EDITED: All clubs best 22 pre draft, now finished!

[underdog11]

I have been doing extensive research into every clubs list too see gaps and potentially were rookies fit in post draft. the only thing i have conceeded is that Toumpas, Whitfield to GWS and Wines to the Dees. Btw this includes players who might miss early season, its more of a guidline all year round. Let me know what you think, feedback welcomed.

All 18 clubs:

Adelaide best 22:

FB: S.Shaw B.Rutten B.Smith

HB B.Martin D.Talia B.Reilly

C R.Sloane N-Van Berlo B.Vince

HF: M.Wright R.Henderson R.Douglas

FF: J.Porpyslzia T.Walker I.Callinan

R: S.Jacobs, S.Thompson, P.Dangerfield

I/C: A.Otten B.Crouch G.Johncock J.Petrenko (sub)

Emg:M.Janesch J.Jenkins, D.Mackay

Verdict: The crows have actually been a surprise to me as I was reviewing there list. I did not expect much rookie room at all, instead Brad Crouch should almost be a walk up start, and suprisingly there is a lot of room in the backline. Sam Shaw, Brodie Martin and Brodie Smith would all have JS issues with a possible rotation system in place for a back rookie. I wouldnt touch a forward rookie though pretty crammed up there. If Adelaide get a solid back rookie, strongily consider.

Brisbane best 22:

FB: M.Magiure D.Merret P.Hanley

HB: J.Adcock J.Patful S.Docherty

C: B.Moloney J.Redden S.Black

HF: D.Zorko J.Brown C.Beams

FF: T.Banfield B.Staker A.McGrath

R: M.Leunberger T.Rockliff, A.Raines

I/C: S.Martin D.Rich A.Cornelius J.Green (sub)

Emg: M.Golby, R.Lester, R.Bewick

Verdict: Now before i cop a lot of flack, hear me out. This is my opinion of the 22. I don't rate Golby that highly and I think McGrath has to move forward, he is so much better as a forward, and they dont need him down back. That being said I am highly cautious of taking Docherty in my team. He has a very iffy spot if any, I dont see him playing more then 10 games unless he can make it in the side early season and really impress, which i wouldn't put past him, too risky for mine. Also I think Staker could be a temporary soloution for there FF. He has the body for it and his getting really fit, his more suited to it then Merret. Be cautious if you are taking a brisbane rookie, there is not a lot of room. Zorko had to make his spot his own, before he had JS. I personally will be stearing clear of lion's rookies, but that discludes Staker his a great pick.

Carlton best 22

FB: N.Duigan M.Jamison C.Yarran

HB: H.Scotland L.Henderson Z.Tuohy

C:  B.Gibbs    A.Carrazo    K.Simpson

HF: A.Walker  M.Kreuzer   M.Robinson

FF: J.Gartlett  J.Waite      E.Betts

R: R.Warnock C.Judd, M.Murphy

I/C: J.Laidler B.McLean, D.Armfield, E.Curnow (sub)

Emg: S.Hampson, K.Lucas, L.Mitchell

Verdict: let me start by saying, do not take a Carlton midfield rookie. It is so packed in there, I couldnt get McLean on the field, and thats still with robbo at H/F! Besides that, they have room for a back rook and potentially a forward rook. I personally don't rate Laidler that highly, and I have him in there, so that says a heap. If Carlton get  a solid back rook who you have faith will keep his spot, don't hesitate, because my feeling is there could be a spot open for the whole year. Even though I have Robbo at H/F he will be rotated through the mid which may rotate a forward rookie in his place. I don't think Luke Mitchell is ready to take FF spot just yet, which leaves room open for a key or mid-sized forward, across the HF line. A lot depends on the draft and the delistings to come, but I will be steering clear of any carlton midfield rook, but will watch with keen interest who they get in the backline. Man it would be sweet if they got Thurlow.

