List Mgmt. 2025 List Management Discussion - Part IV

[Hubnester]

2025 List Management Discussion - Part 4

Now that our season is over, and news is starting to break - it's time for a fresh thread.

This thread is to discuss all things list management - trades, draft, free agency, delistings and more.
As we are now officially in our off-season, we'll be wanting to keep this thread more strictly on-topic than the previous iterations.
Be respectful. You are allowed to disagree with someone - but play the ball, not the man. Repeat offenders will have their posting rights revoked.

Thanks to Lore once again for this incredibly useful spreadsheet.

2025 KEY DATES
Free Agency Period: Friday, October 3rd - Friday, October 10th
Trade Period: Monday, October 6th - Wednesday, October 15th
AFL Draft: Wednesday, November 19th - Thursday, November 20th

See Also:
2025 Year in Review Rumours & Confirmed Movements 2025 Draft Discussion
​

 

[bird_man]

Liam Ryan is worth at best pick 50.

2025 HPN Trade Calculator https://public.tableau.com/shared/BZGKXP3C7?:display_count=y&:origin=viz_share_link&:embed=y via @tableaupublic

We aren't getting him for pick 50 unfortunately

 

[bird_man]

Expect Steele to stay unless he can get to a team that gives him a chance to contend. GWS & Collingwood are a watch over the next week.

Ro could happen as early as today I reckon. Clubs seem actively engaged in negotiations and if Cats want a live chance at Curnow they’ll need to move on to that ASAP.

Oliver going to Giants would rule them out id imagine

 

[stavro#4]

The prospect of Flanders being traded to St Kilda started with Graeme Allan mentioning casually to a Suns’ official fairly early in the season that the club might be interested in him.

The Age -

 

[OxSaint]

It's an F1 Geelong, take it or dont.
Anything less & we're gifting them
Gubby states, we're doing what's best for the Saints
Gotta prove it now.

On Steele, he turns up to his exit meeting & says hey guys im going to relinquish the captaincy.
Called back later & told, by the way look around for other opportunities.
I personally dont like that shite.
Could of told him that at the exit meeting.
Respect isnt a thing anymore.

I think the tone and intention of the meeting has been miss reported by the media.

Surely it was just a respectful meeting about this is where you sit at the moment and if you do want to move somewhere where there is going to be more midfield opportunity than we would facilitate it.

I doubt it was a pack your bags and find a new home direction.

 

[Heavensent]

Potential SC issues aside I'd suggest we'll get what we want from the cats, or we keep Ro which is a win either way.
I can see perhaps a future 2nd for Aleer with a bit back. That bit, and maybe something for Butts goes to WC for Ryan.

Aleer should not cost us much at all, we can get him for free in the PSD

 

[Saintbloke]

Exactly. I've switched my thinking on Steele - prefer to keep rather than give away for bugger all in return. Like the fact he wants to stay too. Think with the Captaincy off his shoulders and free from the spotlight so to speak, he's released just to work on his game and nothing else and we might possibly see a renewed JS next season.

The question is what position Steele would play? We have to face the fact that he is in the later part of his career and as a mid is way behind the better mids in the comp now- could provide some strength across half forward, but we have a new breed of young guys all competing for a midfield role and this is where we need to focus.

 

[stavro#4]

The question is what position Steele would play? We have to face the fact that he is in the later part of his career and as a mid is way behind the better mids in the comp now- could provide some strength across half forward, but we have a new breed of young guys all competing for a midfield role and this is where we need to focus.

I don’t think that’s the question.

I think the question is whether he can get back his ability to cover the ground and spread like he did a few years ago. (This is not me saying he needs to find that form. That’s different)

Now if he can’t, he won’t play much under Ross. But he will play for other clubs where they don’t have that ask for each of their mids like Ross does.

Jack might back himself to do that. But if they have another midfielder lined up who can do that. They will be ahead of Jack until he can show he can.. if he can.

If he doesn’t, he rots in the VFL and I just don’t want that outcome for him.

 

[MrFoster]

I don’t think that’s the question.

I think the question is whether he can get back his ability to cover the ground and spread like he did a few years ago. (This is not me saying he needs to find that form. That’s different)

Now if he can’t, he won’t play much under Ross. But he will play for other clubs where they don’t have that ask for each of their mids like Ross does.

