Time to be ruthless - opinion
We all know the Pies have by far the oldest list in the competition. The theory was we lacked talent in the under-22 demographic.
Well the last few weeks have shown there is more than enough coming through. They just need opportunities.
Swadling is a jet. Ed Allen has gone from strength to strength since landing in the midfield. West crashes packs and clunks makes like a young Travis cloke. R Steele busts his gut and bobs up for a goal every week. McCreery turned the game last night when he went into the centre. The list goes on.
The problem is not young talent - it's opportunity for that talent to thrive. And I think McRae needs to be ruthless about making those opportunities happen.
My argument is, it's time to pick players on form rather than reputation. He's the GOAT, but the game has finally gone past Pendles. Sidey has been in steady decline all year. Houston is in the team based on his two-time AA label, but apart from the odd game he's been poor since coming to us.
With Lippa, Howe Perryman and Maynard to come back in, who goes out?
We've looked much better with speed on the ball.
I'd like to see some tough calls made in coming weeks. Don't select players just because they are club champions or All Australians.
Keen to hear what you guys think. Do we need to make some tough selection calls on Pendles, Sidey and potentially Houston? If not, why not?