You saw lots of the kids this year WP, what did you think of them - especially Rainesy? At the beginning of the year, he looked pretty small and a bit lost to me - but i saw him near the end of the year, and he looked like he'd put on a bit of weight and was getting a fair bit of the ball. Your thoughts please!
Part 2
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I was impressed with Andrew Raines improvement during the year Froars and actually thought he deserved a senior game before round 22. There were a couple of areas that stood out to me.
Firstly, in the beginning they played him mainly off the bench and at times he was lucky if he got to play 30 minutes a game. As the season progressed they had to play him more because when he was on the ground his decision making was very good. Now when you follow a team that has generally bad decision making then a player that show goods signs in that area is going to stand out IMO. The other positive is his disposal - which seemed, as the year progressed, that more often than not he will hit a target. And he is a
RIGHT FOOTER 
Secondly, with him bulking up during the year (and granted he needs another 6-10 kgs on him) his strength increased and I think I mentioned this once before, his overhead marking in particular improved dramaticallty. Another benefit of him increasing his size was that I reckon it enabled him to improve his tackling and his ability to break tackles. Early in the year he was brushed aside to easily but by seasons end it was a definite improvement.
Finally, and I know we hear this alot but he really comes across as a quality young man. I have spoken to him a couple of times and have been really really impressed with him. He's a good kid.
I appreciate that is is probably too early to say whether he will be a gun player but at least he shows a few things that have been sadly lacking for the Tigers for a long period of time. Here's hoping that Tezza persists with him - personally I reckon it is worth the punt
As for the other kids - in 2005 I am looking forward to see what Archibald can do. I saw Archie play twice for Coburg and he looked pretty strong with a good leap. Seems to be built to play as a KP player. At Couburg they played him either at CHB or HBF.
I am going to be interested to see what they do with Foley. He was a rookie in 2004 - I reckon we will keep him on the rookie list rather than promote him. He showed a bit as well - very quick hands when he is on the bottom of packs.
Lastly, Alex Gilmour was our number 1 pick in last years draft. He was injured alot in 2004 but when he did play he seemed more suited to playing as an attacking rather than in a defense role. He struggled a couple of times at Coburg when they put him at half back. I beleive they did it to teach him about being accountable. He is very light - he makes Andrew Raines and Tommy roach look like Michael Voss
and I think he will have to bulk up a fair bit over summer
