Where does the improvement come from? (long OP)

[CHF 2,736]

This is a long read that I have put together over the last few days mainly so I can think through where I believe the team is at and where the improvement for next season may come from. It is, of course, my opinion and it may generate a bit of discussion before the drafts. It is not like years gone by when we looked at low first round draft picks and there was a lot of discussion and speculation about who, where and why.

There was a lot to like about our last season but, given the heights that the Bulldogs rose to, in retrospect, our season was a disappointment. I think that the Bulldogs showed everyone that you play with the ultimate ambition in mind at all times and do not compromise no matter what the circumstances.

With that in mind I have decided to have a critical look at our list now that the trading period is over. I do not expect us to look at any delisted players and I do not think any first year players we draft into the list at the end of November will have an impact. You never know, they might ship in a mature aged player from the boonies that is a gem. They have done so in the past.

Forwards:

Hogan will only be in his third season and he still has a lot of development left in him. Development of not only his footy skills but also his physicality. I expect him to improve a lot next season with a further pre-season under his belt and a bit of work on making his set shot run up a lot more straight forward. I believe he will be a better player this season.

Watts had a very good season and I would expect him to at least maintain that quality this coming season. Not expecting a lot of development of his game but with a general improvement in the team, I could see him having greater impact because he will get the ball more in more damaging positions. He does use the ball so well. Would rather we had a different option as relief ruck.

Garlett had an up and down season and I sort of do not expect much more from him. I wish I did but I just seems that last season he was not switched on 100% of the time. I liked his short runs in the middle but we really do need him crumbing at the feet of Hogan and Co. He could be a factor in our improvement but I will not be counting on it.

Pedersen has another 1 year contract and I agree with this move over and above Dawes. Has a bit of versatility about him as he can ruck a bit and fill a hole down back if required. No improvement expected but with him, what you see is what you  get – a big body that can take a mark and kick a couple.

Kent is developing well and I can see that he will improve a bit more with a good pre-season and with a developing midfield delivering to the forwards. I can also see him getting a bit more time in the midfield where his physicality and speed will give us a bit.

Weideman had a taste last season and I, for one, liked what he presented. Will be a bit better next season but I think he will make a real individual impact from 2018 onwards. Maybe 10/12 games next season.

Hulett had a full season in the VFL and with a good preseason he may well begin to make some sort of an impact. I only saw him in a couple of Casey’s televised games But I think he might do ok in the future. Need Max to get hold of him over a cup of coffee and tell him about the value of a good pre-season and good mindset. Similar to Weid…. 2018 onwards for some significant impact.

Kennedy-Harris was injured a lot of last year and had little impact. We get anything out of him this season and it will be an improvement. I think this year is a year for him to get himself back on his feet with a view to 2018 and beyond.

Patracca has a lot going for him in the talent department and I expect him to show a lot of improvement next season as long as he can keep toes unbroken. One of the players I will be looking to drive personal and team improvement. Will benefit from having Lewis there. Will spend a lot of time in the midfield next year, in the early part of the season in particular.

I can see a lot of our midfield rotating through the forward setup and will cover those on the midfield section. Individual improvements from Hogan, Kent and Patracca with Garlett improving his form and Watts and Pedersen holding station and I think we will have very effective unit up forward. Improved delivery to the forward 50 will make them look better as well.

Midfield

Jones is Jones, we only have one Jones now. Will enjoy having a bit more quality experience around in the middle and will be more effective because of it. At least as good as last season and looking to see him enjoying his footy. Heading into his 12^th year at the club and will start next season as a 29yo.

Vince was quality and I hope he can maintain his form and fitness for the next season. Can see him switching more forward and, in some cases back to the HBF where he can use his long kicking to effect.

Lewis will bring a lot to the midfield and I look forward to him in Red and Blue for the next few years. If he plays with the same commitment and hardness he brought to the Hawks, our midfield will really step up. Will slot into the forward line at times as well.

Viney will improve again next season because he is the type that will not entertain standing still or going backwards in his development. He will also drive others to improve.

