POBT
Brownlow Medallist
I'm interested in your views on this in a bit more detail if you can be bothered.
I am a fan of Cutler, but I wonder a bit about where he fits in and who he displaces. He has some magnificent attributes and he doesn't lack for confidence, but I wonder where he fits in the pecking order now.
IIRC he started this year playing more on the wing and rotating onto the HFF. I would've said that probably puts him in the mix with McCluggage, Allison, Taylor, Bastinac and Cameron if he comes. Cox might be another in that discussion if he can stay more involved in the game. I'm also not sure how Fagan will use Christensen, but I've been operating on the assumption that he'll take Barrett's spot. To my mind, Cutler would have a difficult time dislodging more than one or two of those guys from the pecking order.
Or on the half-back line, Rich, Mayes and Witherden look pretty well settled. I'm not sure how much he played in the backline for the NEAFL either, though I stand to be corrected on this. Based on his B&F finish, I'm thinking the coaches see Gardiner as a best-22 fixture for a while yet. Nick Robertson might be a bit vulnerable, but if he plays like he did in the first half of 2017 then I probably stick with him for his superior attention to his defensive responsibilities. If there's any substance to the McKenna rumors, he's another one who would slot in ahead.
I personally think he'll probably be ahead of McCluggage and Allison in the short term and I think he's marginal with Bastinac. Depending on team balance and role, he's probably also got some chance of winning a spot over Robertson and Lester.