Rumour GFC 2025 Player Trading, Drafting FA, Rumours and Wish lists Pt 2

[D BRIDGE]

Thats an interesting perspective.

I wonder what the reaction would be if every Father Sons..every academy play..every NGA would be advised the not to take part in the combine.

I can see you point. If the aligned club needed to know what a players testing would be then they just do private testing and have an injury at combine time.

Not sure... A bunch of the top rated kids don't attend draft camp every year.

In the end those ones are judged on performance.

I can see why speculative guys would need to attend... but if we are already keen on anyone from our NGA and they are keen on us... all going to the combine and performing extremely well will do is hurt each other's preferred agenda (unless they tank it).

 

[Kobe Gryant]

Funnily enough as good as Wells is (goat) can we even call it a Wells special? He was predicted to be drafted in the 20-30 range in mocks and was sitting there at our pick 58.

Hopefully will have the whole league regretting over looking him soon.

If he can break the mold again and makes it, we're luckiest that it's a different era of football too.

10 years ago when JPK and Fyfe were dominating, and all clubs wanted were huge bodied mids, he would've been a top 10 pick.

Oliver a perfect example. Was originally promised a rookie spot at Richmond, and shot up the draft board due to Paul Roos wanting to emulate Freo's Barlow, Fyfe, and Mundy midfield.

Either we get him, but don't have COS, or we miss out out entirely.

 

[CatToTheFuture]

Fair point too. What would be the outcome if you did not draft them then…like with Hoff and StKilda and then other clubs do not draft the player as they lack info?

I suspect its in the nature of the best that most of the kids want to show all what they can do..and standout amongst his piers. They probably don't care that much about point and how the draft works

Yeah Hofmann is a good example. Saints said before the draft they'd take a sandy kid then they didn't. Hof a sandy kid they probably expected to get to the rookie draft. No battle plan survives first contact

 

[CatToTheFuture]

If he can break the mold again and makes it, we're luckiest that it's a different era of football too.

10 years ago when JPK and Fyfe were dominating, and all clubs wanted were huge bodied mids, he would've been a top 10 pick.

Oliver a perfect example. Was originally promised a rookie spot at Richmond, and shot up the draft board due to Paul Roos wanting to emulate Freo's Barlow, Fyfe, and Mundy midfield.

Either we get him, but don't have COS, or we miss out out entirely.

You can probably write a decent business strategy phd on first mover advantage and drafting/trading where a side that is smashing the comp with one type of player doesn't need anymore and simultaneously pushes similar players up the draft board while making the players they need that actually balance their list drift.

 

[Turbocat]

Yeah Hofmann is a good example. Saints said before the draft they'd take a sandy kid then they didn't. Hof a sandy kid they probably expected to get to the rookie draft. No battle plan survives first contact

Or as Mike Tyson or was it Lee Child that said … everyones got a plan till you are hit in the face… If one makes a rule its an opportunity for individuals to gain advantage by circumvention … so id not dismiss anything out of hand but cajoling players to not participate for less then legit reasons ..sounds a lot like draft manipulation. My bet is most clubs just would not think the upside is not worth the possible down side of if and when it blew up in your face.

Back to specifics with JMellor . The change to the point system this year means a variation on previous years. Will it see clubs even less fussed about bidding on aligned players out of R1 ? Who knows till we see it rock and roll but if he slips thru to the 40’s .. would clubs even both bidding if they know we will take him? Or do they bid and hope perhaps like we did with Hoff.

 

[And_ROOS]

Sandra Sully feels...


Letting kids develop and work on their deficiencies in the VFL and actually giving them time to get there works...


IWWT

GO Catters

Yup getting the results when we have seen Mannagh, Humphries and now Stevens spending time in the VFL so that when they get into the AFL team they fit in immediately.

Which begs the question on why Mullin doesn't spend more time in the VFL so he can improve.

 

[Cataholic]

Yup getting the results when we have seen Mannagh, Humphries and now Stevens spending time in the VFL so that when they get into the AFL team they fit in immediately.

Which begs the question on why Mullin doesn't spend more time in the VFL so he can improve.

I reckon Mullin is tracking fine.

 

[D BRIDGE]

Yeah Hofmann is a good example. Saints said before the draft they'd take a sandy kid then they didn't. Hof a sandy kid they probably expected to get to the rookie draft. No battle plan survives first contact

Word on the street was Hofmann was pretty keen to not go to the Saints (no shock there).

