Yeah, we have that perception, but we are not on the inside. If we are happy with the application of all on the list and they are committed to the club we are covered for a while at least.
We have four rucks a 27yo, two 24yo’s and an (almost) 19yo. We have some questions, but on face value are covered.
Key/tall defenders - we finished the season somewhat trying a model playing four quality talls Weitering(26 next season ), McGovern (29j, Marchbank (26) and the young gun Kemp (22). Back up from Young (25) who played most of ‘22 as somewhat of a revelation, before falling from grace, reportedly wants to work to re-establish himself, then Sam Durdin (27) the rookie, read cheap fall back. Add Jack of all trades Silvagni (26) and Cat B rookie Akuei (21), and possibly Lemmey (19/20) who could absolutely be schooled as a swing man.
As supporters/ followers, we, myself included question the tenure of Young and Durdin, but if they are happy with us, and our coaches with them, we are covered for a few years. If Lemmey is looked at as dual purpose, even longer.
With the realistic exception of McGovern, it is feasible that all of that list could have four plus years of effective tenure.
Just as Weitering is a staple down back for five or more years, with some very decent back up, including two blokes he could fill in for his role if necessary, we have two Coleman medallist’s heading up the forward line in the same age bracket and locked in to long term contracts. Depending on which ruck model we offer TDK at 24 also can be an integral part of the forward line when not rucking, or feasibly hold down a key position if it becomes necessary. Lemmey is our developing key, who may not get a vacancy or a decent run at it in the next five years. JSOS remains a key or third tall option, Kemp could realistically be redeployed forward as well and McGovern apparently has voiced a “willingness” to return to the forward line.
We have genuine medium forwards who could play undersized key roles Martin, E.Hollands, Moir and even Kennedy.
It would be nice to have a rookie developing as a tall option, the ACL to Duffy (194cm) may have been a setback to possible developing options. We have a rookie pick tomorrow, but no talls are linked. We do have ex Magpie “youngster” McMahon going OK in our twos and reportedly draft hopeful and Vic Metro key defender Christian Mardini is lining up for our VFL.
Until such time as we part with some of our current talls, we don’t have a real need. With the Campo boys next year, it is unlikely we will draft a high profile tall next year, so many of us pressed the need to get ahead of the game this year for a developing KPD. Then we have the prospect of compromised drafts with the Tassie side coming in a couple of years.
It is hard to believe we have not looked at contingency plans or looked at potential future free agents/trades.
I am in the camp that wanted a tall, but realistically there was not much on offer in this draft, and little apparent for next year as yet.
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