Clutching at straws Herald Sun
October 27, 2010THE experienced players in the national and pre-season drafts who could improve your list.
1. BACHAR HOULI(ex-Essendon)
Houli has walked out on the Bombers and will get to Richmond in the pre-season draft. He can turn it over, but with some love the left-footer might just flourish. Not bad value for just a pre-season pick.
2. WAYDE SKIPPER(ex-Hawthorn)
We mocked Hawthorn for drafting him, but he played 15 increasingly solid games. Then it turfed him. Would a club short on ruckmen, such as Melbourne or St Kilda, take a punt on the 27-year-old?
3. SIMON TAYLOR(ex-Hawthorn)
Nearly a premiership ruckman in 2008, and now on the scrap heap. Alastair Clarkson admitted he ruined the ruckman trying to make him super-aggressive. At 28, surely he has footy left.
4. BRAD MILLER(ex-Melbourne)
Richmond would love to take him as a mature-aged protector for Jack Riewoldt, given the number of kids it has on its list. He is pondering the Tigers' offer, but he would be crazy to knock it back. Would be a role player.
5. MYLES SEWELL(North Ballarat VFL)
The 2009 Liston Trophy winner was quieter this year, but if his Roosters teammate Cam Richardson can be drafted, so can Sewell. Just 22, and desperate for a crack. Deserves it, too.
6. MATT LITTLE(Williamstown VFL)
The goalkicking machine might have to wait until late in the national draft, but has enough weapons that a club may take a punt. A super season with the Seagulls might be rewarded in the post-Michael Barlow VFL recruiting wave.
7. GARRY MOSS(ex-Hawthorn)
Now it starts to get a little thin. He showed flashes of brilliance in 2008 before injury hit, then played just four games this year. Still, the silky left-footer could be rookie-listed again.
8. BRAD FISHER(ex-Carlton)
Stranded on 99 games after being delisted by the Blues this week, Fisher would not hold out much hope of another crack. The 26-year-old lead-up forward might not have enough tricks left any more.
9. BEAU MUSTON
(ex-Hawthorn)
A stunning performance by Muston to come back from three knee reconstructions, but only two memorable performances in 13 games stand out. On debut he amassed 31 touches, then he kicked three goals on Dustin Fletcher this year. Only a tiny possibility to find another club.
10. RYAN GAMBLE(ex-Geelong)
Gamble should get a chance at a second club despite being squeezed out by the likes of Paul Chapman and Steve Johnson.
He can kick goals and apply defensive pressure, despite stagnating this year while playing in defence.
One of a number of Geelong fringe players whose reputations outside the club may be inflated due to lack of senior exposure.
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