11-02-2023, 12:33 AM
I think that Ralph’s article is pretty close to the mark; on paper, at least, we are a genuine contender.
Earlier in the year, I thought that list deficiencies would hold us back. The sustained return to fitness of Walsh, Martin, McGovern, Cuningham and Marchbank, the emergence of Kemp, Motlop, Cottrell and Boyd as genuine AFL-level footballers, Cerra and De Koning stepping up a level, Acres showing his true potential (and luck), and Cincotta, Cowan and Hollands making impressive debuts, with Binns not far off, has changed my mind; Vossy has got the cattle he needs.
Moving on players who weren’t quite good enough - Philp, Fisher, Dow, Honey and O’Brien - and those whose best footy is behind them - Ed and Plow - strengthens our list; provided Nick Austin nails the replacements.
Despite some supporters expressing concerns about how we’d go if Cripps, Walsh or Weitering was injured, we have adequate replacements and the players who can step up in their absence. Even if Mirkov, O’Keeffe and Lemmey aren’t up to AFL standard yet, we do have options in the event of our rucks or KPPs missing through injury or suspension.
If we are fortunate on the injury front, our youngsters continue to develop, Austin’s list management decisions continue to pay off, the tweaks to the gameplan work. and we have a bit of luck, we’re definitely in with a chance.
Now, if one or both of the Irish boys becomes the next Zach Tuohy …
Earlier in the year, I thought that list deficiencies would hold us back. The sustained return to fitness of Walsh, Martin, McGovern, Cuningham and Marchbank, the emergence of Kemp, Motlop, Cottrell and Boyd as genuine AFL-level footballers, Cerra and De Koning stepping up a level, Acres showing his true potential (and luck), and Cincotta, Cowan and Hollands making impressive debuts, with Binns not far off, has changed my mind; Vossy has got the cattle he needs.
Moving on players who weren’t quite good enough - Philp, Fisher, Dow, Honey and O’Brien - and those whose best footy is behind them - Ed and Plow - strengthens our list; provided Nick Austin nails the replacements.
Despite some supporters expressing concerns about how we’d go if Cripps, Walsh or Weitering was injured, we have adequate replacements and the players who can step up in their absence. Even if Mirkov, O’Keeffe and Lemmey aren’t up to AFL standard yet, we do have options in the event of our rucks or KPPs missing through injury or suspension.
If we are fortunate on the injury front, our youngsters continue to develop, Austin’s list management decisions continue to pay off, the tweaks to the gameplan work. and we have a bit of luck, we’re definitely in with a chance.
Now, if one or both of the Irish boys becomes the next Zach Tuohy …
“Why don’t you knock it off with them negative waves? Why don’t you dig how beautiful it is out here? Why don’t you say something righteous and hopeful for a change?” Oddball