Biggest SURPRISE selection for Round 1

[mjp]

Who would be your biggest 'surprise' selection for Round 1.

It feels like there are a few candidates:

Dolan
Khamis
Gardner
Cleary
Croft
Davidson
Poulter
...
I feel there are cases for each of them...

[josie]

I don’t think Davidson will be a surprise given woofer reports & his game against hawks.

I’m going (& hoping for) Cleary.

[SquirrelGrip]

Who would be your biggest 'surprise' selection for Round 1.

It feels like there are a few candidates:

Dolan
Khamis
Gardner
Cleary
Croft
Davidson
Poulter
...
I feel there are cases for each of them...

Not sure Davidson is a 'surprise' selection. I think most of us would be surprised if he's not picked Round 1.

I do feel the coaches/selectors are very keen on what Croft brings to the table with his athletic attributes and want to pick him.

Dolan isn't far off but I suspect a game or two for Footscray first. Cleary will probably make way for Dale, unless we move Freijah out of defence.

The others I just can't see us playing without additional injuries.

[Bornadog]

I would be surprised if Croft got a game. I feel he isn't ready yet for AFL.

[Axe Man]

Davidson is a lock.

Whilst I probably wouldn't pick Croft personally I think he's a sneaky chance of getting a game. He had an almost game against the hawks. I think they like the way he covers the ground, even if the contested side of his game isn't there yet.

[GVGjr]

I don’t think Davidson will be a surprise given woofer reports & his game against hawks.

I’m going (& hoping for) Cleary.

I get what you're saying but debut's should be a surprise.

Cleary could be a 'surprise' selection but I wonder if it's because we might use Freijah or even Davidson in slightly different roles.
Gardner is one I would consider because he can back up in a few roles.
Could Poulter be a sub given his versatility.

[Mofra]

Poulter.

I don't see it as a forward, but I'm guessing he gets selected as a surprise.

[mjp]

I don’t think Davidson will be a surprise given woofer reports & his game against hawks.

I’m going (& hoping for) Cleary.

Yeah - I was posting on the basis that it was Christmas Eve and we were all looking ahead to Round 1...

I was going to say that but given the disaster of my "Round 1 Under Bevo" thread and all the mistakes I made I thought I'd make it as simple as possible.

[soupman]

Arthur Jones is a decent shot and would probably be a surprise even now.

I'm expecting Davidson to get a run, and of the nominees I suspect we are keen to get Croft in, despite none of us actually thinking he is ready, so he'd be the biggest surprise.

[Aidan7557]

I think Dolan just misses out to Arty although I expect one of the two could be the sub. Not a big Cleary fan but he did play great against Hawthorn and might allow Freijah to get on ball minutes which I'm all for. I know I'm in the minority but I want Croft to play so bad. Covers the ground well and can be a winger and third tall forward. Please no Poulter.... Feel like with some soldiers missing we can use the first month to experiment a little more hence why I think it's a good idea to give Dolan, Cleary and Croft a go.

[whythelongface]

Poulter.

I don't see it as a forward, but I'm guessing he gets selected as a surprise.

Reckon yuh could be right. I would be surprised if kicks a goal (but it would be a very nice surprise).

[azabob]

I have been on Josh Dolan since draft night so for mine, Josh Dolan will be the surprise selection.

He started a long way back due to his size and then even further back due to his limited training minutes prior to Christmas.

There is something about his work ethic, running ability and most importantly his skills which sets him apart from most players who are competing with him for a small forward - high half forward role.

I'm not too worried by his size, he is very similar to when Dale first started out. If your good enough you will play.

[NAUGHTY100]

Who would be your biggest 'surprise' selection for Round 1.

It feels like there are a few candidates:

Dolan
Khamis
Gardner
Cleary
Croft
Davidson
Poulter
...
I feel there are cases for each of them...

As been mentioned Davidson is a lock i think , so no surprise there , my guess is Cleary will get the nod just ahead of Dolan , and i think that if VDM wasnt passed fit Dolan would have been in the side, i also think Croft may get a guernsey, so Cleary to play and the surprise selection Jordan Croft .

[Rusty12]

Croft is the one that would suprise me, for sure.
Dolan is the one I think it will be.

[jazzadogs]

From your list, Gardner and Poulter would surprise me the most. I think JOD has got the FB nod ahead of Gards, and Poulter is no good. The rest can make a case for their spot in the side so wouldn't surprise me.

If we're talking comparisons to my round 1 prediction pre Christmas, I think Davidson and possibly Buku were the only ones in it so it is a list that has surprised with their last couple of months.