Unofficial Preview 2025 Hawk's Hypothetical Trade Discussion...now with added DFA spitballing!

[Strapping Young Lad]

This thread is becoming increasingly popular, and to keep some sort of order, we will have some….

Rules of engagement:

1. Bring valid news or links to Twitter posts from notable sources. Don’t post screenshots or “some bloke just said on SEN” or what some “trade whisperer” has posted on a Facebook page.

2. Ignore what other team boards are putting up as trade offers. Don’t quote or bring them here either.

3. Don’t post “buckle up” for the lols.

4. If you can’t say anything nice about Worpel or CJ, don’t say anything at all. The continued slaps and backhanders are just going to be deleted.

 

[Nastyfish]

I'll have to remove the crown off Sleepy's head and replace it with a dunce cap, if that's what we end up doing.

I thought the same too. Then I remembered that hustwaite can’t get a game so is fully dispensable to the hawks. And don’t you think there should be minimal difference between our F1 and bombers F2, especially after we take their best player - we should be heading in opposite directions on the ladder? McKenzie hurts, but he wasn’t best 22 either. So maybe it’s not too bad after all…..

 

[Hawk the Talk]

People saying they know what the trade for Merrett looks like already are full of it.

 

[mustang]

We should be adding to our side by being players in not massively weakening it, for one player who is 30.

I can't see the club walking away but feel we are in to deep.

 

[halfback dasher]

People saying they know what the trade for Merrett looks like already are full of it.

People on Bf being full of shit ……
Surly not

 

[Xtreme]

If we have an injury and suspension at the same time, our midfield will be 3 of Newk, Day, Zach, Nash, Ward supported by Finn/Butts/Moore and a flash or two from Wiz - that isn't winning too many games imo.

I have a few reservations- it wasn't too long ago where a midfield of Mitchell, O'Meara + others was meant to set the world on fire.... but they just didn't work as a collective.

The same could happen in this instance.

 

[unitedhawk2]

Ouch, that final trade is a sackable offense.

You managed to get that far without tuning out?

 

[hfc70]

Don't forget though, Zack went Oppenheimer on their arses like not seen before!! He wants Hawks 100%. The only reason he hasn't come out a screamed out " Make me a Hawk “

Stay tuned over the weekend

 

[Judd2Sewell]

I thought the same too. Then I remembered that hustwaite can’t get a game so is fully dispensable to the hawks. And don’t you think there should be minimal difference between our F1 and bombers F2, especially after we take their best player - we should be heading in opposite directions on the ladder? McKenzie hurts, but he wasn’t best 22 either. So maybe it’s not too bad after all…..

HH needs to leave for opportunities, no issue there. No real issue with the pick downgrade either for the reasons you mentioned. But losing Mackenzie too hurts IMO.

 

[HairyO]

To all those saying pass on Merrett prefer Humphrey etc

Zach is a top 10 mid at that absolute cesspool football club, can you imagine what he’ll be like at a functioning organisation with a near elite ruck tapping him the ball, an absolute bull in Newcombe doing the dirty work and a Rolls Royce in Day next to him.
On top of that, with a point to prove to his old employer for a team that will contend.
Bloke could win the Brownlow next year

Are we topping up for one last tilt after a 3 peat like Clarko? Or building for sustsined success over the next many years?

How often is all eggs in one basket the right strategy?

Hardwick also did it and ended up quitting and running off to the Suns.

And look st the basketcase Collingwood is now.

 

[TONYC3163]

Players > Picks (usually)
We have players waiting for their opportunity at BH right now.
For Hawks NOW, Merrett has much more value than pick 9 plus pick 14 (F1) next year, HH is unlikely to get a game.
Another fringe player or pick sweetener will be needed for a contracted captain.

I agree with others that losing a best 23 mid like Frenchie is not ideal.
"Pay the price", but not the farm.

 

[Del236379]

Been enjoying reading the Hawks forum across the year and have been a daily reader of this thread as we near the moving days of trade period.

No info, just option from me.

Just thought I'd post regarding Mackenzie, as I can't see it's been raised by anyone.

Preface by saying like most, I see a 200 gamer here and hope we keep him. However, it's important to note that he's out of contact next year and there has been reported rumblings from his management already this year regarding opportunity.

If Sam and the club aren't convinced he's a regular best 23 next year, well, we won't get much back if he's still been mostly playing at Box Hill and out of contract. In this context I'll back the club if he's moved this year, given his value may be less than we all think.

On Merrett, he's a dead set star with plenty of great footy ahead. Not sure why when we're on the cusp of another premiership run people are getting so caught up on winning the trade versus what a fit Day and Merrett does for us in the next 3 years.

Let Essendon "win" trade period. We will just take their greatest player of the modern era and go win a flag.

 

[Blackhawk42]

Day isn’t going to HB

That's already been floated by one of our most reputable ITK's. Very big chance of happening. Not full time, but certainly as a split between half back and midfield.

Also, putting no weight behind the reports of both Hustwaite and Mackenzie being involved. The club isn't stupid enough to trade in 1 midfielder and lose 3.

The only way we lose both, IMO, is if we're also landing a Humphrey or Rowbottom alongside Merrett.

 

[BIGHAWK23]

That's already been floated by one of our most reputable ITK's. Very big chance of happening. Not full time, but certainly as a split between half back and midfield.

Also, putting no weight behind the reports of both Hustwaite and Mackenzie being involved. The club isn't stupid enough to trade in 1 midfielder and lose 3.