Tyson was very good this last season and I think he has a bit more improvement in him to reach his best. The next few years I would expect him to make small steps in improving his skills and stamina. Would not be looking for a huge stepping breakout season as such.

Vandenberg has a lot going for him but needs to polish his skills to keep up with others in the team. Will add to the improvement as long as he works hard.

Oliver had an exceptional first season and there is not limit on what he could become. Needs to drive and consolidate this second season and I could see the coaching team looking to hold him back a little for his long term development. Will be better next season and it will add to the team’s midfield.

Stretch I like. I like the way he seems to play a simple game. He positions himself well and has good speed of decision making and movement. I think his improvement will come from experience and physical development. I think he will be a better player next season as he settles into a position and game plan.

Trengove made a great return to the game this last season. Just to get back on the ground at the highest level was a huge win for him. Want see what he is like after a full, complete pre-season and I have my fingers crossed that he can compete for a spot and make an impact.

Brayshaw had an unfortunate run with concussion and injury last season and he was not at this best, Hopefully he will have a good pre-season that will allow him to step up from the quality of his first season. Has the potential to add quality to the team and is another that can develop to the very highest levels of the game if he gets a good run with injury.

Harmes seems to me to be inconsistent from game to game. Seems to wander in and out of games. I like what I see when he is ‘on’, up and about. Probably just my perception. Want to see more of his high level consistency but he may have reached his potential.

Neal-Bullen I have a lot of time for. I like the way he looks clean when he has the ball. Problem is that he does not get the ball enough. Really needs to work super hard so that he can step up and not fall into the category of “good quality VFL player”. Has the goods but is in serious competition with a couple of others that are a couple of steps in front of him.

Salem had a few health setbacks in the last season and I hope that he can manage them this season and give himself a good crack at a long string of games. I have him in the midfield but, like a few others, he will spend time in the back six depending on circumstances. Love his running and balance.

Hunt showed speed and courage and I like to watch him. I do scratch my head and wonder where and into what he will develop into. Could be anything or could crash and burn in a short time. Hope it is the former as I want to see his development as the team improves.

Bugg I have in the midfield but he can annoy any opposition player anywhere on the ground. I am not sure he can get any more annoying but I am sure he will try. I think every team needs a Bugg.

Backs

Tom McDonald is central to our defensive structure. Takes a great mark and reads the play well except when he decides to sidestep an opponent. If they can coach that out of him I would count that as an improvement.

Oscar McDonald has a lot of improvement in him. To be honest, I did not see much potential in him during his first few games but he did look better and better as the season progressed. Want to see a big step up after this pre-season. I now think the ability is there.

Frost is not a forward. He is, however a good young developing athletic back. Will develop over the next couple of seasons and will be a key player in seasons to come. Looking towards improvement this season.

Jetta. More of the same from him this next season and I will be happy. While I do not think he has reached his full potential, I do like what he delivered with consistency last season.

Garland. There was not a lot of joy for Col last season as there was a movement to get games into the developing young defensive players. When he gets the opportunity next season I expect him to rip into it. I think his opportunities may be limited.

Melksham I look forward to seeing how he goes after a year out. Should bring a bit of experience and nous to the team but he will need a good pre-season to knock the rust off. I can see him moving forward into the midfield on occasion as well as moving forward to kick a few.

Hibberd will be interesting to watch and, if he hits good form he will add a lot to the team. Looks to be a smart, composed player that has courage. Will be interested to see where we play him as I think he has potential to play back, mid or forward.

Wagner. I will be interested to see how he progresses this season. Played well in concert with Hunt last season but I had the feeling he was playing a bit light. Again, probably my perception. To my mind he needs a bit more weight to do the things his mind wants him to do. Want to see him succeed and I expect he will be on the main list next season.

Lumumba had a very difficult season with concussion and I hope he is fully recovered. He has a lot of ground to make up on other team members that stepped up last season and filled his role. Hope he gets back to playing footy and I hope he enjoys it. Not expecting a lot from him.

McKenna…. Sorry but I do not know a lot about him. Not even sure I have spelt his name correctly.

