With Gibbs going back to defense, the only real elite class we have on-ball is Murphy and Judd.

Doesn't really stack up against the other top sides who have 3 or 4 topliners on-ball.

Or will someone on the list already emerge in coming years??

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It's a small world, but I wouldn't want to paint it

You can never have enough quality mids can you VB?
Is that where Eddie's future lies...or do we put Gibbs there..and develop Lucas and White, as well as picking up a tough Full Back as others have suggested?

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That’s not a political statement — it’s a harsh reality, and we must act,” she said. “He is a clear and present danger to the things that keep us strong and free. I support impeachment.”

It's a midfielder's game now.

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"We used to sit around and talk about how bad the game plan was." Anthony Koutoufides

You can never have too many.

People don't seem to realise how much structures change not only week to week but during a game.

Gibbs has gone into the midfield at times.

In that regard, a half back with good skills and decision making would free Gibbs up a little and be just as important as a class midfielder.

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"The ability to speak doesn't make you intelligent." Qui-Gon Jinn 15-05-2005

"there’s more chance of me becoming the full forward for the [Western Bulldogs] than there is of any change in the Labor Party." Julia Gillard 18-05-2010

Boakey

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Bawditawaba

I think we have been single mindedly chasing mid fielders for far too long and have left our backline without any real depth. I understand that the game has changed but ALL the successful teams have had strong backlines as well as good midfields and our history is full of great teams that the attack was generated by skillfull and hard half back flankers, Doull, Hunter Dean and so many more. We have mid fielders that are developing and if we are fortunate enough to get a full season out of Mclean next year that may be the difference we need. It is imperitive we get that third tall in the backline to allow Bower to play the loose atttacking role we know he can do so well. Waite needs to be left at FF as I am confident with consistancy he will become a 60+ goal kicker especially as Hendo continues to develop as a CHF and with the ruckman resting up forward we could be extremely potent up forward with the mosquito fleet there for the crumbs but they need to get front and centre more often than they are now! We have some good trade bait available hopefully the MC use it well and get a quality 24-26 YO KPP backman.

We need at least one more class midfielder. The question is what is the priority the 2 key position backman, the one young key position forward or the midfielder.

I personally would offer up Eddie Betts and our second rounder to West Coast for their pick 4.

I would too Doc, but they'd laugh in our faces.
That deal would probably get us a pick in the 9-12 range, definately not top 4..
Bower, Betts, 3rd rounder for pick 4 and McKinley maybe

Betts and our 1st pick for their 1st pick and Mckinley?

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STURDYISM!!

True that you can never have too many midfielders. And I would be happy for another.
However, I would prefer a solid backman at the moment.

I also think we have more midfielders than it appears. Those who currently play strong midfield roles: Judd, Murphy, Kruezer, Simpson, Gibbs, Carrazzo, Grigg, Hadley (Gibbs does play there a fair bit through the games....) Those who can step up to a role rotating through the midfield: Walker, Betts, McLean, Lucas, Yarran, Joseph and even Garlett. and that's not including those who may come through from Bullants (eg. Touhy).
Several of our forwards and backs can play mid. Geelong has about 8 top class midfielders but they rotate through: Chapman was considered a half forward until recently, Ablett was a small forward for his first 5 or 6 years. Selwood and Ling are probably the only 2 who stay mid the whole time. Even Ablett has been going forward lately.

Our problem is that, of those capable, only Judd & Murphy (& maybe Simpson) stand up in that role consistently. At Geelong, whoever is called in stands up immediately.

yep..or you could read my post.

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That’s not a political statement — it’s a harsh reality, and we must act,” she said. “He is a clear and present danger to the things that keep us strong and free. I support impeachment.”

Don't discount Kade Simpson.

He may not be an on baller but he is class mid all the same. I would argue he's one of our most consistent

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Salopek, Rischitelli, Boack plus whoever. I would be chasing as many class mature midfielders with good disposal and decision making as possible that are under 24 years old and complete a full medical.

Can't have enough very good mids IMO!!!

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#NewBlues beginning 25th August 2015

Don't jump off Betts just because a couple of bad games. He adds more to Carlton than whatever Salopek or Pick number 4 can offer.

A huge stat is his goal assists, which he is currently 2nd in the entire competition - trailing the leader by one.

I also think he's good for Yarran and Garlett. They have a senior player they probably get along with really well and have great chemistry with on the field. Trade away Betts and who knows how it affects them, but the way they have progressed with him has been one of the stories of the season - why would you take the gamble?

I think we do need a class mid but not at the expense of a KPP. We can add to the midfield whenever, but KPPs need time to develop. Our backs are getting killed on forward entries. Tarrant would be good for 2 or 3 years - we need more Jarryd Waite's than anything IMO and he's a guy who can play both ends.

What's with the Boak mentions? I thought he re-signed with Port?

..you would, but you don't rate Betts for us.. ..yet somehow you reckon chucking in a 2nd rounder [we hate using these apparently] will make him worth pick4.. ..doesn't add up.. ..what's with your recent urge to get rid of bettsy..?..

..he's by far our best fowd, not just in goals but assists and tackles.. ..and he's very handy in the middle as well.. ..which means he's got use for the O.P..

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..if you can't be good, be good at it..

yup!

I totally aggree with this!


I didn't think we needed another mid but I must say I reckon were missing Lucas since he's been out. He was a ready replacement for Stevens. Looking forward to seeing him next year.

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"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit"
- Aristotle

Lucas?

Cachia will be 20 next year and pending on his finals outing should be promoted. Big pre season should make him improve quite alot...Neat skills with grunt and nice overhead.

Who doesnt like this sort of determination in a first year player?



I'm a big wrap for him - hope he comes through the ranks in good order.

Yes and no. The problem is that when this kind of thinking comes up, people take it to mean that we are given permission to throw the baby out with the bathwater. After all, aren't Lucas and what's-his-face supposed to help us in that area?

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Just because I'm offended, doesn't mean I'm wrong.