List Mgmt. 2018 Draft/Trade/FA Thread

[TheSunGod]

My God, of all that, Rischa getting another contract makes me want to vomit.

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It would have to be a Barlow type situation where we keep him on to provide some leadership and guidance to the NEAFL team surely? He’s cooked at AFL level.

 

[THE_GUN]

Of course ... if he is a FA its very convenient for your club. The receiving club pays zero.. which when you add the bias of players want to go to clubs in finals contention does little for the comp. Just how many players at Rich would move to GC? 2 or 3 of Richmond's best 22 would seem to fill GC's more immediate needs than you giving them zero , everyone else moves down a spot and GC get another early pick.

I would say 4-5 players would be open to the move but doubt it would be any of our best 10-15 but thats understandable as they are all contracted and why would they want to move. Thats why #3 is alot more valuable as it has no issue moving and is liquid

trading #3 for say #8 + #13 allows Gold Coast to go after players from various clubs that are open to the move

Free Agency was designed and introduce for players to move to their clubs of choice not to just move for money, Every player which wants to move is always going to move for 1 of 2 reasons Money or Success and in Lynch's case its not money as he will get 50% more to stay

But the conversation is what a better result for GC if Lynch does infact decide to leave and pick #3 gives them many more options

 

[THE_GUN]

In Summary
We don’t want to trade we want you to rollover and take compo

Personally im of the opinion he is going to Pies, But for the sake of the a trade
what would you consider in a trade with Richmond to get the deal done

 

[Mini GF]

Personally im of the opinion he is going to Pies, But for the sake of the a trade
what would you consider in a trade with Richmond to get the deal done

Sorry Gun that’s for the wiser members of the board
I’m in reality a NRL Titans meathead that just loves his Little City

 

[THE_GUN]

Sorry Gun that’s for the wiser members of the board
I’m in reality a NRL Titans meathead that just loves his Little City

So where is the key's , Or are you going to be home

 

[Turbocat]

I would say 4-5 players would be open to the move but doubt it would be any of our best 10-15 but thats understandable as they are all contracted and why would they want to move. Thats why #3 is alot more valuable as it has no issue moving and is liquid

trading #3 for say #8 + #13 allows Gold Coast to go after players from various clubs that are open to the move

Free Agency was designed and introduce for players to move to their clubs of choice not to just move for money, Every player which wants to move is always going to move for 1 of 2 reasons Money or Success and in Lynch's case its not money as he will get 50% more to stay

But the conversation is what a better result for GC if Lynch does infact decide to leave and pick #3 gives them many more options

These guys can work out for themselves what they feel is best for them ..

FA as it is atm is in stage 1 or 2 and it will be a while before it perfect... at very least it is corrupting the equalisation of the draft. Top sides should have to pay a price some how and there should be some advantage to help bottom side attract them. Id study if SCap could do it.. If Rich had to add 150% of Lynchs wage..they would not be able to offer him the same money... and if GC only had to add 75% of FA's wage , im sure an offer to a player or two would be enticing. Lynch could still go to Rich but for a lot less..or Rich would have to cut players. A debate on another thread and not on here.

I understand the value of P3 on their P2.. and id probably lean towards that..but I can also understand that we as vic traditional clubs have no idea how hard it is trying to keep players happy and anchored... and adding another kid, no matter how talented.. will be of minimal immediate benefit. Id presume what GC want more than anything is to be competitive .Do that and all things follow. Players are happier , more stay , more are attracted etc...
so I can well and truly understand them saying.. go and find three players we like.

 

[briztoon]

I can tell you right now Berry and Witherden will be better layers than McCluggage. We’ll agree to disagree.

mmm try discussing that opinion on the Lions board. You’ll get a very different view.

McCluggage isn’t close to reaching his potential yet.

 

[Suns of Anarchy]

Will Jade Gresham (pick 18) be better than Callum Mills? How about Brandon Starcevich (pick 18) vs Paddy Dow? This is a roundabout argument where we eventually get to a point where we realise pick 3 produces better players more often than pick 18. I don't like the idea of potentially missing out on a superstar just because upper management felt like 'making a stand'. There will always be superstar players taken outside the top 10 but the likelihood of us finding those gems is very low. We are far more likely to find a superstar player with pick 3.


