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

[DJC]

Harry and Charlie, every one else get out of the farken way.

Yes, there's a lot to be said for that approach

The idea of Kennedy as Jack's replacement has merit but, apart from his four goal haul against Cold Toast, he hasn't been a success when played as a dedicated forward.  Most third tall defenders would have his measure and I think that his best position is as a midfielder who rests forward on a medium defender.

From what we've heard from players and coaches and from what has been reported from training and match sims;

* De Koning and Pittonet are going to share the ruck duties with De Koning resting forward.

* Docherty is going to play as midfielder/forward.

* Cottrell is going to play as a forward (which means he'll be all over the ground).

* Motlop is a lock for a small forward position.

* Elijah Hollands is almost certain to play from Round 3 and could play as a midfielder/forward.

* Rob Monahan is impressing as a medium forward but, realistically, would have to shine in the VFL to be considered for a spot later in the season.

* Corey Durdin isn't doing contact work and is destined to start in the VFL when he's fit.

* Vossy is happy with with the roles players now have and does not want to make positional changes.  It's unlikely that potential swingmen - Kemp and McGovern - will play as forwards.

That leaves us with McKay and Curnow (with Lemmey as back up) as out tall forwards, three medium forwards (Martin, Cuningham and Cottrell), two small forwards (Motlop and Owies) and Docherty rotating through the midfield and forward line.  De Koning will spend time as a key forward, both when resting and when giving McKay or Curnow a spell.  Other midfielders will spend time in the forward line as occasional medium forwards or tall forward in Cripps' case.

The problem with that structure is that the opposition's third tall defender, say Lever, Stewart, Howe, etc, will lack an opponent in marking contests and will be able to help try to nullify McKay and Curnow as well as taking intercept marks.  A lot will rely on Martin and Cottrell keeping the third tall defender honest in the air and exploiting them when the ball comes to ground.

It will be interesting to see how we line up against Geelong on Thursday morning ...