Now is probably a good time to access the current list and break down the players in where they play and see who are automatic selections who are struggling and where the deficiencies stand out. I am sure will be open to opionion so input would be great
Midfield
Still has deficiencies but hopefully after this years draft will have begin the semblence of a very strong core midfield
Still belive this is the most importnat area to fix as controls the transition with supply to forward line / rebounding through Half back and also winning first possesion of the ball.
Options in Midfield
Primary:
* Murphy - Automatic selection class / leadership / Skills
* Stevo - Senior Midfield was under all indication injured in 2006 but with added support will be important in the 2007 Midfield Automatic Selection.
* Simpson - Stepped up and runs the lines also shows good leadership and is passionate in his endevour. Automatic selection.
Opinion missing one Elite Midfield - remedy Gibbs would be ideal
Second Layer Midfielder.
* Luke Blackwell - In and under midfield still developing but showing good signs will be in mix
* Bentick - In and under midfielder still in mix competing with Blackers and still inconsistant - speed still questioned / Endevour is strong though
* Ryan Jackson - Should be promoted genuine speed and looks to be a good future prospect still developing lots of upside
* Houlihan - Has been used in Midfield in 2006 may stil be there but also can go HFF / HBF maybe used in a roll in previous years if we add further to midfiled mix
* Kouta - Best behind him will generally be used in midield bursts / Forward line / Bench
* carrots - Also another in under midfield option but has been used in BP can get the ball still questions if usage but is a good back up midfileder.
Summary - Even though we have a few options i still belive the Midfiled needs to be upgraded with another genuine gun such as a Gibbs the 3 automatic players are Murph / Stevo / Simo but after that the next batch are still unproven or would be considered good back ups or will develope more into the starting mix.
A good midfield needs 4 genuine starters with Murph last year that made 3 with potential of Gibbs to make that 4 ... after the starting 4 you still need to have 4-6 in back up and also for Rotation.
Rucks:
Another Deficiency with no real promary Rucks after French going
Current Primary options
Maclaren - Good back up option when given primary role performed okay not ideal but 2007 may give him more freedom to step up.
Bryan - Similar to Maclaren more of a forward / Ruck option and probably not a primary option but with French gone may be given more oppertunity.
Deluca - From oppertunities given would not say from what i have seen not an option for Ruck needs to improve lots
Untried Ruck options:
Aisake - Very unknown but if he can improve at similar rate to Santanta maybe a good Mobile Ruck prospect in the future but will take time.
Summary
With obvious Ruck deficiencies the obvious prospect would be Burger in the draft but then would miss out of Gibbs which will be a hard juggling act to get best choice.
Other possible options to look for would be Tippets / Renouf or a possible selection in the PSD if any options come up.
Also another one is Michael Griffiths who could be worth a late selection or Rookie if he lasts.
http://www.effc.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=80
Backline:
The Backline is a mixed bag with potential options but with also some unknown factors
Primary Backline options
* T-Bird - Well signed up for 3 more years so will be in mix and will be the Key Backman over next 2-3 years
* Whits - Option to be CHB or CHF can be used and has been used in both roles or as the loose backman in Defence
* Scotland - HBF has evolved into the Half back line to be a launching point for rebounds.. Also gets lots of possesions and has been a quiet achiever for the Blues.
* Walker - Has also become a consistant and strong attacking Backline player and also has the option to be on the Wing / Midfield. Genuine all round talent
Secondary Backline options as there is at least one or two options to fill and the below list would certainly be in mix for remaining slots or options
* Santanta - Took huge strides in 2006 and hopefully will make similar improvements in 2007 - Athletic mobile tall Backman could be anything if he continues to develope lots of upside
* Bower - From the limited appearance at end of Season looks to be another great backline rebounding option will certainly develope over 2007
* Russell - will be another in the mix for playing Backline maybe fighting for a position or could develope into a strong BP signed for anotehr 2 years high draft pick needs to step up.
