Discussion 2021: Strategy, Team & Player Discussions

[Professor]

West Coast v Gold Coast, Optus Stadium, 3.10pm AWST

WEST COAST

B: Tom Cole, Tom Barrass, Brad Sheppard
HB: Shannon Hurn, Jeremy McGovern, Jackson Nelson
C: Liam Duggan, Tim Kelly, Andrew, Gaff
HF: Jamaine Jones, Jack Darling, Jamie Cripps
F: Oscar Allen, Josh Kennedy, Liam Ryan
Foll: Nic Naitanui, Luke Shuey, Dom Sheed
I/C: Nathan Vardy,
Jack Redden, Jack Petruccelle, Alex Witherden
EMERG: Xavier O'Neill, Jarrod Brander, Josh Rotham, Zane Trew

NEW: Alex Witherden
UNAVAILABLE: Mark Hutchings (knee), Zac Langdon (concussion), Willie Rioli (suspension), Dan Venables (concussion), Jake Waterman (back), Bailey Williams (ankle), Elliot Yeo (osteitis pubis)

NOTES: A second ruckman is the biggest conundrum for the Eagles, who used Allen in the position last season but would ideally select a genuine second ruck given the minutes Naitanui plays. Expect Vardy to play round one and ease the pressure on Naitanui, with Allen rotating through the backline to help with rotations and avoid a top-heavy forward line. Vardy's omission would allow an extra midfielder to be selected on the bench, with O'Neill the likely option in this scenario after an impressive AAMI Community Series performance. Jones is rewarded for a strong summer, while the pace of Nelson is important in defence, edging out the unlucky Rotham, who has been impressive. Waterman and Williams could make a run at being available but would ideally have more training under their belts before being selected. - Nathan Schmook

GOLD COAST

B: Connor Budarick, Sam Collins, Wil Powell
HB: Jarrod Harbrow, Charlie Ballard, Jack Bowes
C: Brandon Ellis, Hugh Greenwood, Jack Lukosius
HF: David Swallow, Sam Day, Ben Ainsworth
F: Izak Rankine, Ben King, Alex Sexton
Foll: Jarrod Witts, Matt Rowell, Touk Miller
I/C: Oleg Markov, Lachie Weller,
Noah Anderson, Darcy Macpherson
EMERG: Caleb Graham, Will Brodie, Brayden Fiorini, Chris Burgess

NEW: Oleg Markov
UNAVAILABLE: Rory Atkins (foot), Elijah Hollands (knee), Rory Thompson (knee)

NOTES: Stuart Dew has two tough decisions to make ahead of the opening round against West Coast. With Rankine expected to return from a tweaked ankle, one midfielder/forward must be left out from an impressive batch. Brodie would be incredibly stiff after 25 touches against Brisbane and a super pre-season, but Macpherson's harassing pressure might just give him the edge. It would be harsh on Brodie though. The other tough call is whether to play three tall defenders against the Eagles' potent forward line, but if the pressure is good, Bowes and Powell should be able to cover, giving veteran Harbrow the final spot after a good pre-season. - Michael Whiting

 

[Ben's Beasts]

Fairly big oversight from Riley Beveridge there by not even including Chandler in the emergencies for Melbourne. Think it's highly he'll play round 1 and will be an emergency at worst.

He’s also included Jordon in the round 1 team but based on his performance against the Bulldogs and Goodwin’s comments following the game, I would be surprised if he’s named round 1.

I think Chandler and Sparrow will play instead of Beveridge’s Jordon and Vandenberg.

 

[Professor]

Apologies, that was tedious, when you do everything off your mobile, it doesn't help.

 

[Socrates2]

WITH the 2021 Toyota AFL Premiership season about to blast off, our experts have put their selectors' hats on to pick your club's round one team.

Who's in, who's out, who's injured, who's unlucky ... and who is up for a red-hot debut?

Did we get it right? Check it out.

