Now that the dust has settled and we’ve missed playing finals, I thought I’d take the opportunity to reflect on the season and get the views of other diehards.
I guess the burning question is did we over or under achieve or get it about right? For mine, after 18 games we sit smack in the middle of the ladder with 10 wins and 8 losses. Given we won 4 games by less than a goal and lost 4 by the same margin, the ladder doesn’t lie but do believe we’ve missed an opportunity to give the flag a shake and I’m sure the players and coaches will be thinking likewise.
I think the players made huge advances compared to the last few years and they should be congratulated for that. Schoey has made a big difference with a defence based game plan but also the club recruited very well during the off-season which they had to with the backbone of the previous successful playing group retiring or moving on.
I like the way Schoey gave young blokes such as Siano, Douglas, Burke, H-H, Rickson an extended run at it which will pay dividends in the coming years, but we currently lack depth of some of the other clubs which hurt us during the middle part of the season when we copped a run of injuries.
Personally, I’m disappointed we didn’t get into the 5 as I think on any given day, we could have matched it with any team in the finals and who knows where we could have landed, but that’s footy.
I saw enough to have a fair bit of optimism for next year and beyond, but it will require more targeted recruiting and development of the young blokes, but think we have the basics in place for sustained success.
Subiaco also lost 2 of their Home games by less than a goal and lost 2 Away games by several points. If they had managed to win those, would be a different story. I’d be expecting improvement from Subi next season.
Nice work BC. Depth was always going to be a worry and sure enough it was. Big Miller was a revelation, pity he was a late withdrawal yesterday he would’ve provided at least that extra 7 points we needed I recon. But they had a few out too. We missed Bravo all year, he looked like a gun in that scratchy vs the Tiges.
So Robbo is gone, Soks didn’t line up for the magoos and Evitt is out all year again with a knee. Probably lose a few more as usual. On the other hand, there’s Bravo, Snadden who looked like he was going to be one of the big improvers under Schoey that BC mentioned, Cooley who I think will also be in that category and Richards who played ressies yesterday although not named, should all be back hopefully. We need a big outstanding ruck who can dominate, not just hold his own, similar to a Zac Clarke and a high quality/profile mid who can do the same like a Parfit. If we can pull that off and have a half decent run with injuries we should make the 5 next year
Apart from not making the finals, a great season for entertainment. You couldn’t fault Schoey and the team for effort and competitiveness, which is all you can ask for.
There’s always rifts in footy clubs and teams but things felt pretty united all the way through. I’m interested to see his the money side of things work out.
I’m predicting another moderate loss. I suppose it depends on the writedown of assets. Kelly has invested in catering potential. Wonder if that paid off.
Did we save on less lunches? I think she gave more to the sponsors this year using the deck for hospitality.
I see Matt Flynn, Tyler Brockman and the Champ are all uncontracted for next year at this stage. That could all change, but it would be good if we could target some or all of them.
Yes BC, If Flynn doesn’t get relisted or picked up elsewhere, we should chase him bigtime. Not a great AFL player but is very good at WAFL level. Mobile, big body and reasonable skills, exactly what we need. Champ would be handy but expect he will be given another opportunity. So the recruiting team need the following, a big experienced ruckman (203++ 105k++) a KPP (another Blight type would be good) and 2 outside mids. There are some real quality kids in the colts, Sam O’Brien and a couple of others that should get an opportunity next year if not drafted. I heard a strong rumour that a few AFL clubs are talking to Sonny, not surprised but I think he needs another good solid season in the WAFL. Others that may be getting looked at would be Savigni and Rickson. I think that Savigni is arguably the best HBF in the comp, his intercept marking is elite and he is fearless.
Anyway, a great 1st year of the rebuild under the Master, looking at nothing less than finals next year if we can keep most of the squad fit and on the paddock.
Good luck to the 4 WAFL clubs fighting it out in the finals.
Yes SS. I agree with your comments re Savigni. His reading of the play and intercept marking is as good as anyone in the comp although in saying that, if he hasn’t been picked up by now then I doubt he will.
Rickson should get drafted as a potential KPP as he has a lot of upside, but don’t think any other current league players will get a call up with the exception of maybe Sonny as you say.
Cheers DG. If not picked up by another AFL team they’ll automatically drop back to Subi, but the big question is whether we can sign them up. Both would be very handy up forward with Robbins moving on and Siano a chance to get drafted