Funny reading the Saints news this week about Richo not wanting to rush the rookies. He said same last year, but due to the run of injuries 3 of them played right away. They never intended to let Billings play so early, but almost had no choice.
Things to bear in mind with the upgrade:
- we won't make it until after the NAB Cup, so whilst it seems likely it'll be a small fwd/run-through-MF type, we could get a load of injuries in the next few weeks which force our hand.
- Holmes effectively gives us an extra rookie list space. If we upgrade him, we don't gain that spot back as spare for someone else to come into. It was actually one of the few arguments against the current setup of the international exemption (I think Kennelly pointed it out), that whilst it gets people onto the periphery of an AFL when they otherwise wouldn't have that shot, it actually makes the final step to full-list elevation less likely, as there's more of an incentive to keep the player where they are so you get additional numbers. So Holmes will only get an upgrade if he is obviously one of the 2 best ruck options on the list. I think that would mean Pierce, and Longer or Hickey both being out, and probably Bruce and maybe Goddard both also not in consideration.
- Richo strikes me as leaning towards the cautious, especially early-season. That's what makes me think it won't be Sinclair - Schneider was great in 2 games last year and a shadow of himself in others, I'd say if he tracks well in preseason he has the inside track. But if Saad looks better, there's no reason not to pick him; it's not like Schneider isn't still around the place and would probably be in the rooms pregame so guys still get a bit of mentorship rub off him.