We look a little thin at the back and will need individual improvement in the young players to ensure we have a capable unit back there. Melksham and Hibberd will be critical to their success. We have Pedersen and Watts that can go back if required.

Rucks

Gawn and then daylight for two reasons. One, Max decided that he was going to be the best ruckman in the country and went and did it and, two, The rest of our ruck stacks stood still in development and skill. We will need another outstand year from Max so it is a good thing that he looks like he thrives on hard work.

Spencer is a good backup to Max. As above, Max moved up into the stratosphere while Spencer kept plying his trade in the VFL waiting for his chance, a chance that never eventuated. I like having him on the list as he is an honest footy player and I think when he is called upon he will do his best.

Mitch King just rising 20 years old and need  a lot of development. I hope he spends a lot of time having coffee with Max. personally I have not seen a lot of him but feel he needs to begin to show something.

I think we need to draft a ruckman this season.

Rookies.

White needs to work hard and develop quickly. Have liked what I saw in the very, very limited opportunities he has had at the highest level but there are a few others that are moving ahead of him.

Smith has had a few good wraps recently and I hope he develops to his potential. Will not have a huge impact next season but I will be watching to see how he goes.

So with good individual improvement from the likes of Hogan, Patracca, Viney, Brayshaw, Stretch, OMac and Frost and with the addition of Lewis, Hibberd and Melksham I can see us stepping over a few teams and making the lower reaches of the 8.

[CBDees 3,167]

Interesting how you show more confidence in the forward line than the backs, whereas I have it the other way around:

With the insertion of Hibberd and Melksham and improvement in Frost, O.Mac, and Bugg, plus the known quality of Jetta and T.Mac, I see a solid back half with Garland, Wagner, White and Pedo as back up (even if we don't see the return of a consistent HL).

Similarly, with the addition of Lewis to our continually improving midfield, I see us going to another level this year and being able to match any midfield going around once, Viney, Petracca, Oliver, Salem, Tyson and Brayshaw take their game to another level. And of course there is the mighty Gawn and Hunt and Stretch providing outside run.

The forward half is where I am not so optimistic. Watts had an exceptional year but frankly I was disappointed with the inconsistency of Garlett and the fact that Hogan did not seem to take his game to the next level. Kent and Harmes showed some exciting moments but we need to see it for four quarters. Your suggestion that we mighten see Weideman or Hulett achieving their potential until 2018 is a worry as Hogan and Watts need support this coming year and we don't know what Garlett and JKH are going to deliver. As it stands, our destiny rests on a massive improvement from our forward half.

It would be nice to see a massive pre-season so that we can have a good crack in 2017 before Jones, Lewis or Vince come off their peak. Top four is possible > Over to Mr Goodwin!

Edited October 26, 2016 by CBDees

[CHF 2,736]

I think I see our forward half improvement coming as much through the improvement of delivery from the midfield as I do from individual improvement. In the back line I see it as a bit inexperienced and fragile even with the injection of Hibberd and Melksham. We may be playing Garland a bit more than anticipated.

 

[rjay 24,919]

5 minutes ago, CHF said:

I think I see our forward half improvement coming as much through the improvement of delivery from the midfield as I do from individual improvement. In the back line I see it as a bit inexperienced and fragile even with the injection of Hibberd and Melksham. We may be playing Garland a bit more than anticipated.

 

Why?

He struggled for a game in 2016 and has more competition for a spot in season 2017. Unless he has a massive turnaround in form then I can't see it.

[CHF 2,736]

I don't think his form was that bad. It was more that the coaches looked to last season to get some games into a couple of the young backs. This season I think we will be playing to win as many as possible and selection will be on form. Col is good when he is on and I expect him to step up. 

[Dr evil 1,185]

I feel a lot of our improvement will come with time, our players really need 2-3 pre seasons of the same game style to get that understanding of each other, become well drilled in their individual craft and develop an AFL ready body and fitness base, the talent is there it's now just up to development and natural growth. 

i think our ball use is a big factor for us to make finals, our scores against from turnovers has been a huge worry so Lewis, Hibberd, Melksham and a fully fit Salem should help in that way.

