DeeSpencer

BB I don't think their is an easy answer. I think you just have to make judgments. E25 has gone with multiple rucks so I'd give him a couple of bonus points there. But you have to look at where they will be playing the rest of the game as well. With players coming off injury and form dips I think its fair to make whatever judgment you this is appropriate on how much below their best you think they are. For the youngsters I think you can do some research on their VFL form and other form and then look at their role in the team. I'd say Toy was a top 5 draft pick and Patrick a rookie prospect. I'm pretty confident my team would beat Collingwood but there wouldn't be much in it as Collingwood's grand final 22 comprised 22 very capable AFL players with no weakness in the side similar to mine. Anyone who thinks there team would smash a premiership side is ahead of themselves I believe.

FB: J. Surjan (Port) N. Grima (NM) S. Hurn (WCE) HB: J. Kelly (Geel) L. McPharlin (Fre) J. Adcock (Bris) C: D. Thomas (Coll) S. Thompson (Adel) S. Hill (Fre) HF: M. Morton (Rich) L. Henderson (Carl) D. Swallow (GC) FF: A. Monfries (Ess) L. Franklin (Haw) A. Schneider (StK) R: M. Jamar (Melb) J.P. Kennedy (Syd) R. Griffen (WB) Captain - S. Thompson Leadership group - Thompson, Thomas, Kelly, Jamar, Monfries, Adcock, Surjan 7. L. Franklin (Haw) Find me a more exciting player in the competition? There isn't one when Buddy is on. Capable of kicking bags at full forward and also changing up and using his strong endurance and work rate. He hasn't had the strongest last two years in terms of figures but he's still the premier key forward in the competition. 14. M. Jamar (Melb) Everyone has picked a quality ruckman. But how many of them can turn games of football and play whole seasons without getting clearly beaten. Besides big Sandilands I challenge anyone to find better than Jamar. He's strong and works hard and provides some muscle for the rest of the team. 27. S.Hurn (WCE) An early pick up due to the nature of this draft but not undeserving. He's a big strong young man with a monster 70m kick with precision. Will provide run from the back half as well. Possible one of only a couple of WC players who can kick the footy and that's why he's gone early. 34. D.Thomas (Coll) Pendlebury and Swan are class players, but Thomas is more dangerous by foot and with run than both of those and stepped into their league this year. Fantastic particularly in GF 1 and will never stop running. Doesn't shirk the hard stuff and a luxury to have on a wing. 47. S.Hill (Frem) Excitement machine. Breaks lines, kicks goals and also wins his own footy. On track to be the most exciting wingman in the comp if he's not already. Will only be fitter and better in 2011. 54. D.Swallow (GC) Played WAFL, VFL (top 5 league medal), best player in the under 18's as 17 year old. Fit and good build. He's more than ready to come into the AFL and will get all the opportunities. Clean hands, clean by foot and with the size to be able to play on a half forward flank. Another luxury. 67. R.Griffen (W Dogs) Near elite midfielder in a near elite side. A bargain for pick 67. Never stops working, a good kick, wins his ball and tackles and has great speed. Fits my midfield perfectly. Really came of age in 2010. 74. N.Grima (Nth Melb) If you don't think this guy is seriously good yet, you will know all about him by 2011. His 2010 was like Frawley of 2009. He's mature, strong and fit. Good user of the ball and can play on talls and smalls. 87. A.Monfries (Ess) Went a bit high due to Essendon's depth, but this guy is all class and played some good footy in a bad side this year. Works extremely hard, is a great mark for his size and provides excellent forward pressure and can play the defensive forward role. Good leadership as well. 94. L.Henderson (Carl) A perfect fit for CHF due to his size, endurance and work ethic. Will continue to improve after 2010 as this was his first full season of AFL (although he still spend some time in the VFL). He compliments Buddy brilliantly and I just can't wait to watch him this year. 107. S.Thompson (Adel) Gun midfielder. Strong, hard and can use the football. Compliments my lighter bodies. Can even tag if required. Really is a top class midfielder and a bargain after 100 picks. Has been elected captain 114. L.McPharlin (Frem) My wildcard selection due to the fact I think he is a premier CHB of the comp. Athletic, a good mark and rebounds the ball. Really controls games like a Nick Maxwell at times (but also takes a man). An experienced head in my young side. 127. J.Kelly (Geel) Skilled, hard, fast, strong, can defend and attack. A perfect half back who can go into the middle. Premiership player. 134. J.Kennedy (Syd) Controversial selection but this guys finals this year showed he is becoming a serious football. An extractor to go with Thompson to make sure my midfield and the skilled players outside him get to use the ball. Uses the ball within himself and another player coming off a breakout year. 147. A.Schneider (St.K) Kicks both crumbing and marking goals, provides forward pressure and is a silky user when up the ground. Premiership player and grand final veteran. 154. J.Adcock (Bris) Had injuries in 2010 but has played over 100 games and is still young. Hard as an axe, has shown he can do it in the midfield and another back flanker who can attack or defend. Courageous and skilled. He'll take a man if required and shut him down whilst still getting his 20 touches. 167. J.Surjan (Port) Strong and hard defender who is a back pocket specialist. Good leader. Sound skills and will give it 100%. 174. M.Morton (Rich) When I got to this pick I had to choose between a safer choice and going for someone who has shown talent in patches. At 23 Morton has had a breakout season with 40 odd goals, as well as played Coburg 2's. He's been labeled arrogant and lazy by fans. But late 2010 with it all on the line he started to show some form for the tigers. In the mold of Colin Sylvia and I believe he'll show his worth next year. You gotta have faith judges! Philosophy My team is very simple but adaptable. Despite featuring some top line talents my aim was to build a team of All Stars, I've build an All Start TEAM. I've crafted a group experienced enough to win the flag right now as well as winning for the next 5 years. Every player in this team can run, use the ball and most importantly win their own footy. There are a minimum of big ego's (probably Buddy but you can't deny how hard he works and Morton - who I think calmed down late this year). It's not about collecting a bunch of superstars who get the ball fed too them. All the best sides have guys who do a job and who work for each other. When judging my team I hope judges keep these points in mind. An exciting, hard working and brilliantly skilled side without a weakness

