2011 The Weeding Process Begins

[Vader]

Up to this point our youngsters have had it relatively easy. The bulk of our departures (retirements, delistings etc) have been from the older brigade - those who were here before Neil Craig took over. This has meant that only those who were woefully short of the mark were sent packing - Obst, Jacky, Kite and not many others.

From this point on though the weeding process commences. We now have a list full of youngsters and there's not much left in the way of veterans to make way. The only way for the kids to get a game now is to force their way into the side on their own merit - pushing aside another kid in the process.

We now move into the phase where we start weeding out those who will be GOOD AFL footballers from those who will be nothing more than AFL journeymen. The good news is that our kids are still young enough that even those found to be journeymen should still have some trade value. We're done with discarding the seniors - now we start to discard the marginal youngsters as well, leaving only the cream of the crop on our list.

 

[Elite Crow]

We are in a pretty good situation when only one young in Jacky was worthy of being delisted. Pressure will be on Cook, young, Petrenko, Armstrong,McKernan and Sellar to step up.

 

[NTRabbit]

I predict a lot of broken hearts and angry words directed at the football department for "failing to properly develop youth" on this board over the next two seasons.

This board has an unhealthy obsession with the youngest of our players, and those recent seasons where mostly senior players have departed have made most of you forget the harsh reality of modern football - a lot of these young players are going to fail.

 

[Bockchoy67]

We are in a pretty good situation when only one young in Jacky was worthy of being delisted. Pressure will be on Cook, young, Petrenko, Armstrong,McKernan and Sellar to step up.

Young and McKernan are in no danger yet. There is certainly pressure for them to take the next step (getting 10-15 games next year each) but not in the way of delisting. Young has become a consistently excellent player at SANFL level and despite a blunder of a debut is in good stead for an AFL career. McKernan is rated very highly by the club, is playing in a very weak SANFL side and just had a bit of an off year, but should feature regularly in our side next for 2011. No chance of him being delisted at all.

The other three are closer to the mark. Cook is coming into his fourth season and has yet to establish any consistency as an AFL player, nor make a mark in the competition as of yet. Some of his performances this year were solid, and he was playing when we were at rock bottom, but a major step up is needed for him next year. The club do rate him quite highly, and he was always a project proposition, but he was expected to make considerable strides this season and didn't.

Armstrong, like Cook, was always going to take time. I think he's transitioned to AFL level a little better, but still not great. He had an awful last game against the Power, but aside from that was actually quite good and showed some composure and class on the half back flank. Still not built or intense enough to be a great defender, but his ability to hurt on the rebound could be important for our future plans. I like the kid, but he's coming into his fourth year and needs to establish himself. The recent incident doesn't help his cause either.

Sellar is coming into his fifth season, but he is a big man who was taken at bottom-age so there hasn't been too much pressure as of yet. Injuries killed him this year - the game against Sydney, he was one of the very few who looked like he was playing at the tempo needed. Then he got injured and we didn't see him for ages. His future is not in the ruck, but the Crows keep playing him there. Hopefully with the continued improvement of Maric, Jacobs and Moran, there's no need to keep playing him there. He has to be developed as a KPP otherwise he'll be a waste and should be traded (if anyone will take him) or delisted. I think he has the ability to be an AFL player, he just needs to get a consistent go in the right spot.

Speaking of Moran, I would also say he is on the list as well. Like Sellar, injuries really hurt him this year and he does have potential, but unless he starts getting on the park and delivering on this potential he'll be walking out at the end of the next year you would think.

Petrenko is the least likely of the bunch to be in danger. What you have here is a bloke who has played well at the highest level (albeit not consistently) and has the skills and intensity required to be an AFL footballer. He's just been played out of position, and though Craig's decision to try him out as a crumbing defensive forward was certainly valid, it became painfully obvious that the experiment was not working. He was then moved into the backline against Hawthron, blitzed the first half to the point where the Hawks started checking him, and we never saw him again. And then he got injured. I really rate this kid and he has time on his side, so hopefully we gets a consistent go in 2011 either in the backline or in the guts.

