Ox's Oxen
B: J.Gibson (Haw), C.Tarrant (Coll), S.Thompson (Nth)
HB: J.Winderlich (Ess), H.Taylor (Gee), C.Enright*(Gee)
C: S.Black (Bris), D.Kerr (WC), D.Pearce (Port)
HF: S.Higgins (WB), N.Riewoldt** (Stk), J.Porplyzia (Adel)
F: L.Jurrah (Melb), J.Riewoldt (Rich), L.Jetta (Syd)
R: R.Warnock (Carl), M.Barlow (Freo), M.Rischitelli (GC)
** Captain
* Wildcard
9 – Nick Riewoldt
Captain of the team who would have won the grand final this year if the ball had bounced the right way for the Milne. Suffered a massive injury blow in 2010, but came back and proved he still has the freakish athletic ability he is known for. The best CHF in the league, he will grind down any backman over the course of a game with his repeat efforts. Straightens us up and is one of my many forward targets who can tear open the game. Avg 2.8 goals and 8 marks per game in 2010.
12 – Jack Riewoldt
Coleman medallist with 78 goals in 2010 for his break out year in a team giving him rubbish delivery. With the class surrounding him he will no doubt push the ton. Hard working, high flying and consistent, he could claim the title of best full forward in the league as All Australian FF in 2010. If he isn’t already, he will be soon. His outstanding repeat efforts when the ball hits the ground, as well as his forward pressure make him a worry for any backline. Not to forget he will most likely stand on your head at least once a game. Avg 3.5 goals, 6 marks and 3 tackles per game.
29 – Harry Taylor
All Australian CHB adds my third key tall and you couldn’t really ask for anybody better. Multi dimensional, his ability to get from contest to contest and affect a spoil is undoubtedly one of the best in the game. Strong in the contest, his contested marking is also a feature. Burst onto the scene and has not looked back after being given a crack as a mature age recruit. 2 time AA and a rock solid CHB. Avg 7 marks per game.
32 – Simon Black
I went early with Black, one of the reasons being the lack of depth at Brisbane. But more importantly, his class and ability is undeniable. Still a game breaker, and clearance work is superb. One of the most decorated players in the game, he is a Brownlow medallist, 2 times runner up and norm smith medallist. Big game player and super consistent. Turning 32 in 2011, he is in the twilight of his career, yet his body is strong, having played 18 games in 2010. Avg 25 disposals and 4.5 clearances per game.
49 – Corey Enright
Another AA player to add to the line up. Silky, classy HBF who provides superb drive from defence, whilst also locking down any dangerous opponent I send him too. Can push into the midfield to assist with rotations and is just simply hard to stop. Another player who is footy smart. Great pick at 49, and I didn’t think he would last this long. Took him as my wildcard. Avg 26 disposals and 4 rebound 50s per game.
52 – Liam Jurrah
X Factor. We all know that he is very very hard to stop, and even if he does not have a massive game, he will still either kick a couple of goals or set up a few. He is worth his weight in gold to my forward line, and you all know it. Along with Jack, he will have opposition defenders fearing for their safety with a high ball coming in. Hell, it doesn’t even need to be a high ball, he will still jump over your head. Nothing more to say really, you all know he is a gun. Avg 2.6 goals and 1 screamer per game.
69 – Michael Barlow
The find of 2010. From the VFL to top 10 Brownlow favouritism in his first year, finishing with 12 votes from 13 games in his first season. If he didn’t get injured I have no doubt he would have pushed 20 votes such was his dominance. A ball magnet that breaks lines and uses the ball well. Also kicks goals, a great addition to my midfield. I have no concerns about his leg as from all reports he is ripping through any test possible and is on track for round 1. Avg 28 disposals, 4 clearances and 1 goal per game.
72 – Michael Rischitelli
Ex-Brisbane B&F who will add much needed experience and drive to the GC midfield. About to hit his prime and will only get better. Another great addition to my midfield who will provide run and run and run. Avg 24 disposals per game.
89 – Danyle Pearce
Dashing and speedy winger who can also provide much needed drive off half back. A real talent, also reaching the prime of his career. A former rookie who is clearly in Ports best players, he will look to add more consistency to his game in 2011. He doesn’t need to get a pile of possessions to have an impact on the game. Avg 20 disposals and 5 inside 50’s per game.
