I have always had the belief that to be a very good side or even a Premiership you need a rock solid, talented and settled defence. Look at Geelong recently, Brisbane in the early 2000's. Our great sides had Sexton, Silvagni, McKay, Dean, Southy, Doull, English etc etc.
Watching the last two games and even last year this is an area I believe under MM we are on the verge of being very very good.
I look at it like this:
Runners:
The addition of Simpson back there last year was a masterstroke. He was struggling. Now he drops back, cuts off leads, puts his body on the line and then runs and creates. Leader in defence.
Yarran. IMO his best spot. He can see the ball coming, is good enough to work of any opponent, keeps his feet and balance and is potentially as good an attacking weapon as there is. Ball use will improve with games as technic is very good. Has improved endurance and his tackling is underrated.
Tuohy. Runs hard and Straight, tough and a very very good kick. Still needs to improve one on one but now one of our first picked. Can create space for other runners and can kick a goal. Real weapon.
Buckley. Looks to have found his spot. Speed and takes on the game. Kicking is technically good but needs to balance better. This will come with experience and confidence. Doesn't lack guts and improving quickly one on one.
Docherty. Still yet to see but classy user and creator. Hope he stands up.
Walker. Another great MM move. Best HBF in game with Mackie/Enright. Can run and mark and push forward to kick goals. Hard to match up on and endurance is elite. Can play tall or small
Everitt. Like Walker but not as quick. Tough to match up on and can create. Play tall or small.
Scotland. Really plays wing but drops back and assists well. Like Simpson plays the 7th defender role extremely well.
Midsize:
McInnes. Talented kid who goes about his job. Don't like him on real talls but doesn't make many mistakes
White. Handy back up who can play tall or mid. Real stopper but limited in attack.
Key Defenders:
Henderson. Our best defender, unfortunately our best forward. Reads the play so well and clean hands.
Jamison. Not a favourite of mine but does a job. Prefer to see as a third tall. was good 2-3 years ago attacking more but seems to have stepped back due to injury. Hope he finds that balance.
Watson. Can he hold CHB? Improving, speed a worry but positioning getting better and kicking and advantage. If he stands up we are much much better.
Waite. I think defence is his best position. Many will disagree but I like him there. He matches up well, can attack and run and will be more consistent which is a big issue. Can go forward when needed.
Rowe. Not convinced but may be option on resting rucks, big bodied forwards like Tippett, Brown. Role player?
Others coming through:
Temay - BP
Giles - Key defender
All in all there is much to look forward to. A defence of:
Buckley Jamison Walker
Tuohy Watson Yarran Simpson
has many many attributes. They can lock down on any defence match up wise. They can create attack from defence and can kick goals. I could easily see 30 goals a season from that group. That will worry any side.
Any lack of defensive pressure and mistake will be taken as an opportunity to attack. Improved Midfield pressure will be a key.
All in all I see it as a huge positive going forward and a possible basis of No. 17.
