Jordan Croft - Where does he best fit?

[Dogs 24/7]

I'm intrigued by where we might use Jordan Croft this year.
He had a very interrupted 2024 with injuries so it was hard to gauge where we might play him

The training reports haven't been able to provide a lot of clarity in terms of position but have highlighted he is looking sharp in the drills and being used in a variety of roles match simulations inlcuding some time on the wing.

So where do you think we will play him this year?

We've all heard the rumors with Ugle-Hagan and that he might not be focused and fit so I hope we give Croft as much time up forward as we can for this year.

[Woofingwarrior]

Would be good to see him developing as a defender but if he’s a Darcy level talent up forward that would be hard to ignore

[mjp]

It's a great post but I have no idea how to vote or respond...

Seems like the last bloke we ever needed (but father/son so watchagonnado!!) which probably means he'll be the best of all of 'them' (current talls group) in the position we need least.

Given that bleary outlook - he's probably most likely a forward and least likely a ruck.

[GVGjr]

It's a great post but I have no idea how to vote or respond...

Seems like the last bloke we ever needed (but father/son so watchagonnado!!) which probably means he'll be the best of all of 'them' (current talls group) in the position we need least.

Given that bleary outlook - he's probably most likely a forward and least likely a ruck.

Are the check boxes not visible for you?
There are 3 options listed.

[mjp]

Are the check boxes not visible for you?
There are 3 options listed.

LOL - nah, I can see them. I just don't know what to pick.

The functionality is fine...I have literally no idea what to do with Croft as a player. He isn't needed back. He isn't needed forward. Where is IS needed he wont play.

It all makes NO SENSE to me.

[Jasper]

I'm with Dogs 24/7. As much as I think he could be a great defender I don't trust Ugle-Hagans availability in the short term.

[azabob]

LOL - nah, I can see them. I just don't know what to pick.

The functionality is fine...I have literally no idea what to do with Croft as a player. He isn't needed back. He isn't needed forward. Where is IS needed he wont play.

It all makes NO SENSE to me.

Where is he needed?

[mjp]

Where is he needed?

Backs: Jones/Lobb/JOD/Busslinger
Fwds: Naughton/JUH/Darcy

You tell me??

[azabob]

Backs: Jones/Lobb/JOD/Busslinger
Fwds: Naughton/JUH/Darcy

You tell me??

Surely this year is still a VFL development year?

I hope we play him CHB in the VFL all year as there is definitely a spot for him if he is good enough 2026 and beyond.

If he plays forward I can only assume Darcy will be our number one ruck in 2026 and Croft slides into the third tall spot behind Naughton and JUH?

[Uninformed]

I like him forward for his speed and aggression.

He should be great for chase down defensive pressure. Train him forward until he is better than either JUH or Naughton and plays regularly.

Strong list management position then!

[weltschmerz]

100% depends on what JUH's year looks like. If he gets a kick up the arse, cleans up his accuracy by foot, and looks like he's signing on long term, Croft has heaps of attributes that'd be really valuable in the back line and he'd be a great pair with Busslinger. If JUH looks like he's headed out, Croft can easily slot in with Naughton and Darcy up forward.

[weltschmerz]

Backs: Jones/Lobb/JOD/Busslinger
Fwds: Naughton/JUH/Darcy

You tell me??

I'd guess Jones has one or two seasons left in him. Lobb might have three or four.

[jeemak]

I went with option three. If he can get a game good for him, it'll be wherever he can and he needs to just have a crack and get a taste. Figure out the rest later when JUH has made his mind up regarding his long term future, and after Busslinger has either failed or succeeded.

[jazzadogs]

Even if Marra leaves in the future, which is pure conjecture, do we NEED a third tall forward to pair with Darcy and Naughton? Most teams manage with two tall forwards.

We have no AFL standard young KPDs at the moment. He should absolutely be training as a defender. Busslinger has proven nothing, and Buku and JOD have proven slightly more but are not KPDs. Lobb and Jones will be gone soon and we need a plan.

[weltschmerz]

From what we've seen in VFL, Buss has a good footy brain, is composed, and has a good kick, but is pretty slow. Croft's kick needs work, but he's aggressive and very athletic. Both can mark whatever comes their way. Those two, with JOD as an all rounder, would work great together.