Had many a chat driving back down from the state funded bin.
One thing that stood out was the importance of our next captain. Nank is 30, and if we are honest not a full package. Id be surprised if he was captain in 2026.
Do we a) go Cotchin style and look to blood a young captain after Nank? Or b) do we go interim style like a Broad or Vlastuin who aren't that much younger than Toby but probably have a bit longer expiry date.
Id prefer a) but probably a fairly big issue is that we don't have any decent young leaders? Its too early to suggest McAuliffe but who else is there? Could Blight be a story and become our next captain like Stewart/Darcy Moore role?
I think any decent side contending has a really strong leader / leadership group. It's one of the reasons why Essendon have gone nowhere and Saints aren't going anywhere fast. One of the reasons why Pies were so successful so early with Moore, why Cats stayed at the top for so long with Selwood. Without him they've had their worse losing streak at home for 20 years. No Cotch and Jack and we've really struggled. Yes many other factors but a constant with successful teams is a strong leader.
Something along with building the list we need to get right. I'm stuffed if I know what our options are.