I think all of Pettard, Big O and Lonegan have done enough to stay on the rookie list next year. We have been lucky with injuries this year so far (touch wood) but these three not only are insurance for that but they also both put pressure on those just ahead of them. The likes of Whitey, Jackson, Grigg, Houli, Foley all have been pretty good this year because if they are not, they will loose their spot in the team and I'm pretty sure Big Ivan is happy for a rest at times.
Most other years our rookies wouldn't get a game for Balwyn, so just because these three are not 18 years old or come from clubs you don't like doesn't mean it's time to say goodbye just because they haven't played 16 games. Really smart move by the club IMO. Our list has three extra players to choose from this year as apposed to last.
Also the chance of picking a kid up that is any good in the rookie draft is pretty slim, we can barely get our second pick in the national draft right so again it's smart business what we did this year. Pick kids in the draft and these types in the rookie draft and we will be using every opportunity we have of putting a competitive 22 out every week.