“The coach enjoys blooding youngsters. I think there are two or three spots that have a bit of a rotation policy about them,” Gullan told Cats TV on this week’s Argue the Toss.
“Later in the year I think you’ll see a couple (of first gamers). That’s Scotty, he thinks of the future and this team is good enough to have a couple blooding youngsters,” Gullan said.
Three years ago Chris Scott played ten first gamers, clearly demonstrating his philosophy on youth and always building for the future. Mackie believes Scott has maintained that attitude but highlighted the coach’s emphasis on earning AFL selection.
“He’s been known to say that they’re not just going to get games, they have to earn them.
“Look at Guthrie, who you would’ve been talking about a few years ago, now he’s turned into a great player,” Mackie said.
Gullan noted two Cats, in particular, that will likely be up for selection over the next few weeks.
“I think Jed Bews, son of Andrew Bews has been close, and Darcy Lang, the first round pick from last year, the mail is he’s a very talented young player,” Gullan said.
“Those guys will get their chance but they have to be doing their bit and then the coach will obviously give them a chance. You’ve got to keep evolving and you’ve got to keep looking at what you’ve got,” Mackie said.
