I understand the logic, I really do.
But sometimes you need a short term fix for long term gain.
look at it like this.
You’re a coach, with money and you have a youth policy and want someone who will set you up for long term success.
You scour the market and you see a 21 year old half who is a 6/10. No one 6 or over is below 30.
There are 2 sensational 30+ year olds available.
So,
Do you:
Get the best young player available who is 6/10 and hope kicks on?
Or get a 35 year old legend who still has a good game for 1/2 years and reasses who is available?
this is a scenario Barrett faced.
If he signed Benji or Foran for a year,
He would have the choice of Hastings, drinkwater, Reynolds, Townsend and SJ for 2022.
For 2923? Who knows? Cousi be the best half in the nation and Barrett can land his man.
the stop gap could have meant a better quality player as opposed to who was available.... kind of like floating uncommitted until you find your man.
I could end this message here, but, there is another dimension on top of this.
Burton, flanno and Avo have 3 things in common. They are all a pedo dream... all very young.
To me it’s common sense that in the halves you must pair experience with youth. Foran/Benji etc would have been perfect foil for averillo or Burton or flanno (depends on the mix).
I said this last year. I said it pre season, and I think I have been vindicated now. Two young halves will panic and come across as headless chickens together.
I also worry this continues into next year.
We talk about Burton being the best thing since sliced bread but he is still young himself.
Two amazing talented young halves can roll together but I am yet to see one talented half shine when he’s with a dud youngster next to him.
