Roy’s Best 22 for 2019 – January Edition

As expected, there has already been a few big changes to the rolling 22, none more so than two of the biggest stars of all Tom Mitchell and Sam Docherty losing their spot due to injury.

Click here to recap the December edition.

DEFENDERS

			2018 Avg	Proj Avg	Change
D1		Rory Laird Rory Laird, DEF What’s up Doc? Laird is… One spot to be the top ranked defender.	107.8 (20)	106
D2		Lachie Whitfield GWS Giants, DEF Zac Williams' return only boost Whitfield after his admission that he looks to get him the ball whenever possible.	100.1 (22)	105
D3		Jake Lloyd Sydney Swans, DEF One of the guys who is going to benefit most from the bonus kick in points.	101.6 (22)	105
D4		James Sicily Hawthorn, DEF Will be the number one kick out guy for the Hawks which will guarantee an increase in average.	95.6 (14)	101
D5		Alex Witherden Brisbane Lions, DEF His decision making and ability to execute in challenging situations will ensure he takes full advantage of the kick in rule despite Hodge and Rich trying to steal a few.	88 (22)	101
D6		Connor Blakely Fremantle, DEF A solid option to round out the top six playing between mid and half back. Looks fit and raring to go.	91.5 (13)	100

In the mix: Kade Simpson (Carlton, DEF).

MIDFIELDERS

			2018 Avg	Proj Avg	Change
M1		Jack Macrae Western Bulldogs, MID The number one man in the middle now and serious contender to replace Mitchell in starting squads as a walk up captain.	122.6 (19)	120
M2		Zach Merrett Essendon, MID Nothing has changed here, all looking good so far this pre season and he is set to return to his dominant best.	101.5 (22)	118
M3		Patrick Cripps Carlton, MID The way he is looking this pre-season, he is every chance to bump Merrett. Set for a huge season!	109.3 (22)	115
M4		Taylor Adams Collingwood, MID I have convinced myself he is returning to a full time mid role despite the Pies being inundated with talent in there. Has Pig qualities and I am expecting huge things.	95.1 (19)	115
M5		Josh Kelly GWS Giants, MID On track for a career best season where the sky is the limit.	108.4 (15)	114
M6		Lachie Neale Brisbane Lions, MID I just fell this environment is going to bring out a career best average for the ball magnet.	100.2 (22)	113
M7		Matt Crouch Adelaide, MID Under-rated, finished the season with five scores over 120 in his last nine and set for a huge year.	104.9 (18)	112
M8		Dayne Beams Collingwood, MID Edging out a lot of stars I know but he is ripping up the pre season as a full time mid and is back with the high scoring Pies.	105.8 (21)	112

In the mix: Angus Brayshaw (Melbourne, MID), Stephen Coniglio (GWS Giants, MID), Adam Treloar (Collingwood, MID),  Clayton Oliver (Melbourne, MID).

RUCKS

			2018 Avg	Proj Avg	Change
R1		Brodie Grundy Collingwood, RUC Looking a picture of fitness and set to dominate from the get go in the star studded midfield.	120 (22)	122
R2		Max Gawm Melbourne, RUC Despite concerns about shared ruck duties, still a clear number two option at this stage.	111.3 (22)	100

In the mix: Justin Weshoff (Port Adelaide, RUC/FWD), Stefan Martin (Brisbane Lions, RUC).

FORWARDS

			2018 Avg	Proj Avg	Change
F1		Patrick Dangerfield Geelong, MID/FWD Genuine star, easy option as the number one and set to return to 110+ average.	106.2 (21)	110
F2		Devon Smith Essendon, MID/FWD The security of role and tackling prowess should ensure he is in the mix for remain a top three forward.	106.6 (22)	109
F3		Josh Dunkley Western Bulldogs, MID/FWD The risk of a role change is there, but well worth the slight risk considering what he can do a midfielder.	95.8 (19)	108
F4		Sam Menegola Geelong, MID/FWD Seems a little high but the way he finished the year reinforces his scoring ability.	98.6 (22)	101
F5		Chad Wingard Hawthorn, MID/FWD Chad has the ability to rack up impressive numbers as a midfielder and I think he will spend plenty of time in there, especially without Mitchell.	82.3 (21)	99
F6		Tim Kelly Geelong, MID/FWD Tough call but holds his spot from challengers such as Isaac Heeney and Jack Billings at this stage.	86.8 (22)	99

In the mix: Isaac Heeney (Sydney Swans, MID/FWD), Jack Billings (St Kilda, MID/FWD), Justin Westhoff (Port Adelaide, FWD/RUC)

What do you think, has Roy got this right? What order would you have the players in? Post your thoughts in the comments.

Follow @RoyDT