I think it’s silly to be talking about Sloane and Gaf at this stage . First they might have shocking years or fab years and sign huge contracts to stay where they are . Also we don’t know how our mids will go this year . If things all go to plan we mightn’t need another mid . It’s possible that we get Sloane and then someone who might have had a good to great year will suddenly be out of a position and might want to leave rather than play seconds. After all there are already a big bunch of mids and only so many spots for them to play . Especially when you hear the coach say that he would like guys like a Billings and Gresham Clark and Coffield spend some time in the middle . Somebody will end up missing out .
I hate to say it but someone like Acres might find it difficult to get a game next season unless he’s on top of his game from the start . There is no doubt that the coaches will want to push Armo in if he’s fit and match ready . Guys like Clark, Coffield and Freeman might all struggle to stay in the side or even get into the side unless we have injuries or poor form of others.
Can’t wait for 2018 season.
Totally agree BT, we have so much potential in our team now , it is going to be hard for good players to get into the 22.
I think the players we drafted this year will need time like most do before they hit their straps, but players like Phillips , Long , Marshall , White , McKenzie , Lonie , Freeman , Armitage , Goddard , Austin , Rice , Hickey will all be fighting hard to get into the 22 and this is leaving out future stars like Hunter-Clark , Coffield , Paton , Langlands , Clavarino , Minchington and Wright.
Geary - Brown /
Austin - Webster
Roberton - Carlisle - Savage /
White
Sinclair - Steele - Acres
Weller - McCartin - Billings
Membery - Bruce - Gresham
Longer - Ross - Steven
Stevens / Dunstan / Newnes / Gilbert
If one person is moved from this team it will cause a huge headache for the next guy attempting to get into the side.
For instance , say if Lonie has performed to good in preseason game sand is picked into our best 22, who comes out.
Would they drop Savage ? and move Newnes to half back to bring him into the team.
For sure will will get injuries and have guys being dropped due to form , but our team is now loaded with talent every ones spot will be on the line - hopefully this brings out the best in every player in the squad.
We are in for a hell of a good year - I hope our new draft picks get a run , but gee its going to be tough for them to get a look in.
I was kind of hoping to see a few new faces in the team this year and will get them for sure , but who are the guys who are going to make way.
For sure Austin and Goddard will take Browns spot in the future , but they will have to show they can fill the spot first - I'm pretty sure Austin can fill Browns position if required.
Halfback flank can be filled by many guys - Savage , Newnes , White , Rice , Coffield , McKenzie however Montagna was pretty sure that White would be taking his spot in the back line.
Then there is the wing and half forward - its going to put heat on Acres , Savage , Weller , Newnes.
I'm hoping Acres has a huge year, he has the ability to be anything and he will have to be going good to keep his position with guys like Long , Phillips , Freeman , Battle.
And the fight to be running off the bench is huge with Stevens , Dunstan , Armitage , Newnes , Freeman , Coffield , Clark , Phillips and even Lonie.