Thursday, March 18
Richmond v Carlton, MCG, 7.25pm AEDT

RICHMOND

B: David Astbury, Dylan Grimes, Nick Vlastuin
HB: Liam Baker, Noah Balta, Nathan Broad
C: Josh Caddy, Dustin Martin, Jayden Short
HF: Kane Lambert, Tom Lynch, Jason Castagna
F: Daniel Rioli, Jack Riewoldt, Shai Bolton
Foll: Toby Nankervis, Shane Edwards, Trent Cotchin
I/C: Jack Graham, Kamdyn McIntosh, Dion Prestia, Jake Aarts
EMERG: Marlion Pickett, Mabior Chol, Riley Collier-Dawkins, Hugo Ralphsmith

NEW: Nil
UNAVAILABLE: Callum Coleman-Jones (suspension), Noah Cumberland (knee), Bachar Houli (calf), Ivan Soldo (knee)

NOTES: It is again a very settled line-up at Richmond, with Prestia considered likely to play against Carlton after his hamstring injury and Lynch a lock after his toe niggle. Houli is set to miss with his calf injury, with all the rest of last year's premiership winners to be available. Caddy's form will see him break in after missing last year's flag and it could be at the expense of Pickett. Chol as a second ruck could be considered, while Collier-Dawkins impressed late in last week's AAMI Community Series clash with Collingwood as he chases a debut. – Callum Twomey



CARLTON

B: Sam Docherty, Jacob Weitering, Lachie Plowman
HB: Sam Petrevski-Seton, Liam Jones, Adam Saad
C: Jack Newnes, Patrick Cripps, Will Setterfield
HF: Marc Murphy, Harry McKay, Jack Martin
F: Lachie Fogarty, Levi Casboult, Zac Fisher
FOLL: Marc Pittonet, Sam Walsh, Ed Curnow
I/C: Jack Silvagni, Paddy Dow, David Cuningham, Tom Williamson
EMG: Lochie O'Brien, Eddie Betts, Michael Gibbons, Oscar McDonald

NEW: Lachie Fogarty, Adam Saad
UNAVAILABLE: Zac Williams (suspension), Mitch McGovern (back), Tom De Koning (back), Brodie Kemp (foot), Caleb Marchbank (calf), Nic Newman (knee), Charlie Curnow (knee), Sam Philp (hip)

NOTES: The injury list is extensive, but could be soothed if McKay (ankle), Casboult (knee) and Newnes (ankle) are able to prove their fitness. Betts is fit following a summer calf injury, but whether the club feels he’s ready to be thrown straight into the action after missing both practice matches is another story. Expect a patient approach with the veteran. Fogarty comes into the side for his club debut. His addition into the forward line, along with Murphy and Fisher spending more time in attack, forces Gibbons to the outer. Saad is also in for his Blues debut, but fellow new recruit Williams is sidelined through suspension. That could mean more midfield minutes for Walsh and Curnow, with Dow and Cuningham also handed an opportunity to impress. Silvagni replaces McGovern (back) and Curnow (knee) as another marking target in the forward line. - Riley Beveridge


Betts reflects on 'rollercoaster ride' doco
What was it like to be in the Amazon Prime Video Making Their Mark series? Eddie Betts explains
Published 1 day ago
Friday, March 19
Collingwood v Western Bulldogs, MCG, 7.50pm AEDT

COLLINGWOOD

B: Brayden Maynard, Jordan Roughead, Jeremy Howe
HB: Jack Crisp, Darcy Moore, Isaac Quaynor
C: Chris Mayne, Scott Pendlebury, John Noble
HF: Will Hoskin-Elliott, Brody Mihocek, Jordan De Goey
F: Jamie Elliott, Mason Cox, Oliver Henry
R: Brodie Grundy, Taylor Adams, Josh Daicos
I/C: Jack Madgen, Darcy Cameron, Brayden Sier, Callum Brown
EMERG: Tyler Brown, Josh Thomas, Finlay Macrae, Trey Ruscoe

NEW: Oliver Henry
UNAVAILABLE: Will Kelly (collarbone), Reef McInnes (finger), Steele Sidebottom (calf)

