Both have shown some little signs of promise during the pre-season games. With Fish going down, and the plan to play Waite back, we really need one of these to show they can contribute at senior level.

Who do you think is more likely?

I'll go for Edwards, I think. More athletic. And more durable.

(Obviously it would be great if both could step up.)

Jake inexperienced and he's either "good" Jake or "bad" Jake at the moment. Harts about level pegging with him and we'll see if Jake can string two together v Doggies before I'll call it.

The fact that Hartlett was left out of last weeks game against the Hawks (and played for the Bullants instead) whilst the likes of Austin was picked suggests to me that maybe Ratts doesn't rate him very highly.

I really hope that Hartlett can stay injury free and fulfill his potential as he is the type of player we need in the forward line to compliment Fev.

Edwards looks OK to me however isn't really the tall forward type player we need.

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iirc he was coming back from an injury (hammy or something) - makes sense to have brought him back through the ants (lower intensity game)

He was coming back from injury so wouldn't read too much into that, particularly while they were giving the resting ruckman a gig up forward.

I see the 2 as 2 different types of players - sort of along the lines of Spalding v Pearce. Not suggesting the same quality at all, just more your bullocking big fella v your faster leading pocket / flanker. Edwards has some good toe and is good at ground level, Hartlett moves like the Titanic but has looked most like an AFL footballer as a hard leading CHF deep up the ground. Has good strength and hands but lower agility.

I'd have them both for Round 1.

Agree with Molsey that they're different types.
Edwards may develop into a good foil for Fev. A quick leading, running forward pocket.
Harts is your long ball target around 40-60 metres out or an occasional strong marking lead up option.

Both need to work on their defensive capabilities more. Jake has good pace however he looks very slow when the opposition have the ball.

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Looking forward to seeing our potential realised.

I can't understand the obsession with Hartlett on this forum. He clearly is going to make the grade, he has shown very little in the games he has played and he is injury prone.

Edwards, well the jury is still out on him. He has shown promise in the VFL and his form during this pre season has been ok. He was good in the game against Port and has a fair sized body.

Id say Edwards over Hartlett, by an absolute mile.

I dont think anyone is obsessed with Hartlett.
I do however think he offers us something that few on our list can offer.
Strength in the marking contest and a big body to attract the ball up forward.

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Looking forward to seeing our potential realised.

i honestly believe that if Hartlett can hit his straps he will be a great forward the us. like others have said big strong body and a good mark, the more game time he gets the better he will get.

Jake also looks very promising and if he can work in close with the likes of fev and fish he will also be a great asset to the team.

just over the line for mine would be hartlett but overall good signs for both

Early days I know, however our forward structure is looking pretty impotent IMHO. We will need Hartlett and/or Edwards to step up. Betts has not set the world on fire this year apart from some pretty sctatchy reports coming from last nights game, Fish is out and our midfield group are not renowned goal kickers. Does anyone know how many Juddy averages?

In any case I reckon Ratts will be just like Parkin and build his structures from back to front. In other words concentate on skills and developing backline players then worry about developing a forward line that can deliver winning scores consistently.

Hartlett easily

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Yeah but whatabout your whataboutism.

As forward options

setanta > edwards > hartlett

based on likelihood of making it, potential and injury history. Imho, Setanta is our best option as a key forward option atm (next to Fev)

Great thread Chookie.

I think this is a very important issue for us this year. With Waite going back we really need one of these two boys to step up to the plate.

On what I have seen so far I'd give my vote to Hartlett. He is a good kick and mark and is reasonably well developed physically. Has done more on the field than Edwards.

However I think on potential, Edwards may be the one that could offer us the most. I really hope he gives it a real shake this year.

Jeez it would be nice if they both step up.

I think there's room for both with no Fisher.

So there isn't room for both in the long term.

I'd need to see a bit more of Edwards to really say one way or the other, and the same can probably be said of Hartlett. Both have their positives and negatives so it'll be interesting to see who eventually stands up and force their way into the side.

Room for both if they can show good form....Fev is double teamed every game and we need more strike power to make other teams accountable.

I almost think Hartlett needs to played closer to goal even out of the square with Fev leading up the ground....Hartlett isnt mobile and will get run off so he doesnt need to be too far up the ground.

Edwards has skills but cant get enough of the footy, just needs that breakthrough game......the mark and goal he kicked in the 1st NAB cup shows he can play...while Fisher is out I'd like to see him get his chance..

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"When you have the attitude of a champion, you see adversity as your
training partner."
- Conor Gillen

Agree guys, whilst it's a tough call, you'd think with Fisher back though there isn't room for both. I really like the look of Hartlett FWIW but he could do another hammy at any time.

A very accurate description.

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Hey Rocky; there are too many rabbits ... in China.

I agree. Having different types of forwards in our setup would cause a major headache for opposition teams. If the hawks for example were able to utlise Boyle, Williams and Roughead (with Rioli looking a likely crummer) rather than just relying on Franklin they'd be very difficult to beat. Just like we could do the same if we could establish 3-4 key forwards to keep backlines on their toes.

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#GUILTY

I think Edwards will come in as he can provide a third tall marking option up forward. Hartlett is an option for CHF and with Fev Edwards Stevens Judd etc can create mismatches for opposition teams if he is fit. Austin or Carlos are then other options for CHF or a position in defence releasing Waite.

Hartlett has had continual problems with his hamstrings for the last 2 seasons and despite doing the pre-season he pulled up a bit sore before last weeks match. Obviously we are being conservative with him as we need a big player for CHF and Cloke is being used in the ruck but missing that match because he had tightness is not a good sign and may mean we never get to see him play a full season.