 

[dplggr47]

Stevens and Doughty will probably retire/delist at end of next season, but we're still stuck with some mediocre mid-aged players too. e.g. Symes, Reilly and vB.

young players on the line would be Cook, Pets, Armstrong, McKernan, Sellar, Young and Schmidt. with all players fit to choose from, Jaensch and Martin would also be struggling to make the starting 22, despite performing very well this season. Sellar, Schmidt and possibly Young would be more delist material if they don't make the cut, whereas the rest and Talia (when out of contract) would attract interest elsewhere, although, most interest would be for McKernan (surname status and KPP) and Talia (high ND pick and KPP). just like Carlton having an abundance of rucks, we have an abundance of KPP lined up behind our starters, so there may be players looking for new homes and greater opportunities over the next couple seasons. as for Moran, IMO he is as good as gone at the end of season 2011, unless he can pull out something magical.

 

[Vader]

2011 will probably be Doughty's last year. Stevens is only 28 and may continue on for another year or two, if not forced out by the development of a younger and better player.

Those I would consider under threat would be: Cook, Armstrong, Petrenko, Schmidt, Sellar, Symes, Reilly, Douglas (in the longer term), McKernan - and yes, possibly VB even if he IS the Captain of the team. That said, I think there's a clear gap between the first 5 named and the rest of the group. I think the first 5 will all be fighting for their survival beyond 2011.

 

[Bockchoy67]

If Petrenko is played in the right position, watch him thrive and go off any potential-delist lists. Too much talent there, and if he doesn't make it, it won't be through poor atittude or a lack of trying.

 

[cammo6556]

Young and McKernan are in no danger yet. There is certainly pressure for them to take the next step (getting 10-15 games next year each) but not in the way of delisting. Young has become a consistently excellent player at SANFL level and despite a blunder of a debut is in good stead for an AFL career. McKernan is rated very highly by the club, is playing in a very weak SANFL side and just had a bit of an off year, but should feature regularly in our side next for 2011. No chance of him being delisted at all.

The other three are closer to the mark. Cook is coming into his fourth season and has yet to establish any consistency as an AFL player, nor make a mark in the competition as of yet. Some of his performances this year were solid, and he was playing when we were at rock bottom, but a major step up is needed for him next year. The club do rate him quite highly, and he was always a project proposition, but he was expected to make considerable strides this season and didn't.

Armstrong, like Cook, was always going to take time. I think he's transitioned to AFL level a little better, but still not great. He had an awful last game against the Power, but aside from that was actually quite good and showed some composure and class on the half back flank. Still not built or intense enough to be a great defender, but his ability to hurt on the rebound could be important for our future plans. I like the kid, but he's coming into his fourth year and needs to establish himself. The recent incident doesn't help his cause either.

Sellar is coming into his fifth season, but he is a big man who was taken at bottom-age so there hasn't been too much pressure as of yet. Injuries killed him this year - the game against Sydney, he was one of the very few who looked like he was playing at the tempo needed. Then he got injured and we didn't see him for ages. His future is not in the ruck, but the Crows keep playing him there. Hopefully with the continued improvement of Maric, Jacobs and Moran, there's no need to keep playing him there. He has to be developed as a KPP otherwise he'll be a waste and should be traded (if anyone will take him) or delisted. I think he has the ability to be an AFL player, he just needs to get a consistent go in the right spot.

Speaking of Moran, I would also say he is on the list as well. Like Sellar, injuries really hurt him this year and he does have potential, but unless he starts getting on the park and delivering on this potential he'll be walking out at the end of the next year you would think.

Petrenko is the least likely of the bunch to be in danger. What you have here is a bloke who has played well at the highest level (albeit not consistently) and has the skills and intensity required to be an AFL footballer. He's just been played out of position, and though Craig's decision to try him out as a crumbing defensive forward was certainly valid, it became painfully obvious that the experiment was not working. He was then moved into the backline against Hawthron, blitzed the first half to the point where the Hawks started checking him, and we never saw him again. And then he got injured. I really rate this kid and he has time on his side, so hopefully we gets a consistent go in 2011 either in the backline or in the guts.

Good analysis. Couldn't agree more.

 

[dplggr47]

2011 will probably be Doughty's last year. Stevens is only 28 and may continue on for another year or two, if not forced out by the development of a younger and better player.

i can see Davis surpassing Stevens as a swing man and/or the loose man in defense role, which Stevens plays most of the time.

and the fact that vB is still seen as this average player whose career may be under threat shows us why he shouldn't be our next captain. we won't delist him, and i don't want us to, but he really needs to step it up next season.

 

[Crow-mo]

I predict a lot of broken hearts and angry words directed at the football department for "failing to properly develop youth" on this board over the next two seasons.