Consider yourself derided. I'd love to see it happen, but I think Sylvia, Moloney, McKenzie, Trengove and Scully will be the preferred midfielders unless Jonesy really has found a gear or two. Barring injury I think he'll have to sacrifice his attacking game to fulfill roles as his did last year.One thing that hurts Jones for mine is that I don't think he's as brilliant at the clearances as most think. The 5 I've listed above seem better at either getting a hand on the ball or laying a tackle. Jones I think is actually more an outside player without the speed and skills (but with a big body and hard as an axe). If he has round a bit of run in the legs I wouldn't be surprised if he played a fair bit on the wing and with success.

Surjan gets the job done, I prefer him that a young player with potential isolated in a back pocked. Hurn I think would get more press in a good Victorian side. His crazy long kicking is a bonus and his size allows him to play 3rd tall. Adcock actually played 20+ games I think in 2009. He's had a couple of injury hit years but made it out there in between that. He's Grimes like at his best and that's what I want from him. He'll do a job on any mid sized half forward flanker and can use the ball. I'm probably missing a star in the back half, but I think as a unit I'm actually stronger than some of the other sides.My midfield is my strength especially if you rate Kennedy (who has to stay in the midfield), or rate what he brings compared to the players around him. Hill I jumped at early for pure excitement and Griffen, Thompson and Thomas are all in that very close to elite level. I thought Thompson in particular was a steal. Importantly they win the ball, use the ball and tackle. Half forward line is weak but I think Henderson will improve next year and does a job. I think when Swallow gets going next year he'll look good on a HFF. He's a good size, strong and loves a goal, half forward is perfect for him even though he'll play in the middle from round 1 at GC. I would have preferred just 1 of Monfries or Morton and instead taken a Banfield/Garlett type. But instead of crumbing I've got more power on the lead. Schneider is top class and Buddy is Buddy. I agree going early on the rucks was a tactical error, but I'm more than happy with Jamar. I think along with Sandilands and Jolly he is one of 3 who can actually get right on top of an opposition ruckman of the class we all have.

