Let’s pretend for a moment the Tassie Devils are coming into the AFL in 2017, with the team having the pick of any 10 players from other teams.
Which 10 will you pick and what proviso will you use in selecting them?
I have taken a present, future perspective in selecting, viewing the team as having three years of struggling and ascending around 2020.
Here is my 10- who are yours, Roarers?
Patrick Cripps (Carlton)
I must admit I tossed up between Nat Fyfe and Patrick Cripps for my first selection. I settled on the Carlton tyro for he is a clone of Fyfe without the injury concerns going forward of the reigning Brownlow Medalist. In Cripps, the team would have a difference-making midfielder that reeks of natural leadership.
Tom Lynch (GCS)
A complete player, whether as an 80 goal a year key forward as well as being a player that others follow. Similar in his natural leadership as the great Wayne Carey was for North Melbourne
Jack Viney (Melbourne)
I love this midfielder. He has such aggression and relentless desire that always delves into being rabid reminding me a lot of Hawthorn’s Luke Hodge. He used to let himself down with his foot skills but is showing more polish this year and only promises to get better.
As with the aforementioned Hawthorn captain, it is only a matter of time before Viney shows similar greatness as a leader
Marcus Bontempelli (Footscray)
The star Scrays player reminds me so much of the Carlton legend Anthony Koutifides. Such a natural athlete with real size combined with precocious silk. Add his versatility with his palpable X-factor and he is a natural game breaker.
Dan Hannebery (Sydney)
The Swans midfielder is respected but in my opinion somewhat underrated. He is an out and out star and deserving of being viewed as the best five players in the AFL. Equally adept as an inside midfielder winning the tough contested ball or breaking lines on the outside. Such big game pedigree as well.
Chad Wingard (Port Adelaide)
It always astounds me that at 22, Wingard has already two All Australian accolades to his name. The scarey part is his upside, with his success coming as a small forward, but in time one can see him becoming one of the best midfielders in the game.
Jeremey Cameron (GWS)
As a backman it would be a nightmare manning Cameron. He has the build and characteristics of a power forward but is equally adept as a crumbing small forward with his pace and natural stamina.
Mark Blicavs (Geelong)
The game is embracing tall athletic midfielders, with this big Cat a prototype. He has silently moved into the elite bracket in the game and only promises to get better. Away from that side of his appeal is his natural desperation making him one of the most prolific tacklers in the game.
Jake Carlisle (St Kilda)
This selection will shock many but Carlisle could be an elite key back as well as having the versatility to play forward or as a running ruckman.
Jacob Weitering (Carlton)
The top draft choice from last year is destined for future greatness. Such composure with a high-level reading of the play will see him become a difference-making backman. With the perfect comparison being the man who was pivotal in his drafting as Stephen Silvagni.
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Now that was a quick change of mind!
