After Geelong delisted Daniel Menzel, a number of clubs are thought to be considering picking up the 73-game free agent.
These are the conenders who are best place to take a punt on the former Cat.
West Coast Eagles
The Eagles are probably a long shot to draft a 27-year-old with four knee reconstructions – who wouldn’t be? – but nonetheless with Mark LeCras retiring and being smack bang in the elusive premiership window, could they be tempted to take the chance?
Scoring hasn’t been the problem for Eagles in past seasons and the forward 50 looks well stocked. Josh Kennedy will still be the focal point for at least another year depending on how his body holds up, with Jack Darling playing as a very, very good second fiddle.
It’s easy to forget that 12 months ago Willie Rioli and flyin’ Liam Ryan weren’t even in the West Coast team and are now premiership small forwards with enough tricks to keep Houdini on his toes.
The often underrated Jamie Cripps adds dash and transition from the midfield that, when coupled with the resting ruckman, forms a formidable forward mix.
Does Menzel fit into that formula? He’s been criticised regularly for his defensive pressure after averaging just over a tackle per game in 2018, but as his manager, Adam Ramanauskas, said, Chris Scott’s game plan and man management of Menzel compromised his ability to influence games defensively.
Although work rate is still the cornerstone of all defensive plays, positioning and tactics play a major part in how certain players provide pressure. Geelong struggled with forward-half pressure all season, and in a modern game in which pressure is still king – think the superb preliminary final between Richmond and Collingwood – they couldn’t match it with the upper echelon of elite pressure teams.
Pressure requires a total team approach. Geelong was ranked last for the least opponent tackles inside 50 per game and Stephen Wells has already articulated his readiness to draft and trade for pressure forwards with Luke Dahlhaus’s signing. However, to place Geelong’s forward pressure woes at the feet of Menzel fails to recognise the collective struggles of the Cats to regularly create forward-half turnovers.
Where Menzel fits with West Coast is their contrasting style played under Adam Simpson. Precision kicking, intercept marking and a considered use of tall-forward targets means that Menzel could be a potentially brilliant addition to the West Coast attacking 50.
If West Coast were to take the punt on an undoubtedly talented but maligned footballer, the improbable task of defending the 2018 premiership could become just a smidge easier.
(AAP Image/Julian Smith)
Fremantle Dockers
This is a simple equation. Fremantle can’t kick goals; Daniel Menzel can. Ranked 16th in total points scored – above only the dismal Gold Coast and Carlton – Fremantle have a scoring problem. Michael Walters was their top goal kicker for the season with 22, but with Lachie Neale being traded to Brisbane, the temptation to give their chief goal sneak more midfield time could prove too great.
Jesse Hogan is a proven forward target who can kick big bags and Rory Lobb’s ambition to play primarily as a forward will give Fremantle more options inside 50.
Where doubts exits are in the game plan that Ross Lyon wants to play with his new recruits and how they complement the existing talls of Aaron Sandilands, the emerging Sean Darcy, Matt Taberner, Brennan Cox and the increasingly peripheral pair of Shane Kersten and Cam McCarthy.
Menzel ranks elite in the competition for season average goals per game (2.1), marks inside 50 per game (1.5), marks on the lead per game (1.5) and contested marks per game (1.1). Add in the fact that he generates 3.5 shots at goal per game and his attacking contribution cannot be underestimated, especially in a team that averaged only ten goals a game. Oh, and don’t forget this is a man who played only 13 games in 2018 but still kicked 27 goals.
Drafting Menzel to solve Fremantle’s scoring woes is therefore a balancing act of retaining forward pressure but increasing attacking potency. Too tall a forward line and any forward pressure will evaporate, putting pressure on an undermanned midfield to protect a youthful defensive back half.
(Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)
Sydney Swans
Likewise, the addition of Menzel to the Swans is to fix an obvious front-half flaw – in Sydney’s instance, the imposing figure of Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin. He’s still the best player in the game and can tear a team apart with one quarter of dominant football. It’s the best problem, but a problem nonetheless.
With Buddy playing in the forward 50, it’s hard to imagine a team that wouldn’t want the ball in his hands, but the Swans are much maligned for their one-dimensional focus going inside 50.
As seen when Franklin is shutdown – generous applause to Phillip Davis in recent battle of the bridges and the improving Darcy Gardiner in Round 10 – or, shock horror, injured, the Swans’ attacking options are limited by the youthful make-up of their forward 50 and lack of tall marking options.
Tom McCartin, Will Hayward, Tom Papley and Ben Ronke all have the talent to become impressive footballers but cannot be expected to carry the load at such a young age. Moreover, Sam Reid’s recurring injury problems mean including another dangerous forward into their attacking mix is a priority.
Enter Dan Menzel. A proven goal scorer and hit-up forward target who would relish the opportunity of Buddy attracting much of the opposition defensive attention. The Swans struggled to hit the scoreboard in 2018, ranking a dismal 13th overall in points per game, and are crying out for another forward 50 option.
