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- Jul 22, 2016
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- Richmond
I’d be more worried about next season. Chopper goneI get your point, but most of the reserves players that left either retired or were not Div1 senior standard players and went to lower divisions. I don’t think one of those players has really flourished elsewhere - even at a lower level - which supports the point that they weren’t up to it and knew it.
Can’t see how that impacts their selection and points at senior level, but what it does do is create a hole for meat and potatoes reserves players that are core to any club. Unfortunately we are seeing more of this across the board with lower division clubs targeting these types of players from Div1.
Most of their 19’s from last year were bottom age so they didn’t push up in 2023 to fill that void in the reserves this year.
Lots of work to do down there to find numbers (of a decent quality) to play reserves footy, but they do have some very good young players coming through and quite a few will graduate to reserves next year so that might correct itself very quickly.
Also, always tough if you have VFL players on your list and whether you leave their points open in the hope they play local footy, or you top up with other players that can help and play closer to the cap most weeks. I think most clubs do that, hence why a lot of clubs on top and middle of the ladder play with close to 46 points most weeks.
It’s a strategic club decision on how they approach that, but a club must always have an eye on development and young players. Bundoora seniors have played 10 Under 19 players this year and half their seniors are under 22. Not a bad balance to have!
Shepherd and Lloyd going