Pick a fringe player and predict his future in 2022

[Grantysghost]

McNeil.

Just because he's awesome.

[Mofra]

Khamis.

With just 4 tall defenders on the list he is only an injury or two away from getting a game. It'll be his fourth year on the list so if he's not ready by then when will he be? We certainly have space for an athletic defender who can play tallish or small.

I think next year that will be TOB

[bornadog]

McNeil.

Just because he's awesome.

and you ditched him for your avatar

[Grantysghost]

and you ditched him for your avatar

I know but Bailey is all the rage right now and I'm really just a part of the pack ! (McNeil may be back).

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Could we move Dale onto a wing?

Like he's just won an AA gig as a HB, but could he help us further in this role?

I think Daniel is the one we should be more accommodating to move around.

Daniel's shown an ability to impact the game in multiple positions across the ground already, so I'd continue with that. I think given Dale's challenges to date and the fact he finally found a position/consistency, we keep him as a HBFer.

I also think we still have a need for some of Daniel's ball use forward of centre, given it's so sublime. In big games where space is limited, he could be the difference.

I actually like our wings of Hunter and R. Smith for the most part - both these guys have huge tanks and work hard both ways. If we had a more damaging winger that would be nice (i.e. Gaff) but I think Roarke can be important as a senior role player moving forward.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Schache.

Big year for him - feel like we say that every year - but he made some big steps forward in 2021. It'll be interesting to see where he trains over pre-season, do we put time into him as a defender? Do we see him as a genuine utility? Do we think we need him forward given Bruce's injury?

Either way, there's a spot up for grabs at either end of the ground if he's good enough. He's 24 so he's close to the right age to be playing near the peak of his powers, he should have more confidence than he's ever had before after playing well in a finals series culminating in a GF appearance.

If he consistently plays well, wherever it is, we're a much better side for it.

I'll predict we use him as a utility and he plays 17 games.

[Go_Dogs]

I’m going with West.

We need a tough player who makes the opposition earn it and can play a defensive role around the contest, tackle hard, but also win ball when needed. West can be that player for us.

[Mofra]

I’m going with West.

We need a tough player who makes the opposition earn it and can play a defensive role around the contest, tackle hard, but also win ball when needed. West can be that player for us.

Arguably viewed a bit harshly by the MC too. Was killing it in the VFL, is too good for that level.

[GVGjr]

Arguably viewed a bit harshly by the MC too. Was killing it in the VFL, is too good for that level.

He has to be able to contribute as a smaller forward as well and that is where I don't think the MC has the faith in him.

[azabob]

He has to be able to contribute as a smaller forward as well and that is where I don't think the MC has the faith in him.

My issue with West is he also seems to lose concentration and gives away dumb free kicks and sometimes 50m penalties.

VDM also has this issue.

[GVGjr]

My issue with West is he also seems to lose concentration and gives away dumb free kicks and sometimes 50m penalties.

VDM also has this issue.

Good observation.

[Mofra]

My issue with West is he also seems to lose concentration and gives away dumb free kicks and sometimes 50m penalties.

TBH I think that was a factor in one AFL game where he was clearly desperate to make an impact. It kind of reminded me of how Wally changed his game a little when he knew he was under pressure to hold his spot.

I really think some younger kids just improve when their composure gets a bit better at AFL level. Ryan Gardner is one, Roarke Smith another, Westy seems the same to me. Might be competing with another Rhylee/Riley though for that hard-arse high forward spot.

[jeemak]

TBH I think that was a factor in one AFL game where he was clearly desperate to make an impact. It kind of reminded me of how Wally changed his game a little when he knew he was under pressure to hold his spot.

I really think some younger kids just improve when their composure gets a bit better at AFL level. Ryan Gardner is one, Roarke Smith another, Westy seems the same to me. Might be competing with another Rhylee/Riley though for that hard-arse high forward spot.

If I recall it was coupled with some selfish decisions as well, which may also have been as you say, born of desire to impress/ get runs on the board.

[Dry Rot]

Is Butler still on our list?

[Ghost Dog]

Mitch Wallis won’t go quietly.
Expect a break out from him. Am I just a romantic?
He can do just about anything Mitch Hannan can do and is more aggressive.