* Flint - Rookie elevation in the mix and from all reports a good old fashioned genuine back prospect 2007 hopefully will see where Flint fits in.
* Saddington - very average 2006 and with injury question marks has 2007 to see if he captures his potential will only have 2007 to show if he is to be retianed post 2007
* Hartlett - Can be back or forward been develpoed for KPP back but so far injury has not allowed to see his true potential will need to be injury free and from limited times did perform well. 2007 will again be his make or break year.
* Lappin - Still a versatile Backline / forward option but possibly 2007 will be his last season unless he gets back to 2004 form maybe used in a mix but not sure if he will be permanent player.
* Banister - if still retained is a back up Backman again never really grabbed chances given very good VFL still yet to show in AFL
Summary:
Still a lot of unknowns in our back six primarily FB and CHB
T-Bird or Santanta or even Hartlett may be used for FB at present T-Bird would be the primary choice but Sanatanta maybe able to used depending on the forward oppotition like bigger Forwards.
CHB mixed with Whits when used down back but he also plays loose man in back. Alternatives T-Bird if not used at FB or maybe target a Mcphee in PSD ... draft choice of Hanson if we didnt take Gibbs / Burger or even look further into draft for N Brown or similar later pick option.
We appear to have many options for rebounding backline options from Walker / Scotland / Russell / Bower / Houla / lappin so this isnt a deficient area.
Unknowns would be Flint / Saddo / Hartlett
Forward Line:
This is one area the Blues seem to be strong in with Fev an out and out star / Coleman medalist. The Forward line has an abundance of talent and with good supply is probably the least concern for the Blues in improvement.
Primary Options:
* Fev - Full forward star, coleman medalist and owns the forward 50 arc can score from close in and from 50 meter arc... Supply is the key for his return has added defensive parts to his game and leadership.
* Whits - can be used forward if Fev tag teamed and also as a secondary target. If we can release Whits forward and used properly will offer a very poytent forward line.
* Waite - Lots of potential has had injury issues but hopefully will have a strong 2007 and can be used HFF or CHF if he gets some consistancy.
* Kennedy - Future CHF and depending on speed of developemnt could be the Blues Key CHF for years to come. Will hopefully step up in 2007 and from 2008 should be the first choice CHF.
* Betts - Shown heaps and hopefully that taste will make him into a super crumbing forward pocket. Hopefull Ratts will give him many new tricks.
* Fisher -Another Mobile Forward player great grab used to take 3rd or forth backman injury only real issue and improvment to kicking would help.
Secondary Forward Options.
* Wiggins - retained for another 2 years stepped up in 2006 and plays best in the forward line .. has some speed and mongrel in him if played forward will give Blues best return.
* Edwards - Will be developed over the 2007 season possibly as another Mobile forward option but also potentially in the backline also - unknown at this stage
* Deluca - Bit of a enigma has all the size of a forward / Ruckman but misses out on Ruck and also inconsistant as a forward option. Makes for a back up in both but again maybe overtakin but some up and comers.
Summary:
The forward line has many options and would be of the least problem area for the Blues .. the Key will be supply which is the main issue we need to address and would be where the addition of Gibbs would be ideal.
The key to the Blues forward line would be to pick the best options depending on team we are playing but we should have all the options to cover this
Mixed Multiple option players:
This is the players who can play in multiple roles and is important to address during a match to change its direction take advantage of a situation or to help out an area which is under pressure.
This would be players who in cricket terms are allrounders and can play a mix of different roles.
Allround Options:
* Whits - traditionally can play forward or back and has been used through out his career playing both positions and will possibly used to help strengthen either side if deficincies occur through injuries or if the game needs more strength in backline or forward line.
