My best back 6 for this year based on my opinion of each player goes:
Webberley Thursfield Newman
McGuane Post Tambling
Alot of people have Webberley in their back 6 before he's ever played a game. I think he'll be a while off yet especially with his build. But I'd definately have the other 5 in my backline Round 1 with Farmer taking Webberley's spot. I'd have Gourdis or Rance on the bench as the spare tall defender. Have you got Edwards on the wing?
Yep, as I said - only based on my opinion, nothing else. From what I have read and watched (video, not live) he has a lot of attributes that will add to the defensive capability of the team. The question is can he make the step up in class. If he can then I think his long accurate kicking and excellent run will make him a good BP or HBF.
And re: Edwards - no, I haven't got him in my side. I think he sits in the 25 - 35 region of how I rate our players and should only be depth this year with an upgrade to come at season's end. He might improve significantly this year and prove me wrong but I don't see a future with him.
i agree with the back 6 you have chosen with exception of moore and farmer im really hopeful the big bodied hard at it Dea is given games as well.
out with the old and failed and in with the new we are in rebuild.
i think it fair to say tambling and post are a lock in for defense. if not hardwick has been doing a bit of spin.
like you i think atm our best option for fb is thursfield. heres hoping hes gained some size and strength and he can become more involved. if he fails next cab of the rank would be Gourdis. the only concern with him and its a big concern is his abysmal kicking.
okay we have been thru third tall. everyone by now knows i prefer moore so this leaves mcguane out.
imo farmer is exactly what we have been missing down back. hard at it accountable quick smart and decent skills. the one critique thus far is he does not get involved enough or find enough ball. im hoping this will improve with time confidence and experience. at 21 also i think they will give him every chance its not as if hes still in nappies.
the last spot imo is between Dea and Webberley. hopefully they both get plenty of games. i think because of age, 21yo webberley will get first go at it.
Dea is a lovely size has good foot skills has a big leap. we are not overly endowed with big bodies or medium sized players down back.
this leaves the captain out i get the impression that he will be used thru the midfield this yr but he is always an option to go back.
imo its folly to be looking at a back 6 we should be looking at a back 10 or 12.
talls in order of preference post, thursfield, moore, gourdis, rance, mcguane, polak,
smls mediums. tambling, farmer, dea, webberley, newman, white, king, mcmahon,
one thing that does stand out we do have the numbers but do we have the quality. are enough of the numbers up to standard. that is the 100 dollar question. we are about to find out the answer. i could put a line thru half a dozen without flinching and still leave plenty that has me unsure.