92 – Jason Winderlich
Lets be honest, I didn’t want any Essendon player. But if I was to take one I was happy to get Winderlich. Another with great pace and run, he breaks lines and can break down zones. Can push up onto the wing if required. Avg 22 disposals per game.
109 – Jason Porplyzia
The man affectionately dubbed the Porpoise seemed to get his body right in 2010, playing 19 games. He can play either high across half forward or out of the square, he is hard to match up on as he is extremely good in the air for his size whilst being able to weave magic when the ball is at ground level. Another dimension to my already potent forward line. Avg 15 disposals, 4 marks and 1 goal per game.
112 – Robbie Warnock
Extremely athletic for his height, this lanky kid needs to add bulk to his frame but has shown he can compete at the top level. Was touted by many as the next big thing in ruckwork but was slow to get going in 2010 after injury slowed his season. Needs to step up in 2011 and I feel he can, he really does need to show he is worth the dollars he is being paid. I have no doubt he will deliver. Avg 18 hit outs per game.
129 – Chris Tarrant
Good judges were saying this man was in line for AA full back until injury curtailed his season. Refreshed and recovered, he has come back to Victoria to complete his career at the club he started. He can play on talls or smalls, and beat them. Has great pace and another who can read the play extremely well. He could push forward to stretch defences even further. But really, with my forward line, I wouldn’t need him. Avg 11 disposals and 3 marks per game.
132 – Shaun Higgins
Reaching the stage of his career where he looks just about ready to step up to the next level. Has a wonderful all round game and can push into the middle as his fitness improves. Class personified. Will step up into the leadership group of the Bulldogs in 2011 and in doing so will take his game to the level, proving himself as an A grader. Avg 20 disposals and 1 goal per game.
149 – Josh Gibson
He gives me a bit of flexibility. He can play on talls and smalls and also has a great left boot. He needs to get fitter to be able to provide more drive from half back and utilise his left boot to break the lines. As he gets fitter he will be able to run to space better and get more of the ball. Avg 15 disposals and 2 rebound 50’s per game.
152 – Daniel Kerr
Injury put Daniel under the radar a bit in 2010. But he is still the better side of 30 (28) and still is classy, hard at it and just smart. A very clever footballer who can also rest in a FP and kick goals. His body will be right after being controlled through pre-season and he will push to get back to Brownlow medal contention form. He will further benefit from not having to do all the leg work like at the Eagles. Avg 20 disposals per game in 2010, but we know he can do much more.
169 – Lewis Jetta
This kid could be anything. Another with X factor who has pace to burn. Will push up onto the wing and along with Jurrah, be given freedom to play his natural game. Can turn nothing into something and will continue to give headaches to opposition week in week out. Now that he has found the big sticks he will provide goals, forward pressure and class to my side. With a greater fitness base he will also have spurts in the middle where he will bamboozle with his awareness and ability to find space. Avg 14 disposals per game and should have been more goals.
172 – Scott Thompson
The final piece of the puzzle. Another defender who has the versatility to play on talls and smalls and is dumb enough to put himself into dangerous situations often enough. Has a bit of [censored] about him which is always needed. By further developing his body and gaining more fitness, he will be able to improve his game and play a key role for my side. Avg 17 disposals per game.
Summary:
Backs - Solid and uncompromising. Players who get the job done and have the versatility to take on any forward line. 2 AA players are the generals. Happy with it, but not over the moon. There were a couple I missed but I feel these boys will just continue to get the job done. Solid.
Mids - Midfield is class. A good mix of experience and players reaching their prime. A ruckman who will continue to get better and wins more taps then he loses. He just needs to direct it to the likes of Black and Barlow and they will do the rest. Also have a few who can rotate through.
Forwards - The real strength. Hard workers, class, x factor - it has it all. Would be very very very hard to contain. You know it. Even if the midfield is contained on the rare occasion, all the players in this forward line don't need many opportunities to make the opposition pay. Great forward pressure. I have no doubt they will kick winning scores weekly.
