(03-24-2017, 02:13 AM)mateinone link Wrote:They do and I said I would bring probably a couple of top line 23-25 year olds also.
But players are harder, faster stronger at a younger age than ever before and not only that, very few teams have ever played with no 150+ game players, so premiership teams will have all met this criteria. It doesn't make it a necessary ingredient though.
If 99% of all teams have had a couple or more 150+ game players, then you have nothing to compare it against.
As I said, it goes against conventional 'wisdom', but it doesn't mean it wouldn't be the best path.
If the club followed your suggested wisdom they would be burning those kids, they would be mentally damaged and dominated by the opposition before they even got started. They need to be part of some little wins, if they are smashed week in and week out they will be permanently affected by that.
btw., If any club could have gone down that route GWS could have, but they didn't so I gather they do not agree with your opinion. Despite being able to take the pick of the crop they preserved their kids by surrounding them with some experience.
1st season; (Some 1st year protection)
Setanta O'hAilpin
Dean Brogan
James McDonald
Luke Power
Chad Cornes
Callan Ward
2nd season; (Not quite ready yet, I suppose :
)Bret Thornton
Stephen Gilham
In their 3rd season; (Hang on 3 years why would they even bother?)
Shane Mumford
Josh Hunt
In their 4th Season; (Holly cow, can't they develop those kids at all?)
Ryan Griffin
Joel Patefull
"Ruck, ruck, ruck, ruck ....... Ruck, ruck, ruck, ruck"