Strategy 2023: Rookies Discussion

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The way I see it its a crucial 2nd string to his bow, needed to be able to play another position for periods of a game to lock down a spot in their 22 for mine, mid that goes forward isn't really a problem its far better than sitting on the bench for extended periods of a game.

Ashcroft is a good enough talent that half a game on the ball will be more than sufficent I'm not too concerned, think people expecting him to just be a permanent midfielder in his first year in a deep midfield were looking at it fairly unrealistically.
Yeah, the fact he can A: play forward and B: score while doing it is an added bonus. Neale and Dunkley are getting most of the midfield minutes and all of Zorko, Bailey, Clug, Berry and Lyons will probably push through there but I Ashcroft could easily start as the 3rd midfielder in that group.

There's plenty of midfield minutes, they were giving good minutes to Robertson, Mathieson, Rayner, Bailey and Zorko last year who all would be phased out (or dropped) for Ashcroft. Lyons is the guy who decides whether he's 3rd or 4th mid basically.
 
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Noah Long's got a bit of Brent Harvey about him. Super quick, intelligent inside mid with clean hands, but got injured and lost his tank so when he returned he was forced to play more of a forward role. Jagged 3 goals in the championships against WA so might be typecast as a goalsneak. Any Eagles watchers got an update on how he's going?
 
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Noah Long's got a bit of Brent Harvey about him. Super quick, intelligent inside mid with clean hands, but got injured and lost his tank so when he returned he was forced to play more of a forward role. Jagged 3 goals in the championships against WA so might be typecast as a goalsneak. Any Eagles watchers got an update on how he's going?
Hewett and Long both a chance for round 1, talk is positive from pre season so far. Question around size and tank will be critical re sub risk if chosen.
 
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Navigating the sub risk will be the key
Yep, it's a huge random factor to throw in. A couple of injuries that save your rookie from the vest can completely change their season and vice versa on a key rookie having their growth halted entirely by it.

Makes the mature aged candidates a lot stronger. I think it will be worth the premium on a lot of those types.

Also worth reading the draft profiles, anyone with engine issues should be questioned vigorously, especially if they're burst types as they're the prime sub candidates.
 
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“Young gun midfielder Will Ashcroft has turned heads in his first pre-season with football boss Danny Daly rating him close to best on ground in match simulation last week when he swung forward to kick three goals. The father-son selection is poised to make an immediate impact in his debut season. Veteran Daniel Rich has also enjoyed strong pre-season after an injury free summer preparation. Zorko also impressed until his minor hamstring issue.”

Not sure I want a $200k forward in my mids…
Lookng as if he plays the Guts. Could be a Sam Walsh clone.
 
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I need to put my hand up and say, I know nothing about this Will Phillips? Does he have JS and scoring potential?
Top 3 draft pick a couple of years ago who got glandular fever & some injury issues. Now fully fit & flying at training, spent all preseason in the midfield & in the A team in match sims playing in the guts.
High JS, I could see him averaging 80 + tbh in that midfield role - he is a must have for mine.
 
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