I'm all for the half rebuild / topping up with the likes of hopper and taranto list strategy we are attempting at the moment, but I think it relies heavily on the young talent we have coming through actually making it at AFL level. I know for some of these players its a small sample size and there's a chance they could turn it around but I have serious doubts about some after what I've seen so far. Due to our injuries we are getting a really good look at a couple.
Ross - Could be a decent role player
Rioli - Could be a decent role player
Ralphsmith - Wont make it IMO
Dow - Wont make it IMO, BUT does deserve a block of games this year.
Brown - Doesnt seem like he's progressing at VFL level
Mansell - Wont make it IMO
Ryan - I think he will stick around due to our complete lack of KPF but again wont make it IMO
Bradtke - havent seen enough
Cumberland - Could be a star
Colina - 0 Chance of making it
Sonesie - Could be a decent role player, could be a star.
Banks - Same as Brown
Clarke - Wont make it IMO
Bauer - Apparently having some success in the backline, havent seen enough
Miller - could be a decent role player
Young - could be a decent role player
Biggie - wont make it imo
Gibcus - Could be a star
Then green, campbell and smith who I havent seen enough of.
So out of all of our young players we have Sonesie, Gibcus and Cumberland who could be stars. We need better young talent.
If you think of the start of our successful era we had such a good core of drafted players in Jack, Rance, Cotch, Dusty, Astbury, Grimes, Edwards, Vlastuin and im probably forgetting a few.. So we either bottom out and hit the draft for a few years or hope we can attract younger players every off season. Looks like the club is aiming for the latter but im not sold.