I think we're lucky that our list management guys aren't short sighted and probably pay no attention to Bf or other forms or social media.
Here's my take....
Our Flag Came about by having real depth. Without it we may never have been in the 8 to even have a chance.
Jong Can step up to midfield if we get an injury or 2. Don't forget Wallis won't be back for a while and many have complications with this sort of injury. I'm not expecting much from him this year so we're as good as 1 down before starting. We have invested a lot of time in him and year on year he has improved and obviously buys into our team practices. health having youngsters ones having to fight him for any spares spot that my open.
Campbell Should we lose either of Boyd or Roughy then he will be needed. Cloke isn't there for rucking duties. Still only young for a ruckman with potentially his best yet to be seen. Not on huge coin so keeping him a big plus.
Prudden Can't be considered a depth player as he hardly manages to take the field. Given he was drafted in 2012 the club must see a huge upside to him having persevered this long. willing to back them in on this one. I'm a fan of his left foot.
Hamling Young, got opportunity due to injury. given Moz has only a couple of years left (could he do a Harvey) we need to look ahead. Adams has an injury that concerns me so no given he's come back ok. Already came from a club where your stripes had to be earned so has been well invested in over his career.
Cloke -potential signing Costing us bugger all and worth a shot. our forward structure still a work in progress. Will Crameri return as good after a year off? Will Jakey continue he form slump? If Tommy goes down we have TC only. See how it pans out but I'd hazard to say it will either have us in raptures or with another Footscray flag. Thumping field kick which I'm sure has the likes of McLean, Picko, Dickson, Crameri, The Dollhouse and co a bit excited running into open goals.
Depth-proven Dunkley (may have missed if not for Libba and Wallis going down when they did)
Mclean (would there have been opportunity if Crameri avail?)
Roberts Calling him a battler would be wrong as he's managed to play more AFL games than many before him. Was pretty solid when the pressure was on and provides coverage should 1 or 2 taller back go down. Again not on huge coin. Age no barrier.
Depth Hrovat, Honeychurch, Webb, Dale, Stevens (some great games but fails at consistency), Hamilton, Williams, Smith
All can play but i see as our real worth. They are our currency that is required to replace the likes of M Boyd, Moz, Murphy when they call (or Bev does) time on their careers. This list is the one we continue to grow with youngsters. The odd will become a gun with the rest having their value increased to allow us to attract specific players seen as a need. I'm not saying we get rid of them all but just as an example of what currency we have whilst not smashing open the piggy bank (trading a top 22 player)
I didn't include Collins as he's shown little due to injury. Being a big lug he has 3 years to start showing something then keep improving (just as i thought of Tommy).