The forward line 2024 - who plays and how is it structured?

[DJC]

They'll share the ruck duties but the bulk of the rotation will be off the bench, except when TDK has the opportunity to float forward in rotations that will include himself, BigH and Cripps.

If Pitto is not rucking but on the field I expect him to float defensive side of centre, and I can see especially in Weiters early absence, that Pitto helps out across CHB.

Cripps went forward very occasionally last season - 9 goals vs 20 in 2022.  I can't see that changing this season; Vossy believes that he's too valuable in the midfield and his forward forays will be as a midfielder rather than as a tall forward.  That said, if I was coaching, I would rest Cripps forward from time to time ...

[pinot]

A whole bunch of half forward/mids instead of a third tall maybe.

[LP]

Cripps went forward very occasionally last season - 9 goals vs 20 in 2022.

True, but because in the first 1/2 of the season he wasn't resting forward, I think he had 1-8 at the mid-season break.

I'd assert we looked better after he started carrying his injury and was forced to rest forward, and not exhausted he looked a reliable shot for goal despite the injury we all know he was carrying, collecting 8-6 for a season total of 9-14.

[DJC]

True, but because in the first 1/2 of the season he wasn't resting forward, I think he had 1-8 at the mid-season break.

I'd assert we looked better after he started carrying his injury and was forced to rest forward, and not exhausted he looked a reliable shot for goal despite the injury we all know he was carrying, collecting 8-6 for a season total of 9-14.

If you watch Crippa's 2023 highlights, it's readily apparent that all of his goals and most of his behinds were scored while he was actively involved in the midfield; run down tackles, leads into the forward 50, running the ball into scoring range and I think one even came from a ruck infringement.

Cripps rarely rested forward in 2023 and I can't see that changing in 2024.  Voss seems very reluctant to change what has worked well.

[madbluboy]

There is no such thing as resting forward anymore.

[DJC]

There is no such thing as resting forward anymore.

I don't think players ever got much of a rest when they went forward (or back) after playing on the ball. 

When De Koning goes forward he’ll be working just as hard as Harry and Charlie.  If Cripps goes forward, he might get some respite from his run with player but he will have a tall defender for company.