Rating the depth of every AFL club’s midfield ..... (Herald-Sun)

[one-eyed]

SuperFooty rates the depth of every AFL club’s midfield

Adam Baldwin and Gilbert Gardiner
Herald-Sun
February 06, 2015 12:56PM


While every club has the resources to field a squad of 12 that can play midfield minutes, the best sides run just as smoothly when the engine room is manned by the B team.

Hawthorn, Port Adelaide, Sydney and North Melbourne played in preliminary finals last year with 10-12 midfielders who would walk into another other side.

In an era of constant rotations, an interchange cap and the green substitute’s vest, players who can’t run, won’t survive in the game and teams won’t contend.

It’s no surprise that the Power has made such a dramatic rise up the AFL ladder given it’s glut of aerobic beasts who can transition through the middle.

We’ve assessed the depth of every AFL club’s midfield by breaking down the 10 players likely to spend the most time in that part of the ground, into three brackets.


The top shelf — Tier 1 players — would get games in the best 22 of most sides,

while the relievers — Tier 2 — help with rotations.

A third — the nursery — tier is reserved for those in a development phase, but good enough to warrant senior selection.


RICHMOND

Top shelf

Brett Deledio

Dustin Martin

Trent Cotchin

Brandon Ellis

Relievers

Anthony Miles

Shane Edwards

Nathan Foley

Reece Conca

Shaun Grigg

Matt Thomas

Verdict:
Unearthed a nugget in Miles last year but depth would be tested should one or more of Cotchin, Deledio and Martin spend time on the sidelines. Recycled pair Hunt and Petterd remain on the fringes, while Richmond’s top pick in last year’s draft, Corey Ellis, is coming off foot surgery. Tigers need Conca and Nick Vlastuin to fulfil their potential to not only play but win finals.

http://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/superfooty-rates-the-depth-of-every-afl-clubs-midfield/story-fnelctok-1227210307602

[Chuck17]

inb4 Ellis rants

[Francois Jackson]

Ellis deserves his spot. Good footballer.

[Phil Mrakov]

Our depth is probably worst in the comp

[🏅Dooks]

Our depth is probably worst in the comp

X2

[Andyy]

Not enough big bodies in there.

Martin has a big body but isn't really an inside mid.

Thomas has a big body but is only an average player.

[lamington]

I have confidence Milo will become Top Shelf. Also hasn't Champion Data already established that Edwards is Elite?

[tony_montana]

I reckon we've rectified our depth last draft - they haven't played a game yet but fully expect Ellis, Hunt and Lambert to slot straight into the mix. 3 extra players is handy. Menadue and Drummond will get games too.

[the claw]

I reckon we've rectified our depth last draft - they haven't played a game yet but fully expect Ellis, Hunt and Lambert to slot straight into the mix. 3 extra players is handy. Menadue and Drummond will get games too.

havent rctified a thing. hunt is the only one who has showed he can playat afl level. the rest could just as easily turn out to be duds. in fact with jacksons record they most likely are.

ffs we went and got lloyd gordon banfield petterd and hampson thomas and miles  in one go last yr. miles excluded  how did they work out,
just saying lets not ever count our chooks before they hatch

[Diocletian]

This will be Petterd's third year with us santa. Was upgraded to the senior list in the 2013 draft, drafted as a rookie in 2012.

[Chuck17]

This will be Petterd's third year with us santa. Was upgraded to the senior list in the 2013 draft, drafted as a rookie in 2012.

It just seems like last year when you don't watch all the games each year and some games only part thereof

[Mr Magic]

Miles and Edwards should be above the line.

[tony_montana]

I reckon we've rectified our depth last draft - they haven't played a game yet but fully expect Ellis, Hunt and Lambert to slot straight into the mix. 3 extra players is handy. Menadue and Drummond will get games too.

havent rctified a thing. hunt is the only one who has showed he can playat afl level. the rest could just as easily turn out to be duds. in fact with jacksons record they most likely are.

ffs we went and got lloyd gordon banfield petterd and hampson thomas and miles  in one go last yr. miles excluded  how did they work out,
just saying lets not ever count our chooks before they hatch

We'll see claw, Im sticking my neck out from now and going on record to say those 3 will be locks for best 22 this season.

[wayne]

Dangerfield, S. Selwood and Shiel will boost our midfield in 2016