Ramps, you are concerned about replacing the older players. I say you have nothing to fear.
Richo is a unique player and an undeniable champion (and an enigma too!) but since we have moved him from the forwardline we have never been more unpredictable and scored more highly. We now look for the best avenue to goal rather than the same path to goal. We have a broad spread of contributors and Richos absence from the F50 has allowed us to develop a forward structure rather than just
a power forward. We have a group of forwards who are developing and learning to work together to assist or kick a winning score and the best part is that they are all younger than 21! Throw in Edwards and even Collard crumbing and we finally have a strong forward team rather than just a strong forward.
Browny is a tremendous finisher (like Bowden in fact) particularly around his body but he struggles to lose a defender now days. Morton reminds me alot of Browny and could fill his role in the future as could Collard potentially.
Johnson will not be a big lose in my opinion. I think Lids, Cogs, Connors, Jackson or even White could all fill his midfield buffering role if required and the leadership he offers Foley could step in to replace quite easily.
Bowden has had a few excellent weeks but is quickly slowing down, is unaccountable and negative. Someone like Rance or Gourdis will easily replace Bowden.
Simmo will be the hardest to replace in the next few years. Patto is great at giving Simmo a rest but will struggle to fill the No. 1 ruck role leaving only Gus and Putt potentially to fill his role. This is why trading for Warnock should be a priority I feel becasue it is the area we are most vulnerable in Simmo's absence.
I also believe we have the two 'waves' you refer to. The '04 draft (Lids, Bling, Meyer, Polo and Patto) coupled with White, Foley, McGuane and Thursfield who were also taken around the same time plus the '07 draft (Cotchin, Rance, Putt and Gourdis) coupled with Morton and Collard is the two waves you are after. Add to this players of similiar age such as Riewoldt, Moore, Schulz, Edwards who are all playing in the first plus players such as King, Meyer, Polo, Raines, Cogs, Connors, Collins, Hughes, JON, Casserly and Gus who are all developing and pushing for selection.
I think our list is looking very good and with some extra draft and trades over the next few years we are no where near finished developing. The future is looking bright and I think time in the top 4 playing off for the flag is fast becoming a reality.
Stripes
