After losing our 2 best midfielders,with Mitch Crowden in particular,the key for our premiership aspirations this season for mine,was the form of 3 recruits inStevens,Middleton and the returning Sebit Kuek.Key forward Middleton is reported to be training extremely well,although I have yet to receive feedback on Sebit,but Stevens,who was recruited to cover the loss of Crowden and Schumacher,has apparently done a knee and is out for the season,which is devastating news.I think our backline and forward line,will be as strong as it’s ever been,but our midfield,which was once a strength,is now maybe our weakness.
That is dreadful news, Lucky, particularly as I heard Cooper Stephens interviewed on radio last week and he was really upbeat about playing with East Perth.
I’m unsure if a long-term injury list exists whereby if Stephens has been ruled out for 2025, his points can be used to recruit a replacement midfielder (if possible).
[quote=“Archie Duda Goal Machine post=240452 userid=2436”]That is dreadful news, Lucky, particularly as I heard Cooper Stephens interviewed on radio last week and he was really upbeat about playing with East Perth.
I’m unsure if a long-term injury list exists whereby if Stephens has been ruled out for 2025, his points can be used to recruit a replacement midfielder (if possible).
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Yes Archie,on top of losing “loyal clubman of the year” Michael Randall,this really thins out our midfield options,and at this stage of the year,I’m not sure if there’s an abundance of quality midfield player availability.
You’re right, Lucky, we might be pushing the proverbial uphill to find a quality midfielder at this late stage.
Very unlucky. He was a risk.
[quote=“Archie Duda Goal Machine post=240456 userid=2436”]You’re right, Lucky, we might be pushing the proverbial uphill to find a quality midfielder at this late stage.
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Last year it was our tall forwards which were a liability. and know it looks like our midfield. will be our kryptonite this year..
I can’t see a grand final this year and even making the finals will be unlikely.
I suppose we will see how good the coach is this year. Can he manufacture a midfield.
I don’t know what happened to Chaddy’s post?but losing our top 2 midfielding seeds from last season will certainly hurt us.Schumacher consistently got his 30 possessions,although his disposal was sometimes erratic ,but the real loss Crowden,was a midfield bull,and more importantly used the ball beautifully,and those players are very hard to find.I suppose we’ll be running Teddy more through the middle,as well as Pebbles,and Brooksy’s Boy will be given an opportunity,and whether he’s up to it,time will tell.but we do have a strong spine,which is one thing we have in our favour,so hopefully we can find a way to win enough of the ball.