DRAFT NEEDS
The list is in good shape, with depth in most areas. If the Blues can bring Watson and McCarthy through as key defenders, and do likewise with forward Mitchell, they'll be contending for a while. They don't have desperate needs and are taking minimal picks, so what they do at the draft may depend on which players the clubs before them snap up. Given the evenness of the pool, it could see several clubs lean towards picking for needs. Given that, the Blues are in a good position to simply pick the first player on their list with their first pick. That said, they could do with another big body to develop as a forward, particularly if they consider Henderson better suited to defence and even if they see themselves using Kreuzer and Hampson in those roles next year.
Fraser McInnes, who missed some footy this year through injury, is a chance with the Blues' first pick.
Jordan Murdoch is another. Depth means options, in case a couple of their youngsters don't turn out to be as good as hoped. Another reliable kick from defence would be nice, although Russell should be back in the team next year, and with Buckley coming in as a link-up runner, I could see them grabbing a midfielder who knows how to get the footy out and could possibly contribute next year. As good as Judd, Murphy and Gibbs are, the midfield is an area where the Blues are slightly low on numbers. The Blues are
Clay Smith fans, but he may not reach them at 22.