To maintain our 2008 standard we need these players to continue their excellent form -
Simmo - we saw what happened to the side when he went down a couple of years back. He is the most important player to our structure until our other rucks step up which appears years away yet.
Richo - Was a surprize packet of 2008. Is an out and out champion and nigh impossible to match up on or stop when on song.
Tuck - Our strength in the middle. Puts his head over the ball and body on the line week in and week out to feed our younger mids.
Morton - Was our best forward option throughout the year and was consistent by boot and on the lead all year. With talls to support him on the scoreboard he will get weaker opponents and be even more damaging. Great pick up.
To improve in 2009 we need to maintain what we have achieved and have these players improve/perform-
Hughes - We need a FF, period. Hughes had a couple of good games but went missing too often. Needs to learn how to lead more productively and improve his second efforts. If he can get his hands on the ball more he will be a great asset to the team otherwise we need to bring in Schulz, Vickery or even Putt to fill this role because a power forward in crutial to our success.
White - has the pace, skills and now strength. 2009 will be his breakout year as a midfielder and with opposition teams focusing on Foley, LIds, Tuck, Cousins, Cogs and even Cotchin he will have space to shine.
GUS - With a strong powerful 2nd ruck we have a ruck combination that while be able to feed our improving mids much more consistently. Patto has heart but he is not able to relieve Simmo for long enough forcing Simmonds to have to shoulder too much of the ruck burden throughout the game and season.
Raines - We need a small, shutdown defender desperately. I am hoping Raines can fill the role otherwise Kingy, Bling, Polo or Hislop but it is a hole we need filled urgently.
Other players that I was tempted to include was Cuz, Bling and Cogs.
Stripes
