Doesn't mean he isn't a good playerAgree Another All Australian is not essential because
1. No Guarantee he is All Australian Next Year
We have a number of players on long contracts and no where near veteran status2. Long Contract and borderline veteran
All that matter is having enough room3. Squeezes salary Cap
Every player of this ilk improves transition4. Doesn't fix transition issues with 1 player. It is as much system
No one rates Houston as dime a dozen, nor are any of our youth guaranteed to play at his level in the next couple of years5. He is a flanker, which are a dime a dozen, developed internally
We have an elite spine, and Houston has and can play through the middle6. Save the big money for mids and key positions
Newman, Acres, Hewett, Kennedy, Docherty, Boyd and Elijah tracking nicely, all from other clubs7. Carlton does not have a high strike rate on this stuff