- Mar 1, 2010
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- Richmond
Forget the little run of injuries we've suddenly got, I reckon we need to be prepared adopt a bit more of a rotational policy amongst our players rated 15-30. We've understandably been running by an "if it ain't broke" philosophy in recent times, and it's served us really well. But if we're seriously going to sustain this dynasty we're going to need to get 30-40 games into our current fringe youngsters over the next 2-3 years.
Necessity is the mother of invention, so this week maybe the ideal opportunity to throw a handful of these young hopefuls - Ross, RCD, Martyn, Ralphsmith, Chol, Naish etc - into the cauldron, so they can all grow and perhaps celebrate the occasion together, whilst still surrounded by the likes of Dusty, Jack, Grimes, Lynchy, Nank et al. At the very least we need to find out their credentials whilst we still have the luxury of easing them out of the team if they don't improve over the next month.
Recent history has shown that the injection of some younger talent at various times, albeit very very occasionally, has actually enhanced the performance of the senior team rather than detracted from it. Let's get away from the out-dated concept of just staying in the XXII if you've played a decent game, and getting dropped if you've played an ordinary game. Let's embrace the bigger picture and integrate our young talent now.
having said that, they have to earn it to a degree.
Counter point is older players get injuried more and no one beats father time not even the greatest