I've put together what I hope is our best 22 side for 2023. I've assumed we get Taranto over the line and losing our first pick in the process but haven't included Hopper in that nor have I included any other 2022 draft picks.
Backline: A few questions to be asked what Miller's role is. With an ageing Tarrant and Grimes and possibly injury prone latter years we may see Miller needing to play backline instead of the role of Fwd/Ruck role. I wonder if it's possible to play Def/Ruck role giving both Defenders a rest as well as Nank, I am unsure how this can work but depending on our needs, Miller becomes very important moving forward.
B: Broad Tarrant Grimes
HB: Vlastuin Balta Rioli
Midfield: I'm coy on Short in the midfield, I felt he tappered off a little bit and wonder if he is better used in defense, as a 1, 2 punch with Rioli. I think Baker could be used better in midfield with Taranto to compliment, in saying that potentially so could Short. But I'll leave him on a bench for midfield rotation. Pickett and McIntosh are decent wingman don't think anyone is challenging for their spot. Bolton spot becomes interesting with Martin being fitter, Do we keep Dusty forward and rotate Taranto and Bolton as Fwd/Mids or do we roll dice with both playing midfield. Think both can work, flexibility is good currency. I'd have Taranto as starting mid, however if its with Cotch and Prestia maybe Bolton pace is a better compliment and Cotch starts half forward to then rotate into midfield with Dusty and Bolton and Taranto go and rest fwd.
C: Pickett Bolton McIntosh
R: Nank Prestia Taranto
Forwards: Dusty being fit is a great plus, he aint going anywhere. I think he will be in rotations with midfield but more forward. Concerns over Cumberland and his running patterns with Dusty there. Jack stays. M.Rioli first picked.
HF: Cotchin Riewoldt Martin
F: Cumberland Lynch M.Rioli
Bench: Miller super important going forward I think, Baker and Graham are best 22 and for team balance I'd love to see a Stengle type inclusion that Geelong did this year. Maurice has a bit of pressure as the only pressure quick player in the fwd line, I'd love a 2nd this may be Clarke, heck it may be a rejuvenated George (washing mouth out) but I'd love to look at other clubs and see if there are any gems in the rough (Think Ash Johnson but a small quick pressure forward type).
Bench: Miller (Def/Ruck), Baker (Mid), Traded in Small Fwd, Short (Mid)
No Graham, Sonsie or Gibcus which upsets me but unsure how we fit them in if all fit and in form?
Not a huge change from 2022, I think if we get our conditioning right and have our best players playing more, getting wins early so we can rest players with luxury of having premiership points on board instead of playing catch up, I think we can do damage in 2023.
2023 Best 22:
B: Broad Tarrant Grimes
HB: Vlastuin Balta Rioli
C: Pickett Bolton McIntosh
HF: Cotchin Riewoldt Martin
F: Cumberland Lynch M.Rioli
R: Nank Prestia Taranto
Bench: Miller (Def/Ruck), Baker (Mid), Graham (Mid), Short (Mid)
Thoughts on any further changes?
