Sticks seems to have imposed his will. Apparently McKenna and Bond are both being interviewed prior to Wednesday. As soon as that formality is out of the way, then Ratts will get the gig for 3 years. The logic behind this is that with the job secured, then he can concentrate on 2008. The instruction will be to rest anybody slightly injured and anybody moreso to be booked into surgery ending their seasons. Simply play all the fringe kids and duds for the remaining rounds. Round 22 will see us with Teague, McLaren, Raso, Hampson, Flint, Young, Benjamin, Austin etc. lining up in the ones.
We couldn't possibly beat the Dees with half a reserves side, could we?
You can take it to the bank that there will be some strange matchups if we enter r22 on 4 wins.
If Ratts gets the nod earlier than expected, then he is secure and will want the best possible list for 2008 and beyond.
My mail is that #7 could be appointed this week, maybe as early as Wednesday, but probably a Press Conference called on Thursday.
Heard an interesting snippet about Pago Pago. He not only endorsed Ratts for the role, but said that his training drills are some of the best he had seen from a AC in years. He also said that Ratts had enormous respect from the players. He will be the first to congratulate him if appointed.
I heard about a big play by the Bulldogs to get Fev, no matter what it takes. They are currently talking to Sticky Ickey about a first round draft pick plus a quality midfielder. I hear that WC are prepared to lose Hurn, Rosa or Glass plus a pick, but the Dogs should have more currency. Be prepared for a bidding war, particularly if another club enters the fray. We could demand and get 2 first rounders plus a good player or 1 first rounder plus 2 good players.
This all adds up to something like Picks: 1, 3 or 4, 8, 11, 20, 36 plus a Hurn or Hahn or Glass.
Watch this space!
