Hi everyone,
I'm interested in what others think of where the likes of Fevola, Campo, Stevens, Whitnall are going beyond 2005?
My view is that Carlton should do everything within their power to retain Fevola, without paying him the Earth of course. Around the $300K-$350K sounds about right. The kids love him, and will have a key role in the marketing of our club for years to come, if he can get his act together on the field.
Stevens, I would guess, will remain at Carlton post-2005 - he is our best midfielder with Koutoufides, and the way Stevens uses the ball is crucial to our set-up. We need good delivery to Fev, so if they both stay with the Blues, could be one of the best 1-2 combinations in the AFL.
Camporeale- tough one - he's struggling on the field, especially with his discipline. He's on a huge salary, but if he's to stay on - he'll need to take a severe pay-cut. I like the bloke, but I wouldn't be surprised if he looks to move back to South Australia for the final 2-3 years of his career. If Carlton are offered something of value for Campo from Adelaide or Port, don't be surprised if a trade takes place.
Whitnall - another bloke on a large salary, who will need to take a big pay-cut to stay on. The talk is that Whitnall is on very shaky ground and is at the crossroads (according to Collo on 3AW yesterday). He played well yesterday, but I don't think it's going to be enough for him to stay on. Look for the trade that never happened in 2004, to take place in 2005. Carlton can't afford to keep him on if he still isn't performing.
Koutoufides - what a champion. I'm so happy he is having a sensational season this year, and I believe next year is the final year of his big 5-year multi-million dollar contract. I think Kouta is on the veterans list, which should help regarding his massive contract. Will play on for possibly his final year in 2006 - depending on how his body holds up. On 2005 form alone, our current best and fairest - and another 2 years is not out of the question.
So what am I suggesting to Carlton?
Do everything within their power to keep Fevola and Stevens. Two match winners and the loss of either would hurt our forward line and midfield respectively.
Consider options regarding Camporeale and Whitnall. Offer either far-reduced deals to free up cap space, or look for a trade for draft picks or young players. If Campo wishes to return to S.A, then we shouldn't stand in his way - presuming we're offered something of quality in return.
Give Koutoufides every opportunity to play another few years. He is a champion, one of our best ever. The prime of his career ('00, '01) was cut down by injuries, which was a shame, but won't hurt his legacy as a brilliant player who will be remembered a long time by the Carlton faithful.
Give Russell and S.O'hAilpin some games in the second half of 2005 - if they're ready. O'hAilpin especially, throw him into the back line to give him experience and get him ready for 2006 - where he will hopefully play a key role.
I really think we're on the right track. Depending on results over the next few months, we may end up with the first two picks of this years draft, which would help us enourmously if we were to finish down the bottom.
So - thoughts?
Anyone strongly agree/disagree with what I've suggested?
I'm interested in what others think of where the likes of Fevola, Campo, Stevens, Whitnall are going beyond 2005?
My view is that Carlton should do everything within their power to retain Fevola, without paying him the Earth of course. Around the $300K-$350K sounds about right. The kids love him, and will have a key role in the marketing of our club for years to come, if he can get his act together on the field.
Stevens, I would guess, will remain at Carlton post-2005 - he is our best midfielder with Koutoufides, and the way Stevens uses the ball is crucial to our set-up. We need good delivery to Fev, so if they both stay with the Blues, could be one of the best 1-2 combinations in the AFL.
Camporeale- tough one - he's struggling on the field, especially with his discipline. He's on a huge salary, but if he's to stay on - he'll need to take a severe pay-cut. I like the bloke, but I wouldn't be surprised if he looks to move back to South Australia for the final 2-3 years of his career. If Carlton are offered something of value for Campo from Adelaide or Port, don't be surprised if a trade takes place.
Whitnall - another bloke on a large salary, who will need to take a big pay-cut to stay on. The talk is that Whitnall is on very shaky ground and is at the crossroads (according to Collo on 3AW yesterday). He played well yesterday, but I don't think it's going to be enough for him to stay on. Look for the trade that never happened in 2004, to take place in 2005. Carlton can't afford to keep him on if he still isn't performing.
Koutoufides - what a champion. I'm so happy he is having a sensational season this year, and I believe next year is the final year of his big 5-year multi-million dollar contract. I think Kouta is on the veterans list, which should help regarding his massive contract. Will play on for possibly his final year in 2006 - depending on how his body holds up. On 2005 form alone, our current best and fairest - and another 2 years is not out of the question.
So what am I suggesting to Carlton?
Do everything within their power to keep Fevola and Stevens. Two match winners and the loss of either would hurt our forward line and midfield respectively.
Consider options regarding Camporeale and Whitnall. Offer either far-reduced deals to free up cap space, or look for a trade for draft picks or young players. If Campo wishes to return to S.A, then we shouldn't stand in his way - presuming we're offered something of quality in return.
Give Koutoufides every opportunity to play another few years. He is a champion, one of our best ever. The prime of his career ('00, '01) was cut down by injuries, which was a shame, but won't hurt his legacy as a brilliant player who will be remembered a long time by the Carlton faithful.
Give Russell and S.O'hAilpin some games in the second half of 2005 - if they're ready. O'hAilpin especially, throw him into the back line to give him experience and get him ready for 2006 - where he will hopefully play a key role.
I really think we're on the right track. Depending on results over the next few months, we may end up with the first two picks of this years draft, which would help us enourmously if we were to finish down the bottom.
So - thoughts?
Anyone strongly agree/disagree with what I've suggested?
