Midfield - continue to develop our depth plus natural development and we are pretty well placed for next year, but would like to bring in a quick and tireless outside runner like an Issac Smith/Brad Hill/Stephen Hill type as a line-breaking option as I think the finals proved the value of those sorts that just keep on running all day at pace.
Defence - looks pretty solid with some depth and options, but would love to develop a true tall defender 197cm plus to pick up the Ruck/Forward types and to help out with the Monster forwards like Cloke who seems to like matching up on our 'smaller' defenders like Rance. Of course we have the Rance-Chaplin-Grimes KPD combo, none of whom are taller than 195cm, which against most teams will do well except I fear can be exploited by the ones with the monster forwards. I thought Griff would be ideal for this role, but hasn't come on in that way. Options are to have faith in the current set-up and concentrate on their ability to work together and help each other out; or maybe try to transform Elton to be that Tom Lonergan type tall defender and give him a chance now that the queue for the KPF spots is so long. Does anyone else think Elton as a defender could work? Does he have the mongrel and determination?
Forwards - looks pretty promising and dangerous. I like the idea of Vickery being a more permanent forward. Not many people appreciate how difficult it is to play the Ruck/Forward role, and with a pre-season training more specifically as a forward (power/excelleration etc) we should see a more dominant KP Vickery next year in tandem with a free-ranging Reiwoldt, and either a rejuvenated A. Edwards or a developing McBean. Small forward with natural crumbing ability is an obvious weakness, and maybe S. Edwards can be used more in that role rather than being expected to be an extra mid.
Rucks - Happy they have at least tried to address the ruck deficiencies for next year, and Hampson has a perfect opportunity to become a legitimate AFL ruckman. Also pleased that Stephenson is staying for another year, but would love another back-up warhorse ruck as a rookie in case of injury, maybe from VFL?
Determination and Belief and Run - these are the things that need to be worked on if we are to become a legitimate contender in the next couple of years. Every player needs to become more competitive and learn to love the contest at its most fierce, because the best teams are outstanding in those areas of the game. Also our mids and flankers have to learn to run both offensively and defensively like the top teams, otherwise we will continue to be broken open in the big games.
All up, with the bolstering of our ruck stocks, the expected natural progression of our younger players, some tweaking of the game plan and an emphasis on the mental side of the game, I believe we are in a great position to go top 4 and give the finals a real shake next year, which would place us in a great position for the flag in 2015.