Season 2008 and looking forward

[older saint]

I think about a 7 out of 10 is a fair score for the year, 5-10 for 1st half and 8.5-10 for the second half.
Clearly a step behind top 2 teams.
Last night clearly showed we lack a hard man or 2 in the mid field. In 04/05 we had Powell who could go into the middle and lay some physical pressure , especially on taggers . Bateman man handled Dal last night, Hodge came back on clearly with damaged ribs and NO ONE went near him, he should have been smashed as soon as he was back on. Our midfield last night were Hawthorn's B*tches.

I know Baker will help but we need more.

List wise we are actually better off than in previous years with several players with improvement in them.

Gone: Harves, Gehrig, M Gardiner( if retirement reports correct)

On way out: L Fisher, Ferguson, Rix( may need if Gardiner retires)

Not much improvement left ( what you see is what you get): Roo, Hayes, Max, Fisher, Blake, Fiora, Milne, King, Schnieder, Gardiner,

Young and/or will improve: Gilbert, R Clarke, Gwilt, Allen, Steven, Howard, McEnvoy, Eddy, Geary, Jones, Gram, Goddard,

Big season ahead for Career (Crossroads): X Clarke, Maguire, Montagna, Kosi, Dal, McQaulter,

Would not trade Dal (the same bagging him last night loved him last week) but would make him do a pre season that Harvey did, hayes etc do as he just does not work hard enough to break a tag. When not tagged he is a star when tagged he is haleys Comet (Seem once every 70 odd years).

Cousins- Coaches call here , obviously can play but huge culture issue. If M Gardiner not retriing then NO.

O'keefe has been mentioned , would be a great 3rd tall forward which we need.

Natural improvement and perhaps pace and toughness through the middle and things look ok for 2009.