View Full Version : EFC Draft & Trading Strat (response to Snoop Dog)
Snoop Dog asked us to do our teams along the lines he did, and then when I did it in his thread, he asked me to move it to its own. So, to oblige, I've started this thread. :D
Essendon strategy over the next few weeks
Note, this is MY VIEW, not necessarily what I think the club will do.
Year in review
Although a lot of close games could have improved the season, fundamentally it was rubbish. Even with extra wins, we'd still have been a long way off the mark. Obviously injuries didn't help, but what really hurt us was the lack of development in the younger players generally, plus some pretty major holes.
A huge problem was the poor years from a number of senior players, specifically MJ, Solomon, McPhee, and half of the season for Peverill & JJ.
Where are we at
Although the list isn't terrible, its got some big problems. Back-up to Hille is one. A crumbing forward is another. Tall defenders. Sufficient midfielders. Delivery of the midfielders we do have. Pace to a degree.
What we do have is a surplus of small-medium defenders, and some terrific KP forwards (Lloyd, Lucas, Hird, and Johns as an extra).
We also showed we've come a long way in getting first use of the ball, which is greatly due to Watson. 8th in the league (I think) for inside 50's. We're just not particularly good at using it.
What are the problems
Tall defenders. Fletcher was brilliant, but he's old. And nobody stepped up, either as a 2nd OR 3rd tall defender. So really need 3 new tall defenders.
Disposal, although improving Watson & Stanton's would fix a lot.
A second ruckman, although we've still got justification in having high hopes for Laycock, and obviously Ryder is meant to be the long-term solution. Unfortunately, will be a little while before we know how those two turn out.
Speedy outside midfielders are also needed. We got Murphy then Camporeale to do this, but should develop our own. Have hopes for Winderlich, Dyson, Nash, Dempsey & Lovett (as a midfielder), but those are our ONLY fast younsters. Lovett has question marks as a midfielder, Dempsey is young, and Dyson, Nash & Winderlich are all yet to step up after at least 3years each on the list.
But our biggest problems is match winners. With Hird & Fletcher close to retirement, and Lloyd & Lucas getting older, we're all out of those. Need new ones.
Who needs to improve
Johns improving would allow Lucas to play CHB, which would be a relief to the defence. But really need at least one, preferably two of Lee, Lucy and Bradley to take tall defensive roles, McPhee and the Johnsons to refind their form, and several of the faster youngsters to step up. Need youngsters to step up and push Peverill, Camporeale out of the starting 22. A long list, which is why we're at the bottom.
Who needs to be stepped into the side.
Lee & Lucy MUST get game time. These are our current potential tall defenders, and we must know if they can hack it or not.
If Laycock is injured, and given Ryder is too young, Cartledge must be given game time. He looks ok as a tap ruckmen, and at least we'd know one way or the other about him at the end of next year.
I think Nash needs game time, or any other FAST youngster we pick up in this year's draft. I'd add Dempsey to this list, but I think he's small & young, so bringing him along slower makes sense. Dyson is already getting game time.
The hard questions
Will we keep hoping Winderlich can transform VFL form into AFL form, despite the fact players like Thomas & Jeremy Clayton couldn't?
Will we keep Bolton (or Henneman) around for ANOTHER year, given its clear he is only just AFL standard?
Will we adopt a trade strategy/game plan based on returning to the finals next year, or build for the future? (I'd much prefer to cut losses, trade players and use draft picks - talk of Aka implies others don't agree with me).
Should Ramanskus be delisted? I say yes. He won't contribute next year (if ever), and we must try a youngster in his spot on the list.
Will Bradley step up? Either in a KP defensive role, or in a Goodes style role? And is he worth anything on the trade table anyway? Personally, I think he's worth more perservering with him in a Goodes style role than he is on the trade table. Should spend pre-season getting his run/mobility back, instead of bulking up like last year.
If we can't trade Solomon, should we delist him? I say yes. In my view, he sets a bad example for a developing side, and has too many weaknesses for a bottom of the ladder side to offset. Just not tall enough for a KP position, and we have enough small to medium defenders.
Who needs to go
Reynolds & Hennman - how these guys got as long as they did I'm amazed.
Bolton - will play a good game of football, a decent one, and two crap ones. Won't take a side forward. Should be delisted now.
I know this list is short, but I think thats because EFC has lots of players that ARE AFL level, but only barely. Too many of these keep a side down, but aren't obvious delists.
