Thread by @Kyptastic1

Taking the great work @JonathanJWalsh has done here and putting my own spin on it.

I'm going to take a look at the depth chart from the perspective of who's likely to make the 22 and what spots are up for grabs heading into 2024.

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#GoDons #DonTheStat

https://twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh/status/1727202223917285401

I did this exercise last year as well, so it's interesting to consider the comparisons.

This exercise is done assuming all players are fit for selection for Round 1.

I'm ranking players in four categories as seen in the picture here:

Locked are those who are certain starters

Likely are those who should play, but may be forced out due to type matchups/form

Fringe are those who are going to have to force their way into the side

Developing is for those yet to make their debuts

Before we get into the different sections, it's interesting to compare my overall numbers from last year.

It's clear to me, based on what we learnt last year as well as the players we've brought in, that there's a lot less question marks on our side this year than last

This should mean the team is in a much more stable position, therefore in a better place to move forward

(2023 has two more players in total because we had the 2 CAT B rookies that we haven't filled this year).

Right, let's start in the back line...

I'm using Jono's descriptors for this exercise. Where they rank in their section is also where I rank them in terms of ability heading into 2024 based on exposed form.

Most of the medium defenders would be able to play in either the key or small defender role if required.

The 7 players there that are in green and yellow I would expect to be our starting backline for Round 1. The one most in danger for me is Heppell. His 2023 form for me indicates he should be the frontrunner, but if Cox has a strong off-season he could leapfrog based on potential

Hind is in the Likely category rather than fringe due to his speed, which is an asset we really lack coming out of the backline.

Lual has a big opportunity to get early AFL game time if he adapts to the expectations quickly. Alwyn Davey could also find himself in this role imo.

Moving on to the forwards, once again I have 7 players in green or yellow. I do expect though that only one of Menzie or Guelfi will make the final side. Given the logjam of midfielders, it's likely one of those will slot into the second small forward slot behind Gresham.

The lack of a standout option for a second key forward is a convern (which shows you why they were so desperate to get Nate Caddy in the draft).

This is offset somewhat by Langford's ability to play like a key forward. Also makes it more likely that we'll play two rucks

The potential for players like Perkins, Stringer and Gresham to role through the midfield and have an impact offers a lot of flexibility to adapt to different situations in game, whilst also maintaining a strong attacking presence

Finally, we move into the engine room. I have 12 players in the Locked and Likely categories. With one of these probably sneaking into the forward line, there's one of these player's that are going to be unlucky in a no-injury world

As Jono said in his original thread, in/out midfielders are those that can win it inside then spread effectively.

Of those listed, Caldwell and Shiel are the most likely to end up forward (although part of me wants that role to go to Merrett)

I have Setterfield at the top of the Inside Mid players given he's the one that's most able to play that defensive role at stoppage.

They may want to invest more time in Perkins doing that role however, which would cost Setterfield a spot in the side.

Again, as Jono said, there's a need for more midfielders on the list. You'd want three or four AFL listed midfielders playing in your VFL side to put pressure on those in the seniors and to improve reserves standards

In a no injury world, we probably see a max of 2.

The next couple of years we'll find out more about our Medium defenders and Small forwards, which means we shouldnt' need to carry as many of those and can invest more into the midfield depth.

Anyway, those are my thoughts. If you have any feedback or differences of opinion please share.

@JonthanJWalsh and I will be back with our final #DonTheStat of the year in early December where we'll deep dive into the list heading into 2024.