I’d prefer to see Merrett used like Hird was used; mainly half forward but rolling through the midfield at bursts or when needed. He’s our most damaging player and therefore most crucial chain in the link, with Martin not far behind. These two have to play wing/forward type roles and be pivotal in our ball use going forward, because that is and was the one crucial area we couldn’t get right all season. If they fix it and make it potent, they could be anything next season. Aside, I’m tipping Hayes to break out, and Day-Wicks to surprise and possibly break into the team.
@everythingessendon548 that's kinda my point. Pick 5 and struggling to get in after 2 years albeit his first year was out with injury. I'd expect a tall to take time but not so much on a mid. Love the channel as you know mate.
He was racking up huge possessions late last year in the vfl. He's putting on a fair bit of size this preseason. If he can sharpen up on his ball use he will probably break into the 23
Archie Roberts starts. Looked so composed in his handful of games. Wright out to CHF where he can exploit the open space a bit better. Plus his kicking from 50m is elite. Tsatas having a solid preseason.
I’m just happy that we actually have options and the ability to create a difference in opinions here. So many what if types and the possibilities here are getting me excited. Ten years since I’ve honestly been this excited! I don’t actually expect us to count in regard to the 8, but good enough to shape it over the next 2 years, Up, Up from ‘27 away!!
Great team F. I would start Durham in the centre as a bigger body mid in place of Parish who is on the bench. His work cracking in this season was superb. If El-Hawli has 2 good games in the 2's he is ready for a spot, not as a sub. Apart from that lets see how pre season pans out. Reid needs more than 9 odd games in 4 years. Hopefully he is over injuries.
Nice team 🎉 personally I have prior and Bryan emergencies and have Gresham and tsatas in the team. I know brad Scott likes 2 rucks but I just don’t think 5 players over 200cm works well considering having excellent marking players like Jones, caddy and Ridley in the team. But I guess it’s really who we’re coming up against for tactics I feel like a lot of players will be licking their lips because there’s spots available for everyone even Lewis Hayes could break out I’m actually excited to see who is ready to make the leap and cement their spot in the team.
@ exactly right and it could be the cause of transition defence being so poor recent years it’s really why we struggle against teams like Geelong it’s not because of talent It’s because the good teams can pick us apart and cut angles Geelong have come accustomed to it because their home ground is so narrow ball movement becomes easier on bigger grounds
Playing Geelong you really want to carrel them as much as possible so pressure and smalls is better make them go down the line more stop their ball movement the good teams can stop them they don’t know what to do once their system breaks down it’s so funny to watch because they’re so system and tactic driven 🤣
I agree mate. I think your second ruck has to primarily be a key forward. Bryan has shown no signs he can play up forward, and Draper is hit and miss down there. We need more forward pressure to not get as fucked in transition. And that means less 200+cm guys.
Thought the same with Shiel. Looked very good on ball whilst playing limited game time. All this talk about he’s not part of our future makes no sense. You play your best players until they show you otherwise. He and Parish are our best stoppage players IMO.
My best 23 for 25 is FB - Mcgrath Mckay Ridley HB - El hawli Reid Redman C - Duursma Durham Martin HF - Guelfi Langford Perkins FF - Draper Caddy Kako R - Bryan Merrett Caldwell INT - Parish Roberts Prior Tsatas Hobbs any of those as sub I have el hawli starting because don’t forget he is 23 already and has had years experience in the vfl I have parish on the bench for balance
Good effort and thanks for your reasoning, here’s my comments: In: Tsatas & Saad El Hawli Out: 2m & Prior Tsatas and El Hawli will definitely get plenty of games this year and I think both will be hard not be in our best 22. Prior is a solid depth player that’s all and we can’t play so many tall players. Until 2m proves he deserves to be in the side he can continue playing VFL. This is the team I have (few different positions): B: McGrath McKay Ridley HB: Redman Reid Roberts C: Saad Durham Duursma HF: Caddy Jones Langford F: Kako Draper Guelfi Foll: Bryan, Merrett, Martin Int: Caldwell, Parish, Perkins & Tsatas Sub: Hobbs Emg: Gresham, Wright, Hayes & Prior I think it’s undervaluing Saad & Hayes saying they’ve played 0 games. If you consider either their ages, sizes and/or time on the list it makes sense. Both I expect to debut this year, with Saad being a Rd 0 debut. Prior has only played 39 games it’s not like he’s anything special. Martin is forecasted to play midfield next season. Agree Perkins will also be a Stringer type. Jones is your traditional CHF type when you look at his size and athleticism. I think Caddy will be a hybrid type (the mould of a Stevie J or De Goey). Scott has forecasted some midfield minutes for him. Parish is rightly criticised, yes he racks up possessions, but he has no speed and no ability to kick goals. Since 2021 when he had a breakout he’s gone backwards and injuries have meant he may not be the same player again. We need to add real size in our centre square set up so playing Durham,Tsatas, Martin & Perkins through there adds genuine size, power and goal kicking ability. Obviously Merrett, Caldwell & Parish will get enough midfield minutes but expect to see those other guys be used in there more. We need to be a lot more dynamic, bigger and explosive through the midfield otherwise we’ll just keep get blown away against good sides.
Great video as usual!! Movies..... Haven't seen any recently BUT I am looking forward to the limited run of the remastered version of Interstellar 5555. If you like Daft Punk then this is a must see. Pretty hard to find it on any streaming services (or even on the high seas) so being able to see and hear it on the big screen. I am excited. Starts next Thursday.
