Hard at it wrote:
Mmm mini rebuild, yet previously you have posted our "list is as good as any" and "it's as good as it has ever been"
You are a classic
It is as good as any.
It's not perfect, therefore was overrated.
Now it's actually being underrated.
Morons who are ignorant about the game of football, fail to understand that a new coach takes time to get his plans in place.
This confusion leads to us looking slow, unskillful and messy.
See Hawthorn when Clarkson took over. See St Kilda when Thomas over. See Bulldogs when Eade took over etc.
Our list was extremely overrated, because the core of the group were still only 50 gamers. How can a list with it's KPPs being aged 21, 19, 19 and 20 be the best list in the comp? It's just stupid when they are up against spines like Geelong's with Scarlett, Harley, Ottens and Mooney.
Our midfield was made up of a 19yo, and 21yo and a 23yo - plus fringe veterans like Thompson and Powell (Harvey of course too).
This up against midfields like Adelaide's with McLeod, Goodwin, Edwards and Riccuito.
Seriously, our list was the best in the league for potential, but certainly not ability at that point. Anyone who thought it was, was simply a fool.
This is not the recipe for premierships. Your core needs to be up towards the 80-100 mark for your list to be at it's peak.
In 07 and 08, that's where we're at now.
Our veterans are now Max, Harves, King and Gehrig. All still of great value.
Our core now runs deeper than ever and are at their football peak in terms of age and experience - Joey, Roo, Kosi, Ball, Dal, BJ, Lenny, X, Goose (hopefully), Bakes, Milne, Fisher, Gram.
Remember, we're talking about the 'list' here. On paper, these guys are far, far better value with 2-3 pre-seasons and 50 games under their belts.
We also have Armitage, Geary and Allen pushing through. Instead of battlers like Peckett, Thompson and Powell being the ones pushing for selection.
Blake and Rix aren't getting games now.
Our list now, is far better than it was.
It's not playing better, but that's due to obvious reasons.
Makes sense smart arse?