Post Game Analysis: AFL 2021 Rd 5: Carlton vs Port Adelaide

[kruddler]

I am not suggesting that we sack the coach, the board or go through an entire rebuild, and I'm not sure anyone else is either.

You are not....others however....

However, our appalling record at the draft has left us in the position we are in now.  It seems at the drafts our selection committee has been fixated on picks in the first 20 to 25 and paid little attention to later draft picks - on reflection some seem like an afterthought - leaving us now having to pay big money for the likes of players such as McGovern.

Instead of having a number of reliable foot soldiers to cover inevitable injuries, the cupboard is almost bare. That lack of foresight is holding us back now and for the near future.

This current situation was entirely predictable and it is what upsets supporters. 

re foot soldiers...
Thats why i wanted Newnes.
Thats why i wanted McDonald.....who knew he'd get injured for 2 months.

I'm not suggesting we haven't made mistakes, or have some things to learn. Just that its not as bad as it appears......to some.

Example, you just cite draft picks and poor selections.
Mav just provided an alternative view from those who'd know.....that is we have failed in development.

Development has been one of my biggest bug bears with this club. We get players in, they never seem to hit the elite mark like they do elsewhere.
We let players go who are underperforming, then they go to another level at another club.
Its not the players, its the development.
People say we never should've let JK go for Judd.
I say JK never would've been the same player had he stayed with us.

Everyone has their theories as to why we are no good.
Reality would suggest its a little bit of everything, rather than simply 1 thing.

My take, besides poor development, is that their is too much outside influence from 'supporters' (read Pratts and Mathiesons) who are trigger happy and never let our plans play out we'd like and get cold feet, and demand change too soon.