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- Nov 7, 2012
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Harsh but probably fairRoss Lyon and Corey Enright have been able to develop a strong system based on interceptions and transition out of defense.
It clearly works, even though we have struggled with the final parts of the game plan (forward connection and set shot accuracy). Over the course of the season we have improved though, and hopefully we can continue that trend into 2025.
However, we are often unable to halt opposition momentum, especially against teams who dominate us at stoppage.
We also struggle to build momentum against teams that we should beat everyday of the week, like Richmond and West Coast because we still can’t dominate in the middle.
We have two options. Trade for some classy mids in the right age demographic and challenge now.
Or got the draft and plan for a serious 2027 tilt.
If we can’t get an LDU, Andrew Brayshaw, Noah Anderson, Finn Callaghan type to commit this year then we should just bank the two best stoppage midfielders at this draft.
We really, really need two classy midfielders who can get first hands to the ball and form a tight bond with Phillipou, Henry, Windhager, Garcia, Wilson, and Byrnes.
We should also trade someone to get a late first rounder so we can pick the best ruck in this draft.
King, Sharman, Caminiti, Owens, Higgins is a forward line that can already compete and if we can bring on Keeler and Collard we could be really potent.
Nas, Hastie, Schoenmaker, Stocker down back are in the right age demographic. But if Battle doesn’t stay and Cole or Van Es doesn’t become an AFL’er then we will be chasing back men.
Kuek will probably fall off the Fremantle list, but he has got genuine X-Factor in my book, and is a power athlete. Hampered by injury but could be a great pick up, with our medical team behind him.
I’ve said this before, but if you wanted one out of the box then Bailey J Williams at West Coast has all the tools to be solid key back. Tank, agility, combative, good hands.
He’s been played primarily as a ruck but is way out of his depth there. WC keep hinting they think he’s a key forward long term but he ain’t that either. I really believe Enright could transform him into an outstanding key back and his age profile fits.
If we go to the draft then Steele, Sinclair, Wilkie, Wood, Howard, Hill, Webster, Butler, Membrey will all be in the twilight of their careers by the time we’re ready to challenge for a premiership. They’re important culture builders, but we shouldn’t be afraid to cut one loose if they can help us fill in the gaps. Especially if we can get players like Parker without eroding our draft position.
Marshall is the only one we can’t afford to loose in my opinion. We have no depth to support him.
Heath will be 22 next year. Marshall played 12 games at that age and his talent was recognisable. Heath won’t ever be better than Tom Campbell based on what I’ve seen. Cut TC and let Heath take the VFL reins, but I won’t be expecting him to ever push Marshall out on form.
Time to make some aggressive moves in my book.
Pay out Crouch. Cut Tom Campbell, and fit him in to our development team. Cut or trade Jack Hayes, Cut Paton, send off Seb Ross (could also fit into our development team) unless he can get another gig elsewhere. Trade Zak Jones if he has any takers, otherwise cut. Zak has made a nice comeback but he ain’t taking us to Mecca. Trade or release Membrey. Cut Allison. Lose Battle.
Peatling, Parker via trade and free agency.
Draper, Langford, Dodson, Moraes, Peckett, Cole.