How’s this for a forward line?

[bigcarl]

HF: Battle, King, Bruce
F: Membrey, McCartin, Marshall

Maybe a bit tall? It just looks as though team balance may be an issue.

On the plus side, there’s going to be stiff competition for spots because I don’t think you can play five - arguably six - key forwards in the same set up.

I think it’s probably two of the above - at most - plus Membrey.

[Sainter_Dad]

There is tall and then there is tall - Members plays small as well - but we need some crumbers!!!

[older saint]

King too good not to take but will create a big problem moving forward . Someone will miss out , become unhappy get traded for a lesser value than talent had and excel when given chances elsewhere,

Bruce to CHB, Marshall, Membrey and Battle to start season for me with Long, Gresh and Billings as smalls

[dragit]

HF: Battle, King, Bruce
F: Membrey, McCartin, Marshall

Glacial.

Forward pressure zero.

Only 3 of those players can play in the same side.

[chico2001]

Don't tell me you are going to have long, Lonie and Gresham all playing as midfielders? Very unbalanced and a question mark on a couple of those players. Apart from that....excellent..

[bigcarl]

Don't tell me you are going to have long, Lonie and Gresham all playing as midfielders? Very unbalanced and a question mark on a couple of those players. Apart from that....excellent..

In actual fact, I was highlighting that we have a glut of key forwards and say specifically that it’s two - at most - of McCartin, Bruce, Battle, King and Marshall in the same forward line.

I’d be starting the season with Bruce and Marshall as the key forwards, plus Membrey, then plus Billings and Lonie and maybe Gresham when he’s not in the midfield.

[WellardSaint]

King won't play seniors in 2019.
I see Battle, Skunk, Marshall, Gresh, Billings, maybe
McCartin, Pierce?

[magnifisaint]

King won't play seniors in 2019.
I see Battle, Skunk, Marshall, Gresh, Billings, maybe
McCartin, Pierce?

100% he plays 2 or 3 games

[samuraisaint]

HF: Battle, King, Bruce
F: Membrey, McCartin, Marshall

Maybe a bit tall? It just looks as though team balance may be an issue.

On the plus side, there’s going to be stiff competition for spots because I don’t think you can play five - arguably six - key forwards in the same set up.

I think it’s probably two of the above - at most - plus Membrey.

Long and Gresham send hugs.

[groupie1]

We all see the problem... so here's a few ideas: Go for a Roo/Hamill/Gehrig set up: King/Bruce/Paddy. Then where does Membrey sit?
Or do we move Bruce elsewhere?

Marshall - can he play 1st ruck?

None of this will worry us next year. In 2020, when King begins playing, it will be interesting how Paddy has grown in the meantime and what has happened to Bruce, Battle, etc.

[Winmar]

I'd play Membrey over Bruce. He's generally much more useful, except that he can't really be a relief ruck. If McCartin and King come good I can't see much of a future for Bruce, though I hope I'm wrong. King's youth will buy him a bit of time though. And who knows if Battle and Marshall will make it in the meantime.

[bigcarl]

I'd play Membrey over Bruce. He's generally much more useful, except that he can't really be a relief ruck. If McCartin and King come good I can't see much of a future for Bruce, though I hope I'm wrong. King's youth will buy him a bit of time though. And who knows if Battle and Marshall will make it in the meantime.

Thing is, on exposed form Bruce is a far better key forward than McCartin. When’s McCartin kicked 50 goals in a season or five goals in a match?

Last season’s injury apart, Bruce has shown himself to be tougher and more resilient than Paddy.

IMO his injury last season was a key reason for our awful performance. The forward line sadly lacked the physical presence that a player like Bruce provides. Paddy may get there, but I haven’t seen a lot yet to persuade me he can stand up for a full season, let alone become a key goal kicker

[saint-stu]

We will lose one or two of our key forwards over the years for little return due to lack of opportunity. I think the "choosing the best player" idea is not very smart for team balance.

[silverhalo]

Paddy will be trade bait at year's end.....a good position to be in having forwards competing for spots. Despite seemingly having a plethora of forwards, we didn't kick anywhere near enough winning scores this year so we still don't have that mix right (inaccurate kicking didn't help) .

[saint-stu]

Could we use King in the ruck/foward role? He would probably be an upgrade on Marshall. Paddy and Membrey as the permanent forwards and maybe try Bruce in defence again. Bruce is better as a forward, but he's too good to waste and we now have far too many now.

[saint-stu]

Paddy will be trade bait at year's end.....a good position to be in having forwards competing for spots. Despite seemingly having a plethora of forwards, we didn't kick anywhere near enough winning scores this year so we still don't have that mix right (inaccurate kicking didn't help) .

We spent pick 1 on Paddy and he has lots of potential. I would rather keep him than bring in a weaker pick.

[chico2001]

I'd play Membrey over Bruce. He's generally much more useful, except that he can't really be a relief ruck. If McCartin and King come good I can't see much of a future for Bruce, though I hope I'm wrong. King's youth will buy him a bit of time though. And who knows if Battle and Marshall will make it in the meantime.

Thing is, on exposed form Bruce is a far better key forward than McCartin. When’s McCartin kicked 50 goals in a season or five goals in a match?

Last season’s injury apart, Bruce has shown himself to be tougher and more resilient than Paddy.

IMO his injury last season was a key reason for our awful performance. The forward line sadly lacked the physical presence that a player like Bruce provides. Paddy may get there, but I haven’t seen a lot yet to persuade me he can stand up for a full season, let alone become a key goal kicker

Agree with all that carl, I expect parker to muscle his way into that forward line, Long and Lonie might spend some time in the magoos I think

[stkfc1]

I'd play Membrey over Bruce. He's generally much more useful, except that he can't really be a relief ruck. If McCartin and King come good I can't see much of a future for Bruce, though I hope I'm wrong. King's youth will buy him a bit of time though. And who knows if Battle and Marshall will make it in the meantime.

I think.Bruce should be used on a wing ala Roo in his last few years. A big part of out problem this year (and for the last few years) is getting it out of our D50. Bruce is a great contested mark, can run all day and is a decent field kick. Use him as a marking link up player. He can rest forward, back wherever we need him as required to give others a spell. Need to think outside the box with him.