Franklin loves to roam further up the field looking to become involved around the high half-forward line, which perfectly complements Menzel’s preference to play as the deepest forward out in the goal square or forward 50. Buddy has never been an elite contested mark, and Menzel’s surprising aerial ability adds another dimension to the marking already provided by Callum Sinclair, Sam Naismith (dependent on John Longmire’s selections), Tom McCartin and the returning Sam Reid.
At 190 centimetres tall and 90 kilograms, Menzel is a tricky defensive match-up when considering his goal nous and lead-up work. Whether John Longmire believes that he can reshape Menzel’s poor attitude, as claimed by Chris Scott, in the ‘legendary’ Blood culture remains to be seen.
However, on pure footballing terms, a fit and firing Menzel has a huge upside, especially considering the meagre price of signing him as a delisted free agent. Ramanauskas has previously said that Menzel was chasing a two-year deal, but with his surprise delisting, the appeal of a one-year contract with an option for a second – throw in a games played or goals trigger clause – could be all it takes. Remember that this is a bloke who has come back from four knee reconstructions.
Honourable Left-field mentions
North Melbourne
With Jarrad Waite retiring and North’s recruiting placing them in top-eight contention, Menzel could be a low-risk recruit as Taylor Garner, Mason Wood et al mature. The bonus irony of Brad taking on brother Chris’s perennial scapegoat is the cherry on top.
Melbourne
The departure of Jesse Hogan places a question mark over where his 47.23 will come from. Sam Weideman is promising but still very raw and Tom MacDonald will have to cope with renewed attention as the Demons’s spearhead. Would Menzel go some way to being a stop-gap solution if Melbourne’s forward stocks are depleted? The carrot of a premiership could also tempt Menzel to sign on reduced financial terms.
Goalsonly
Roar Rookie
Thanks Cat I need to hear all the reasons why Goalsonly might spoil things.. You first point. "kicking 25 goals against the Suns and winning would be more rewarding than kicking 12 against WCE and winning the game" Yes that's true for that one example. But it's the same for everyone. Furthermore at the moment if you get 18 goals against WCE and lose you get a negative reward because your percentage goes down. You would have been better forfeiting the game and keeping your percentage as it was. Even though you played a great game and score all those goals you go backwards. There is another point in all this that nobody wants to see Gold Coast get a thirty goal thrashing. We want games to be as even as possible to avoid people turning off. The lower the scores the less chance of turn offs. So there is a commercial case for lower scores. Maybe that's why the Cats 23 goals in a row didn't get the recognition it deserves. Nobody wants to hear about big margins, they are the devil. Your Second Point "Goals alone places too much emphasis on beating up on the garbage teams". I understand this point. As it stands the weaker teams are protected from huge margins because the stronger team has little incentive to keep scoreing. You make things weaker by protecting them. So they may not lose by toooo much but they'll be down for a long long time as they ...sort of a death of a thousand cuts thing. If the goals were always the focus the scoring would not stop as you are competing against the whole competition all the time. As a point of fact there would be no dead time or junk time. I would argue that the atmosphere of positivity would enable teams like GC to find 'a bit of form' at any given time. A run of goals is a magical thing. Other random point of interest that may be ponder worthy. Winning games is not motivated by the four points. Winning the game is the natural competitive urge. The tally for the ladder don't have to focus on this. The game can be played without even keeping score. I call it sport without numbers. So winning is a secondary thing from a pure sport POV. Thanks again.
Kandeepan Arul
Roar Rookie
Maybe Hawthorn will pick up Menzel. They have a history of picking up footballers with a poor medical history and backing their medical staff to help get the best out of them. Hugely talented footballer who just can't get any continuity and consistency into his game.
Cat
Roar Guru
His knees are not breaking down any more but they are still chronic conditions that require a management and are the leading contributors to his ongoing groin issues. Dan, sadly, will probably never be able to play more than 18 games a year. He'll always need more time off than others will. Cats need to find some continuity in the forward half of the ground and having Dan only available part time doesn't help.
Cat
Roar Guru
Not really. In your system kicking 25 goals against the Suns and winning would be more rewarding than kicking 12 against WCE and winning the game. Goals alone places too much emphasis on beating up on the garbage teams. Lopsided games would be more important than close tight contests.
Gavin Bottcher
Guest
Hes a lot better footballer than jessy white.
Jakarta Fan
Roar Rookie
Any finals contender should seriously consider taking Menzel. He's too good to not have in the team. However there are risks with his 4 reconstructions but the last few years have shown his knees seem up to AFL pressure. Well worth the risk. Offering a 3 year contract needs to reflect the risk and reward: (a) 1st year of contract on a minimum salary (b) Plays a minimum of 15 games (c) Does not do his ACL again (d) Scores a minimum of 25 goals (e) Automatic renewal for 2nd year after fulfilling the above conditions with a bonus of a 50% raise in his salary. (f) Automatic renewal for 3rd year after fulfilling (b) to (d) again in 2nd year. (g) Contract expires at end of year 1 or 2 if conditions of (b) to (d) not reached and therefore requiring a new negotiation for any continuation. That would seem a fair offer for a risky selection offering a fair reward. The risk is then shared by both player and club. All being said, I would love him at my club.