This board has an unhealthy obsession with the youngest of our players, and those recent seasons where mostly senior players have departed have made most of you forget the harsh reality of modern football - a lot of these young players are going to fail.

I think this is a pretty astute comment.

some guys will fail
some will be solid. 2nd XI calibre players

the real challenge is finding guys of the quality to be prime movers and influencers. guys who will be part of our best XI or so players

the actual population of those 3 categories is critical. how many guys do we have to fill the last category?

 

[woopedazz]

The problem with our team is the lack of stars. We have a heap of developing players and a pile of solid depth players, but these players are actually in our best 22. This lack of stars can be highlighted by Douglas winning our B&F. Credit where credit is due he played a great season, but he should never win the B&F at a club challenging for top 4 (and that is probably the reason we didn't make it anywhere near the mark this year). I 100% agree that the next couple of years will be spent developing the younger players and cutting loose the fat. There's going to be a whole load of fat that we are attached to and might have the misguided notion that "they can make it at the top just give them time." It's going to suck, but it has to be done.

I'm a bit worried about where our line in the sand is for not making the cut. We have a good portion of our team who would fit in fine as space filling spuds in a team of stars (St Kilda), but until we get the star power they all have to go.

 

[AFC979810]

The problem with our team is the lack of stars. We have a heap of developing players and a pile of solid depth players, but these players are actually in our best 22. This lack of stars can be highlighted by Douglas winning our B&F. Credit where credit is due he played a great season, but he should never win the B&F at a club challenging for top 4 (and that is probably the reason we didn't make it anywhere near the mark this year). I 100% agree that the next couple of years will be spent developing the younger players and cutting loose the fat. There's going to be a whole load of fat that we are attached to and might have the misguided notion that "they can make it at the top just give them time." It's going to suck, but it has to be done.

I'm a bit worried about where our line in the sand is for not making the cut. We have a good portion of our team who would fit in fine as space filling spuds in a team of stars (St Kilda), but until we get the star power they all have to go.

Great post and I agree completely... Feel we really lack consistent star power... There are only 3 players on our list have consistently proven themselves to be A grade (Thompson, Johncock, Truck)... We definitely have some players who have the potential to become consistent A graders (Vince, Tippett, Walker, Knights, Mackay, Otten) but until they show consistency I am not convinced.

Really think that we will see some terrible performances and some brilliant performances in 2011, but really doubt we have mature bodies, experience and stars to be a threat in September... (would love to be wrong!)

 

[Cap]

It isn't like we haven't "weeded" out young players over the last 2-3 years but I'm not going to suggest that everyone of our young players are going to be stars either.

I do however believe that we are better equipped and we have been able to recruit a number of players that will be at worst very solid football players.

1 or 2 of these guys just need to surprise us.

 

[WALL-e]

Very good topic Vader, one that was going to come up and you're ahead of the ball here.

A very good analysis from Bockchoy on the position of those 'under threat' and a very good point as well by NTRabbit re: kids not coming along.

As much as we have hit gold with our recruting, due tot he position of a lot of our picks (back end) we have some speculative lads on our list. Doughty may be 30, but at this point he's an infinantly better player than Cook etc and Stevens may be 28 and an unattractive type player, but he's well ahead of McKernan, Young etc.

That said, I do believe there's some genuinly good youth in our group, particularly the taller lads.

Unfortunately we have have more competition at spots that we've got more talent. Hopefully the injection of Tambling and pick 14 will add competition in the mid, along with the return of Otten and developement of Danger as a mid (please get the tank right).

On the mids, Doughty (if you consider him a mid) is the only established player under pressure (solely due to age and how quick the body can shut down....Edwards), the others are younger, Cook, Armstrong, Schmidt (again...mid?), Symes then has a little pressure to get the body right and show us his best, after that it would be Reilly, who's coming off a career best year.

On KPP's, Sellar, McKernan and Young jump out. The two later may have played less AFL games, but Sellar is in need to establish himself as a KPP, with the injection of Sauce, I hope he gets more of a chance at CHB (Davis does want to play CHF). Could be the case Sellar comes in as a prototype sub, being able to play ruck back and forward helps his chances of being retained. McKernan really is a talent. That will buy him time, but he'd want to be at least putting pressure on the 22. He' like Sellar, could be a prototype sub, though I'd like to see him given a lot more TOG than a sub would get. Young looks relitively safe to me. Very consistant at the lower level and showed good versatility in the Pies game. He and Talia (I'm not sure which end Phil will play) look likely to be the rocks of the future in defence. Both are athletic enough to allow Sellar to ply his trade there as well if he's up to it. I'd like to see Jim be played as a KPD both at AFL and SANFL next year, no more ruck.

