WITH the new Melbourne Heart franchise announcing the signing of Dean Heffernan, Matt Thompson and Kristian Sarkies last week, the message was clear - ‘If we want your players, we’ll take your players’.

Which is all well and good. Fair play to them for taking advantage of the A-League's player-out-of-contract regulations (or whatever you want to call them).

However, it can't be denied that, to varying extents, all three players will leave a big hole in the plans of their respective clubs and many football fans would suggest an experienced, high calibre player is needed to replace each of them.

Well, pfffffft...

I mean, have you not heard of the National Youth League?!

There's some quality there and the best thing is, the players come cheap (ATTENTION CON CONSTANTINE - DO YOU HEAR ME?).

Firstly, a replacement for Dean Heffernan - look no further than Matthew Lewis. He's technically not on a youth contract anymore, but he's played a part in virtually every Mariners youth match this year. He's divided his game time between left back and left midfield and he is equally adept at playing both positions. He could even be employed to play the role of left wingback, making forward runs and providing support for the midfield, like Heffernan does.

Secondly, replacing Matt Thompson could be Scott Balderson. Although Balderson is more of a midfielder than a Thompson-style everywhere man - I reckon that the Jets will miss Thompson most in the midfield. Oh, and another thing? He can score goals, and set them up. The Jets need a bit of that and if Branko has any sense, he'll sign him up.

And as for replacing Kristian Sarkies? I have three words for you - the other Mullen. Matthew Mullen, that is. He might not have the "free kick ability" that Sarkies is supposed to possess but heck, he can score. And as far as Adelaide are concerned that's pretty damn important right now.

Then there are the players that are rumoured to be in talks with the Heart - Simon Colosimo, Luke DeVere, Sergio Van Dijk and Ljubo Milcevic to name a few.

Young Sydney defender and Young Socceroo Sam Gallagher could be a good replacement were Colosimo to leave the club next season. Joshua McVey and Michael Ryan would be more than adequate replacements for Van Dijk and DeVere respectively.

And Big Ljubo? Well, I personally don't think that anyone can replace him as far as character AND ability is concerned, so I'm not going to go near this one!