Collingwood best 22:

FB: N.Maxwell N.Brown H.Shaw

HB H'O Brien B.Reid B.Johnson

C: S.Sidebottom L.Ball S.Pendlebury

HF D.Thomas T.Cloke A.Didak

FF: A.Krakour Q.Lynch A.Fasolo

R: D.Jolly, D.Swan, D.Beams

I/C: A.Toovey, J.Blair, T.Goldsack, B.Sinclair (sub)

Emg: C.Mooney, C.Younf, J.Paine

Verdict: Let me start by saying I am a huge pies supporter, they will always come before my DT. Now putting on my unbias hat. DO NOT TAKE A COLLINGWOOD ROOKIE. There is no circumstances were you should start with a pies rook in your team. I do think we will recruit D.Gartlett, T.Membrey and N.Hrovat with our first three picks. I love them all, but by no means will any of them play more then 10 games. The best case scenario i could see would be, a Ben Johnson/ O'Brien season ending injury Gartlett contends for there spot, Membrey plays a game kicks 5 keeps his spot, there is literally no soloution that if Hrovat played he wouldn't get the vest, look at that midfield, thats still without Thomas and Young no rookie is breaking that midfield. These scenarios are extremely unlikely, and I couldn't see a rookie playing 10 games + vest free, without a season ending injury to a few players.

Essendon best 22:

FB: T.Pears, D.Fletcher, D.Myers

HB: D.Heppell, C.Hooker, M.Hibberd

C: B.Howlett, J.Watson, H.Hocking

HF: D.Zahara M.Hurley S.Crameri

FF: S.Gumbleton J.Daniher J.Winderlich

R: T.Bellchambers, B.Goddard, B.Stanton

I/C: C.Dempesy, P.Ryder, J.Melksham, Ler.Jetta (sub)

Emg: K.Hardingham D.Hille T.Colyer

Verdict: Essendon have a very different structure this year. They are mamath up forward. I am still on Daniher despite this, i think he gets the FF spot over Hille, and Ryder when not rucking can play more defensive. Heppel and Zaharakis will rotate through the midfield, but I think essendon are invested in Howlett, Melskham and Hocking so they wont have permanent stints in the midfield. Very little rookie room, I would be cautious about anyone besides Daniher, because Hird has made a clear statement on him.

Fremantle best 22:

FB: A.Silvagni L.McPharlin L.Spurr

HB: P.Duffield M.Johnson D.Pearce

C:  D.Mundy   R.Crowley   S.Hill

HF: T.Mzungu  Z.Clarke    C.Pearce

FF: C.Mayne   M.Pavlich   H.Ballantyne

R: A.Sandilands M.Barlow N.Fyfe

I/C: N.Lower M.De Beor M.Walters A.Morabito (sub)

Emg: N.Suban A.Mcphee J.Griffin

Verdict: Looking at Freo's list they have a lot of young talent and exciting times ahead. That being said they are still settling in with a backline. McPhee's getting old now and wont play 22, i don't even put him in the 22. Lower and Spurr havent made there own spots yet. With a good back rookie he could make his own spot in there rotational backline. Not much room up forward or in the midfield, and thats even with out D.Pearce and Mzungu. Watch with keen interest.

Geelong best 22

FB: J.Hunt T.Lonergan A.Mackie

HB: C.Enright H.Taylor T.Hunt

C:   J.Kelly   J.Bartel    J.Corey

HF: A.Christensen N.Vardy P.Chapman

FF: D.Menzel  T.Hawkins  S.Johnson

R: H.McIntosh J.Selwood J.Caddy

IC: J.Rivers M.Duncan T.Varcoe B.Smedts (sub)

Emg: C.Guthrie, S.Motlop, J.Podsiadly

Verdict: Geelong went out and filled gaps with trades, so i don't see much room for rooks unless they really impress. There's one midfield spot for a rotating forward. Will be rotated with Duncan, Menzel, Chappy, Johnson, Christensen, so if your'e taking Menzel or Christensen keep that in mind. Don't see a reliable rook coming from Geelong, as history has proven.

Gold Coast best 22:

FB: M.Warnock N.Bock J.Harbrow

HB: T.Murphy S.May T.McKenzie

C: D.Swallow K.Hunt M.Rishetelli

HF: D.Prestia S.Day H.Bennel

FF: B.Matera T.Lynch D.Stanley

R: Z.Smith G.Ablett G.Broughton

I/C: C.Brown, J'O Meara, C.Dixon, J.Brennan (sub)

Emg: S.Tape, R.Thompson, M.Weller

Verdict: Finally we get something good! The suns have heaps of room there forward line is completely replaceable, i'd only say the midfield would be hard to break in to. Love it if Broughts finally got the midfield shot he deserves. Any first or second round draft pick could break in easily, don't hesitate with the suns!