NOTES: The Pies used the Grundy-Cameron-Cox combination in the final two games last year and are tipped to use it again with the increased quarter lengths. They've been bullish on Henry all summer and he's just been given the nod with Hoskin-Eliott over Thomas. Noble has impressed on a wing this summer and with Mayne (concussion) likely to return, it pushes an unlucky Tyler Brown out. With Sier included and De Goey and Elliott to play midfield minutes, Callum Brown provides extra forward cover, while Daicos will also rotate there. Expect Mihocek (tight calf) to be cleared to play, while Adams is a touch more likely than Sidebottom and has been included. - Mitch Cleary


Bucks: I would walk away
Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley speaks to AFL.com.au about his coaching future
Published on Mar 4, 2021, 6:00am
WESTERN BULLDOGS

B: Caleb Daniel, Alex Keath, Anthony Scott
HB: Bailey Williams, Ryan Gardner, Jason Johannisen
C: Jack Macrae, Marcus Bontempelli, Bailey Smith
HF: Josh Dunkley, Aaron Naughton, Lachie Hunter
F: Mitch Wallis, Josh Bruce, Tim English
Foll: Stef Martin, Tom Liberatore, Adam Treloar
I/C: Patrick Lipinski, Bailey Dale, Rhylee West, Laitham Vandermeer
EMERG: Zaine Cordy, Buku Khamis, Taylor Duryea, Cody Weightman

NEW: Anthony Scott, Adam Treloar
UNAVAILABLE: Hayden Crozier (shoulder), Riley Garcia (knee), Mitch Hannan (groin), Toby McLean (knee), Easton Wood (hamstring)

NOTES: Wood is making a charge to play as he recovers from his hamstring injury but still seems more of an outside chance, while Crozier's surgery opens the door for a possible return to the senior line-up for Johannisen, who was left out of the AAMI Community Series against Melbourne. Scott has impressed over pre-season and could force his way in across half-back, while Gardner seems ahead of Cordy. Vandermeer and Naughton are expected to be available after minor niggles. The Dogs' stacked midfield means some will be used in different positions. – Callum Twomey


Saturday, March 20
Melbourne v Fremantle, MCG, 1.45pm AEDT

MELBOURNE

B: Adam Tomlinson, Steven May, Neville Jetta
HB: Christian Salem, Jake Lever, Jayden Hunt
C: Angus Brayshaw, Christian Petracca, Ed Langdon
HF: Nathan Jones, Tom McDonald, Bayley Fritsch
F: Charlie Spargo, Luke Jackson, Kysaiah Pickett
FOLL: Max Gawn, James Harmes, Clayton Oliver
I/C: Aaron vandenBerg, James Jordon, Trent Rivers, Alex Neal-Bullen
EMG: Jake Bowey, Tom Sparrow, Oskar Baker, Harrison Petty

NEW: James Jordon
UNAVAILABLE: Jack Viney (foot), Michael Hibberd (ankle), Jake Melksham (hamstring), Sam Weideman (leg), Aaron Nietschke (knee), Marty Hore (knee), Jay Lockhart (testicle), Ben Brown (knee)

NOTES: All eyes will be on May, who remains in doubt after entering the AFL's 12-day concussion protocol. Should he clear all of the testing, he will be available to play. Should he fail to get up, Petty could be his replacement in key defence. Brayshaw should feature, despite a foot injury, while the club is confident Pickett can slot straight back into the lineup. However, Viney (foot) is out and Melksham (hamstring) is unlikely. Jordon appears set to be handed his AFL debut, while McDonald will partner Jackson in attack due to the absence of Brown (knee) and Weideman (leg). Expect veteran Jones to keep his place across half-forward, but Baker is an outside chance if the Dees elect for more speed. - Riley Beveridge

Pickett is in the first 12 players picked, some journos are trying to shaft him.
I take all these predictions with a big grain of salt.

