Lets not write off 2016

[Azul]

Nope, completely different scenarios, especially given the age demographic and qualify of talent we just lost.

Which talent? Carrazzo was always going to retire, the game had passed Ellard behind, Judd was a symbolic leader only and didn't play in a single win, Menzel went backwards, Yarran went off the rails and Henderson left a stench.

The only one we'll miss from that lot is Bell.

6 wins is probably about right but only because we were such a long way off as far as fitness (gut-running, bye bye Buttifant) and work ethic (tackling and chasing) and self-belief - very difficult to address in one pre-season.

 

[La Dispute]

The easiest way to manufacture self-belief is to win games of football and Round 1 is the perfect opportunity.

I've been saying for years the Tigers list reminds me very much of ours circa 2009-2012 insofar as they have a few quality players at the top, a couple of A-Grade KPP's and not much else. They have some talented kids; but then again Yarran, Lucas, Menzel, Watson and even Bootsma seemed like super talented guys capable of elevating the club.

In many ways, their lack of leadership and their front-running game style mimics the way we used to play. Sure, we looked flashy during the Home & Away and would routinely beat higher ranked teams but we were wafer-thin on depth and lacking all over the ground.

The fact they've gone out and actively recruited another front runner means they're still haven't learnt. These minor player grabs won't be the difference in their performance. Treloar was spot on when he saw more potential in the Pies list than the Tigers list and I think many players share the same sentiment.

Traditionally, the Tigers aren't a mentally tough, disciplined and assertive team so we've got every opportunity to put our stamp on the game if the players are up to it.

I'm not saying we'll win but stranger things have happened.

 

[passmark]

The perfect scenario for the club is to win the majority of our games early in the season and fade as the season progresses .

Nobody expects miracles but they do need hope and we still get good draft/trade positioning .

Pies have done it for two years now. IMO they haven't been as disappointed with there failure in the second half of the last couple of seasons as they make out.

Membership numbers are locked away, media plays up the "young list" angle and hope exists for the new season.

 

[Azul]

The perfect scenario for the club is to win the majority of our games early in the season and fade as the season progresses .

Looking at our fixture, I'd expect us to lose the bulk of our first 18 games and then win the last 4 once the season is over and done with.

August 7 - St Kilda
August 13 - Brisbane
August 21 - Melbourne
August 27 - Essendon

If we don't win at least 3 out of 4, the media will accuse us of tanking!

 

[passmark]

As it stands I would have thought you could comfortably lose those games without raising an eyebrow.

In season form of the respective teams will determine tanking queries .

 

[Bluechip66]

Nope, completely different scenarios, especially given the age demographic and qualify of talent we just lost.

I hate saying this, but dollars to donuts 2016 will be pretty much like Alan Richardson's first at St Kilda.

Just look at it as a development/growth year, any wins along the way is a bonus. But (and i really don't like this term) its really all about 'the process'

6 wins next season is what we should realistically hope for.

I can't stress enough the dangers of thinking that this new baby blues outfit will click right away, its just not that easy. Unfortunately.

ok, but I'm not saying we will make the finals or get close.
I'm saying don't be pessimistic & give up on boys next year...hope springs eternal.
we won 4 games this year, u say 6 next year....50% increase....significant I would say!
as much as hate to remember there was a team called the baby bombers, who did quite well. (yes I know what u will say there)
I'm always optimistic with the blues (even to my own detriment), but I also think your underselling what we have.

 

[The Bunyip]

Interesting to read Murph isn't a shoe-in for Captain next year.
I know hindsight is a marvellous thing but Malthouse chose Nick Maxwell as Capt being the best leader rather than the best player at the club & he wins a flag.
Then he does the complete opposite at Carlton by choosing the best player as Captain rather than the best leader & we win a wooden spoon!
Now I'm not taking a potshot at Murph for a moment but that said, there has been well-known leadership issues some Juddy gave up the skippers role.
I reckon there's something in this to learn from moving forward.

 

[DaVillaBlues]

The facts
-We have a new coach who has worked under the best football system in the league for the past decade
-We have 5 new enthusiastic young players; many of which have been starved of opportunity and are at the right age for our club's development
-We have 4 first round draft picks to build a solid foundation upon. Weltering is as highly a touted a number 1 as has ever been seen and isn't just a great defender but provides exceptional rebound and smarts around the contest
-We've traded 3 players who didn't want to be there. All are conditional in their efforts, all had problems with their attitude and match-day application and each continued to perpetuate and embellish the problems of the club
-Our midfield on paper stacks up with most top 8 midfields in the league. A starting 4 of Kreuzer, Murphy, Gibbs and Cripps has a good mix of inside grunt, foot skills and class on the outside. If Bolton can fire them up and get the best out of them, we become very dangerous.
-The continued ascension of Patrick Cripps. In 2015 Bontempelli took his game up another gear and Crippa is likely to follow suit. Add some more toe and more accuracy in front of goal and he'll become a Top 20 mid before the year is out.
-The unknowns in Byrne and Sheehan. Both showed tremendous signs when on the park and could lock down positions.

Nobody could have anticipated the rise of the Bulldogs in 2015 and it goes to show how valuable it is letting go of players who don't want to put in to your football club. They invested in their young players and allowed a positive, do-or-die attitude that's infectious and permeates the culture of the group.

With Bolton, you get the impression he'll bring a bit of joy and freedom to the group and won't settle for mediocrity. I also don't think he'll adapt an ultra-defensive gameplay to counteract the inexperience of the group. He'll teach the boys to play two-way football, with precision, a more structured approach and an emphasis on quick ball movement - just like the Hawks.

I'm not saying we'll make a surprise push for the 8 but I'm not so sure we're certainties for the wooden spoon either. If we can find enough avenues to goal, we'll surprise a few teams. Sitting out most of 2015 will have hopefully freshened Gibbs, while Thomas is a complete unknown and if he can get on the park he could be quite valuable.

Overall, stay positive! We're finally on a mission to amend the mistakes of the past and create our own destiny without resorting to shortcuts or relying on a few key figures at the club.

I can sense that the past two weeks has been a big step in deciding the future of the club and I'm eager to see what the new recruits can produce, as well as those lucky enough to make their way onto our list in November.

Lets view 2016 with an open mind and enjoy the little victories, as well as the big ones.

How about we start with Richmond in Round 1

This guy nailed it !!!

Bolton's really bought Clarkson's A Grade coaching manual over from Hawthorn.

What a difference getting in a vibrant, dynamic Relatable coach and rid of players who played 'conditional football' ...

Absolutely loving footy again