Jack might back himself to do that. But if they have another midfielder lined up who can do that. They will be ahead of Jack until he can show he can.. if he can.

If he doesn’t, he rots in the VFL and I just don’t want that outcome for him.

Think Steele goes as well. It’s actually in his best interest to prolong his career which I assume he wants to. The fact that he was a sub in a game later in the season gives you a glimpse into his future in the midfield, the smart move for him would be move to another team, hopefully a contending team, but Essendon or Melbourne who are losing senior mids are also good options so he can provide some leadership as well without being the captain.

 

[The_Snake26]

What is least desirable? To be a campaigner or a champ? Asking for a friend.

Definitely champ.
Campaigner could be anything.
“theres snake, he’s a mad/sick campaigner”
It’s the ultimate complement

 

[SaintsofSteel]

Its interesting to read Steele is getting some interest, I wonder who the other player/s are that we have in the line if Jack does elect to move? Sam Walsh

18

Sam Walsh

Age

25

Ht

184cm

Wt

84kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

25.1

5star

K

13.5

5star

HB

11.6

5star

M

5.1

5star

T

3.2

5star

CL

3.4

5star

No current season stats available

D

26.2

5star

K

15.4

5star

HB

10.8

5star

M

6.0

5star

T

3.2

5star

CL

4.8

5star

's name seems to be lingering, Cam McKenzie might be still in play or even a player like Archie Perkins might be considered to play on a wing.

Personally I would like to hold a draft pick in the early 20's to grab a kid like Thredgold (key defender), Phillipou (mid), Emmett (versatile tall), Rodriguez (mid) or Ludowyke (key forward). I understand the club doesnt rate to top end of this years draft, but there will still be diamonds to be had later in the draft.

Id be happy to back in Dodson to develop rapidly if we lose both Marshall and Heath, but we will need another option below Dodson, perhaps a rookie or late pick. Zac Harding Murray Bushrangers ruckman, Taj Murray NT/North Adelaide ruckman might be considerations.

 

[stavro#4]

gringo2011 Kornes sounds like you

 

[beside the seaside]

I don't really get why anyone would be surprised that Marshall is getting traded. Hopefully we are holding out for a good deal but as soon as he requested he was gone.

 

[SaintsofSteel]

I don't really get why anyone would be surprised that Marshall is getting traded. Hopefully we are holding out for a good deal but as soon as he requested he was gone.

When they publicly announce their request for a trade, there is not many players who remain. Im disappointed he didnt want to remain, but I guess he believes he is being pushed out with the inclusion of TDK. Its been reported the club have requested a F1st from Geelong, which lends to the club wanting that pick to chase a high end player next year.

Its a credit to SOS and his number crunchers that we are in such good shape salary cap wise, that we will still have $$$ to throw around this or next year.

What hasnt been picked up is Gubby's statement that Ross Lyon had been coaching with a restricted list the past season. It was obviously so they could save the cap space for this years plunge. Obviously the new list hasnt won a game yet but congrats to the club for keeping things under wraps and flipping the script on the players wanting to come to the club. Brilliant suff Sainters!!!

 

[Anythings_sipposible]

With the Clarry to GWS news, maybe a three-way?

Stk Out: Heath, Future 3rd
Stk In: Aleer

Melb Out: Oliver
Melbourne In: Heath, Future 3rd

GWS Out: Aleer
GWS In: Oliver

Imagine if 3 years ago you'd told someone Oliver was traded for Aleer? Lol.

 

[SaintsofSteel]

With the Clarry to GWS news, maybe a three-way?

Stk Out: Heath, Future 3rd
Stk In: Aleer

Melb Out: Oliver
Melbourne In: Heath, Future 3rd

GWS Out: Aleer
GWS In: Oliver

Imagine if 3 years ago you'd told someone Oliver was traded for Aleer? Lol.

If Melbourne are paying half Oliver's salary for the next 5 years (3.5M) they will be asking for a 1st round pick.

 

[Anythings_sipposible]

If Melbourne are paying half Oliver's salary for the next 5 years (3.5M) they will be asking for a 1st round pick.

Absolutely no chance in hell. Aleer might be overs

 

[sammm]

So Aleer in and Roma out are the only two, essentially, confirmed deals we will be involved in.

