This isn't true at all though. We didn't get smashed in the clearances early in the season because a fit Rockliff was dominant in the contest. When we started to put it together later on, centre clearances were our biggest problem.
Mature mids out of the vfl are the last thing we need tbh. Jake Barrett is the sort of mid who dominates at state league level, he can't play there in the afl.
I was referring to Rockliff's contribution to our midfield over his career and the fact that despite the presence of Rockliff, Redden and whoever else had a run through there, our midfield has been a significant weakness for season after season after season. I am happy to go back and look at our centre clearances early in the season, but because you follow Rockliff and you are an intelligent contributor who has watched him closely, I'll accept we may not have been smashed in Centre Clearances before his shoulder injury restricted him. I just can't remember us doing so well, particularly after we strung a fair few losses together after our opening win.
My point is that at 27 I still feel that his best football is behind him, unless he plays as a permanent forward. If Rockliff gets a lucrative contract at another club, then good luck to him. I think we can cover him in the side and still would not be adverse to selecting an established midfielder in the draft, just like any side that drafts Rockliff would be doing.