We did that with Hawthorn for O'Meara and the best they could muster up was pick 10 and they gave up a lot (more than they should have) to complete that trade. So, once again, do we really benefit more from pick 10 than pick 3? You might think we're 'making a stand' and forcing clubs to think twice about approaching our players but in reality they are going to continue to target our players regardless of what we do.

I would take Jade Gresham over Jack Billings who was pick 3.
I’m about Richmond handing over 2 first round picks and a quality player. That’s 3 for the price of 1 (pick 3) who isn’t guaranteed to be a star. This is a deep draft. Pick 2 will deliver us the gun mid we need.
You’re right we can go around in circles with draft picks because it’s a lottery really.
I think 3 for the price of 1 is more his value.

 

[Suns of Anarchy]

mmm try discussing that opinion on the Lions board. You’ll get a very different view.

McCluggage isn’t close to reaching his potential yet.

Berry is a star.

 

[SnusCG]

mmm try discussing that opinion on the Lions board. You’ll get a very different view.

McCluggage isn’t close to reaching his potential yet.

McCluggage is something special. Was desperate for him to slip to us at pick 4 that year

 

[17er]

Seems Lynch and Hall are headed away from the club, which means an extra 2 first round picks and maybe a second rounder. That would bring the number of Draft picks to 4x first rounders (all likely top 10 or better), 3 second rounders, 2 third rounders and 1 fourth rounder. The Suns don't need ten 18yos, so I'd advocate going with a different strategy to 2016. Instead of 5 X 18yos and 4 mature players, I'd prefer 3 elite picks, 3 academy players and 3 veteran players. That means trading/delisting a further 6 players - at this stage I'd say Rischitelli, Rosa, Willis, Barlow, Jaska and Wigg (I know it is harsh to delist injured guys, but room needs to be made on the list). I think the Suns should trade Hall for 2nd year former Suns Academy product, Josh Williams 190cm 86kg 20yo and one of the paciest players in the AFL.

A key to the continued development of younger players is the Suns management's ability to arrange a path into retirement for players that involves some sort of role at the club in addition to being eligible to play NEAFL. If you had players like Rischa and Rosa running around with 1st, 2nd and 3rd year players, not to mention the Academy players getting blooded into NEAFL, they shouldn't have to clog up a list spot. The Suns Indigenous Liaison Officer, Eddie Sansbury, suited up for a few NEAFL games, so I don't see why delisted players can't be kept on outside the main list as long as they are not under salary cap. Even better would be an extra 5 list spots and the money in the cap to retain talent and grow players over that 5 to 8 year period required to bring them to their highest potential.

 

[OB11]

Seems Lynch and Hall are headed away from the club, which means an extra 2 first round picks and maybe a second rounder. That would bring the number of Draft picks to 4x first rounders (all likely top 10 or better), 3 second rounders, 2 third rounders and 1 fourth rounder. The Suns don't need ten 18yos, so I'd advocate going with a different strategy to 2016. Instead of 5 X 18yos and 4 mature players, I'd prefer 3 elite picks, 3 academy players and 3 veteran players. That means trading/delisting a further 6 players - at this stage I'd say Rischitelli, Rosa, Willis, Barlow, Jaska and Wigg (I know it is harsh to delist injured guys, but room needs to be made on the list). I think the Suns should trade Hall for 2nd year former Suns Academy product, Josh Williams 190cm 86kg 20yo and one of the paciest players in the AFL.

A key to the continued development of younger players is the Suns management's ability to arrange a path into retirement for players that involves some sort of role at the club in addition to being eligible to play NEAFL. If you had players like Rischa and Rosa running around with 1st, 2nd and 3rd year players, not to mention the Academy players getting blooded into NEAFL, they shouldn't have to clog up a list spot. The Suns Indigenous Liaison Officer, Eddie Sansbury, suited up for a few NEAFL games, so I don't see why delisted players can't be kept on outside the main list as long as they are not under salary cap. Even better would be an extra 5 list spots and the money in the cap to retain talent and grow players over that 5 to 8 year period required to bring them to their highest potential.

How are we getting 4 top 10 picks? If Lynch leaves I'm counting 2, and no we are not getting a priority pick in the top 10

Are you saying 3 senior players with 5+ year of good football left or 'veteran' players from other clubs who are past their best to show the kids how it's done? I can see why you would get McVeigh but don't know who else you would get that would just be a carbon copy of Rosa/Barlow. If you can't get at least B grade talent to come you will have to go to the draft like the Lions did to get the kids to come through together.

