As many have alluded on here, we have an imbalance on our list. Not enough outside leaning players that can spread and use the ball cleanly from the contest.
We get too many dirty clearances at the moment. Part of this is positioning and tactics at stoppages, but I think we all agree that we need to recruit some more specific skilled outside players
Another list weakness is creative and quick small crumbing forwards who can put on pressure as well.
I think we could also do with another key forward who can take a contested mark.
The game plan is an issue too... to reliant on dominating the contested ball and clearances. Not enough defensive tactics if plan A doesn’t work.
Hopefully the coaches can recognise that our game style and personal needs adjusting to suit the 666 rules... because we are going to get left for dead in the comp if we keep the same recruiting philosophy... outside play and skill is more important than ever with 666 ... you still need to win your share of contests and clearances but we need to have players that can create space from clearances and deliver it well and create quality opportunities for our forwards as well.
So how do we fix It ?
Use what we have
Baker, Hunt , KK, Harmes hopefully as the season goes theses types of players can have a real impact on our team.
We really need Baker to come on with his speed (not sure of his skills though! )
Hunt- we need the coaches to to improve his kicking because he has all the other tools to thrive.
Hopefully Chandler and and Bedford provide some pressure and creativity up forward eventually but they are just making their way in the game at the moment
also need Garlett to comeback into the side and have an impact, but his pressure needs to be up on last year.
Players to Target form other Clubs
Obviously we need to use our 1st round pick this year .. sadly it could be quite early
But we need an injection of elite talent ... look what Conor Rozee and Zac Butters has done for Port Adelaide
but i think we should be using 2nd, 3rd And 4th Round picks to look at players that could really help our list.
players I have identified that could realistically be poached or are not getting regular opportunities are:
Jordan Gallucci (Adel)
Tom Cutler and Lewis Taylor (Bris)
Callum Brown and Josh Daicos (Coll)
Ed Langdon (Frem)
Jordan Cunico (Geel)
Ben Ainsworth (GC)
Aydin Johnson and Kane Farrell (Port)
Shai Bolton and Connor Mennadue (Rich)
Ben Long ( Stk ) * although just signed a contract I believe
Matthew Ling and Ryley Stoddart (Syd)
Jackson Nelson (WCE)
Bailey Dale, Lucas Webb and Patrick Lipinski ( WB)
What do people think ?