So him going to the combine and smoking a 2.8sec 20m dash probably helped him get what he wanted.

If he wanted to go to St Kilda (and stay home)... probably just don't and impress at the combine and maybe go undrafted and to the Saints as a rookie.

Depends on what player + club wants.

St Kilda def not to be trusted... they are as good at keeping promises as they are at winning flags.

 

[Kobe Gryant]

Yup getting the results when we have seen Mannagh, Humphries and now Stevens spending time in the VFL so that when they get into the AFL team they fit in immediately.

Which begs the question on why Mullin doesn't spend more time in the VFL so he can improve.

Long term planning.

In all likelihood, we're going to need to shutdown (or at the very least inhibit) an Ashcroft, Daicos, Rankine, Newcombe, or Richards if we're going to have any say this year.

If these games are getting Mullin better equipped to do that effectively, then they're worth it by proxy.

Just quietly, he's not going that badly either.

 

[And_ROOS]

I reckon Mullin is tracking fine.

He spent a lot of time in the AFL initially as a defender which didn't suit him and he is still very hit and miss at times. Far more bad games than good and should have spent more time in the VFL to learn running patterns because at times in the AFL he has been horrendously exposed.

Meanwhile we see others do a spell in the VFL, learn their craft and make a bigger impact in the AFL team.

 

[Cataholic]

He spent a lot of time in the AFL initially as a defender which didn't suit him and he is still very hit and miss at times. Far more bad games than good and should have spent more time in the VFL to learn running patterns because at times in the AFL he has been horrendously exposed.

Meanwhile we see others do a spell in the VFL, learn their craft and make a bigger impact in the AFL team.

Fair enough, but I'm seeing it differently.

Yes, he looked all at sea at times but he's grown into the tagging role quite nicely imo, and has shut some good players down over the last few weeks.

I thought he went alright against the Tigers too.

 

[Gazza Greatness]

Mellor looks awesome. Every game he seems to manage to kick goals which is a fantastic effort as a small forward.

He is strong, stands in tackles, explosive and has a fast turn and clean first touch.

Again though, the big thing is his goal sense. Something you either have or don’t. And can never have enough natural goal scorers on your list. Will be glad to have him cheaply.

And today I was super impressed with Stevens. I know it was only against Richmond but Clark/Knevitt/Clohesy haven’t come close to having a game with that type of impact regardless of competition.

I didn’t think he looked slow or sluggish, his quick decision making and smart movement through the contest opens the game up for him. He is an extractor who is happy to stand in a tackle and move back through the contest to find runners. Can’t help but think he would have looked even better with Smith dashing today.

I’m not saying he’s made or this is it but it’s a great sign on debut. Also, love his kicking.

And then onto Worpel, another flat game especially when taking into account it was against a side into him… expected him to lift. I maintain he isn’t the answer and maintain the club isn’t chasing him.

Great say as a Cats fan. Just would’ve been nice to see Port pull off an upset so we could leapfrog. Giants have me worried next week and I hope we keep Stevens in, his size alone could be helpful for us vs Green.

FishGutz:..... Worpel isn't in the same league as a footballer as a young George Stevens and unless we have some unfortunate midfield injures I wouldn't go near Worpel, maybe for depth but that is all and he would have to come in 'dirt cheap' or forget it. But yeah FitzGutz I'm like you, George Stevens has virtually wiped Worpel out of the discussion and best to concentrate on the genuine A graders which we are currently doing, we don't need Worpel, George put paid to that.

 

[Phill Hendo]

With George Stevens going from possible delist to potential Wells Special in the space of 4 quarters, (Go George!) it has me thinking about list spots. My conclusion is its not easy to create vacancies.

1. Mullen. Requires an upgrade from rookie list so we start at Negative 1.
2. Stanley. Probably retires but if he does one pick has to be a Ruck. But I have said that before! His retirement takes us back to zero.
3. Duncan. Great career Mitch. Thanks for every game. We now have one vacancy.
4. Bews. Jed gets forced out. He is really unlucky. He might get another chance at another club. Now, 2 vacancies.
5. Cam Guthrie. If he retires, but I doubt he does. His record keeps him on the list. Not adding a spot here but I know many see him as gone.
6. Wiltshire. The success of the 23 draft makes creating list spots much harder. The tightness makes Wiltshire a delist. Possible re rookie. We now have 3 list spots.
7. Knevitt. Maybe we can delist and re rookie someone like Knevitt. But I think he is worth perservering with. Hope to see him in the side again this year. This probably is achievable. That makes 4 spots.