[CHF 2,736]

Not a bad observation Jack, but I am not sure we have very much time. Look at the bulldogs this year. Young team, injuries and 7th at the end of the season yet they stepped up,and took their chance. We need to work hard now and take every chance we create.

[Dr evil 1,185]

2 minutes ago, CHF said:

Not a bad observation Jack, but I am not sure we have very much time. Look at the bulldogs this year. Young team, injuries and 7th at the end of the season yet they stepped up,and took their chance. We need to work hard now and take every chance we create.

Oh for sure, but i think this year the expectation would be to finish between 5th and 9th and then really target a strong finish in 2018 so that's within the time frame anyway. 

the doggies are a great example of timing their run better than everyone else.

[CHF 2,736]

Just now, jeck wartz said:

Oh for sure, but i think this year the expectation would be to finish between 5th and 9th and then really target a strong finish in 2018 so that's within the time frame anyway. 

the doggies are a great example of timing their run better than everyone else.

The expectation this year has to be to win the whole bloody thing right from the first bounce. No limit on ambition. Make then8 and then win every game. 

Then do the same in 2018 

[poita 3,902]

Our improvement will come from 22 players turning up to play each week. Too many players on our list have far too big a gap between their best and worst football.

Either guys like Garlett and Kent, to name just two, become consistent performers, or we find players who can perform on a regular basis.

The team as a whole is good enough to match it with most in the competition, if everybody does their part.

[Diamond_Jim 12,571]

Perhaps the simple equation is the difference between each payers best and worst.

Good teams have 3-4 players who 80% of the time will have a good game and 30% of the time will have a very good game.

Who are Melbourne's 3 or 4?

If we can get consistent performance by key players we can build a team around them.

My hopes for such players include Watts, Petracca, Gawn and perhaps Oliver and Hogan. I am not convinced that Jones is such a player notwithstanding that he is a great contributor.

[dino rover 714]

Goal kicking

[Fitz Fitzpatrick 886]

On 10/27/2016 at 0:02 AM, CHF said:

This is a long read that I have put together over the last few days mainly so I can think through where I believe the team is at and where the improvement for next season may come from. It is, of course, my opinion and it may generate a bit of discussion before the drafts. It is not like years gone by when we looked at low first round draft picks and there was a lot of discussion and speculation about who, where and why.

 

There was a lot to like about our last season but, given the heights that the Bulldogs rose to, in retrospect, our season was a disappointment. I think that the Bulldogs showed everyone that you play with the ultimate ambition in mind at all times and do not compromise no matter what the circumstances.

 

With that in mind I have decided to have a critical look at our list now that the trading period is over. I do not expect us to look at any delisted players and I do not think any first year players we draft into the list at the end of November will have an impact. You never know, they might ship in a mature aged player from the boonies that is a gem. They have done so in the past.

 

Forwards:

 

Hogan will only be in his third season and he still has a lot of development left in him. Development of not only his footy skills but also his physicality. I expect him to improve a lot next season with a further pre-season under his belt and a bit of work on making his set shot run up a lot more straight forward. I believe he will be a better player this season.

 

Watts had a very good season and I would expect him to at least maintain that quality this coming season. Not expecting a lot of development of his game but with a general improvement in the team, I could see him having greater impact because he will get the ball more in more damaging positions. He does use the ball so well. Would rather we had a different option as relief ruck.

 

Garlett had an up and down season and I sort of do not expect much more from him. I wish I did but I just seems that last season he was not switched on 100% of the time. I liked his short runs in the middle but we really do need him crumbing at the feet of Hogan and Co. He could be a factor in our improvement but I will not be counting on it.

 

Pedersen has another 1 year contract and I agree with this move over and above Dawes. Has a bit of versatility about him as he can ruck a bit and fill a hole down back if required. No improvement expected but with him, what you see is what you  get – a big body that can take a mark and kick a couple.

 

Kent is developing well and I can see that he will improve a bit more with a good pre-season and with a developing midfield delivering to the forwards. I can also see him getting a bit more time in the midfield where his physicality and speed will give us a bit.

 

Weideman had a taste last season and I, for one, liked what he presented. Will be a bit better next season but I think he will make a real individual impact from 2018 onwards. Maybe 10/12 games next season.