Delist
Reynolds, Henneman, Bolton, Ramanaskus, Riolli (retired)
Our best 22 - excludes any trades, drafted players
B McVeigh Fletcher ???? (another tall)
HB McPhee ????? Lovett-Murray
C Stanton Watson Camporeale
HF Lovett Lucas Monfries
F Hird Lloyd Johns
Foll Hille
Rov J.Johnson Peverill
Int MJ, Dyson, Laycock, Bradley
Depth - that are CURRENTLY any good
Welsh, Solomon, Cole, Heffernen,
Youngsters I believe we have justifiable hopes for
Laycock, Bradley & Dyson (listed in the side), Slattery, Lee, Dempsey, Lonnergan, Ryder, Cartledge
National Draft picks
2 Hanson, Gibbs
18 Fast or tall & fastish midfielder, can be outside, good delivery
20 If picked Hansen, best KP player or midfielder, else MUST be tall defender
36, 52 and onwards: fast/tall midfielders, KP players. If lose/delist one of Laycock/Cartledge will need another ruck.
Suggested Trades
Solomon, Welsh and NLM. These three would have currency (Solomon less so), and even after trading we'd have McPhee, Cole, McVeigh and MJ who can all play small to medium defense. Plus, its where youngsters are often played. Would hope to get picks between 20=>30 for NLM and Welsh, and between 35=>50 for Solomon.
If a good trade was offered for Bradley I'd think about it, or for Laycock. Would have to be first round picks, so believe trading either would be unlikely. If Laycock got a good trade, would probably pick up Leunbeurger at pick #2.
Would look at the young WCE midfielders, such as Nicoski, Rosa, Butler, Waters, Hurn, Morton (only 2 played in the GF). Possibly the same at Adelaide (skipworth perhaps?). Would consider using picks 20 or 36, depending on the player.
Nash and Welsh would be in the best 22 at the moment. Nash is good enough while I believe Welsh is under-rated by many Bomber fans, he's solid and does his job week in week out.
Wouldn't trade NLM, he is becoming a very good footballer, I'd rather trade McPhee if I had to choose, although I would rather keep both, I believe McPhee can/will turn it around.
I'm with you, I hope we draft Hansen, barring Carlton taking Gibbs of course
Snoop Dog
3 Oct 2006, 12:45
I would hold onto Lovett-Murray.
Welsh strikes me as a guy he just should play back and thats it.
Solomon - someone looking for strength in their back half would give you something (eg Melbourne/Collingwood)
For me its all about pace in your mids
McPhee's value is down, NLM's is up after their respective seasons. Therefore, NLM is the one you should be trading.
In my view Welsh isn't as good as McVeigh in defense, and McVeigh isn't a long term prospect in the midfield (he's ok, but not premiership midfield quality). Better to trade Welsh now and let our young midfielders get time in the centre.
At the moment, Nash might be ahead of Dyson but it would be a pretty line ball. Nash hasn't really done much, but then either has Dyson. We really need a couple of the young midfielders to step up like Watson did this year, because most haven't shown much more than glimpses.
McPhee's value is down, NLM's is up after their respective seasons. Therefore, NLM is the one you should be trading.
Why trade someone who could continue to improve and be a very good footballer just because his value is up, McPhee and NLM could play in the same team, moving Kepler to the wing/HFF/bench
In my view Welsh isn't as good as McVeigh in defense, and McVeigh isn't a long term prospect in the midfield (he's ok, but not premiership midfield quality). Better to trade Welsh now and let our young midfielders get time in the centre.
Welsh is not an awesome defender but a solid one, McVeigh I'm hoping gets more time not only in the midfield to hit Lloyd and Johns on the chest but also pinch hit up forward at times as well as do jobs down back such as Brad Johnson, he's an awesome player to have
At the moment, Nash might be ahead of Dyson but it would be a pretty line ball. Nash hasn't really done much, but then either has Dyson. We really need a couple of the young midfielders to step up like Watson did this year, because most haven't shown much more than glimpses.
Nash has shown quite a bit, he's disposal and confidence is excellent, I named him to fill one of your question marks down back, I think the time is right to play him most weeks, he will be good enough, Dyson needs to work a little harder if he wants to cement himself in the best 22
go_the_bombers
3 Oct 2006, 13:00
Sheeds just needs to give Dyson more game time!