McKenzie sounds dead unless Merett happens (which honestly seems less likely with every passing hour)
Steele also seems less likely at this stage

Would have to be something pretty out of the ordinary IMO. Something to get back into mid first round for Mini Pou i wouldnt mind.

Ryan as well

 

[Saint Hendy]

Open debate is good for deciding who leads your country but in a footy forum where opinions make no difference it’s less important.

This is a golden time for the club, and if anyone is more pessimistic than optimistic now they should have earnt your ignore rights.

Don’t water the weeds, you’ll enjoy the wildflowers much more.

 

[Anythings_sipposible]

Open debate is good for deciding who leads your country but in a footy forum where opinions make no difference it’s less important.

This is a golden time for the club, and if anyone is more pessimistic than optimistic now they should have earnt your ignore rights.

Don’t water the weeds, you’ll enjoy the wildflowers much more.

How dare you, I'm buying a membership for next year just so I can melt it in disgust. And then I'm going to pour the melted plastic on a wild flower. Maybe I'll yell at a duck

 

[gringo2011]

Not me, I'm stoked with Flanders. The fact that we used pick 8 on Travaglia reaffirms the Flanders trade even more.

I rate Trav but this draft is horrible. It looks like the Clark Coffield draft. Last year had about 25 players worthy of top 6 picks in a normal year. Guys like Boxshall look better than most guys expected to go between pick 10 and 20 this year. It’s an even draft but low quality over all. Guys like Taylor Byrne and Fincher could just as easily be the best in their year. The dice roll later picks look more enticing to me as a gamble.

 

[Tommy Wigs]

Its interesting to read Steele is getting some interest, I wonder who the other player/s are that we have in the line if Jack does elect to move? Sam Walsh's name seems to be lingering, Cam McKenzie might be still in play or even a player like Archie Perkins might be considered to play on a wing.

Personally I would like to hold a draft pick in the early 20's to grab a kid like Thredgold (key defender), Phillipou (mid), Emmett (versatile tall), Rodriguez (mid) or Ludowyke (key forward). I understand the club doesnt rate to top end of this years draft, but there will still be diamonds to be had later in the draft.

Id be happy to back in Dodson to develop rapidly if we lose both Marshall and Heath, but we will need another option below Dodson, perhaps a rookie or late pick. Zac Harding Murray Bushrangers ruckman, Taj Murray NT/North Adelaide ruckman might be considerations.

Yeah, while I’m big on Dodzilla, we are still talking about being number 1 ruck for a period of time if something happens. So that’s against the monsters and potentially in big games that shape our season. He may well be able to do enough to suck it up for a year.

Seeing a couple of snippets just earlier and the reminder of Keeler being non competitive in marking contests - I just don’t see him being able to do enough if he was in a huge game against a Cameron or Meek or someone. That’s just not his go.

So I’d be surprised if someone with some experience wasn’t slapped on the list over summer. I think the Boyd concept makes sense, they just didn’t execute on who they selected. There are more than 40 list spots, so having a third ruckman (Keeler a forward / second ruck to me) isn’t crazy.

 

[gringo2011]

Sounds like SDK is a pipe dream so aside from that l think a future 1st should be the purchase price.

I’d prefer Derksen than SDK anyway. Sam is struggling to impact games and might not end up progressing. He’s a gamble now and we’d be buying him on his form from 2023. Hunter Clark and Coffield looked special early on.

 

[beside the seaside]

I think Prestia is a good comparison of what we think Flanders can become for us. Richmond paid a lot for him but he helped them to flags so no one cares about the cost now.

It may be one we look back at and think we paid overs but we weren't getting him much cheaper.

 

[gringo2011]

Potential SC issues aside I'd suggest we'll get what we want from the cats, or we keep Ro which is a win either way.
I can see perhaps a future 2nd for Aleer with a bit back. That bit, and maybe something for Butts goes to WC for Ryan.

If we pay a future second for Aleer we’ve lost the plot. He’s barely best 22 next year.

 

[Saint Hendy]

How dare you, I'm buying a membership for next year just so I can melt it in disgust. And then I'm going to pour the melted plastic on a wild flower. Maybe I'll yell at a duck

Not saying we shouldn’t have a toys out cot moment every once in a while, I recall a recent norf loss where I ‘lost’ my scarf in a bin.

Just think this isn’t the time. We won trade period.