Almanac Footy: Mid-season footy club reviews (a bit late, but…) – Part 4

And so for the final part of mid-season reviews.

 

St Kilda

 

St Kilda’s lack of depth in the mid-field has seen them fall below expectation. We predicted 14th to 10th, they are currently 15th.
They have a very strong defence, and Caminiti has proven an excellent replacement for the injured Howard.
They have good depth in their key forwards. King has been injured, Caminiti went back, but Sharman has stepped up.
However, they lack depth in their mid-fielders, cannot rotate their mid-fielders effectively, and consequently cannot run out four quarters against better clubs.
The midfield is the area the Sainters need to invest to improve their future.

 

 

Sydney

 

Sydney are another disappointing team this season.
They have had injuries – Mills, Gulden, Papley, Cunningham, Amartey, and others.
Also, they have a new coach, Cox, so it takes some time for established players to get used to him.
Maybe it’s their lack of big-bodied mid-fielders.
Maybe their ageing group – Lloyd, Rampe, Melican, Adams, Hamling, and Cunningham – might have played one season too long. It hits quickly!
We hope the mighty Bloods recover, but if the clock has moved too far, it may take some time.

 

 

West Coast Eagles

 

One only has to compare the West Coast team from before the season to the mid-season team to see the changing expectations.
The changing players indicates a team in transition. Looking at that big gap in the developing section, 22-24yo, across all height groups, indicate that it will be years before West Coast is ready to climb. And McQualter becomes the sacrificial lamb. Hopefully Matt Clark can restore the list for him.

 

 

Western Bulldogs

 

Interesting that the Bulldogs won a premiership in 2016, the Coasters won a premiership in 2018, yet the Bulldogs look in a much better position.
The Bulldogs have depth in nearly everyone of their height groups. They do lack for taller mediums, 186-189cms, but they compensate with more smaller mediums, 181-185cms, and mobile talls, 190-194cms.
It is refreshing to see list managers being honest with veterans, like Liam Jones, and putting time and games into O’Donnell.
The Bulldogs are rewarded for it.

 

 

Mid-season Conclusion

 

Most of the predictions are fairly well in order. Clearly, Gold Coast, Adelaide and Collingwood are doing better than expected. While Port Adelaide, Sydney and Carlton are doing worse. That’s with a handful of games to go. Good luck to those with short term aims in September. Also, good luck to those whose aims are longer term.
For those teams at the top, genuinely competing for the flag, it may be worth filling one or two holes, if the cost is not too great.
Remember, flags on grand final day are never assured, but you can prepare thoroughly for them by good list management.
Never sacrifice your future for today. Time does roll on.

 

Cheers.

 

 

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