Since you called my name.
Full credit to the guy for identifying and seeking to work on his deficiencies which had to cost him his place in the side, as I had predicted he would once other young and more skilful players developed. I tipped this would happen years before it did.
But why would I have a problem with him doing all this. It's just smart and being a professional - he has to maximise his opportunities while in his prime and there is a space there to replace Ellis in the side.
I already credited him with improving his contested marking which was poor for a guy of his size. Plus he seems to have worked on his kicking too - fairly accurate shot at goal now - although that loose ball drop still worries me. However, despite these gains, he still lost his place.
This is all due to what I predicted - RFC are drafting better quality young talent these days, and want hard-running, skilful, tough footballers who work hard and smart without the ball according to the game-plan, but essentially are dangerous with the ball in hand and can deliver it sharply or score themselves when the opportunity presents.
Ellis at his best managed this.# But also was a like a deer in the spotlight sometimes - a guy who struggled to sustain his confidence I feel.
The club picked up Picket and Stack, brilliant choices, but have a conga-line of likely types who can slot into wing or HBF roles now or over the next couple of years: Bolton, Markov, Naish, Turner, Baker, Ross, Dow, DES, Martyn, Ralphsmith, Cumberland.
There's a window open for KMac as an experienced former incumbent with the hard-running capacity and hardness, but a whole pack of promising, skilled, young talent pushing hard as well. He'll need to be making progress.
# In the analysis of BEllis, not sure if anyone pointed out that his form in the finals may well have been impacted by his move to GCS. I think he was worried about sustaining a serious injury that may have thrown a spanner in the works. Brandon carries a serious financial responsibility for his family I believe.