Have mentioned it several times. We actually have very good numbers when it comes to key defenders and key forwards.
But having numbers and have the role covered are two different things.
With all things being equal we have our kpd's in place and they are damn good one's in Balta and Gibcus.
Its the lack of quality in the back up kpd's that is our problem. While it is not an urgent problem and does not need fixing this year with such a strong crop of mids to be had, a quality pick in coming years is needed imo.
Where we take players is relevant, Its indicative of quality. Saying that i acknowledge it is not uncommon to find good ones with later picks. Later picks tends to be a high turnover way to do it though.
Our kpd's and where they were originally taken. I think it does reflect the use of earlier picks to get quality and reflects what you get mostly with later picks.
Gibcus #9, Balta #25, Miller #63, Young (r), Blight (r) msd. The goal is to replace one of the latter three with a quality pick or player. Just dont think we need to do it this year. If a real goodun is there and we rate him so be it. We will find out about Blight and we have some reasonable cover if the top 2 get hurt so its not urgent.
Key forward well that is another matter.
Lynch #11 and 32 yrs. Fawcett #43 19yo. Koschitzke #52 and a stop gap, Lefau (r) ssp 26 yr old coming off a second knee. Gray (r) msd 21yo.
In all this at both ends we have a third tall type in Bauer another rookie msd pick.
Clearly we do not have Lynch's replacement and should have had him there three years ago developing. We also have not replaced Riewoldt looking for similar quality. While we do have good numbers, after 32 yr old Lynch we just do not have the quality.
I think we must target a kpf with one of the picks we will likely get in the 12 thru 17 range. If another rated one falls to our picks in the twenties then take one there as well.
We will have about 8 ND picks and all of them could be inside the top 30. Something like 1, 6, 9, 12, 13, 17, 20, 21, 29.
Optimistic maybe.
We are losing two quality players in Bolton and Rioli and imo we should be replacing them both with quality picks for players who play their roles.
Rioli well Travaglia at 9 there's a replacement for ya. Leaving us two options for the other hbf in Smith and maybe Trezise. could play Banks and Brown there as well.
Bolton well do we want more a fwd or more of a mid?. One who would fit the bill would be Hotten at around pick 17. Pick 12 goes on Armstrong or the best Kpf available. 1 and 6 goes on the two best mids available.It still leaves us with good picks and options.
Pickett is gone and McIntosh won't be too far behind him so lets target a quality wingman who offers more than both.
The opportunity is there to not only target best available but its so even on talent serious list needs as well.