Why trade someone who could continue to improve and be a very good footballer just because his value is up, McPhee and NLM could play in the same team, moving Kepler to the wing/HFF/bench
Neither NLM or McPhee can truly play as tall defenders. They're both best playing the same role - picking up the fourth tallest defender, peeling off to help the tall defenders, and providing run out of defence. NLM is faster, but also softer and not as good at cutting accross.
I honestly don't think we can get the best out of these two playing them in the same side. Both are too tall to play on really short forwards, and not really suited to picking up true tall forwards. I'd prefer to trade the one with the best trade value compared to his actual value at the moment (NLM), and get a pick who can be used on a player type we need - such as tall defenders.
Also, remember that Cole plays an extremely similiar role as well (although a little shorter and less cutting accross).
Welsh is not an awesome defender but a solid one, McVeigh I'm hoping gets more time not only in the midfield to hit Lloyd and Johns on the chest but also pinch hit up forward at times as well as do jobs down back such as Brad Johnson, he's an awesome player to have
Sure Welsh is a solid defender. Thats why I'd hope to get some value for him. But McVeigh is an outstanding defender.
McVeigh has now been played off & on through the middle and forward the last few seasons. And honestly, he's not particularly good at it. Yes, he has some very good games. He has A LOT of ordinary ones. Next season he'll be 26. Somehow, I don't think a 26 year old is suddenly going to convert from being a useful midfielder/forward to a good one. Better to play him in defense, where we know he is outstanding.
Nash has shown quite a bit, he's disposal and confidence is excellent, I named him to fill one of your question marks down back, I think the time is right to play him most weeks, he will be good enough, Dyson needs to work a little harder if he wants to cement himself in the best 22
I have hopes for Nash. The idea he can play as a tall defender though is ridiculous. Hopefully he'll get time off a HBF or wing next year, and develop into a midfielder. And Dyson is probably in our best 22 at the moment, which just goes to show how bad it is. As you suggested, he's nowhere near proved himself yet.
But if all these youngsters are going to get time, there has to be room in the 22. If you keep NLM, Solomon, and Welsh, and fit them plus Cole plus McPhee into the 22, you're going to not only not have room for youngsters, you'll be playing a lot of players out of their best positions.
In my view, we should bite the bullet, trade some of the players who have value (i.e. AREN'T CRAP) for draft picks, and actually play our remaining players in their BEST positions AND have room to get game time into the youngsters.
Neither NLM or McPhee can truly play as tall defenders. They're both best playing the same role - picking up the fourth tallest defender, peeling off to help the tall defenders, and providing run out of defence. NLM is faster, but also softer and not as good at cutting accross.
McPhee can play on tall defenders and without any resemblence of a CHB he's needed down there at times while NLM is vast improving as a gun HBF, both can play in the same side.
Sure Welsh is a solid defender. Thats why I'd hope to get some value for him. But McVeigh is an outstanding defender.
McVeigh has now been played off & on through the middle and forward the last few seasons. And honestly, he's not particularly good at it. Yes, he has some very good games. He has A LOT of ordinary ones. Next season he'll be 26. Somehow, I don't think a 26 year old is suddenly going to convert from being a useful midfielder/forward to a good one. Better to play him in defense, where we know he is outstanding.
You're greatly underestimating McVeigh as a midfielder and forward player, he is very good at everything. He can get the ball in midfield and hit targets, something we are shocking at at the moment as well as bob up for 2-3 goals when pushed forward, the more damaging he is up the ground, which we need, the usefull Welsh becomes, can't bank on Cole just yet, good for depth atm.
I have hopes for Nash. The idea he can play as a tall defender though is ridiculous. Hopefully he'll get time off a HBF or wing next year, and develop into a midfielder. And Dyson is probably in our best 22 at the moment, which just goes to show how bad it is. As you suggested, he's nowhere near proved himself yet.
All the more reason to keep McPhee and NLM, McPhee can play tall, NLM, Bradley or Nash cannot. For mine, Dyson is on the cringe of the best 22, he's getting there and it shows our depth is slowly moving in the right direction. Hopefully he and Winderlich can take the next step and the de-listing job for the staff can finally become a difficult task next season.
But if all these youngsters are going to get time, there has to be room in the 22. If you keep NLM, Solomon, and Welsh, and fit them plus Cole plus McPhee into the 22, you're going to not only not have room for youngsters, you'll be playing a lot of players out of their best positions.
