2006

James · Mon Sep 19, 2005 11:53 am

Okay. Thinking about this year is depressing me, so here's a thread for the future.

In The Age today Bellamy said 2006 will be a rebuilding year for us, which is code for 'don't expect us to make the finals', I think. I guess that's a fair enough assesment considering we're losing the two players that direct us most around the field in Ox and Kearns. However, with so many players under 25, each year we'll be getting better and better in other facets. Barring injury, these players will all be better footballers next year simply because they are yet to reach their physical peak: Slater, Inglis, Smith, Johnson, Cronk, Hoffman, Kaufusi, Steve Turner, Webster, King, White. Kidwell, hopefully will step up like he has in the last month. Crocker'll be an asset. Scott will remain strong. I'm not sure about Geyer and Hill, but if they play at this year's level that'll be fine.

We need someone to step up and provide leadership so that the skills inherent in the team can come through. I honestly don't know if any of the current group of players can do this, which is a worry.

Is it possible to sleep for six months?

Mon Sep 19, 2005 12:01 pm

Don't polar bears do?

Dani_ · Mon Sep 19, 2005 12:03 pm

the withdrawal is already killing me...

Mike_The_Undertaker · Mon Sep 19, 2005 12:06 pm

Despite losing Kearns I belive that we now have the forward power to go futher than we did this year.

Bloody oath we should make the finals. We just have to play to a different game plan.

Mon Sep 19, 2005 12:43 pm

we most definatley will have different game plans..it wil be a new halves combo...so the team will have to revolve around how cronk plays or how bellamy wants cronk to play. Its definately a rebuilding year...only coz of the new players..but i honestly believe we have a strong side to get into the finals. Our forwards will be a bit bigger with ben cross and the other guys...and white and kaufusi have played good this year so they are only going to get better(also scott will have a full season)...our back row will be awesome with crocker coming...if the forwards give cronk enough space and time to do what he has been asked to do then you cannot ask for anything more from the team. oh and lets not forget inglis in the starting team!!!YIIPPPE

bula · Mon Sep 19, 2005 12:54 pm

We should make the finals on the back of our forward pack and our lethal backs, just depends on Cronk and Hill and how our Captain (who ever it is) leads us around the park.

MONY · Mon Sep 19, 2005 4:04 pm

with greggie in the centres week in week out, our back 5 will be better than this years IMO.

Slater - Try Freak
King and Inglis - two big strong and quick centres like Gasnier and Cooper
Webster/Turner/Geyer - All quick guys who can score a try.

im liking this 2006 year.

steaming stormer · Mon Sep 19, 2005 4:33 pm

I think we will be fighting for a 5-8 spot next year. I think it will take a while to get used to the new halves combinations as well as life without Kearns.

We will still be in the hunt for the finals, and 2007 we will push again. IMO, that would be a great year to win it actually, as we have the new stadium in 08, and that would enable us to build on any success we can have

Mon Sep 19, 2005 4:40 pm

what things do you think we should change for next year to make take us that one step further?

i reckon discipline needs fixing...not alot..but we did give away alot of stupid penalties...mainly kidwell tho.

Mike_The_Undertaker · Mon Sep 19, 2005 4:42 pm

KINGY wrote:what things do you think we should change for next year to make take us that one step further?

i reckon discipline needs fixing...not alot..but we did give away alot of stupid penalties...mainly kidwell tho.

Dunno about change but I hope we have as few injuries next year as this year.

lotti · Mon Sep 19, 2005 4:55 pm

Kearns will be coaching, Orford, Bell and Chan are off elsewhere(I'm happy about Orford and Bell's move woo hoo I still get to support them but that Alexander Chan). We've still got Billy, Cam, King, Geyer, local boy Jake. Cooper and Greg will be in the run on side. All is not lost there is life after Robbie, Ox, Belly and Chan.

Mon Sep 19, 2005 4:57 pm

lotti wrote:Kearns will be coaching, Orford, Bell and Chan are off elsewhere(I'm happy about Orford and Bell's move woo hoo I still get to support them but that Alexander Chan). We've still got Billy, Cam, King, Geyer, local boy Jake. Cooper and Greg will be in the run on side. All is not lost there is life after Robbie, Ox, Belly and Chan.

and robinson

lotti · Mon Sep 19, 2005 4:59 pm

forgot about Robbo.

Mon Sep 19, 2005 4:59 pm

Hopefully the injuries don't have as much impact as this year though. We've done relatively well compared to previous seasons and other teams this year but losing Kearns at the crucial end of the season really hurt.

steaming stormer · Mon Sep 19, 2005 5:01 pm

I think the thing we needed to change was to add some size. We have done that, but with young guys who will take a year or two to get used to the grind of week in week out front row work.

This year will really help White and Kafusi. I think White is a real goer, and Kafusi has the potential to be anything in a couple of years.

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2006