The Year That Was- Balmain Dockers
2012: Runner-Up after finishing Fourth- 13 wins, 5 losses
Highest Polling Player at Phelan Medal: Craig White (3rd – 19 votes)
Positives: The winds of change swept through Balmain over the off-season after a Grand Final finish last year. A youth policy was the way to go and recruited well with Craig White (playing coach), Selby Lee-Steere, Leigh Conway, Gerard Wilkie and Matt Round the star recruits. They brought on young guns in Jackson Monk and Josh Cass. Were superb during the finals after missing out on a double chance and matched last year’s effort with a Grand Final finish.
Negatives: The Dockers would be disappointed with their last quarter fade-out in the Grand Final against UNSW/ES. They were inconsistent at various stages and for a lot of the season; people questioned whether their team of stars could overcome the good, solid sides of the competition. Things could have been different if they secured they finished higher on the ladder.
Areas for improvement: Consolidation is the key. They have the side to win the premiership next year but whether they can keep their marquee players will be the looming question. Keeping White should be their number one priority.
Overall Grade: B
Last Modified on 25/09/2012 12:28
