Prediction our development post flags

[google_this]

I think Geelong have a development issue.
Post our flag era I'm concerned we haven't developed an A grader.
It's 5 seasons since flag number 3, have we produced an "a" grader since then? Or even something that looks like becoming an "A" grader?

thoughts?

 

[Jhye Clark 13]

Hawkins is an 'A Grader.' As Is Motlop.

 

[Hoooops]

Can't really take credit for Menegola. Thanks Hawforn!

 

[HaroLad]

I have to say it's looking grim, waiting for a breakout season/game from Cocky, Lang, Kolo etc. they are all consistently very average which needs to change.

 

[google_this]

Hawkins is an 'A Grader.' As Is Motlop.

Hawkins, along with Selwood probably dont fall into my list as they were in season 5? (Not sure) at the end of the flag era

I personally don't rate Motlop, but it is interesting how many people have such a high opinion of him

I personally rate a player by the good outweighing the bad, for me he's expendable

 

[google_this]

I have to say it's looking grim, waiting for a breakout season/game from Cocky, Lang, Kolo etc. they are all consistently very average which needs to change.

I have some hope for Lang, I thought he was unfairly dealt with this year. Cockatoo is too raw to judge, love his hardness but hate his decision making. Can't see kolo going "a" but can see him being a very good player for a long time

 

[Ricketz]

I have to say it's looking grim, waiting for a breakout season/game from Cocky, Lang, Kolo etc. they are all consistently very average which needs to change.

Cocky and Kolo too early.

I think Thurlow, Cocky, Gregson, McCarthy all have potential to be A graders, out of the younger bunch. Menzel would be. All have had injuries that have derailed their development. Hopefully, with better medical staff, that is no longer an issue.

Duncan, Motlop, Caddy and Guthrie are there abouts, and just need some added consistency.

If you want to see real failed development, look at Melbourne, Brisbane or Gold Coast. I don't think Geelong do too badly - especially when you consider Blicavs, Menegola and Ruggles. You can offer every opportunity, but if the horse isnt thirsty...

 

[GFrost]

It's worth a conversation around. Because of our flags/past, it seems like many think it's a given that our development is great. Who (staff) is still involved in the development area from the earlier days? Who has left? Who has come in?

 

[google_this]

If you want to see real failed development, look at Melbourne, Brisbane or Gold Coast. I don't think Geelong do too badly - especially when you consider Blicavs, Menegola and Ruggles. You can offer every opportunity, but if the horse isnt thirsty...

Appreciate your point regarding gc, Dee's etc. whilst Blicavs has had development, I'd actually use Ruggles to support my case, hasn't had any development and his fighting well against bews who has had plenty. Personally I'd keep ruggles over bews

 

[Biggy_Boy]

Appreciate your point regarding gc, Dee's etc. whilst Blicavs has had development, I'd actually use Ruggles to support my case, hasn't had any development and his fighting well against bews who has had plenty. Personally I'd keep ruggles over bews

Ruggles is also older, and Bews isn't exactly a cream of the crop, elite young talent. He was probably lucky to be drafted onto the main list. It's more so the earlier picks that I'd be worried about in regards to development than the late picks/rookies, which are often a crapshoot.

 

[catstorm]

Appreciate your point regarding gc, Dee's etc. whilst Blicavs has had development, I'd actually use Ruggles to support my case, hasn't had any development and his fighting well against bews who has had plenty. Personally I'd keep ruggles over bews

I'd keep both in the team

my backline would look like

Ruggles Henderson Kolo

Thurlow Taylor Bews

No room for Mackie I think he needs to retire but if he is fine staying on as depth thats ok as well.

As for not producing A grade talent well high draft picks can easily affect that, already low due to success geelong was pushed even lower with the inclusion of GC and GWS our first draft pick in 2011 would have been 26 but we traded away for two in the 30s. Yes you can find hidden gems, and to a large extent i think we have but without top end picks there is only so much you can do.

 

[Mad_Hatter]

#BringbackBMAC