What would you prefer?

[Claret]

Given the current debate on the merits of 'bottoming out' -

Would you rather have the option of picking up Jack Watts (or Naitanui/Rich) or having the season that we actually had?

If you think we're in the business to win premierships then it's hard to go past the draft pick option. Think how much better we'd look with a ready made key forward or ruck option.

If you enjoy watching your side win more games than it loses throughout the year AND really enjoy watching them win a game in September then maybe the season that we had is for you. However, this option limits our future prospects. (No Watts)

Personally, I'd hate to see Hawthorn win this week as it will be a vindication of the bottoming out strategy.

[caj23]

I'd prefer to make the finals.

I don't believe the maxim that you have to bottom out to remain competitive. Nor do I think we have to keep topping up with established players every year.

If you can identify the best available talent in the draft (even with later picks), and maintain a a strong culture for young players to develop then you will stay on top of the pack.

I hate to say it but Collingwood are a team who in recent years have recruited exceptionally well (albeit with 1 down season to get Thomas and Pendlbury) and developed their youngsters well.

Richmond are an example of how not to do it!

[Triple B]

If the choice is:

(a) Make the finals 11 of the next 13 seasons, play in 3 GF's and win 1 premiership......or

(b) Bottom out, finish in the bottom 4 for 2-3 seasons, climb up the ladder, make a finals series, win the next 2 flags then slip back down to the bottom and start again.

I'll take option (a) thanks. It's the option that's given me great pleasure over the past 13 years.

[JC 14]

I hate watching the boys loose period. I think most people on the forum would take a finals appearance over finishing on the bottom.

We have had enough of that when i was growing up in the early 90s, we need to milk this successful period for as long as we can (even if these days might be numbered)

[caj23]

We have had enough of that when i was growing up in the early 90s, we need to milk this successful period for as long as we can (even if these days might be numbered)

Here here, anyone who suffered through the late 80's and early 90's as a swans supporter would never like to go back to those days - even for a season

[#73]

Here here, anyone who suffered through the late 80's and early 90's as a swans supporter would never like to go back to those days - even for a season

Bloody Oath.

I love the fact that the Swans do not consider bottoming out to 'rebuild'. I never ever want the Club to come out and say 'we're in a rebuilding phase'. It's just plain wrong.

The AFL draft system is an evil, corrupt, contemptible thing that awards failure and punishes success.

The Swans should never morally lower themselves to take advantage of that fact.

Screw the draft.

[liz]

Personally, I'd hate to see Hawthorn win this week as it will be a vindication of the bottoming out strategy.

Yes, yes, yes.

I'm bored of the Cats domination and I'd love to see them toppled. But I'll be barracking for them long and loud this Saturday for exactly this reason.

[Plugger46]

I'll take option (a) thanks. It's the option that's given me great pleasure over the past 13 years.

Likewise.

[laughingnome]

My sentiments equal option A as well. The sad thing is, bottoming out works. I have no doubt that Carlton will be a serious contender in coming years owing to their many years in the cellar after their punishment concluded. Likewise Hawthorn bled their list dry, dropping all but 10 players over 3 years to "breed" a successful club.

[DeadlyAkkuret]

My sentiments equal option A as well. The sad thing is, bottoming out works. I have no doubt that Carlton will be a serious contender in coming years owing to their many years in the cellar after their punishment concluded. Likewise Hawthorn bled their list dry, dropping all but 10 players over 3 years to "breed" a successful club.

How many examples can you give us

[ROK Lobster]

I think we should bottom out and clean out from the fan list all the bandwagoners and NARFs the follow success.

[reigning premier]

I think we should bottom out and clean out from the fan list all the bandwagoners and NARFs the follow success.

Yeah but then you get crushed in the stampede of stupidity when we do start winning as they jump on board again.

[humphrey bear]

Its a fallacy that Hawthorn bottomed out and spent years stock piling top 10 draft picks. They were only in the bottom four for two years.(2004/5)

They only have 5 Top 10 draft selections play in the Preliminary final last Saturday.

The first of the Top 10 selections is Hodge when Hawthorn Croad to Freo for Pick no 1in 2001. That year they made the prelim final so werent perched at the foot of the table.

2004 they had a bad year but had a killing in the draft with Franklin, Roughead & Lewis.

The other top 10 pick is Ellis who is a chance to miss out this week as Tom Murphy will come back in to pick up S Johnson or Chapman.

The real bonus for Hawthorn was smart trading in off loading Thompson, Hay and Lonie who were all useless for good picks, finding very good players like Mitchell & Sewell in the rookie list and being lucky that when they were down the bottom in 2004 Richmond picked the wrong blokes.

[annew]

Interesting that Cooney is the first Number 1 draft pick to win the Brownlow. I would rather be competitive every year than have to bottom out. Besides bottoming out still has not been proven to be that successful - one flag does not prove that it is successful.

[TheMase]

Yes, yes, yes.

I'm bored of the Cats domination and I'd love to see them toppled. But I'll be barracking for them long and loud this Saturday for exactly this reason.

I concur as well.