I hope we lose the last 2 games in 2007 in preference for Selection 1 (Priority Pick) and Selection 3 (1st Round Pick).
In 2005, both Collingwood and Hawthorn didn't win meaningless games near seasons end, to avoid 2 early picks, in preference for 4 meaningless premiership points. Look at where they are now on the ladder. In 2005, Collingwood gained Thomas and Pendulbury with picks 2 & 5, whilst Hawthorn gained Ellis and Thorpe with picks 3 & 6.
In 2005 the Afl were thinking about changing the eligibility of the priority pick, but chose not to (because Collingwood were near the bottom). However in 2006, when Collingwood rose up the ladder and Carlton finished last, the AFL didn't hesitate to change the eligibility of the priority pick to over a 2 year period. This meant that in 2006 we gained Selection 1 (1st Round Pick) and Selection 17 (Priority Pick), instead of Selection 1 (Priority Pick) and Selection 3 (1st Round Pick), as Essendon* would have had Selection 2.
After the AFL screwed us in 2002, 2003 and 2006, in 2007 we have to make the most of the draft and gain Selections 1 & 3. I believe that this will be our last chance for a while to gain an early priority pick, as from 2008, I think we will rise up the ladder.
We are in desperate need for a young A-Grade ruckman and at Pick 1, we will have the chance to draft Matthew Kreuzer. His performances over 2006 and 2007 in the under age competion is outstanding. He is an All-Australian ruckman, who is a good tap ruckman with great agility and pace for a big man. He is constantly in the best players for Northern Knights and on the weekend 18/08/07 he dominated. Refer to link below for details.
http://reg.sportingpulse.com/olr_v3/rpt ... ID=8&ext=1
Many will argue that we have Aisake, Jacobs and Hampson. But all 3 players are project players. Aisake is from a non-aussie rules background, Hampson is from a soccer background and Jacobs is only a rookie listed player.
But with Kreuzer we are guaranteed a 10 year A-Grade ruckman with height 199cm and potentially still growing.
After our bad performances over 2005, 2006 and 2007, at the 2007 draft I believe we will have our last chance at gaining an early priority pick, and potentially gaining our next premiership ruckman in Matthew Kreuzer. To lose this opportunity for 4 meaningless premiership points would be devasting.
After a good draft in 2007, from 2008 onwards it's PAYBACK time for the AFL and all the 15 other Afl clubs that supported the AFL on it's handling of the salary cap sanctions of 2002.
GO BLUES
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