lockyno1 said:
Well for starters, Joel Bowden did a fantastic job over the last 2 seasons, better than a >30 Mal Michael will do for the Bombers.
We also have young Thursfield coming back this season, and contrary to what Kev may say, Thirsty HAD shown he could play prior to his knee injury. Kept O'Loughlin to virtually nothing except a few dead time goals on debut and Nick Riewoldt to 1-2 goals in 3 quarters the night his knee collapsed.
Some comments heard made on PRE have included "Coughlan & Thursfield are two players whose upper bodies show the upside of major knee injuries" - Hence he's put on weight in the all important upper body area, on the assumption his knee has been repaired well and holds up this kid will be our fullback for 10+ years.
One thing he has on his side is that game against St Kilda was R2 - So by the time we run out for R1 he will have had almost 12 months to recover.
Polak, another kid who can actually play. Whether Wallace can harness his potential remains to be seen, all training reports indicate he's working his guts out though.
Beyond that, we have an ageing Gaspar, who will go at least as well as Michael.
Young Luke McGuane who is still learning the caper, but evidenced by the fact he was given 2 senior level taste tests this year when injuries surfaced, clearly Terry has wraps on the young bloke.
One forgotten individual is Kel Moore, another kid who can play, but injuries have just about ended his career. I'm resigned to Kel not making it due to his body, but if it can hold up this year, it will be a nice bonus for the club.
We also have Schulz and Cleve Hughes being trained at both ends of the ground. Although I expect these two to only ever pinch hit at need in the backline, long term they will form the nucleus of a very talented forward line with cousin Riewoldt.
As you can see, don't believe everything you read. Richmond's KPP stocks are no where near as bad as what people make out.
All the players I have named (Bar Gas) are exceptionally young and for taller players, all bar Jay are still many years away from the age they will be expected to be holding down perm senior spots. Jay is also only moving into that bracket this season.
Looking at the Scummers though, once Fletch and Michael have gone, who do you have to play tall in defense? Kepler Bradley? :lol: :lol: Look at what Richo did to him in R21, he almost took back his marking record and kicked 9 goals!
