Going to be ugly at the Blues in about 2 years time

[Albert Parker]

Indications are that the Blues are looking at Paul Chapman, who managed 8 games this season and is the wrong side of 30.

Have managed to lose the guy who has probably been an AFL top 3 small forward of the past 5 years in Betts - as measured by goals and score involvement.

Up for trade are their first round picks from recent years - Josh Bootsma and Kane Lucas. Matthew Watson hasn't come on as they had hoped and can't get a game.

Paid overs for Daisy Thomas in an effort to revitialise a midfield which has Marc Murphy who has longevity but Judd, Carrazzo, McLean, Simpson who are all pushing it age wise.

Don't have a lot of quality young key position players (maybe Henderson) seemingly either.

Enter the draft this year after we'll have likely had 2 picks.

Mick's new club will be in serious trouble in 2 years time.

[Skids]

Isn't it great

How long .... how loooong

[Johnno75]

2 years hey.........They are close to a rabble now.

The Essendon saga gifted them a finals birth when they weren't good enough to make it on their own merits. Then a finals win against a finals infant that froze on the big stage has papered over many cracks. They were brutely exposed for class in the semi against the Swans.

Knowing them probably a lot of back slapping going on for finishing 6th.

[AN_Inkling]

Small forwards: they had too many in 2013, they were always going to let one go so they could strengthen their midfield. Betts for Thomas is a good move.

Chapman, if he is signed, is not to replace Betts but to bring in more experience and professionalism.

[BEAMER09]

How ironic making the 8, cheats went out and cheats came in...

[doriswilgus]

[AN_Inkling]

Thomas plays midfield, Betts doesn't. Which is the point. With Garlett and Yarran, they don't need another small forward.

[Johnno75]

They think Thomas will be their midfield saviour. He is the type of player that puts the cream on the cake (lately anyway). He wont be the grunt midfielder we was in 2010-11 especially as he will have the added annoyance of a hard tag most weeks something that he hardly experienced at Collingwood when he roamed free around the ground.

Hope he learns how to Waltz. Maybe MM can show him in their pre game gig.

[E]

you hire a 65 year old coach, you dont expect to get a patient rebuild. blues paid mick to deliver number 17. they have decided that has to come next year while Judd is still useful.

Not a bad tactic. I simply cant see anyone competing with Gold coast or GWS once their team comes of age.

[Pebbles Rocks]

Oh please make it true. Another period like the last decade would warm the cockles of my heart.
Their 2 best players in waite and judd will be over 30 next year and on the way down. I hope they waste a couple more picks on some duds

[Piethagoras' Theorem]

Well it hasn't exactly been pretty for the last 10 years, I'd say it's just a continuation. Let's see, they actually went backwards this year, will they have to go back another step to move forward? Me thinks it is well under way

[MOTR]

just the one premiership seems like a pretty average return for an elite coach. That he's gone to marginalise Carlton's premiership chances makes him a hero.

[Yarra Falls End]

For those that have forgotten this gem from last year,



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iUbEIbcuE4


A reminder of how ugly they are now.

[watt price tully]

I'm not sure why so many people think Thomas is done for. Yes he's been injured for the last year & a half.

Carrrrlton's Dr's have examined his ankle, done their due diligence. They aren't stupid. Thomas is a match-winner.

He will complement their team.

Betts will be a loss.

If they pick up Chappie then it will be for very little expense. He's shown how good he is.

Either or both Thomas & Chapman may succumb to injury. If they don't other teams need to watch out.

THis year, they were close to the 8 before being gifted a place. They won a final, we didn't.

[Az]

Oh don't worry scum. J-pod to the rescue.
http://m.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/blues-will-take-a-look-at-podsiadly-20131008-2v6en.html

Now to just give fev a call