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List Mgmt. 2026 Trade/Free Agency Discussion Pt 1

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Well the draft is done and dusted, our 2026 list is all but complete with just the 1 rookie and 1 Cat B rookie spot left to be filled. We've already got the 2026 draft thread up and running thanks to the premature firing of their load by tigs2010 so this thread will be more specifically aimed for discussion around trade and free agent targets.

As far as free agents go there are only really 3 worth discussing: Zak Butters(heavily linked to Dogs) Zac Bailey (Essendon seem to be leading the race) & Sam Walsh(no real front runner at present). Ben King from the Suns is also a restricted free agent but seems unlikely to leave the Suns especially as they are now seemingly in the finals hunt.

As for players coming out of contract that are possible targets, well you'd have to think given our lack of depth that young rucks would be on Hartleys shopping list with players like:

Henry Smith (Lions) 23 yr old 202cm ruck
Max Knobel (Suns) 21 yr old 206cm ruck
Nick Madden (GWS) 21 yr old 204cm ruck
Max Ramsden (Hawks) 21 yr old 203cm ruck
Alex Dodson (Saints) 19yr old 203cm ruck
Lachlan Smith (Dogs) 20yr old 203cm ruck

Outside the 4 free agents and that half a dozen young rucks I'm sure there are other players that posters would be keen on us having a looking and happy for posters to float those names in here to generate a bit of discussion especially over the long summer when there isn't much else to discuss.
 

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Max Knobel as a 22 year old free agent makes complete sense.

Butters is no chance.

Should throw the kitchen sink at Bailey.
Max Knobel is a smart choice "If we rate him"
lets see how he goes this year in the VFL for the suns

Looking at our list Sam Walsh would be a great get to play wing similar to Bailey Smith was for the cats
 
Max Knobel is a smart choice "If we rate him"
lets see how he goes this year in the VFL for the suns

Looking at our list Sam Walsh would be a great get to play wing similar to Bailey Smith was for the cats
Knobel was showing good signs in the WAFL, Freo were planning on listing him as a rookie before GCS pinched him, he's been in the system for 3-4 years now, could be ready for the big stage after another year of development.

What are the 4 things that Smith, KMac, Walsh and Brandon Ellis have in common, apart from massive tanks?
 
Knobel was showing good signs in the WAFL, Freo were planning on listing him as a rookie before GCS pinched him, he's been in the system for 3-4 years now, could be ready for the big stage after another year of development.

What are the 4 things that Smith, KMac, Walsh and Brandon Ellis have in common, apart from massive tanks?
Not sure

Smith eliminated just about everything that comes to mind in the 1 minute i thought about it
 
Knobel was showing good signs in the WAFL, Freo were planning on listing him as a rookie before GCS pinched him, he's been in the system for 3-4 years now, could be ready for the big stage after another year of development.

What are the 4 things that Smith, KMac, Walsh and Brandon Ellis have in common, apart from massive tanks?
Guessing cant kick for shit?
 

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Walsh disposal efficiency for his career is at 70.4%

Thats bloody good
There aren't any stats for kicking under pressure, he's a proper hack in those circumstances. Ok when on the outside, so probably suited to a wing, no problem in having a look at him but he has had issues with his back. Full medical like everyone I spose.
 
There aren't any stats for kicking under pressure, he's a proper hack in those circumstances. Ok when on the outside, so probably suited to a wing, no problem in having a look at him but he has had issues with his back. Full medical like everyone I spose.
When you get the ball 30 times a game and go at 70% i think thats pretty good

We need a good winger and he is a free agent that was a pick #1
I would like him
 
Season 5 No GIF by The Office

Surely to early for this....
 

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It will be fascinating to see what we do.

We've drafted with high ceiling in mind and these will likely be our high salary earners.

There arent many holes until some of the draftees actually fail.

Weve taken 5 mids in the top 12.
3 kpf's in top 30
3 general defenders & kpd in top 30

We definitely need a ruck
We might need another wing (Clarke replacement)
We probably need an elite kicking half back (lefty would be nice)

It actually feels like the last rebuild Houli, Grigg & Ivan...🤔

All roles are pretty average salary, trade collateral type of roles unless you're looking at a Nasiah type off half back but then they want to be mids
 
Let's just steal CDT from West Coast in a couple of years.
He was impressive draft night. Spoke real well and could develop into an imposing ruck.

In all seriousness though, if Samson doesn't come on this year we need to seriously think about a Nank predecessor.
 
Let's just steal CDT from West Coast in a couple of years.
He was impressive draft night. Spoke real well and could develop into an imposing ruck.

In all seriousness though, if Samson doesn't come on this year we need to seriously think about a Nank predecessor.
Your new overlord...

1763976797272.jpeg
 
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List Mgmt. 2026 Trade/Free Agency Discussion Pt 1

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