 

Hulett had a full season in the VFL and with a good preseason he may well begin to make some sort of an impact. I only saw him in a couple of Casey’s televised games But I think he might do ok in the future. Need Max to get hold of him over a cup of coffee and tell him about the value of a good pre-season and good mindset. Similar to Weid…. 2018 onwards for some significant impact.

 

Kennedy-Harris was injured a lot of last year and had little impact. We get anything out of him this season and it will be an improvement. I think this year is a year for him to get himself back on his feet with a view to 2018 and beyond.

 

Patracca has a lot going for him in the talent department and I expect him to show a lot of improvement next season as long as he can keep toes unbroken. One of the players I will be looking to drive personal and team improvement. Will benefit from having Lewis there. Will spend a lot of time in the midfield next year, in the early part of the season in particular.

 

I can see a lot of our midfield rotating through the forward setup and will cover those on the midfield section. Individual improvements from Hogan, Kent and Patracca with Garlett improving his form and Watts and Pedersen holding station and I think we will have very effective unit up forward. Improved delivery to the forward 50 will make them look better as well.

 

Midfield

 

Jones is Jones, we only have one Jones now. Will enjoy having a bit more quality experience around in the middle and will be more effective because of it. At least as good as last season and looking to see him enjoying his footy. Heading into his 12^th year at the club and will start next season as a 29yo.

 

Vince was quality and I hope he can maintain his form and fitness for the next season. Can see him switching more forward and, in some cases back to the HBF where he can use his long kicking to effect.

 

Lewis will bring a lot to the midfield and I look forward to him in Red and Blue for the next few years. If he plays with the same commitment and hardness he brought to the Hawks, our midfield will really step up. Will slot into the forward line at times as well.

 

Viney will improve again next season because he is the type that will not entertain standing still or going backwards in his development. He will also drive others to improve.

 

Tyson was very good this last season and I think he has a bit more improvement in him to reach his best. The next few years I would expect him to make small steps in improving his skills and stamina. Would not be looking for a huge stepping breakout season as such.

 

Vandenberg has a lot going for him but needs to polish his skills to keep up with others in the team. Will add to the improvement as long as he works hard.

 

Oliver had an exceptional first season and there is not limit on what he could become. Needs to drive and consolidate this second season and I could see the coaching team looking to hold him back a little for his long term development. Will be better next season and it will add to the team’s midfield.

 

Stretch I like. I like the way he seems to play a simple game. He positions himself well and has good speed of decision making and movement. I think his improvement will come from experience and physical development. I think he will be a better player next season as he settles into a position and game plan.

 

Trengove made a great return to the game this last season. Just to get back on the ground at the highest level was a huge win for him. Want see what he is like after a full, complete pre-season and I have my fingers crossed that he can compete for a spot and make an impact.

 

Brayshaw had an unfortunate run with concussion and injury last season and he was not at this best, Hopefully he will have a good pre-season that will allow him to step up from the quality of his first season. Has the potential to add quality to the team and is another that can develop to the very highest levels of the game if he gets a good run with injury.

 

Harmes seems to me to be inconsistent from game to game. Seems to wander in and out of games. I like what I see when he is ‘on’, up and about. Probably just my perception. Want to see more of his high level consistency but he may have reached his potential.

 

Neal-Bullen I have a lot of time for. I like the way he looks clean when he has the ball. Problem is that he does not get the ball enough. Really needs to work super hard so that he can step up and not fall into the category of “good quality VFL player”. Has the goods but is in serious competition with a couple of others that are a couple of steps in front of him.

 

Salem had a few health setbacks in the last season and I hope that he can manage them this season and give himself a good crack at a long string of games. I have him in the midfield but, like a few others, he will spend time in the back six depending on circumstances. Love his running and balance.

 

Hunt showed speed and courage and I like to watch him. I do scratch my head and wonder where and into what he will develop into. Could be anything or could crash and burn in a short time. Hope it is the former as I want to see his development as the team improves.

