What are we lacking? What do we need most to progress in 2021?

[The Bulldogs Bite]

What are we lacking to take the next step into being a credible contender?

The midfield group on paper looks strong with the likes of Bont, Smith, Macrae, Dunkley, Hunter, Libba etc. We could do with another genuine winger but it's rare to have all bases covered.

The forward group on paper has ability/structure with the likes of Naughton and Bruce as our two keys. We've got some mid sized types who are inconsistent but dangerous in Dale/Lloyd (Dickson soon to retire) and then some untried smalls (Cavarra and Weightman). We're just as likely to 'click' in a game and kick 20 goals as we are to be stifled and kick 5. The ability to lock down the opposition through pressure is a key ingredient missing - maybe Weightman is the small we need. You could argue we need another strong marking medium (Dale/Lloyd/Dickson/Schache are all leading forwards).

The defensive group on paper is an area of concern. Keath is a good pick-up but better suited to being the second tall/CHB, JT/Young are not seen as options at this point. Wood and Duryea can be important senior pillars but have injury concerns to get through a season, Crozier is probably our best defender, JJ is a threat but can be shut down. Williams has been a welcome addition and likely top 10 in our B&F to date.

Ruck stocks are thin as we know. English is great around the ground but struggles in the ruck, Sweet is raw and that's all we've got.

Most sides, as good as they are, will still have 'holes'. It's impossible to fill every hole .....

BUT, what do we need most to progress in 2021 and beyond?

[comrade]

Naughton into defence.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Naughton into defence.

How would you juggle Young and Schache - do they fit into the side in any way?

[comrade]

How would you juggle Young and Schache - do they fit into the side in any way?

I would play Naughton in defence, Schache forward and Young as someone who can play as more of a utility who can go forward or back or chop out in the ruck.

My ideal side is something like:

FB: Daniel Naughton Crozier
HB: JJ Keath Cordy
C: Richards Dunkley Hunter
HF: West Schache Libba
FF: Cavarra Bruce Wallis
R: English Bont Macrae

And interchange from Weightman, Lipinski, McLean, Dale, Young, Butler, Vandermeer or Hayes with a focus on running ability

[Twice Bitten]

I would play Naughton in defence, Schache forward and Young as someone who can play as more of a utility who can go forward or back or chop out in the ruck.

My ideal side is something like:

FB: Daniel Naughton Crozier
HB: JJ Keath Cordy
C: Richards Dunkley Hunter
HF: West Schache Libba
FF: Cavarra Bruce Wallis
R: English Bont Macrae

And interchange from Weightman, Lipinski, McLean, Dale, Young, Butler, Vandermeer or Hayes with a focus on running ability

Your ideal side does not contain Bailey Smith ??????

[1eyedog]

Your ideal side does not contain Bailey Smith ??????

A Dusty / Danger protege!

[jeemak]

I would play Naughton in defence, Schache forward and Young as someone who can play as more of a utility who can go forward or back or chop out in the ruck.

My ideal side is something like:

FB: Daniel Naughton Crozier
HB: JJ Keath Cordy
C: Richards Dunkley Hunter
HF: West Schache Libba
FF: Cavarra Bruce Wallis
R: English Bont Macrae

And interchange from Weightman, Lipinski, McLean, Dale, Young, Butler, Vandermeer or Hayes with a focus on running ability

Smith, Wood and Williams all say hi! However, whilst you have omitted Smith and Williams by accident I doubt this is the case with Wood and it's my view that's a touch premature, however I'm also on record as saying I want Naughton in defence so perhaps with him there the importance of Wood diminishes.

To the OP, I actually think we have enough quality to match it with anyone if everyone is fit. To Sedat's point we're probably a little lean in the midfield if anywhere, though I think with Baz's improvement to date, the reintroduction of Libba and McLean playing good footy we have cover. Add in West and we have pretty solid rotations with even Wallis an occasional back up.

Getting the combinations of complementary players and the chemistry right is a big factor, as is what's going on between the ears of the players week to week.

[FrediKanoute]

I would play Naughton in defence, Schache forward and Young as someone who can play as more of a utility who can go forward or back or chop out in the ruck.

My ideal side is something like:

FB: Daniel Naughton Crozier
HB: JJ Keath Cordy
C: Richards Dunkley Hunter
HF: West Schache Libba
FF: Cavarra Bruce Wallis
R: English Bont Macrae

And interchange from Weightman, Lipinski, McLean, Dale, Young, Butler, Vandermeer or Hayes with a focus on running ability

I don't see how Cavarra gets a game ahead of any of the guys on the bench. Dale has him covered and he wouldn't make my bench with a fully fit team. I think you have to fit Wood into the team somehow.

My bench is Wood, Lipinski, McLean and Vandermeir.......Jong unlucky, Lou Young if one of the other guys falls over.

To answer the question posed by the OP, as to what we need to progress.....the team to get lucky with injuries. If we have this 27 players available come Sept (or whenever it is) then we will go deep into Sept.

[Mofra]

A genuine wingman to partner with Hunter.

As an aside, Lake is the only KPP in the last 30 years to win the Norm Smith. I think we can cobble together a defence as we did in 16, but the team that out-runs the other team generally wins.

[Sedat]

I have said before that we lack midfield depth, even though everyone seems to (incorrectly) think we have depth in spades. Talented and deep midfields win premierships in the modern game, so I'd love to add some more elite talent to the mix. Bailey Smith had been a godsend for our midfield and I hope we can add another couple more high quality pieces of the puzzle.

[comrade]

I have said before that we lack midfield depth, even though everyone seems to (incorrectly) think we have depth in spades. Talented and deep midfield win premiership in the modern game, so I'd love to add to the mix with some.more wlite talent there. Bailey Smith had been a godsend for our midfield and I hope we can add another couple more high quality pieces of the puzzle.

A fit Libba and a developing West will be a big factor in our success over the next few years.

[Sedat]

A fit Libba and a developing West will be a big factor in our success over the next few years.

Yep, really liked what I saw of West last week in and around the contest. He looked very comfortable and capable.

[Mofra]

Yep, really liked what I saw of West last week in and around the contest. He looked very comfortable and capable.

Very good by hand. Dare I say it - West like.

[bornadog]

I have said before that we lack midfield depth, even though everyone seems to (incorrectly) think we have depth in spades. Talented and deep midfields win premierships in the modern game, so I'd love to add some more elite talent to the mix. Bailey Smith had been a godsend for our midfield and I hope we can add another couple more high quality pieces of the puzzle.

I agree, mids win games and I think until the babies grow up a bit, I would love a Josh Kelly type. Someone with speed and outside run.

[The Doctor]

I said it last year and I'll say it again

small/medium goal kicking forwards.

A ruckman

A bit of grunt