Backman wrote:I know you make your own luck in football, but South were without midfielders Gibbs and Brownless, then lost further class on ballers in O'Neill and Davis
It makes it tough to run out four quarters losing that quality, and with Rose also a late withdrawal and Garthwaite not getting up
There has been criticism of Souths recruiting but Clavarino (nearly recruit of the year imo), Davis (been real good), Kantilla (showed plenty till injured), Menzie (Great till MSD), Garthwaite (adds height), Gunther (looks promising), Brownless (injured all year) you would have to say recruiting was very good
Also reserves basically a new team of kids developing and seem to be from zone, other country areas and young interstaters eg Cresswell
Losing the 18 mature age players from last year was always going to be a big ask
Always an optimist but it would be great to see this group have another crack next year, add a couple more and a slice of luck (surely due for some luck)
The players seem to be playing their hearts out for the jumper
Pretty fair assessment Backman.
Naturally on the back of consecutive prelim appearances there was an air of optimism about this season, but replacing half the 22 that took the field that night v Glenelg wasn't going to be a smooth process. Injuries have taken their toll as the season has worn on, as has a lack of depth.
The forward line has produced just 65 ppg (or 59 ppg since round 3) which obviously wont win many games. As others mentioned Menzie was a massive loss, while the likes of Wilkinson and Fitt (injured for most of the season) haven't offered much as small forwards.
Of the established players who have been regulars in recent seasons, you'd only say Haines, Summerton and to some extent Heaslip have matched previous year's output. Possibly Sampson also, although he's been up and down at times.
It's been a season of narrow finishes, with 8 of 12 games decided by 12 points or less. South are 4-4 in those matches.
SAFC- 60 years...
StKFC- 58 years..