A Rapid Rise Would Not Surprise.

[DJC]

Any exactly why a Mick Barlow type is so, so necessary.

Barlow didn’t play enough games to make the player rankings but his averages from his three games has him well outside the top 100 for clearances.  His 14 contested possessions against Geelong bumps his average up to around the 50 mark.  Without that effort, he would be outside the top 100.

It’s interesting that Gold Coast virtually refused to play Barlow given his performances in the NEAFL.  They mustn’t have an elite midfielder that needs support 

I doubt whether there will be many rejects with top 100 stats and I would prefer to see us demanding that our youngsters step up.

Interestingly, Gibbs is well inside the top 50 for contested possessions and clearances - areas where I didn’t think he’d be missed.