Here's a bit of a look at the guys that might be on a bit of shaky ground come the end of the year when the delistment broom is run through the change rooms. Obviously not many of us really know the full details of contracts, so the assumption is that their contract is up at the end of the year. This list goes by decreasing age (and thus vulnerability on the list) with their age at the end of the year in brackets.
- Tim Notting (30) - One of the joys of my history as a Lions supporter has been watching Tim get the best out of himself. Watching him play as a first-year player, one couldn't help thinking of a newly-born foal - all legs and arms. Some might say not much has changed over the years, he's been able to use his turn of pace, endurance and booming kick to very good effect. My only disappointment is that he never took Mark Of The Year. Alas, I think it's pretty much agreed this is Pos' last year. Sadly so for me. Sweep (but with great reverence).
- Travis Johnstone (29) - This is a hard one, but he'll be spending a few weeks now with the reserves and you'd assume Voss is not a fan of the way he's played his football this year. Actually, that statement is a candidate for understatement of the year. Vossy would abhor the way TJ plays - it's not that he wouldn't appreciate outside players, but the Matthews ethos of going when it's you turn is instilled deep. At best he's a game -winner, at worst he's demoralising. A very hard call, but given the fact he'd be on some decent coin, I know what I'd be doing. Sweep.
- Jamie Charman (27) - He's had his critics including me over the past few years, but you have to wonder how injuries have curtailed him. Certainly the centre circle rule brought in a few years ago took away a part of his game. Tapwork was never his forte and he'd be up against it trying to reinvent himself. The emergence of Mitch Clark as a genuine ruck option along with the continued development of Matt Leuenberger (when fit) could indicate his days are numbered. What will save his skin are a few things. First, he's a great club man. OK, that's not sufficient reason alone to keep him on the list - ask Robbie Copeland. But more importantly, while we're down to one legitimate ruckman presently, his experience will be valuable, with McCulloch, Tippett and Murray still too raw. A lot will depend on how he fights back from his current ankle issues, but the silver lining is it may allow his knee to get some well-earned rest. Keep.
- Jason Roe (25) - An absolute enigma. A defender with little to no real defensive qualities. Sure, he may fluke a good game every now and then with a scything run through the corridor or a booming roost down field, but it's all too infrequent. The question is: Do the backline stocks look good enough for Roe to get the boot. I say yes, with the likes of Collier, Clouston, Henderson or Cornelius becoming ready to step into the breach. Sweep.
- Scott Harding (23) - The ultimate project player, he's a guy who by all rights should be a superstar, but isn't and never will be. Had blinding pace, but often looks slow. Is pound for pound one of the strongest at the club, but gets brushed off far too easily. Has great agility but often run right into trouble. All of which reinforces the point that athletic ability will carry you only so far. Scott's disposal, highlighted as his Achilles Heel by development coaches has improved over the years, but not to a level required by top-level football. He also seems to deliberately choose the wrong option. A shame really as I've been a big supporter of his over the years, but there comes a time when enough is enough. Sweep.
- Michael Rischitelli (23) - Some may consider this a bit of a reach as he's far from our worst and hasn't been dropped in Jeebus knows how long, but he just hasn't come on the way everyone had hoped. His ability to tackle, tackle and then for something different tackle is a real asset and he's pretty handy below his knees also. The other parts of his game aren't so crash and although he's the proud owner of a pretty big roost, it's frequently a loft wedge when a 4-iron is required and then there's the matter of greens-in-regulation (OK, I'll abandon the golf analogies now). But he offers enough to the side and being played as a defensive-minded half-forward probably makes him look a little less of a contributor than he is. Keep.
- Scott Clouston (22) - I think a former goalkeeper (in soccer, not netball obviously), Scott was elevated from the rookie list at the end of last season. Originally thought of solely as a defensive option, he's shown quite a bit of potential up forward. Possesses a massive tank, a good leap and good pair of hands. Assuming he can stay on the paddock, the Inspector still has scope for improvement particularly as a roaming CHF which should earn him at least another year on the list. Keep.
- Pat Garner (22) [rookie] - How many knee reco's is too many? The answer would surely have to be less then 3 which is what poor Paddy is up to. Having not really had the chance to see him play, it's hard to say, but I can't see the club investing more time in him. Sweep.
- Matt Tyler (21) - Another injury-prone youngster, Roofie burst into our footballing world with some wonderful cameos in the pre-season which had us all wondering if we'd pulled the biggest draft coup in recent memory. Three year on and we're still waiting. A combination of injury, poor form and being required to play as a ruckman for the reserves has conspired against Matt being anywhere near to a senior call-up. I'd be hoping it's a case of him growing into his body, but I'd delist and draft him as a rookie. Sweep. Recycle.
- Danny Dzufer (21) [rookie] - The snag-on-bread scoffing, too-many-drink-quaffing lovable larrikin. Well, maybe to some, but I just can't see how he's stayed on the rookie list for this long. His position seems to be half-back flank or....... half-back flank. A good player at QAFL level, but don't see him going any further. Sweep.
- Rhan Hooper (21) - Is he only 21? You'd swear he's been on the list for a lot longer. When on he's devastating - it just doesn't seem like that's happened much this year at all. Otherwise he's a ghost who can't get himself involved in the game even further upfield. Not even the famed defensive pressure seems to be what it was. That combined with his pre-season absence would have him on shaky ground. Of course in his favour is our dearth of quality small forwards. Let's hope that he's maturing and that life outside football becomes less of a distraction. Keep.
- Albert Proud (21) - On his football alone, he's progressing. Perhaps not as fast as we'd hope, but coming along nonetheless. He doesn't appear to be that smart of a footballer, but has other attributes such as toughness and speed on his side. His endurance is on the improve as well, although a few lairy touches in recent weeks wouldn't sit too well with the coaches I'd imagine. Of course, the biggest question mark is off-field with a rather well-publicised court case dragging on (and on). In the event of him being found guilty and serving any jail time, his contract would have to be very shaky ground. Assuming innocence before guilt, you'd say he'd keep his place on the list, but, boy he'd want to continue to bust his arse. Keep.
- Joel Tippett (20) [rookie] - His third year in the AFL system has been other frustrating one. Tantalising close to being elevated to the senior list at the end of last season. Joel's season has been derailed by more injury, and at a time when the seniors were calling out for a sidekick to Mitch Clark. Cannot be re-rookied again, so it's hi or bye for Joel. Given our ruck depth I'd say elevate for a year to see how he progresses. Keep.
- Pearce Hanley (20) [rookie] - Seems to be constantly knocking on the door for senior selection. I maintain that the Irish guys need three years before you can determine if they're going to amount to anything. Keep.
- James Hawksley (20) - One of the real disappointments of 2009 for mine. I was very much looking forward to Jim playing at least half the season. Although I haven't seen very much of him this year, from many accounts it sounds as if he's going through the motions a bit. Personally I'd give him another year on potential alone, but I'm thinking he may be in a spot of bother. Perhaps delisting with a view to redrafting him as a rookie may the best plan of attack. Sweep. Recycle.
All others I'd view as being safe. I haven't included Bradshaw, even he'd be an outside chance at retirement. What do you think? Have I left anyone out?