On the rucks, Jacobs will establish himself as #1 rather soon, though not without a fight from the Croation sensation. Ivan now has a very big challenge to show he can be a #2 ruck. This means going forward effectively of being able to provide hard bursts of energy. I'm worried as he's not athletic and has yet to prove he can be extremely effecctive after he's contested the ruck (something JAcobs is also in need of work on), we probably can't carry 2 rucks who don't get involved around the ground. I was, however, impressed with his marking around the ground last year, much improved. After him, we have wildcard Moran, who could be a lot. At this stage, his talent remains unfullfilled. He's athletic, shows an ability to get involved in play and can go either end to pinch hit (more forward than back). Unfortunately his intensity leaves a little to be desired, which angers me as he's a unit and should be bruising people each game. He'll need to show his body is right and he has the intensity to play AFL footy or he's in strife, that said, he could establish himself as a 22 player if he shows those two. Seallar and McKErnan come in next, Sellar is more likely to just fill in, though his role should be entierly KPD. McKernan has an amazing verticle on his side. He can really be an excellent 2nd ruck. Great leap, extremely competetive (probably needs to tone back in some cases as he loves a free against), a footy mind, plays anywhere. Needs to get consistant and serious about pushing for a spot. Too much of a talent to watch at South. Would want to be pressing for games or trade bait he may become, even considering how highly he is rated. Craig comes in last, like McKernan he has a terrific leap. Probably a better tap ruck than Shaun, but far less versatile. Only plays ruck atm and needs to add versatility. I have a feeling the club will be patient, because if he developes that versatility, like Smack, he could be a dangerous commodity.

 

[Vader]

It isn't like we haven't "weeded" out young players over the last 2-3 years but I'm not going to suggest that everyone of our young players are going to be stars either.

I do however believe that we are better equipped and we have been able to recruit a number of players that will be at worst very solid football players.

1 or 2 of these guys just need to surprise us.

We really haven't weeded out a whole lot of them so far.

Since Neil Craig took over in 2004 we've drafted 30 kids in the ND, 1 in the PSD and we've promoted 6 rookies. Of those...
21 of 30 ND draftees are still on our list (70%).
1 of 1 PSD draftees is still on our list (100%)
2* of 6 rookies are still on our list (33%)

* This was 3 of 6 until Griffin's trade yesterday.

Of the 9 ND draftees who have departed..

• 2 (Gill, Campbell) were mature aged recruits who didn't make the grade
• 1 (Meesen) was traded at his own request and remains on another team's list - though not for much longer
• 6 were teenage recruits who failed to make the grade.

That retention rate is well above the long term AFL average and I believe that some players have already been fortunate to benefit from arriving in years where there were a large number of players departing through natural attrition. The days of "natural attrition" have now come to an end - the days of "natural selection" are about to begin.

 

[King Elvis]

If Petrenko is played in the right position, watch him thrive and go off any potential-delist lists. Too much talent there, and if he doesn't make it, it won't be through poor atittude or a lack of trying.

Agree completely; with all of Macca/Tyson/Goody gone (who all spent a lot of time in the backlines), Petrenko has to slot into a back pocket.

 

[Vader]

Great post and I agree completely... Feel we really lack consistent star power... There are only 3 players on our list have consistently proven themselves to be A grade (Thompson, Johncock, Truck)... We definitely have some players who have the potential to become consistent A graders (Vince, Tippett, Walker, Knights, Mackay, Otten) but until they show consistency I am not convinced.

The three players you've named as being proven all have two things in common:

• They have all played 140+ games.
• They are all currently 27 years old.

The 6 players you nominated as having potential are all younger (Vince is the oldest, having turned 25 in late September) and none of them have yet played 100+ games (Knights leads the pack with 75).

It's a simple fact of life that consistency comes with age & experience... and right now our team doesn't have a lot of experienced players on the list. That will change with time, we just need to be patient for 1-2 more seasons until we have that "core" of players in the prime age/experience bracket. By that time we should expect our "potential" A graders to become "proven" A graders - and we will be a genuine premiership threat.

