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?

[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.

[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

[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.

[The Doctor]

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

small/medium goal kicking forwards.

A ruckman

A bit of grunt

[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.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

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

small/medium goal kicking forwards.

A ruckman

A bit of grunt

What do you make of our current small/medium forwards Doc?

[mjp]

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

small/medium goal kicking forwards.

A ruckman

A bit of grunt

I’ll go with:

- a plan for the ruck when English is being smashed and the willingness to follow said plan.
- some consistent grit and an ability to play a solid game when things aren’t going all our way.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

I’ll go with:

- a plan for the ruck when English is being smashed and the willingness to follow said plan.
- some consistent grit and an ability to play a solid game when things aren’t going all our way.

MJP, do you think our personnel is good enough to challenge and it's a matter of tinkering as you've noted above, or is it a combination of both?

[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.

[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 ??????