Ouch...

Firstly, there is no choice of mediocrity or bottoming out, at the end of the day a team is only as good as their list.

Secondly, Hawthorn didn't have that luxury of 'mediocrity' because of the success of the 80's up to '91 - that's nonsense - they're list over time changed. Hawthorn copped the same sort of backlash for their performances when Schwab and Judge was coaching.

Finally, there will be a collective effort next year to improve and play to win. Where we end up will be as only as good as our list allows it to. Now if thats in 13th, 15th or 16th position, so be it. As long as there are signs of a young developing list advancing - having turned the corner - we should all look forward to further improvement.

It may be mediocrity to you, but it might be a vast improvement on '07 at least. If you're wanting finals next year for the Dees- fingers crossed. But don't put your house on it, otherwise you will lose it.

If the Club & players give 100% next year & we still finish on the bottom i can accept that. I won't like it and will be looking for answers, but at least i will know we gave our best.

What i object to is the notion that we need another year of first round Draft picks. Life aint that easy. This club needs to start looking up rather than down.

If we do finish 16th in 2009 then take those draft picfks for sure, But do not pencil them in now six months before the new season begins. Lets aim for major improvements to our young players and 8-10 wins next year. Grabbing the odd "Suprise" victory over a Top eight side-watch the MCG start to fill up again.