Got to thinking about this last week when we brought in two emergencies who had almost no impact (that I could see) between them. I have been concerned for a couple of seasons about our depth although some on here are quite bullish. I think last week shows we have a depth problem.
Here is a list I quickly compiled ranking the top half of our list based loosely on importance to the team and shown ability at AFL level. Also shows what age the 30+ players will turn next year so we can see what replacements we'll need in what positions within 2-3 years.
In ranking them I've assumed we play one ruckman, three genuine tall backs, not Rampe type can play tall, and two tall forwards. Don't get too bothered about where on the list players are until you get into the early 20s as this is where we start to get a fall off in genuine AFL standard, this is the whipping boy area of the team, it's the area that separates contenders from also rans, the area that has you still winning when you've got a few injuries, if these players are good enough. We need to find a few more players or hope that young untried players like Dawson, O'Riordan etc really progress. I think Hayward in particular and Florent to a lesser extent have shown class at senior level whilst still physically immature as first year players.
Don't think I've missed anyone?
1. JPK, turns 30 next year
2. Buddy, 31 next year and half way through his contract!
3. Rampe
4. Parker
5. Hanneberry
6. Lloyd
7. Heeney
8. Mills
9. Reid, needs to re-sign still
10. Jones
11. Grundy, 32 and currently still at the top of his game
12. McVeigh, 33 and club undecided about another year but is showing he's important
13. K Jack 31
14. Papley
15. Naismith
16. Newman
17. Rohan
18. Smith, 30
19. Aliir
20. Melican
21. Hewett
22. Towers?
23. Cunningham?
24. Hayward still only 18 but looks highly promising
25. Florent time to prove he belongs
26. Dawson? the great hope!
27. Robinson? unconvinced
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