GWS Best 22:

FB: C.Cornes T.Mohr M.Buntine

HB: T.Bugg   P.Davis T.Scully

C: S.Coniglio C.Ward L.Whitfield

HF: A.Trealor J.Cameron D.Tyson

FF: T.Adams J.Patton D.Smith

R: J.Giles T.Greene D.Shiel

I/C: J.Towensed J.Toumpas A.Tomilnson S.Darley (sub)

Emg: S.Gilham, R.Palmer, W-Hoskin Elliot

Verdict: It's hard to say with GWS. I have already made the assumption that Toumpas and Whitfield will go in there first 3 picks. they still have 3 more first round picks. I would honestly be skeptical of any midfielder because only Ward and Greene have JS in the mid, not even the over payed Scully. They have heaps of forward room but thats probably for Tippet, because I dont see Tomilnson holding down a spot, so the obviously making a big play for tippet. They have rotating backs and forwards but no midfield room! Will wait and see, Tippet makes a big difference.

Hawthorn best 22:

FB: B.Stratton J.Gibson B.Guerra

HB: G.Birchall  B.Lake  M.Suckling

C: S.Burgyone B.Sewell L.Shiels

HF:  J.Lewis   L.Franklin C.Rioli

FF: L.Bruest J.Roughead J.Gunston

R: M.Bailey S.Mitchell L.Hodge

I/C: X.Ellis I Smith B.Whitecross B.Hill (sub)

Emg: M.Spangher, D.Hale, S.Savage

Verdict: I would say hawks are a no. They havent had a history of giving rooks more then 5-10 games in there first year. Arguably the best list in the league, steer clear.

Melbourne best 22:

FB: L.Tapscott J.Frawley D.Nicholson

HB: T.McDonald J.Grimes J.Watts

C: J.Trengrove  J.Viney   O.Wines   

HF: C.Sylvia     M.Clark   S.Blease

FF: J.Howe      C.Dawes  S.Byrnes

R: M.Jamar N.Jones J.Magnar

I/C: J.Macdoanld, D.Rodan, C.Pederson, A.Davey (sub)

Emg: C.Garland, D.Barry, L.Dunn

Verdict: Much to discuss hear. Most interesting to FF community would probably be Pederson. Whether he played back or forward he has a key spot in there team. I only have him on the bench because I'm undecided if his a back or a forward, i would lean to forward. Melbourne have heaps of room in the midfield, both Wines and Viney have a lock down spot in there 22, and thats even with Magnar who most likely wont get the midfield spot he deserves. Melbourne have room everywere. A good rook will get a chance, lets hope history doesn't repeat it self with Couch.

North Melbourne best 22:

FB: S.McMahon N.Grima M.Firrito

HB: S.Atley S.Thompson R.Bastinac

C:   D.Wells     J.Ziebell  S.Gibson

HF: B.Harvey    M.Daw    S.Wright

FF: L.Adams     D.Petrie   L.Thomas

R: T.Goldstein A.Swallow L.Anthony

I/C: W.Sierakowski B.Cunnington R.Tarrant J.Gysberts (sub)

Emg: C.Delaney L.Greenwood K.Harper

Verdict: As a common theme this year, a lot of room in the back! I have bastinac in the back who is predominetly midfield, just to make up the numbers! North have a massive lock down spot up for grabs down back, but if your'e looking at Gysberts I'm not sure he even has room in there midfield. I am extremely keen to see if a Thurlow, Coloqhorn or a Osborne go to one of these teams with hefty backline room, it would be a waste if they went to a hawthorn/collingwood.

Port Adelaide best 22:

FB: J.Hombsch A.Carlile J.Pittard

FB: M.Broadbent J.Trengrove D.Pfeiffer

C:   Bra.Ebert   D.Cassisi K.Cornes
   
HF: J.Westoff  J.Butcher Bre.Ebert

FF: N.Salter     J.Schulz  A.Monfries

R: M.Lobbe T.Boak H.Hartlett

I/C: C.Heath C.Wingard D.Stewart N.Salter (sub)

Emg: C'O Shea, M.Thomas, C.Hitchcock.