 

Bugg I have in the midfield but he can annoy any opposition player anywhere on the ground. I am not sure he can get any more annoying but I am sure he will try. I think every team needs a Bugg.

 

Backs

 

Tom McDonald is central to our defensive structure. Takes a great mark and reads the play well except when he decides to sidestep an opponent. If they can coach that out of him I would count that as an improvement.

 

Oscar McDonald has a lot of improvement in him. To be honest, I did not see much potential in him during his first few games but he did look better and better as the season progressed. Want to see a big step up after this pre-season. I now think the ability is there.

 

Frost is not a forward. He is, however a good young developing athletic back. Will develop over the next couple of seasons and will be a key player in seasons to come. Looking towards improvement this season.

 

Jetta. More of the same from him this next season and I will be happy. While I do not think he has reached his full potential, I do like what he delivered with consistency last season.

 

Garland. There was not a lot of joy for Col last season as there was a movement to get games into the developing young defensive players. When he gets the opportunity next season I expect him to rip into it. I think his opportunities may be limited.

 

Melksham I look forward to seeing how he goes after a year out. Should bring a bit of experience and nous to the team but he will need a good pre-season to knock the rust off. I can see him moving forward into the midfield on occasion as well as moving forward to kick a few.

 

Hibberd will be interesting to watch and, if he hits good form he will add a lot to the team. Looks to be a smart, composed player that has courage. Will be interested to see where we play him as I think he has potential to play back, mid or forward.

 

Wagner. I will be interested to see how he progresses this season. Played well in concert with Hunt last season but I had the feeling he was playing a bit light. Again, probably my perception. To my mind he needs a bit more weight to do the things his mind wants him to do. Want to see him succeed and I expect he will be on the main list next season.

 

Lumumba had a very difficult season with concussion and I hope he is fully recovered. He has a lot of ground to make up on other team members that stepped up last season and filled his role. Hope he gets back to playing footy and I hope he enjoys it. Not expecting a lot from him.

 

McKenna…. Sorry but I do not know a lot about him. Not even sure I have spelt his name correctly.

 

We look a little thin at the back and will need individual improvement in the young players to ensure we have a capable unit back there. Melksham and Hibberd will be critical to their success. We have Pedersen and Watts that can go back if required.

 

Rucks

 

Gawn and then daylight for two reasons. One, Max decided that he was going to be the best ruckman in the country and went and did it and, two, The rest of our ruck stacks stood still in development and skill. We will need another outstand year from Max so it is a good thing that he looks like he thrives on hard work.

 

Spencer is a good backup to Max. As above, Max moved up into the stratosphere while Spencer kept plying his trade in the VFL waiting for his chance, a chance that never eventuated. I like having him on the list as he is an honest footy player and I think when he is called upon he will do his best.

 

Mitch King just rising 20 years old and need  a lot of development. I hope he spends a lot of time having coffee with Max. personally I have not seen a lot of him but feel he needs to begin to show something.

 

I think we need to draft a ruckman this season.

 

Rookies.

 

White needs to work hard and develop quickly. Have liked what I saw in the very, very limited opportunities he has had at the highest level but there are a few others that are moving ahead of him.

 

Smith has had a few good wraps recently and I hope he develops to his potential. Will not have a huge impact next season but I will be watching to see how he goes.

 

So with good individual improvement from the likes of Hogan, Patracca, Viney, Brayshaw, Stretch, OMac and Frost and with the addition of Lewis, Hibberd and Melksham I can see us stepping over a few teams and making the lower reaches of the 8.

 

Lost me at Garland

[stinga 566]

To be a top contender your have to own the middle of the ground.  If you go wide it means you have to over possess the ball and more chances of a turnover.  Whilst some of our play last year when we broke out of the back half and ran forward was great to see, we usually couldn't match the strength of other sides, to do it often enough.  As an example, I love Salem, but he is usually forced to run sideways, and it's only his good disposal that compensates for it.  As he and many of the other younger members of the team improve their strength and bulk, together with the three new mature bodies (Melkshan, Hibberd and Lewis), we should overcome that.  At either end we only have TMac and Hogan who can physically hold their ground in key positions.  If Weideman and Oscar can bulk up a bit then that helps and I hope that they cause the biggest improvement on the ground.   I can see how we will make finals, but I wouldn't put much hope into going further into finals as the young bodies, will need another season.