 

[Shannon]

West Coast v Gold Coast, Optus Stadium, 3.10pm AWST

WEST COAST

B: Tom Cole, Tom Barrass, Brad Sheppard
HB: Shannon Hurn, Jeremy McGovern, Jackson Nelson
C: Liam Duggan, Tim Kelly, Andrew, Gaff
HF: Jamaine Jones, Jack Darling, Jamie Cripps
F: Oscar Allen, Josh Kennedy, Liam Ryan
Foll: Nic Naitanui, Luke Shuey, Dom Sheed
I/C: Nathan Vardy,
Jack Redden, Jack Petruccelle, Alex Witherden
EMERG: Xavier O'Neill, Jarrod Brander, Josh Rotham, Zane Trew

NEW: Alex Witherden
UNAVAILABLE: Mark Hutchings (knee), Zac Langdon (concussion), Willie Rioli (suspension), Dan Venables (concussion), Jake Waterman (back), Bailey Williams (ankle), Elliot Yeo (osteitis pubis)

NOTES: A second ruckman is the biggest conundrum for the Eagles, who used Allen in the position last season but would ideally select a genuine second ruck given the minutes Naitanui plays. Expect Vardy to play round one and ease the pressure on Naitanui, with Allen rotating through the backline to help with rotations and avoid a top-heavy forward line. Vardy's omission would allow an extra midfielder to be selected on the bench, with O'Neill the likely option in this scenario after an impressive AAMI Community Series performance. Jones is rewarded for a strong summer, while the pace of Nelson is important in defence, edging out the unlucky Rotham, who has been impressive. Waterman and Williams could make a run at being available but would ideally have more training under their belts before being selected. - Nathan Schmook

GOLD COAST

B: Connor Budarick, Sam Collins, Wil Powell
HB: Jarrod Harbrow, Charlie Ballard, Jack Bowes
C: Brandon Ellis, Hugh Greenwood, Jack Lukosius
HF: David Swallow, Sam Day, Ben Ainsworth
F: Izak Rankine, Ben King, Alex Sexton
Foll: Jarrod Witts, Matt Rowell, Touk Miller
I/C: Oleg Markov, Lachie Weller,
Noah Anderson, Darcy Macpherson
EMERG: Caleb Graham, Will Brodie, Brayden Fiorini, Chris Burgess

NEW: Oleg Markov
UNAVAILABLE: Rory Atkins (foot), Elijah Hollands (knee), Rory Thompson (knee)

NOTES: Stuart Dew has two tough decisions to make ahead of the opening round against West Coast. With Rankine expected to return from a tweaked ankle, one midfielder/forward must be left out from an impressive batch. Brodie would be incredibly stiff after 25 touches against Brisbane and a super pre-season, but Macpherson's harassing pressure might just give him the edge. It would be harsh on Brodie though. The other tough call is whether to play three tall defenders against the Eagles' potent forward line, but if the pressure is good, Bowes and Powell should be able to cover, giving veteran Harbrow the final spot after a good pre-season. - Michael Whiting

Vardy was so poor in the practice games, a rookie in Meek took him to the cleaners - I would actually prefer they play Allen as the 2nd ruck (he was surprisingly decent last year when he helped out - but don't want him playing that role long term) until Williams is fit. Vardy was an absolute liability in the practice games. Rotham I am a fan of & think he has been very unlucky not to be playing more - very solid/ makes good decisions, prefer him to Nelson.

 

[Socrates2]

Can anyone recommend playing a gun defender or forward in the mids e.g. Danger, Laird?
It gives you a likely top 6 def/rookie to move later?

 

[madmunza]

Can anyone recommend playing a gun defender or forward top in the mids e.g. Danger, Laird?
It gives you a likely top 6 def/rookie to move later?

I currently have both Danger and Martin in mids to switch forward later. I just see Martin as a guaranteed top 6 forward where a Rowell/Walsh type won't be a top 8 mid so why pick them.

 

[PC]

Apologies, that was tedious, when you do everything off your mobile, it doesn't help.

