Toast Reasons for Optimism

[go_the_dockers]

I love Sonny and think his peak is equal to Bolton. He wasn’t quite there in 2013 though. Couple of years off it.

46, 44, 40, 36 goal tallies vs 41, 34, 33.

Bolton has a few years to catch up, but I probably should have them at least equal or Walters marginally ahead.

Edit: You are arguing for Bolton to be greater than Walters, sorry misread the first time I read it.

Sonny got 46 goals in 2013, so that was pretty close to his peak. Based on goals alone, it is not close. Bolton should rebound in 2025 hopefully. Either way, I think having them close to equal is pretty fair.

 

[ignoramus]

2013 v 2024 - (with bolton)

Pav > Treacy
Ballas > Switta
Walters = Bolton
Mayne < Amiss
Clarke < Jackson
Sutcliffe < Sturt

A bit harsh on Mayne, he was unbelieve in 2012,13 and 15.

I don't think we have the stars of 2013, but I think our depth is better.

We probably need 1 or 2 players to go from C grades, to B Graders, and a few of our A and B graders to go up another level this year to push for top 4 and a grand final.

Do you mean De Boer? Sutcliffe mostly played half back on my recollection.

 

[oldgoat]

These things are definitely subjective, so wouldn’t argue, but would add that Serong 2024 AA, Fyfe made the squad in 2013 + Serong 4th on 28 votes in the Brownlow v Fyfe 10th on 18. Not perfect measures but nothing ever is.

Maybe Fyfe’s best games were better (or at least more spectacular), but Serong was consistently at a high level.

Clearly Fyfe’s best years are better than Serong has shown so far, but for me I have to give it to Serong for those seasons.

Caleb has yet to summit!

 

[gungho]

Completely out of boredom, I have compared our 2013 grand final side with our 2025 best 22 side. (barring injuries for the 2025 side, which will probably not be the case but for simplicity have chosen to do so). The comparisons are based on exactly how that player was in 2013 (not what they were like in different times in their career. Eg. Fyfe at his peak is better than Brayshaw but hadn't hit that level in 2013. Neale was in the team but didn't play much in 2013. Used as a sub in the grand final).


Backs:
Spurr < Ryan
Dawson < Pearce
Duffield = Walker
Johnson = Clark
McPharlin > Cox
Sutchliffe < Chapman

Wings:
Hill > Noddy
D Pearce < Sharp

Forwards:
D Boer < Freddy
Mayne < Treacy
Clark < Jackson
Walters = Bolton
Pav > Amiss
Ballas > Switta.

Middle
Sandi > Darcy
Fyfe = Brayshaw
Crowley < Serong.
Mundy = Young

Int Barlow > Johnson.
Mzungu = Sturt
Suban < Wagner
Neale = Fyfe.

Note: I genuinely believe we have more talent on the park now than in 2013. We have a slightly better forward line, slightly better back line, and break even in the middle. The comparisons are just opinions so others views might be different obviously.

 

[go_the_dockers]

Do you mean De Boer? Sutcliffe mostly played half back on my recollection.

I struggled to find the last player, and checked the team sheet.

could be.

 

[MakeshiftMartyr]

I struggled to find the last player, and checked the team sheet.

could be.

Definitely De Boer or Suban through that era.