...what's ahead?
The kids took another step today, and they will learn something from this game, as they did in the last, as they will in the next.
When it sinks in, and they apply what they've learned, they will be great players to watch. They will be stronger, fiiter and wiser.
I had my doubts about some of the kids on the field today, but these kids,(and there's more than we have ever seen in our life time), Russell, Kennedy (that 1 on 1 overhead mark today was GOLD!), Blackwell (Lions game), Setanta (Looked like a footballer), Betts (amazing closing speed), Bentick (tough footballer) and Carazzo (acumulator) show a bit of character, and that's what this experience is giving them more of. The other 'older' kids in Simpson (brilliant), Walker (strong & fast), Thornton (solid defender with poise) have proven they've stepped up, and the younger ones will too, and that's a whole lot of potential.
Other young players to miss out on today through injury, (who would have played), include Murphy Waite and Fisher, and maybe Hartlett and Bower would have been given an opportunity by now.
That's 14 names there. These kids will play better and learn more over the next 2 months, followed by an 'big' preseason, (call it 'line in the sand' stuff) and we might not be getting early (1-5) draft picks next year. Add 4 more quality drafts this year and say 2 next year, and we're on our way.
Who knows? We could be adding Flint, Jackson and Smith to that group. Raso and Edwards may take big steps in 2007.
Don't worry if we don't win, just look for the signs; passages of play, little 1%'ers. miraculous effort, smart decsion, tough clash, good kick, great shepherd....and then you'll realise, that what's coming is gonna be really BIG.
_________________ Everyone looks good in Navy Blue
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