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Who will debut in 2023?

Demonland
in Melbourne Demons

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i reckon any number of our players could debut eg Howes, Woewodin etc.  In fact I would have Howes in the top two most likely.  Sestan as a long shot.

Being a regular 22 is another matter.

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    Given the dearth of debutante’s since ‘21 expecting for the floodgates to open? Probably not but it would be good to blood some new blokes.
     

    Deakyn Smith and Andy Moniz-Wakefield  are part of the posse pushing participation.

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    Not sure about Jefferson, particularly if Brown, McDonald and van Rooyen are fit.

    For me it would be JvR and Howes most likely with Woewodin, McVee, Laurie and Deakyn Smith hopefully pushing for games as well.

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    Hoping to see JVR, Laurie, Howes, Woewodin and McVee, a long stretch given the quality of our trades but important to keep young players invested in our system. We won a granny with 7 players under 21 and may need another injection of youth to achieve our next flag. Also want to see Chandler given a decent shot.!!

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    29 minutes ago, mauriesy said:

    isn't the question about Rookies?

    Yes but they have obviously used poetic licence - someone on the list who is yet to play AFL

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    JVR round 1

    Blake Howes mid year and I’m going to throw a Smokey out there…. Deakyn Smith to take over from Hibberd at one stage 

    Edited by Demongirl35

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    I think there's a very low chance that Jefferson debuts this year. If van Rooyen didn't last year, I can't see the selectors backflipping on this philosophy and picking him this year given his slim size.

    My thoughts on the 5 most likely to debut this year:

    1. Jacob van Rooyen

    2. Blake Howes

    3. Judd McVee

    4. Bailey Laurie

    5. Taj Woewodin

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    JVR, Howes, Woey.

    JVR a lock to play barring a serious injury before round 1. Could become best 22 if he handles senior level well.

    No others likely to become best 22, but could see Howes, Woey, Laurie all getting a run at some point if they perform well at VFL level. Howes in particular has been close to selection already and shown flashes this preseason in match simulations.

    Jefferson needs time to build his body and learn at Casey. He sits behind BB, Tmac, JVR, Schache in the pecking order for tall forwards at this stage.
    Mcvee doesn't look likely and probably be delisted end of year tbh.
    Deakyn Smith could potentially surprise as a small defender, but is an outside chance. Would be great if he could take over the Hibberd smaller defender lockdown role.

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    JVR and Howes are definite unless they cop any injuries 

    Woey jnr is a probable 

    Laurie is a still a maybe 

    of course Hunter and Grundy to debut as Dees and Schachachacheache is a highly likely 

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    The other side of the coin is what happens at the end of the season to players who have been on the list for two full years without a senior appearance? If any of Laurie, Howes, van Rooyen, Woewodin, McVee, Moniz-Wakefield (any others?) don't play, will that be it for them at Melbourne? 

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    Deakyn Smith 🤞🏼

    Told me himself that he’s fit and firing and has been training a bunch with Greg Stafford. And that his groin issues are no longer a thing. 

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    45 minutes ago, Lord Travis said:

    JVR, Howes, Woey.

    JVR a lock to play barring a serious injury before round 1. Could become best 22 if he handles senior level well.

    No others likely to become best 22, but could see Howes, Woey, Laurie all getting a run at some point if they perform well at VFL level. Howes in particular has been close to selection already and shown flashes this preseason in match simulations.

    Jefferson needs time to build his body and learn at Casey. He sits behind BB, Tmac, JVR, Schache in the pecking order for tall forwards at this stage.
    Mcvee doesn't look likely and probably be delisted end of year tbh.
    Deakyn Smith could potentially surprise as a small defender, but is an outside chance. Would be great if he could take over the Hibberd smaller defender lockdown role.

    McVee is progressing well. Those who have attended pre-season would be aware that he is highly regarded and is doing well as a defender in match sim... more likely to get an extension than be delisted.

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    Outside of JVR and Jefferson, surely Laurie has the biggest upside out of the lot considering he's a first round draft pick in his third year in the system (albeit 2021 was injury riddled).

    He should be aiming for at least 5 games this year.

    Edited by Bring-Back-Powell

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    5 minutes ago, Bring-Back-Powell said:

    Outside of JVR and Jefferson, surely Laurie has the biggest upside out of the lot considering he's a first round draft pick in his third year in the system (albeit 2021 was injury riddled).

    He should be aiming for at least 5 games this year.

    I hope he's aiming for every game...not that he will get them but you've got to aim high.

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    I’m having a buck on KFW at 200 to 1 for a debut this season.

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    Depends on injuries. JVR and Woey for mine.

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    Given Howes was an emergency as early as round 4 last year, he may be the first to debut, even before JVR (if they opt for only T Mac and BBB in the early rounds).

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    It's easy to say who you think could debut, but a little harder to say who they're going to replace ...

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    2 hours ago, Action Jackson said:

    I think there's a very low chance that Jefferson debuts this year. If van Rooyen didn't last year, I can't see the selectors backflipping on this philosophy and picking him this year given his slim size.

    My thoughts on the 5 most likely to debut this year:

    1. Jacob van Rooyen

    2. Blake Howes

    3. Judd McVee

    4. Bailey Laurie

    5. Taj Woewodin

    I have a premonition that Jefferson will debut for us later in the season as a half forward flanker where he can use his pace marking and speed and height plus goal sense. He won't replace JVR who will still be holding his place but ANB Spargo  and Harmesy might all be possible to give him his chance. 

    He won't be asked to take on 195 cm giants or 95/100 kg KPP but half back flankers of the intercept type. All those supporters saying he is too light will realise that with his skill set and pace and agility he will have the footy smarts to match it with the smaller backs in most sides. Will also Bob up in the forward pocket to kick some goals as well.  Imagine JVR Fritta Jefferson and Kossie trying to keep them quiet plus our other forwards. These four are all genuine match winners and goal scorers!!

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    JVR for sure. and Howes most likely

    I worry for Laurie. Hasn't really shown any standout qualities yet. 

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