Replacing a contributor with someone who isnt capable of performing at the level, even on their best day means we lose that impact. Which means Nicks is likely to be shuffling the deck chairs. So if Murphy comes in he is likely to slot straight into the HF role he has always played. Is this the best we can do? no!
The clear answer without a doubt was Dowling. He is easily our next best midfielder and his match history suggests he would have provided a decent full match contribution. Good coaches find opportunities to bring in next generation talent. Not sure Dowling can do anymore than he has done than what he did last year to prove he has what is needed for a long AFL career. Murphy is the opposite.
