Hislop is a spud.
King is a spud.
Farmer is a spud.
Simmonds is a spud.
Thomson is a spud.
We largely only have spuds to replace them with.
I know this won't be a popular opinion, but I think Hislop is worth persisting with, plenty in front of him to go, he gets to the right places in the forward line and is one of the few on the list who show genuine agression and pressure against his opponent. Does need to work on his kicking, especially for goal. I think this will improve as he drills them beautifully in the warm ups, he just needs composure, which comes from experience.
King - well chances are he's gone at the end of the year, but I'd like to see him play the year out as a tagger. He did have an ankle reconstruction in the offseason so injury affected his 2009, including his disposal. I guess the problem is Jackson needs to go back to the tagging role as his work as a pure midfielder is not good. I think he'd be a great option for tagging someone like Brent Harvey the same way Clint Jones gave him a bath.
Farmer - Gimme a break, the kids in only his 5th game of AFL and playing in a backline under siege from constant turnovers up field.
Simmonds - No argument there, would rather play with 21 players. He's also only a spud now, used to be a very good player and for what he costs us, one of the best pickups this club has made in years.
Thomson - Like Hislop, I think he's worth persisting with, the only alternative is playing Tuck. Had a massively injury affected 2009. Let him play out the season and see how he performs. His inside work and attack on the ball is definitely needed. Would want to show constant improvement as the year goes on though as he's turning 24 at the end of the season.