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Hey guys, first thread so be gentle!
I was speaking with a buddy after the force lions game and the force's future. We talked about what it takes to bring together a winning side (or that cliche term, dynasty) and we came up with a few central points that I thought i'd highlight here and ask for your opinions.
Player Retention/Continuity in the team, the first one we cited was this. It is important to keep a core group of players in. Whether that be a group of players (Steyn, Matfield, Botha, Du Preez & Habana) or two to build a backline around (Genia and Cooper). When we pick that idea to try and put the force in the picture, where do you think we can start? Obviously Pocock is the first one, I haven't seen anyone else, perhaps Ebersohn? I must admit I have not seen a whole lot of club rugby or U20 etc. level so perhaps you guys could highlight a few?
Up and Coming Players. Another problem is Perth doesn't exactly a history steeped in Rugby tradition. All three past champions (Bulls, Crusaders and Reds) have club side rugby clubs, colleges and universities that can be described as Breeding Grounds, they are pumped out on a continual basis. Given this, do we need to (or are we able to even create) a culture or a community in WA that rates rugby union higher than other codes (most of us know that will perhaps be nigh on impossible given how popular AFL is here in WA).
Environment. Last one (that I can remember, it being a saturday night and all) was this idea of the environment. This pertains to the environment that the club is in, not only the city and it's people, but the facilities/stadium they use and the fans they play for. I'm sure all of us can agree that we (in all honesty and modesty) have close to the best fans in the league in terms of regular attendance (is that because we have one of the smallest grounds so it looks better since it's full? I digress...) The last thing which was interesting was job security and this idea that people would want to leave their home-town, a better team (usually) and their family/friends for a two-year contract? what do you guys think about that?
I'll stop there or I'll be here all day
Thanks for getting this far