How Many Will Leave?

[shaun..]

...On the radio today Aker was talking about the sneaky introduction of 4 boundary umpires and how now clubs will have to think about playing a tall both forward and back to take boundary throw ins because at the weekend the rucks struggled to keep up. So Grundy could be of value in that area.

With 4 boundary umpires you would reckon the life of ruckman could be severely curtailed...

It's not hard to tell that 4 boundary umps would quicken/alter the game, but to the effect it had on the weekend was complete nonsense. TBH, I don't (and didn't) find it particularly fair or just that they would allow it in the finals, especially since it wasn't part of the first week of finals nor was it part of the H&A season. IF they wanted to trial the 4 boundary umps, isn't that what the NAB cup is for?

[liz]

Hopefully what you perceived is wrong Simon. With our genuine lack of talls to get rid of Grundy would be folly. I reckon he has made genuine advances after finally getting a more regular gig. Maybe will never be a star, but some of these talls just click when least expected.

Absolutely. Craig Bolton and Ted Richards are two cases in point - opportunities and the confidence that comes with that can transform a player. Dunks is another who was merely a so-so defender for several years before becoming one of the best fullbacks in the league at that time, seemingly overnight.

And yes, Grundy does seem to have made real progress this year.

[Bear]

I was saddened at the Brisbane game to see that Grundy looked like a guy who had already been given his DCM.

And yes, he got a lot of it that night, but that just made his body language and lack of synching with his team-mates all the more evident.

Very good call.

I had the binoculars that night and watched him closely in one on one contests, coming in to pack marking situations to spoil, trying to keep up with key forwards on one on one leading contests and also in body on body marking contests. I then watched him walking into and at team huddles at 1/4 and 3/4 time.

His body language was that of a dead man walking. Head down most of the time. No enthusiasm at all. Little or no interaction with team mates.

Hard to understand that attitude when he has so much to prove. If not the Swans then another club.

I haven't seen any progress at all from him in the critical areas above. No real leg speed (at least LRT has this and gets near the forward on the lead) and it's very hard to see where he could possibly contribute moving forward.

[Lohengrin]

No real leg speed (at least LRT has this and gets near the forward on the lead)

Didn't see LRT getting so near to Minson on Friday night!

[dimelb]

Didn't see LRT getting so near to Minson on Friday night!

The problem is Minson has about 8-10 cm on LRT, and arms like an orangutang.

[top40]

Out

2 To retired - Everitt, Mathews
6 To go- Barry, Crouch, Fosdike, Davis, Meredith, Brennan
2 To go/Trade Bait ? Grundy, Ablett,

10

In

1 Veteran List? - Kirk
3 Rookie List promotion Orreal, Veszpremi, Smith

4

To pick up upon trades or drafts =6

[top40]

Out

2 To retired - Everitt, Matthews
6 To go- Barry, Crouch, Fosdike, Davis, Meredith, Brennan
2 To go/Trade Bait ? Grundy, Ablett,

Total Ten


-In

1 Veteran List? - Kirk

3 Rookie List promotion Orreal, Veszpremi, Smith

Total Four



-To pick up upon trades or drafts =

Total Six

Does anyone know if Kirk is eligible next year to be put on the Veterans List? He is over 30, and commenced his senior playing career in 1999.

[Plugger46]

No chance of Meredith going top40.

[Lohengrin]

The problem is Minson has about 8-10 cm on LRT, and arms like an orangutang.

4cm and he's not the quickest or most mobile player running around.

[Lucky Knickers]

I struggle to remember Grundy being particularly enthusiastic at any time. Just doesn't seem his personality. I don't remember him being particularly excited when he kicked 3 against Richmond.

[johnno]

I know quite a few people will disagree here but I believe if we got rid of Brennan and Schmidt, we would be making 2 big mistakes, especially Schmidt. Honestly, I think that guy has been hard done by over the years, he gets a call up to the seniors, mainly due to someone being injured, does well, than gets dropped cause that injured player is ok now. Brennan attacks the ball and the man harder than anyone else in the team, cant kick for @@@@, but can take a mark.

[TheMase]

I very much doubt that Meredith will be going anywhere.

[BigD]

I reckon:

Leo will definitely retire

Crouch will probably retire

Davis will almost certainly be delisted.

[Triple B]

6 To go- Barry, Crouch, Fosdike, Davis, Meredith, Brennan

No chance of Meredith going top40.

I very much doubt that Meredith will be going anywhere.

Top40, apart from the fact the draftees from the National draft get automatic 2 year minimum contracts, why in God's name would you want to get rid of him anyway???? Just stupid talk.

As the guys said, he aint going anywhere this year.

[ugg]

Out
3 Rookie List promotion Orreal, Veszpremi, Smith

Vesz is not on the rookie list. Orreal while showing a lot of improvement will probably not get promoted, but will get a 2nd year on the rookie list. He's still very young of course.

IMHO, Smith, Murphy and O'Dwyer will get promoted from the rookie list.