There is much speculation over the years about how the GWS and GC will become a major force in the AFL for a period and other clubs won't have a look in.
No doubt the pick they were given when they entered the AFL was very generous. But as we all know that just because a kid was selected at a certain number doesn't mean they are going to make the grade or become a super star. The picks will help get the clubs up and running but in IMO it won't mean they will dominate the competition.
The way I see it-
GC - They were wise in getting Gary Ablett Jr. He not only improves the side while he's there, I think that the developing young players will benefit learning from his leadership and experience. At the moment GC is looking reasonably promising and with the right moves could possibly land a premiership in the next 3-5 years. But I can't see them dominating the competition where no other club will get a look in.
GWS - They didn't land a big fish such of Gary Ablett Jr proportions. I personally think they threw too much a player based on the pick he was taken and how we went as a junior. He may not be the worst player in the comp, but he certainly isn't looking anywhere near the top 10 or even the top 20. Ward was a good pick up in the end. IMO the kids they picked up in the draft over the years are looking a bit stronger that GC's. If they had a proper leader like GAJ then I think they would really be a side to be reckoned with.
Ultimately I see both clubs spending a lot of time in the top 8 and at least making the top 4 for a few years. What happens depends on the moves they make in the next few years. If they make the right ones then they could win a premiership. However, IMO they are not going to be the dominant force preventing other clubs from winning the premiership over a 4-5 year period which some people envisioned.
No doubt the pick they were given when they entered the AFL was very generous. But as we all know that just because a kid was selected at a certain number doesn't mean they are going to make the grade or become a super star. The picks will help get the clubs up and running but in IMO it won't mean they will dominate the competition.
The way I see it-
GC - They were wise in getting Gary Ablett Jr. He not only improves the side while he's there, I think that the developing young players will benefit learning from his leadership and experience. At the moment GC is looking reasonably promising and with the right moves could possibly land a premiership in the next 3-5 years. But I can't see them dominating the competition where no other club will get a look in.
GWS - They didn't land a big fish such of Gary Ablett Jr proportions. I personally think they threw too much a player based on the pick he was taken and how we went as a junior. He may not be the worst player in the comp, but he certainly isn't looking anywhere near the top 10 or even the top 20. Ward was a good pick up in the end. IMO the kids they picked up in the draft over the years are looking a bit stronger that GC's. If they had a proper leader like GAJ then I think they would really be a side to be reckoned with.
Ultimately I see both clubs spending a lot of time in the top 8 and at least making the top 4 for a few years. What happens depends on the moves they make in the next few years. If they make the right ones then they could win a premiership. However, IMO they are not going to be the dominant force preventing other clubs from winning the premiership over a 4-5 year period which some people envisioned.
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