Certainly a more positive vibe at seasons end but probably a bit of frustration for Bill and Co that things couldn’t click into action earlier. Injuries certainly took a toll but that allowed games into younger guys like Tucker, McGuire, Murphy, Gorringe ect. It also was the catalyst for Baskerville moving into the midfield. Possible elite midfielder there- surely he’s not going back to the backline.
Moving forward, the key is to lock away the current squad. Kommer has retired and that a good thing- he was running on fumes at the end. Dixon is a chance to get a 2nd crack at AFL- certainly has high talent. After such a successful recruiting campaign last year, I’m not sure as many are needed. Maybe some eventual replacements for Eardley, Boekhorst, Jupp and Lester-Smith- if they’re not there already. Looks like another possible draft drain but hopefully a handful of decent Colts coming through. Schoenfeld, Leggett, Chalmers and Murdock missed 50 odd games combined- they’re like new recruits next year. English was a shrewd pick up- at 21 he’s going to develop into a class player. Marsh, Dixon and O’Reilly look to have the makings of a great forward trio.
I think they great positive from this year was that players that had been backed in like Tassone, Murphy, Montauban, Jr, Burton ect started to repay the faith. Tassone looked a completely different player.
On the other side, players like Snadden and Bonomelli look on borrowed time. Morgan Davies has also left. Whether players like Davidson return will be another thing to watch. All might be better off seeking opportunities elsewhere.
Well done to the board and football heads for backing in Bill- the show of stability looks to have had a positive effect on the group.
