I, for one, thought that we had a pretty well balanced list at the start of the season, with the addition of Clark, and couldn’t wait for the season to begin.
You look at the forward line of Clark being the big body to attract defenders, supported by Watts, Jurrah, Howe, Petterd and Green (I thought Greeny would be better without the captaincy burden) who all become dangerous without being the focal point.
The back line including Frawley, Rivers, McDonald, Garland and Grimes with rebound from Bartram, Nicholson and co seemed pretty good, and the midfield had plenty of likely in-and-under types.
We had an AA ruckman ably supported by Martin with others waiting in the wings.
The only deficiencies I saw were a small crumbing forward capable of kicking a bag (haven’t really rated Bennell) and a pacey, outside midfielder with sweet kicking skills to get it inside 50, but I had hoped that Bail, Blease or Gysberts might fill either or both of these roles.
I thought we compared very favourably with the likes of Essendon and Carlton who both have gaping holes in their lists. The Bombers lack big backs and inside mids (and probably a big forward unless Gumby can deliver long term), while the Blues lack consistent key position players all over the ground.
Somewhere along the line it all went horribly wrong. I still think we’ve got the balance and the talent, but I think early big losses shattered their confidence in the new game plan and each other. Many of the guys I’ve listed above have had interrupted seasons - some have barely got out on the park at all. And there’s been an inexplicable lack of output from Jamar, Moloney and Trengove who are all crucial.
I suppose you can take consolation from the fact that things can’t really get any worse, but I hoping for better than that. With this list we should be able to at least make finals. Winning the big one is another matter I guess…