No probs Felix! Always great to take a look at the depth team. Really hope that Hobbs and Tsatas get a good run in the seniors team next year I would try to fit them in my best 22. As for a movie I saw Heretic this week. - not bad, nothing wrong with it but I'm not big into horror movies.
Another great post. Thanks Felix. Try "Last Film Show" by Pan Nalin. Such a beautiful inspiring story set in rural India just as digital videos are starting.
if we have reid fit I think we could one of the teams that can match up on the bulldogs talls very well, mckay-naughton, ridley jamarra and reid on darcy
Love you work as always Felix, pretty hard to argue against your 23. Giving Prior first shot at that third tall , over Laverde makes sense. Personally I wouldn't mind Zach Merret moving to high half forward role and giving Durham first dibs at the on the ball role. I'm over Parish and Shiel sorry to say, can't seem them being part of our future...I'd give Tsatas and Hobbs preference over both of them
I've been saying exactly that about Parish for ages. This trade period just gone was our opportunity to get something for him, exactly as Richmond offloaded Shai Bolton to Freeoh. Here's something for you, I think Richmond will be AHEAD of Essendon by the end of the HnA in 26. Give them a year to get sorted who they've got, then look out... Essendon will still be where they are.
Yeah I'm really hoping to be proved wrong by Parish. He is a very very good footballer... he gets it, uses it well but often it doesn't seem to hurt the opposition. Would Hobbs and Tsatas provide more? At this stage no...but I'm hoping to be also proven wrong by the young pair.
I think we have a good core of about 30 players, the problem we have is the game plan just doesnt work. I am bitterley disapointed with the whole coaching squad, the team selections they made last year just didnt appear right. I just cant put my finger on whether its the players lack of composer or lack of skill (probably both). Many games we had dominate periods of play where we just didnt score enough, yet we got smashed when the other team had the assendency. Brad Scott and the team needs to do a deep analysis on our best game style. I think we need to be a better offensive team than defensive team, because defensevely we are are just not cutting the mustard.
Another great video. I love the depth team idea. Please always do that. I have a controversial idea.... Lets train Cox to be a Ruck/forward over Peter Wright. Perhaps he might be able to mark the ball inside 50.
Agree with the whole team pretty much. Except i just think Durham needs to be a midfield lock. He was electric in the middle not only as a lockdown mid but also his ability to break through packs with speed. Also takes a good overhead mark, so rotating into the forward line for a rest
thanks for always responding but after next years draft I will be more interested in where we are at! how we handle and or own Thursdays next is the question???
@@everythingessendon548 yeah! I don't care where we finish I do think the lower the better bc it will be a reality check! I just want to build a team like we had in the 90's and early 2000's I mean a team you could be proud of. I do like our new recruit from Brisbane he reminds me of Blake Caracella anyway bro hope you have a great Xmas and new years 💪👍
I think Brad will go 2 out of Bryan, Draper and Wright. Not sure which 2 and the pre-season will be a big indicator. Personally I my only change would be one of them out (Wright atm for me), and a small in based off pre-season; one of Tsatas, Hobbs, Setterfield, Shiel, Davey (I hope it's Tsatas because he brings such a POD). Otherwise awesome job and love your vids!
We cant play the 2 rucks and wright and jones we go in too tall probably a reason why we cant stop transition the talls we should have is back - ridley mckay and reid or laverde forward - langford and caddy ruck - bryan and draper you could have 1 more tall but thats sort of pushing it since ridley is the intercept defender and is counted as a key back
Hard to argue with this team. I just find it hard to see Tsatis and Hobbs future or what we do in the future years with them. Feel like we may pursue Matt Rowell next year and/or a few forward stocks so we need to trade someone or two.... Parish in the trade conversation although I do love him at his best.
Essendon's best 23 was from 1999 to 2001; 2000 being arguably the best VFL/AFL team of any year. Since then -- specifically, since Hird's unjust vilification -- they've been cellar dwellers.
I am worried about Reid, I wouldnt be surprised if hes injured and someone like hayes fills that spot. Same again for Ridley, he will most likely get injured and martin will fill that spot with roberts on the wing. if the back six can stay healthy id still drop perkins, maybe try a jye menzie there for a spell, and id probably try tsatas in place of parish for the first few rounds at least
I like it. A bit tall maybe. I personally don’t like Draper, wright and Bryan in the same team, Bryan needs to offer a bit more as a forward. Would love to find a way to get Tsatas in there but it does seem difficult to do. Probably lack another quality small forward.
Nice team Felix. Perhaps a smidge tall but only time will tell. I worry about where we are going to find Stringers 42 goals. Caddy has had his honeymoon period and needs to fire up consistently with a big break out year. If Wright can learn to stop ducking his head and keep his eyes on the ball, he could make a huge diffence. Hes a beautiful kick but has lost the ability to mark. Im trying to pick the new group of players who our supporters will pour hate on week in week out seeing that Heppel, Laverde and Cox aren't in this side. Im sure they will continue with McGrath, Wright and Perkins but theres probably room for another 2.
Thoughts on Davey Jnr making our best 22? Him and Kako would make an interesting small duo. I wonder if we could create something similar to what hawks had
I will give 2MP 4 games before giving up on him. Requirement of 2+ goals average. This is common in most comments but I will say it anyway. I do love Nick Bryan but he realistically shouldn’t be playing if we have both 2MP and Draper who can play in the ruck. I would put Saad in for Nick Bryan and also have Elijah as the emergency. No one has mentioned this specifically but our small forward are all just there, they all do anything special based on last year I would agree with Matt guefi but could see bye Menzie or jade gresham as well. Will not need to worry about small forwards getting injured at least. I would agree with everyone else in the exact spot you put each of them.
