I agree with you JVFP, in that what we need to take some big steps is another quality KPD, KPF and mid (maybe 2). Having another good ruckman would help also.

So, by my count, we are still around 5 quality players away from making serious progress.

5 sounds like a lot, but last year we needed about 10-12.

Amongst other things, I think it is so important for us to find another 2-3 high quality midfielders as good as N Jones, Tyson and Vince. That may come from within (eg, Trenners, Toump, Salem) or it may equally come from trading. For the first time in many years, I believe Roos, Taylor and T Viney will make the right calls on trades and drafting.

Tex Walker?

Experience and Consistency for mine

A skilled HBF to help drive and set up play out of defense. Someone opposition teams would have to think about putting a defensive forward on. Guess this could be considered another mid but someone with a good kick and speed would be my pick. I still hate watching us get it out of the back half and go long to ruck options. It's the same conundrum as kicking it long into the forward line but with more dire consequences

A skilled HBF to help drive and set up play out of defense. Someone opposition teams would have to think about putting a defensive forward on. Guess this could be considered another mid but someone with a good kick and speed would be my pick. I still hate watching us get it out of the back half and go long to ruck options. It's the same conundrum as kicking it long into the forward line but with more dire consequences

Exactly!

One thing we are missing is the fact that players are never 100% efficient (even 70% is good) and that even the best players make a few clanger type mistakes sometimes.

The calls to drop a player, who wins his position and nullifies an opponent, because he makes a couple of clangers a game, are missing the point.

Clarke and Hogan

...and a couple more mids with skill and a bit of leg speed, Frawley back and we would be well set.

Finally after 7 odd years, we aren't missing a heart anymore.

GAJ

GAJ

Now he would be useful! Should get a regular game I would reckon.

The 13th Cup.

Good quality ball users off the half-back.

Edited May 19, 201411 yr by Clint Bizkit

What we need is cleaner hands, quicker transition and better passing to our leading forwards. These are the three things costing us games right now.

I agree we need to get one KPF, KPB and another class mid and the change in our fortunes must make this possible. I'd use the draft for a mid and trade for the key positions but it will depend on whats on the table. I have no doubt with Roos in place players will consider us a viable option.

I'm pretty comfortable with the top 30 players, as long as they continue to improve. It's what's beneath that worries me. Too many under-developed players who have been on the list for a few years now, such as Evans, Nicholson, Tapscott, Strauss, Blease and Fitzpatrick. It's not that they all lack talent, but each has deficiencies that are yet to be overcome.

However, this year we've been turning the poor into average and the average into good, so all is not lost, even with the under-developed players who are yet to get a regular game. They should look at players like Dunn, Pedersen, Jetta, Bail, Howe and Watts and see how each is a significantly better player than they were in 2013.

I think we just need another big tall foward for depth and a little more pace on the outside.

If we can land another big name established midfielder, like a sloane , prestia, coniglio or a Hannebury , that would top us off and help us become a serious footy team.

What we need is a frank and honest assessment of the players on our list. No doubt there will be some tough decisions to be made but I will back the current football department to make the right calls. I'm sure that all players will be made well aware of where they currently stand after the mid season review and what is required to stay on the list. Some will rise and some will fall well short. The following players I think are on that must lift list:

Blease, Tapscott, McKenzie, Strause, Clisby, Evans ,

The Gone list:

Brynes, Barry, Nicho, Fitz

Paul Roos to extend his contract!!!!

Dylan Shiel, Nat Fyfe, Tom Mitchell.

If we have a treasure chest, time to crack her open.

5 sounds like a lot, but last year we needed about 10-12.

Amongst other things, I think it is so important for us to find another 2-3 high quality midfielders as good as N Jones, Tyson and Vince. That may come from within (eg, Trenners, Toump, Salem) or it may equally come from trading. For the first time in many years, I believe Roos, Taylor and T Viney will make the right calls on trades and drafting.

You neglected to mention Viney! Things are not as bad as you might think when you also consider the potential of the other three who are all top 10 draft picks and yet to play to full potential!

I'd like another fast,smart crumbing small forward.

JKH already looks like he can hold his own up the ground a little, so if we had another dangerous crumbing small at the feet of our talls, they could rotate a bit more through different areas of the ground.

The likes of Salem and Toumpas are just cutting their teeth on the forward line atm, they will eventually become permanent midfielders.

I'd like another fast,smart crumbing small forward.JKH already looks like he can hold his own up the ground a little, so if we had another dangerous crumbing small at the feet of our talls, they could rotate a bit more through different areas of the ground.The likes of Salem and Toumpas are just cutting their teeth on the forward line atm, they will eventually become permanent midfielders.

I'm sure JKH will end up being a goal kicking midfielder. You don't limit someone that good at hunting, securing and disposing off the ball, with instinctive reading of the play, to the 'small forward' role. He will be a Shaun Burgoyne type, just better.

I'm glad we are getting to the point where the occasional clangers from Grimes, McDonald, and Terlich are what we are whinging about; that means we are progressing...

But if I am giving patience to the awful way we deliver to Dawes from some of our best players then I am giving the same patience to the back 6 - especially when they are doing such an immense job defensively.

and M Jones. He is a serial offender

I think we just need another big tall foward for depth and a little more pace on the outside.

If we can land another big name established midfielder, like a sloane , prestia, coniglio or a Hannebury , that would top us off and help us become a serious footy team.

He's the guy. Not this off season though (re-signed last season), so I'd be going Shiel this off season. Come back for Prestia in 2016 - particularly if the Suns falter in the finals. Can't see it happening. Perhaps, this is more out of hope.

I'd like another fast,smart crumbing small forward.

JKH already looks like he can hold his own up the ground a little, so if we had another dangerous crumbing small at the feet of our talls, they could rotate a bit more through different areas of the ground.

The likes of Salem and Toumpas are just cutting their teeth on the forward line atm, they will eventually become permanent midfielders.

I think Salem shows extraordinary skill around goals. He and JKH in a year or so will be devastating at the feet of Hogan, Dawes and big Max.

I'm sure JKH will end up being a goal kicking midfielder. You don't limit someone that good at hunting, securing and disposing off the ball, with instinctive reading of the play, to the 'small forward' role. He will be a Shaun Burgoyne type, just better.

This is hyperbole, although I hope you're right. I can't remember the last MFC player with such clean hands off the deck. He's a one grab player. Really excited by him and our new midfield. It'll be really interesting to see how we go against Port without Dawes' presence and work rate.