You make valid points, IMO McPhee, NLM, Nash and Welsh would fit into the best 22, and we would have to rely on McPhee playing tall here and there when needed because there is no one else, Lee needs more time IMO, Solly hopefully is out the door. Even if we draft Hansen he may very well not step into senior footy straight away, hopefully he has the luxury and learning a bit in the VFL, something Kepler did not have
Trade Bait IMO- JJ Late first round- Freo, Melb, Syd?
Laycock- Late first round or trade for Thornton at Carlton
Solomon- Second to third round or more likely part of 3 way
We will take either Gibbs Hansen or Gumby with our first pick- if we get additional pick 12-16 i think we will target Mourish if available. The rest of our picks will be midfielders which their are an abundance- Kelly, Moss, Hurley, etc etc etc
dougthelegend
3 Oct 2006, 15:44
I'm hoping Lee can come good as a tall defender, he showed a bit but is still a long way off. I would persist with him and move Bradley into a more creative role on a flank or wing.
The young midfielders are coming along fine - Monfries will only get better, and one of Winderlich/Dyson should make it, I think Nash will be a good solid contributor, he seems to have some consistancy to his game that both Dyson and Winderlich lack.
Karlostj
3 Oct 2006, 16:21
I feel that McPhee and NLM are quite similar style of players... McPhee has a bit more ability to play tall the NLM, but both are best as rebounding HBFs.
I think that the Bombers have been trying to get McPhee into a midfield role ala Goodwin. If he could take on such a role then he would solve any problems of having both players in the side. similarly with NLM. Both have good size and pace and could potentialy prove to be good clearance winners... However, McPhee has not proven himself in the midfield over the last couple of seasons with the opportunities he has had. NLM hasn't really had any opportunities...
I'd be tempted to trade McPhee as he'd get far more then NLM and in reality they both perform similar roles.
However, if I thought that McPhee could make it as a midfielder then I would have no hestitation in keeping both. Matter of fact, unless a good deal was put up I'd keep both anyway.
mcphee_is_a_gun
3 Oct 2006, 18:12
Laycock just signed for 2 years...
Boy am I relieved. I doubt we'd have got much for him (he's played, what 15 games tops?), but he still has so much potential.
douggie the don
3 Oct 2006, 21:58
NLM is a terrible backman.......
I put it to you to watch him in his first game next year where no doubt sheeds lines him up in the backline.
He peels of too late and often doesn't get to contests or knocks another defender over in the process.
Sure, he runs off half back with a bit of zip but his descision making is rarely competent (far from creative), ending up giving us shocking direction going forward.
Surely in modern football the rebounding HB requires someone with good disposal and descision making. The bombers constantly fall down in this area..
It's only when Hirdy goes into the backline do we realise how important that role is.
douggie the don
3 Oct 2006, 21:59
Laycock just signed for 2 years...
Bye, Bye Carts.....
Sheeds just needs to give Dyson more game time!
He hasnt been able to because Dyson has struugled with his fitness because of OP ;)
Johns improving would allow Lucas to play CHB, which would be a relief to the defence. But really need at least one, preferably two of Lee, Lucy and Bradley to take tall defensive roles, McPhee and the Johnsons to refind their form, and several of the faster youngsters to step up. Need youngsters to step up and push Peverill, Camporeale out of the starting 22. A long list, which is why we're at the bottom.
Who needs to be stepped into the side.
Lee & Lucy MUST get game time. These are our current potential tall defenders, and we must know if they can hack it or not.
.
I guess you havnt seen much of Lucy playing last year? Unles he has grown another couple of centermeters and put on 5 or so kg he wont be going anywhere near a KPP role. I know he was drafted as a full back and he is 193cm but his role with Bendigo has been as a hb/hf/wingman. Was used as a key defender a couple of times but was soundly beaten in this role.
You want see him taking any sort of key defencive role next year in the seniors!
deanos_28
4 Oct 2006, 10:36
welsh is definately in our best 22, he is a hard nut and wins alot of the ball, should not be traded. NLM is another one of our players who is being played out of position. I think NLM had an awsome season, but did not pay enough respect to his man while playin in defence. If we played him as a loose defender, third man up type thing, or as a goodes type player, on the wing, he would benefite more.
Soloman, Bolton and Heneman should go way before welsh and NLM.