Key is Reid getting his body right. Wright worries me. Guelfi question mark & Redman needs to lift. However fair read on the top 23. Depth is a concern!
Pretty good selections. I would prefer Wright replaced with Jones...If Wright aint raking them in he is a liability in the forward half..at least until he shows some solid form. Move Saad to the interchange and have Shiel as the sub....But then again, I know Jack-shite....Thanks for the vid.
My team Backs McGrath McKay Ridley Half-backs redman Reid Roberts Centre Martin Merrett duursma Half-forward Gresham caddy jones Full-forward kako Langford Perkins Ruck Draper Durham Caldwell Bench parish Hayes Bryan wright Sub Tsatas Emergencies cox setterfield Hobbs.
Roberts pocket/flank instead of Prior (not willing to walk-up start him just yet). El Hawli onto the interchange, Prior or Gresham into sub. Tsatas or Hobbs in for Bryan or Draper. Honestly playing two full-time rucks (neither is good enough as a proper forward) is not going to work, would rather have Wright ruck 20% of the game. Just my few cents.
B-McGrath McKay prior Hb- redman reid Ridley C- duursma Durham Martin Hf -jones caddy Perkins F - wright (sr)Langford kako Ob- draper Merrett Caldwell Bench - Shiel Roberts parish Gresham Sub - cox Your side is too tall. Can’t play Bryan Draper and Bryan together
I think depending on how Bryan goes there is room for Draper, Wright and Caddy in the same forward line at times, but I do see how it can be tough rotating
Can't blame 2MTR Peter for everything, the delivery this year to the forward line was the shambles , just bomb it was happening, they need alot better cohesion and structure and give 2MTR Peter more room to run and jump at it because at his highest point gd luck trying to punch it ...
Hey Felix if that's Essendon best 23 then they are in big trouble I said now for a while it will be years before they win a final I don't have them making finals for 2 to 3 years due to their depth they lack in all areas on the field if they are lucky enough they might play finals in 2027 but I can't see them winning one until they get the whole team sorted out and that might take 3 to 5 years and we are not talking a premiership here I am just saying to win a final might take 3 to 5 years they might get lucky enough and sneak into the 8 in 2 to 3 years time but it won't be 2025 or 2026 maybe 2027 they sneak in but lose again to a better team I give them 4 to 5 years to win their next final and if they don't play finals or win one in that 5 year window Brad Scott won't be there I give him a deadline of 3 years from 2025 to break the drought that's how I see the club if they don't win a final by then either 2028 or 2029 Brad Scott is gone with the wind bye bye Brad Scott. PS I hope I am wrong but something tells me I am spot on just like back in 2013 I said that this drug saga would impact the club for 10+ years.
@@everythingessendon548 Hey Felix I hope your ready for a lot of pain to come as it's going to be a long road ahead to their next Premiership no easy fix here hope you can put up with at least 5 to 7 years before they might win flag 17 and I say might as the is no guarantee as the competition is getting harder and harder every year and in 3 years time 2028 it will get even harder again with Tasmania coming in I just hope a lot of bombers fans can deal with the heartache if this team goes into a 30 to 40 year period without silverware. Just Remember Essendon are already on 24 years without silverware.
Disagree with Gresh out of the side. Easily our best small forward if he can fire and does a lot of work in attack team-wise. Deserves his spot in the side more than Wright or Guelfi.
I can’t agree that McGrath is a natural or pure footballer. He’s very panicky and unreliable most of the time - especially as a captain. Cannot see him walking into the best 22 of most of the top 8 sides to be honest. He kinda proves that any the number in which you’re picked means absolutely nothing most of the time
I think he walks into just about every team, he’s definitely a player who’s harshly viewed because of his draft position, if he was pick 60 everyone would love him.
parish and wright should be traded out next year. They won't be part of our next premiership and they don't add a huge amount to the team right now. Parish has good clearance, but he isn't as hungry anymore. Maybe because he signed a big contract. Maybe because he became a father. Who knows. Send him away for a late first rounder or early second.
I'm 66yo with a Bomber premiership on my bucket list. If I'm lucky i may squeeze in another 10 years but I think I'm going to die disappointed. At least I've been lucky enough to see 4 cups.
@@aussie_al I don't think it will take us another 10 years to see premiership success, but I certainly can't imagine it being less than 5. I'd say in that 6-8 time. But, you never know. This year and the last have been the first real sign of change since we last won a final, if the trend continues and we keep building. We could become a team worth watching again.
Feels like you learnt nothing from last year. TOO TALL! You can’t have 2 rucks and 2MP in the same team. 2/3 depending on form. Jones out as well, too tall for this team
Youre hoping players change which is historically our problem , centre should be Merrett , Shiel , Dhursma … Wright -back , Reid and Bryan out …Parish cant finish …trade …stop hoping things are going to change , make changes
Sorry Felix do not like your team selection It is the same old same old and if we pick a side like the one outlined we will finish 10 to 14 This is the side I would pick and it could change after a few practice matches or injuries FB: Ridely McKay McGarth HB: Shiel Reid or Hayes El- Hawli C: Duusma Durham Tsatas HF: Jones Caddy Martin FF: Langford Wright Kako On ballers: Bryan's Merrett Caldwell Interchange; Dapper, Parish Redman Roberts Perkins I really hope Brad Scott is as conservative and fixed in his team selections and plays several new players until he gets the right combinations. If we sit back and do the same, the outcome will be the same. Change needs to happen and never be afraid of trying something new, what is the worst that could happen?
