I personally think it is great. Over the Wallace years I’ve always thought that because of the state Danny Frawley left our list in that we needed to top up on 80 – 150 game players to fill that 25-30 year old gap we have on our list. They have done this well in the past few drafts by recruiting players like McMahon and Polak with little fuss and not to much expense in relation to losing out on picks. I know some people still think pick 19 for Jordon was not a good move but the fact is he has fitted in well and played a running roll down back and will contribute for years to come.
I think the coaching staff has got it right picking up blokes like Thompson and Hislop as they would have had to move heaven and earth and give away early picks to trade for established players from other clubs (Ryan Okeefe being the best example). I just don’t think that there have been that many good 25- 30 year old players willing to up stumps to new clubs and if they wanted too, their clubs have been putting way to big price tags on their heads in relation to draft picks and their manages with salary’s.
If we picked another two 18 year olds all they would have been given time to develop and some of these guys might have some thoughts on being certain of a spot in the first grade squad. Obviously on talent alone some are but both Thompson and Hislop know what is needed to do to get a game and I’d rather these blokes be on our list than say a Myer , Tivendale and Hyde any day of the week.
If you add Vickery and Post to the equation I think we are going to see a very balanced first grade squad out on the field even if we get a few injuries (something we were very lucky with in 08) . These 2 blokes put so much pressure on Rewoildt , Hughes , Morton , McGaune , Patto and Simmonds.
Another massive upside is that Coburg are going to be strengthened by the arrival of these 4 players and I’m sure this will give all these developing players a huge lift in confidence for when they are called upon to the big stage.
I really like what is happening at Tigerland. The rebuild has taken some time and effort but I’ve never seen the club so stable and working this smart and to a plan in all my years supporting them. The Richmond teams of the last 20 years used to have 1 great player 3 good players , about 4 that would get a run in most club teams and then drop away for the rest of the list.
Strap in for a great 2009 guys and girls because we are about to see a very quick , skilful young side run the pants off a lot of teams this year and one of the reasons for this has been the on going build up of depth in all positions. Hislop and Thompson have added to this considerably and although they might not get a lot of game time this year having them on the list will ensure the guys that do play , play at a level better than last year.
What Thompson and Hislop will bring to our group is a massive amount of pressure on first grade spots. 2008 was a great building block for a lot of our 19- 23 years olds but these 2 recruits alone are going to make guys like Foley , Lids , Cotchin , Mcmahon , Tuck , Edwards , Connors , Collins , Coughlan , Rains , King , Jon , Polo , Jackson , Rance , Shultz , Tambling and White work their rings off over summer as they will have to be ripped up and ready to go to get a game.
You have not got a clue if you hold hope of JON ever becoming a senior AFL player.
he is pathetic have you not watched him play Football.
