The south-west's starting 22: Coming off the pine

The bench forms an integral part of rotations across the ground and a sign of a good, balanced team is a stacked interchange.

Coaches use different strategies when it comes to deciding who is on their bench and in their starting 18.

It could be anything. It usually is a mix of players from the three parts of the ground - defence, midfield and attack.

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Some might go for a more midfield-forward-based approach with one defender to help out their back six.

Others could opt for a ruckman as part of their bench-forward-ruck rotation. There are plenty more variables coaches can have up their sleeves.

It is also a place where new, returning or rising players get a chance to come into the side and then the game.

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They can make a good first impression or continue some good form built early in their career from this position.

For this interchange bench we have chosen to go for a ruck, two hybrid-midfielders, who can play multiple positions, and one defender to help keep the side balanced.

It is also relatively inexperienced with just a combined total of 208 games with two of the bench still in the early stages of their careers while the other two have since retired or were delisted from the elite level.

This bench features two Rising Star nominees, a best and fairest runner-up, has scored one 22-under-22 team selection, one Norm Goss Memorial Medal and accumulated 15 Brownlow votes.

AFL club: St Kilda 2017-present

South-west connection: Portland

Height: 202cm

Games: 34 - nine wins, 25 losses

Achievements: 14 goals, seven Brownlow votes, 2019 best and fairest runner-up

Marshall is only in the early stages of his career but he has already shown what type of player he can be since moving into the ruck.

He will form the ruck-forward rotation in this side's bench. His 2019 season showed the type of player he could be every week with a few more years and games under his belt in the position.

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The big Saint averaged 28 hit outs, 17 disposals, three tackles and four marks a game, showing he can have an input all over the ground.

He has already proven to be a handy competitor against some of the best rucks in the game including Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy.

Marshall is also a handy goal-kicker with an average of almost one goal a game across his short career.

AFL club: Brisbane 2016-present

South-west connection: South Warrnambool

Height: 186cm

Games: 64 - two finals, 24 wins, 40 losses

Achievements: 2017 Rising Star nominee, 40 goals, one 22-under-22 selection, six Brownlow votes

As far as true wingmen go, McCluggage is fast becoming one and in this side he could easily jump through that or a number of positions.

The young Lion has played nearly every game in his first three seasons at the Gabba and showed last year he was worthy of being in the top-50 players in the competition with selection in the All-Australian squad.

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He averages 19 disposals a game, a majority of them coming by foot. Uncontested possessions are also a big part of his game, showing he is getting most of his touches on the outside.

McCluggage is also handy around goal, slotting 40 majors - including 23 in his breakout year last season.

The emerging star is a very balanced midfielder, averaging three tackles, three inside 50s and two clearances.

AFL club: Geelong 1998-2005

South-west connection: South Warrnambool

Height: 187cm

Games: 90 - 34 wins, 54 losses, two draws

Achievements: 11 goals, 1998 Rising Star nominee, Norm Goss Memorial Medal winner, two Brownlow votes

The former Cat, now an assistant coach at the club, was capable of playing through the middle and defence when needed and he could fill the same role here.

He has been picked as the second midfielder but with a defensive focus in this side.

Across his 90 games with the Cats he averaged 12 disposals but showed he was more than capable of accumulating more than 20.

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Most of his touches were by foot. He also averaged two inside 50s a game, utilising his uncontested possessions to hit up a target in attack.

His success came in the Cats' reserve side where he was awarded the Norm Goss Memorial Medal for best on ground in the VFL grand final in the 2002 victory over Port Melbourne.

Sadly in three seasons Rahilly helped Geelong reach the AFL finals only to miss out when it came time for them to be played.

AFL club: Adelaide 2011-14

South-west connection: Timboon

Height: 194cm

Games: 20 - two finals, six wins, 14 losses

Achievements: two goals, two finals

While his input at AFL level was short-lived, the big key defender is the perfect pick for a key defender on the bench for this side.

His height and size would be perfect for a modern tall defender to be able to combat a strong key forward and why he is selected as the third key defender in this side, albeit on the bench.

He also has leaderships skills with him now currently skippering SANFL side Woodville-West Torrens.

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During his time at AFL level he averaged 11 disposals and three marks a game.

Pressure acts were another big part of is game, laying at least two a match and completing five one per centers.

He was also used getting out of attack with two rebound 50s.

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