Yes, I agree it's top-heavy i can see Perkins in the starting lineup and Jones on interchange but depending on the game I could also see the following players come into the side remember there are a lot of big defending sides that we also face the side can be adjusted from the bench and we could add from the following players to make the necessary adjustments i.e. Gresham Davey, Menzie, Guelfi Hobbs etc to the side as required
@@jamesallchin7557 Yes, I agree it's top-heavy i can see Perkins in the starting lineup and Jones on interchange but depending on the game I could also see the following players come into the side remember there are a lot of big defending sides that we also face the side can be adjusted from the bench and we could add from the following players to make the necessary adjustments i.e. Gresham Davey, Menzie, Guelfi Hobbs etc to the side as required
WHY WOULD YOUHAVE DURHAM ON THE BENCH GREAT PLAYER AND YOU HAVE KAKO IN WHO HAS NOT PROVED HIMSELF AS OF YET THATS A SLAP IN THE FACE FOR SAMMY DURHAM MATE
Playing a good player on the bench who can come on as a shock attack type player can be a good strategy. You can swap them into the game and get an uneven match up and capitalise.
Kako in the best 23 says more about how diabolical our small forward depth is, than how good he might be. Hawthorn weren't afraid to play Nick Watson for most of the season, no reason why we should be so conservative
I’d prefer to see Merrett used like Hird was used; mainly half forward but rolling through the midfield at bursts or when needed. He’s our most damaging player and therefore most crucial chain in the link, with Martin not far behind. These two have to play wing/forward type roles and be pivotal in our ball use going forward, because that is and was the one crucial area we couldn’t get right all season. If they fix it and make it potent, they could be anything next season.
Aside, I’m tipping Hayes to break out, and Day-Wicks to surprise and possibly break into the team.
Tsatas will be in his 3rd year and played not many games.
If we dont use him this year i think its a wasted pick 5.
Your thoughts?
Yes could be a bust. But Martin makes up for everything.
Gotta earn his spot in the team
@everythingessendon548 that's kinda my point. Pick 5 and struggling to get in after 2 years albeit his first year was out with injury. I'd expect a tall to take time but not so much on a mid.
Love the channel as you know mate.
He was racking up huge possessions late last year in the vfl. He's putting on a fair bit of size this preseason. If he can sharpen up on his ball use he will probably break into the 23
Was a waste anyways I new stringer wasn’t gonna last he’s greedy ASF should’ve picked Philipou or Humphrey
Archie Roberts starts. Looked so composed in his handful of games.
Wright out to CHF where he can exploit the open space a bit better. Plus his kicking from 50m is elite.
Tsatas having a solid preseason.
Hopefully Tsatas continues to build, want to see him play well
I’m just happy that we actually have options and the ability to create a difference in opinions here. So many what if types and the possibilities here are getting me excited. Ten years since I’ve honestly been this excited!
I don’t actually expect us to count in regard to the 8, but good enough to shape it over the next 2 years, Up, Up from ‘27 away!!
It’s exciting until the season starts 😬
@@everythingessendon548 ... or the injuries start impacting
Great team F.
I would start Durham in the centre as a bigger body mid in place of Parish who is on the bench. His work cracking in this season was superb. If El-Hawli has 2 good games in the 2's he is ready for a spot, not as a sub.
Apart from that lets see how pre season pans out. Reid needs more than 9 odd games in 4 years. Hopefully he is over injuries.
I rate Durham as that versatile mid who can impact around the ground, don’t see Parish doing that as much
Nice team 🎉 personally I have prior and Bryan emergencies and have Gresham and tsatas in the team. I know brad Scott likes 2 rucks but I just don’t think 5 players over 200cm works well considering having excellent marking players like Jones, caddy and Ridley in the team. But I guess it’s really who we’re coming up against for tactics I feel like a lot of players will be licking their lips because there’s spots available for everyone even Lewis Hayes could break out I’m actually excited to see who is ready to make the leap and cement their spot in the team.
It’s a fair point, could struggle against a smaller team
@ exactly right and it could be the cause of transition defence being so poor recent years it’s really why we struggle against teams like Geelong it’s not because of talent It’s because the good teams can pick us apart and cut angles Geelong have come accustomed to it because their home ground is so narrow ball movement becomes easier on bigger grounds
Playing Geelong you really want to carrel them as much as possible so pressure and smalls is better make them go down the line more stop their ball movement the good teams can stop them they don’t know what to do once their system breaks down it’s so funny to watch because they’re so system and tactic driven 🤣
I agree mate. I think your second ruck has to primarily be a key forward. Bryan has shown no signs he can play up forward, and Draper is hit and miss down there. We need more forward pressure to not get as fucked in transition. And that means less 200+cm guys.
i reckon ridley is gonna have a huge role next year and he will do amazing if he stays fit
All he needs to do is stay fit, he’s too good to underperform
@@everythingessendon548absolutely Ridley is a gun if he can play a full season easily a All Australian contender
Good team, I’d be fine with Shiel starting on ball too. Thought he was super when he came back. Durham rotating HF is going to be awesome
Thought the same with Shiel. Looked very good on ball whilst playing limited game time. All this talk about he’s not part of our future makes no sense. You play your best players until they show you otherwise. He and Parish are our best stoppage players IMO.
I get the feeling he’ll play quite a bit in defence, I’d be happy with that personally.
