I thought I would start a thread to focus more on the future rather than on what went wrong in the GF. Of course the GF is the most important game of the year, but we can't make decisions just on one game. I think it's worth a sober look forward to see how we can make amends next year.
IMO Goodes and Shaw were 2 of our better players in the game, but we need to make room for our younger players to move forward, and I think both should retire.
We probably started with Reid up forward early in the season in part because our main forwards were injured. There really is not a place for him in our forward line. Many will say we should trade him, but I disagree. Starting from now we should tell him he is our CHB next year.
Reid, Rampe, Rohan and Smith will form the core of our defence. What happens with Ted and Reg will depend on their form; despite this GF loss, they are far from washed up. We don't have many options at the moment, but Walsh, Xav and Allir may be worth a go at some point. Macca should probably move to defence as well to help stabilise a young outfit, especially if Malceski leaves.
We have lots of options to come into the midfield next year, especially now that it seems that Mitchell will be staying. I'm sure we will find the right combination by midway through the next season.
As for the forward line, with Goodes and Reid moving out, we can bring in Membrey and perhaps Towers. (No way should we allow Membrey to leave for another club). With Tippett and Buddy, we don't need another tall option.
I wouldn't be looking to make any particular moves at the trade table this season. I think our list is strong enough and our prospects in the next 2 drafts are encouraging for the future. I would imagine that we will focus on getting another KPP or 2 in this year's draft.
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