Thats it for me. 4 spots with one rookie relisting (Knevitt) 5 If Cam Guthrie hangs them up. I'd think 4 is enough but it depends on what happens in trade week.

 

[Hamingja]

St Kilda def not to be trusted... they are as good at keeping promises as they are at winning flags.

It might not have been Ross specifically but Menegola got burned by Freo when Ross was coach. Freo told him to walk from Hawthorn and they would put him on the senior list and then only took him as a rookie.

 

[Jumping Jack]

As solid as Steven’s debut was I’d suggest we just temper the excitement.

One horror game next week or soon after and there’ll be nufties on these pages calling for him to face a firing squad at dawn.

Good start but it was Richmond and a few blokes like Prestia Hopper and Taranto who’s best footy is a long way behind them.

 

[Cataholic]

As solid as Steven’s debut was I’d suggest we just temper the excitement.

One horror game next week or soon after and there’ll be nufties on these pages calling for him to face a firing squad at dawn.

Good start but it was Richmond and a few blokes like Prestia Hopper and Taranto who’s best footy is a long way behind them.

I don't think I've seen an instance where the excitement has gone overboard.

Most of us are just happy to see the kid get a go, and do well in the moment.

Sure, it wasn't Collingwood, but he can only perform against the opponent on the ground at the time, and he did that

I just don't understand why we can't be happy for his moment without trying to denigrate his performance.

Can't we simply say 'well played young man. We're delighted with your debut and have confidence you can do the same against the very best' ?

Yes, he still has a long way to go but I sure as hell hope Scott and the boys are giving him far more encouragement and positive feedback than we're seeing on BF.

 

[Strange Cat]

I don't think I've seen an instance where the excitement has gone overboard.

Most of us are just happy to see the kid get a go, and do well in the moment.

Sure, it wasn't Collingwood, but he can only perform against the opponent on the ground at the time, and he did that

I just don't understand why we can't be happy for his moment without trying to denigrate his performance.

Can't we simply say 'well played young man. We're delighted with your debut and have confidence you can do the same against the very best' ?

Yes, he still has a long way to go but I sure as hell hope Scott and the boys are giving him far more encouragement and positive feedback than we're seeing on BF.

The closest we had since Joel that was thrown in the guts and thrived .

 

[Pure_Ownage]

With George Stevens going from possible delist to potential Wells Special in the space of 4 quarters, (Go George!) it has me thinking about list spots. My conclusion is its not easy to create vacancies.

1. Mullen. Requires an upgrade from rookie list so we start at Negative 1.
2. Stanley. Probably retires but if he does one pick has to be a Ruck. But I have said that before! His retirement takes us back to zero.
3. Duncan. Great career Mitch. Thanks for every game. We now have one vacancy.
4. Bews. Jed gets forced out. He is really unlucky. He might get another chance at another club. Now, 2 vacancies.
5. Cam Guthrie. If he retires, but I doubt he does. His record keeps him on the list. Not adding a spot here but I know many see him as gone.
6. Wiltshire. The success of the 23 draft makes creating list spots much harder. The tightness makes Wiltshire a delist. Possible re rookie. We now have 3 list spots.
7. Knevitt. Maybe we can delist and re rookie someone like Knevitt. But I think he is worth perservering with. Hope to see him in the side again this year. This probably is achievable. That makes 4 spots.

Thats it for me. 4 spots with one rookie relisting (Knevitt) 5 If Cam Guthrie hangs them up. I'd think 4 is enough but it depends on what happens in trade week.

Bews and Duncan certainties. Guthrie also is a certainty-his body is cooked.
I think Stanley retires.
I'd be happy to delist and re rookie Wiltshire.
I expect clohesy asks for a trade.

That's enough changes in a weak draft year. I'd hang onto knevitt for 12 months.

 

[terry_bright]

Bews and Duncan certainties. Guthrie also is a certainty-his body is cooked.
I think Stanley retires.
I'd be happy to delist and re rookie Wiltshire.
I expect clohesy asks for a trade.