The only way we lose both, IMO, is if we're also landing a Humphrey or Rowbottom alongside Merrett.

Day may split time, but that’s only due to having more players in there, nothing to do with his body

We ain’t trading 2 mids out without 2 coming in

 

[danielG]

Are we topping up for one last tilt after a 3 pest like Clarko? Or building for sustsined success over the next many years?

How often is all eggs in one basket the right strategy?

Hardwick also did it and ended up quitting and running off to the Suns.

And look st the basketcase Collingwood is now.

I can only hope the ITKs know sweet FA in this instance..
That suggested trade of 2 firsts, MacKenzie and Hustwaite is horrible..
Hawks need to look at Brisbane. they haven’t made a bad list decision in years. They need a forward to replace Daniher, they get Allen for free. They need a ruckman, they get Draper for free. Ridley shows interest but they know the price will be sky high so they walk away. They desperately need a defensive mid, they get the best there is in 24 year old Dunkley and they give a fair price of two late firsts that land in the early 20’s..
Merrett is a great get for the club, but there needs to be a cut off point. Anyone that knows football will know the suggested asking price is well beyond that point.

 

[Bedi]

People saying they know what the trade for Merrett looks like already are full of it.

Interesting to know where the info comes from isnt it as I doubt the players themselves know. Hence I assume most ITKs are from coterie groups or know someone who is. No idea how privvy that makes one to this sort of info though.

 

[HairyO]

I can only hope the ITKs know sweet FA in this instance..
That suggested trade of 2 firsts, MacKenzie and Hustwaite is horrible..
Hawks need to look at Brisbane. they haven’t made a bad list decision in years. They need a forward to replace Daniher, they get Allen for free. They need a ruckman, they get Draper for free. Ridley shows interest but they know the price will be sky high so they walk away. They desperately need a defensive mid, they get the best there is in 24 year old Dunkley and they give a fair price of two late firsts that land in the early 20’s..
Merrett is a great get for the club, but there needs to be a cut off point. Anyone that knows football will know the suggested asking price is well beyond that point.

Brisbane have been kissed on the dick by the AFL and with their F/S and academy.

If McCabe can have a huge pre season, him and Dear could be brilliant F/S gets. But it sounds like McCabe's ceiling isnt enough. Dear next yesr could be 50 goals.

 

[TONYC3163]

I can only hope the ITKs know sweet FA in this instance..
That suggested trade of 2 firsts, MacKenzie and Hustwaite is horrible..
Hawks need to look at Brisbane. they haven’t made a bad list decision in years. They need a forward to replace Daniher, they get Allen for free. They need a ruckman, they get Draper for free. Ridley shows interest but they know the price will be sky high so they walk away. They desperately need a defensive mid, they get the best there is in 24 year old Dunkley and they give a fair price of two late firsts that land in the early 20’s..
Merrett is a great get for the club, but there needs to be a cut off point. Anyone that knows football will know the suggested asking price is well beyond that point.

A bit negative considering the great (IMO) job our list management has done.
Merrett is a required contracted captain and fills a clear pressing need for us, and it needs to be more than the usual fair deal.
I think 9, 14ish, HH and another Fringe player (not Frenchie) is what it will take and trust the club to do what is needed for success.

 

[Wingnut19]

We’re not trading 2 X 1sts and Mackenzie for Merrett. Chill people. Even if it was 2 x 1sts and HH we would need something coming back.

 

[Hawk the Talk]

Mackenzie will not be included in a trade for Merrett

 

[ReturningHawk]

Day isn’t going to HB

Merrett to request a trade yes

It’s not two players

All I ever see you do is say others are wrong about things. But you’re wrong yourself about things half the time. Just let people post what their opinions or what they’ve heard.

 

[Slow Hand]

We won’t be trading two firsts, HH and Mackenzie for Merrett.

The club moved Clarko on partially for facilitating such trades. If we can’t get a reasonable deal for Merrett, we will move on and make a deal to secure another midfielder who is available who will improve our list and not require our club to throw so many eggs in one Merrett shaped basket.

I think our coaches will also back themselves in to work with Ward, Mackenzie, Butler and HH to take their games to another level (not saying all four will become superstars). Also, touch wood, our medical team will be able to get Day’s body right.

Next year both Butters and Walsh are available through free agency and we can potentially pick up both.

 

[Bedi]

A bit negative considering the great (IMO) job our list management has done.
Merrett is a required contracted captain and fills a clear pressing need for us, and it needs to be more than the usual fair deal.
I think 9, 14ish, HH and another Fringe player (not Frenchie) is what it will take and trust the club to do what is needed for success.

I'd take that deal but Essendon's despot president and his henchmen wont. So def need a third club involved (North) so they can have three Duursmas on their list to build their cult of personality around

 

[BIGHAWK23]

All I ever see you do is say others are wrong about things. But you’re wrong yourself about things half the time. Just let people post what their opinions or what they’ve heard.

And call me out if I’m wrong

I ain’t concerned about you chief, it’s a forum, not an echo chamber

 

[hardway]

If we end up trading out of the 1st round over the next 3 drafts we need to really start to get hit after hit in the free agency market.

 

[Rich]

I'd take that deal but Essendon's despot president and his henchmen wont. So def need a third club involved (North) so they can have three Duursmas on their list to build their cult of personality around

I think this is the best use of a word in the 15k posts in the entire thread!

Actually made me laugh out loud.

Henchmen adds to the humour - kudos for an outstanding post Sir!