Your Plan A -Backline

[Jesse Christ 2,884]

I know you want to try hard at having a go at me, good for you. But if you can read, and that's a big if, you would see I told 55 how good a post that was, although arguing that there's no rotation in the backline and then quoting time on ground stats between about 80-90% actually disproves the point rather than proves it. But don't let the facts get in the way of another trademark 'Land attack.

I was innocently pointing out to those who were not following at home that you tried to make a fellow poster look inferior and it backfired in your face. I think the kids call that a "burn". No need to attack me Stu.

I thought I told you to ignore me. What happened there? I know, I know- how can you ignore someone so entertaining? I couldn't do it either. You are only human.

[stuie 7,374]

I was innocently pointing out to those who were not following at home that you tried to make a fellow poster look inferior and it backfired in your face. I think the kids call that a "burn". No need to attack me Stu.

I thought I told you to ignore me. What happened there? I know, I know- how can you ignore someone so entertaining? I couldn't do it either. You are only human.

Yes, I made a wisecrack at another poster and he came back with a well thought out response, which I admitted and even said it was a "good post". So, I don't understand why someone who seems so concerned about "attacks" would feel the need to come in and try to celebrate like they had any part of it. Pretty weak. But I think the kids call that a "troll".

Edited January 31, 2013 by stuie

[stevethemanjordan 6,952]

I'll give it a shake.

(Obviously this is subject to change at the conclusion of the NAB cup, but for now here goes)

My starting six for round 1 against Port would be as follows:

B Garland Frawley Jetta

HB Strauss McDonald Watts/Dunn

Garland is great for versatility as we know he can play on smalls and talls. He's quick, creative and has finally developed some body mass so I hope that gives him some added confidence because sometimes he is not physical enough

on the field. Lets hope he gets his kicking right this year too. If he had some aggression he would be an A grade backman, no doubt.

Frawley needs to have an injury free year and get back to his 2010 form. It's pivotal for our improvement as a team for him to show the confidence he did in 2010. He's quick, strong, aggressive and a pretty efficient kick for a Full Back. The whole backline look a lot stronger when Frawley is up and firing. He's a confidence player.

Jetta and Nicholson are competing for a BP position in my eyes. I've heard that Jetta will more likely play HB but I rate his footskills under pressure higher than that of Nicholsons so he gets BP for me. I'm still not convinced by Nicho. Yes he's always winning and leading the time trials at pre-season, but if you can't kick, I don't care how elite your tank is. I was playing footy against him in the Amo's not long ago and I've never rated him as highly as many on here. (It's not jealousy, I swear....) But seriously. It looks like Jetta has had the pre-season he's been waiting for and with his aggression, physicality, flair, and more importantly footskills, he gets the nod at this stage.

Strauss and Terlich are competing for a spot with Strauss ahead for me. Whilst he wasn't rated overly high at Scotch college he's always had phenomenal footskills and a pretty good tank so if he can get his mentality right

and show some physicality which is what he'll need, then he could be a fantastically damaging HB for us. Terlich looks to be similar and may turn out to be the player I want Strauss to be. NAB cup can't come soon enough.

McDonald plays CHB on one of the big boys. He's got a tank to match any hard working CHF, a mongrel of an appetite to compete, and a serious desire to improve that has already seen his kicking come a long way. I will admit, there were

definitely times last year where I wasn't entirely convinced but I certainly am now. In my eyes he is a much better kick than Nicholson and you can see at training and in interviews he is hellbent on fixing it. He's a very exciting prospect

for us. Pretty quick for someone with such a big tank. A rare mix.

Watts starts on the field with Dunn the 7th back on the bench. The beauty of these two playing the same role is that they can both go forward as well during a game for a bit of variety. I have a feeling the Watts is starting to piece it all together.

He looks bigger, more assertive, confident. Playing on physical players such as Dawes and Clark at training will have helped him too, (even though Clark has been injured for all of it). Watts is not a naturally aggressive player as we know but

I'm hoping we'll start seeing a little bit of it this year. Dunn is the guy who does have the aggression and I rate him as a role player. I'm sure he'll get games for playing on specific players to unnerve them etc. He is still valuable. Can play as a

defensive forward also.

That leaves Sellar, Nicholson, Terlich, Gillies, Tynan all of whom are behind in my eyes for various deficiencies in their game. Kicking mainly.

Sellar is a good kick but McDonald, Frawley, Garland and Watts/Dunn are ahead.

Can't wait for the season to begin.

Go Dees.

Edited January 31, 2013 by stevethemanjordan

[Biffen 12,436]

No one said anything about "mass rotations", just talking about how rotations are part of the game these days.

As far as your rotations policy goes , perhaps you should sit on it. Your backline may appreciate it.

and it may save you from the "mass-debate"you indulge in so frequently.

Edited January 31, 2013 by Biffen

[old55 21,699]

I am surprised how many people think Garland is a lock. His form from last year when back wont get him a spot. Most line ups shown seem to have ignored the need for some run and carry from the back half. Expect one of Strauss/Terlich/Toumpas to play that role.

Jetta Frawley Dunn

Strauss TMac Watts

The only reason I had Garland as a lock is he is continuing in the leadership group so his contribution must be internally valued. I think his position is under pressure though. Probably only Frawley amd McDonald are really locks.

Garland, Watts, Dunn, Gillies, Jetta, Nicholson, Terlich, Strauss, Tynan are all battling for 4 spots.

To answer stuie's and autocol's point about running backmen rotations - they're not rotated for match-up reasons - they're rotated for fatigue reasons and I wouldn't sacrifice a rotation position for an extra backman from the list above - that player has to be a capable midfielder with the attibutes to play back. I think Grimes is the natural player to rotate from the midfield through the backline (a la Malceski) when runners are resting.

Sellar and Macdonald appear to be depth and Davis and Clisby development.

[stuie 7,374]

As far as your rotations policy goes , perhaps you should sit on it. Your backline may appreciate it.

and it may save you from the "mass-debate"you indulge in so frequently.

Ahhhh I see what you did there. The other grade 4s must laugh and laugh every recess. Nice one.