I have developed a theory that shows why (on evidence) teams win flags. It has to do with the number of players between the ages of 24-28yo that are very solid and respected footballers.
The more you have of these mature aged players with big game experience, composure and hard, strong bodies the more capable you are of getting the job done when it counts.
While both the older players and youngsters are crucial, i believe it is the middle age players that are the most important. Have a look at the previous premiership teams:
2007 GEELONG: Ling, Scarlett, Mooney, Corey, Enright, Johnson, Ottens, Wojinski,
2006 WEST COAST: Glass, Cousins, Judd, Kerr, Lynch, Hunter, Jones, Cox, Braun, Wirrpanda, Embley
2005 SYDNEY: Kirk, C. Bolton, J.Bolton, Jolly, Hall, OKeefe, O'Loughlin, Davis, Kennelly, Barry
2004 PORT ADELAIDE: Tredrae, P.Burgoyne, Francou, James, Pickett, Carr, Lade, Brogan, Kingsley,
2002-3-4 BRISBANE: Voss, Power, Lappin, Akermanis, Bradshaw, Lynch, Leppitcsh, Michael, Black, Scotts,
In 2002-03 Collingwood were strong and had these middle rangers such as Buckley, Rocca, Burns, OBree, Steinfort, Wakelin, Clement, Licuria, Holland
In the 2008 line up we dont have many. Weve got fraser?, lockyer, davis, didak, johnson
The point im trying to make is that you need the tough, hard bodies around the contest to win you the hard ball and to provide the edge you need late in the 4th quarter on a saturday in september.
Who know, Collingwood may win the flag this year, but i believe we will struggle as we dont have many of these type.
The more you have of these mature aged players with big game experience, composure and hard, strong bodies the more capable you are of getting the job done when it counts.
While both the older players and youngsters are crucial, i believe it is the middle age players that are the most important. Have a look at the previous premiership teams:
2007 GEELONG: Ling, Scarlett, Mooney, Corey, Enright, Johnson, Ottens, Wojinski,
2006 WEST COAST: Glass, Cousins, Judd, Kerr, Lynch, Hunter, Jones, Cox, Braun, Wirrpanda, Embley
2005 SYDNEY: Kirk, C. Bolton, J.Bolton, Jolly, Hall, OKeefe, O'Loughlin, Davis, Kennelly, Barry
2004 PORT ADELAIDE: Tredrae, P.Burgoyne, Francou, James, Pickett, Carr, Lade, Brogan, Kingsley,
2002-3-4 BRISBANE: Voss, Power, Lappin, Akermanis, Bradshaw, Lynch, Leppitcsh, Michael, Black, Scotts,
In 2002-03 Collingwood were strong and had these middle rangers such as Buckley, Rocca, Burns, OBree, Steinfort, Wakelin, Clement, Licuria, Holland
In the 2008 line up we dont have many. Weve got fraser?, lockyer, davis, didak, johnson
The point im trying to make is that you need the tough, hard bodies around the contest to win you the hard ball and to provide the edge you need late in the 4th quarter on a saturday in september.
Who know, Collingwood may win the flag this year, but i believe we will struggle as we dont have many of these type.
