Pivot said:
Understand that mate. You need to put the past 3 years into perspective though. We've had duds through trades and I don't think many supporters were thinging finals or anything. At the moment we have genuine cause for excitement and next year wil be even better when hopefully we will pick up 5 or 6 excellent kids in the super draft.
This is the best bunch of young kids we've had for a while - still plenty to prove and aren't world-beaters, but are very promising.
That's the reasoning for supporters being excited about season 06, we have good kids on our list - FINALLY!!!
I agree Pivot, and besides if you dont have hope and a positive outlook at this time of the year then why even turn up next season.... In my view we will be very competitive next year for the following reasons:
J. Waite - will be 23 and ready to turn it on.
A. Walker - has already shown glimpses that he will be a very good player and is only 19 (doesnt turn 20 until mid year).
D. McLaren - We desperately needed another good ruckman, now we have one.
B.Fevola - We know what he is capable of and he will be injury free and attitude improved.
A. Carrazzo - Looks like a player and could go into the midfield and add some run.
K. Simpson - A Player with pace and can run the lines has been a desperate requirement the last few years. If Simo continues on with his form of this year then he will be a very good and damaging player.
J. Saddington - We all know that we have had kids playing KP Defensive roles now for 2 or 3 years. Saddington will ease the load, has alot of experience and was in consideration for All Australian selection a couple of years ago.
B. Thornton - Has proven his mettle in my view. For a player of his age to perform and hold his own with some of the best forwards in the competition says alot about his character and determination. He has put on more muscle, has more experience and now has some assistance from Saddington.
J.Russell - Anyone who has been down to training would have seen the muscle he has put on (and needed to by the way). He now looks like he could mix it with the men and I think will be a big improver this year.
M. Lappin - Contract done and dusted and he can settle back on the HBF and become the creative player he was in 04.
B. Fisher - Another player that has proven that he can cut it at the highest level. Over 12 months since the knee injury and has also bulked up. Will add alot of bite to our forward line and often gets the 3rd best defender.
C. Chambers - didnt get the chance to show alot this year as got injured early, however he can be a very good midfielder and will add alot of pace to the team.
C.Bryan - Has put on a stack of muscle. I think could play key position and we may have the luxury of trying him there now with the addition of McLaren. And lets not forget the Super kick he is.
R. Houlihan - Could not possibly perform worse than he did this year. We all know he doesnt get the hard ball but every team has a receiver. He is very creative and skillfull and is 23 next year. The time will be right for him to take more responsibility in the midfield.
A. Hartlett - Last year affected heavily due to injury. He has also put on alot of muscle, has an aggressive streak and could play KP. Gives us another tall option down back.
S. O'Hailpin - Thought he was great considering his little time in the game. Another who continues to add muscle and skills are getting better.
J. Kennedy - When his shoulder is right he would be a fantastic tall forward option. He has a great work ethic and hits the ball hard. Will suit the game plan.
P.Bower - I dont expect alot from him next year but he could be a suprise packet. He has great size and a good build already. Could possible play him on a younger tall and he would hold his own.
M. Murphy - Need I say more. We all know he is a quality player and we have had an absolute shortage in the past......
Lets be positive because there are plenty of reasons to be!