Oh right, has he been training there? As in a Zorko type role? I’d be fine with that he’s a good decision maker
My best 23 for 25 is
FB - Mcgrath Mckay Ridley
HB - El hawli Reid Redman
C - Duursma Durham Martin
HF - Guelfi Langford Perkins
FF - Draper Caddy Kako
R - Bryan Merrett Caldwell
INT - Parish Roberts Prior Tsatas Hobbs any of those as sub
I have el hawli starting because don’t forget he is 23 already and has had years experience in the vfl
I have parish on the bench for balance
I just did the 'pick your team' app thingy and got exactly this.
El-Hawks could be in for an early debut hopefully!
Good effort and thanks for your reasoning, here’s my comments:
In: Tsatas & Saad El Hawli
Out: 2m & Prior
Tsatas and El Hawli will definitely get plenty of games this year and I think both will be hard not be in our best 22. Prior is a solid depth player that’s all and we can’t play so many tall players. Until 2m proves he deserves to be in the side he can continue playing VFL.
This is the team I have (few different positions):
B: McGrath McKay Ridley
HB: Redman Reid Roberts
C: Saad Durham Duursma
HF: Caddy Jones Langford
F: Kako Draper Guelfi
Foll: Bryan, Merrett, Martin
Int: Caldwell, Parish, Perkins & Tsatas
Sub: Hobbs
Emg: Gresham, Wright, Hayes & Prior
I think it’s undervaluing Saad & Hayes saying they’ve played 0 games. If you consider either their ages, sizes and/or time on the list it makes sense. Both I expect to debut this year, with Saad being a Rd 0 debut. Prior has only played 39 games it’s not like he’s anything special.
Martin is forecasted to play midfield next season. Agree Perkins will also be a Stringer type. Jones is your traditional CHF type when you look at his size and athleticism. I think Caddy will be a hybrid type (the mould of a Stevie J or De Goey). Scott has forecasted some midfield minutes for him.
Parish is rightly criticised, yes he racks up possessions, but he has no speed and no ability to kick goals. Since 2021 when he had a breakout he’s gone backwards and injuries have meant he may not be the same player again. We need to add real size in our centre square set up so playing Durham,Tsatas, Martin & Perkins through there adds genuine size, power and goal kicking ability. Obviously Merrett, Caldwell & Parish will get enough midfield minutes but expect to see those other guys be used in there more. We need to be a lot more dynamic, bigger and explosive through the midfield otherwise we’ll just keep get blown away against good sides.
Great video as usual!!
Movies..... Haven't seen any recently BUT I am looking forward to the limited run of the remastered version of Interstellar 5555. If you like Daft Punk then this is a must see. Pretty hard to find it on any streaming services (or even on the high seas) so being able to see and hear it on the big screen. I am excited. Starts next Thursday.
Hadn’t even heard of this until now, cheers mate!
No probs Felix! Always great to take a look at the depth team. Really hope that Hobbs and Tsatas get a good run in the seniors team next year I would try to fit them in my best 22.
As for a movie I saw Heretic this week. - not bad, nothing wrong with it but I'm not big into horror movies.
Think you’ve just about nailed it 👍
lets go the mighty BOMBERS
Go Bombers!
Good team. I would like to see Hayes break into the team. Merrett playing back a little more sounds good also.
Keen to see how Hayes goes
Another great post. Thanks Felix. Try "Last Film Show" by Pan Nalin. Such a beautiful inspiring story set in rural India just as digital videos are starting.
I’ll give it a go! Cheers
if we have reid fit I think we could one of the teams that can match up on the bulldogs talls very well, mckay-naughton, ridley jamarra and reid on darcy
Definitely, even Hayes is a good size
How does reid get starting chb when he has played .5 of a game in 2024 and not much before that?
Not sure who else comes in ahead of him
Love you work as always Felix, pretty hard to argue against your 23. Giving Prior first shot at that third tall , over Laverde makes sense. Personally I wouldn't mind Zach Merret moving to high half forward role and giving Durham first dibs at the on the ball role. I'm over Parish and Shiel sorry to say, can't seem them being part of our future...I'd give Tsatas and Hobbs preference over both of them
I've been saying exactly that about Parish for ages. This trade period just gone was our opportunity to get something for him, exactly as Richmond offloaded Shai Bolton to Freeoh. Here's something for you, I think Richmond will be AHEAD of Essendon by the end of the HnA in 26. Give them a year to get sorted who they've got, then look out... Essendon will still be where they are.
Nuff nuffs
Not great footballers.... nuff nuffs might be a tad bit harsh
I think Parish still has plenty of time, Shiel I am personally not convinced by
Yeah I'm really hoping to be proved wrong by Parish. He is a very very good footballer... he gets it, uses it well but often it doesn't seem to hurt the opposition. Would Hobbs and Tsatas provide more? At this stage no...but I'm hoping to be also proven wrong by the young pair.
I think we have a good core of about 30 players, the problem we have is the game plan just doesnt work. I am bitterley disapointed with the whole coaching squad, the team selections they made last year just didnt appear right. I just cant put my finger on whether its the players lack of composer or lack of skill (probably both). Many games we had dominate periods of play where we just didnt score enough, yet we got smashed when the other team had the assendency. Brad Scott and the team needs to do a deep analysis on our best game style. I think we need to be a better offensive team than defensive team, because defensevely we are are just not cutting the mustard.
It does seem like we are focussed on faster ball movement this pre-season
Another great video. I love the depth team idea. Please always do that. I have a controversial idea.... Lets train Cox to be a Ruck/forward over Peter Wright. Perhaps he might be able to mark the ball inside 50.
