Analysis 2017 List Management Discussion

[Soapy V]

Totally disagree Soapy. To a degree, we have always had more talent than most would concede.
There is a good reason we are going through a reset as opposed to a rebuild.
Bolton and co. (includes Fraser) have stripped it back, they have re-educated, and in some cases
reprogrammed players. Weaknesses have been addressed in a focussed teaching environment. No
more MM get on or get out. A real teacher/coach will find what buttons to push with each individual.
There are some team non-negotiables which will not be compromised, but each individual player
would be aware where they sit. Jones is the classic example, he has taken on board what is needed
to continue his career and is doing his utmost to both conform and perform.

Our seniors and the NBs have been thin on top end talent, blokes to take pivotal, leadership roles.
Too many have been forced to play less suitable rolls due to lack of alternatives. Now they have the
opportunity to shine with support around. We will still have a mini cull, but the numbers will be less
than most here are still banging on about.

Fair to say we are on totally opposite ends on this.
I agree about the Malthouse era. Coaching and development was poor, actually toxic. Bolts & Co have improved that area immensely. Doesn't change my opinion of some of the more mature players. At absolute best some may be able to fill a role but how does that help us?

I have been to most VFL games this year and although we have improved a lot I am still seeing good VFL players as opposed to good AFL players. Big difference. People seem to get very excited about a few weeks of form. They forget how average these players have been for a long long time.

Jones for example is playing very well at the moment but I have seen nothing in his game that says to me he is now ready to step up and become a top line AFL player. If Jones or even Jaksch was that highly regarded would we be chasing Schache?

We are buidling a side to win a flag NOT just get a bit better. We need elite talent not role/handy players. This isn't a reset, it is a full on rebuild. We have turned over 2/3 of our list in 2 years and I have no doubt another 8 or so will go at the end of the year. SOS will be ruthless and bottom line is we are a bottom 4-6 side and whilst what he has done is impressive we are nowhere near finished.

SOS & Bolts have said all along it is a 66 game rebuild. Why do people think that will change?

 

[Zlatan]

Really can't see us giving away high first round picks for players. I'd take another Weitering or SPS any day. Not what we are about and the direction we are heading. Another big draft with hopefully another "Marchbank" type deal is what we need. We are building beautifully. Need to go to the draft for one more year. Another 8 gun kids would be incredible. 2018 may be the year to go for a big fish or two

With SOS appearing to hit on most of his choices (at this early stage) both in the draft and trading, all we can do is back him in.

This draft is going to be massive for us. If we hit like we did the last 2 seasons, we could conceivably attempt to hit that 8th spot next season. Might not make it, but definitely aim for it.

 

[Soapy V]

With SOS appearing to hit on most of his choices (at this early stage) both in the draft and trading, all we can do is back him in.

This draft is going to be massive for us. If we hit like we did the last 2 seasons, we could conceivably attempt to hit that 8th spot next season. Might not make it, but definitely aim for it.

Depends how quick SPS Fisher Williamson Cuningham Polson SOS McKay etc step up and impact games on a regular basis. Injuries as well. We have had a very good run this year with Murphy Kruezer Docherty Rowe having near best years. Lose a couple of them and we are in big trouble.

This year we will add another 8 or so kids and they will need games as well. I expect in 2018 we will be a lot younger again. I really believe we will sit around the bottom 4. Unfortunately we can't speed up the process. Kids need time. 30-40 games is usually the minimum before they are consistent. It's why I am keen to get 12-15 games into our kids this year. If we don't we could have 20 plus kids with less than 10 games.

Bottom line is I think SOS and Co are doing it perfectly. Bolton is coaching brilliantly and finding the balance between playing the kids and being competitive. Another big cleanout at years end and if SOS can pick well again we are in a great spot. In 2018/19 I expect we will go after a couple of big fish as we will have picks and lots of money.

