On the so called chasm the author speaks about. He is correct we need to compliment what mids we have with at least two inside out mids with real pace and v/good ball use. We need mids who can transition and hurt with ball in hand.
Imo and i know its a recurring theme with me but i think the opinion is correct, we need 4 more mids to compliment the 10 we currently have.
Bearing in mind its not just about getting 4 mids, its more like 7 if the likes of Dow and Sonsie are kaput and Prestia is entering his farewell season.
Taking three mids this year will enable us to tread water and slowly build the number to where we need it in coming seasons with nd picks or trades, free agents and state league types.
So one chasm is mids and in particular inside out quick types.
Another chasm that does not show up on the list atm with pure numbers is general defenders. This is more about rating players
We have 7 of them and generally speaking if you have 7 you probably have one or so too many.
The 7 are Broad gone end of 2026. Vlastuin maybe two or three more seasons. Short is a liability, and so far at best Trezise and Smith are borderline on if they will make it..
It leaves Banks who has his fair share of knockers,particularly about certain aspects of his game and Brown who people also continue to question what we actually have.
Imo a quality running hb is needed. and we can should cut at least two of the above for me that would be Short contracted i know and at this point in time Trezise or Smith. Grlj would be a decent fit for now with potential to move from hb to a mid role.
Ruckmen well right at this point in time we have one proven and he is turning 32 next year.
Ryan reeks of a bust and surely we are not putting all our eggs into his basket and of course Hayes- Brown a real long shot that more likely than not is a failure.
Imo A mature back up on the cheap would be nice, at least until Ryan takes the needed steps if ever, we just cannot rely on Ryan at this stage. As i said in a previous post At pick 3 Duff-Tytler would fit us to a tee. A very athletic and quick ruckman who looks to have a nice frame so will bulk and he can go forward. Given the ruck stocks i would not be surprised in the least if we take him with one of our picks. Sort of a Jackson or Dekoning type of ruckman.
Another goal kicking general forward would be nice especially if the likes of Hotton Campbell Algar become more your mid types.
I have no faith in Rioli or Green being long term options and while for now Mansell is required i think id be looking for a bit better long term.
kpd. numbers are okay but i would seriously be looking for a third tall type good interceptor play on smaller opponents to replace Broad or even Vlastuin.
KPD Miller, Gibcus, Balta and Gray. Third tall Trainor = Grimes and lets say out of the coming draft Xavier Taylor = Broad/Vlastuin.
One more. Wing given HRS imo is barely at the level after 6 years Clarke is under serious injury cloud again and Retschko has just got here, and Trezise is not a wingman a mature hard running well skilled mature wingman would not go astray atm. Have voiced my opinion on Campbell and the great attributes he has for the role as one option and the intrigueing one Hunter Holmes with that athletic background and running ability. How ironic if we got him after gifting Geelong his brother with a latish pick..
Anyway some food for thought we have several areas we need to address but as we all know we cant do it all in one or two drafts.
This off season i thought 7 or 8 new faces would be ideal, i still think that. i doubt we are gunna do it though