We appreciate it @Professor

 

[HoleyFrijole$]

Brisbane v Sydney, Gabba, 6.45pm AEST

BRISBANE

B: Brandon Starcevich, Harris Andrews, Ryan Lester
HB: Daniel Rich, Jack Payne, Grant Birchall
C: Jarrod Berry, Zac Bailey, Hugh McCluggage
HF: Dayne Zorko, Eric Hipwood, Lincoln McCarthy
F: Charlie Cameron, Joe Daniher, Tom Fullarton
Foll: Oscar McInerney, Lachie Neale, Jarryd Lyons
I/C: Callum Ah Chee, Mitch Robinson, Rhys Mathieson,
Keidean Coleman
EMERG: Marcus Adams, Ely Smith, Deven Robertson, Connor Ballenden

NEW: Joe Daniher
UNAVAILABLE: Nakia Cockatoo (hamstring), Darcy Gardiner (knee), Dan McStay (knee), Cam Rayner (knee)

NOTES: Although injury will force changes to the Lions' best 22, the
lineup is pretty familiar from the one that took them to a preliminary final last season. Payne edges out Adams for the second key defender to start the season, while Fullarton showed enough in his pre-season game to play at the other end of the ground in place of McStay. The toughest call comes to replace Rayner, with Mathieson's proven ability to play 'inside' and kick goals when going forward – as Rayner was slated for – giving him the barest edge of impressive Smith. That call could go either way. - Michael Whiting

SYDNEY

B: Jake Lloyd, Lewis Melican, Dane Rampe
HB: Jordan Dawson, Tom McCartin, Braeden Campbell
C: Oli Florent, Callum Mills, Nick Blakey
HF: Will Hayward, Logan McDonald, Isaac Heeney
F: Tom Papley, Sam Reid, Sam Wicks
Foll: Tom Hickey, Josh Kennedy, Luke Parker
I/C: Harry Cunningham, George Hewett, James Rowbottom, Chad Warner
EMERG: Callum Sinclair, Errol Gulden, James Bell,
Ryan Clarke

NEW: Braeden Campbell, Tom Hickey, Logan McDonald
UNAVAILABLE: Robbie Fox (finger), Lance Franklin (calf), Sam Naismith (knee)

NOTES: There should be a nice mix between experience and youth in Sydney's first team of the season. Lloyd missed the AAMI Community Series match against GWS with a knee niggle, but is expected to return and add some class to the backline, while Academy product Campbell impressed against the Giants and has earned a debut. With Franklin still not back from his calf injury, No.4 draft pick McDonald might be too tempting to leave out, although John Longmire could opt for Sinclair to play forward and support Hickey in the ruck. Dylan Stephens (concussion) and Justin McInerney (back) both had setbacks during the pre-season and might need another match or two to be considered. - Michael Whiting

Would be very surprised if Gulden is not selected. Skills looked very slick on the weekend, appears to be a rare talent.

 

[Hondo]

I currently have both Danger and Martin in mids to switch forward later. I just see Martin as a guaranteed top 6 forward where a Rowell/Walsh type won't be a top 8 mid so why pick them.

Because they could get close enough to top 8 that it doesn’t matter.

 

[Professor]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1369935888382263296

 

[Shannon]

I currently have both Danger and Martin in mids to switch forward later. I just see Martin as a guaranteed top 6 forward where a Rowell/Walsh type won't be a top 8 mid so why pick them.

Don't think you can make that assumption - every year players go to another level, especially if they finish the previous season strong.

Walsh's last 8 games of 2020 when moved into the engine room :-



Rowell is an absolute freak - scores of 171, 141 & 114 in 3 of your first 4 games of AFL is unheard of. Obviously coming off a shoulder reconstruction so some questions marks there but nothing would surprise me with this kid.

 

[Professor]

Would be very surprised if Gulden is not selected. Skills looked very slick on the weekend, appears to be a rare talent.

Just saw another mock side and they have Gulden as emergency, puts a bit of doubt in your mind, hopefully he plays.

 

[Courtesans]

Now that teams will not drop on Thursday night as they did, the first Rd presents a problem, and beyond for that matter. I am unsure how this works from a SC context. What do we need to know?
I am a bit uncertain of how our initial team selection will work, particularly with rookies. Are we locked in with our selections after the first game, not knowing who will play for the balance of the round?
Maybe worth a thread for some one who has a clue...

 

[wogitalia]

Can anyone recommend playing a gun defender or forward top in the mids e.g. Danger, Laird?
It gives you a likely top 6 def/rookie to move later?

Can not. There are more than enough of the top fwd rookies that are also mids and there are no good back rookies that you'd want to choose them over a mid or forward rookie.

