Best 22 for '22: Darren Levin
OK, just hear me out...
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Who I grappled with:
For a team that’s supposedly bottom four fodder our backline is STACKED! Selectors will have a tough job figuring out the right mix just as I did, but I imagine it’ll be a horses for courses approach depending on the size and dynamic of the forward line we’re facing.
I’ve nonetheless swung a controversial change in here, bringing in DGB ahead of Kyle Hartigan because … why the hell not? He have a light frame, but he’s mobile, tough as nails, and reads the ball beautifully. The sooner he gels with this backline the better we’ll be for the long run.
And besides have you ever seen Kyle Hartigan launch himself at the footy like this?
Tom Phillips is probably a best stiff given his late season form, but I like the versatility of Howe on the bench. Conor Nash needs a few more games to win me over, so I’ve got Jai Newcombe starting ahead of him - he’s got a bit of mongrel in him and I just love the way he attacks the footy (and people!).
Tyler Brockman has genuine X-factor and could be anything, but it’s hard to see him unseating Dyl Moore and Luke Breust in that forward line, at least for the first half of the season. I love the mix of Scrimshaw, Will Day and Sicily off half-back. Three blokes with poise who know how to use it.
CJ occupies a more advanced position on the wing, but he could easily drop back along with Impey if we need a bit more line-breaking dash. It’s what makes that backline mix so versatile and unpredictable.
Who should-be best 22 by seasons end:
It’s three for me - Tyler Brockman, Finn Maginness (🤞), and whoever we draft at pick 5/7 😉
Don’t sleep on:
Lachie Bramble was an absolute revelation when he came into the side in the latter half of the season. A hard runner with a great footy brain, I’d expect him to take his game to another level now that he feels he belongs at AFL level.
Who might be in trouble:
Thank you for your great service to the Hawthorn Football Club Liam Shiels.
That’s the best so far. But why Phillips? He ain’t in the best squad! Boot him for Nash / pick 5 or an outstanding outlier...
Not bad. But Nash and newbie Ward ahead of Newcombe and Phillips. Even though I really like both of them, it has to be 'Team First.