Re: What are your expectations for 2017?
Reply #19 –
I guess my expectations are based on how I interpret our side in comparison to last year, plus how other sides around us will perform. Reality is what you're left with when expectations are met, exceeded or not met.
I see our backline as being better again. The addition of Marchbank plus the natural development/improvement in Plowman and Docherty should bode well. We know what to expect from Rowe and Simpson and they'll probably deliver about the same. I really don't believe Tuohy is a huge loss and in time Macreadie will slot in down back very nicely, until then White will be the man. We look forward to Byrne returning... with relish as he also gives us dash out of defence. And when they're up against it, Weitering, I believe, will help out.
I think our midfield will also improve. Murphy back is a big plus. Gibbs is responding very well to the kerfuffle of late last year. Cripps will improve again. Ed Curnow just has to keep doing what he does. Palmer and Smedts are good additions and I believe C Curnow will do plenty of midfield time as his pace is needed in a somewhat average paced midfield. With Kreuzer in good form, this bodes well. Kerridge is on thin ice and had better improve his disposal % efficiency or it's goodnight, nurse. In time you'd reasonably think that Polson and Fisher will get to show their wares in the midfield, along with Pickett and SPS. I've given up on Boekhorst (Lucas MK2) and Cuningham (Lucas MK3) but would love to be proven wrong.
Our forward line, which is sh1te/worst in the league/ will have to rely on small and medium sized players (midfield/C Curnow/SOS2/Wright/Pickett) to kick us a meaningful score as Harry is still developing, Casboult is disappointing and unless something amazing happens, Jaksch/Jones (and Thomas and Casboult) are enjoying their last year at PP. Personally, I believe Weitering must play forward.
So, I expect us to do better than last year even if that, paradoxically, doesn't translate into more wins but rather, a much stronger %, no blow-outs and us actually dishing out a hiding or two.