Don’t mind it, I’d rather him have an actual role for once
Agree with the whole team pretty much. Except i just think Durham needs to be a midfield lock. He was electric in the middle not only as a lockdown mid but also his ability to break through packs with speed. Also takes a good overhead mark, so rotating into the forward line for a rest
Can’t have wright, Draper, jones and Bryan in the same team
Valid point
thanks for always responding but after next years draft I will be more interested in where we are at!
how we handle and or own Thursdays next is the question???
Great experience for our young squad to be playing in all those prime time games
@@everythingessendon548 yeah! I don't care where we finish
I do think the lower the better bc it will be a reality check!
I just want to build a team like we had in the 90's and early 2000's
I mean a team you could be proud of.
I do like our new recruit from Brisbane he reminds me of Blake Caracella
anyway bro hope you have a great Xmas and new years 💪👍
Duursma unreal at drifting back and even forward. Don't think he missed a set shot.
So reliable on game day, if only he could stay fit
I think Brad will go 2 out of Bryan, Draper and Wright. Not sure which 2 and the pre-season will be a big indicator. Personally I my only change would be one of them out (Wright atm for me), and a small in based off pre-season; one of Tsatas, Hobbs, Setterfield, Shiel, Davey (I hope it's Tsatas because he brings such a POD).
Otherwise awesome job and love your vids!
What do you think are the futures of players like Ben Hobbs and Elijah Tsatis?
Big years for them, gotta feature more
We cant play the 2 rucks and wright and jones we go in too tall probably a reason why we cant stop transition the talls we should have is
back - ridley mckay and reid or laverde
forward - langford and caddy
ruck - bryan and draper
you could have 1 more tall but thats sort of pushing it since ridley is the intercept defender and is counted as a key back
I don’t think that’s the reason for our transition defence being so poor, plenty of teams line up tall and defend the ground well.
@@everythingessendon548 Maybe but without the extra talls we can give way to more elite smalls with speed like hobbs or tsatas
AGREES WITH THE BACK SIX
High five
Hard to argue with this team. I just find it hard to see Tsatis and Hobbs future or what we do in the future years with them. Feel like we may pursue Matt Rowell next year and/or a few forward stocks so we need to trade someone or two.... Parish in the trade conversation although I do love him at his best.
Essendon's best 23 was from 1999 to 2001; 2000 being arguably the best VFL/AFL team of any year. Since then -- specifically, since Hird's unjust vilification -- they've been cellar dwellers.
I am worried about Reid, I wouldnt be surprised if hes injured and someone like hayes fills that spot. Same again for Ridley, he will most likely get injured and martin will fill that spot with roberts on the wing.
if the back six can stay healthy id still drop perkins, maybe try a jye menzie there for a spell, and id probably try tsatas in place of parish for the first few rounds at least
Needs to stay fit, out of contract this year
I like it. A bit tall maybe. I personally don’t like Draper, wright and Bryan in the same team, Bryan needs to offer a bit more as a forward.
Would love to find a way to get Tsatas in there but it does seem difficult to do. Probably lack another quality small forward.
Nice team Felix. Perhaps a smidge tall but only time will tell. I worry about where we are going to find Stringers 42 goals. Caddy has had his honeymoon period and needs to fire up consistently with a big break out year. If Wright can learn to stop ducking his head and keep his eyes on the ball, he could make a huge diffence. Hes a beautiful kick but has lost the ability to mark.
Im trying to pick the new group of players who our supporters will pour hate on week in week out seeing that Heppel, Laverde and Cox aren't in this side. Im sure they will continue with McGrath, Wright and Perkins but theres probably room for another 2.
I expect Wright to be amongst the top goal scorers again
Thoughts on Davey Jnr making our best 22? Him and Kako would make an interesting small duo. I wonder if we could create something similar to what hawks had
Im still the most excited for kayle gerryn. Him and Caddy +kako
Gerreyn might take a couple of years, we’ll see plenty of Caddy and Kako though
@ I don’t think hell play afl next season, but I still think he looks like an absolute beast. We need a bit more of those types.
El Hawli will be the rising star of essendon in 2025.
He was a cut above the rest in the vfl before injuring his foot
Bloody keen to see him play
Wright defo at his best defo be in the team
At his best he’s in any team, we forget how good he was in 2022/2023
@ he had a bad team to in 2022 and kick 50 goals
I will give 2MP 4 games before giving up on him. Requirement of 2+ goals average.
This is common in most comments but I will say it anyway. I do love Nick Bryan but he realistically shouldn’t be playing if we have both 2MP and Draper who can play in the ruck. I would put Saad in for Nick Bryan and also have Elijah as the emergency.
No one has mentioned this specifically but our small forward are all just there, they all do anything special based on last year I would agree with Matt guefi but could see bye Menzie or jade gresham as well. Will not need to worry about small forwards getting injured at least.
I would agree with everyone else in the exact spot you put each of them.
Yep, if Wright is struggling the axe should be swung quicker
Key is Reid getting his body right. Wright worries me. Guelfi question mark & Redman needs to lift. However fair read on the top 23. Depth is a concern!
I just hope he can play some footy
I here snow white will be a great movie 😳🤣
That trailer gave me nightmares
Pretty good selections. I would prefer Wright replaced with Jones...If Wright aint raking them in he is a liability in the forward half..at least until he shows some solid form. Move Saad to the interchange and have Shiel as the sub....But then again, I know Jack-shite....Thanks for the vid.
Definitely toyed with Wright in the 2s, I think he’s a player who should be given that early chance in the opening rounds to build confidence.