My mistake. I didn't miss LeCras, I missed that J. Selwood and Pods are from the same team! Oops. Anyway Goldstein is better than Cox! You can keep pumping up White but I wont be listening. Bock I think is slipping. Carlile is certainly a handy full back. I considered going for him early. He is reliable and strong and gets the job done. But you had Frawley! And for 3rd tall you had Gwilt who's a proven finals performer. I just think the Carlile selection unbalances your team a bit. Anyway as I've already said I think you have the best collection of smalls, and even if its not the best its the coolest - Cotchin, Scully, Dangerfield, Banfield, Gibbs - it's like my favourite player from each club!

Just noticed something: Roger's team B: C Newman Chaplin Rivers HB Rich Fisher N Krakoeur C Douglas Jack Melksham HF Didak J Roughead (Haw) R Murphy F Le Cras Podsiadly Betts R _PICK 178____ J Selwood Mundy HT's team Backs: J.Frawley (Melb) A.Carlile (Port) J.Gwilt (St.K) H-Backs: B.Gibbs (Carl) N.Bock (G Coast) A.Mackie (Geel) Centres: *T.Scully (Melb) J.Watson (Ess) T.Cotchin (Rich) H-Fwds: S.Burgoyne (Haw) M.Pavlich (Frem)S.Sidebottom (Coll) Fwds: T.Banfield (Bris) J.White (Sydney) P.Dangerfield (Adel) Foll: __PICK 180____(WCE) A.Cooney (W B'dogs) A.Swallow (Nth Melb) With NicNat gone if Roger jumps at Cox, poor old HT gets left with the Big Q or the 18 year old Scott Lycett. Plenty of decent rucks left for Roger to go for, but he could do us all a favour by getting big Cox. Personally I think HT's team has the best collection of running players out of the lot of us. But is let down by Bock, Carlile (I know talent was low at Port when you had your pick but anyone was better than this guy when you had Frawley and Gwilt) and White. Still good enough to win it with a strong ruckman, but wont be if Cox is gone.

Yeah I'm aware they are voting. What about listing the final teams in a separate thread to be voted on and for their discussion?

I like your midfield, and you've loaded up on goalkickers up forward which has positives (marking power) and negatives (forward pressure falls to Petterd and Ballantyne and midfield rotations are minimal). I can't say anything positive for that full back line sorry, except its got a good very CHB line infront of it presuming Scarlett has the tank for CHB these days. Think C. Brown is up on the GC for $$$ and is close to finished as a serious AFL player. Think S. Selwood is more Troy than Adam. Merrett had a shocker in 2010, when I think of him I think bags of goals.

My opinion would be hell yes! Let's see what the powers that be say.What about a separate thread when the teams are completed, posting all final teams (ie by tomorrow night the last post of your team will be considered final), and then discussing them once at a time.

A tick for versatility in the ruck. I considered Clark, but in the end when naming an 18 decided not everyone was going for a second ruck so why me! I think your spine lacks power. Down the spine when my boy Buddy gets firing are Morris, Reid or Ryder good enough to stop him? Up forward Clark and Kennedy both need room to lead. Kreuzer is coming off an ACL and isn't a power ruckman either, although your ruck depth means you can work big boys over.However, whatever power your spine lacks you make up for in the middle. But maybe your missing line breakers as well. With the rest of your smalls I'd say a weakness is that backline with the injury prone Gram and Hartlett and Toy on debut. Toy will be very good, but I'm happier with Swallow in a lesser role than Toy at BP against all stars. Goodes and Stevie J were a bit off their best in 2010, can they rebound or are they slipping? An interesting team, that I'd want to watch.

