Jezza wrote:derkd wrote:This could well be maybe a slightly false dawn for us...I only say this because I feel we don't know how the club will fair over the next few years with the likes of Pendles, Sidey, Howe, Checkers, Elliott, even Adams...closer to the end of careers then the start. Hard to replace all that talent....so we need the slow burn build. I love the core of young talent making it ways.
I am sure Wright and Fly are well aware of the gaps we still need to fill to have a sustained run at success. I feel it is the 21 to 26 year age gap we need. Bobby Hill would be a handy addition, I would love the club to chase a Zac Butters...get him back home and get him in our midfield mix....expensive but would help out the likes of Nick Diacos in years to come. Would GWS do a straight swap of Degoey for Tim Taranto? Lol pipe dream i know..but he would be a huge get too...and it seems he wants to come back to Victoria.
And yes it still might take a couple of years ...we are a long way ahead of where I thought we might be at the start of the year...but we might still have a year or so dip in the mix too.
Very sensible post, and I share the same concerns in relation to our age profile and we'll replace those players I've highlighted in bold.
Obviously it doesn't take away from how well we've performed this year.
DerkD
You make very good points but I think the club (meaning Wright) is all over this
I think you’ll see the retirements spaced as to not leave massive leadership and experience gulf
Of that list mentioned on exposed form this year all could easily be expected to be in best 22 next season
The only one not signed for 2023 is Sidey despite reports from herald sun (ive checked afl website and it has him still as not contracted beyond 2022)
Whether he plays on or not I think depends massively on
(a) what happens with JDG and what that costs us
(b) who we are targeting via free agency or trade
(c) our salary cap
(d) his want and desire to play on
There is good mail the club is speaking to Taranto’s management now
He fits what we need a big body mid at 24 with his best football in front of him and can also play forward