CK wrote:The big question Geelong have to look at here, is looking toward the future. They are, by no means, an old team, but wouldn't want to make the mistake that Essendon did in 2000 and arguably, Port Adelaide in 2004, by keeping blanket faith in the same list and refusing to let anyone meaningful go, for the sake of sentimentality.
Losing Ablett - and for what its worth, I find it hard to find enough reasons for him NOT to go (in terms of having achieved virtually everything he can there, apart from the captaincy) - could be a chance for them to pick up a very good younger player in return. This depends, of course, on what the AFL deem will be suitable compensation in these scenarios. Given they will finish high again this year - most likely a flag - they wouldn't get a very high pick (which will be largely a moot point anyway, given Gold Coast's concessions). This is a real chance for them to, as REB said, keep much of their fabric, bring in a top youngster to build into a top player in time and keep the list quietly regenerating to keep the dynasty going as long as possible.
Also, as mentioned, there are some disturbing "me, me" signs creeping into his game this year with some petulant on-field behaviour. I wonder, deep down, what some of the playing group feel about that.
We have let go King, Mumford, Prismall, Playfair, Davenport in recent years and introduced Hawkins (2007), Hogan (2009), Selwood (2007), Varcoe (2007), Duncan (2010), Taylor (2008) and a few others. While they are not all walk up starts at the moment some are and most will be. We have been turning over our list continuously however it will be hard to replace them all when their time comes.
As for Gazza's "petulant" behaviour, he was like that earlier in his career and only in the last couple years has he curbed it. I hate seeing it but it is nothing new.
