The voting was evenly spread between the potential Fletcher replacements. Sam Hunt recorded 20.29% of the votes, with rising star Mark Bolton a close second with 20.29% of the votes and Danny Jacobs polling well at 19.81%. Aaron Henneman was another popular option with 17.90% of the votes. Sean Wellman and Dean Solomon were favoured to continue to play up the ground and provide the team with run out of defence, polling 12.41% and 8.83% respectively.
What you had to say:
Damon Beckwith from Essendon says: For Round 1 2003 Mark Bolton would be the best choice to replace Fletcher at full back (except that he is also suspended). Bolts plays his best when set a task and there is none more demanding than full back. He also has the height, athleticism and desperation to go with most full forwards. Jacobs, Solomon and Wellman are all too valuable as rebounding players and would be too uncomfortable and exposed that deep in defence.
Henneman's form has not been good enough lately so he would have to show something special before he could be chosen as 2nd choice full back, and he seems better suited as a genuine centre half back. Sam Hunt is still too inexperienced, but in the long run I hope he can take over at full back, allowing Fletcher to act as a free man in defence in his twilight playing years. Hunt's physique, athleticism and attitude are perfect for the job, but he is at least a couple years from accepting that responsibility.
Tim Bristow from Flowerdale says: If Fletch went forward I would play Sean Wellman at full back because he is in my opinion our second best defender.
Kate from Yarrambat says: I think any one of Danny Jacobs, Dean Solomon or Mark Bolton could play the full back roll very well. I think the Sam Hunt is still a bit too inexperienced although, he would give 100%. And I think that Wellman would be a very good full back but we then would miss his run out of defence.
Mikey from Knoxfield says: Bolts would be the perfect replacement. Leave Sean Wellman where he is and of course welcome Solly back. Sam Hunt and Danny Jacobs are better suited to the forward and Aaron Henneman is a good all-rounder.
Paul Drake from Canberra says: Henneman is the only other player with the height and bulk to go with a Lynch, Neitz or Rocca. The others are too valuable in rebounding and running out of defence to anchor to the goal square. Not that Aaron won't run off his man, but his kicking needs to be more precise, and this applies equally to Danny Jacobs.
Randell from Sheidow Park says: Dean Solomon is good running and kicking player with excellent strength and marking power. The perfect slot-in player for Dustin. Some of the others lack the upper body strength for the position.
Anne-Marie Warner from Blackburn says: We will not have Dustin Fletcher or Mark Bolton when we go to the Gabba to play Brisbane so it is very important to select a player who can fill some very big shoes. Dustin did exactly that when he was only 18 and I am sure with the list we have whoever is selected will seize his opportunity and step up ready to play in the 2003 Premiership side!
Carly from Geelong says: I believe that Danny Jacobs is just as capable of handling the backline as good or if not better than Dustin Fletcher....Go Danny!
Matthew Collison from Shepparton says: I think that full back would probably be rotated through Bolton, Solomon, Jacobs and Henneman as well as giving Hunt some time there to experience himself and he looks as if he gives his all in every contest.
Billie Preston from Ocean Grove: If Fletch was to go forward, our backline would need to consist of some height to replace him (ie Jacobs), but also some grunt, (Solly/M. Johnson) to make it all work perfectly!
Julie Colangelo from Black Rock says: I don't think any of the players listed would be nearly good enough to take full back position. We would have to definitely ""groom"" a new full back if Fletcher was move to full forward. Alarm bells are ringing!
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