A Rapid Rise Would Not Surprise.

[JonHenry]

I know our defense looked a bit dodgey at times last year but in all honesty I thought they held up brilliantly for large chunks of the year.

Our midfield was non-competitive and the ball was flying straight down to the backline without any pressure what-so-ever. Critical turnovers in really dangerous positions constantly. I think out backline will be our strength if they're all fit and the midfield is able to pressure the D50 entries. Plowman, Doc, Simmo, Jones, Weitering, Marchbank, Newman, Williamson, McGovern (at times) - it's a good mix and there is a lot of depth there.

I'd also like to see Samo play half back for a year. I think he could make a real impact with his smarts and ball use and get his confidence right up. He's got to cut out those silly 15m sideways chips that get cut off. But it would be a good spot for him to develop. He could get 25+ pos a game and allow Doc to play midfield - where I think he will end up - and where we desperately need him.

Dow could be a big mover this year. He's the one I think could jump right up the rankings quickly. He's got the natural strength / speed / ability to progress quickly. I agree with SOS - he should have been taken at pick 1 last year. A more natural midfielder than Rayner who will be good but a Jake Stringer type and Brayshaw doesn't have the speed.

If Fisher can take that step from a 19 pos per game player to a 25+ pos per game player it will be massive for us also. Such a good user and always finds space to run at the opposition.

Murphy - needs to play wing / flank where he could still be damaging. He only damaged us last year. He was putrid. Injuries may have caught up to him though. Have to hope for an injury free run.

I'm extremely positive about next year but if we're changing 4-6 players every single week like we did last year we'll be winning the spoon again. We just can't afford key guys to be out but if we have a good run we could be looking at a rapid rise.

Agree with most of this, fitness, both injury wise and improved running ability (A Russell) will be massive factors.
I don't think we have been anywhere near fit enough, and a 10% improvement plus a smaller injury list would see our confidence skyrocket.
Not having spuds playing and having quality replacements will help a bit.
SPS, Dow, Fisher, O'Brien, Pickett and Polson all need to become running machines next year.
A fit Williamson and Docherty will improve the back line enormously