Now for ...

[DK_]

Without injuries I could live with that scenario but what if Pyke gets hurt?

At the very least I think we need to recruit some Ruck cover is Mumford leaves, even if it was a journeyman. Really think we need to throw all we can into keeping Mummy.

Don't disagree. Too critical a position to be so thin on the ground. Hopefully we'll pull off another money ball recruitment

[Pmcc2911]

the part of the season I look forward to the least.

Players are cut, traded or retire (it feels like losing family )

Some players may want to leave (it feels like betrayal)

& I'll read posts about why fellow supporters want to get rid of some of my "family", quite often heartlessly & mercilessly.

I know players have to go, lists have to be turned over, but I just hate this time of year.

Well put, the guys I feel the most for are the rookies.
They get two or so years to make the cut and realise their dream and for what ever reason they don't get there, then they are cut adrift,
Pretty tough to handle

[Mug Punter]

Without injuries I could live with that scenario but what if Pyke gets hurt?

At the very least I think we need to recruit some Ruck cover is Mumford leaves, even if it was a journeyman. Really think we need to throw all we can into keeping Mummy.

[DK_]

I fear you are right on that.

What should we do if he does? I am a huge Pyke fan but I think he needs to be our number 2 ruck and pinch hitting forward.

Should we trade or pick up a free agent? Any young uns coming through? (ruckmen take time though)

I hear good things about Naismith, though I defer to Ugg's encyclopaedic knowledge on matters of the magoos. I think he's a year or two off, so I suspect Mike Pyke will hold the fort with minimal support from Jesse and Tippett (enough to give him a rest and occasional support through a third man up).

There's also the US recruit I think, but, taking Pyke as a best case, he's three or four years away.

I don't think there's any free agent ruckmen in the market, or even any coming off contract. Hence the sharks circling on Mumford. I do think we're a little sparse in that area though. A serious injury to Naismith and Pyke and we'd be in trouble. White and Tippett would be wasted in the ruck.

The good news is that Pyke can be trusted to develop himself into a leading proponent of just about any role. He's so effective as a pinch-hitting forward because that is what he focussed on this year. If no 1 ruckman is where he's needed, rest assured he will do what it takes and he will do it well. He really is the ultimate professional. Young players coming through would be well served to use him as a role-model.

Off the subject a little, does he mentor anyone? Surely the new Yankee would be an obvious matchup?

[Mug Punter]

Certainly many players looked sluggish from the long hard season. Hanners isn't slow, but was a bit hampered of late due to an injured knee. Jack was heavily tagged by Crowley, but has had a fantastic year. Both made the AA team.

Don't agree whatsoever about rebuilding. I think the Swans are a top 4 club that will challenge for the flag again next year. We have a young and talented midfield (3AAs) with strength both inside and outside. We lost a lot of our running power with the absence of Jetta, Rohan, Goodes and Shaw. We have a few issues to settle in how we arrange the ruck/kpp roles then everything should settle in nicely.

If we continue to recruit well, I don't see any reason for us to drop down the ladder in the foreseeable future.

Agree totally. We are trouts against the stream when it comes to rebuilding though that may change with free agency as I suspect rebuilds will become increasingly difficult as players tend to gravitate to more successful clubs.

Evolution rather than revolution should be the key hear. We list manage as well as anyone in the business.

My 20c worth is that our backline is probably the only area that needs some planning. Heath, Ted, Shaw and the Esky are all getting a little long on the tooth and whilst it won't affect us too much in 2014, by 2015 it will be pressing. Best to stay a step ahead if we can.

And Hannebery certainly is not slow!!

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5. Gut feel only, but I think Mumford's going. I already thought it beforehand, but answering a direct question about his future with the Swans with 'I want to play football' is a pretty clear message. I don't want it to be so - I think he's one of our most important players - but it doesn't look good. Hope I'm wrong on this one.
.

I fear you are right on that.

What should we do if he does? I am a huge Pyke fan but I think he needs to be our number 2 ruck and pinch hitting forward.

Should we trade or pick up a free agent? Any young uns coming through? (ruckmen take time though)