As we edge closer to Season 2022, it’s time to have a crack at what each side’s Best 22 would look like!
We’ll kick things off at the top with the Adelaide Crows. The Crows are well into a rebuild and will be looking to give their kids a bit more opportunity this season.
Adelaide Crows Best 22
Starting in defence, apart from the departure of Jake Kelly to Essendon, their back six looks pretty settled. Chayce Jones finished off the season well off half-back and should hold that position.
New addition Jordan Dawson should slot straight onto a wing and if Paul Seedsman has recovered from concussion symptoms, he will take the other wing. Should Seedsman miss, I can see Lachie Sholl getting a chance to show his running ability in that role.
Expect Taylor Walker to resume his role as Centre Half Forward after he returns from suspension, while Harry Schoenberg is likely to start on a forward flank as part of the midfield rotations. Ned McHenry gets first crack at the small forward role after his impressive back half of 2021.
The tried and true combination of Laird, Keays and Sloane will kick things off in the middle with Matt Crouch starting on the bench as part of the rotation should be fit after missing all of 2021.
A fit Wayne Milera gives the Crows plenty of flexibility off the bench as he can play back, forward or on the wing. James Rowe gets the nod over Lachie Murphy and Sam Berry as the other small forward while Josh Rachele gets his chance to debut in Round 1 after much hype and a solid pre-season.
Jackson Hatley needs a big preseason to put himself in the selection frame while Luke Pedlar, Josh Worrell and Will Hamill need a bit more time at SANFL level to build experience.
Billy Frampton and Elliott Himmelberg are backup for Walker and Thilthorpe, while Andrew McPherson and James Borlase are waiting in the wings if any defensive post comes up for grabs.
CBA prediction
2021 CBA leaders (by average):
- Reilly O’Brien
- Rory Laird
- Ben Keays
- Rory Sloane
- Harry Schoenberg
- Sam Berry
The Oracle’s 2022 CBA prediction:
- Reilly O’Brien
- Rory Laird
- Matt Crouch
- Ben Keays
- Harry Schoenberg
- Rory Sloane
Kick-in prediction
2021 kick-in leaders:
- Brodie Smith
- Andrew McPherson
- Luke Brown
The Oracle’s 2022 kick-in prediction:
- Jordan Dawson
- Brodie Smith
- Wayne Milera
