We have completed the trade period and all that is left between now and round 1 2011 is a big preseason! The list is basically finalised, so I thought I would take this opportunity to present my best 22 and predicted line up for round 1 2011 against the Tigers.
I thought I would start with my previous best 22 and then my current best 22
This was my best 22 after round 8 this year:
| FB | Armfield | Jamison | Joseph |
| HB | Gibbs | Bower | Russell |
| C | Scotland | Simpson | Carrazzo |
| HF | Yarran | Waite | Houlihan |
| FF | Betts | O'hAilpin | Gartlett |
| R | Kreuzer | Judd | Murphy |
| Int | Jacobs | McLean | Thornton |
| Walker | |||
Basically all those players are still on the list with the exception of big Sammy Jacobs who was offloaded to Adelaide.
So looking towards next year, this is my lineup
| FB | Armfield | Jamison | Russell |
| HB | Scotland | Bower | White |
| C | Simpson | Gibbs | Carrazzo |
| HF | Yarran | Waite | Walker |
| FF | Betts | Henderson | Gartlett |
| R | Warnock | Judd | Murphy |
| Int | Kreuzer | McLean | Lucas |
| Houlihan | |||
Comparing the two, there aren't a lot of differences. I guess the big thing these days is that there a lot of fringe players pushing hard for selection...which is a good thing...but will no doubt create countless headaches for the selection committee!
Looking at each line, I will give a bit of justification around my selections:
Defense
This will be the first pre-season where big Michael Jamison will go through fully fit. Sometimes we underplay his value down back...but with each season we see this man develop more and more....even to the point that some will make claim for him as a future captain. But for the time being he continues to control the troops down back and he is excellent at shutting down the big forwards.
Armfield is continuing to improve his disposal and is not afraid to run and carry the ball...which is what we love to see coming out of defense. Hoping to see another solid year of improvement. Russell coming second in the B&F underlines his skill and potential and if Bower can get his body right should provide a good running option coming out of defense!
The only controversial pick here would have to be White on the flank, but prior to his season ending injury this year, showed he has great potential playing as a tall defender despite only being 190cm tall. But he will need to continue to work hard in order to keep his spot with a lot of young players pushing hard to make the team!
Midfield
With the substitute rule changes coming into effect next season, the midfield will no doubt see a lot more rotation with players going down forward to get a bit of rest instead of going to the bench as we have seen in recent times.
I think the recruitment of a lot of solid defenders will free up Gibbs to play primarily in the midfield or at the minimum of the half back line. But in all honesty...I would love to see him more forward of the center, he has shown that he has great potential as a goal kicking midfielder.
2010 saw Simpson continue to show his value to the team and his run along the wing is awesome to watch! It has been hinted that Judd will spend more time in the forward half, but no matter where he is at...you know his impact will be phenomenal. Murphy will need to step up in 2011, after having limited pre-season preparation this year, he failed to make a significant impact, but his potential is high and I'm sure he will be looking for a big year!
The other thing that excited this year was the form of big Robbie Warnock. After missing all of 2009 after crossing from Freo, there were big concerns he wouldnt make it and we had wasted our time picking him up. Boy did he prove us wrong! Not only is he an amazing tap ruckman, but his agility and ability to goal is awesome for a man that towers at 206cm! In combination with big Matty Kreuzer who will be hungry after his knee recontruction...our ruck team will be stronger than ever!
Forward
Everyone predicted that we wouldnt be able to score with out the big #25...did we show them wrong! Not only did we score...we scored the 5th highest total for the year despite finishing 8th on the ladder. The most excitement came in combination of three small boys...Betts, Gartlett and Yarran! Watching them carve up St Kilda back in round 7 was just bliss to watch.
The other excitement came in the form of Henderson who showed despite his young age...has amazing potential and will no doubt hold down the CHF or FF position for years to come! And last but not least...big Waite. Despite playing a lot of his career down back, his ability to mark and goal is vital if we are going to make that last day in September in the coming years!
Interchange
Brock McLean...was it injuries or is he just not good enough? There has been a lot of talk of the fact he went too hard too early this year and that prematurely ended his year. Im still clinging to the hope that it is true and with better preparation 2011 will be his year!
Kane Lucas is a definite starter and was very unlucky to do his hamstring this year, but will no doubt be fired up for 2011!
Finally Houlihan...I would have to say he was in career best form until he was also stuck down with injury. His ability to play as a defensive forward was crucial and his ability was highlighted against Melbourne where he basically had the game won before quarter time!
Thats it for my first look ahead to 2011....I will probably write again in relation to the up and coming players who are just on the fringe of getting in and will no doubt be breathing down the neck of those in the side!
2011...cant wait!!!
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