03-09-2021, 11:17 AM
(03-09-2021, 10:50 AM)ElwoodBlues1 link Wrote:Mcdonald and Ben Silvagni are at different stages of their career. Mcdonald is ready to go and Ben was a project player.
I think there is a need for both, we do need instant backup for Jones/JW but we also need a replacement for Jones who isn't getting any younger. It could have been MaCreadie if you didn't want Ben... I won't rehash the political side to the Ben Silvagni argument and I am happy we have at least provided backup for our key backs.
My issue was never with Ben, or Macreadie.
It was what they had shown at their respective stages of their career.
There is a place for a project player....but there is a limit to how long you can have one on your list. We had Adam Hartlett on our list for 7 years i think?!
No point in a project player if they take up a spot on your list for 7 years and they don't deliver.
So given we were in short supply of AFL ready players, especially in KP stocks, ditching Ben (who was not AFL ready) for a player like Oscar (who is) is an easy choice....and that was my argument.
In short, backup for NOW took priority over a succession plan for Jones which may or may not work out.
Worst case scenario and you don't have a kid coming through to take over from Jones (as is our case currently) then you throw $'s at a gun player from another club.....or take the best AFL ready player around.
Its a list management philosophy.
Breed your own when you can.
Beg, borrow and steal when you need to.