Tom simpkin - utility

[saint6709]

Thers been some chat about siposs taking the role - I don't mind that - also like siposs as the third tall forward with nick and Rhys - no spot for wilkes - unless Wilkes can bulk up more - at the moment he is vfl specialist ( that's includes Melbourne,Gws and gc)
Has been talk about where to put simpkin if we draft a monster back - for me he is perfect size and weight for a utility - good mark, gutsy and hard as anyone in the team - seems to be a very good kick although somewhat untested in that department - if he can work on his offensive game he could play that Goddard role and make it his

[markp]

This is the forum's 33333rd thread... I think you should get a prize.

[dragit]

I like Dunnel and Newnes for this type of role… Simpkin is more of a dour stopper for mine.

[saint6709]

This is the forum's 33333rd thread... I think you should get a prize.

I like prizes

[mad saint guy]

I like Dunnel and Newnes for this type of role… Simpkin is more of a dour stopper for mine.

Those were my thoughts upon reading but I actually don't mind the idea. His offensive game went from deplorable in 2011 to acceptable in 2012 and it could well continue to improve. He's fairly athletic and his attack on the ball and the man would only be matched by Lenny. If he could build his tank and get a bit of an offensive edge to his game then he could possibly do some damage occasionally swinging into the midfield or half forward.

I really don't see how he fits into a team alongside Fisher, Gwilt, Gilbert, Dempster and a monster full back unless he adds another string to his bow, and I think it'd be worth seeing what he can do further up the ground. Of course he may get caught out not having the nous to find his own ball or might not have the ground skills, but I think it's worth a try. He's a similar size to Josh Kennedy and Ryan O'Keefe who seem to be the prototype midfielders of 2012.

[plugger66]

Simpkin is a backman. What is the fascination of turning players who have one spot in the the tean into a player who will not get a game.

[borderbarry]

Simpkin is as good as any of Fisher, Gwilt, Gilbert, Dempster, at the same stage of their careers

[fugazi]

Can't see Gilbert back there in that company, can see him as the new tall tagger or move him to a wing. Great pace, tackling, good in the air. Noticed he was being played in the midfield in last few rounds. Did a great job on Judd last year as a tagger.

[whiskers3614]

Can't see Gilbert back there in that company, can see him as the new tall tagger or move him to a wing. Great pace, tackling, good in the air. Noticed he was being played in the midfield in last few rounds. Did a great job on Judd last year as a tagger.

Gilbert much maligned and under-valued on SS almost as much as Gram!
Lucky the coaches see it otherwise,

[bobmurray]

Can't see Gilbert back there in that company, can see him as the new tall tagger or move him to a wing. Great pace, tackling, good in the air. Noticed he was being played in the midfield in last few rounds. Did a great job on Judd last year as a tagger.

they can't trust his kicking coming out of the backline....put him further up the ground and he can spray it all over the forward line as he breaks free....

[kimberly saint]

ya want wilkes to bulk up, thought he was all ready fair sized unit

[fugazi]

Can't see Gilbert back there in that company, can see him as the new tall tagger or move him to a wing. Great pace, tackling, good in the air. Noticed he was being played in the midfield in last few rounds. Did a great job on Judd last year as a tagger.

they can't trust his kicking coming out of the backline....put him further up the ground and he can spray it all over the forward line as he breaks free....

Play him as a hard tag......or trade him. Can't see him being part of the back 6 assuming we get a decent FB.

[Spud02]

Definitely a backman only and almost certainly a regular back 6 spot on this season's form

[Sick Nal Danto]

So back 6/7 would be in order of importance : "Monster backman", Fisher, Dempster, Geary, Gwilt, Simpkin and Gilbert

Correct ?

[bergholt]

Definitely a backman only and almost certainly a regular back 6 spot on this season's form

I'm not sure he's permanent there if we get a true full-back, seems to me he's fighting for the third tall spot. Geary and Dempster get the smalls, Fisher gets a tall, the new FB gets a tall, and Simpkin and Gwilt fight it out for whoever's left. The sixth spot is usually taken by a rebounder - Goddard - and I reckon next season that spot is Siposs's to lose.

FB: Geary, New FB, Simpkin/Gwilt
HB: Siposs/Ray/Dunell, Fisher, Dempster

Given this, and that I really like Simpkin, I can see why the OP is trying to slot him into that rebounding spot. I don't think it will work, though.