 

[Soapy V]

I look at our list like this:

Best 22 Mature Players: Murphy Gibbs Kruezer Simpson Docherty Rowe Cripps Plowman Wright Curnow A.Silvagni plus Graham Casboult and maybe Sheehan (14)

Young Talent: SOS SPS Fisher LeBois Cuningham Polson McKay Kerr Williamson Macreadie Sumner Pickett Charlie Byrne Marchbank Weitering G-Mac (17)

List Depth: Smedts Thomas Kerridge Palmer White Boekhurst Buckley Gorringe Phillips Armfield Jones Lamb Jaksch Korcheck Gallucci (15)

We need to keep topping up the top 2. Majority will be at the club in 2018. Might be a bit harsh on some in "Depth" column but none are currently genuine best 22. One or Two of the young talent may need to step up as well.

I expect around 8-10 of the "Depth" list to be moved on (There are 15 named so we would still keep 5-7 of them). We need more Young Talent and more Best 22 players. Elite talent is what we lack to be a genuine Flag contender. It's harsh but reality

 

[Coona Blues]

Fair to say we are on totally opposite ends on this.
I agree about the Malthouse era. Coaching and development was poor, actually toxic. Bolts & Co have improved that area immensely. Doesn't change my opinion of some of the more mature players. At absolute best some may be able to fill a role but how does that help us?

I have been to most VFL games this year and although we have improved a lot I am still seeing good VFL players as opposed to good AFL players. Big difference. People seem to get very excited about a few weeks of form. They forget how average these players have been for a long long time.

Jones for example is playing very well at the moment but I have seen nothing in his game that says to me he is now ready to step up and become a top line AFL player. If Jones or even Jaksch was that highly regarded would we be chasing Schache?

We are buidling a side to win a flag NOT just get a bit better. We need elite talent not role/handy players. This isn't a reset, it is a full on rebuild. We have turned over 2/3 of our list in 2 years and I have no doubt another 8 or so will go at the end of the year. SOS will be ruthless and bottom line is we are a bottom 4-6 side and whilst what he has done is impressive we are nowhere near finished.

SOS & Bolts have said all along it is a 66 game rebuild. Why do people think that will change?

You have become manic on this issue. Out with the old - in with the new.
The new have to develop, and we can only accommodate so many at he top level, we are struggling to fit them in now.
GWS have changed their philosophies over the last year or two Simpson, De Boer, Mzungu. Lloyd and Reid have been added
to the list, all role players, all mature. Baby out with bathe water scenario if we discard the older boys, rather than develop
and harnessing their abilities. Even if, heaven forbid, they end up being nothing more than depth and, as importantly, a nucleus
of solid players in the twos to allow the youngsters to develop, as opposed to being a rabble flogged by big margins weekly.

We are a handful of players, at most, from having a seriously contending team. We are in need of some quality midfielders
and a couple of quality ROLE PLAYERS from the mark. We already have SPS, Fisher, Cuningham and Polson as likely midfield
long termers. Little doubt we will add one or two semi developed young guns to our stocks, as well as drafting another top
range mid. That is enough, not the half dozen or more mooted by some. How do kids develop if they cannot get a spot on the
ground? We want to develop versatile players, they need game time in the ones, or quality time in the NB's in their preferred/
drafted positions.

We are not GWS, there is no need for SOS to stockpile a myriad of similar players to guard against "go home" or to be used as
trade bait. Culture is not built by constant list turn over. I liked Schache pre draft, but nothing exposed says he is an upgrade
of Harry McKay. Do we want/need multiple upwards of 200cm, left footed, young developing key forwards, when we have Weitering,
Charlie Curnow and Jack SOS all showing up as being long termers in the area. Do we go down the path of paying big money to
a glorified second ruck? It makes no sense having five or six quality tall forwards around the same age (factor in BSOS)

Ideally a balanced list needs 5-6 KPD, similar KPF, and a number of 3rd tall types, all of various ages and development stages.
A dozen (give or take a couple) genuine midfielders. Three to four rucks, runners, utilities, small forwards, etc making up the
list

