Oz Footy List Manager now takes a look at Gold Coast.
List:
When looking at the Gold Coast list, one immediately sees it being in transition. Firstly, the core players are spread evenly over all age groups. Secondly, that the influx of new players range from mature to junior. Thirdly, the number of non-core players in the twilight (28+yo) section might indicate contract challenges.
The strength of the Gold Coast list is that there is no shortage of players to choose from. The problem is finding enough players that play at a consistently intense level. The defence has Ballard, Collins and Andrew anchoring the tall positions, however there has been no consistency in the mediums around them. Only Powell has shown consistency. So, recruiting of Noble and Rioli should strengthen the defence more.
The loss of Day and Lukosius, with Walter not being quite ready, means that Himmelburg will be required to do the hard work as a high half-forward (nee CHF), unless the aforementioned Walter develops significantly in the pre-season. The positive is that there are plenty of good mediums and smalls to go around their tall forwards. The outstanding junior Lombard should be given early opportunity.
Moyle’s development in the ruck has been excellent, with the 22yo ready to share duties full-time with the aging Witts.
The midfield has an excellent handful – Miller, Anderson, Rowell and Flanders, but I would like to see it expand to a good 10 who can be rotated in groups during a match. Gold Coast’s key weakness is that you can overrun their lack of rotations when their short handful retires. This is where Rioli and Noble can add to their midfield rotations.
There is opportunity for at least half a dozen improving juniors (18-21yo) and developing (22-24yo) players to force their way into the team.
Select 22:
An almost settled defence has Noble and Rioli adding experience and extra run to it. Sexton, a twilighter whose excellent per game statistics, especially in metres gained, provides a top option on a wing. Himmelburg should start at high half-forward, taking height pressure off King. Moyle should be included in the 22 every game to change with Witts (unless only one ruck is required – teeming with rain). Lombard should get early opportunity.
There is plenty of depth and opportunity for the Gold Coast list this season. How much improvement will depend on its level of intensity and consistency.
B: Powell, Ballard, Collins
HB: Noble, Andrew, Rioli
C: Flanders, Miller, Sexton
HF: Long, Himmelburg, Ainsworth
F: Lombard, King, Rosas
R: Witts, Anderson, Rowell
I: Uwland, Moyle, Davies, Clohesy
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About
It was 25 years ago that I began developing a model for analysing footy squad lists for the purpose of improving those lists into a premiership window. Since then, the model has been used to successfully predict premiership clubs and to improve either lop-sided or underdeveloped lists into premiership lists. Indeed, the model was used for an article that I had published as a double page spread in The Age 2005 Pre-Season magazine. Over the 25 years, I have analysed the annual lists of one particular club but have used it for other clubs upon request. It has always been on my bucket list to display the lists of all the clubs, using the model, which I've done since 2021 on my website - OzFootyListManager.com
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