[Pates 9,660]

I'm hoping that Hogan watched the Grand Final and can use Boyd as a little bit of inspiration. Those two were on level pegging at the start of the year and at mid year it looked like it was all going pear shaped for Boyd, but he stepped up in a big way in the Grand Final with the way he went about it. Hogan needs to find his happy place when things aren't working for him because when he gets down on himself his body language is like a beacon. If the forwards are to step up, I feel it will be centred around him with others rising around him. Watts I'd just like him to back up his 2017, there is of course improvement in his game but it was so great watching him enjoy himself out there I just want to see more of that. His link up with Hogan was at times second nature, they were just working together at a level I haven't seen between Melbourne forwards in years. 

I'm with CBDees though, I feel that the injection of experience with Lewis, Hibberd, and Melksham from the Midfield and defence will springboard the improvement with it flowing into the forward line. Rebound footy is the big thing, the kick and hope into the forward line allows the waiting defence to set up from there and swing it into attack in a blink of an eye. I feel like our defence is very settled and the biggest issue we've had is disposal out of the backline, hopefully that will be vastly improved with Hibberd and Melksham in there.

Something that should temper people's excitement is that although we were close this year, we had an excellent run with injuries. While we've got improved depth with Lewis, Hibberd, and Melksham, there are areas where injuries could still leave us wide open. We may not be so lucky in 2017.

Edited October 30, 2016 by Pates
EDIT: Typo, meant 2017 instead of 2018 

[Bombay Airconditioning 6,388]

Last year Watts overcame the one thing that's been holding him back his whole career. His game is now complete and he is the most skilful player on our list. Maintaining the rage isn't enough, he must set himself the task of influencing more games for longer. 

I'm in two minds, on one hand I want The Weed to play but on the other hand I think does he need another year at Casey? If Pedo plays Watts doesn't have to ruck and Pedo is serviceable. 

I'll be bloody disappointed if Watts rests on his laurels, he is capable of having an AA season if he applies himself.

 

[Pates 9,660]

12 hours ago, Bombay Airconditioning said:

Last year Watts overcame the one thing that's been holding him back his whole career. His game is now complete and he is the most skilful player on our list. Maintaining the rage isn't enough, he must set himself the task of influencing more games for longer. 

I'm in two minds, on one hand I want The Weed to play but on the other hand I think does he need another year at Casey? If Pedo plays Watts doesn't have to ruck and Pedo is serviceable. 

I'll be bloody disappointed if Watts rests on his laurels, he is capable of having an AA season if he applies himself.

 

I expect Weeds to remain at Casey for close to the first half of the year, there isn't a great need to rush him so keep developing him with time a patience. 

I agree with you regarding Watts, we've always know he had the talent in him and now that he's starting to show it he can keep pushing the boundaries of his abilities. But I'd like to see him spend less time in the ruck, while it's good to know he now has that experience I prefer Pedo as a second ruck. The questions will come when Weeds (hopefully) starts bashing down the doors, who do we play as second ruck to Max?

[dee-tox 4,835]

For me the crucial ones are Stretch, Brayshaw, Petracca, Harmes, Kent, Salem, Oliver, Hunt and oMac. These guys believe and anything could happen.

Ten games for the Weid. 

Would love another speedster in the draft that can put the wind up Stretch and Hunt.

We win the flag in 2018!

Edited October 30, 2016 by dee-tox

[CBDees 3,167]

6 hours ago, Pates said:

I expect Weeds to remain at Casey for close to the first half of the year, there isn't a great need to rush him so keep developing him with time a patience. 

I agree with you regarding Watts, we've always know he had the talent in him and now that he's starting to show it he can keep pushing the boundaries of his abilities. But I'd like to see him spend less time in the ruck, while it's good to know he now has that experience I prefer Pedo as a second ruck. The questions will come when Weeds (hopefully) starts bashing down the doors, who do we play as second ruck to Max?

Frost?