Depends what happens with Merrett but looks like he’s staying now - and I think we will likely keep one of Setters and/or Hobbs I reckon given our lack of midfield depth. Redman to the wing in a more attacking role for him - Blaki & 2MP support Bryan
Blaki might be a worse kick than Draper, but if we don’t add another ruck this off season might end up the 23rd player (presuming sub is gone) purely from a backup point of view. Even then I’d just back in Wright if Ruck 1 goes down.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Martin is back earlier than mid year. Will Ashcroft was 342 days, and I would put Martin in his category. That puts him returning 19th June 2026…I will have to take him out.
Hopefully that can be Sweid, or Durham. Durham playing more forward I don’t hate as he has the tackling and defensive intensity but big enough to still take a mark.
I like May the most of that list as he’s shown the defensive pressure with his tackling and seems quite mobile too.
From what I saw of Blaki, was by far our worst kick from the back 6, with Laverde there.
However, statistically speaking he went at 75%, so I guess I need to bow to those stats.
Mind you Laverde went at 77%. That tells me they both probably had the red light kicking objective given to them, which is try and get the ball safely to a better ball user, take no risks.
If there’s no sub next season, 5 on bench, you can run a second ruck for sure. If that second ruck happens to have some positional flexibility, bonus points. Would have thought Blakiston only plays as ruck/back up ruck. Presuming the first choice back 7 are fit.