First 8 draft picks are all around the same ability by all reports. Will just depend on the teams needs as to the order. We will target a midfielder with our first pick which, given the reported needs of the teams below us at present, will still be available around pick 8-10.
So given this is the case, other than guaranteeing we get the exact player we want, I think the positives for pushing for finals certainly outweighs giving up now. When Roo's stated last week that Melbourne is in the position it is today because it tanked, because it encouraged losing for better draft picks it made complete sense to me. The playing group doesn't have a culture of fight, an attitude to demand success from all players, an ethos to succeed at all costs while Sydney does. This is what makes a strong football club and what we should aspire to starting this year.