Speculation Max Gruzewski

[Jason JC]

His old man posted this in reference to North a couple days ago.

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A Corr replacement, maybe? I worry he's a bit undersized to be a viable Darling replacement as our third KPF.

Darling isn't a big physical specimen, they are not that much different from each other. And like you say, he'd be an upgrade on Corr if you wanted to play him in the backline.

But North also probably need another big gorilla key back, they have a lot of Corr and Logue and Pink size types who are not quite big enough to match the taller forwards.

 

[Makeshift Park]

Darling isn't a big physical specimen, they are not that much different from each other. And like you say, he'd be an upgrade on Corr if you wanted to play him in the backline.

But North also probably need another big gorilla key back, they have a lot of Corr and Logue and Pink size types who are not quite big enough to match the taller forwards.

Yup. We really need two tall defenders this offseason so Logue has to compete for his spot, and Pink and Corr become depth.

In terms of the options available:

Butts isn't a world-beater, but he'd be an improvement on Pink. Possibly even Logue. The UFA status is handy. Though he feels more like a solid piece rather than the AA defender you build your backline around.

Other options:-

• we could offer Carlton a couple firsts for Weitering to kickstart their overdue rebuild. Whether the Blues are capable of planning for the longterm betterment of the club is debatable though.
• we are probably pursuing Trainor. OOC next year. His family are very prominent North supporters, and at his current rate of development, he could plausibly play fulltime KPD next year.

There's also the issue of Luke McDonald. Competes well, heart and soul type, but doesn't have athletic points of difference or decent skills. If Archer hadn't done his ACL in the preseason, we'd have a far better sense of how dependable he'll be as McDonald's successor. Likewise, we really need Hardeman and Goater to get a decent run at it this year too.

In the meantime, it makes sense to look at upgrades in the medium defender dept as well. Surely Doedee will be considering finishing his career in a club that actually plays him in the seniors. Also noticed your own Mark O'Connor is a UFA - perhaps he'd make an ok McDonald replacement too?

In any case, upgrading two of our defenders this offseason should be the bare minimum expectation. There's a case we should be bringing in three, or even four.

 

[Orange Agent]

Those with interest, what are your thoughts?

His upper body hasn't filled out and at his size and age now, it doesn't appear it will. Always seems to be kicking one from the goal square each time he plays.