His marking has at least improved a zillion percent… 2022 he took 35 marks in 22 games, was just about the lowest on the entire list
Yep 49 marks in 16 games in 2024 was an improvement, but he played more time forward than in 2022 and hence did much more hitouts.
All I return is if 2MP can retunr to 2022 form, or Caddy and Lanford and maybe Jones step up then we do not need Draper as a forward, where he is not skilled.
That backline will be shredded by the Hawthorn smalls in round 1.
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That’s our best available…lol
I think we need to play Merrett and McGrath back for games like the Hawks in round 1. Merrett can still have stints on the ball but can start back and play a Zorko type role. Plus he combines well with McGrath and Redman so I think we will see a little more of Merrett down back in 2025
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The problem with Merrett going back is I’m not sure who becomes “Merrett” in the midfield. Won’t be Parish, so hopefully a Durham or a Caldwell take that next step.
We do forget that El Hawli is a factor, and could be that pacey halfback we are looking for.
There’s a lot of hype on El Hawli around here, he’ll be rated as elite by December.
Hope he’s good.
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Yes the hype is based pretty much on kicking 4 goals in a reserves game
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He’s definitely getting hyped to the max, but it wasn’t just one good game - he made VFL team of the year.
Granted, mostly for his work at Bullants.
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Parish has shown he can do it.
We have enough depth in the midfield for Merrett to play back
Durham Caldwell Parish Shiel Hobbs Setterfield Tsatas all genuine midfield options
None of them do what Merrett does though. We need a true leader to emerge from that group before you can remove Merrett.
We’ve got one superstar, and he needs to be on ball until we can genuinely cover for him.
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Everyone here would be happy for Wright to return to his 2022 form.
Jones being able to take more contested marks would fix a lot of issues.
I don’t think either will happen, hence why I think Draper is more likely to play forward.
We will see.
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Caldwell is the one and I’m hoping Brad extends the leadership group to include him.
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Our best depth across the whole squad is in the midfield. Most would say our 2nd and 3rd best players last year were playing in the centre square alongside Merrett. I would happily trial Merrett across halfback as he could probably still accumulate and use his kicking like he would on-ball, and another spot opens up for a guy like Tsatas or Hobbs who can dominate VFL but are wasted on a wing or flank. What do we have to lose? Worst case scenario is Merrett loses some influence for a while and we drop a couple of games which leaves us with a better draft hand.
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A big issue with our team last year was congestion in our forward line. What if we played 17 men on the field and opened up more space in our forward line? What do we have to lose? Worst case scenario is the opposition spare / extra dominates for a while and we drop a couple of games which leaves us with a better draft hand.
Still have Reid in there, apparently he is feeling really good about his body, and for the first time noticing there are no niggles this time of the year, perfect for a preseason start
Reid will probably trip over a Christmas pudding and suffer torn ankle ligaments.
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Parish needs to find his best footy again and badly, if he has another poor season next year trade him out