The 2007 Grand Final Teams - What can we learn?

[HKTiger]

Griff,

You obviously watched the same game I did. Steve Johnson (a mid sized forward) didn't win the Norm Smith medal for nothing.

 

[mopsy fraser]

We learnt that players only reach their potential when they are in their mid-20's and at their peak playing weight - have a look at the age spread of Geelong's team. I thought Rohan Connelly provided a decent analysis today: http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/news/endurance-test-to-match-brisbane/2007/09/30/1191090947113.html

Whilst their are undoubtably a number of shortcomings in our list, I think we focus too much on the current output of some of our junior players. A bit of crystal-balling wouldn't go astray, or does that require the use of foresite, and dare I say it, patience? Pretty tough to compare Thursfield and Maguane against the size of Geelong's defenders!

here`s an extract of the article.

"a superb core group of midfielders in Jimmy Bartel, Gary Ablett, Paul Chapman, Cameron Ling, Joel Corey, James Kelly and co. — upon whom this powerful outfit revolves — all have more than 100 games under their belt, and, aged between 23 and 26, are in their football prime".

exactly the thing terry wallace was bagged for saying at the start of the season.
that premiership teams have a solid group of players who are in the 22-26 year age group.
and that richmond are lacking in this department,and that opportunity will knock in 2009,and that we will have a decade of opportunity from 2011 on when we fill this hole in our list.
everyone bagged him for it but he was spot on.
terry knows exactly what he`s doing.
we are on the right track!

 

[Punxsutawney Phil]

Terry was right in theory, but you still need the 22-26 year olds to be better than average players- and to be premiers better than the 22-26 year olds at other clubs. The problem is our young players are no better than those from any other club- and I don't think they will be when they hit the magical age bracket.

What i learned from the grand final is that we are truly light years away.....I found the whole thing rather depressing to be honest.