What do we do with Joel?

[jeemak]

Wing or half forward, with stints in defence or the middle if we need to change things up.

We have plenty of inside quality around the ball but not nearly enough outside on the wings and forward of the ball. As much as he'd be learning how to be really good inside he'd just be pushing someone who's already better inside and who isn't as competent outside to an outside role and I don't think that's best for the team.

Joel can really help us be a more rounded side if he commits to making his outside game a priority, gets as fit as **** and just runs his arse up and down the field all day.

[54Bulldog16]

It’s a great question Mantis. He’s a star in the making, any other club would be thrilled to have him within their midfield, that’s where he can do the most damage. An attacking goal kicking midfielder.
Spending a full preseason training midfield will see some natural development.
Longer term I see him taking Bonts spot, with Butters and Ed our starting 3. Bont to the 1/4 back role, the general down back, setting up our transition with his elite kicking, but not for a few years yet.

[Scorlibo]

Half back makes sense to me - it's an area of need right now. At times this year it was Bailey Dale or bust for us and the few clubs that worked that out and went with a hard tag on Dale reaped the rewards. Joel can be another genuine playmaker back there, taking JJ's spot who looks a lot closer to the end than Libba right now (whose spot Joel would be taking presumably as a first-choice centre bounce mid. Would also be good for his development to work on his defensive craft, which is a bit lacking compared to the seasoned Libba and Bont in particular.