Getting in early as I just want to move on from the wreck that was 2024…
Obviously, trades/draft to come, but right now I’ve got our best 23 as;-
Ridley McKay McGrath
Redman Reid Merrett
Duursma Parish Roberts
Martin Jones SEH
Langford Caddy Kako
Draper Durham Caldwell
Bench: Tsatas Hobbs Perkins 2MP
SUB: Gresham
Merrett to play half-back flank so he doesn’t get tagged/bashed around every week - a bit like what Martin did this year, Martin to play forward
I’m assuming we lose Stringer, Shiel & probably Bryan
One thing is clear, we can’t afford to have so many braindead players down back and needs a complete refresh with players that are composed or can actually kick. The defence was a disaster.
You’d think Roberts is a permanent fixture down there (or wings), I rate his kicking and he’s tough and has shown up his mates for dead in that regard. We need more ofthat. I’d also consider Merrett off a HB, and doing a fair amount of kick-ins with a player that can actually kick a ball under pressure. I’d also add Saad-El Hawli off a HB, he has great pace and his kicking is mostly good. Three players that would do a hell of a lot better than the current lot.
Would love to see McKay, Ridley and Reid actually play together.
Saad or Roberts has to move to a back flank.
You can trust Durham and Merrett but they gotta play on the outside to allow Hobbs and Tsatas to come in.
Need two small forwards better than Gresham and Guelfi.
Versatility is overrated. Give the likes of Cox, Jones, Perkins a role. If we’ve got a positional hole just keep trying to plug it with someone until someone stands up.
Replace Hobbs with Kako if he is ready to come
Straight in, then Hobbs and Tsatas fight for the last midfield spot.
Martin, El Hawli and Roberts can all rotate through those three positions which would actually be a strength of ours.
Hayes to come in when Reid inevitably injures himself in round 3 after his best preseason ever.
Redman is absolutely best 22, as long as he gets to play his strength which is rebound defender. Push Martin up to wing/half forward and let Reddog rebound. It’s a no brainer
Here’s your starting point Scott. See if you can fill the gaps and get them playing a FULL year of consistent and skilful football following a game plan that is meaningful!
