Scotland, carrazzo, thornton and houlihan have been great player but if our team is going to move forward in 2011 our younger player need to develop into better player. 12 mths ago fraser, obree, medhurst and lockyer were all in the pie best 22. A couple of years ago wiggins, fisher, bentick and ackland were all in our best 22. We need to move forward or we will never win another flag
Think this is going off a bit early and, while I don't think these guys have been "great" players for our club, I think they have been good servants during our darkest period. As such it is up to the younger players to force them out, not to be picked just because they're young, and if they can we can look forward to a much improved year.
As for the round 1 team, I think picking it is like winning lotto but I think we need to start with the talls, particularly in the backline which, IMO was our weak link last year.
I keep hearing great things about Austin but continue to see nothing of him. Hopefully this year we'll find out.
There's a lot of love on this board for Bower and Jammo and, whilst I think Jammo is (and should continue to be) a very good FB, I don't think CFB is Bowers spot. If Austin doesn't make the grade I wouldn't mind seeing Setanta given a shot, I know I cringe when he gets the ball but he does get it and isn't easily moved off it.
I know I've been farting against thunder by backing Thornton but I still think he has much to offer, still think we lacked his leadership in the backline last year. I expect the usual ridicule for saying that but until he is given a chance to redeem himself I'll continue to think it.
So I would like to see a halfback line of Thornton, Setanta/Austin and Bower. They are all tall and mobile and, I think, worth a try at least in the NAB cup.
Would also love to see Hampson at FF, Hendo at CHF and Waite on the flank with a licence to run. May not work but looks good on paper.
i think our depth in most other areas is a real strength and would be happy with almost any mix that obviously included Judd, Murphy et al.