 

[ruscy002]

2011 will probably be Doughty's last year. Stevens is only 28 and may continue on for another year or two, if not forced out by the development of a younger and better player.

Yeah, can't see Doughty pushing on for another year unless he finds some sort of a niche position that prolongs his career...specialist sub pehaps?

Stevens will be passed by the likes of Young, Talia, McKernan, and especially Otten. He spent more time up forward in 2009 (Otten's breakout season) than he did this year, although Bock's injuries played a part there. However, Davis is the direct replacement for Bock, meaning that Stevens has to be the third best defender in his own right to get a spot in the 22 because Stevens doesn't break into the forward line ahead of Tippett, Walker, Hendo and probably Gunston.

They may not see it this way, but I think Stevens would be a handy addition to GWS when they get started in 2012. Doesn't fit the youth policy, but they'll need experienced defenders to hold together what will probably be a very young defence. Stevens has had a pretty good run with injuries (apart from concussions) so there's every chance of him playing two or three good seasons while their youngsters develop.

Those I would consider under threat would be: Cook, Armstrong, Petrenko, Schmidt, Sellar, Symes, Reilly, Douglas (in the longer term), McKernan - and yes, possibly VB even if he IS the Captain of the team. That said, I think there's a clear gap between the first 5 named and the rest of the group. I think the first 5 will all be fighting for their survival beyond 2011.

Petrenko/Cook/Armstrong - will fight out the year for the last place in the team, with Pets probably the best chance of finding a regular spot in the 22 considering his versatility. All three have deficiencies in their games, all three in danger of being cut if they can't overcome said deficiencies. Would like to see Petrenko tried out as a tagger, his speed, agility and hard tackling would make him perfect for this role, but he'd need to work on his tank over the pre-season.

Schmidt - Re-rookie for 2011 as depth player, then delist. Just not good enough I'm afraid.

Sellar/McKernan - Will fight it out for second ruck position with Jacobs in the mix too (depending on how we use our bigger ruckmen). McKernan has Sellar beaten for mobility, skill, and intensity, which I think will ultimately result in big Jimmy seeking opportunities elsewhere at the end of 2011. Not a true ruckman, not a defender, not good enough for our forward line...just came to the AFC four or five years two late, otherwise he might have had a good career here.

Symes/Reilly - Tambling pushes both of these guys down the pecking order, and they will both be in real trouble if Petrenko/Cook/Armstrong have breakout seasons. Throw Jaensch and Martin into that mix too, if Brodie plays like he did against St Kilda week in, week out and we have a good run with injuries then Symes and Reilly will have to watch their backs.

Douglas - I don't think that Douglas is in trouble as such, but he's in real danger of thinking that he's done enough. He hasn't, and has the potential to be an elite player from glimpses that we've seen in 2010. Will benefit from being the third best midfielder (i.e. less attention from opposition) behind Thommo and the resurgent Vince, and will get better support from the likes of Danger and Sloane, who will be better players in 2011.

VB - No danger whatsoever, provided he gets a full pre-season under his belt. Will be captian, and despite being against this in the past, I think he'll thrive under the responsibility (see crunch time goal against Brisbane). Not a natural ball magnet, must become a ferocious tackling machine given the way AFL is played these days.

 

[ruscy002]

Agree completely; with both all of Macca/Tyson/Goody gone (who all spent a lot of time in the backlines), Petrenko has to slot into a back pocket.

As I said in the above post, I'd like to see him tried out as a tagger. Either that, or push back him back into Johncock's position with Stiffy pushing up to become that attacking/rebounding tagger. I think Craig might have to do this sort of thing with Stiffy to combat the tactic of playing a defensive forward on him, which worked pretty well against him on more than one occasion this year.

 

[The Sloane Ranger]

my thoughts

2011, the pressure will be on Stevens, Moran, Cook, Armstrong, Petrenko, Schmidt (if retained) and Sellar, with Doughty to retire.

2012, Symes and Radar will need to maintain their place in our best 22 to survive the cut

 

[King Elvis]

As I said in the above post, I'd like to see him tried out as a tagger. Either that, or push back him back into Johncock's position with Stiffy pushing up to become that attacking/rebounding tagger. I think Craig might have to do this sort of thing with Stiffy to combat the tactic of playing a defensive forward on him, which worked pretty well against him on more than one occasion this year.

