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AFL players are fine, but they have to be under 25 ideally. We also can't afford to roll the dice on players with a history of injury. We did that with Masten, Loersch and Smith and it was a disaster. The only 10 point player who gave us any value over the last 3 years was Gray. Subi have done it well, with Marsh, Newton, Lockyer, Dewar - players who were still young, fit and motivated. It's all well and good to talk about recruiting, but Subi will be looking to replace Dela and Clark, and need to plan for the loss of Kitchin, Marsh, Dewar and Matera in the near future. SF will be looking to replace Schloithe and Shaw. We will face a lot of competition. 

Yes, there will be plenty of competition for recruits. That is where we need to be smart and innovative. That is where German hopefully will put us well and truly in the game.

Perth will learn a lot about there players over the Summer/Pre season.Germo will be brutal and we will see the fittest Perth team for a long time.
The only time I watch Perth play is Vs Swans.And the games always pan out the same way.Perth jump Swans early and Swans always run over the D's in the last qtr.

Brutal truth is I found 10 players on our list that are good enough at the level, and 3 of those are “potentials”. 
We have a backline, but even then it’s undersized and lacks a key back who can deal with other teams’ key forwards. 
We have 3 mids who are good enough, including DBW who needs get much better. 
And we have no forwards, only Hayward and Quartermaine who are young enough and could be moulded into forward roles. 
It’s dire. We have to rely on the new coaches getting much more from the rest. And that’s just to be competitive. 
It’s one measure, but when was the last we had a State player. I think Sinclair and Byrne might have been in a squad. 
Since the new board took over, we’ve gone South very quickly. 
For a start recruit a key forward. McDonald, Spinks, Shearer….. (what’s the theme). 

I do not quite see it that way PD. First thing to remember is that we will need depth so the ressies must be strong. 
The existing senior players most likely to make it into the 2023 squad IMO are in numerical order:
Coniglio, Byrne, Perkusich, Sinclair, Clarke, Taylor, McPartland, Cary, Avery, DBW, Stubbs, Davis, Nicholas, Hill, Hayward, Quartermaine, Sing, Gray. 
There will be others who will remain but, perhaps, not regular league players but who would make up a ressies side. Then we could expect some youngsters who will get their chances in senior footy during the season.
Those I have named will not necessarily be out of their league in a side bolstered by good recruits and led by a coach and task master and working to a solid game plan. In essence, they will be better players in a solidly built side but not all necessarily regular first 22. Improved fitness will be a key.
The recruiting will be crucial and targeting our major needs. A tall key forward, a tall key back, a no.1 ruck, a clearance player and an enforcer and a small forward. That is some shopping list but we have the points and if we can find them and choose well, then we should see the improvement that we need.
Just my humble thoughts.



 

I agree Smokey some of our players do a great job and will be much better players if surrounded by some A graders.
It would be nice to get some players of the ilk of Jones (the ruckman), Black, Bolton, Keitel, Strom, Scloith etc.
A dream maybe but achievable we are not destitute, and have plenty of points.
Listen to the coach and say yes!!!!

Anyone know when the coach starts work? Is he already in Perth and ready to go?
An early start will enable him to settle in and really get to know the club and start his planning as soon as possible, particularly recruiting. I would hope that he will have a thorough look at the playing stocks and an idea on what he needs and get on with it quickly.
In all probability, pre-season will start a tad earlier than normal considering the amount of work to be done, particularly the fitness progress. Players will no doubt see some big changes to pre-season training and will all get on board with the program. 

Smokey pre-season will definitely sort some chaff out.
Don't be surprised by the exits.
His first job will definitely have a private conversation with all the players.

Demons Forever wrote:

Smokey pre-season will definitely sort some chaff out.
Don't be surprised by the exits.
His first job will definitely have a private conversation with all the players.

Yes, no doubt, but also with all the football department.

Peter German was on 91.3fm this morning if anyone is interested here is the link.

omny.fm/shows/sports-breakfast/sports-br...er-german-28-09-2022