Too many of the old boys have gone over the crest of the hill.

[the claw]

Yep exactly what that implies the oldies have reached the end and cannot carry the lesser likes anymore and the lesser likes are not capable of filling the void. If honest it has been coming but if honest i reckon it has arrived.

[The Machine]

Looks like it has. Will be an interesting few weeks coming up to see if it truly has arrived.

[Buddysucks]

Will be interesting to see if we can make the tough decisions at seasons end.

[Gigantor]

With people like Balmy at the club, I’m sure tough decisions can be made of needed

[Diocletian]

Stick a fork in Houli, Astbury and, hate to say it, Cotchin...Riewoldt one more year and probably won't play all 22....

[Simonator]

It’s not like our players don’t know how to win. Who exactly is too old ? Maybe cotch and jack R. The rest are young and plenty of run left. Might be a year or two of transition but I think we are well built for long term success. And as far as this year goes, if we are in the 8 we are a fair dinkum chance. If we can turn it on there is no beating us.

[Andyy]

Astbury is finished. Been saying it for weeks. Shouldn't have played on this year.

I am concerned about Houli...I believe he's 100% finished but I am concerned that he 1) played in the GF knowing his calf wasn't right, 2) signed on for 2021 with soft tissue injuries and being pretty much cooked, 3) didn't retire before the MSD to free up a spot like he should have. Starting to feel like he's been quite selfish in not calling it curtains on his career, unlike Grigg who just put his hand up and said I'm done, go get a bloke in the MSD.

Cotchin I can understand playing on in 2021, bit of a spiritual leader, but his head doesn't appear to be in the game since his wife was posting more crap about him and their kid. Last year for cotchin.

Jack is right to play on in 2022 but Gee he had a stinker tonight. Not going for marks note backing himself to kick goals, giving those two shots off to Short and Edwards. Should have kicked at least 2.2 himself tonight or even 3.1 if he had a half decent night in front of goal.

[gtig]

Perhaps the current iteration of "the system" has also outlived its usefulness. if the players are aware of that even subconsciously it's going to impact their effort and confidence. I don't see the team having much fun out there anymore. Dimma either. 

[the claw]

Hmm i reckon the cliff is close for half of our vets come season end we will have 12 players aged 29 plus.

Caddy 29yo - fmd has to be cut literally taking games from kids when we play him.
Houli 33yo  - i wont comment on this bloke as it will just start arguments should have retired last year.
Astbury30yo - Always been a battler but he looks shot to pieces and should retire. With no young Kpd coming thru we may be forced to keep him
Cotchin 31yo - Gotta be honest Cotchin is struggling would like to keep him on for one more more as a mentor than a player.
Edwards 33yo - not playing anywhere near his best has the hunger gone.
Riewoldt 33yo - Still gives his all and still has some good games but fmd the good uns are becoming fewer and fewer.

Fair dinkum i would not be surprised in the least if all of these six are gone come seasons end either retirement or pushed.

Grimes 30yo - still looks very capable
Prestia 29 yo - Has always had his soft tissue issues should be good for a few seasons if managed well.
Lynch 29yo - Has played with his share of injuries gotta be good for a few more seasons id say.
Lambert 30yo - looks to be travelling well few more years left in him.
Martin 30 - well hes dusty he can retire when he wants to.
Pickett - 29 - Has not had a huge career of footy should be good for a few more.

The trouble with all of them will be if they can collectively see there is no more premierships coming will they they want to put themselves thru the rigours of preseasons and injuries.

[Damo]

Riewoldt 33yo - Still gives his all and still has some good games but fmd the good uns are becoming fewer and fewer.

Fair dinkum i would not be surprised in the least if all of these six are gone come seasons end either retirement or pushed.

Strange to say this when he has signed a new deal for next year

[camboon]

It’s a mistake to let too many senior players go at the same time. History shows if you do you spend a lot of years at the bottom. You need to use them to help bring the kids on , in either the seniors or seconds

[georgies31]

It’s a mistake to let too many senior players go at the same time. History shows if you do you spend a lot of years at the bottom. You need to use them to help bring the kids on , in either the seniors or seconds

Excellent comment.

[Andyy]

It’s a mistake to let too many senior players go at the same time. History shows if you do you spend a lot of years at the bottom. You need to use them to help bring the kids on , in either the seniors or seconds

Yep.

This is 100% the reason why allowing Astbury and Houli to go on this year was a massive error. It has stunted the development of guys like Miller and Mansell. Mansell shows more than Houli and we now have no choice but to debut Miller it would seem. That's poor list management

Astbury and Houli should have been last year.

Cotchin retire and Caddy trade this year.

Edwards and Jack maybe after next year.

[georgies31]

In saying that got to be careful getting rid of to manyat one time.

[Rampsation]

Houli and Astbury should retire asap.