We re-gain Rance, Graham & Stack for 2020 while each year in the past three we've seen some of the cubs step up to become regulars in the senior side by finals time (Bolton & Baker this year).
If there's anything we've learnt over recent years is that that premiership side comes from the team that is peaking in August/September and isn't carrying injured stars in finals. What happens in 10 months time is anyone's guess.
The Eagles gain Kelly to their strong midfield but their forward line will possibly be weaker next year. They won't have Willie Rioli (ASADA) while at 32 Josh Kennedy was showing signs of age catching up in the later part of 2019. Oscar Allen is going to have to step up to second banana to help Darling if Kennedy falls away. In defence, key defender Barrass was shown up as someone opposition's club could exploit under pressure. Then there's a 'who knows' on how many games a 30 year old NicNat will play or not after two ACLs.
Not saying the Eagles won't be contenders and they have the flag experience after 2018 but they will need many things to go right at their bookends late next season to become favourite. Gaining Gaff to their premiership midfield this year didn't see them go back-to-back. Geelong, GWS, Pies, Dogs and even the Lions along with the Eagles had midfields this year rated better than ours but we came away with the chockies because we were more complete as a team across the whole park. One thing is for sure is the Eagles have gone all in to win another flag in the next 3 years. They've sold their future for Kelly if they fail to win one.
