Noel, I don't really understand your posting. If I'm reading it correctly - and I may not be - you want me to name the players who will replace those in our current squad.!!!??? How can I do that? Well, I could say Ballantyne, Young, Roberts, etc... but it would make no sense - or as much sense as your question.

I'm saying this current squad is ordinary. Its up to the Club to decide who to recruit. I am powerless to recruit anyone - as much as I'd like to. What I am convinced of, is that unless we recruit well we won't improve nearly as much as you and some other chatboarders think we will.

Getting a good coach is only half the issue. As both Pagan at Carlton and Todd when he returned to Swans in 2000 can testify. Both Premiership coaches of the highest standards, but with very ordinary playing lists to work they led their teams to - Pagan : 15th, 11th, and the wooden spoon. Todd: to 6th and 2 wooden spoons. Even the best coaches need the cattle.

I hope you and zmans are right about the 'true' playing strength at the Club, for if you are not right, then Micale or no Micale we will not challenge for a top spot. Getting 2 or 3 AFL draftees will help, but if left at that I can't see us improving markedly at all.