..Isn't that the whole point of the discussion now, finding out who is the players we want as rookies? His name pops up everywhere. JockReynolds has him as #1 defensive rookie.
Analysing why it is strange that he is so popular as he's very unlikely to be playing, especially as a first year key position project is the whole point of this thread.
KPDs do sometime play, but they are usually only playing because of injury and are mature bodies (Georgiou, Clurey) with low JS. At this stage yes, all options should be explored, but so is asking the question why.
I wouldn't take too much notice of any hype or popularity of any of the rookies at this stage... but yes, it's good to ask why.
Why is Hugh Goddard such a popular pick at the moment ? I believe it's because of the perceived opportunity he has at a weaker club, where defence has been precarious to say the least.
The fact that Gwilt is no longer there has created an opening. Goddard's cause is also helped by the ongoing injury problems StKilda have had with their defensive talls.
Gilbert has a foot injury compounded by heel problems, the club are taking a cautious approach and he won't be playing the early rounds.
Bruce is recovering from shin surgery and is on a modified program. In any case, he's been training with the forward group this preseason.
Simpkin only played five games last year with Richardson using him up forward in a defensive role. The knock was on his running power and he spent the last two months in the VFL. I'm not sure where he fits in at the moment.
Roberton, Dempster, Geary, Webster, Savage, Shenton and Wright are all medium/smalls and play different roles.
Which leaves just Fisher and Delaney.
I don't think it's too unreasonable to imagine the possibility of Goddard getting a gig. Not saying he absolutely will, but it's not the worst pick at this stage.