Kane
Roar Rookie
I'd take him at Carlton, he's a proven goal kicker which is obviously something that we've been lacking. He'd only cost a spot on the list and with our 2nd pick coming in the 60's we're not guaranteed of the picks after that working out for us, Menzel is ready made for Round 1 and his knees don't seem to be an issue anymore
Lachie
Guest
Come on Paul, to say Ablett contributed less than Menzel is revisionism of the highest order, and you are better than that! The cats have struggled in finals, and none of their players have been worse than menzel (and murdoch) in those finals, so I'm afraid they have to go
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
On Cox...he is not going to displace Hamling, Pearce, Ryan or Wilson. Logue is back from a missed season too. Freo's only other spot is a small back. That will be Conca...or Clark (if he lasts in the draft). Cox will stay forward where he is learning his craft.
Goalsonly
Roar Rookie
Thanks Cat. I guess you can see that rewarding the game's goals on the ladder would improve the quality of play from a spectacle point of view. There would be more goals and everything that goes with that. More high marking, more running in space, more dodging and weaving, more direct play and more skills on display. So the discussion is really how do you get all that 'good stuff' while giving the 'winning by any means that the rules allow' it's due importance. Especially when rewarding the goals scored in the game on the ladder does not change even one rule of the game itself. And yet it solves all the mysteries about why the game is played in such a negative way that we need a committee to protect it. 'Winning by any means that the rules allow.' will always stand, it's just how those wins are interpreted numerically. The conversion from on field drama into informative little digits. Tabling results by winners and losers or if you like 'Two men enter one man leave.' to quote George Miller is simplistic. One get four points one get nothing. Ug. Looking at sport and how it fits in with education, health and mental health and entertainment gives the more expansive perspective. The way the game is played will always be a huge part of the conversation. But it has no place on the ladder. The scoreboard doesn't tell the story and four points tell us even less. Now when you talk about the goals scored you really are starting to say something about a particular game.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
His player Manager will no doubt link him with the Pies to increase his $$$ value. Not sure I'd want him at the Pies. Jesse White mark II?
sammy
Guest
Crows - you having a laugh. They have a forward line stocked with quality talls and smalls and some good mid size options as well - he would not get a game at the crows end of. Port are far more likely a destination if he comes back to SA
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Lobb might start up forward but he would have to perform way better than what he did at GWS. He is not as good as Taberner and Cox. Ballantyne Hogan Cox Walters Taberner McCarthy (Mundy, Fyfe, Brayshaw, Cerra, Lobb, Darcy Sandi would all rotate through the midfield/ruck, the forward line and the bench. The fitness of Taberner and the addition of Hogan will see a massive improvement in McCarthy, Ballas and Sunny. They were expected to be key forwards last season.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
With your question about Allen, the answer is, Yes...all of them.
Professor X
Guest
Watts is in Limbo? He has a 2 year contract? Port Adelaide have got enough in trade, need to focus on draft. Adelaide Crows or West Coast Eagles, Western Doggies, Sydney Swans are his best clubs
Professor X
Guest
This is all the brander, o allen , waterman conundrum. The billion dollar question is Oscar Allen a defender, is a midfielder or is a he fwd? Brander is a forward who can play centre half back. (I think the Eagles should try Brander as a defender. Waterman is a link up fwd (half forward flanker) like Crows Tom Lynch
Professor X
Guest
He'd be good at eagles. I'm an eagles supporter as you might know and I'm a fan. I
JoePhillips
Roar Rookie
Taberner is definitely underrated outside of WA and Cox looks like he's progressing nicely- there's been some talk that he may get swung back though? Since we're on the subject - what do you think the best make up of Freo's talls will be? Assuming for the sake of this, that all are fit. Can Lobb, Darcy and Sandilands all play in the same team?
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
No. Freo gets Fyfe, Blakely and the Hills back into the midfield next season (see how many missed monster slabs of the season?) Brayshaw and Cerra move in there as well. Taberner missed 14 games and is our best forward. Ballantyne missed 5 games and was hitting top form at the end of the season. Walters goes back forward to feed at the feet of Hogan. Then there is Conca and Colyer plus new draftees. The bonus for Freo is that McCarthy no longer has to play as 200cm forward. He is Menzel size and has a tracer bullet kick. freo is well and truly ok. Add Cox, a Rising Star nominee. That forward line has no room for Menzel.
Paul D
Roar Guru
Yeah but Geelong aren't even doing that. I think your list management down there reeks the last year or so. They blinked badly on their claims of no preferential treatment with Gaz, after all those years of pushing blokes like Stevie J, Ling, Stokes, Motlop, Kelly etc out the door before they were ready to go in the name of renewal, they brought back an egotist in gaz for the feelgood nostalgic value of having an Ablett at Geelong again - he delivered nothing, worked even less than menzel in defence, but it's not St Gaz who gets punished and pushed out the door, no, it's the guy who has fronted up year after year and has shown can kick clutch goals and win games for Geelong too. Menzel has been a great asset for geelong and you will be a worse and less dangerous side without him in the side. Particularly if you keep Gaz up front to bludge round and sign autographs, I expect another 1st or 2nd week exit from finals. Geelong are taking their eye off the ball this past year or so, and I think a big slump is coming soon.