The Finals - Week 1

[Shadeeq]

Pretty happy with the way the * bruise free footy where soft players and game style got pulled apart by the Swans.
On BF some of their more prolific posters are now questioning where they are going after such a monumental reality check.

Can't see them making finals next year on the back of the following:

• Made the finals off the back of a generous draw playing 4 bottom 6 teams twice. Will get a tougher draw next year
• Of the banned players only Hurley, Hooker, Heppell and possibly Bellchambers deserve a spot on the list.
• The much of the youth that was supposed to be superior to Carlton's hasn't made the progress they were expecting with Worsfold questioning Francis's desire to be an AFL footballer (we heard the same thing from our coaches re Jaksch) and the lack of progress from Laverde (did have a bad run with injuries) and Langford. Redman and Morgan were always speculative and haven't shown much.
• List cloggers stopped their 1st year players apart from McGrath getting senior level exposure.

I disagree. Our youth has exceeded my expectations.
Daniher, Merrett, Mcgrath, Mckenna, Fantasia, Parish, Gleeson and Stewart were all best 22 and are developing nicely. Two of those made the AA team, and others will place highly in our B&F.
Begley also broke into the team late in the year and is showing good signs.
Langford is still only 20 and is developing his midfield game really well in the VFL. Redman is also improving and has had some good games there. The only real disappointments this year would be Francis, and to a lesser degree Laverde (due to injuries). I gave up on Morgan last year and it would surprise me if he made it.
Mutch and Draper are other kids showing promising signs in the VFL. Overall I think we have a very strong group of young players.