- Sep 14, 2005
- 18,419
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I've been thinking about our team and development over the last couple of years. I believe, to a certain extent, the injury-plagued year we had last year was a blessing in disguise. I see this because we were finalist this year, vertically without the Nathan Buckley, Anthony Rocca or Paul Licuria of yester-years. The injuries to key personnel FORCED the 2nd & 3rd tier players to step and offer something. Probably not much so last year, as it was a failure. But this year, with the healthy competition, these 2nd & 3rd tier players that were needed to step up last year, have gained the AFL experience and that pressure of an entire football club on you because of the injuries to the likes of Rocca, Fraser, Bucks, Taz ect.
Add to this, the youth that is coming through.
This was unexpected. And the only way further up the ladder is that we invest in some more youth. The debate is 'Developed Player Trades OR Trades for Picks'. I think there can be a middle part aswell.
For example, we either have people saying, all draft picks! All youth!
And others saying, go for quality players and aim for a flag next year!
Well, I think that a flag next year and the following is realistic with the right mix of youth and 1-2 quality PSD players from other clubs over the next two years. If we can get a ruckman like Keating, Everitt, MacDonald ect... with the draft picks of this year, and the last 2. Especially if we trade Taz and get something fair in return such as a high pick and young midfielder. We can have a very powerful shot at the flag in 2007. Some of the things said here have been repeated by a lot of people. But I thought Id put it all together.
Add to this, the youth that is coming through.
This was unexpected. And the only way further up the ladder is that we invest in some more youth. The debate is 'Developed Player Trades OR Trades for Picks'. I think there can be a middle part aswell.
For example, we either have people saying, all draft picks! All youth!
And others saying, go for quality players and aim for a flag next year!
Well, I think that a flag next year and the following is realistic with the right mix of youth and 1-2 quality PSD players from other clubs over the next two years. If we can get a ruckman like Keating, Everitt, MacDonald ect... with the draft picks of this year, and the last 2. Especially if we trade Taz and get something fair in return such as a high pick and young midfielder. We can have a very powerful shot at the flag in 2007. Some of the things said here have been repeated by a lot of people. But I thought Id put it all together.
