The Rhino wrote:
Rookie list could be difficult. Can only retain 3 players each year (only one third year also)
Casboult
Curnow
O'Keeffe
Tuohy
Bell
Dale
Bray
Carter
Heyne
Lodge
Safe assumption to say the bottom 4 are gone, and Tuohy promoted.
I'd assume Dale and Bell retained for a second year. Which leaves us with either we promote Casboult AND Curnow or we delist one of Curnow or O'Keeffe.
The NSW boys are outside the regular rookie list rules; this is how Bray survived last year. Not sure if they get a 2 or 3 year run on the rookie list though.
Casboult and Tuohy have to be elevated to be retained; Curnow and Carter do not, but only one of them can be placed as a third year rookie.
I see no reason why we wouldn't elevate Curnow and Tuohy, but I would be hesitant to pull the trigger on Casboult. He really cannot kick to save himself. Carter will offer us something we will be a little lighter for prior to the draft if we are sensible about who needs to go.
Those advocating WA teams wanting Ellard have rocks in their heads. Would rather retain Bower and Thornton than throw them away for peanuts. Others to go before either of those two.
Ellard would probably be only a small part of a package but considering rumours of a serious rift he may be content with returning just to the WAFL. Workrate for VFL remains high even after being dismissed by the MC. For a lad that has worked his butt off he is being treated very poorly