My team
Backs McGrath McKay Ridley
Half-backs redman Reid Roberts
Centre Martin Merrett duursma
Half-forward Gresham caddy jones
Full-forward kako Langford Perkins
Ruck Draper Durham Caldwell
Bench parish Hayes Bryan wright
Sub Tsatas
Emergencies cox setterfield Hobbs.
Hayes in the first team! Keen for him to make his debut
It’s a good team. But I think it’s too tall. The trend seems to be leaning towards the smaller lineups based on speed.
Fair enough! Maybe a bit too tall
Roberts pocket/flank instead of Prior (not willing to walk-up start him just yet). El Hawli onto the interchange, Prior or Gresham into sub. Tsatas or Hobbs in for Bryan or Draper. Honestly playing two full-time rucks (neither is good enough as a proper forward) is not going to work, would rather have Wright ruck 20% of the game. Just my few cents.
Pretty decent. Don’t see Prior starting round 1. Kako won’t be a pressure forward, he’s very one way
I like it but if reid gets injured than hayes Roberts elhuil not laverdy go bombers can not wait for March 25❤🖤
Hayes will surely play some footy next year
Sam Durham starts every game or im outta here 😂
Yep he will
Greesham can stay in the VFL....forever...
I like him at his best, but wasn’t at that level enough last year
How is wright in your best 23 when he didnt get a game late last year?
Got plenty of games, 90 odd goals from his last 3 seasons is pretty decent considering the amount of games he’s missed
Martin wing he can rotate with Jones if he’s needed forward
B-McGrath McKay prior
Hb- redman reid Ridley
C- duursma Durham Martin
Hf -jones caddy Perkins
F - wright (sr)Langford kako
Ob- draper Merrett Caldwell
Bench - Shiel Roberts parish Gresham
Sub - cox
Your side is too tall. Can’t play Bryan Draper and Bryan together
I think depending on how Bryan goes there is room for Draper, Wright and Caddy in the same forward line at times, but I do see how it can be tough rotating
IM SORRY PETER WRIGHT SHOULD NOT BE THERE TILL HE KNOWS HOW TO MARK THE BALL REST I AGREE WITH
2MP is a great mark, the issue is he is a better mark when up the ground, he keeps dropping the ball when 2 on 1. He is pretty good 1 on 1
@@HeavyCarts or in packs he struggles. His attributes don’t suit our lock it in game style.
Who from the depth team would you rather have than wright?
You do know he was averaging 2 goals a game, before his report he was our leading goal kicker. Bloke has the best shot at goal on our team
Can't blame 2MTR Peter for everything, the delivery this year to the forward line was the shambles , just bomb it was happening, they need alot better cohesion and structure and give 2MTR Peter more room to run and jump at it because at his highest point gd luck trying to punch it ...
why is there still a SUB???
No clue, wish there wasn’t
Slingshot sci-fi thriller
No Gresham is a big call
Dig it though.. if he earns it he’s in but on most recent form he was lousy
Not from me. Overrated at St Kilda and underwhelming at Essendon.
@@The123fionastarted well! And then nosedived
Would rather him earn his spot back through the VFL
Hey Felix if that's Essendon best 23 then they are in big trouble I said now for a while it will be years before they win a final I don't have them making finals for 2 to 3 years due to their depth they lack in all areas on the field if they are lucky enough they might play finals in 2027 but I can't see them winning one until they get the whole team sorted out and that might take 3 to 5 years and we are not talking a premiership here I am just saying to win a final might take 3 to 5 years they might get lucky enough and sneak into the 8 in 2 to 3 years time but it won't be 2025 or 2026 maybe 2027 they sneak in but lose again to a better team I give them 4 to 5 years to win their next final and if they don't play finals or win one in that 5 year window Brad Scott won't be there I give him a deadline of 3 years from 2025 to break the drought that's how I see the club if they don't win a final by then either 2028 or 2029 Brad Scott is gone with the wind bye bye Brad Scott. PS I hope I am wrong but something tells me I am spot on just like back in 2013 I said that this drug saga would impact the club for 10+ years.
Yep I think we finish in the bottom half next year, not as worried about the future as you are though
@@everythingessendon548 Hey Felix I hope your ready for a lot of pain to come as it's going to be a long road ahead to their next Premiership no easy fix here hope you can put up with at least 5 to 7 years before they might win flag 17 and I say might as the is no guarantee as the competition is getting harder and harder every year and in 3 years time 2028 it will get even harder again with Tasmania coming in I just hope a lot of bombers fans can deal with the heartache if this team goes into a 30 to 40 year period without silverware. Just Remember Essendon are already on 24 years without silverware.
Question do you think this board shit is going to ruin the progress we have made mate
Are they the AFL not getting rid of the sub
Better having 5 on the bench and no sub!!!!
Not yet unfortunately
Disagree with Gresh out of the side. Easily our best small forward if he can fire and does a lot of work in attack team-wise. Deserves his spot in the side more than Wright or Guelfi.
On his day he’s great, far too inconsistent for me
Forward line is so bad but all we have is guess
I can’t agree that McGrath is a natural or pure footballer. He’s very panicky and unreliable most of the time - especially as a captain. Cannot see him walking into the best 22 of most of the top 8 sides to be honest. He kinda proves that any the number in which you’re picked means absolutely nothing most of the time
If McGrath was available every team would try and pick him up. I think you look through only negative glasses 🥸
McGrath is underrated and just a whipping boy because his #1 pick hanging over his head.
Nonsense
I think he walks into just about every team, he’s definitely a player who’s harshly viewed because of his draft position, if he was pick 60 everyone would love him.
