Every year I feel like there's a player that comes from almost nowhere to become a regular best 22 player that maybe not be pretty or a star but an important role player. Last year I guess I would've said it was Frost (others may argue for another player), he was far and away our best defender, although given the year that might not be the biggest praise ever.

I'd be interested to know who people think may get their way into the 22 and stay there for most of the year after being considered depth or just not that good.

My pick might not be going hugely out on a limb but I think ANB is going to resume his form from 2018. I would say that I wasn't alone in expecting/hoping he was going to be shown the door at the end of 2019 but it sounds like he's putting in some good signs at training and he has a very good fitness base. His best quality in 2018 was that he solidly contributed almost a couple of goals a game while putting in lots of km's through the match including 1% plays.

The way we've recruited and so far the fitness of the group means he is going to have to keep putting in good performances to maintain his spot. I feel that he (like a few others) lost their confidence and drive to be at their best during a difficult 2019.

My other pick is (fitness permitting) Petty but think he's going to have a lot of competition for his spot and his form will fluctuate.

There’s quite a few to choose from now with Rivers, Pickett , Jackson,  Lockhart, Petty and possibly AVB ( if he counts) . I’m thinking Lockhart but I hope 2 or 3 from this list step up. 

Same one I had the last two years who keeps denying it with injury. Joel Smith.

Outside of my standard above, Dunkley to play most of the year. 

Im going with Oscar MacDonald to unexpectedly perhaps, play most games and get semi regular votes from Demonland player of the round.

I’d go with Hore. Surely he isn’t expected to be best 22

Mitch Brown, just a feeling he will be playing in the early rounds. 

Edited January 25, 20205 yr by Dee Zephyr

49 minutes ago, Dee Zephyr said:

Mitch Brown, just a feeling he will be playing in the early rounds. 

Absolutely agree. I think this guy could be the steal of the trade period. We got him for a bag of peanuts.

I’m still surprised Essendon delisted him. One of my mates is a passionate Dons supporter (he used to run and own a very well known sports betting agency, so he knows a thing or two about footy) -  he cannot believe Essendon got rid of him. Brown has a long and accurate kick. He presents reasonably well, and he runs hard, all day. There’s perhaps a knock on his contested marking ability, but he’s an AFL standard second or third tall forward (which we need).

While he’s not an AA blockbuster forward, I reckon he’ll be very effective for us, and he’ll surprise quite a few pundits.

 

Backline: Hore, Oscar, Smith, Lockhart are our 7-10th best defenders and all around the mark, they’ll all have to play during the year but unsure if any completely lock up a spot. A bit early to tell for Rivers.

Mids: The 2nd year trio of Dunkley, Sparrow and Jordon should push for games. Sparrow probably has the most ready made upside due to athleticism. Baker is still the hope for the second half of the year. 

Forwards: The most open group. Any of Mitch Brown, Petty, Weid or Jackson could grab hold of a tall spot. Plenty of small options.

But my overall tip is that Kade Chandler is best 22. Unfortunately now his broken wrist might see him in VFL and needing to prove himself to start the season. 

2 minutes ago, Ron Burgundy said:

Absolutely agree. I think this guy could be the steal of the trade period. We got him for a bag of peanuts.

I’m still surprised Essendon delisted him. One of my mates is a passionate Dons supporter (he used to run and own a very well known sports betting agency, so he knows a thing or two about footy) -  he cannot believe Essendon got rid of him. Brown has a long and accurate kick. He presents reasonably well, and he runs hard, all day. There’s perhaps a knock on his contested marking ability, but he’s an AFL standard second or third tall forward (which we need).

While he’s not an AA blockbuster forward, I reckon he’ll be very effective for us, and he’ll surprise quite a few pundits.

 

He’s close to a zero defensively and he’s very soft at the contest, particularly in the air. He could be useful in April running to space but he’s not the kind of player you need in September.

Essendon probably delisted him because they are sick of playing back half counter attacking footy and want to get serious about playing like a finals team.

Toby bedford could be a chance, looks to be training well from all reports

I reckon if Vanders plays most of the year, we're a shoe in for finals.

Petty for me.  His progress in 2019 was exceptional imo, and I'll back him to continue that trend in 2020.  Loads of upside and can play at either end.

Jordon is an accumulator of the footy with elite vision and kicking skills. He has a tank too. Expect him starting in the centre in September.

18 hours ago, DeeSpencer said:

He’s close to a zero defensively and he’s very soft at the contest, particularly in the air. He could be useful in April running to space but he’s not the kind of player you need in September.

Essendon probably delisted him because they are sick of playing back half counter attacking footy and want to get serious about playing like a finals team.

I think you have misplaced your comment.

This thread is called "Unexpected Best 22 Player".

Better you look for the "Not Expected Best 22 Thread" to place your comment.

9 minutes ago, Neil Crompton said:

I think you have misplaced your comment.

This thread is called "Unexpected Best 22 Player".

Better you look for the "Not Expected Best 22 Thread" to place your comment.

Not expected best 22 i’ll take Bradtke and he is a project player.

A case can be made for everyone else on the list.

 

18 hours ago, In Harmes Way said:

I reckon if Vanders plays most of the year, we're a shoe in for finals.

After such a unfortunate run with injuries, If Vanders does play most of the year he definitely is the most unexpected player.

Well unexpected by supporters of other clubs. I am discounting the last two years recruits,  apart from this man,  unexpected, would be if Bennell manages to get his legs right and play towards the latter part of the year.

He will cost us absolutely nothing, last placed rookie,   is never expected to do a thing, regular player  at Casey perhaps. But if this man has his head correct and gets his body back to half of what he could have been. We just might have stolen a match winner if we get into September action.

I'd love to see Lockhart get a good opportunity this year, his game sense from last years sampling was really top notch, keen to see how that's developed.

Best unexpected for me would have to be; Smith and Petty. 

Smith seems to be setting himself up as a versatile player, just like T. McDonald, but a little more agile.
Petty has that Hogan swagger about him, he knows how to earn a free kick and has great confidence. 

Excited to see what's to come.