GWS aren't as well prepared as Gold Coast were.

tomoleary · Joined: 03 Jun 2003 Location: Rosanna

Have to admit that I truly thought Gold Coast would do better than finish last this year.

Having said that I can't see any possibility of GWS not finishing last in 2012.

Gold Coast got a year in the VFL which is a reasonable league. When I was in Sydney for the Collingwood - Swans game, I went and had a look at GWS play Balconnen in the 'whatever that league's called.' Anyway, compared to the VFL the Canberra league is of a very low standard. To be honest the first thing I noticed was the lack of pressure and more particularly the lack of tackling from both sides. It was a very soft and lackluster game.

I also still think the mature players Gold Coast picked up are much better players than GWS already have, even if Tom Scully is included in their raid. I personally don't rate Callan Ward as highly as Michael Rischitelli, Rhys Palmer isn't even in Fremantle's best 22 and Phil Davis is a highly injury prone player that's only played 18 games or something.

Add to all this the fact that Guy McKenna seems a well rounded, intelligent bloke. While Kevin Sheedy, although brilliant in the past, seems a senile old fool, that seems to have lost touch with the modern game.

I think that given the standard of footy most of their kids and (Israel Falou) are used to, they'll be hammered into submission by every other side in 2012.

tomoleary · Joined: 03 Jun 2003 Location: Rosanna

I've even noticed that most seem to believe Izzy Falou will do better than Karmichael did in the AFL.

Again, Karmichael played VFL for a season and came up against many AFL listed players. Falau has kicked a couple of bags of 5 goals in a sub-standard, back water league: 'whoop-de-doo.' I think Izzy is due for a big wake up call when he steps up to AFL level.

woftam · Posted: Thu Sep 08, 2011 8:05 am

I think they will do better than Gold Coast did this year.
The Suns spent a lot of their allocated funds to lure out of contract players on Abblett. The Giants are spreading theirs around more. I think they also plan on bringing in a few veterans for experience. I'd expect there are still a few announcements to come regarding player signings. Scully will be one but they still have 12 months to sign more.

Damien · Posted: Thu Sep 08, 2011 8:40 am

Given that GWS seem to be about to sign Brogan, Cornes and Power for 12 months to protect the kids, surely they'd do the same with Fevola. They'd get him for minimum wage and he'd kick 60 at least. He'd be just the sort of gorilla that you'd want on the field around all those young bodies and he'd be on his best behaviour off-field by now surely.

burnsy17 · Joined: 10 Aug 2003

I think they will do better than the GC.

Brogan, Cornes, Power, Ward, Palmer, Davis and potentially Scully and a couple of others to protect their kids.

tomoleary · Joined: 03 Jun 2003 Location: Rosanna

Even if their mature players are as good or slightly better, their young players won't be anywhere nearly prepared.

The Gold Coast got a season in the VFL, GWS's young kids have had a season in the soft, sub-standard N.E.A.F.L.. When they enter the AFL next year which is 10 or 20 times more physical they'll get physically smashed.

I'm surprised some of you are rating Scully, Ward, Phil Davis, Palmer, Brogan and Chad Cornes over Ablett, Rischitelli, Bock, Harbrow, Campbell Brown and Josh Fraser.

tomoleary · Joined: 03 Jun 2003 Location: Rosanna

I think GWS chose publicity (playing a practice season in Sydney) over player development (playing in a decent league).

I think they'll rue that decision in 2012.

Brenny · Joined: 05 Apr 2011 Location: Westpac Centre

They can't get Brogan and Cornes.

They can only take one then the other has to be done via the draft or traded. Provided another club doesn't take one.

I'm going to loathe GWS more than Carlton/Essendon.

There is something about them. I hate them already.

tomoleary · Joined: 03 Jun 2003 Location: Rosanna

Sheedy?

Brenny · Joined: 05 Apr 2011 Location: Westpac Centre

^ I think so Wink

Macedonian Marvel #35 · Joined: 21 Apr 2009 Location: Mornington Peninsula

Didn't brogan retire?

Jezza · 2023 PREMIERS! Joined: 05 Sep 2010 Location: Ponsford End

Brenny · Joined: 05 Apr 2011 Location: Westpac Centre

^ Barry Hall.

burnsy17 · Joined: 10 Aug 2003

I hear Jordan Russell might be heading to GWS as well.

Not that i rate him.

The Prototype · Posted: Thu Sep 08, 2011 11:31 am

Falou seems to be more interested in playing in the AFL, then Hunt was Falou has done the hard yards in the lower leagues with his club and I reckon he will be the first successful convert. I think Hunt was serious in a way as well, but I think he was rushed a little too much to be into the side.

GWS does seem to be a tad bit of a rabble at the moment, Gold Coast got to play in a semi-decent league against tough opponents. GWS seemed to play in a step down from the VFL and against semi-decent opponents.

Though GWS are looking at more experienced bodies something GC didn't do too much of, I mean they did get Fraser to protect Smith, but GWS are looking at adding a few other faces.

That'll be the key for the GWS over time I reckon adding some experience and giving them coaching roles as well to help mentor their young kids.