 

[Soapy V]

You have become manic on this issue. Out with the old - in with the new.
The new have to develop, and we can only accommodate so many at he top level, we are struggling to fit them in now.
GWS have changed their philosophies over the last year or two Simpson, De Boer, Mzungu. Lloyd and Reid have been added
to the list, all role players, all mature. Baby out with bathe water scenario if we discard the older boys, rather than develop
and harnessing their abilities. Even if, heaven forbid, they end up being nothing more than depth and, as importantly, a nucleus
of solid players in the twos to allow the youngsters to develop, as opposed to being a rabble flogged by big margins weekly.

We are a handful of players, at most, from having a seriously contending team. We are in need of some quality midfielders
and a couple of quality ROLE PLAYERS from the mark. We already have SPS, Fisher, Cuningham and Polson as likely midfield
long termers. Little doubt we will add one or two semi developed young guns to our stocks, as well as drafting another top
range mid. That is enough, not the half dozen or more mooted by some. How do kids develop if they cannot get a spot on the
ground? We want to develop versatile players, they need game time in the ones, or quality time in the NB's in their preferred/
drafted positions.

This is so far off it's not funny. NEVER said that we go all kids or play all kids. Have a go at me about what I write but please stop making things up.

If you think I am wrong, then you think the club is wrong because all I am doing is supporting and advocating what they are doing and said they are going to do. This is a 66 game rebuild. NOTHING has changed. At the end of the year another 8-10 changes will occur and most will be replaced through the draft. If SOS brings in a Hopper & Balic at years end even better. That is 2 young players but will have had 3 pre seasons under them and be ready to step up and support Murphy Gibbs Curnow Cripps etc which allows SPS Fisher Polson Cuningham to keep developing.

Going on about NOT having senior players means you haven't been reading my posts properly. NEVER said that. Look at the list I wrote this morning and on it for next year are atleast 20 players with 4 plus seasons in the AFL including a number of players that are 27 and above. Odds are that SOS will bring in another Wright or ASOS to fill some roles. Worked out well so far. Bonus of these guys is they cost nothing in trades and have little effect on the Salary Cap and are generally better than what we have.

I have been also been complimenting Bolton on how he has the balance right between kids and experience each week. Not exactly advocating playing 22 kids.

There are spots in the list for role players and depth but we need elite talent and importantly it is what SOS will be doing again this year. The list is a long way from where it needs to be. It's what the club has been saying since SOS & Bolts arrived so I don't understand why people are surprised or questioning it

 

[Canyouhearthedrums]

Most awkward thing for us is age of Murph and Gibbs. We're at our best with them firing...but equally don't want to go all in with them and have the door slammed shut 2 years later

 

[Pafloyul]

You have become manic on this issue. Out with the old - in with the new.
The new have to develop, and we can only accommodate so many at he top level, we are struggling to fit them in now.
GWS have changed their philosophies over the last year or two Simpson, De Boer, Mzungu. Lloyd and Reid have been added
to the list, all role players, all mature. Baby out with bathe water scenario if we discard the older boys, rather than develop
and harnessing their abilities. Even if, heaven forbid, they end up being nothing more than depth and, as importantly, a nucleus
of solid players in the twos to allow the youngsters to develop, as opposed to being a rabble flogged by big margins weekly.

We are a handful of players, at most, from having a seriously contending team. We are in need of some quality midfielders
and a couple of quality ROLE PLAYERS from the mark. We already have SPS, Fisher, Cuningham and Polson as likely midfield
long termers. Little doubt we will add one or two semi developed young guns to our stocks, as well as drafting another top
range mid. That is enough, not the half dozen or more mooted by some. How do kids develop if they cannot get a spot on the
ground? We want to develop versatile players, they need game time in the ones, or quality time in the NB's in their preferred/
drafted positions.

