ROLLING ALL-AUSTRALIAN TEAM ROUND FIFTEEN
We are seeing unexpected sides rise, while others who have started well have suffered some capitulations. How much of the ladder can we trust? Is form temporary and class permanent? Much like the ladder itself, we are seeing some unexpected performances among the players. The Prophet has been busy watching back the tapes, factoring in some statistics, consulting experts (The Mongrel Punt Team), and, utilising the esteemed eye test. So, what does the team look like?
I’m glad you’ve asked. 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. Unlike the Australian T20 side where they picked on reputation over performance, this side is about who is shining in their position, and bringing balance to the force … well, the team as a whole.
I’ve had a five-week hiatus to compile data, watch highlights, and consult with the leading AFL experts in the country (again, looking expansively just the like the AFL searching for a CEO< and settling on The Mongrel Punt Team). Given the bye rounds are now complete, and all teams have played the same number of games, it’s time to bring you the latest iteration.
Some players will inevitably 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. Given we have nine remaining games, there are clear breakaways. The list of those who remain in the squad shortens every week, so, as I seek to bring the collective best 23, by position, at the conclusion of the 2024 season, I don’t foresee too many times when there are big changes to the team.
Here is what the team looked like at the culmination of Round Ten:
FB: Zach Guthrie Alex Pearce Nick Vlaustin
HB: Lachie Whitfield Steven May Nick Blakey
C: Errol Gulden Chad Warner Josh Daicos
HF: Gryan Miers Ben King Jake Waterman
FF: Tyson Stengle Jesse Hogan Bayley Fritsch
Foll: Max Gawn Isaac Heeney Caleb Serong
Int: Christian Petracca Sam Taylor Zach Merrett Izak Rankine Kyle Langford
What has changed? Who is now more firmly entrenched? There have been a lot of compelling arguments about different players, and I even recognise that the first team was a little too midfielder-heavy, so, like Anakin was supposed to, I will endeavour to bring balance to the force.
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 Fifteen.
FB: Sam Collins Jacob Weitering Luke Ryan
HB: Jordan Clark Alex Pearce Nick Blakey
C: Errol Gulden Chad Warner Massimo D’Ambrosio
HF: Gryan Miers Ben King Dylan Moore
FF: Tyson Stengle Charlie Curnow Jake Waterman
Foll: Max Gawn Isaac Heeney Caleb Serong
Int: Dan Houston Marcus Bontempelli Nick Daicos Jesse Hogan Zach Merrett
Ten changes … yes, you read that correctly. A Tye Dillinger amount of changes to this side over the past five weeks.
How has this ‘perfect ten’ come about?
Predominantly, it’s in the back half of the ground, with four of the six starting defenders changing of the past five weeks (not to mention the extra defender on the bench changing). 2024 has seen the emergence of a number of defenders, and there is a legitimate fight for spots. Sam Collins has long been underrated. He is a competitive beast, strong in the contest, and is one of the leading interceptors in the game. Jacob Weitering is a pro – he is seldom beaten, and he is arguably the most important cog in Carlton’s structure. Luke Ryan and Jordan Clark round out the Fremantle trio in defence. They play different roles, but have a mighty influence with what they are doing. Intercepting, run and carry, beating their opponents … they work hard to give their side the best opportunity.
In the middle, in perhaps a shock to some (I’m expecting a lot of Collingwood vitriol here) I’ve replaced Josh Daicos with Massimo D’Ambrosio. The former Bomber has been fantastic for the Hawks. His vision, execution (especially under pressure) and how he covers the ground have made him one of the premier wingmen in the game this year. He’s in a two-horse race with Brodie Grundy for recruit of the year, and continues to excel in what he’s doing.
Up forward, Dylan Moore comes into the side. He is combative, finds the goals, and is somewhat of a barometer for the Hawks. When he’s involved in the play, and his pressure is high, it goes a long way to shaping the fortunes of the Hawks. In regard to Charlie Curnow, he’s the Coleman Medal Leader, so needs to be here.
On the bench, all of Dan Houston, Marcus Bontempelli, and Nick Daicos come into the side. All three of these players have been excelling this year; the fact that Bont is starting on the bench is a testament to the other mids. He has done a power of work this year for the Dogs. Houston himself doesn’t have a problem, even if his club does. While not a conventional lockdown defender, his ability to break the lines from the back half and his ball use makes him one of the best defensive weapons in the game. And Nick Daicos. The kid is good. He is probably a victim of the high standard he has set and the media love affair, that I’ve held off adding him in. But, he’s earned it.
Honourable Mentions:
I know Blues fans are gonna blow up the comments section asking about Patrick Cripps. He is probably stiff to miss, but I am comfortable with the six mids (including sub) that I have in the side. If any of them falter, well, we know who comes in.
Max Holmes is a curious one. If he’d spent the last five weeks as a half-back flanker, he’s probably in this side. His move to the middle – while a continuation of good form – leaves him in a state of flux. His move to the midfield means others are ahead of him in defence, and he hasn’t done enough to usurp other midfielders. This could be a squad year for the son of an Olympian, with greater midfield opportunities in 2025 potentially unlocking his AA jacket.
Sam Flanders has racked up the touches off half-back, and is in the frame, he just isn’t ahead of the like of Nick Blakey, Dan Houston, and Jordan Clark as yet. He plays like a midfielder, just not in the centre square, which adds to some of the confusion about where his best position lies.
Harris Andrews is one I get asked about regularly. I will admit, I haven’t seen as much of the Lions as I’d have liked. That probably informs this decision. I will, however, promise to watch Lions matches over the next fortnight and focus on Andrews. If he plays well, and with Alex Pearce’s injury, well … we know how that works.
Two other names, as left-field options: James Jordon – now, he doesn’t win a lot of footy, nor does he impact the scoreboard in the fashion of other forwards, but, he plays a role. And we all value the role players, right? We can’t all be Batman – Alfred and Robin have value. Jordan is bringing that to the rampgaing Swans. Is he likely to be in even just the official squad? No. Should he be getting more recognition for what he’s doing? Yes. The other left-field name is Jack Scrimshaw. The Hawk is putting together a fantastic season and is a key cog in the Hawks intercept game and their ball movement. He continues to grow and improve as a player. If some other defenders drop off, and his form continues, he is a legitimate smoky for selection.
I’ll also throw Joe Daniher in the mix. He’s close and doing all the right things. And if team balance lends itself to the prospect, Brodie Grundy could definitely find his way onto the bench.
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 reasons to tell me I must not watch footy because you don’t like the team I’ve selected.
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