With Lemmens and Schoenfeld signed up with at least 2 more years to go I can't see how they open up enough spots to use all the picks we are likely to have in the first 2 rounds. Hopefully Nicholls and Lonergan can find new homes via trade to open up spots.

McPherson I'm torn on as to whether he can be brought on to the senior list - seems a good kid but given his size it's hard to make a strong case for him.

Also what has Josh Williams (77kg) done that warrants trading for him except being born on the Coast that warrants a player worth a 2nd rd pick for a player that was - still uncontracted for next year.

 

[robo_1]

I remember from early days the club said it doesn't comment on contract negotiations. Maybe they need to rethink that policy as you've said. It makes the Suns look like the incompetent idiots especially in the Vic media eyes.

The club doesn’t comment on much they’re like a secret service agency sometimes

 

[17er]

How are we getting 4 top 10 picks? If Lynch leaves I'm counting 2, and no we are not getting a priority pick in the top 10

Are you saying 3 senior players with 5+ year of good football left or 'veteran' players from other clubs who are past their best to show the kids how it's done? I can see why you would get McVeigh but don't know who else you would get that would just be a carbon copy of Rosa/Barlow. If you can't get at least B grade talent to come you will have to go to the draft like the Lions did to get the kids to come through together.

With Lemmens and Schoenfeld signed up with at least 2 more years to go I can't see how they open up enough spots to use all the picks we are likely to have in the first 2 rounds. Hopefully Nicholls and Lonergan can find new homes via trade to open up spots.

McPherson I'm torn on as to whether he can be brought on to the senior list - seems a good kid but given his size it's hard to make a strong case for him.

Also what has Josh Williams (77kg) done that warrants trading for him except being born on the Coast that warrants a player worth a 2nd rd pick for a player that was - still uncontracted for next year.

Josh Williams isn't 77kg. He gave an interview this month saying he had put on 9kg, hence 86kg. He is tearing it up in the VFL and has been clocked as elite for pace. I doubt Brad Scott suddenly decides to elevate him in time for finals, but he is definitely closer to pushing for selection. The only two Suns Academy Draftees not on the Suns list are on North Melbourne's. I can't see them wanting to trade Preuss, even though I wish we could recruit ALL the Braydens, but Williams might not even get a contract.

Nicholls is just security for Witts, but maybe North would take Hall and Nicholls for the ex-Suns Academy guys? I'm very keen for the list to build up to over 40% Academy players because it allows the club to develop players in the system and culture for successful transition to AFL level. Joyce, Spencer, Bowes, Scheer, Crossley, Heron and Dawson have all progressed faster than the other players from the same drafts, while Nutting's injuries probably hurt his chances of debuting already.

Give MacPherson another year to prove himself because the Suns were better with him in the team (3 wins/2 losses). I didn't see anything in Jaska that Ballard and Scrimshaw don't have, while Wigg is just a list clogger at this rate. Don't forget that we didn't use our third Category B Rookie spot, so clearing 8 spaces makes 9 spots. Maybe Hanley could convince one of the Irish boys to join the Suns, though they usually go to Collingwood or Brisbane.

I am definitely talking about 100 game players, not 200 gamers. If Lynch and Hall go, together with the last of the Gaz money on our Salary Cap, there is a lot of money to go offer 800K to some players until we get some bites.

The 4 picks in the Top 10 are our pick #2, a priority pick #3 (it is the very least thing the AFL owes us) and 2 top 10 picks as part of the Lynch trade. If that scenario plays out a little differently, there is always the trade period and live trading to make it happen.

And I think after last night's first quarter there should be a moratorium on Lonergan because he showed exactly how he can work with Swallow to dominate what turned out to be a very good midfield. We have picks to burn and really should be able to find 3 quality mid-career veterans.

 

[Basssman]

How are we getting 4 top 10 picks? If Lynch leaves I'm counting 2, and no we are not getting a priority pick in the top 10

Are you saying 3 senior players with 5+ year of good football left or 'veteran' players from other clubs who are past their best to show the kids how it's done? I can see why you would get McVeigh but don't know who else you would get that would just be a carbon copy of Rosa/Barlow. If you can't get at least B grade talent to come you will have to go to the draft like the Lions did to get the kids to come through together.

With Lemmens and Schoenfeld signed up with at least 2 more years to go I can't see how they open up enough spots to use all the picks we are likely to have in the first 2 rounds. Hopefully Nicholls and Lonergan can find new homes via trade to open up spots.

