Good post mjonc.
See, me, I'm a bit stuck. I reckon if you look at our team 2006 v 2005 we are from an opponent's view a weaker team with Camporeale leaving and depriving us of experience in the middle. Not arguing for Campo or anything but he was still useful 30 metres in the clear
Plus we didnt really recruit anyone big. Its sort of liek 2005 and we recruited Chambers and Longmuir and look what that got us. This year we've at least picked up some taller players McLaren and Saddington but whether they will have a huge impact I can't say.
Against that I know when we hit our straps at the end of the year Campo was nowhear near the middle and Bentick, Walker and Carrazzo were. These guys will hang around for the long-term and be good I reckon, each of them in different ways. Whether they're ready to take on great midfielders I can't say
But then we only looked good when the pressure was off, after we were smashed in the middle of the season. A nd then we scum some OK wins against some middle ranking teams...
ANd then the Bombers smash us and they were less than a middle ranking team!
Its so confusing. We haven't picked anyone up of note and we're relying on player development to get us through. ON the plus side it looks like Houlihan and Murphy can add to Stevo's delivery into the forward line, and thats where we struggled over the past few years, and Saddinton should be useful in that back half to stop those shocker match-ups. I reckon Bryan will have learned a heap and will play1 5 games plus to be in our Best team, maybe helping our ruck roles out alot.
I just don't know.
As long as the kids get a few games and show a bit I reckon I'll be happy.