Recruiting AFL Trade & Free Agency XIII

[Lore]

Spoiler: 2025 Draft Order

Spoiler: 2026 Draft Order

Spoiler: 2027 Draft Order

 

[Vindicater]

Doubt anyone good will choose to come to Essendon while there's offers from better clubs on the table.

We're better off looking for a soon to be washed up leader looking to squeeze a couple more years out of his career as a player coach or something.

Harry Cunningham from Sydney.

 

[bombreys]

Harry Cunningham from Sydney.

His leadership/toughness would be great - but man he is an awful, awful kick. But beggars can’t be choosers I suppose

 

[jdstorm]

Doubt anyone good will choose to come to Essendon while there's offers from better clubs on the table.

We're better off looking for a soon to be washed up leader looking to squeeze a couple more years out of his career as a player coach or something.

This

Harry Cunningham from Sydney.

Don’t really need defenders.

Taylor Adams would be the swan to target. Looked pretty good playing as a pressure forward pre injury.

Type of player with a physical edge and we could fit someone at SF/HHF

 

[eth-dog]

This


Don’t really need defenders.

Taylor Adams would be the swan to target. Looked pretty good playing as a pressure forward pre injury.

Type of player with a physical edge and we could fit someone at SF/HHF

Adams is the player we 100% do not need. He can't play outside the midfield

 

[jdstorm]

Adams is the player we 100% do not need. He can't play outside the midfield

I liked him as a pressure forward pre injury. Now who knows.

Assuming we are looking for a veteran HHF/SF who’s the type of physical player who makes their team stand taller who would you be targeting?

 

[eth-dog]

I liked him as a pressure forward pre injury. Now who knows.

Assuming we are looking for a veteran HHF/SF who’s the type of physical player who makes their team stand taller who would you be targeting?

Under those conditions? Bailey Banfield, Sam Switkowski, Nick Holman, Jake Melksham (ironically), Kade Chandler, Tom Sparrow, Jamie Cripps. Probably a bunch of others that aren't free agents like the above.

 

[jdstorm]

Under those conditions? Bailey Banfield, Sam Switkowski, Nick Holman, Jake Melksham (ironically), Kade Chandler, Tom Sparrow, Jamie Cripps. Probably a bunch of others that aren't free agents like the above.

For me I think any leaders bought in need to be guaranteed best 23.

With where the list is at I’m somewhat happy just to develop what we have at mid/wing/Def

Forwards is where I think there’s the most opportunity. Assuming 6 forward spots + 1 ruck forward. I only really like Dursma Kako Caddy. May also looks pretty good I’d have him tha next tier down. Beyond that I think there’s a lot of spots up for grabs.

I think getting two physical forwards with great leadership. 1 a big FF potentially a Ruck forward and the other a pressure type would be where I would be targeting list progression.

 

[Vindicater]

Nick Holman is a good shout for some physical input.

 

[FootyGuru]

Lever? How longs he signed for?

 

[Calthorpe14]

If we’re after elite off-field standards, Treloar could be an option. Best days are comfortably behind him and he’s a butcher, but he’s renowned for how diligent he is in his preparation and approach to the game.

On a 1 year, “end of the bench” option, we could do worse

 

[cAsEy_18]

If we’re after elite off-field standards, Treloar could be an option. Best days are comfortably behind him and he’s a butcher, but he’s renowned for how diligent he is in his preparation and approach to the game.

On a 1 year, “end of the bench” option, we could do worse

Isn’t that almost describing Shiel to a tee?

 

[Calthorpe14]

Isn’t that almost describing Shiel to a tee?

Yes, but from what I understand, Treloar is a lot more selfless with that stuff than Shiel. Always heard that Shiel wasn’t as forthcoming with sharing his approach

 

[Lunchtime]

Obviousily target the big FAs (King, Butters, Bailey) - Just cant see any wanting to come here right now

Next tier targets

Amartey - FA (Take over from 2MP)

Darcy Wilson - Trade. Saints paid up elsewhere, great runner, which we desperately need, suits modern game trends

Maurice Rioli - Pull on heart strings, always has impact when i watch him, cant believe he gets dropped so much. We need pressure small forwards, maybe the 3rd muskateer

Z.Duursma - On the cheap, huge upside, just think he withers away at our club, brother club

Bailey Scott - FA, just 2-3 year deal and money, great runner, suits modern game

Mitch Lewis - FA, just money

Cam Mackenzie

Phoenix Gothard - Small forward - 3rd muskateer

Jed Walter

Alex Davies - