Re Reg 22's post above, I'd say some overseas clubs will already be looking at Hughes. Started the season with a few bad errors, but ended it playing good consistent football. The U20 WC will be a shop window for AKH (if fit & Gray unavailable), his twin and others like LBS & Walker.
But the evidence shows that young players are more likely to make big progress in their 2nd-4th ALM seasons. This season the Nix were shark and most of the youngsters were only in their 1st or 2nd campaign. The talent is there they just need more time.
However yes they will also need to be in a team playing attacking, winning football to showcase themselves best.
You asked has the club ever been this bereft of said talent? I'd say yes definitely in the years when young versions of Kosta and Rojas left because they weren't playing, Aussie journeymen were de riguer, and the football itself was often limited.
But the evidence shows that young players are more likely to make big progress in their 2nd-4th ALM seasons. This season the Nix were shark and most of the youngsters were only in their 1st or 2nd campaign. The talent is there they just need more time.
However yes they will also need to be in a team playing attacking, winning football to showcase themselves best.
You asked has the club ever been this bereft of said talent? I'd say yes definitely in the years when young versions of Kosta and Rojas left because they weren't playing, Aussie journeymen were de riguer, and the football itself was often limited.