I'm interested as to who the nucleus of 2006 will, nay needs to be for Carlton to be competitive?

If you leave out any new draftees to give them a year or so to bloom, who would your core be for next year?

My nucleus would begin with Walker, Stevens and Fevola as my big three, the guys that need to be included in your weekly structure and after which you build from. Scaling around that centre I'd include Thornton, Waite, Fisher, Bentick and probably Scotland and/or Simpson.

That would be my dedicated nucleus for 2006. Everyone else either slots in around that, or if they can't, doesn't play (unless injury occurs)

I've left several seasoned campaigners out as they're either on the back of their careers or their ability to be a matchwinner is limited. Eg. Whitnall, Kouta and French can all do good things, but it's quite sporatic and in the case of Kouta, his impact is clearly diminishing.

Up forward you can easily slot in some crumbers. Betts being the first name that pops up. CHF is the biggest gap, but not the most problematic area on the ground for the Blues (imo).

In the middle there's a missing dominant ruckman, as well as a defensive player. You could argue Walker is this player, but I'd like to see him as more of a fear for the opposition and have someone who loves being a negater.

Down back is clearly the problem. Carrazzo and Teague can slot in around the pockets, but full back (which doesnt appear to be Thornton's forte`) and the defensive flanks are a big concern. Players like McGrath, Wiggins, etc don't appear to be able to cut the mustard and previous promising youngsters look like they're on the outer (Livingston, Sporn, Houlihan). Maybe in time players like Russell, Hartlett or even the big O'Hailpin might contribute here, but it's a worry for next year at least.

Based on all of this, if I was going into trade week and the PSD, I'd be looking to get three players in a particular priority: 1. An experienced full back, at all costs - without this we're doomed. 2. An experienced ruckman to take the load off French. 3. A half-back flanker who can work with Thornton to set up effective counter attacks.

I wouldnt look at wholesale cuts again like previous years have given us, but the addition of three players of this type, in my opinion, would add considerable strength to the team.

I went back to the Wizard Cup final this morning.

From Inside Football's ratings - the only ones that got 7 out of 10 or more were:

French - 8 out of 10.

Fevola - 9 out of 10.

Lappin - 9 out of 10."torched Banfield."

Scotland - 7 out of 10.

Stevens - 8 out of 10.

Teague - 8 out of 10. "Did a number on Hansen."

and Whitnall.. but we won't include him in the list as he is a money hungry selfish prig.

Teague was the one that jumped out at me. His year has been difficult, but it is amazing to think he played so well in this match.
I think all of the above players - bar Whitnall - are nucleus players..
(well could be nucleus players depending on mental application)

Two of our top 3 players this year were Kouta and Whitnall. They can be excused... they have had a good year. It is time that our second tier came up to their standard.

Maybe they can get a bulk deal with Mr. Balfour.

Waite Stevens Fevola Thorton French Walker Fisher

Hopefully it reads something like Waite Bartel Kerr Kouta Stevens Thornton