Strategy Trade and List Management Thread Part 8 (opposition supporters - READ posting rules before posting)

[_Mike_]

Opposition supporters coming to troll , you have been warned

 

[ossie_21]

Any chance of luamon lual coming back to the dogs?

I hope not

 

[bobs head soup]

What JJ achieved from his Rookie listing is phenomenal and he'll always be a much loved Bulldog.

Well played to him, but few get to leave on their own terms.

From our R24 team, in: Budarick, out: JJ would indicate a swing from flair and dash to a harder defensive edge.

Don't think many of us would dislike seeing that.

 

[Hobdog]

Rumour has it the Dogs brought the announcement forward today to save us all from the brain rot caused by three straight days of Bigfooty debating why May wasn’t traded in last week.

 

[weltschmerz]

Day 23 of hoping we sign Seamus Mitchell

Was just delisted so it's possible

 

[threenewpadlocks]

So let me get this straight.

According to you, May supposedly performed poorly this year because our best defender (who everyone thinks had a pretty good year) had slightly better numbers in a few secondary statistical categories, even though May's record was clearly superior in primary statistical categories such as average disposals, effective disposals and marks.

It's not a great argument, but I suppose you're welcome to it.

But it wasn't clearly superior. We went through the numbers. May took about 5 kick-ins a game (of which Lobb could also take kick-ins if he wasn't in the same team as Dale, the best kicking half back in the league) and other than that at least statistically their numbers were similar.

Like the above poster, I'm now convinced this is a bit

 

[weltschmerz]

But it wasn't clearly superior. We went through the numbers. May took about 5 kick-ins a game (of which Lobb could also take kick-ins if he wasn't in the same team as Dale, the best kicking half back in the league) and other than that at least statistically their numbers were similar.

Like the above poster, I'm now convinced this is a bit

Masturbatory contrarianism.

 

[Doggies7]

Brutally tough decision, but probably the right one. Had already slowed down a bit and struggled with injuries the last few years, at his current trajectory was likely to take another step down again next year and we have to be able to move past him now to improve. Bulldog legend, great guy and was a fantastic player for us. Nothing but love for JJ, BULLGOD

 

[Westerndog11]

Day 23 of hoping we sign Seamus Mitchell

He has been delisted by the Hawks today.

 

[MaxiBont]

Mitchell and Frost would be good depth to bring in. Would back both to get games next year.

 

[DiamondDogs8]

Seamus Mitchell - bring

 

[Mofra]

Can play, but will his body hold up?
We did just bring in Budarick who is a round 1 lock if he's injury free

 

[Pencil case]

Seamus Mitchell - bring

He’s no good

 

[DiamondDogs8]

He’s no good

Hasn’t had a lot of opportunity at AFL level. Hard worker, very good in the 2s this year.

Hawks fans aren’t happy with the decision. Low risk, potentially high reward.

 

[Outback Footy]

He’s no good

Hes a pretty straight swap for JJ. Im very keen on Seamus.

 

[Ash1337]

Anyone know what tom williams is up to these days? Better option than may

Libba's manager.

 

[MrChristo]

Also best on ground in the Mad Monday celebrations!

View attachment 2461667

Ryan Gardner to the rescue. Again.

Always there when you need him.

 

[King Harold]

Hasn’t had a lot of opportunity at AFL level. Hard worker, very good in the 2s this year.

Hawks fans aren’t happy with the decision. Low risk, potentially high reward.

Plays a bit like Bramble, who has been a great addition.

 

[Doggies7]

If we are being "brutal" with JJ, we can't stop there and go soft on Coffield / Poulter. I've been a fan of both, but it's pretty clear now after the chances they have had, that they aren't now going to step up and fix their issues to become regular best 23 players. Baker I think has earned another year with his end to the season and his physicality, pace and defensive work, he fills a gap we don't have a lot of depth at.

There seems to be some decent DFA options this year and bringing in two of Mitchell, Fahey, Burton, Frost, Derksen, McGovern, Blight etc could help our depth.

 

[dergert]

In some hawks video Seamus Mitchell's team mates said he was extremely tough to play on. Would cost shit all and be better than what's left late in the draft. Instantly upgrades our depth.

 

[_Cerberus_]

If we are being "brutal" with JJ, we can't stop there and go soft on Coffield / Poulter. I've been a fan of both, but it's pretty clear now after the chances they have had, that they aren't now going to step up and fix their issues to become regular best 23 players. Baker I think has earned another year with his end to the season and his physicality, pace and defensive work, he fills a gap we don't have a lot of depth at.

There seems to be some decent DFA options this year and bringing in two of Mitchell, Fahey, Burton, Frost, Derksen, McGovern, Blight etc could help our depth.

