Why will we improve?

[kruddler]

Agree with the list profile getting older being a plus BUT...

We seriously need improvement from some individuals playing midfield time:
Setterfield
Kennedy
SPS
Jack
Dow
Fisher
OBrien
Cunningham
All need a leap forward. Not just natural progression.
Significant improvements in fitness and output

With a fit list, only half of them will be in the best 22....so fingers crossed

[DJC]

Young fellows are a year older.

1. Stability. Didn't delist almost 30% of the side for the first time in a good few years (exasperated by injuries, also) . So many of the blokes who played together this year will again suit up with mostly familiar faces.

I think that they are the two most important reasons why we should improve.

Our youngsters will be stronger and should have greater endurance with another pre-season under their belts.  Their increasing maturity should mean more confidence and greater resilience.

Marc Murphy made a comment about hoping that we wouldn’t make too many list changes this year.  He implied that it was quite draining to have teammates replaced in bulk.  A more modest list turnover this year should improve team cohesion.

Another factor will be the addition of some proven, mature players.  That should take some of the pressure of our youngsters and allow them time to develop as AFL players.  Both Newnes and Betts are leaders and should have a positive impact on the blokes around them.

[PaulP]

- fittest and healthiest list in years
- instant age / experience / leadership hit with Betts and Docherty
- return of blokes like Willo
- young guys with more experience and another pre season
- no more development - the quick fix is back
- plenty of media love / no media pressure
- all quiet on the western front / removal of troublemakers and other staff gumming up the works

That’s 5 or 6 wins right there. Then on top of that, we’ll see what Delegatin’ Dave can conjure up.

[LoveNavy]

And we know the new blokes i.e. Betts, Martin and Newnes - will simply do their job and do it well.

The kids will have to perform consistently well to gain - or retain - a pot in the 22.

Charlie C to finally have a real breakout year. 50+ goals.

Isn't Charlie out for most of the season flyboy?

[LP]

Isn't Charlie out for most of the season flyboy?

That's what has been implied without an official statement, they keep talking mid-way so I'm expecting maybe the last few games which would be typical for AFL.

[flyboy77]

Back in mid November when i made this post.

Gotta say this new format leaves me very disinterested - too hard to see what's going on....

[Gointocarlton]

Yep thats reasonable logic, I also think you are relying on a few other teams dropping off who get more players either side of that age bracket.

Also in terms of talent on the park if Docherty and Charlie Curnow can play most games that should equate to a few more wins and the Eddie factor
should be good for a few wins too.

Unfortunately it sounds like he wont

[Gointocarlton]

And we know the new blokes i.e. Betts, Martin and Newnes - will simply do their job and do it well.

The kids will have to perform consistently well to gain - or retain - a pot in the 22.

Charlie C to finally have a real breakout year. 50+ goals.

In 2020?

[crashlander]

[1] A list that appears happy with the style and game plan. A list that is lowly maturing and gaining talent. A list without the huge number of injuries that have cursed us this century.
[2] Better structure: we now have a small forward and a bit more pace and skill around the ground. We also have a few more players that the opposition have to work harder to control.

[flyboy77]

In 2020?

It was written well before Charlie's last f... up.

Nonetheless - we are adding Doc, Jack Martin, Newnes, Betts and (arguably) Willo to our starting 22.

The first 4 are proven, mature good to very good players. Newnes will play most games this year imo - he wasn't picked up to be a 2s player. He runs all day, competes hard and does his job well.

They alone will ensure a huge gain (in terms of onfield output/performance) over our 2019 level.

So the ultimate improvement will then be a function of how many of our kids stand up as regular, consistent players this year.

Guys like SPS, Cuners, Setterfield, SoJ, Kennedy, Weiters and Fish are primed. And Big H too.

All in that are 22 or 23 odd, mostly played 50-75 games and now in season 4 or season 5 of their AFL careers.

All are men physically now. Fish, the runt of that group has noticeably beefed up.