I guess you havnt seen much of Lucy playing last year? Unles he has grown another couple of centermeters and put on 5 or so kg he wont be going anywhere near a KPP role. I know he was drafted as a full back and he is 193cm but his role with Bendigo has been as a hb/hf/wingman. Was used as a key defender a couple of times but was soundly beaten in this role.
You want see him taking any sort of key defencive role next year in the seniors!
If memory serves me correct he played on Sav Rocca or Jade Rawlings and he got cut up. Sav would have the best part of 30kg on him. He did look a lot better when played on players his own size as a hb/wingman
Essendon fans really have to stop, over rating there players. McVeigh is an average half backer at best not good enough to play midfield and wouldnt be in the starting 18 at any of the top 8 teams. Stanton is ok gets the footy but is not in the same league as young players like Deledio, Murphy, Franklin, Griffen, Mclean etc etc so if your hope is on him becoming elite i think your dreaming.
The only players i wouldn be prepard to trade would be Lloyd, Hird, Lucas, Monfries & Ryder.
The rest are average players who would not be walk up starts in the West Coast side and if an ok deal came then you should jump at it. But like usual you will play hard ball and want more than your player is worth and no trade will happen.
I guess you havnt seen much of Lucy playing last year? Unles he has grown another couple of centermeters and put on 5 or so kg he wont be going anywhere near a KPP role. I know he was drafted as a full back and he is 193cm but his role with Bendigo has been as a hb/hf/wingman. Was used as a key defender a couple of times but was soundly beaten in this role.
You want see him taking any sort of key defencive role next year in the seniors!
No, I didn't see much of the Bendigo Bombers (2 games), and find that news very unfortunate. It means we've only really got Kepler & Lee as potential tall defenders. Means we really really need more. Should probably pick up three this draft, since if you ignore Fletcher and say Bradley isn't a defender, then you'd have Lee + three new ones. Odds are good only 2=>3 of those will actually come on.
welsh is definately in our best 22, he is a hard nut and wins alot of the ball, should not be traded. NLM is another one of our players who is being played out of position. I think NLM had an awsome season, but did not pay enough respect to his man while playin in defence. If we played him as a loose defender, third man up type thing, or as a goodes type player, on the wing, he would benefite more.
Soloman, Bolton and Heneman should go way before welsh and NLM.
Welsh plays off his man, and his decision making witht he ball is poor. Now, he's definetely AFL level, but the question is whether he's better than other small defenders we have. I'd say no. Which is why I'd trade him, as we've got too many small defenders.
NLM has been tried in other positions, and generally failed. Which is why he's now played in defence. He had a good season, but as mentioned above still has issues (not particularly tight on his man, not brilliant helping out and a bit soft). However, again he IS AFL level.
In my view, he's playing in McPhee's position, and so in my view we can only afford one of them. Otherwise we're trying to turn defenders into something else, and that seldom works out well. So I'd trade NLM, as I prefer McPhee.
If you read what I said, I said to get rid of Bolton, Henneman & Solomon anyway. But even with them gone, in my view we have a surplus of small=>medium defenders, and its better to trade them away than to have them either play with the Bendigo Bombers or play in positions they're not as good in.
Essendon fans really have to stop, over rating there players. McVeigh is an average half backer at best not good enough to play midfield and wouldnt be in the starting 18 at any of the top 8 teams. Stanton is ok gets the footy but is not in the same league as young players like Deledio, Murphy, Franklin, Griffen, Mclean etc etc so if your hope is on him becoming elite i think your dreaming.
The only players i wouldn be prepard to trade would be Lloyd, Hird, Lucas, Monfries & Ryder.
The rest are average players who would not be walk up starts in the West Coast side and if an ok deal came then you should jump at it. But like usual you will play hard ball and want more than your player is worth and no trade will happen.
I asked neutral observers on another thread about Welsh & NLM, and they said picks between 18 and 30. So I figure saying 20=>30 for NLM & Welsh, and 35=>50 for Solomon is realistic.
McVeigh would be in virtually every team in the league if played as a small defender. His ability to shut down small forwards is exceptional. Problem is he is only a decent midfielder/forward, but he keeps getting played there because Sheedy hopes he'll get better.
Our views differ on Stanton. Time will tell. But even if you're right and he won't be 'elite', just very good, a team with our midfield would be stupid to trade someone that young when we don't have other midfielders.
Many of our players wouldn't be walk up starts to WCE. Same with a lot of lists. Which is why the only ones I suggested trading are ones of known AFL level (NLM, Welsh, Solomon), and even then it wasn't like I was suggesting we'd get 1st round picks for them.
