Mods move this to wherever you see fit
I find the discussion/opinion around player selection and development very interesting. There are benefits with different approaches as each team/player needs specific strategies.
Our standalone VFL side is in it's infancy, we can't expect miracles overnight. It's also a known fact that we have been poorly funded in development, but changes will start to improve the number and quality of added resources
While I am looking forward to many of our younger players getting exposure at senior level, none have really been banging the door down with a high level of output and consistency. The jump to AFL is substantial and taking into account what our current gameplan is across both levels (not a high possession style), the output and consistency of players at the lower level needs to be better.
Midfield types that can't hit targets and or amass more than 20+ disposals on a consistent basis, should not warrant selection. We have also seen the likes of Kennedy, who many had in the delist column, spend a larger block at VFL level to improve his game and with that improvement he was rewarded and played well, despite only being a couple of games.
Is this not a good development strategy?
Dow and SPS were both sent back to improve aspects of their game (was hoping the stint at VFL level was longer) and since their return, both have improved on flaws in their game, Dow has been more active when we don't have the pill and SPS has shown more intent at similar periods.
So, when these mid aged, foot soldiers such as Newnes and Newman continue to be selected, it's not at the expense of ignoring youth, because these foot soldiers would be amassing big numbers at the lower level, more than we are seeing from younger players in the same environment. And before people state that, the longer they remain at VFL level, they become VFL players, despite different eras, it didn't hurt the likes of Dipper, Tuck and more recently Tom Mitchell when he was pushing out big numbers with the NEAFL Swans.
I suspect the frustrations are linked to our current position, a so called wasted year compared to expectations of finals, so I understand that people now want to see a younger side out on the park in preparation for next year and beyond. I guess I see this as a flawed contradiction, Firstly, we are not in that 2017-18 mode of blooding, exposing kids before they are ready, so this goes to the heart of many, that had concerns with selecting players on output, integrity of selection. Lastly, while this season might be over in terms of finals, picking a side that will give you a greater chance of being competitive/winning has great flow on effects for the club and enticing a better quality of person in all areas.
Many areas that need improving, confident we see signs of change for the rest of the year
I find the discussion/opinion around player selection and development very interesting. There are benefits with different approaches as each team/player needs specific strategies.
Our standalone VFL side is in it's infancy, we can't expect miracles overnight. It's also a known fact that we have been poorly funded in development, but changes will start to improve the number and quality of added resources
While I am looking forward to many of our younger players getting exposure at senior level, none have really been banging the door down with a high level of output and consistency. The jump to AFL is substantial and taking into account what our current gameplan is across both levels (not a high possession style), the output and consistency of players at the lower level needs to be better.
Midfield types that can't hit targets and or amass more than 20+ disposals on a consistent basis, should not warrant selection. We have also seen the likes of Kennedy, who many had in the delist column, spend a larger block at VFL level to improve his game and with that improvement he was rewarded and played well, despite only being a couple of games.
Is this not a good development strategy?
Dow and SPS were both sent back to improve aspects of their game (was hoping the stint at VFL level was longer) and since their return, both have improved on flaws in their game, Dow has been more active when we don't have the pill and SPS has shown more intent at similar periods.
So, when these mid aged, foot soldiers such as Newnes and Newman continue to be selected, it's not at the expense of ignoring youth, because these foot soldiers would be amassing big numbers at the lower level, more than we are seeing from younger players in the same environment. And before people state that, the longer they remain at VFL level, they become VFL players, despite different eras, it didn't hurt the likes of Dipper, Tuck and more recently Tom Mitchell when he was pushing out big numbers with the NEAFL Swans.
I suspect the frustrations are linked to our current position, a so called wasted year compared to expectations of finals, so I understand that people now want to see a younger side out on the park in preparation for next year and beyond. I guess I see this as a flawed contradiction, Firstly, we are not in that 2017-18 mode of blooding, exposing kids before they are ready, so this goes to the heart of many, that had concerns with selecting players on output, integrity of selection. Lastly, while this season might be over in terms of finals, picking a side that will give you a greater chance of being competitive/winning has great flow on effects for the club and enticing a better quality of person in all areas.
Many areas that need improving, confident we see signs of change for the rest of the year
why do bad things happen to good people
