Pav was at the peak of his powers in that period. Mid 20s. McPharlin as forward under Connolly/Harvey always pissed me off. MJ was played there too. Never understood that, to this day. Wasted chance that. 2005-2008 was really open too.I think we're forgetting how good we were in 1997 like when we smashed the Bombers. The team that day was:
B: Chisholm O'Reilly Parker
HB: Black Carroll McGovern
C: Dhurrkay Allan Toia
HF: Callaghan Bandy Leach
F: Leach Hunter Abraham
R: Burton Mitchell Wills
I/C: White Harding Kickett Clement
But in all serious, our 2003-2009 team was fairly strong and makes you wonder if a more accomplised coach could have done something with us.
We’ve never had a great forward line for a long stretch. Pav and Longmuir with Farmer was alright. But couldn’t get on the park enough. Medhurst was moved on too soon. Murphy was touted as the next thing, then was Adam Campbell. Never really got there. Alas that’s the past. Now though, 2019 is about the best forward line as a member tbh. Top line A grader in Hogan combined with Tabs. Matera kicking goals and McCarthy getting there. Add in Walters for substance and Switter for pressure. About as exciting as I can remember.
In 2013- it was Pav, Mayne, Ballas, Clarke. Workmanlike but we were always one more tall away. Clarke couldn’t mark nor compete. Thoroughly believe if we had got a fit Kepler Bradley, would’ve been a lot different. This forward line this season, not only Can we defend 2012-2016 style but also dominate the scoreboard. 2013 we limited the opportunities so much that we barely even kicked more points. Ugly but effective.
One sly dig at Duffield. He was owned by Gunston in 201 GF. And soft too. Great ball user though. Luke Ryan would’ve made a huge scrap of it. He’s not easily beaten. One gripe is that McPhee left 2012 too soon. He was definitely well missed in 2013.
The midfield is the let down this season then 2013. Stephen hill injured, Blakely an unknown, Cerra is playing half back, Brayshaw is barely even where he will be. A 34 year old Mundy is our second best mid.
That’s the one pitfall whereas it was our significant strength in 2013. Fyfe, Mundy, Barlow, Suban, Hill, Mzungu. Everyone was elite in their areas. Suban and Mzungu underrated in that they were competitive never give in types. Don’t have that now. Conca maybe, but that’s it.