I think Banfield has earnt a spot as that 22nd man at the moment but let's not go too far talking him up. He's 24, not a kid on the rise and is about the player he will always be. he's had so many chances over many years to establish himself. If we're competing now, he's an ok forward who has had a couple of good games this season with many where he hasn't impacted. His versatility to play different roles has allowed him to do well as the sub.
I'm happy for him to be in the 22 and he should be this week but he is also a fringe player who has not locked a position down in the side. If we weren't challenging for a premiership late in the season then I'd absolutely be calling for games in the young blokes who need the experience and to learn what's required at AFL level like Erasmus, O'Driscoll, Sturt, Johnson and Western.
On a separate but related point, I've been incredibly surprised at how safe a position Colyer has had in the side all season given his very limited output. That Colyer was offered a 1yr extension on the back of his performances this season but we can't get another year out of Mundy has me baffled.
