What runs on the board have you got for me to be accepting your decision that it's a rubbish pick?
Howats current AFL carrer indicates to me that he will never be a good enough footballer to inprove the Richmond Tigers Football club, in any capacity.
He is too small in hight (small guys need to be class to get games), has a stick-like frame for a 23+yoa, frankly isn't that quick and only looks a good kick on his left because he is 100% one sided player who is at best a C grade winger link man and at best a 16 touch a game, poor manes Patrick Bowden-typ, below average back pocket. (whoms postion would be much better served developing a Connors/Raines/Casserly/Cotchin/Collard type futher - players who have the capacity to be 'good'.)
List wise (the current state our list wise the first and foremost thing should be rebuilding. How the fig is drafting Howat rebuilding?!) Howatt is an old player (a significant part of our list is 22 or younger) who isnt much chop. It is the Hyde, Moore types who should be in question. Frankly both those players show more than Howatt. If we retain Howatt and somehow he makes it as a 5 year player, I see him turning out very similar to Greg Tivendale 2002-2008ish. Clear example of a bloke who looks the good in the VFL but isnt a good enough to be a 25yo aged bloke on a AFL list.
Frankly, is that what we want moving forward? AFL has changed alot. You cant carry blokes who are getting into the midage brack unless they are quite good. The club would rather a developing kid. Howatt isnt going to be in the Newman/McMahon/Pettifer class, who even those 3 have some doubts.
As late a pick it was the rookie draft is littered with decent players that have come off the rookie list. Perhaps we can taken some Irish freak, or yet another project ruckman (Renton or Suvilien) has about as much chance as making it than Putt or Graham.
Wouldn't you rather a crack at finding another Foley or Thursfeild?
It's not a big thing but its symbolic of the club in the last couple decades.
I'll accept the club's decision, thanks. With blind faith too.
Are you going to fly your plane into the World Trade Center because it will bring you many virigins and will please your God?