We are not GWS, there is no need for SOS to stockpile a myriad of similar players to guard against "go home" or to be used as
trade bait. Culture is not built by constant list turn over. I liked Schache pre draft, but nothing exposed says he is an upgrade
of Harry McKay. Do we want/need multiple upwards of 200cm, left footed, young developing key forwards, when we have Weitering,
Charlie Curnow and Jack SOS all showing up as being long termers in the area. Do we go down the path of paying big money to
a glorified second ruck? It makes no sense having five or six quality tall forwards around the same age (factor in BSOS)

Ideally a balanced list needs 5-6 KPD, similar KPF, and a number of 3rd tall types, all of various ages and development stages.
A dozen (give or take a couple) genuine midfielders. Three to four rucks, runners, utilities, small forwards, etc making up the
list

There will be at least seven senior list players moved on (not even counting the rookie list) and that's before you even consider who might be traded out. There is no use keeping players on the list that pain you to even consider them for a possible senior spot, I count seven of them. Then there is another swath twice as big who are doubtfully capable of having the required impact at finals level. Soapy is not far of the mark, not far at all, even if he comes across as a rebuild fundamentalist. I am too, but I just don't have the energy to type as much.

 

[Jimmae]

Most awkward thing for us is age of Murph and Gibbs. We're at our best with them firing...but equally don't want to go all in with them and have the door slammed shut 2 years later

They're capable of contributing for the next 5 years if they keep doing what they've done over the least 18 months.

 

[BrisbaneCFC]

Totally disagree Soapy. To a degree, we have always had more talent than most would concede.
There is a good reason we are going through a reset as opposed to a rebuild.
Bolton and co. (includes Fraser) have stripped it back, they have re-educated, and in some cases
reprogrammed players. Weaknesses have been addressed in a focussed teaching environment. No
more MM get on or get out. A real teacher/coach will find what buttons to push with each individual.
There are some team non-negotiables which will not be compromised, but each individual player
would be aware where they sit. Jones is the classic example, he has taken on board what is needed
to continue his career and is doing his utmost to both conform and perform.

Our seniors and the NBs have been thin on top end talent, blokes to take pivotal, leadership roles.
Too many have been forced to play less suitable rolls due to lack of alternatives. Now they have the
opportunity to shine with support around. We will still have a mini cull, but the numbers will be less
than most here are still banging on about.

Don't know where you have been recently but we are most definitely rebuilding, not resetting.

 

[BrisbaneCFC]

You have become manic on this issue. Out with the old - in with the new.
The new have to develop, and we can only accommodate so many at he top level, we are struggling to fit them in now.
GWS have changed their philosophies over the last year or two Simpson, De Boer, Mzungu. Lloyd and Reid have been added
to the list, all role players, all mature. Baby out with bathe water scenario if we discard the older boys, rather than develop
and harnessing their abilities. Even if, heaven forbid, they end up being nothing more than depth and, as importantly, a nucleus
of solid players in the twos to allow the youngsters to develop, as opposed to being a rabble flogged by big margins weekly.

We are a handful of players, at most, from having a seriously contending team. We are in need of some quality midfielders
and a couple of quality ROLE PLAYERS from the mark. We already have SPS, Fisher, Cuningham and Polson as likely midfield
long termers. Little doubt we will add one or two semi developed young guns to our stocks, as well as drafting another top
range mid. That is enough, not the half dozen or more mooted by some. How do kids develop if they cannot get a spot on the
ground? We want to develop versatile players, they need game time in the ones, or quality time in the NB's in their preferred/
drafted positions.

We are not GWS, there is no need for SOS to stockpile a myriad of similar players to guard against "go home" or to be used as
trade bait. Culture is not built by constant list turn over. I liked Schache pre draft, but nothing exposed says he is an upgrade
of Harry McKay. Do we want/need multiple upwards of 200cm, left footed, young developing key forwards, when we have Weitering,
Charlie Curnow and Jack SOS all showing up as being long termers in the area. Do we go down the path of paying big money to
a glorified second ruck? It makes no sense having five or six quality tall forwards around the same age (factor in BSOS)

Ideally a balanced list needs 5-6 KPD, similar KPF, and a number of 3rd tall types, all of various ages and development stages.
A dozen (give or take a couple) genuine midfielders. Three to four rucks, runners, utilities, small forwards, etc making up the
list

I think you are kidding yourself if you believe that.

