Although it all seems like a doom and gloom situation at Kardinia Park, next season is certainly promising.
Matthew Egan, who has already shown plenty this year, particularly in the finals, is a real key position talent in defense. Together, Tom Harley, Matthew Scarlett and he will form an exceptionally strong defense for the likes of St Kilda and Sydney who have 3-4 talls up forward.
Timmy Callan is very much an unsung favourite, particularly on this forum and Cats Claw. Backs back into packs tirelessly, can play on the dangerous small forwards, and can even rotate through the middle. Unfortunately, Tim's year was riddled by injury, and in many people's opinion, unfair treatment from the coach - not giving him a game in the seniors. With Sanderson retiring, i could not think of a better replacement.
Mark Blake is still relatively raw, despite having a season or two in the VFL. He was rated extremely highly as a junior, playing in the ruck for the Geelong Falcons. Played a handful of games this year and showed he has the ability to tap the ball down the throat of our midfielders. Still needs to add some bulk and improve his work around the ground, but tall, mobile blokes do take time to develop.
Andrew Mackie has had 3 years on the list, and has showed several glimpses of his class, especially around goal. He is deceptively short, actually stands around 193cm.... but of course, weighs about 20 kilos. So i'm being facetious, but most know Mackie needs to bulk up if he is going to take it to the next level. I do question his level of commitment, however. The notorious drinking session with Dog, compounded by his 'inability' to add weight spells laziness to me. Perhaps i'm being harsh and his body simply struggles to gain weight, but I don't know. Still could be a very good player.
Tom Lonergan is about to enter a 'do or die' season. Really must perform. Given our stark lack of talls up forward, it is somewhat bewildering he has struggled to win a regular place in the team. When Playfair and Ottens weren't in the team, guys like Haynes and Gardiner were considered better options.
Matthew Spencer is officially the new Simon Arnott. Played several good games down back for the VFL, and was named in our best pretty much everyweek. Admittedly, the amount we got thrashed this season says maybe it wasn't such a big honour. Still, I would love to have seen him given a game when Harley was missing. Needs to break into the senior side in 2006.
Brent Prismall has 'silky skills', or at least, so i'm told. Wears the famous number 32 and from all reports, is too good for the VFL. Will probably debut next season and is an exciting onballer with a penetrating kick. Probably needs to get in the gym over summer, though.
Then there's Nathan.