No Duryea is a bit of a surprise. I think you're right about Baker and good to see West and Darcy in the line up.
Where do you see Roarke Smith, Hannan and Bruce in the selection mix?
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A fit Duryea is our number 1 lockdown small defender. Injuries impacted him last year and I am not sure he can regain his 20/21 form. Hope to be proven wrong as I rate him. I also think we are looking at more run from defence hence JJ go back and he replaces him.
Bruce needs to prove to me he is a capable defender. He looks it great shape so he is doing everything right.
i would prefer to give the younger players with a bigger upside a go before Hannan and Roarke. I hear Hannan has been great in preseason but he goes missing too much for me in game. He has all the attributes, just does not get enough of the pill.
I'm interested to know why you feel that way? I think he has been moved there for training not because he is a first choice option, but because the coaches identified limited opportunities in the forward line and wanted to build his skillset.
My backline is
Jones and Gardner (KPP)
Keath (3rd tall, interceptor) - this is the role Darcy is gunning for
Duryea (small close checking defender)
Richards, Dale (quarterbacks) - also acknowledge Richards is currently our best interceptor
Caleb - bench cover
Mids
English (ruck)
Bont, Macrae, Libba
Baker, Roarke (wings) - Baker v Williams v Roarke v Scott over the next month
5th mid/high half forward - Bailey Smith
Bench cover - McLean, Garcia, Williams
Forwards
Lobb out of the square, Naughton as our Nick Riewoldt, Jamarra floating
Weightman - at their feet, but also on their heads
West - forward pressure, hopefully some midfield minutes.
Bench cover - Hannan (he's a Bevo favourite and has been leading the running)
I imagine JJ and Darcy will find their way into the team as well, with West, Hannan, Williams and Keath on the fringe.
I have accounted for Treloar not being fit.
I haven't seen much of Baker but I can't see him coming straight in. He was a fringe player at Melbourne and they were happy to lose him and put Hunter on the wing, so that tells me a bit about his ability.
While I agree Baker is no walk up start for round 1 we should acknowledge that Bevo normally embraces new arrivals and gives them the chance to grab a spot. I don't see why that would not apply to Baker if he impresses.
As for the Hunter and Baker example you have highlighted we often see what might be described as fringe players at some clubs getting chances in their new sides.
Baker was stuck behind 2 good wingers at Melbourne so no shame there. Time will tell if he gets a chance and then makes a strong showing.
I am basing his inclusion on training reports, as he seems one of the first choice. It would not be unlike Bevo.
I don't share your concerns that he was a fringe player. I understand the situations are not identical and not taking the conversation over old ground, but Lipinski and Young were also fringe players.
You can be a good player missing out on opportunities through circumstance - like having AA winger Ed Langdon and Angus Brayshaw ahead of you. His numbers at VFL level are good for a wing - he got 34 touches against Footscray in round 18.
The one thing he has going for him is he is a genuine wingman and the only one on our list. I think breaking into a Demon's team with the extremely durable and consistent Hunt and Langdon was probably an uphill battle, despite playing really well over an extended time in the VFL.
I don't know much about him the only information coming from a Melbourne supporting mate but apparently he's quick and has a crack. One negative is his kicking or so I've heard.
I personally think he is a player in a position of need and I can see him getting a jumper early in the season.
Baker is interesting, has speed, aggression but appears his skills are hit and miss. I hope his delisting is a wake up call for him and he now understands he needs to improve his professionalism off field, especially during the season.
I found it interesting in his interview for the club when he arrived, that he met with Bevo & Power during the season with a view of a trade potentially. So we’ve seen something in him for a long while to have targeted him, long before Hunter was out the door. So I’m hoping you’re bang on. Plus we got him for free!
I’m surprised to see Keath left out of so many teams.
Back half of 2021 and 2022 were a total write off due to injuries.
From all reports he is now moving well and injury free, for this reason alone I’d be giving him the nod ahead of Bruce and Darcy.
I only have training reports and it just highlights that we have great depth with plenty of regulars under pressure for a spot.
Hopefully this translates into a strong start to the season.