We can always grab a couple of ASOSs or 31 year old Jordan Lewis types pretty cheaply to prop up the young fellas.
Simpson is the only significant player we will lose, but Cripps and Doc will be even more advanced in their leadership.
Its not a question of replacing. Its a question of adding.
Look at how the Saints have stagnated post their list reset by not getting in star players over the past few years. Its starting to become a self fulfilling prophesy.
We have 2 years of list development and stabilisation to go, before the players we have drafted start to really go bang. We need to add to that list with experienced and elite matchwinners to take the next step over the next 2 years. Once we do so, we become a destination club and move into list management phase 3.
Phase 1: Rebuild phase. 3-4 year list rebuild. Maximise draft presence, trade out or release players as F/A. Obtain as many picks as possible, get in as much young talent as possible. Massive list turnover. Raid expansion clubs for deals. Retain a small core of experienced players to maintain the culture and avoid shellackings. Focus on a defensive mindset.
Phase 2: List stabilisation/ development phase, 2-3 year period of list stabilisation and getting the players playing together. Add offensive layers to game plan and build confidence. Identify any list management holes or weaknesses from Phase 1, and get in players to fill those holes. Identify and target elite players to fill gaps and add to the side.
Phase 3: Maintenence phase. Period of sustained success. Destination club status.
The Saints have stagnated at Phase 2, and arguably made too many misses during Phase 1.
Melbourne cut too savagely in Phase 1, and got trapped in it for several years due to drafting blunders and a wrecked culture. They turned it around during Roos tenure, and finally nailed serval picks specifically targetting players and trading down to get them (Hogan, Oliver). They're in Phase 2 at present, and look very likely to take the next step this year.
You have to get the foundations right (what we have done) and then you can move to a period of stabilisation and development or 'synergy' as Bolts calls it, and then add Star power and free agents to the list.