Firstly I will say that I am not pissing in anyone's pocket here as this is how I see your 2008 season, all going to plan.
Some good recruiting with King, Schneider and Gardiner - flexibility being the key issue here. I think you may have suffered in the past from not having the depth when key injuries have hit. I believe u can cover that this year in that Lyon is opting for more flexibility from his playing list.
Another positive has been his willingness to expose the younger fraternity to the big boys i.e. Geary, Allen, Armitage and the like. They need 30-40 games under their belts quickly.
This is as good a looking Saints outfit as I have seen in many a year, definately more depth and a NAB Cup win under their belt which will give the younguns a taste of success. Harvey is still Harvey. Hayes,Dal and Montagna the mid field keys whilst I hope Ball stands up with his OP, I think he will.
The forward line well I dont need to say much about that.....The train out of the square with Koschitzke in the pocket and Milne in the other pocket and Riewoldt at CHF or even Gardiner coming off the bench as a relief. Throw in Schneider for good measure.
Your defence should hold up fine with the Fisher's, Gilbert and BJ being permanent gigs back there and throw in a battle scarred Maxy Hudghton and Steve Baker and Jason Gram coming off rebound 50 where he does his most damage.
In essence your core structure is good enough, more then good enough. Luck will play a big part injuries wise but doesnt it with every club. Maybe this year will be your turn around year.
Apologies for those I have forgotten (Dempster, Clarke Bros., Fiora, Blake)
My 2 cents and good luck for the upcoming season and hope to catch up for an ale or 3.