McPherson I'm torn on as to whether he can be brought on to the senior list - seems a good kid but given his size it's hard to make a strong case for him.

Also what has Josh Williams (77kg) done that warrants trading for him except being born on the Coast that warrants a player worth a 2nd rd pick for a player that was - still uncontracted for next year.

With the Aaron Hall for Josh Williams idea, I couldn’t think of a worse idea! He is hardly beating the door down in North Melbourne’s VFL team and has only managed 2 AFL games in his 2 years on there list. I would be shocked if we swapped Hall who we could hopefully get a decent second round pick in a really good draft for this year from a range of suitors. If we want Josh Williams back on the Gold Coast I doubt weather we would have to give up much at all if he wanted to come home.


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[NOBBYS]

Josh Williams isn't 77kg. He gave an interview this month saying he had put on 9kg, hence 86kg. He is tearing it up in the VFL and has been clocked as elite for pace. I doubt Brad Scott suddenly decides to elevate him in time for finals, but he is definitely closer to pushing for selection. The only two Suns Academy Draftees not on the Suns list are on North Melbourne's. I can't see them wanting to trade Preuss, even though I wish we could recruit ALL the Braydens, but Williams might not even get a contract.

Nicholls is just security for Witts, but maybe North would take Hall and Nicholls for the ex-Suns Academy guys? I'm very keen for the list to build up to over 40% Academy players because it allows the club to develop players in the system and culture for successful transition to AFL level. Joyce, Spencer, Bowes, Scheer, Crossley, Heron and Dawson have all progressed faster than the other players from the same drafts, while Nutting's injuries probably hurt his chances of debuting already.

Give MacPherson another year to prove himself because the Suns were better with him in the team (3 wins/2 losses). I didn't see anything in Jaska that Ballard and Scrimshaw don't have, while Wigg is just a list clogger at this rate. Don't forget that we didn't use our third Category B Rookie spot, so clearing 8 spaces makes 9 spots. Maybe Hanley could convince one of the Irish boys to join the Suns, though they usually go to Collingwood or Brisbane.

I am definitely talking about 100 game players, not 200 gamers. If Lynch and Hall go, together with the last of the Gaz money on our Salary Cap, there is a lot of money to go offer 800K to some players until we get some bites.

The 4 picks in the Top 10 are our pick #2, a priority pick #3 (it is the very least thing the AFL owes us) and 2 top 10 picks as part of the Lynch trade. If that scenario plays out a little differently, there is always the trade period and live trading to make it happen.

And I think after last night's first quarter there should be a moratorium on Lonergan because he showed exactly how he can work with Swallow to dominate what turned out to be a very good midfield. We have picks to burn and really should be able to find 3 quality mid-career veterans.

Like your optimism but cannot see anyway possible we can get 4 top ten draft picks.
Four or five top twenty picks most likely .

 

[17er]

Like your optimism but cannot see anyway possible we can get 4 top ten draft picks.
Four or five top twenty picks most likely .

There are lots of ways for it to happen.
1. our pick #2
2. priority pick - the argument against this is just speculation
3. Lynch trade comp
4. West Coast pick (live traded up?)
5. Bid matching Bailey Scott
6. Trading back with Adelaide (2 top 10s if Demons finish 10th and Crows 11th)

But you are right, the likelihood may end up being between 3 and 5 top 20 picks. I think we need 3 draft targets high up and spend 3 good picks on established mid career players. We got such a boost with Lyons, Witts, Barlow and Hanley until injuries hit, while Holman, Young and Rosa provide good depth, so a few guys who will become 150 gamers will worth trading away 1st and 2nd rounders.

 

[OB11]

Josh Williams isn't 77kg. He gave an interview this month saying he had put on 9kg

We have picks to burn and really should be able to find 3 quality mid-career veterans.

Williams was listed originally as 69kg so maybe he has put on 9 kg since then which would make sense

Having the picks to make a trade happen has never been our issue, enticing players to play for the suns goes to the heart of the issue

 

[Happy Idiot]

I'm very keen for the list to build up to over 40% Academy players because it allows the club to develop players in the system and culture for successful transition to AFL level. Joyce, Spencer, Bowes, Scheer, Crossley, Heron and Dawson have all progressed faster than the other players from the same drafts, while Nutting's injuries probably hurt his chances of debuting already.