 

[Blue_Fusion]

the problem that everyone seems to be forgetting is that Kreuz is an unrestricted free agent. we would not be able to weigh up offers and determine what band would be offered. if the dogs offered $x he can just take the offer and then the afl later informs us what compensation that we get. we do not gave a role to play should we let it go on that far and do not get a chance to match if we dont like the compo. surely we sort it prior to that and i assume matty would like the same to happen.

Yep and the issue is if we don't match the offer we'll be seen as letting him go

 

[Iamcarlton]

I think you are kidding yourself if you believe that.

What was wrong with this statement Coona made ? We are seeing with our own eyes that even with a very shallow but very promising midfield that we may just be 2 to 3 additions in there as well as natural improvement away from being a far better side and competing with the best within 2 years .
If we were so many players away from being able to compete with most sides especially in the midfield we would still be a basket case such as brisbane and copping regular thumpings . We have made bigger strides than i think even we are able to comprehend . Fwiw and thats not much i completely agree with Coona Blues whole assessment . We only have to look at the talent that is still developing in the reserves at present . Sos and bolts are doing a seriously good job with our club . What an exciting ride we are about to experience going forward .

 

[Metalcrusher]

You have become manic on this issue. Out with the old - in with the new.
The new have to develop, and we can only accommodate so many at he top level, we are struggling to fit them in now.
GWS have changed their philosophies over the last year or two Simpson, De Boer, Mzungu. Lloyd and Reid have been added
to the list, all role players, all mature. Baby out with bathe water scenario if we discard the older boys, rather than develop
and harnessing their abilities. Even if, heaven forbid, they end up being nothing more than depth and, as importantly, a nucleus
of solid players in the twos to allow the youngsters to develop, as opposed to being a rabble flogged by big margins weekly.

We are a handful of players, at most, from having a seriously contending team. We are in need of some quality midfielders
and a couple of quality ROLE PLAYERS from the mark. We already have SPS, Fisher, Cuningham and Polson as likely midfield
long termers. Little doubt we will add one or two semi developed young guns to our stocks, as well as drafting another top
range mid. That is enough, not the half dozen or more mooted by some. How do kids develop if they cannot get a spot on the
ground? We want to develop versatile players, they need game time in the ones, or quality time in the NB's in their preferred/
drafted positions.

We are not GWS, there is no need for SOS to stockpile a myriad of similar players to guard against "go home" or to be used as
trade bait. Culture is not built by constant list turn over. I liked Schache pre draft, but nothing exposed says he is an upgrade
of Harry McKay. Do we want/need multiple upwards of 200cm, left footed, young developing key forwards, when we have Weitering,
Charlie Curnow and Jack SOS all showing up as being long termers in the area. Do we go down the path of paying big money to
a glorified second ruck? It makes no sense having five or six quality tall forwards around the same age (factor in BSOS)

Ideally a balanced list needs 5-6 KPD, similar KPF, and a number of 3rd tall types, all of various ages and development stages.
A dozen (give or take a couple) genuine midfielders. Three to four rucks, runners, utilities, small forwards, etc making up the
list

This is so far off it's not funny. NEVER said that we go all kids or play all kids. Have a go at me about what I write but please stop making things up.

If you think I am wrong, then you think the club is wrong because all I am doing is supporting and advocating what they are doing and said they are going to do. This is a 66 game rebuild. NOTHING has changed. At the end of the year another 8-10 changes will occur and most will be replaced through the draft. If SOS brings in a Hopper & Balic at years end even better. That is 2 young players but will have had 3 pre seasons under them and be ready to step up and support Murphy Gibbs Curnow Cripps etc which allows SPS Fisher Polson Cuningham to keep developing.

