Good team effort today on a windy, slippery ground against very mediocre opposition. However, we looked like a team on the move. Midfield was good. Newman and Tuck, in particular have had excellent second halves of 2008.
The backline of Thursfield, Moore and McGuane looks very good. The weak link is clearly McMahon and this must be addressed before we play the better teams in 2009. We really need someone who can defend the dangerous small forward. That little **** Milne may have cost us a finals spot in the end.
Got away with Simmonds in the ruck today, but clearly we need another genuine ruck (who can preferably rest forward) to help out. Pattison is not the answer.
Another power forward has to be developed before Richardson retires. Riewoldt played the lead-up role very well today. However we need a bigger option as a longer target. I'd also keep Shulz in the interim as he can play forward or back.
Midfield is developing well. Guys like Edwards, White, Connors are all going to be players - need a big summer in the gym. Challenge has got to be put to Connors in particular. He could be anything if he can reach an elite level of fitness. Injury permitting, Cotchin will be a superstar, maybe as soon as next year. Delidio has also reached a new level.
The challenge next season will be for this young team to fulfill their potential, especially against the better teams. This didn't happen in 2008, and has to in 2009 if we want to keep going forward.
After the three hours of utter darkness against Geelong admidts the overall gloom of 2007, at least we're on the right track. Miller's gone. We've got better (we hope) recruiters at the club, player development seems to be on the improve and our younger players looked like they have a future. I'm still unconvinced by Wallace's coaching and his perseverence with players like McMahon. However we'll see. I'm quietly confident that we can improve again in 2009 and this club will again become a force to be reckoned with.
All I want to see now is good drafting and no silly trades (certainly no trades for Kerr or Brown).
