I know it is only early days yet but we have had a couple of kids debut this year with no experience at AFL level and the thing that has struck me is that they look like they understand what is required to make an impact in the AFL.

You would expect a Kruezer to make an impact on raw ability.
Browne did not look out of place last week and although fitness got the better of him in the end you could see the way he played he had a fair understanding of his role and what was going on.
Ellard plays tonight and he is another player who has not been in the AFL system until this year. It will be interesting to see what impact he has and whether he looks like he understands what is happening around him.
I just keeping thinking about Simmo's first few games and he just looked like he had no idea what was going on and that perhaps his impact was limited due to education rather than ability because we all know he has plenty of ability.

I agree things look a lot better with our young guys these days.

Its important to remember its not a race. Its about building players to play 100-200 games not players that look good early but dont improve. Its about flags not who can have the most players in there team under 20. Not which team has the most first gamers each week.

Go Blues !

Bower has come on this year also. Probably as much confidence, and the faith Ratts is showing in them.

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"I had to eat"

I recall Teaguey or Skinny saying that there development roles really begins when the actual season commences, that preseason was dedicated to learning the new game plan.

Im sure as the season progresses you will see difference.

Navy Blue horse wrote



That's right! So has Russell improved in size and confidence...just needs a little more work. As mentioned it's not a race.

It's great that the Bullants and Blues have a bit of synergy and as a result continuity in sending the same message re game plan of the Ratts regime.

One thing about the new game plan is it involves more players in a cohesive manner rather than bomb it long. It means more players are involved with more possessions which give them a better feel for the game.

We have to move the ball a bit faster out of defense and that'll come with the backline gelling. Injuries aren't helping out in that area.

We have to become more aware of other options/ avenues to goal other than Fev. That'll come as the players learn more about their team mates as well as confidence they will gain as the adapt to the requirements of the new game plan.

Imagine what a great team we'll be when tonights list are on the same page as the injured players/ stars like Walker, Thornton, Houlihan, Bannister, Hartlett, Hadley come back into the team. We'' have sound depth.

With injuries, although not great news, there are some positives we can take from them, especially for a team in a development year; opportunity to learn the AFL/ Carlton game.

Things can only get better.

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Everyone looks good in Navy Blue