Going on about NOT having senior players means you haven't been reading my posts properly. NEVER said that. Look at the list I wrote this morning and on it for next year are atleast 20 players with 4 plus seasons in the AFL including a number of players that are 27 and above. Odds are that SOS will bring in another Wright or ASOS to fill some roles. Worked out well so far. Bonus of these guys is they cost nothing in trades and have little effect on the Salary Cap and are generally better than what we have.

I have been also been complimenting Bolton on how he has the balance right between kids and experience each week. Not exactly advocating playing 22 kids.

There are spots in the list for role players and depth but we need elite talent and importantly it is what SOS will be doing again this year. The list is a long way from where it needs to be. It's what the club has been saying since SOS & Bolts arrived so I don't understand why people are surprised or questioning it

Draft Darft Dafrat ....

Handful ... one in the hand is worth two in the bush ....

Young guns young guns young guns ...



The group needs to grow as one with senior heads SUPPORTING. Until such time as you can kick the crutch away and they youngens can stand and DELIVER on their own.

 

[Soapy V]

What was wrong with this statement Coona made ? We are seeing with our own eyes that even with a very shallow but very promising midfield that we may just be 2 to 3 additions in there as well as natural improvement away from being a far better side and competing with the best within 2 years .
If we were so many players away from being able to compete with most sides especially in the midfield we would still be a basket case such as brisbane and copping regular thumpings . We have made bigger strides than i think even we are able to comprehend . Fwiw and thats not much i completely agree with Coona Blues whole assessment . We only have to look at the talent that is still developing in the reserves at present . Sos and bolts are doing a seriously good job with our club . What an exciting ride we are about to experience going forward .

SOS & Co have done a great job so far and we have some exciting talent but we are a long long way off being a top 4 side.

We are hugely reliant on Murphy Gibbs Kruezer Cripps Docherty at the moment and we could lose 3 of those players over the next couple of years. A few injuries to these guys and we would really struggle. They need to replaced and that isn't easy. The kids whilst talented haven't stepped up yet and we won't know how good they are for another 12 months at least. Odds are some won't make it. We still have some deadwood to turn over as well. Our depth whilst improving is still fragile.

The positive is we have a recruiting department doing well and a great coaching/development group. Another big draft like the last 2 years and then add some gun FA's or Big Fish and if things go well we could challenge top 4 in 2020 at the earliest. Really like what we are doing but still a lot to do and changes to be made. Big difference between being competitive and beating sides around you as opposed to being a Premiership threat.

 

[ShanDog]

Yep and the issue is if we don't match the offer we'll be seen as letting him go

Previously, the thought of getting someone like Schache would fill me with dread and I would toss and turn at night, mumbling things like "mismanagement... incompetent list manager... killing the club... whyyyy", but I now have confidence that SOS and co will have a plan. If Schache can be got and the plan stays on track, it will be all good.

The example I can give you to support this is the trading of late picks last year. Everyone in the footballing world said "WTF?", but early indications are that SOS believed some real talent would be found later in the national draft and took advantage of the situation. We went in with more picks and got the likes of Macreadie, Williamson and Kerr. Method to madness.

 

[LanceRomance]

Depends how quick SPS Fisher Williamson Cuningham Polson SOS McKay etc step up and impact games on a regular basis. Injuries as well. We have had a very good run this year with Murphy Kruezer Docherty Rowe having near best years. Lose a couple of them and we are in big trouble.

This year we will add another 8 or so kids and they will need games as well. I expect in 2018 we will be a lot younger again. I really believe we will sit around the bottom 4. Unfortunately we can't speed up the process. Kids need time. 30-40 games is usually the minimum before they are consistent. It's why I am keen to get 12-15 games into our kids this year. If we don't we could have 20 plus kids with less than 10 games.

