For those who hate looking too far ahead so early in the season, please look away now.

So we all know the 2010 draft is a compromised draft. If the demons finish, say 13th (realistic imo), we will get draft picks 10, 30, 47, 64. Also consider that many of the 17 yrolds have been pre-selected, meaning the draft pool is not even as strong as a normal year. Note, there is a rule for 2010 that you do not need to draft a minimum amount of players!

I think the teams with strong rookie lists in 2009 will be best placed to deal with a depleted draft situation. Freo are obviously best placed. However, I also think MFC are well placed to deal with this situation b/c of our rookie list.

1. McKenzie agreed to be on the rookie list for season 2009. That means we can upgrade him at the end of the year. I think most would agree that were McKeznie available in the draft, he'd be worth a late first rounder.

2. One of Spenser or Meesan. With Meesan fit in 4 weeks, and Spenser still developing at VFL level, I am sure the coaches will be closely monitering the development of the two rookie-listed ruckman during the second half of the season. With only Jamar, PJ and Gawn (Fitzpatrick & Martin both being developed as KPFs) as ruckman on our list, I have no doubt one of these two, whoever is most advanced, still be promoted at years end

3. Depending on the development of Hughes and Healy, if one of these blokes shows huge improvement, no doubt they will get their chance on the senior list.

My point is that our overall 2010 inclusions onto our list could be:

- pick 10 (a very good pick)

- pick 30 (already getting more speculative, but will still be talent available)

- McKenzie,

- Spenser or Meesan

+ perhaps even a Hughes, or alternatively pick 47 (whichever is considered more valuable)

Considering the draft is meant to be ravaged, that's not a bad outcome. Imagine if we had no rookie listed players worth upgrading, we'd have to start using picks in the 80s!

This also means that we will probably have 4-6 places opened up on our rookie list. Meaning we can take on a few speculative picks, like VFL players, WAFL players, extremely athletic guys who might turn out to be gems.

Has the rookie list saved our 2010 draft from disaster?

it also means we'd need to get rid of 4 or 5 players...

But this year each team can elevate a rookie to the senior list after round 11. That will be McKenzie for sure. So at best we could elevate Newton, Meesen, Hughes, Healey and Spencer.

Newton - no.

Meesen - only if he gets fully fit and is dominating at Casey for the last few rounds - probably not.

Hughes - call me after the weekend, but tentatively, yes.

Healey - Dunno - anyone?

Spencer - Yes.

That would be two vacancies needed, plus I presume one to cater for McKenzie. Which three on the current list do we dislike most?

Then if we cut Newton, Meesen, and Healey from the rookie list, we will have 6 rookie spots to fill. Any names leaping off the page yet?