Does anyone think we reached the heights of our finals wins of last year in any game this year?
I personally don’t remember any game this year where our pressure was what it was in those finals.
Even with all those wins it was like we hadn’t improved and some of the better teams had improved that 5 or 10%.... especially in the prelim
I think our backline is pretty set for next year with the exception of Houli. I think we need an upgrade on him and he should be “depth” at best.
Markov is quicker, tougher, more desperate, and his disposal is very good, and with more game time his poise and decision making will improve.
Even if his output isn’t the same as Houli’s at round 1, he should be played ahead of him so at round 15 or even 20, his output hopefully will be better than what Houli can give.
Markov’s upside if give games is better than Houli’s ceiling going forward.
If we are to improve, we need to change the personal of players that can not improve.
Grigg is also in the same boat imo.
I would also look at potentially giving Vlastuin another crack as that inside mid we are after. I know he had a crack last but it’s not going to happen overnight but the upside could be enormous.
A backline like this could still be very good especially with a couple with a years senior footy under their belts
Grimes Rance Astbury/Broad
Short Bolta Markov
And a forwardline of
Rioli Jack George
Butler Lynch Caddy/Townsend
The 3 smalls are all lightening quick which sets them apart from the other smalls on our list. Our 3 all have different qualities which also makes them important, and if one of them is down, the other two usually step up. The pressure they can apply as a group is outstanding and all are still young and hopefully improving each year.
Which leaves the following as onballers/wingman/half forwards
Nank, Dusty, Cotch, Prestia, Vlastuin, Edwards, Lambert, Higgins, Graham.
Still a quality young side with lots of improvement in it.
If we can regain our pressure in 2019 and Lynch can have a good year and give us something we desperately needed, we should be ok.