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Re: Want back-to-back flags? Then what do we to need change or improve in 2017?
Super thread - lots of important issues to consider, but then IMO there is hardly a more important issue in life than to consider how the dogs might do it all again
We still have a lot of young guys with upside
Backline: Adams and Cordy get their chances to replace Hamling - Suckling, Murphy both missed the prelim and GF and would - Williams may spend more time being groomed. The impressive and likely rookie Lynch might also get a chance, as might Roarke Smith. Can Morris and Matt Boyd reproduce golden seasons?? I don't know, but its worth taking a moment just to appreciate how sensational these two have been for the club. Dale Morris embodies everything we want the modern bulldog player to be, fiercely determined, more skilled than is generally appreciated, incredibly giving of his time with fans, from all reports a great person, clubman, teammate, mentor, dad etc. Matt Boyd has unfairly had his detractors. Yes he ran himself ragged in the midfield and missed the odd target, but he did this whilst covering more ground than anyone in the competition, smashing his body physically to gain more of the ball than anyone in the game at least in one season. But, what we need to appreciate is his single minded determination that has willed himself, and our club, to a premiership. In the process he has overcome many scars of prelims past, has moved positions on the ground and been named all australian, and in his latter years has become a better leader of the gen y, millenials than seemed likely. Ok, premiership bulldog reminiscing momentarily done.
Midfield: Stevens and Hrovat's losses can be covered mostly from within. The major loss is Wallis who may reappear late in the season but whose an underrated, and incredibly consistent performer - Jong is the many most likely to be beneficiary and still has the athleticism and scope to become an A grader if his game sense can improve again, i have been bullish about Webb for a while and more work on his tank and off the ball work could see him in the mix, perhaps even Honeychurch and Dale shape as options in this area of the ground, but also for that high half forward role. Maybe Lipinski is the Stevens big bodied mid replacement, but then he may take some time.
Forwardline: Crameri is a huge addition - such a workhorse in terms of the ground he covers, his ability to get one out the back. His addition makes life easier for Stringer and Dickson. Cloke - will get every chance to replace injured Redpath - needs to cover ground, compete and take his chances - I remain quite hopeful he could be a big part of the equation. Tom Boyd - i watched Dunstall say after the grand final that players take a lot of confidence from performing so well in a grand final - and if his form continues on that trajectory then lookout. Bailey Dale may also be in the mix for a high half forward role and its not beyond his grasp to become a good option there, whilst Mitch Honeychurch is on our list because he has spent his whole life performing above the expectations of him, so I don't discount him either. Lipinski may also get a taste at some stage in a half forward role
Super thread - lots of important issues to consider, but then IMO there is hardly a more important issue in life than to consider how the dogs might do it all again
We still have a lot of young guys with upside
Backline: Adams and Cordy get their chances to replace Hamling - Suckling, Murphy both missed the prelim and GF and would - Williams may spend more time being groomed. The impressive and likely rookie Lynch might also get a chance, as might Roarke Smith. Can Morris and Matt Boyd reproduce golden seasons?? I don't know, but its worth taking a moment just to appreciate how sensational these two have been for the club. Dale Morris embodies everything we want the modern bulldog player to be, fiercely determined, more skilled than is generally appreciated, incredibly giving of his time with fans, from all reports a great person, clubman, teammate, mentor, dad etc. Matt Boyd has unfairly had his detractors. Yes he ran himself ragged in the midfield and missed the odd target, but he did this whilst covering more ground than anyone in the competition, smashing his body physically to gain more of the ball than anyone in the game at least in one season. But, what we need to appreciate is his single minded determination that has willed himself, and our club, to a premiership. In the process he has overcome many scars of prelims past, has moved positions on the ground and been named all australian, and in his latter years has become a better leader of the gen y, millenials than seemed likely. Ok, premiership bulldog reminiscing momentarily done.
Midfield: Stevens and Hrovat's losses can be covered mostly from within. The major loss is Wallis who may reappear late in the season but whose an underrated, and incredibly consistent performer - Jong is the many most likely to be beneficiary and still has the athleticism and scope to become an A grader if his game sense can improve again, i have been bullish about Webb for a while and more work on his tank and off the ball work could see him in the mix, perhaps even Honeychurch and Dale shape as options in this area of the ground, but also for that high half forward role. Maybe Lipinski is the Stevens big bodied mid replacement, but then he may take some time.
Forwardline: Crameri is a huge addition - such a workhorse in terms of the ground he covers, his ability to get one out the back. His addition makes life easier for Stringer and Dickson. Cloke - will get every chance to replace injured Redpath - needs to cover ground, compete and take his chances - I remain quite hopeful he could be a big part of the equation. Tom Boyd - i watched Dunstall say after the grand final that players take a lot of confidence from performing so well in a grand final - and if his form continues on that trajectory then lookout. Bailey Dale may also be in the mix for a high half forward role and its not beyond his grasp to become a good option there, whilst Mitch Honeychurch is on our list because he has spent his whole life performing above the expectations of him, so I don't discount him either. Lipinski may also get a taste at some stage in a half forward role
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