The only reason to start guys out of position is because the on-field rookies are much better in the backs and forwards or just to pick more rookies. The backs makes zero sense this year. The forwards not much more given Campbell, Dow, Brockman, Scott and Macrae are all DPP as well.

Just saw another mock side and they have Gulden as emergency, puts a bit of doubt in your mind, hopefully he plays.

Would also be very surprised and utterly disappointed. In two games he's already clearly in the top 5 or so most skillful in a team that is severely lacking in skill.

 

[wogitalia]

Now that teams will not drop on Thursday night as they did, the first Rd presents a problem, and beyond for that matter. I am unsure how this works from a SC context. What do we need to know?
I am a bit uncertain of how our initial team selection will work, particularly with rookies. Are we locked in with our selections after the first game, not knowing who will play for the balance of the round?

Will be rolling lockout as it has been for years.

I imagine we will know the majority of the debutantes in advance like most years because the clubs love the media puff pieces telling the story of the new kids before round one to build some excitement.

Future rounds are going to be a bigger issue as we have to line up trades and could certainly get burned a couple of times.

 

[madmunza]

Because they could get close enough to top 8 that it doesn’t matter.

Exactly COULD, I'd rather make sure I have 12 of the best premiums from the start regardless of positions not having to waste a trade later. I have tried many combinations and as much as I love Rowell after watching him the other night I wasn't convinced. I may change my mind as my team changes every day but at this stage hes not in.

 

[dylan123]

Adelaide v Geelong, Adelaide Oval, 4.05pm ACDT

ADELAIDE

B: Luke Brown, Jordon Butts, Tom Doedee
HB: Brodie Smith, Nick Murray, Andrew McPherson
C: Will Hamill, Rory Laird, Lachlan Scholl
HF: Shane McAdam, Elliot Himmelberg, Tom Lynch
F: Darcy Fogarty, Taylor Walker, James Rowe
Foll: Reilly O'Brien, Matt Crouch, Rory Sloane
I/C: Ben Keays, Chayce Jones, Ned McHenry, Harry Schoenberg
EMERG: Riley Thilthorpe, Sam Berry, Paul Seedsman, Jackson Hately

NEW: Nick Murray, James Rowe
UNAVAILABLE: Ben Davis (ankle), Jake Kelly (hamstring), David Mackay (concussion), Wayne Milera (knee), Tyson Stengle (suspension), Daniel Talia (knee)

NOTES: Tall defender Murray looks likely to earn an immediate debut as cover for injured Talia after being signed during the Supplementary Selection Period. The backline is otherwise settled enough for Laird to continue his move into the midfield. The interest at Adelaide will be when the trigger is pulled on draftees including Thilthorpe, Berry and Luke Pedlar. Hately could also be forced to wait for his first game as a Crow after failing to demand selection with his pre-season performances. - Nathan Schmook

Probably doesn't mean much but I wouldn't be surprised if we picked Berry ahead of Jones from what I saw. Jones is 3 years in now, still unable to find the ball, doesn't deserve to be playing in the firsts. Berry at least looks physically ready. Wouldn't be surprised if we went with Seedsman though as he's got a run in the midfield this pre season.

Also I'll be sad if we have Himmelberg/Lynch/Fogarty/Walker as our forward line set up. No speed/defensive pressure leading/marking tall forward line up for a team that will struggle to get it forward and with ****house delivery when they do.

 

[Erek22]

Just saw another mock side and they have Gulden as emergency, puts a bit of doubt in your mind, hopefully he plays.

Perhaps his name is too close to Gould?

 

[Toothless Tigers]

Pickett is in the first 12 players picked, some journos are trying to shaft him.
I take all these predictions with a big grain of salt.

Caddy could take his spot on the wing as he was very impressive against Collingwood.

 

[warewolves]

Will be rolling lockout as it has been for years.

I imagine we will know the majority of the debutantes in advance like most years because the clubs love the media puff pieces telling the story of the new kids before round one to build some excitement.

Future rounds are going to be a bigger issue as we have to line up trades and could certainly get burned a couple of times.

I think we can keep switching players in and out of our team right thru this round - obviously not after their team plays tho - can someone confirm?