up then moved to half fwd by Sam Mitchell at times to give the younger hawk mids a chance in the middle. No doubt the pies needed help in that area so can see the appeal with him there but with him relying so much on winning contested ball to score decently is he still a viable pick?
The top SC mids like Oliver/Laird/Bont not only win the ball on the inside but know how to get it on the outside also & then use it well/ have hurt factor.
But with the game so much faster these days, he got exposed last year once the ball cleared the stoppage area - lack of pace got shown up then moved to half fwd by Sam Mitchell at times to give the younger hawk mids a chance in the middle. No doubt the pies needed help in that area so can see the appeal with him there but with him relying so much on winning contested ball to score decently is he still a viable pick?
The top SC mids like Oliver/Laird/Bont not only win the ball on the inside but know how to get it on the outside also & then use it well/ have hurt factor.
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I think statistically there is more chance of a fallen premium returning to premium status than a new kid hitting premium. Titch is a hard read but if there's one thing that's pretty solid it's that he'll be used at Collingwood to his strengths.
Then it's just a question whether like you say he finds enough of it outside the contest to really return a 110+ average. For me I'm looking at 1 of, if not 2 of Titch, LDU, Green and even Noah Anderson or Chad Warner.
Then it's just a question whether like you say he finds enough of it outside the contest to really return a 110+ average. For me I'm looking at 1 of, if not 2 of Titch, LDU, Green and even Noah Anderson or Chad Warner.
Yep, I like Brayshaw as a pick but getting the saints first up would mean he gets the Marcus Windhager heavy tag you suspect - he did a number on many top mids last year & has returned to training in great shape. North, WCE & Crows don't really tag so no real worry there but Windhager is a real concern for him.
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New coach and game style in 2022. There was way more run and gun out of the backline from CJ and co. More play ons from kick ins, more bounces etc
Collingwood seem to have a similar style under Macrae that won't suit Mitchell SC wise.
Bottom line is, he needs about 35 disposals per game to be viable as a mid premo. Can he get that at the Pies is the question.
Collingwood seem to have a similar style under Macrae that won't suit Mitchell SC wise.
Bottom line is, he needs about 35 disposals per game to be viable as a mid premo. Can he get that at the Pies is the question.
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Think the Pies is not the ideal landing spot for Mitchell to get back to his past high supercoach averages.
The decline in premiums in Collingwood over the past couple of seasons is stark and it is all due to a change in playing style.
In 2020 the Pies had 6 players average 105 with Pendles, Adams, Sidebottom and Treloar all there who played midfield.
In 2021 we will count Crisp at 104.9 as being there as a mid but then only Grundy averaged more.
In 2022 only Grundy averaged 100+ on limited games while Pendles and Crisp averaged 94.6 and 94.5 to finish second or third.
The fact that they finished top 4 and were a whisker away from making a grand final makes me think this style will continue.
Now you could argue now they have the player to fill the role they may take it on but don't think McRae will do that personally.
Will definitely watch with interest during the pre season but for now think I am against Mitchell for the above reasons.
The decline in premiums in Collingwood over the past couple of seasons is stark and it is all due to a change in playing style.
In 2020 the Pies had 6 players average 105 with Pendles, Adams, Sidebottom and Treloar all there who played midfield.
In 2021 we will count Crisp at 104.9 as being there as a mid but then only Grundy averaged more.
In 2022 only Grundy averaged 100+ on limited games while Pendles and Crisp averaged 94.6 and 94.5 to finish second or third.
The fact that they finished top 4 and were a whisker away from making a grand final makes me think this style will continue.
Now you could argue now they have the player to fill the role they may take it on but don't think McRae will do that personally.
Will definitely watch with interest during the pre season but for now think I am against Mitchell for the above reasons.