* Walker - Stepped up bigtime in 2006 and we are yet to see full potential has been used of HB line in 2006 and proven his abilities but coule be easily used on the Wing / Midfield / Forward line. Maybe ideal for used more in HBF and Midfield to add to Gibbs (if we get) Murph / Stevo / Simmo
* Lappin - Can be used forward or back either as Running out of Backline for rebound or as a smart marking / mobile forward player. This maybe his last year unless he reverses 2006 form.
* Houla - Played in past off either HFF / HBF but seems to have lost out to Walker and scotland in 2006 for the HBF and not sure if he will be a permanent Midfielder. May go back to HFF to deliver into forward line or to be another forward option.
* carrots - played in either FP or BP but also used in Midfield ... can be used in 3 different roles may need to concentrate in one of the roles and still unsure of his future role but he can certainly get the ball.
* Deluca - Ruck / Forward option but hasnt been able to show eniugh in either position. Not shown any real potential in Rucking and shown a mixed bag in Forward line.. again may easily be over taken by up coming talent.
* Kouta - Last year and will be used in forward line and burst roles in Midfield still fit and maybe without the captaincy will just play good footy. still very fit Kouta's impact will be based on his passion for the game and if he still wants to play. if his desire is there he will still be of use to the blues if not he will have little impact.
Summary:
We have a few versatile players who can play roles probably the best of the them being Walker who can really play most positions will be interesting to see where he excells most and ideally he was touted as a Kouta replacemnt would be ideal if he became the New Kouta for the Blues
No real future i can see or unknown:
* Teague - Game seems to have passed him has made himself a courageous blackman but with the change of the game his Speed / height are now liabilities not sure he can re-invent himself and get back to being a useful player.
* Chambers - Was considered to be a speedy Midfielder but hasnt risen to any real level in his time at the Blues.. Seems to be a David Clarke type and still believe he could have been more but never stepped up.
The List will possibly have a few
*Davies- No idea on him not sure where he is at and i guess should be cut if he is not able to contribute to the Blues.
*Raso - I know was a prospect player taken a year early would keen to see opionions as to how he will fit into the future Blues lineup . Cant see where he is at moment
* Banister - May not survive axe or at best retained for a back up role due to injuries to key players future looks unknown
* Saddo - Again maybe kept as this will be his second year but injury and fitness will dictate if he has a longterm future.
* Deluca - Again 2007 will prob be his last chance to save himself would need to really step up to be a strong forward or as a mainline ruckman.
Summary:
Would seem that Davies / Chambers and Teague would be the most likely to be part of further delistings with only contracts for 2007 saving them..
But ideally if they are not in the future mix for a main role / back up or developing the Blues need to cut them and look at new prospects especially in a year which has lots of depth.
My Assessment of the above list options
With current primary retirements delistings include French / Livo / T-Lo / Magrath / Prender / Sporn + 2 Rookie Delistings in Smith and Baston
I would add to the list Teague / Chambers / Davies possibly Banister
This would open up 8-9 options for draft / PSD elevation + 2+rookie changes
Kouta on Vets list takes up a rookie slot i think
Target Mcphee in PSD
Possibly risk / punt on Michael Griffiths for a ruck option
Elevate 1 to 3 of Flint / Aisakie / Jackson depending on how many we choose in Draft and PSD
Picks 1 / 17 / 19 / 35 / 51 / 67
we need to have ideally 8-10 Openings on our list this year with potential 6 Draft selections / a PSD Prospect if we can get a Mcphee or someone similar who would be a good prospect ie Ruckman and 1-3 rookie Elevations.
And i am in the Gibbs camp as a player we do need especially as i see the Midfiled being one genuine quality midfielder short.
This hopefully is a turning point and will add increased depth and players challanging to get into the senior Lineup. But this year we cant make too many mistakes if we deem a player as not being part of the Blues Future we have to make changes as we cannot afford to keep players who have no future to the club.
Would be great to get anyones opionion and i am sure i have missed someone or there are some flaws in players contracts or how many changes can be made.
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