Rookie Replacement for Craig Bolton

[top40]

Does anyone know if the Club has announced a rookie replacement for the now retired Craig Bolton? If so who?

If not, who is likely?
-Ben Haren. He is a forward, but at 196cm could convert to a tall defender. Just turned 18 in recent months.
-Eugene Kruger. Don't know much about him except he has South African background, and that he is 183cm and just turned 20.
-Chris McKaigue. Irish boy. 187cm and seen as a defensive prospect. 'Mature' at 22 next July.
-Dyan McNeill. Named in a recent All-Australian after the under-18 championship. However, he is a mid-fielder, and quite short.
-Max Otten. Also had a recent 18th birthday. Tall (190cm), key defender. Brother plays for Adelaide.


My tip if it is relevant: Chris McKaigue, followed by Max Otten.

[stellation]

I wondered the same thing- but they don't have to name them immediately, do they? I appreciate we seem to have named them quickly in the past, but if they don't have to name them straight away I'd prefer the club waited until they had to because I don't think there's an obvious standout.

[Primmy]

Have been thinking about this. I understand CMcK has come along very well and would be in contention. However at this stage, having watched him for a couple of years, I would sign Dill. He is small granted, but he is quick and quick between the ears as well. Think Benny. He gets my nod first up.

I do like Ben Haren though. But he has a way to go. Persisent, and will eventually have the right build, but would not get a gig for some time. So no point.

[Mike_B]

I wondered the same thing- but they don't have to name them immediately, do they? I appreciate we seem to have named them quickly in the past, but if they don't have to name them straight away I'd prefer the club waited until they had to because I don't think there's an obvious standout.

Agreed, there is a spot open, but not one that needs to be filled immediately. I would imagine the club will look at these players' form early in the season and if they feel one of them is up to senior level, promote them, but otherwise just leave that spot open till the appropriate time.

[top40]

Of course Nick Malcecski, even though foreseen to be back by Round 8, could have a temporary rookie replacement.

[ugg]

Of course Nick Malcecski, even though foreseen to be back by Round 8, could have a temporary rookie replacement.

Still early days and we are doing okay with our talls but keep an eye out for Ben Haren. Impressed today

[liz]

Still early days and we are doing okay with our talls but keep an eye out for Ben Haren. Impressed today

Haren was good but he's very raw and unco. We'd need a major spate of injuries to our big men for him to get a look in this season I reckon.

Dylan McNeil was also very good today and I'd have thought he is the most likely of our rookies to get a senior game this year, though of those who played today, Parker and Bird would probably be well ahead of him in the queue.

[ugg]

Haren was good but he's very raw and unco. We'd need a major spate of injuries to our big men for him to get a look in this season I reckon.

Dylan McNeil was also very good today and I'd have thought he is the most likely of our rookies to get a senior game this year, though of those who played today, Parker and Bird would probably be well ahead of him in the queue.

In what way would you say Haren is unco? He moves very well for someone listed at 196cm, showed some footy smarts with his decision making, most of his marks today weren't gimmes. He kicked a beauty last week which I thought was a tad lucky bu then he proves me wrong by kicking an even better one today. I agree that McNeil is firmly in pole position but after today Haren has moved up a few rungs on my ladder. Last year Sam Reid made people sit up and take notice with five goals in an early reserves game and I think many then would have said he's still too raw. While I wouldn't say it was an equivalent performance today by Haren he certainly showed a few things

[liz]

In what way would you say Haren is unco?

Maybe unco isn't quite the right word. He just looks to me like someone who hasn't quite grown into his body yet. Though he does move well for a big bloke, he doesn't always time his runs very well. Right from the start, Reid looked like a very smooth mover (though I wouldn't have predicted how quickly he developed last year).

I really liked what I saw from Haren today, after being nonplussed last week (and remember, I skipped out on the final term). He seems to have the raw attributes that mean he might develop into a senior player. But very few 196cm players get to play senior footy in their first seasons, let alone ones taken in the 2nd round of the rookie draft. Impossible to make predictions after just a couple of outings against pretty ordinary opposition, but I find it hard to see him playing senior footy this year unless we become really desperate.

[dimelb]

If Haren is unco like LRT, sign him for the next five years immediately!

[GongSwan]

were not going to start bagging LRT again are we? I think he's had his share

[dimelb]

we're not going to start bagging LRT again are we? I think he's had his share

I wasn't bagging LRT, he's my favourite Swan with Mickey O gone. In fact I was referring to the mention of the tall, 'unco' backman Haren, and I will be delighted if he turns out to match LRT's achievements.

[Primmy]

Benny isn't unco (Gong, you don't understand Mr D's dry sense of humour!), he is still very young, and he is working his butt off. He would be a good contender.

An older player (surprisingly) is Dylan McNeil, who would be my first option. In and under, and ready for the elevation.

HOWever, as we don't actually have to elevate a rookie at this stage, it would be worth everyone's while to wait and see.

a) The spot is open and it would make all rookies work that much harder to be in contention this year. A carrot so to speak and just reward when the time comes.
b) The right bloke for the right reason is better than just filling in the numbers.
c) They wouldn't be paying seniors wages and that is a number crunching decision as well.

I don't think Dyl would make a backman. I think Benny Haren would make himself into a backman or mid or forward, whatever it took. I predict a senior spot sooner rather than later.

[wedge.maverick]

Am I missing something but what about Nathan Gordon?

[ugg]

Am I missing something but what about Nathan Gordon?

I've found it's a common misconception that Gordon is on the senior list. It must be related to his promotion last year, but since he wasn't selected at the end of the national draft like Pyke was, he's still on the rookie list.