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I see on Twitter there are a few keen on us taking Ethan Phillips. Would he be worth it?
I’d be happy for one.
Rocket Science: the epitaph for the Beveridge era - whenever it ends - reading 'Here lies a team that could beat anyone on its day, but seldom did when it mattered most'. 15/7/2023
Longer term, yep. I advocated picking him up in the SSP.
Rocket Science: the epitaph for the Beveridge era - whenever it ends - reading 'Here lies a team that could beat anyone on its day, but seldom did when it mattered most'. 15/7/2023
Longer term, yep. I advocated picking him up in the SSP.
I guess that there is always a need for decent KPD but we seem to have a good blend at the moment for the shorter and longer term balance.
Assuming Keath is gone at the end of the season we still have a longer term view with Darcy (likely forced back if we land Croft) Gardner, Busslinger and O'Donnell. TOB, Jones and Bruce to support in the shorter term.
Western Bulldogs Football Club "Where it's cool to drool"
I guess that there is always a need for decent KPD but we seem to have a good blend at the moment for the shorter and longer term balance.
Assuming Keath is gone at the end of the season we still have a longer term view with Darcy (likely forced back if we land Croft) Gardner, Busslinger and O'Donnell. TOB, Jones and Bruce to support in the shorter term.
I see us too old back in defence. And we need a blend of ages over just kids for 2-3 years time when Jones, Duryea, Keath, Bruce, TOB & Crozier are all gone:
Forward: Naughton (I’d see him go back), Croft, Darcy (2nd ruck for Lobb), Marra
Backs: Gardner, Buss, JOD are it right now - so a much mature Phillips with a few seasons in the system could be a handy point of difference with age, overall experience and body size.
I don’t Phillips changes anything for this year, while he may, I think he could be a handy ‘free hit’ looking at the profiles. Now, if we have trades lined up for KPDs or intercepting defenders with experience then he could be surplus to need. But right now, looking to the horizon of our aging defenders, I have no issue with grabbing Phillips.
Rocket Science: the epitaph for the Beveridge era - whenever it ends - reading 'Here lies a team that could beat anyone on its day, but seldom did when it mattered most'. 15/7/2023
A mid-sized hybrid defender, El Nour was considered as a mid-season draft prospect when he was playing for the Northern Bullants last year but was ultimately overlooked. He moved to fellow VFL side Richmond this season, where he has again been solid. El Nour’s one-on-one contest work has been impressive, along with some of his intercepting. He also brings dare, athleticism and good foot skills. Across his first five VFL games this year, El Nour averaged 11.2 disposals, 3 marks and 4.4 spoils.
Western Bulldogs Football Club "Where it's cool to drool"
Delisted by Collingwood at the end of last season, Poulter has impressed on a wing for Footscray in the VFL this year. He played 12 games across two seasons for the Magpies, including 11 games in 2021, after being selected at pick 30 in the 2020 national draft. Across seven VFL games this season, Poulter has averaged 18.1 disposals, 6.3 marks and 0.7 goals.
The former Melbourne defender has been rock solid for Williamstown in the VFL this season, after making the switch from North Melbourne’s VFL side at the end of last season. Hore played 14 AFL games across three seasons with the Demons before being delisted at the end of the 2021 season. Hore has been the leading intercept player in the VFL this year, averaging 5.6 intercept marks and 10.4 intercept possessions.
Western Bulldogs Football Club "Where it's cool to drool"
Agree, need to think about the future. Jones, Keath, Bruce all over 30.
That's by design though and probably why we invested in Busslinger this year.
Assuming that Keath goes at the end of the that leaves Jones, Bruce and TOB as experienced defenders and Gardner, Darcy, Busslinger and O'Donnell to start building around. I'm not 100% sure if Darcy will be a defender but it's an option.
On top of that we are likely to add a tall defender in this draft and we could potentially use Raak or Khamis who seem to be more natural defenders.
Come the end of 2024 and heading into 2025 then it's probably Jones with limitations supporting Gardner, Darcy, Busslinger and O'Donnell.
I think the balance is reasonable.
Western Bulldogs Football Club "Where it's cool to drool"
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