Bottom line is I think SOS and Co are doing it perfectly. Bolton is coaching brilliantly and finding the balance between playing the kids and being competitive. Another big cleanout at years end and if SOS can pick well again we are in a great spot. In 2018/19 I expect we will go after a couple of big fish as we will have picks and lots of money.

Why would we go younger in the last year of the rebuild?

 

[Iamcarlton]

SOS & Co have done a great job so far and we have some exciting talent but we are a long long way off being a top 4 side.

We are hugely reliant on Murphy Gibbs Kruezer Cripps Docherty at the moment and we could lose 3 of those players over the next couple of years. A few injuries to these guys and we would really struggle. They need to replaced and that isn't easy. The kids whilst talented haven't stepped up yet and we won't know how good they are for another 12 months at least. Odds are some won't make it. We still have some deadwood to turn over as well. Our depth whilst improving is still fragile.

The positive is we have a recruiting department doing well and a great coaching/development group. Another big draft like the last 2 years and then add some gun FA's or Big Fish and if things go well we could challenge top 4 in 2020 at the earliest. Really like what we are doing but still a lot to do and changes to be made. Big difference between being competitive and beating sides around you as opposed to being a Premiership threat.

Agree soapy but i said competing against not making top 4 .
I will echo Coonas thoughts i think the infrastructure of our team is not far away in particular the fwd and backlines . I have absolutely no doubt that Macreadie and Mckay will be meaningful additions to the side when ready adding to an already exciting spine . As we all know most of the work needs to be done in the midfield of which we are seeing some very promising signs coming from our reserves . Of which we may well already have some talented players that if they can continue to improve it will help us no end . They as you well know are Polson Pickett Cunningham . Little confused why we would be losing up to 3 of the players you mentioned over the next couple of years besides the go home factor with Gibbs why would we be losing 3 ?
I think it very plausible and as it is ok to say we are a long way away its also ok to say give our side 2 quality big bodied midfielders and natural improvement and we see a vastly improved side .

 

[LordLucifer]

I look at our list like this:

Best 22 Mature Players: Murphy Gibbs Kruezer Simpson Rowe Cripps Plowman Wright Curnow A.Silvagni plus Graham Casboult and maybe Sheehan

Young Talent: SOS SPS Fisher LeBois Cuningham Polson McKay Kerr Williamson Macreadie Sumner Pickett Charlie Byrne Marchbank Weitering G-Mac

List Depth: Smedts Thomas Kerridge Palmer White Boekhurst Buckley Gorringe Phillips Armfield Jones Lamb Jaksch Korcheck Gallucci

We need to keep topping up the top 2. Majority will be at the club in 2018. Might be a bit harsh on some in "Depth" column but none are currently genuine best 22. One or Two of the young talent may need to step up as well.

I expect around 8-10 of the "Depth" list to be moved on (There are 15 named so we would still keep 5-7 of them). We need more Young Talent and more Best 22 players. Elite talent is what we lack to be a genuine Flag contender. It's harsh but reality

Some interesting assessments there Soapy.

Don't see Graham & Sheehan as "best 22" (not sure they ever will be either) when they have racked up one senior game in 2017 between them.

In the 'young talent time' section, there are 17 names and most of them are our future, thing is, I am reasonably sure that around a third of them won't make it. It's not that I want to put the kiss-of-death on any of them, it's just that no club has ever had a perfect hit-rate. Be great if it happened but there has to be some misses with our drafting sooner or later.

I don't agree with your term "list depth", looks more like "list clogger" to me. Apart from 1 or 2 who may kick-on, I can't see many of them surviving the next draft & trade periods or at best, the next two.

Still, plenty to get excited about for the future, can't wait for the 2019 season !!!

 

[LordLucifer]

Why would we go younger in the last year of the rebuild?

The age of the player is irrelevant, how much talent they have is paramount.