So I rearranged your team to how I think they would line up. I don't like Brennan or Davey as defenders. Similarly Salopek plays more half back and Ibbotson plays deeper as well. No doubt you have a very talented list of players (Lake and Jolly firs class big men for example) but there is something I don't like about the team. I think Goddard is wasted as a CHB, I much prefer him with the freedom of being a midfielder, even if he starts off half forward. I think Knights and Gumbleton are too injury prone and wouldn't expect much from Gumby next year. Fev is surely past his best. Brennan and Lindsay Thomas are inconsistent. I can't bag Brad Green, he'd be good for 50 goals! Jackson is best suited as a tagger, Ibbotson may or may not make it as a decent player. Despite having Davey I think your midfield lacks line breakers. Lewis and Murphy haven't found the next level as footballers, and putting Hanners as a rover is a lot of pressure on him. You've selected extremely good players, but I don't think you've created an optimal team. Anyone else agree?

Who don't you rate, Kennedy or David Swallow. David Swallow is arguably the most ready number 1 draft pick of the modern times, having played WAFL, VFL and being in an AFL system for a year. I'm super happy to have him and think he'll be awesome as a HFF/wingman which is where he would be in my team. Kennedy isn't anything special and I didn't rate him before this year but he improved as the year went on and ended up topping his teams disposals in both of Sydney's (closely fought) finals. He's a specialist inside mid but his career is tracking a bit like Jobe Watson and whilst he's a bit away from the elite inside mids (Hayes, Selwood, Bartel) I don't think he is much off Andrew Swallow, Mitchell even Watson. As we don't get a bench you don't want too many of the same types so I'm probably happier with Kennedy and David than Kennedy and Andrew. That said a Swallow brothers combination would have been perfect but HT ruined it!

Pick 174 - Mitch Morton (Rich) After not going early with the tigers I knew it would be slim pickings but I was happy with either going Connors or Grigg off half back or Morton for a spot in the forward line. Yes he's up and down like a yo-yo but I think he's got the talent and this year he found out what its about. It's make or break for him next year and I think he can cement himself as a talented half forward/midfield rotation player similar (not quite as good) as Colin Sylvia. He's only 23 so hardly a surprise it hasn't clicked yet. FB: J. Surjan (Port) N. Grima (NM) S. Hurn (WCE) HB: J. Kelly (Geel) L. McPharlin (Fre) J. Adcock (Bris) C: D. Thomas (Coll) S. Thompson (Adel) S. Hill (Fre) HF: M. Morton (Rich) L. Henderson (Carl) D. Swallow (GC) FF: A. Monfries (Ess) L. Franklin (Haw) A. Schneider (StK) R: M. Jamar (Melb) J.P. Kennedy (Syd) R. Griffen (WB) A lot of good teams have been put together, but I'm very happy with mine. The spine is solid, with Grima and McPharlin very honest defenders, Henderson a nice lead up forward CHF with a big tank and plenty of improvement to come, Jamar a top 3 ruck and Franklin the X factor. The midfield is led by the experience of Thompson backed up by a big body in Kennedy providing support to the class of Griffen, Thomas and Hill. My small defenders are good defensively and highly skilled. I would have loved another nippy small forward to poor on the pressure but I'm happy with 4 guys who can rotate in the middle, apply forward pressure and mark and goal themselves. Every player can win the ball and use it and I think this team would work very well together, not just be a list of gun players. With McPharlin I believe being the oldest at having just turned 29 I think this team would lose nothing over the next 3 years. It's also ready to go with a lot of players just entering their peaks (the exception being Swallow but I think we can accept that a number 1 draft pick midfielder is ready to go from round 1, especially when given the cover of this midfield).

Taken at pick 125

9 Richmond picks so far means (barring someone wild carding a Richmond player) I've got my free choice of them last, so will save that pick. So down to Port. 8 - Boak, Gray, Pearce, Chaplin, Cassisi, Salopek, Hartlett, Carlile gone. Considered a second ruck in Brogan, their most reliable player in K. Cornes, young CHB Trengove and injured/unfit trio Rodan, Ebert and Motlop. In the end went for a solid back pocket in Surjan who should do a good job most weeks. Pick 167 - Jacob Surjan (Port) FB: J. Surjan N. Grima S. Hurn HB: J. Kelly L. McPharlin J. Adcock C: D. Thomas S. Thompson S. Hill HF: A. Monfries L. Henderson D. Swallow FF: ______ L. Franklin A. Schneider R: M. Jamar J.P. Kennedy R. Griffen

I know you put a limit on games but I still think Cornelius should make the list. He's a good young full forward (another part of the Fevola story is that this guy is missing out on senior games which is a shame for his development).

