The performances of the young GWS Giants team in the newly formed NEAFL Eastern Conference have been impressive. It gives an idea of where the team is at regarding their development.
Results have been largely successful. They have dominated the Gold Coast reserves yet were dominated by the Sydney Swans reserves. A bit of mixed bag but there is genuine class amongst the group. At the moment they sit second on the ladder.
This year the team has consisted of predominantly 18 year olds. Remaining as they are there would no doubt they will get flogged and hurt badly when upgraded to the AFL. GWS has a great skeleton but lacking the spine of mature key position players.
Recruitment is important. GWS is allowed certain concessions to lure players from other clubs. Just about any player coming off contract has been speculated for a move. I overheard an official saying, “don’t believe everything you hear in the media” in regards to the signing of AFL players. Time will tell. Right now they van talk but not put pen to paper until the end of the season
But whom can they get? I don’t see much use going for players that are merely disgruntled by their former club. These players wont have the drive to do well and will be chasing the cash. Their bad attitude will leave the club worse off and lighter in the pocket.
Admittedly, the Gold Coast probably has a greater geographical appeal, the coast, sun, sand, surf, etc. But GWS has Kevin Sheedy. Most would aspire to play under him. I was excited just to get a photo with him.
I wont be surprised if GWS recruits heavily from the strong second tier competitions such as the VFL, SANFL and WAFL. Plenty of keen, skilful players with mature strong bodies.
A word on Israel Folau. Can kick, can mark, but too often seems lost in the forward line and needs to improve his talk and his work rate. He has time on his side too.
Look forward to the interesting news come September and October. Not forgetting the draft in November.
This year the team has consisted of predominantly 18 year olds. Remaining as they are there would no doubt they will get flogged and hurt badly when upgraded to the AFL. GWS has a great skeleton but lacking the spine of mature key position players.
Recruitment is important. GWS is allowed certain concessions to lure players from other clubs. Just about any player coming off contract has been speculated for a move. I overheard an official saying, “don’t believe everything you hear in the media” in regards to the signing of AFL players. Time will tell. Right now they van talk but not put pen to paper until the end of the season
But whom can they get? I don’t see much use going for players that are merely disgruntled by their former club. These players wont have the drive to do well and will be chasing the cash. Their bad attitude will leave the club worse off and lighter in the pocket.
Admittedly, the Gold Coast probably has a greater geographical appeal, the coast, sun, sand, surf, etc. But GWS has Kevin Sheedy. Most would aspire to play under him. I was excited just to get a photo with him.
I wont be surprised if GWS recruits heavily from the strong second tier competitions such as the VFL, SANFL and WAFL. Plenty of keen, skilful players with mature strong bodies.
A word on Israel Folau. Can kick, can mark, but too often seems lost in the forward line and needs to improve his talk and his work rate. He has time on his side too.
Look forward to the interesting news come September and October. Not forgetting the draft in November.
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