Maybe you should read the thread.
matty lloyd the champ
4 Oct 2006, 18:14
Is there a place for James Kelly anywhere?
McVeigh is an average half backer at best not good enough to play midfield and wouldnt be in the starting 18 at any of the top 8 teams.
When a Carlton supporter has a crack it really holds little worth.
By the way, these guys...LRT, Richards, Matthews, Doyle, Dempster, Fosdike, Armstrong, B Jones, R Jones, Banfield etc all played in this year's Grand Final. Reckon Mark McVeigh would've got a game too.
deanos_28
4 Oct 2006, 18:57
ok welsh and soloman arent stars, and i dont mind the idea of trading soloman, but say we trade both because of the surplus we have in medium/small defenders, considering mark johnson isnt a full time defender anymore, where is the hardness in the backline?
sure they both may give away silly free kicks at times, and their skills may not be supurb, but any good backline has some straight out hard nuts.
Well, I'd play McVeigh there, and he's certainly hard. McPhee is hardly soft. And MJ can play there as well. Also, we gave Slattery time there earlier and he looks promising to be hard as well.
But I wouldn't keep a guy in the team SOLELY because he's hard either. And in the case of Solomon, theres not much point being hard if you give away as many frees, 50's and effectively goals as he does.
deanos_28
4 Oct 2006, 19:28
i dont really rate slattery all that highly, but all your points are very reasonable. How about Nash, havnt seen much of him, does he crash the packs??
How about Nash, havnt seen much of him, does he crash the packs??
Gold!!
Big John
5 Oct 2006, 00:27
Don't know about trading Solomon caus i don't think we'l get any value for him. I watched the 2000 grand final (good times) on fox footy the other day and Solomon was so much slimmer and looked a lot better. I think he's been focusing to much on bulking up, and would be better suited as a big midfielder than an undersized key defender. Should leave the weights room and do some running.
i dont really rate slattery all that highly, but all your points are very reasonable. How about Nash, havnt seen much of him, does he crash the packs??
If you want someone to crash the packs Slattery is your man, Nash is not.
Don't know about trading Solomon caus i don't think we'l get any value for him. I watched the 2000 grand final (good times) on fox footy the other day and Solomon was so much slimmer and looked a lot better. I think he's been focusing to much on bulking up, and would be better suited as a big midfielder than an undersized key defender. Should leave the weights room and do some running.
I'd lean towards delisting Solomon if we can't trade him. As I said above, I think he's got too many flaws for a bottom 4 side to handle.
But if he does stay, I agree that he MUST give up weight/bulk and try and put more run in his legs. Don't know if he can with his body, but he showed this year he can't play KP with his current height/bulk/speed, so as he can't grow taller, his only option is to slim down so he can play smalls better.
But again, that means we've got another small=>medium defender around. And I stand by the statement we've got too many of them.
Charliebrow16
5 Oct 2006, 14:42
Is there a place for James Kelly anywhere?
Well, personally i'd like to see him in the red & black.
But i dont want to get him at any real great cost.
Essendon are starting to build a pretty good team, if we can get a few good midfielders & Tall Backline players, we can be a real force in the years to come.
Our forward line is great, lloyd, lucas, hird & johns (starting to show a bit of promise).
Plus i'd really like to pick up riewoldt, he's a KPP & we need a few stars after lloyd & hird are gone.
Essendon fans really have to stop, over rating there players. McVeigh is an average half backer at best not good enough to play midfield and wouldnt be in the starting 18 at any of the top 8 teams. Stanton is ok gets the footy but is not in the same league as young players like Deledio, Murphy, Franklin, Griffen, Mclean etc etc so if your hope is on him becoming elite i think your dreaming.
The only players i wouldn be prepard to trade would be Lloyd, Hird, Lucas, Monfries & Ryder.
The rest are average players who would not be walk up starts in the West Coast side and if an ok deal came then you should jump at it. But like usual you will play hard ball and want more than your player is worth and no trade will happen.
You havnt seen much of him this year have you? played some very good tagging roles in the midfield in the first half of the year.
Charliebrow16
5 Oct 2006, 17:58
Ant, i agree with u 100%,
McVeigh is a great player for the Dons.
His first half of the season was perhaps the best in our team.
By the way do u no what McVeigh came in our B&F? Coz i reckon he would have got fairly close 2 winning it.