This is way too idealistc — we'll end up permanently mediocre because QLD just doesn't produce like a football state... yet.

I'll say no to Josh Williams purely because, whatever you say, half of those boys you've listed simply haven't developed better or faster than others from the same year. Joyce has gone backwards, Heron hardly looks fantastic, Scheer not close, and Spencer is decent backup. Meh, so much middle of the road.

I'm not getting the over-the-top feels for the idea of the Palmy boys/factory until one or two step up in a bigger way.

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[17er]

This is way too idealistc — we'll end up permanently mediocre because QLD just doesn't produce like a football state... yet.

I'll say no to Josh Williams purely because, whatever you say, half of those boys you've listed simply haven't developed better or faster than others from the same year. Joyce has gone backwards, Heron hardly looks fantastic, Scheer not close, and Spencer is decent backup. Meh, so much middle of the road.

I'm not getting the over-the-top feels for the idea of the Palmy boys/factory until one or two step up in a bigger way.

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Surely they justify some spots on the rookie roster. And you conveniently left out Bowes and Crossley, plus Weller. There is some very good Academy talent coming through and the Suns have utilised the Under 19s Academy very well to allow some of the raw talent an extra year to try to jag a roster spot.

You can't deny that Academy players have gone into the system faster. Bowes and Scheer have heaps more games than Brodie and Scrimshaw, with Ainsworth the exception because he was picked as an AFL ready player. This year, Crossley, Dawson and Heron have all played multiple games from early on. whereas our highest draft pick only recently debuted. Jesse Joyce has more games than Fiorini and Ah Chee.

You are right that Queensland doesn't produce like a football state, but it did for one team when the Lions were winning flags. The AFL has halved the market, but that's part of our challenge at the Suns. The Factory is 4 parts myth and 1 part veneer. These kids are coming down from North Queensland and interstate, or even just from different junior clubs. However, what they are doing is brilliant for preparing these kids to make the transition to senior footy and it's great to see other schools with sports excellence footy programs and the talented kids in our zone coming into those systems to provide a bit of healthy competition with PBC.

I'm very interested in the Suns transforming their culture from within. You look at successful teams from other codes: Manchester United got incredibly lucky with a generational group of kids who all came through together and cost the club nothing but made it the best in the world; the Canterbury Crusaders grew up in each others' backyards and owned Super Rugby for a Decade and dominated the All Blacks teams that finally won the WC; the Melbourne Storm signed up Cronk, Smith and Slater at the same time and they've gone on to form the spine of the great Queensland Origin teams as well. These kids have the makings of a 15 year base of players who will form the identity of the Gold Coast Suns, carrying on what guys like Harbrow, May and Rischitelli are instilling, welcoming the hotshots from interstate after every draft and bringing them into a healthy, fraternal and professional culture. It isn't going to happen in a few months, but watch it develop over a decade and you'll see the strategy work.

 

[17er]

Williams was listed originally as 69kg so maybe he has put on 9 kg since then which would make sense

Having the picks to make a trade happen has never been our issue, enticing players to play for the suns goes to the heart of the issue

VFL: Working for Williams
Brock Ellis July 4, 2018 6:00 PM

There’s few players blessed with the speed of Josh Williams, but that natural ability doesn’t necessarily go hand-in-hand with winning the ball.

Two years into his AFL career, the 20-year-old is aiming to grow his all-round game, and his hard work is paying dividends.

“My work-rate has been a really big thing for me,” Williams told North Media.

“If I’m getting into the right spots, I’ve found that I’m often able to get used well. When I give it off the deck and get the footy again, I’m just making sure I use my run and carry from there.”

Williams played twice in the AFL last season, booting a memorable goal with his first kick against Essendon on his debut, followed by a second appearance against Collingwood in Round 20.

Having gotten a taste of senior footy, the youngster is determined to take the next step in his development.

“It gave me a lot of confidence playing in the AFL,” he said.

“I was probably a bit unlucky to go back to the VFL, as I was playing okay. But it’s definitely given me some confidence going forward, showing that I definitely belong.

“I’m now just working to get myself back up to AFL level.”

The second-year midfielder, who has split his time in the VFL with Werribee in 2017 and North’s standalone side this year, believes a streamlined strategy that mirrors the approach of the Roos’ AFL side is having a big impact on his development.

“We’re all on the same page. The message is the same from the AFL right through to the VFL.