Say we get two of those. Plus the addition of Will Darcy.

How do we fit all of Frost, Derkson, Darcy, Walker, Croft, Gards, Busslinger, JOD, Lobb. How do we fit 9 key defenders into 5-6 spots across the AFL and VFL teams without being too top heavy, and without disrupting the development of the youngsters? Also have to fit our small defenders and rebounders in around them too.

Agree on your first point. Though I'd get rid of Coffield and keep Poulter. Purely because Poulter can play multiple positions and gives handy cover in an injury crisis. Coffields legs are shot.

 

[Mofra]

In some hawks video Seamus Mitchell's team mates said he was extremely tough to play on. Would cost shit all and be better than what's left late in the draft. Instantly upgrades our depth.

DFA to the rookie list?
Wouldn't impact our regular list spots / draft strategy

 

[dergert]

DFA to the rookie list?
Wouldn't impact our regular list spots / draft strategy

I imagine Norf and Essendon would be offering more opportunity then us.

 

[Doggies7]

Say we get two of those. Plus the addition of Will Darcy.

How do we fit all of Frost, Derkson, Darcy, Walker, Croft, Gards, Busslinger, JOD, Lobb. How do we fit 9 key defenders into 5-6 spots across the AFL and VFL teams without being too top heavy, and without disrupting the development of the youngsters? Also have to fit our small defenders and rebounders in around them too.

Agree on your first point. Though I'd get rid of Coffield and keep Poulter. Purely because Poulter can play multiple positions and gives handy cover in an injury crisis. Coffields legs are shot.

Well when I say two of those group I would grab a Mitchell for half back / small defender depth and then another KPP as we are light on ready to play options.

Say our depth is Frost, Darcy, Walker, Croft, Gards, Buss, JOD, Lobb.

Buss, JOD, and Lobb are my starting 3.

Frost comes over as depth knowing he isn't likely to be best 23, but may be next man up in case of injury which is likely at some point.

Darcy is very skinny and will be a long way off AFL football so is a development play at Footscray.

Walker similar, he showed some good signs for Footscray but I doubt with his frame and age we are expecting any senior games out of him next year. Can continue developing at Footscray and see how he looks, but he's not AFL ready yet.

Croft I think he is still earmarked as a forward and likely in the team round 1 next to Darcy and Naughty again if he has a good pre-season. The club showed us where they think he is at the moment and that's a fwd, maybe changes in the future, but for now and without Marra, he is developing in the fwd line.

Gards break glass in case of emergency, last year on the list.

We really don't have that many ready to go KPP options, look at the Hawks last year with Frost, Blanck, Serong etc all solid depth in reserves waiting. there is a gap between the ready to go Gards and then Darcy / Walker who I don't see playing at AFL level in 2026. Players are going to miss or even be down on form where we might need to try other options, I think we have a need for one more ready to go KPD.

 

[King Harold]

If we are being "brutal" with JJ, we can't stop there and go soft on Coffield / Poulter. I've been a fan of both, but it's pretty clear now after the chances they have had, that they aren't now going to step up and fix their issues to become regular best 23 players. Baker I think has earned another year with his end to the season and his physicality, pace and defensive work, he fills a gap we don't have a lot of depth at.

There seems to be some decent DFA options this year and bringing in two of Mitchell, Fahey, Burton, Frost, Derksen, McGovern, Blight etc could help our depth.

Agree , neither should be still on our list.
Coffield in particular is a liability at AFL level.

 

[DiamondDogs8]

Predicted List Balance for 2026

Currently: (as of 21/10)
Main List - 33 players
Rookie A - 6 players
Rookie B - 1 player

Predictions:

• Baker (Rookie A) elevated to the main list, 1 year deal.
• JOD (Rookie B) elevated to main list.
• Poulter (OOC, Rookie A - due elevation), delisted.
• Coffield (OOC, main list), delisted.
• Duryea, Scott, JUH, JJ off main list, Budarick added.
• Leaves 3 main list spots available pre-draft
• Bramble, McNeil, Sellwood, Walker retained on Rookie list (no action)
• Add 3 National Draft selections to main list (Pick 14, Pick 33, Darcy bid match)

Main List - 38 players (full)
Rookie A - 4 players
Rookie B - 0 players

This leaves 2 Rookie A/B list spots open for DFAs, undrafted players or can be retained for the Mid-Season Draft.

Mitchell, Fahey, Burton, Frost, Derksen, McGovern, Blight.

Who do we target? How many do we target? Do we leave a spot open for the MSD?

Personally, I would go for one of Mitchell/Fahey and one of Derksen/Blight, but understand only taking one DFA to retain flexibility.

Also please feel free to correct me if any of my maths is wrong