I know some of you don't share my sentiments but I am bloody excited about 2005 and the potential we have in our team. I think a bit of new blood in the squad is just what the doctor ordered, and while the loss of Ruben et al will hurt, he is gone and we have to move on. These for mine are the big issues:
* Where to play Jason Smith:
He's been brought here to play half, Elliott has stated that - but he is more of a lock and has not played #7 for donkey's years. I think no matter where he plays he will be a benefit to the development of McLinden, Carney etc.. but should he 'be in the way' in the halves?
* Mark McLinden - last chance:
I think Mark is fantastic but enough is enough. There has never been a more frustrating footballer in terms of talent vs results. I think there has to be a big 2005 from Macca otherwise his future is on thin ice.
* The wing spots:
Everyone here has a different view of the wing positions. I think Chalk should be there, he is an outstanding talent. Same with Smithy, although he will end up in the forwards. But where does this leave Gafa? Robertson? Is Robbo on the scrapheap at 21?
It's a good problem to have but I don't know how you accomodate everyone.
* Is Ale ready?
The kid has got promise written all over him - but will he see any FG action in 05? He was a Flegg player last season - and I think he will definitely start in PL ... but will he step up? And who will he replace? Mogg, who is off contract? Will Phil end up on the wing (complicates the point above)? Where does Frawley go??
* Who takes the #11?
A minor thing but it will be a big honour to fill Wiki's shoes. I think Hodgson should be the first to step up after a great 04... but we aren't short on second rowers. Miller, Kahler, Rothery, Adamson... take your pick.
* Who is gonna partner Rhino?
For me the obvious choice is Weyman but perhaps he is suited to being a benchie for a little while longer? But is someone like Troy Thompson up to it? How about Bryant? Adamson? Hodgo? Cross?
Tough call and I don't know the answer.
*Where do we fit Withers in?
Carney or Withers for the bench? Or Withers for the #7 jersey? Do we impede Carney's development for another season, and let him get first choice of halback in 06 with Germ out of the picture and Withers at hooker?
Do we carry both Carney and Withers on the bench and play only two forwards, going against our standard policy of at least 3 forwards?
* What about the forgotten brigade?
With all the excitement of our great PL players (Kahler, Rothery, Miller, Campo, Carney, Lawrence, Chalky etc), with all of them pressing to get into first grade, what happens to the fringe players? Tonguey? Terry Martin? Is there a place for these guys or have they been passed in the pecking order?
* Any more Boogas?
Or Tyran Smith? If so - :evil: .
*Captain?
Well its either Schif or Germ, and its a contentious one at that. I'll leave that discussion for the other thread.
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So what are everyone's thoughts? Try to keep management/coaching out of this thread, we have enough on that topic![Smile :) :)](/data/emoji/263a.png)
* Where to play Jason Smith:
He's been brought here to play half, Elliott has stated that - but he is more of a lock and has not played #7 for donkey's years. I think no matter where he plays he will be a benefit to the development of McLinden, Carney etc.. but should he 'be in the way' in the halves?
* Mark McLinden - last chance:
I think Mark is fantastic but enough is enough. There has never been a more frustrating footballer in terms of talent vs results. I think there has to be a big 2005 from Macca otherwise his future is on thin ice.
* The wing spots:
Everyone here has a different view of the wing positions. I think Chalk should be there, he is an outstanding talent. Same with Smithy, although he will end up in the forwards. But where does this leave Gafa? Robertson? Is Robbo on the scrapheap at 21?
It's a good problem to have but I don't know how you accomodate everyone.
* Is Ale ready?
The kid has got promise written all over him - but will he see any FG action in 05? He was a Flegg player last season - and I think he will definitely start in PL ... but will he step up? And who will he replace? Mogg, who is off contract? Will Phil end up on the wing (complicates the point above)? Where does Frawley go??
* Who takes the #11?
A minor thing but it will be a big honour to fill Wiki's shoes. I think Hodgson should be the first to step up after a great 04... but we aren't short on second rowers. Miller, Kahler, Rothery, Adamson... take your pick.
* Who is gonna partner Rhino?
For me the obvious choice is Weyman but perhaps he is suited to being a benchie for a little while longer? But is someone like Troy Thompson up to it? How about Bryant? Adamson? Hodgo? Cross?
Tough call and I don't know the answer.
*Where do we fit Withers in?
Carney or Withers for the bench? Or Withers for the #7 jersey? Do we impede Carney's development for another season, and let him get first choice of halback in 06 with Germ out of the picture and Withers at hooker?
Do we carry both Carney and Withers on the bench and play only two forwards, going against our standard policy of at least 3 forwards?
* What about the forgotten brigade?
With all the excitement of our great PL players (Kahler, Rothery, Miller, Campo, Carney, Lawrence, Chalky etc), with all of them pressing to get into first grade, what happens to the fringe players? Tonguey? Terry Martin? Is there a place for these guys or have they been passed in the pecking order?
* Any more Boogas?
Or Tyran Smith? If so - :evil: .
*Captain?
Well its either Schif or Germ, and its a contentious one at that. I'll leave that discussion for the other thread.
++++++++++++
So what are everyone's thoughts? Try to keep management/coaching out of this thread, we have enough on that topic
![Smile :) :)](/data/emoji/263a.png)