Thanks for replying. It was something I hadn’t heard much about. Academy talent is unpredictable and can vary from year to year. It’s probably not bad timing for a lull in academy talent with the penalty applied to GWS 1st RDP this year.
I can’t see any trade involving Saints & GWS for pick 8 unless something comes out of left field. You never know, but my sense is Saints are happy to take picks 7 & 8 to the draft unless there is A-grade talent we can trade-in. Unlikely IMO although we will dangle the carrot out there.
It’s been 16 years since we’ve had 2 x top 10 DPs & this is a huge opportunity for the club to inject elite young talent in what could be the youngest list in 2018.
It’s also a good time for GWS to consolidate and reflect. I don’t see how they benefit trading players like Wilson or Tomlinson unless those players are definitely leaving or the salary cap is bursting, especially with the club still in the window for success. Steady as she goes with a focus on development and filling the odd gap.
