The Fox Sports website has the following line-up as Freo's "best 22" for next year. I have made a few comments and would be interested to see what others think.
FREMANTLE
B: Alex Pearce, Joel Hamling, Lee Spurr
HB: Nathan Wilson, Michael Johnson, Luke Ryan
C: David Mundy, Lachie Neale, Bradley Hill
HF: Connor Blakely, Brennan Cox, Stephen Hill
F: Brandon Matera, Cam McCarthy, Harley Bennell
R: Aaron Sandilands, Nat Fyfe, Michael Walters
I/C: Sean Darcy, Ethan Hughes, Darcy Tucker, Tommy Sheridan
EMG: Shane Kersten, Griffin Logue, Ed Langdon
(Fox Sport also said): This is a tough line-up to put together, especially with so many young midfielders yet to prove themselves consistently at senior level. However recent recruit Nathan Wilson, who arrives from GWS, is a certainty on a half-back flank, with his ability to drive, rebound and gain metre-age is exactly what the Dockers need. Former Sun Brandon Matera also slots into a forward pocket — and ahead of veteran Hayden Ballantyne. And we shouldn’t forget gun tall defender Alex Pearce, who missed most of 2017 due to injury but is one of the most promising key backmen in the game. Also, either or both of the young guns Freo chooses with Picks 2 and 5 would be in contention for an early start.
My Question Marks are:
1. How quickly might Alex Pearce return to good enough form to warrant a place in the best 22?
2. Will Michael Johnson’s body permit him to play out the season?
3. Is Brennan Cox better suited to a back-line position, with Matt Taberner playing as a key forward?
4. Is Tom Sheridan (or Cameron Sutcliffe for that matter) part of Freo’s team that will play in future finals’ series? I would prefer playing time be given to Logue and Langdon to promote their development.
5. Is Brandon Matera a ready and viable replacement for Hayden Ballantyne, or will Ballantyne return to something like his All-Australian form of a few years ago after an injury-free pre-season. After all, Ross the Boss has declared his love for Ballantyne. If he is fit and playing well, I would prefer him to Matera in the best 22. The ball is in Ballas’ court.
The quality/readiness of Freo’s depth players available is not that hot. If you look at the other players on the list, but not in the “best 22” above, who are:
• Backs: Taylin Duman, Griffin Logue, Ryan Nyhuis, & Cameron Sutcliffe
• Midfield: Brady Grey, Ed Langdon, & Danyle Pearce
• Forward: Michael Apeness, Hayden Ballantyne, Shane Kersten, & Matt Taberner
• Ruck: Luke Strnadica
So, what does the draft lottery hold for Freo?
From the depth list, it is plain to see that the 11 or 12 draftees (including Rookies) will need to add more depth to all the positions on the field.
And that is not to say that Freo will ignore any of the delisted or free agents available. I think Billy Hartung (ex-Hawthorn), and Ben Lennon (ex-Richmond) are young enough to warrant consideration.
What do others think?