Verdict: Port have probably the biggest back rookie capacity so far, they need any type of back and fast. With the loss of Jacobs and Chaplin it's wide open. The midfield is pretty crammed, seems to b a big common theme this year, backline the weak link. The forward line also has depth so keep your'e focus on the back line. And anyone who was nervous for Pittard's JS, trust me his a walk up start, not too mention a must have. Also if you are looking at Brody Grundy as youre second ruck, if he goes to Port at pick 7, jump on! He will be the first and possibly only ruck, my feeling is GWS will take him though with there delisting of Brogan and Port will take Plowman with pick 7. Wait and see.

Richmond best 22:

FB: D.Grimes A.Rance S.Morris

HB: C.Newman T.Chaplin B.Houli

C:  S.Tuck    D.Martin  S.Grigg

HF:C.Knights J.Riewoldt J.King

FF: R.Nahas A.Edwards S.Edwards

R: I.Maric T.Cotchin B.Deledio

I/C: R.Conca N.Foley T.Derickx B.Ellis (sub)

Emg: D.Astbuty, D.Jackson, M.White

Verdict: One of the few teams with not much backline but a lot of forward room. There forward line is fairly interchangable. Derickx and A.Edwards dont have lock down spots yet, so watch for a key/mid sized forward. Be interesting to see who they get with the first pick, they have a history of giving there youngsters a good chance.

StKilda best 22:

FB: J.Gwilt J.Blake S.Dempster

HB: F.Ray  S.Fisher S.Gilbert

C: D.Armitage L.Hayes C.Jones

HF: A.Sipposs N.Riewoldt B.Wilkes

FF: S.Milne R.Stanley A.Schnider

R: B.McEvoy N.Dal Santo L.Montagna

I/C: J.Geary J.Steven T.Lee A.Saad (sub)

Emg: D.Polo J.Newnes T.Hickey

Verdict: Genuine midfield room, finally! If they got a first/second round pick who is worthy of a spot he should hold it down. J.Steven is a rotating midfield/forward. T.Lee definetly makes the 22, for those considering him, but don't see much room past him or in the back, and I think R.Stanley is much better then kosi, before i get flack for that.

Sydney best 22

FB:   R.Shaw     A.Johnson M.Mattner

HB: N.Malcheski T.Richards H.Grundy

C: D.Hannerberry J.Bolton  T.Mitchell

HF: J.McVeigh    S.Reid      R'O Keefe

FF: B.McGylln     A.Goodes  L.Jetta

R: S.Mumford J-P Kennedy K.Jack

I/C: LRT M.Pyke L.Parker C.Bird (sub)

Emg: T.Armstrong J.Lamb M.Morton

Verdict: The reigning premiers have little to know rookie room. They have set out to keep there premiship team intact. I do think that Mitchell will come into there team at some point in the year though, maybe as a downgrade option during the byes. To add to this there first picks is mid 20s, its a no from me to the swans, watch Mitchell.

West Coast best 22:

FB:  S.Hurn    D.Glass    B.Waters

HB:A.Selwood E.Mackenzie B.Sheppard 

C:  M.Rosa     D.Kerr      A.Gaff

HF: A.Embley J.Kennedy L.Shuey

FF: M.Lecras  J.Darling   S.Hill

R: D.Cox M.Priddis S.Selwood

I/C: M.Brown N.Naitnui S.Wellingham B.Dick (sub)

Emg: W.Schofield C.Masten M.Nickoski

Verdict: Now before I cop a lot of flack for Masten, just look at that midfield, its no wonder they got rid of Stevens, I don't understand why they pursuid Wellingham. They have 7 genuine midfielders and 2 rotaters who deserve a spot, but theres only room for 6, so Masten missed out. Im not sure if Brad Sheppard is good enough to hold it down so watch out for an up and coming defender through the ranks. Not sold on the eagles.

