Good idea Morgan, we can trot this out when the revisionism hits in a few years time.
For posterity I will state:
1) I give Bell 11 anchors out of 10, he couldnt have done better. Rosich and Lyon for whatever their parts in this, full accolades too. If we are goin to bag them incessantly, lets give them accolades when they do good. To convert picks 5 and 6 into Colyer, Concha, Hogan, Lobb and pick 14 etc was brilliant.
2) I will also go on record right now that Lobb and Hogan will be better and have better careers than picks 5 and 6. Its a statistical probability that two known stars will be better than two possible stars.
3) I see the semblance of a plan. The focus on WA boys McCarthy, Matera, Hamling, Brad Hill, Hogan, Concha, Lobb, Colyer I LOVE. In an era where there seems to be no loyalty and players are traded like cattle this warms my heart and gives me some pride back. We seem to be the main club that started this focus although I see the South Australian clubs seem to be following suit now. Whilst Brayshaw and Cerra broke that mold, overall this focus on our WA lads has helped heal some of the disappointment of losing some other aspects of our identity over the last few years.
4) I have been a big advocate for two rucks and not using your centre half forward to help out in the ruck, especially when you have no forwards to begin with. The recruitment of Lobb is not only good talent wise but will be transformative in how we set up in the forward line. It should allow a seamless transition for Hodor to take over from Sandi throughout next year, with Lobb being the support act and creating mayhem when resting forward. Tabs and Hogan stationed permanently forward will be a sight for sore eyes.
5) Curtains:
for Roly: if Roly cant maintain a forward structure and coach proper leading patterns with Lobb, Tabs and Hogan iin the side then this will be telling. Ive given him the smallest remaining benefit of the doubt because we`ve only had crabs forward of the play. Now that excuse has gone and players should have confidence to go fast and direct to leading targets. Similarly if he does something stupid like play only one ruckman now they`ve recuited Lobb, then its curtains. And make no mistake, Bell will act if the problem is Roly.
6) Prediction: a) Bell will be just what we needed. He wont be everyones cup of tea but by the end of next year, even the Vics will respect him. There will be more articles painting him with Yoda ears or similar. b) we get Ian Hill and I agree with this. The fact he is a cousin of Brad and Stephen should be a factor and I welcome that sentiment. I think Bell will bring the sentiment back and its important.
7) Hope: I hope the medical staff get kicked out if we once again suffer another year ruined by soft tissue injuries.
