Our 2 key forwards are top quality, but with the loss of Tippett our depth does fall away. On the positive side, we do have a few young prospects, but it may not help us much this year. Richmond has shown that a premiership can be won with just one key forward. It's more important to have the ability to score goals than the actual height of the players.
Aliir is the obvious replacement for Melican. He will probably play a full game or close to it in the reserves this week. All the indications from Harley and Horse are that he will come into the side when fit to play. He's also an option to go forward or play in the ruck, allowing to Sinclair to go forward.
Maibaum is going along okay. AJ is set to resume his attempt to revive his once promising career. Toby Pink is unfortunately out injured atm. We added Tom McCartin and Joel Amartey with the draft last year and both look reasonable prospects. I don't know what we can do to track them any faster. Every club is vulnerable to having its season undermined by injuries. I think Adelaide, Port and GWS have more depth than us, but we aren't that far behind.
The Bests List in the reserves for some reason often doesn't reflect the best players. I don't know why Newman was omitted. There was nothing obvious. Perhaps he did something contrary to instructions.
Nic Newman was the most experienced of our players in both age and games played and looked to be in charge of the team even though Robbo was the official team captain. Robbo seems an intelligent young player, but a bit introverted and not inclined to on field leadership. Marsh, another of the more experienced players is also not overly expressive on the field. Aliir was clearly the leader of the defence and always seems to be the most vocal of our defensive group.
I don't think we should have both Sinclair and Cameron in the side at the same time. A smaller mobile forward would be more useful. As a ruckman going forward, either can make a contribution, but as a key forward they will just clog space in the forward line. I would much rather see Newman in the side which would allow one of our usual midfielders to go forward in rotation.
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