17th Premiership wrote:
Very interesting Bondi that you've gone with Kemp (ahead of Plowman?) McDonald (ahead of McGovern) and Philp (ahead of Ed?) in the starting line up.
Always good to hear your thinking.
I don't mind Martin on the wing as a good link man and great kick into the forward line. But I do like his forward pressure and ability to float in between the play in front of goal. I'd probably have him in the forward line ahead of Philp (until I see more of Philp) and rather put someone else on the wing. I'd also find room for Dow (I still have faith
).
Gov is no KPD at 190 cm. KPF's are not getting smaller and 200cm is now normal to see. We need strong one on ones who can also run. Oscar and Weitering seem to be the only 2 standing, and Kemp is too inexperienced to expect him to shine in that role in what may be his first full year. Whilst I am expecting 23yo Young and 21yo Kemp to build their game and physique to challenge Oscar for the KPD role, I'm not writing off Oscar who turns 26yo next month. He may be entering the best years of his career. People forget how he was thrust into a KPD role from 19yo in a weak Dees team that did not protect their defenders (familiar?).
I'm OK with Plowman as a lockdown 3rd tall because I don't think the ball will be going into the defense like it did last few years, but have Marchbank, ahead of Plow, as my first choice hands down IF fit. So the 3rd tall is up for grabs whilst Marchy isn't fit. I also see Marchy as a "Mr Fix it" with his athleticism (I look at Marchy and think Southby without that thumping kick), I also see a bit of Sexton in him too, but Marchy is more athletic in my eyes, and if Kemp, Gov, Plow or Young make the 3rd tall their position good luck. Kemp is the best physical specimen (height/weight/mobility combo) of the lot, and love how he takes on the game like a midfielder. A couple mates, who have attended sim games, plus Terry (BA), and Heath (MBH) and Tom (PT) suggest Kemp has been impressive so far this preseason. So he's my 3rd tall...at this stage.
We are still 6 weeks away from first team selection for 2022, and anything can happen (including injury and illness).
Martin gets crucified by some supporters, mainly because of their expectation based on his pay packet. Forget about Draft pick and pay packet, they are on our list and its a new coaching regime looking at the list as a clean slate. None of the coaching staff have made promises to anyone on the list. Martin is an elite runner. He's a high HF who runs to the backline to provide support and outlet and runs back. When the game is going our way and he's stationed as a forward he kicks goals. Problem is our players haven't used him when he presents, and when he's forward his kicking leg has been taxed and the impact on accuracy shows. He is GOLD and as a wingman he will drift forward. When Stocker gets back in I'd love to see us have the luxury of playing Docherty and Martin on the wings.
I have aleady seen enough of Philp in the 2020 preseason games and his first 2 games. His tackling (forward pressure ) is elite. He has elite speed, express, and he can play wing when he gets more miles in his legs, and he can kick long and straight. I love what Honey and Philp, and Cuningham when fit can bring to that forward line with their speed.
I still have faith in Dow, but he needs to find that desperation in his defensive game imo...to chase hard and put pressure. he has the speed to close down opponents with the ball but he's a bit of a watcher. he MAY BE great for us one day. Not at the minute imo.
Ed Curnow is at the end of his career and I don't see Ed as a HF. I see Ed as the long distance runner, like OBrien, who will continue to be important whilst interchange rules head towards smaller number of rotations. We need players who can keep running for 4 quarters, Ed is one. Notice I don't drop him if we have a full list to choose from (including Marchy Stocker & Cuningham).
I can see Ed as the Tagger. The bloke who will give his all to close down the Lachie Neale's, Dusty's, Kelly's...ball magnets... by blocking and being irritating and sticking to them whilst on the ball, and he then can run his arse forward and make them accountable when we get the ball, which I expect a lot more of this year, with our possession game.
I expect Dow or even OBrien to try and overtake him, but feel next year we will attract another great Trade or two, and again in 2024, so spots are as rare as hens teeth from 2022 on.
This year there's not only pressure for spots in the 22, there's pressure to hold onto spots on the list.
We don't have many old players left on our list. We only have Ed who turns 34yo this year. Then as far as oldies are concerned (closest to retirement stage) are Docherty and Saad who turn 29yo this year, and neither of those are close to retiring, especially Saad.
So the spotlight is in the young to perform or they join the aging Newnes, Newmans, Plowmans and McGoverns who turn 27, 28 this year and are obviously vulnerable being taken over by the young. No one's safe as houses to be selected week in week out this year, except the top 10 players.
Carlton is the place to be. Our time for sustained success has come. VOSS.
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