Western Bulldogs best 22:

FB: D.Morris   T.Willams   E.Wood

HB: R.Murphy L.Markovic C.Howard

C:   M.Wallis   D.Cross      L.Picken

HF: A.Cooney  L.Jones     L.Dahlaus

FF:D.Giancursia T.Dickson J.Grant

R: W.Minson M.Boyd R.Griffin

I/C: D.Addison T.Liberatore S.Higgins K.Stevens (sub)

Emg: M.Talia C.Smith J.Roughead

Verdict: Much to discuss hear. It will be very interesting who they use there pick 5 and 6, I'm backing Plowman and Mayes considering there needs for key talls. Ayce Cordy is a spud and Jordan Roughead perhaps has a potenial future, but not great right now. There desperate for any Key back or forward. The interesting one is there midfield. I think Koby Stevens has been much too over looked as a certainty to be a consistent player. Im not sold at all, they have a pretty good midfield and perhaps with O'Rourke he really would struggle for a spot.

Overall Verdict: A surprising amount of gaps in the backline, but do have to say I would play it safe with midfield rookies, my rookies are Wines, Viney, Crouch, J'O Meara. Back is were at's it, taking rebound defenders who have a nac for getting a lot of the ball. This list has given me plenty of confidence in taking both Colouqhorn and Thurlow depending on were they end up, hope you enjoyed.

[ossie85]

Marvellous. I'm going to post this now, and go read it in detail

[elephants]

Yeah awesome work mate. Very interested to keep following along, lovely :)

[Colliwobblers]

great work mate, i like your Pies write up, I am a Pie too, and can tell you are, because you have the sentimental favorite in Didak on the park.

that won't happen surely? I think it should but it just won't especially not with the youngsters having good seasons in 2012 and another preseasn under their belts in 2013.

and Young.

[ossie85]

If the Pies didn't think Didak was in the best 22, I reckon he would have been delisted, too expensive otherwise

[elephants]

If the Pies didn't think Didak was in the best 22, I reckon he would have been delisted, too expensive otherwise

Yeah was gonna say. He'd be on an arm and a leg as is?

I like the presence of Colyer in the Bombers side even if it is only as an emergency.

No Golby in the Brissie best 22 is very debatable though ;)

[Colliwobblers]

If the Pies didn't think Didak was in the best 22, I reckon he would have been delisted, too expensive otherwise

His contract expires at the end of 2013, and he is retiring after that, can't change what he is under contract for, but there is no way he is getting games ahead of the kids that are the future of the club when he has a year to go and has been in and out of the side for the past two seasons already.

we will see, probably him in that stinking vest and in and out of the side but that's just my take on it.

[zeus123456]

Good work underdog bro!

[Ricochet]

very very nice mate, cheers

[Jroo]

Nice work Underdog! Was thinking about doing the same thing myself!

[underdog11]

Thanks all for the kind words, Its a passion of mine making lists like this so it's great that people are enjoying them. The last 6 will be done ASAP. Keep letting me know your'e thoughts and so on. I have been shocked by the amount of teams who are lacking in backs, but have literally no midfield room.

[JBs-Hawks]

Savage, Shoey and Hale all in hawks best 22.

[Nails]

FB: M.Magiure D.Merret P.Hanley

HB: J.Adcock J.Patful S.Docherty

C: B.Moloney J.Redden S.Black

HF: D.Zorko J.Brown C.Beams

FF: T.Banfield B.Staker A.McGrath

R: M.Leunberger T.Rockliff, A.Raines

I/C: S.Martin D.Rich A.Cornelius J.Green (sub)

Emg: M.Golby, R.Lester, R.Bewick

Definitely not the most knowledgeable Lions man myself...

But I struggle to see Beams have a HFF spot in the 22, I struggle to see him in the 22 to be honest.

I'd put either Black or Rich at RR... Black definitely not a wing as he's an inside jet. Rockliff would go to that wing.

I'd probably put Rich RR and Simon Black Centre, Move Rockliff to the Wing, Moloney to the bench and Redden to the other wing.

Put Green in Beams' position. Golby > Sub. I'd also swap Hanley and Docherty position wise.

Also a bit rough of Polec to not get a mention, but I'm not sure where I'd put him, would be at least emg...

But then again I'm a non-Brisbane or Melbourne based supporter and am not knowledgeable as I should be... so could be talking out of my arse.

[underdog11]

I see your point, but Redden is being developed as the new inside man, and Vossy has made it clear he wants to take the work load off Black, possibly giving him a couple of vests. Who woulod you take out for Polec, I just dont think his in there yet.

[underdog11]

Savage, Shoey and Hale all in hawks best 22.

Big no to shoey, I can see your point for Hale, who goes out for Savage.