So, we’ve successfully completed Round Two in one of the weirder seasons in recent memory. Some teams have played three games, others have played two games. So, how do we make sense of what we’ve seen and construct a fair and balanced side?
I guess, I just pick my favourite players?
In all seriousness, we’ve seen a number of consistent performers in the opening rounds. Choosing the first side for the year has been an interesting process. Unlike the AFL Team and their so-called expert panel who pick a team of midfielders, at The Mongrel Punt, we value players who are the role players, who excel at what they are picked to do, and celebrate those who dominate their position. So, I am endeavouring to pick players in the position they spend most of their time.
It is inevitable that some players will miss out – especially midfielders. I may or may not justify my decisions, but know that I have picked this 23 and could have picked a second side with the names left out. So, I expect this will be a side that has changes at various points as I seek to bring the collective best 23, by position, at the conclusion of the 2024 season.
I guess I should stop stalling and dragging this out. *cue drum roll* here’s the Mongrel Punt’s Rolling All-Australian Team following Round Two.
FB: Brandon Zerk-Thatcher Sam Taylor Will Powell
HB: Tom Stewart Steven May Nick Blakey
C: Errol Gulden Tom Green Bailey Scott
HF: Gryan Miers Harry McKay Tom Papley
FF: Brent Daniels Jesse Hogan Isaac Heeney
Foll: Max Gawn Clayton Oliver Caleb Serong
Int: Marcus Bontempelli Matthew Rowell Zak Butters Bayley Fritsch Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera
There are no doubt players in the side this time that leave you asking “why?” One in particular is probably BZT. Leaving the Bombers and heading to the Power has so far proven to be an incredible decision for Zerk-Thatcher and the Power. Having the additional defensive support, and working within a strong system, BZT has had one goal kicked on him thus far, and he has spent a lot of time on Tom Lynch and Jack Darling.
Following a strong Round One, Tom Stewart solidified his place at half-back after bringing his own football to Adelaide Oval and dominating the Crows. Errol Gulden and a last-minute change to Bailey Scott* patrol the wings, and the forward line includes a number of small forwards who push up the ground, and bring their teammates into the match; not only do they hit the scoreboard, but they also are assisting their teammates.
The biggest contention points, however, are no doubt in the below list. The players under consideration who, for one reason or another, missed out. These players make up my watchlist.
*I originally had Lachie Whitfield, given he has played some time there. Upon further analysis, I was breaking my own rule of picking players in position (and I’m already flirting with that line with Isaac Heeney) so, I refocused and looked at the Wingman of the Year Award. Not everyone will like the system, but HB is a genius and does a power of work, so it’s only right that the leading wingman be in the Rolling AA Team.
Honourable Mentions:
Probably the unluckiest member of this team, and someone I had previously declared to the other Mongrels as being in the team, is Luke Jackson. Essentially, he misses for ‘team balance’ – a cop out, I know. Dockers fans have every right to be pissed at me. I do think, however, that it is an inevitability that Jackson ends up in the side.
And while I could list another 20 names, the key ones are Christian Petracca, Chad Warner, Kysaiah Pickett, and Brayden Maynard, among others.
These names emphasise the challenge we place on ourselves at The Mongrel, by rewarding players based on their position and not their name, reputation, or because they are midfielders. The onus is on those in the team to maintain their levels. If they don’t, then there are players, in every position, ready to force their way in.
Let us know your team, or who you’d replace and why – don’t just blindly change it because someone in your team wasn’t picked.
Stay tuned for more from The Mongrel Punt, and for additional ideas to tell me I must not watch footy because you don’t like the team I’ve selected.
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