That's enough changes in a weak draft year. I'd hang onto knevitt for 12 months.

If we can’t bring in another ruck, I’d be happy to give Stanley another year.
I reckon this year Stanley’s role was to play as a fill in ruck to Conway, Edwards and SDK. Play a fair chunk in the VFL, and he was comfortable with that. As things have turned out we have had to rely on him more than expected and for the most part he has delivered.
If he’s happy to play the same role (a lot like Goldstein at Essendon), on low dollars, I can see us keeping him.

 

[And_ROOS]

If we can’t bring in another ruck, I’d be happy to give Stanley another year.
I reckon this year Stanley’s role was to play as a fill in ruck to Conway, Edwards and SDK. Play a fair chunk in the VFL, and he was comfortable with that. As things have turned out we have had to rely on him more than expected and for the most part he has delivered.
If he’s happy to play the same role (a lot like Goldstein at Essendon), on low dollars, I can see us keeping him.

Thats assuming he wants to continue though, and when we win the flag he might call time.

 

[TheCattery2007]

Nankervis is a beast too, standing up in a tackle from him and Hopper as a teenager is wild

Glad someone else noticed this! Caused the Holmes goal. Dangerfield areas

 

[Strange Cat]

Thats assuming he wants to continue though, and when we win the flag he might call time.

Seems to be enjoying his year and he’s been fantastic so far knock wood

But yes his motivation wasn’t there at the end of last year so it’s a possibility he will end it on a high should we win a flag ..big IF

 

[Gazza Greatness]

Nankervis is a beast too, standing up in a tackle from him and Hopper as a teenager is wild

Thought that was a real highlight that piece of play CTTF, 20 yo kids just don't do that and not only did he stand up against Nankervis who is a beast of a man as you say along with Hopper also hanging off him but he then managed under enormous pressure to get good penetration on that handball out to Holmes which he had no right to do, who then ran on and kicked a great running goal.

I have know doubt CTTF we have got ourselves a real outstanding inside contested mid with great footy nous and superb hand and foot skills. He also gets incredible spin on his drop punts by dropping the ball low and kicks with penetration which takes incredible timing, precision hand to foot coordination coupled with strength through the thighs and calves to execute with such penetration and accuracy, not many players in the AFL can do that. That kick he kicked on the run to Jezza that travelled about 55 metres to the Barwon River end that also resulted in a goal was a kick of a high class footballer. This young contested midfield gun is going to be a revelation for us with Holmes and Smith in particular licking their lips and I'm so bloody excited to see him develop over the coming years among with our many other outstanding young players.

 

[CatToTheFuture]

Thought that was a real highlight that piece of play CTTF, 20 yo kids just don't do that and not only did he stand up against Nankervis who is a beast of a man as you say along with Hopper also hanging off him but he then managed under enormous pressure to get good penetration on that handball out to Holmes which he had no right to do, who then ran on and kicked a great running goal.

I have know doubt CTTF we have got ourselves a real outstanding inside contested mid with great footy nous and superb hand and foot skills. He also gets incredible spin on his drop punts by dropping the ball low and kicks with penetration which takes incredible timing, precision hand to foot coordination coupled with strength through the thighs and calves to execute with such penetration and accuracy, not many players in the AFL can do that. That kick he kicked on the run to Jezza that travelled about 55 metres to the Barwon River end was a kick of a high class footballer. This young contested midfield gun is going to be a revelation for us with Holmes and Smith in particular licking their lips and I'm so bloody excited to see him develop over the coming years among with our many other outstanding young players.

For George I am almost ready to love again

 

[Gazza Greatness]

For George I am almost ready to love again

CTTF, I feel like a tart cos I had SDK as my avatar before his breakout, then had Ollie Dempsey as my avatar before his breakout last year, then had COS as my next avatar before a game this year, yet here I am wanting to dump COS for George Stevens and where not even 3/4's into the season. I mean to say CTTF that's as tartish as you can get but as far as I'm concerned I blame Wellsy, Mackie and development team for my very poor behavior cos they're the ones responsible for bringing these outstanding young kids into the club and turning them into these young-gun outstanding footballers.

For George I am almost ready to love again..... you're not alone CTTF