Also considering he's staring right at me in your picture there!

Pick 154 - Jed Adcock (Bris) FB: _____ Grima Hurn HB: Kelly McPharlin Adcock C: Thomas Thompson Hill HF: Monfries Henderson D. Swallow FF: ______ Franklin Schneider R: Jamar Kennedy Griffen The guy seems to spend half his time injured but is a very classy player when fit.

How much work does Watts do with someone like Frawley on his tail. Because if he's going half pace and still executing with Frawley on his back then I really couldn't care! I think the FD will slowly try to ramp up his intensity, but he's got a long career ahead of him and this is his first full preseason. It's good to know he's going out there and looking very clean with his training even if its not at the 110% that is required. Jurrah doesn't seem to cop much heat for not training the house down because we all cut him break. Yet as soon as Wattts doesn't look like he's training at full intensity he gets a wrap.

Don't you mean skinfolds not BMI. If it was done on BMI Moloney would be king of the fat group from now until 2015. Trengove looked like he had high skinfolds when he returned, but also looked very strong so if high skin folds early in preseason is the price to pay for added bulk I'm not disappointed.

The players who get whipped the most are the ones who are inconsistent or seem to keep getting games regardless of form. Hopefully this year with a good spread of depth and without an established best 22 as such that players either find a level or consistency or find themselves out of the side. I've never found much join whipping players like Newton or Bartram for his kicking. Rivers is an interesting case because he seems to have days when he is on and days when he's not so great. Sometimes I get into Bate, other times I just realise he's slow, he can't pick it up below his knees and he can't see targets unless that are 60m away on his left or are big white sticks. Overall I hope the team can find some improvement and have regular wins, that way no one has to suffer our wrath!

My thoughts. Bollinger out: fair enough Hilf + Johnson in: Hilf had one bad test, deserves to be in squad and only missing out if the wickets aren't meant to swing. I don't like the re inclusion of Johnson - but he is a test performer so I won't go all high horse on it. There's too much to complain about to worry about what they are doing with MJ. Doherty Out/ Beer In: We don't seem to have a spinner in the country who is up to it. We need a plan going forward on how to address this. All I want from the selectors is some kind of plan. Ie. were going to go horses for courses for a while, or where going to give everyone a try, or were including this guy and that's how its going to be. I hope this Beer dude can field. North out: had to happen Smith in: BAD! if he's going to be an all rounder or spinner the pressure of walking in now to bat at number 6 will ruin his bowling development. They've pushed the trigger too early in searching for a replacement. Both Hussey and Khawaja have first class averages of 50+. Hussey has an average of 55 with over 10,000 first class runs. Khawaja is technically organised, 24 and not in hopeless form this summer. Blooding youngsters is fine, but you have to give them a chance. Now Smith is in he needs a big chance, even though I think at 6 he is destined to fail. Man it sucks that McDonald got injured. Hughes In: He's had some success at test level and a good first class average. I'm willing to give him a shot as his only competition is Marsh, who despite some good scores of late is not up to it.

http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/the-quiet-boys-night-that-turned-into-tears-and-accusations-20100811-11zt2.htmlSchneider estimates he had between 17 and 23 drinks that night. ''I don't forget things but I was a little bit drunk,'' he said.

Yeah but I like him, and he's 4 years younger than Milne. I think I read in the paper he was asked if he had been drinking on the night of the Lovett mishap and said he had 16-18 beers. I enjoyed that. Where as Milne with his lisp would drive me up the wall.

And with Jackson gone my list of Richmond players gets down to practically zero. I think I'll save them for last now and take the best of whats left. Pick 147 - Adam Schneider (StK) - Gram failed the medical and Milne failed the interview. FB: _____ Grima Hurn HB: Kelly McPharlin _____ C: Thomas Thompson Hill HF: Monfries Henderson D. Swallow FF: ______ Franklin Schneider R: Jamar Kennedy Griffen