I don’t recall saying Dutchy and Ryan are, or were ever intended to be, ‘like for like’ players. That’s just being disingenuous.
We can also wax lyrical in theoretical-land about the what if’s when it comes to who should’ve been retained vs who was let go at the end of ‘16.
My point is, from a purely list size perspective, Dutchy’s spot was ultimately filled by Ryan.
I, too, would’ve let a few go before Dutchy but it is what it is.
It’s not like we swapped Dutchy for a Deluca-type - who was also taken with pick 60-something - who promised a lot but delivered little.
Unfortunately I don’t think Dutchy will ever reach the heights of the GF he played with us the way the expansion teams like GWS are haemorrhaging talent. If Shiel goes as mooted, Dutchy might find himself getting a bit more attention than just the 4th or 5th best midfielder/defender that he currently does.