“It’s pretty easy to go from there when the message is always the same. If you’re doing the right thing in the VFL, it’s going to directly correlate to AFL level as well.”

Despite his exceptional use of the footy and improved decision-making, Williams believes he still has some work to do at the coalface.

“I’ve been looking to equal, if not win, as many contested ball situations as much as I can,” he said.

“I’ve put on nine kilos since last year, you might not notice it, but it’s definitely helped. The weight gain has improved my speed in contests as well. Whether it be contested or aerial, it’s really been helping me out.

“If I continue to work hard and do that, it’s going to put me in good stead.”

NB Josh Williams was 77kg when he made his AFL debut in Round 18, 2017

He's 86kg. End of.

 

[GcSunsfan]

This is way too idealistc — we'll end up permanently mediocre because QLD just doesn't produce like a football state... yet.

I'll say no to Josh Williams purely because, whatever you say, half of those boys you've listed simply haven't developed better or faster than others from the same year. Joyce has gone backwards, Heron hardly looks fantastic, Scheer not close, and Spencer is decent backup. Meh, so much middle of the road.

I'm not getting the over-the-top feels for the idea of the Palmy boys/factory until one or two step up in a bigger way.

Sent from my VTR-L09 using Tapatalk

Watching Josh Williams and Jack Bowes play together in the neafl in 2015-16 i always thought Josh was the better player.
I was pissed when we choose not to match the bid for him.
Would love to get him back but don't want to over pay for him he's only managed to play the 2 afl games and hasn't set the world on fire this year in the vfl he's played 14 game and only averages 16 disposals

 

[GcSunsfan]

Was there more to that mystery trip back to Perth a few weeks ago 1st pic is from before Perth trip 2nd one is after

 

[SandyToes]

If Ah Chee wanted to leave and we got a top 10 pick I wouldn't mind
He's pretty much covered by other players

 

[Happy Idiot]

Surely they justify some spots on the rookie roster. And you conveniently left out Bowes and Crossley, plus Weller. There is some very good Academy talent coming through and the Suns have utilised the Under 19s Academy very well to allow some of the raw talent an extra year to try to jag a roster spot.

You can't deny that Academy players have gone into the system faster. Bowes and Scheer have heaps more games than Brodie and Scrimshaw, with Ainsworth the exception because he was picked as an AFL ready player. This year, Crossley, Dawson and Heron have all played multiple games from early on. whereas our highest draft pick only recently debuted. Jesse Joyce has more games than Fiorini and Ah Chee.

I think in principle I want to agree with you — the Academy is super-important for us. The kids have gone into the system faster too, but you specifically said they have 'progressed faster' and I don't see much progression in some of them. I didn't mention Bowes, Crossley, and Weller (and Dawson) because I was questioning 'half of the boys you listed', and I am fine with those names.

More games, faster, doesn't mean better developed(-ing), and don't forget plenty around here were happy for Brodie to work on his flaws in the twos. I'll stick by the idea that Brodie, Ainsworth, Fiorini, and Ah Chee all look to be further progressed than Scheer, Heron, Joyce (gone backwards) and Spencer. And for that reason, being wedded to the idea of 40% academy kids seems like a much longer term goal.

I'm very interested in the Suns transforming their culture from within. You look at successful teams from other codes: Manchester United got incredibly lucky with a generational group of kids who all came through together and cost the club nothing but made it the best in the world; the Canterbury Crusaders grew up in each others' backyards and owned Super Rugby for a Decade and dominated the All Blacks teams that finally won the WC; the Melbourne Storm signed up Cronk, Smith and Slater at the same time and they've gone on to form the spine of the great Queensland Origin teams as well. These kids have the makings of a 15 year base of players who will form the identity of the Gold Coast Suns, carrying on what guys like Harbrow, May and Rischitelli are instilling, welcoming the hotshots from interstate after every draft and bringing them into a healthy, fraternal and professional culture. It isn't going to happen in a few months, but watch it develop over a decade and you'll see the strategy work.

I'm agreeing (I think), this should be our strategy and it should play out over the next decade or two even. And for sure we keep picking the best kids out of the Academy and give them their chance. But if they look to be just mediocre (personally, I'm not convinced the current crop have the makings of a 15 year base of players), we'll have to move on quickly from them because winning is also part of the equation to grow the game in QLD. There is a shitload of talent around this country and we are going to need bunches of that, quickly, to get success on-field and keep the 7-year-olds cheering for us.