I think we are 2 years off making finals again tbh.
If we are being serious, then we need another 10 players (either from the rookie list/previously drafted/or to be drafted) in the next 2 years to be pushing hard for senior selection. Add to that the new recruits and we maybe getting somewhere.
We have the foundations of a really good team with Gibbs, Murphy, Yarran, Menzel, Henderson, Buckley, Cripps, Doc, Everitt, Thomas, Graham and Cas looking to have at least 5 years + of good football ahead of them.
Walker, Kruezer, Lucas, Robinson, Watson, Warnock and Garlett maybe used as trade bait over the next year or so. Kruezer is really the only one out of that group I would hate to lose.
I expect us to once again bring in 2-3 players that are best 22 this year and next. But improvement must come from our younger guys and that sometimes takes time.
We aren't 5 years off. I think Thursday just gone showed that. Sensible trading and not throwing away players that have 5+ years left in them to bring in a superstar along with high picks will hurt us. If its a player that has 3 years left and possibly replaceable plus a pick, then thats ok.
Luck may fall our way also. We need a bit tbh. Players may need to pick us as their preferred club and that might save us a few high picks. Boyd, Patton, Shiel and Greene i'm looking at you!