So guys, tried to post this on the AFL board and it was banned but I genuinely believe it warrants discussion.
Out of sheer curiosity and procrastination I did a bit of research of the GWS 22 players picked against Richmond this Friday.
17 of them are first round draft picks*
3 of them are underage concessions
2 are second round picks.
1 is a 3rd round pick.
1 is off the rookie list.
*These aren't late first round picks we are talking about either. There are 4 number 1 picks (Scully Delidio, Patton Whitfield) and two number 2 picks (Kelly and Tarranto)
Out of those that are not a first round pick, two of the players (Matt De Beor and Steve Johnson) were not developed by GWS.
So essentially, from the entire team playing tonight, GWS have developed two players that are not first round picks - Rory Lobb (who was close to a first round pick) and Zac Williams.
I know this topic has probably been done to death but there really is no other conclusion to come up with other than they are a completely manufactured team. I know one thing - I'll be wearing a Tiger scarf tomorrow night.