Bottom six players at each finalist can be the difference between a flag and disaster

THE superstars get all the attention but a team’s bottom six players can be the difference between a flag and finals disaster. Who is in your club’s bottom six?

Jimmy Bartel of the Cats marks the ball.

THE superstars get all the attention but a team’s bottom six players can be the difference between a flag and finals agony.

When St Kilda fell agonisingly short of a premiership in 2009-10, its underbelly was exposed; players like Raph Clarke, Andrew McQualter and Robert Eddy performed important roles during the season but had nowhere to hide in the harsh glare of September.

On the other hand, when your bottom six includes players like Taylor Duryea, Ben McEvoy and David Hale — as Hawthorn’s did last year — you’re in very good shape.

SEE EVERY FINALIST’S BOTTOM SIX BELOW

So how do this year’s remaining finalists stack up for depth?

Rating the bottom six players at each club wasn’t an easy task — and it reveals some surprising insights about the remaining premiership contenders.

The Giants have scary depth, with the final spot in their bottom six taking the longest to decide on — sorry, Nick Haynes.

The Bulldogs and Crows are very even teams and the two sides who could be exposed are, surprisingly, Hawthorn and Sydney.

The Cats, meanwhile, have had selection headaches all year and that won’t change in September — with a club champion and fan favourite nominated in their bottom six players.

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Aliir Aliir was far from Sydney’s worst player against the Giants.

SYDNEY

Bottom six: Harry Marsh, George Hewett, Gary Rohan, Aliir Aliir, Xavier Richards, Ben McGlynn.

On the fringe (not selected first week of finals): Harry Cunningham, Dean Towers, Ted Richards, Zak Jones, Jeremy Laidler

When the heat was turned up in the qualifying final, it was Sydney’s youngsters who wilted, not the Giants. Marsh, Aliir and Richards have played 25 games between them, with Hewett adding another 21 after making his debut in Round 1. Aliir has been a revelation in defence, Xavier Richards has replaced brother Ted, McGlynn is still chasing an elusive flag and Gary Rohan continues to tease with his huge but inconsistent talent.

Jimmy Bartel’s status has slipped at the Cattery. Picture: Colleen Petch

GEELONG

Bottom six: Tom Ruggles, Jake Kolodjashnij, Josh Cowan, Lincoln McCarthy, Jimmy Bartel, Josh Caddy

On the fringe: Jed Bews, Nakia Cockatoo, Shane Kersten, Darcy Lang, George Horlin-Smith

Controversial call to include Bartel, but Sam Menagola has gone past him on the back of a brilliant first seven AFL games. Some very good players in there, headed by the Brownlow medallist. McCarthy’s pressure is crucial up forward and Cowan hasn’t done much wrong after finally overcoming his injury curse. Ruggles and Kolodjashjij are the most vulnerable at selection with Lachie Henderson poised to return for the preliminary final.

Ryan Schoenmakers has fought his way back into Hawthorn’s best 22. Picture: George Salpigtidis

HAWTHORN

Bottom six: Ryan Schoenmakers, Ryan Burton, Jack Fitzpatrick, Daniel Howe, Brad Hill, Brendan Whitecross

On the fringe: James Sicily, Billy Hartung, Matt Spangher

Twelve months ago this category featured names like David Hale, Matt Suckling and possibly Paul Puopolo. With Hale and Brian Lake retiring, Suckling leaving for the Bulldogs and Jarryd Roughead out indefinitely, the Hawks have tried a lot more players this year with Kade Stewart, Kieran Lovell, Blake Hardwick, Kaiden Brand and Kurt Heatherley all given a shot at the top level. Ryan Burton (four games) and Jack Fitzpatrick are recent additions, Howe was a late inclusion last week after missing seven games and Hill’s ranking has slipped after a disappointing season.

Jacob Hopper has massive potential. Picture: Michael Klein

GWS GIANTS

Bottom six: Jacob Hopper, Joel Patfull, Adam Tomlinson, Nathan Wilson, Jon Patton, Nick Haynes

On the fringe: Rhys Palmer, Will Hoskin-Elliott, Adam Kennedy, James Stewart, Sam Reid, Matt Buntine, Matthew Kennedy

Haynes can consider himself unlucky after debate raged over the Giants’ bottom six. The expansion club has depth across the field given veteran defender Patfull, burgeoning key forward Patton and Haynes find themselves on this list. Hoskin-Elliott and Buntine are being heavily pursued by Victorian clubs, so you’d think they’d be key players elsewhere and yet can’t get a game at GWS.

Charlie Cameron is another dangerous Adelaide forward. Picture: Sarah Reed

ADELAIDE

Bottom six: Brad Crouch, Kyle Cheney, Mitch McGovern, Charlie Cameron, Richard Douglas, Kyle Hartigan

On the fringe: Ricky Henderson, Cam Ellis-Yolmen, Wayne Milera, Nathan Van Berlo, Riley Knight

It speaks volumes that Brad Crouch and Charlie Cameron are in Adelaide’s bottom six. The pair are game-changers for the Crows — just ask North Melbourne. Crouch has 22 touches at 77 per cent and eight tackles, Cameron kicked a goal and had two score assists while running amok across half-forward. Kyle Cheney and Mitch McGovern might not be household names but they compliment Adelaide’s backline and forward line setups beautifully.

Tom Boyd was a focal point for the Dogs against West Coast. Picture: Daniel Wilkins

WESTERN BULLDOGS

Bottom six: Clay Smith, Josh Dunkley, Zaine Cordy, Joel Hamling, Tom Boyd, Shane Biggs

On the fringe: Tom Campbell, Toby McLean, Fletcher Roberts, Lukas Webb, Koby Stevens, Nathan Hrovat, Bailey Williams, Mitch Honeychurch

We’ve all heard about the Bulldogs’ injuries but the club has been able to cover them admirably. Hamling shutdown Josh Kennedy in the Dogs’ elimination final win while Smith and Dunkley caused havoc in the forward line. Tom Boyd’s progress as been well documented but last weekend was possibly his finest game. Midfielder Koby Stevens must be wondering how he’s not in the 22.

Originally published as Bottom six players at each finalist can be the difference between a flag and disaster