Forum Phoenix
Well-Known Member
Yep, agreed, not making an argument that you can't have older players who offer tremendous value.
There are some obvious considerations and caveats that arise with signing players in their mid thirties, but ability to perform out ranks everything, regardless of being 16 or 36. But in general I do think getting marquees a litttle younger who are lesser names, like Fornaroli is better as a fan. Maybe not for the media or those more interested in hype than the genuine quality of the football.
With older foreign signings, my only real issue besides over spending on people who simply cannot perform, the Jardells etc, is if it's at the expense of developing young Australian talent.
Not convinced the 'big' clubs give a shit about this. Which from multiple perspectives is entirely understandable. But it depends on your preferences. Personally if say a youth quota was brought in, must have two starting players under 21 or some such, or subsidies for clubs to incentivise teams playing young Australian talent, I'd prefer that even if it meant teams became a little more mistake prone and it impacted the level of performances sometimes. Though I think there's an argument it can make for just as good entertainment.
But as ever, old young, it's about balance isn't it. I want to win games. But I shudder to think of players like Matty Ryan or Trent or Liam Rose not getting their chance to reach their full potential.
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Life bans for all involved imo.