I actually started typing the same thing about Stiffy, but then deleted it

Radar did a great job as our tagger, he gets first dibs, then Doughty IMO.

Petrenko could be a good AFL player if he settles into his preferred position; but I don't think we should throw him around just yet.

 

[relapse]

I predict a lot of broken hearts and angry words directed at the football department for "failing to properly develop youth" on this board over the next two seasons.

This board has an unhealthy obsession with the youngest of our players, and those recent seasons where mostly senior players have departed have made most of you forget the harsh reality of modern football - a lot of these young players are going to fail.

Of course there will be disappointment and some harsh truths discovered about some of our younger players, but I would rather go through the weeding out process in an attempt to build a premiership side rather than cling to aging stars trying to put together a side capable of making the finals, but not ever really having the squad to challenge for a premiership.

Surely after the grand final and seeing how much experience Collingwood had sitting up in the stands that no-one could deny the need to develop younger players and develop your list is more paramount than ever before.

 

[AFC979810]

The three players you've named as being proven all have two things in common:

• They have all played 140+ games.
• They are all currently 27 years old.

The 6 players you nominated as having potential are all younger (Vince is the oldest, having turned 25 in late September) and none of them have yet played 100+ games (Knights leads the pack with 75).

It's a simple fact of life that consistency comes with age & experience... and right now our team doesn't have a lot of experienced players on the list. That will change with time, we just need to be patient for 1-2 more seasons until we have that "core" of players in the prime age/experience bracket. By that time we should expect our "potential" A graders to become "proven" A graders - and we will be a genuine premiership threat.

Yup - pretty much the whole point of my post.... We are not going to improve on 2009 and challenge for a flag because we lack the quality and experience.... Going to be an up and down year.

 

[Bicks]

Great post and I agree completely... Feel we really lack consistent star power... There are only 3 players on our list have consistently proven themselves to be A grade (Thompson, Johncock, Truck)... We definitely have some players who have the potential to become consistent A graders (Vince, Tippett, Walker, Knights, Mackay, Otten) but until they show consistency I am not convinced.

Really think that we will see some terrible performances and some brilliant performances in 2011, but really doubt we have mature bodies, experience and stars to be a threat in September... (would love to be wrong!)

I Presume the non mention of Patrick Dangerfield is only an oversight on your part???........or you have absolutely no idea!!!

 

[Schulzycrow]

Good thread Vader, probably better than best team 2011

For this weeding process to work fringe/youth players need to be rotated through the team to give them a go. Season just gone this happened due to injury and not by design. It allowed game time for Jaensch, Sloane, Pets, Sellar, Martin to get a few games, Davis to get games etc....

2011 NC and the selection comm will need to follow...I hate to say it...Collingwood's lead by giving youngsters blocks of games to give them the taste and then sending them back to the magoos to work on whatever. Giving them one game to get a taste isn't enough. SANFL form is a guide, but just not enough of one to gauge who is going to make it and who isn't.

I see the forward line as being fairly settled. Walker and Tipp must play as much game time together as possible next season. Sending Walker back to Norwood doesn't achieve anything - apart from getting a Norwood win . If Porps, Knights and Hendo are fit its a mid rotating through the 6th spot or Jaensch if he can burn it up in PS.

Given midfield spots are Vince, Thommo, Douglas, Danger, Tambling, Dmac and Otto. After that you have plenty of competition for spots. Sloane is likely to make it with a good PS plenty of upside in Rory.

Backline. Half back is going to be hot competition next season...Martin, Danger, Tambling, Otto, VB, Reilly, Doughty, Stiffy, Jaensch, Pets could all be back there, it depends on what matchups and speed. If its speed, Martin you would think would be in at some stage, many have said Danger needs to get cheap ball and run lines, Pets and Stiffy would be good off the HBF as well. Has Davis done enough to make CHB his own? Is Stevens the best 3rd tall option?

Rucks. This is where the biggest weeding out will happen IMO. Maric needs to be more flexible to keep no 1 spot. Can Moran get back? Can Sellar and McKernan rise to the challenge? Jacobs has already thrown down the gauntlet saying he wants the no 1 spot. Can see some big winners and losers next season as the crows need to play 2 rucks, but two plodders in Jacobs and Maric can't survive with the new sub rule.

Injuries will again play a big part...just hopefully not as big as 2010.