Nah he's just a Mr Nice guy, a very Dodoro type selection. Mcluggage would've been much better for us
? MARK ON PRIOR THO
I think fans will warm up to him
Peter wright absolutely not...He gets man handled by blokes 10kg lighter, Soft as butter!!
A few soft players in the team, I’ll take him as a marking target if he’s confident
We have no role playing depth
Swap Perko and Wright
Never understood the Parish hate. He could be a Brownlow winner when at his best.
Absurd take, Parish is wildly overrated by bomber fans.
@@berkvzn he was 5th in the Brownlow in 2021.
@@HeavyCarts yeah we're not in 2021 anymore, a lots changed since then
Wasn’t far off in 2021
He cant deliver , cant finish , useless posessions …
everything is great. Take Wright out.. either Gresh or gerryn..
Don’t think Gerreyn is quite ready to play just yet
@everythingessendon548 in time
parish and wright should be traded out next year. They won't be part of our next premiership and they don't add a huge amount to the team right now. Parish has good clearance, but he isn't as hungry anymore. Maybe because he signed a big contract. Maybe because he became a father. Who knows. Send him away for a late first rounder or early second.
I'm 66yo with a Bomber premiership on my bucket list. If I'm lucky i may squeeze in another 10 years but I think I'm going to die disappointed. At least I've been lucky enough to see 4 cups.
@@aussie_al I don't think it will take us another 10 years to see premiership success, but I certainly can't imagine it being less than 5. I'd say in that 6-8 time. But, you never know.
This year and the last have been the first real sign of change since we last won a final, if the trend continues and we keep building. We could become a team worth watching again.
If we dont want parish and wright who else would?
I’m happy to give them another year, if they don’t improve I’d be happy seeing them traded.
@@everythingessendon548 hobbs and alwyn both have to show as well
Parish is our best Rover?
At his best he’s definitely up there, one of the only All-Australian members on the list
Feels like you learnt nothing from last year. TOO TALL! You can’t have 2 rucks and 2MP in the same team. 2/3 depending on form. Jones out as well, too tall for this team
I think Jones and Caddy are mobile enough for their size not to matter, fair criticism though
Most of DP3's possessions are useless
Correct, he was always quantity over quality.
That’s often the case with clearance mids, he’s the guy who gets the hard ball out to the likes of Merrett, Martin
@liushuai2993 frustrating few years of seeing our inside movement flourish when he's injured and then go stale when he returns.
@everythingessendon548 would love to see him hitting the contest for a hardball get
Youre hoping players change which is historically our problem , centre should be Merrett , Shiel , Dhursma … Wright -back , Reid and Bryan out …Parish cant finish …trade …stop hoping things are going to change , make changes
Sorry Felix do not like your team selection It is the same old same old and if we pick a side like the one outlined we will finish 10 to 14 This is the side I would pick and it could change after a few practice matches or injuries FB: Ridely McKay McGarth HB: Shiel Reid or Hayes El- Hawli C: Duusma Durham Tsatas HF: Jones Caddy Martin FF: Langford Wright Kako On ballers: Bryan's Merrett Caldwell Interchange; Dapper, Parish Redman Roberts Perkins I really hope Brad Scott is as conservative and fixed in his team selections and plays several new players until he gets the right combinations. If we sit back and do the same, the outcome will be the same. Change needs to happen and never be afraid of trying something new, what is the worst that could happen?
I agree the same old line up needs a shake, however this forward line will get slaughtered when the ball hits the ground inside Fwd 50.
Yes, I agree it's top-heavy i can see Perkins in the starting lineup and Jones on interchange but depending on the game I could also see the following players come into the side remember there are a lot of big defending sides that we also face the side can be adjusted from the bench and we could add from the following players to make the necessary adjustments i.e. Gresham Davey, Menzie, Guelfi Hobbs etc to the side as required
@@jamesallchin7557 Yes, I agree it's top-heavy i can see Perkins in the starting lineup and Jones on interchange but depending on the game I could also see the following players come into the side remember there are a lot of big defending sides that we also face the side can be adjusted from the bench and we could add from the following players to make the necessary adjustments i.e. Gresham Davey, Menzie, Guelfi Hobbs etc to the side as required
Tough team to judge, we’ll have more clarity after the pre-season
Parish has terrible foot skills. We should have traded him before we signed him. Imagine the compensation we would of received.
So glad you left Nic Cox out of the side. He has been an absolute dissapointment. Shown nothing in 4 years on put on no size. A truly wasted pick.
I’d rather him earn his spot through the VFL
Tsatas out is rough.
I’ll wait for some more pre-season work, but I’m not quite sold he’s ready to play ahead of those midfielders we already have
WHY WOULD YOUHAVE DURHAM ON THE BENCH GREAT PLAYER AND YOU HAVE KAKO IN WHO HAS NOT PROVED HIMSELF AS OF YET THATS A SLAP IN THE FACE FOR SAMMY DURHAM MATE
Just because he is on the bench doesn’t mean he is not in the best 23 some players are better injectors off the bench rather than starting.
Playing a good player on the bench who can come on as a shock attack type player can be a good strategy. You can swap them into the game and get an uneven match up and capitalise.
Why are you yelling
Kako in the best 23 says more about how diabolical our small forward depth is, than how good he might be. Hawthorn weren't afraid to play Nick Watson for most of the season, no reason why we should be so conservative
I'll just say because a played named on the bench doesn't mean they start on the bench.
To tall m8 Perko is a bust needs to work on his fitness