Saints Grand Final lineup in 2018

[saintsRrising]

We need more Guns. Whether that is by some youngsters at the club taking some huge steps or by draft/trade/FA and most likely a bit of them all.

Right here and now we do not have the top end talent to be a Top 4 team anytime soon.


We have a good support caste, and arguably a better "bottom six" than during our last Top 4 tilts, but our top end talent is just way too thin.

[lintonstreet]

We need more Guns. Whether that is by some youngsters at the club taking some huge steps or by draft/trade/FA and most likely a bit of them all.

Right here and now we do not have the top end talent to be a Top 4 team anytime soon.


We have a good support caste, and arguably a better "bottom six" than during our last Top 4 tilts, but our top end talent is just way too thin.

I certainly agree with that BUT my thread was all about 2018 which the club has stated is our plan.
We can't recruit 6-8 guns in that time but we could maybe bring in 2-3.

Which 2-3 positions do you think are critical at seasons end?

[saintspremiers]

The plan was a flag by 2020 and top 4 I think by 2018.

Like all plans, they are subject to change/delays!

[lintonstreet]

The plan was a flag by 2020 and top 4 I think by 2018.

Like all plans, they are subject to change/delays!

You are spot on Smilies - I stand corrected.
I just re-read the Strategic Vision document again (below) and it is to be a top 4 side by 2018.
http://sainters.net/uploads/140313-Stra ... -Email.pdf

[desertsaint]

Club's well publicised plan is 2018

We're about two years shy of that plan at the moment. That's if the plan is just making the eight.

[skeptic]

Until we can land some legitimate midfield guns, at least 2... And not the Sam Gilbert is successfully completing a secret role that only he and the coach know about type, we ain't going no where

[Johnny Member]

Until we can land some legitimate midfield guns, at least 2... And not the Sam Gilbert is successfully completing a secret role that only he and the coach know about type, we ain't going no where

Didn't the coach say that Gilbert is being played as a tall defender? Not really a secret

“He finished off for us last year in the midfield and we were really pleased with what he does for us in there. His pressure is really strong; he’s a tough player so we like his size and his athletic ability around the ball.

“‘Gilbo’ will still play multiple positions, he has that flexibility – he’s a really good athlete. He wins the ball strongly at ground level and in the air."


No secret that Richardson likes dudes being 'strong' at a contest, and obviously values that ahead of other things. Versatility is clearly important to him too.


Gilbert, in the coach's eyes is clearly better in contests than young guys that don't compete each week.


Pretty simple I'd have thought.


Whether the coach is right or not, is another story. And we won't know until 2018 when the Acres' and Billings' of the world have developed, whether he was.

But picking versatile guys who are athletic and strong in contests but butcher the pill, is not unusual when you don't have guys who are athletic and strong at contests and don't butcher the ball on your list.