 

[Soapy V]

Agree soapy but i said competing against not making top 4 .
I will echo Coonas thoughts i think the infrastructure of our team is not far away in particular the fwd and backlines . I have absolutely no doubt that Macreadie and Mckay will be meaningful additions to the side when ready adding to an already exciting spine . As we all know most of the work needs to be done in the midfield of which we are seeing some very promising signs coming from our reserves . Of which we may well already have some talented players that if they can continue to improve it will help us no end . They as you well know are Polson Pickett Cunningham . Little confused why we would be losing up to 3 of the players you mentioned over the next couple of years besides the go home factor with Gibbs why would we be losing 3 ?
I think it very plausible and as it is ok to say we are a long way away its also ok to say give our side 2 quality big bodied midfielders and natural improvement and we see a vastly improved side .

Definitely potential there but still lots of questions that won't be answered for a while and lots of holes. This years draft seems to be the fiinal one in regards to the full list rebuild. By then we will have turned over 3/4 of the list. From then on it will be a couple of draft picks and FA/trades that are more specific. Always been the plan

 

[LanceRomance]

The age of the player is irrelevant, how much taller they are is paramount.

Tailored it for you


Can't just have ranted kids turn up.

We'll get ramrodded

 

[Soapy V]

Some interesting assessments there Soapy.

Don't see Graham & Sheehan as "best 22" (not sure they ever will be either) when they have racked up one senior game in 2017 between them.

In the 'young talent time' section, there are 17 names and most of them are our future, thing is, I am reasonably sure that around a third of them won't make it. It's not that I want to put the kiss-of-death on any of them, it's just that no club has ever had a perfect hit-rate. Be great if it happened but there has to be some misses with our drafting sooner or later.

I don't agree with your term "list depth", looks more like "list clogger" to me. Apart from 1 or 2 who may kick-on, I can't see many of them surviving the next draft & trade periods or at best, the next two.

Still, plenty to get excited about for the future, can't wait for the 2019 season !!!

Just assessing at the moment for list purposes and they are currently in our 22. Some are debatable but shows where we are. I think most of the bottom group are in trouble but you can't delist them all at once. I reckon SOS will go to the draft for about 6 picks, 2 via trades (hopefully Hopper & Balic) and then some rookies.

Agree about 2019. Be nice to fast forward to that season.

 

[Soapy V]

Tailored it for you


Can't just have ranted kids turn up.

We'll get ramrodded

We are talking about getting rid of 8-10 average players out of 15 and still have Murphy Gibbs Kruezer Cripps Docherty Curnow Simpson Plowman Wright Rowe A.Silvagni Graham etc. On top of that Weitering Charlie Fisher Cuningham Jack Marchbank Byrne SPS Pickett Polsonwill all have another year, another pre season and another 10-20 games under them.

Not exactly an under 18 side.

 

[Iamcarlton]

Definitely potential there but still lots of questions that won't be answered for a while and lots of holes. This years draft seems to be the fiinal one in regards to the full list rebuild. By then we will have turned over 3/4 of the list. From then on it will be a couple of draft picks and FA/trades that are more specific. Always been the plan

Wheres the positivity gone ?
I can look forward and see and of course i could be wrong as after all i was expecting both Buckley and Boekhorst to make it in a statement i made last year . That all of Pickett Cuningham Mckay and Macreadie will be solid to very good contributors to our side in the future . Thats 4 players that arent in the side or cemented in the side yet . Question marks yes but if they do make as i expect thats 2 KPP we dont have to find and possibly 2 more midfielders we dont have to find also . I see Pickett is being played back in the reserves after spending time in the forwardline in the seniors . Given another 2 preseasons time to get use to the tempo some more confidence in his own ability this kid could be an excitement machine and another Marc Murphy in the making . I dont see lots of holes i see a number of players already on the list and in the reserves that are ever improving that can add to an ever improving senior side that isnt far away bar adding 2 or 3 bona fide midfielders .
* And of course how could i forget Byrne