TOPIC:

Well...that's 2023 done and dusted culminating in a great win by East Freo yesterday.  When we take a look at our season I think we probably did better than I thought we would.

Losing a top recruit in Kyron Hayden before the first game wasn't ideal and guys like Lockyer and Alone with long term injuries didn't help either but that's footy I guess.

The continued development of the Hickmott's, Savigni, Schofield, Robbins, Tholstrup, Kentfield saw a lot of upside even though we'll probably lose the last two.  A full season from Mayo was a bonus and with a big pre-season should see him play a vital part in next year's progress.

Looking towards next year, likely retirements of Heal, maybe Dewar, Rohde and possibly one or two more like Snadden will give opportunities for others to come through.  I think it's imperative Zac Clarke goes around again and we should do all we can to get Greg Clark, Luke Foley and hopefully Menegola if they're all available plus Hayden should be good to go with a bit of luck.  That should give us a Rolls Royce midfield.  

We need to recruit one or two KPPs and realign our forwards as they were totally dysfunctional for a lot of the season given the amount of ball they were getting.  Even though we were a fair bit off the pace of East Freo in the end, my gut feeling is we've got a lot to build on in 2024 with some smart signings and reworking of our game day structures.

Can we press up for a flag?  Who knows but there's a lot to like at the moment if we get it right.

We also need to get harry marsh back. He played well yesterday. Obviously not happening. East freo showed how far a winning midfield can take you. Forwards rely on them to have an impact. 

We should look at a faster forward line in my opinion. Needs to be more competitive once the ball hits the ground . And the ball needs to hit the ground. We get outmarked in our there too much. That is probably our mids fault. East freo are too fast for us. 

We will have to fight hard to get those delisted boys back, every club will be chasing Clark and Foley in particular. Zac, I'm told is only a very slight chance of going around again, heard nothing about Gus or Rohde leaving, Drew is the next captain, would not surprise at all if Kitch steps down in favour of Him next season, that's assuming Kitch decides to play on, he should, his form is worth another year. If Zac hangs up the boots, we should chase a quality big ruckman, that means a 203-205cm, 100kegs ++ ruckman, someone like a Brynn Teakle if he doesn't get another AFL gig.

I agree with BC, we over achieved based on what most of us and many football pundits predicted, but need to build on that in '24. The comp will tighten up even more with Joondy coming out of their normal premiership hangover season, Swans will improve more, Souths will start to build back up, but will expect EF to have another stellar season unless they have a mass exodus of their older players.

Tbh I doubt Zac will suit up again going on wardmans comment - he said he was disappointed with the lack of protection Zac was given from our players in the prelim. Remarkable comment really

DG that comment about lack of protection should have been aimed at the Umps. Zac was pushed, shoved scragged blocked and sheperded all day and was generally ignored. 

depending of course on what gets stolen by the VFL - I don't think Subiaco are all that far off any pace , Mayo would have to play at CHF and possibly chop out in the ruck
He could be one to base things around

Senior Seagull wrote:

DG that comment about lack of protection should have been aimed at the Umps. Zac was pushed, shoved scragged blocked and sheperded all day and was generally ignored. 

Very true SS but you know as well as I do that the maggots haven't done us any favours for years

SS you just described a day in the life of Tyler Kietel, gets munted virtually every contest and the ball goes down the other end and a opportunity forward gets a kick for a lot less.

I'm hearing very disturbing rumours that Greg Clark may be going to West Perth. I don't know how accurate it is but the source is an exAFL/WAFL player who could have some insight. I'd be really pissed off if it's true.

BC wrote:

I'm hearing very disturbing rumours that Greg Clark may be going to West Perth. I don't know how accurate it is but the source is an exAFL/WAFL player who could have some insight. I'd be really pissed off if it's true.
 

Given the fact that it's only been a week since the 2023 footy season ended, it might be a bit early to say?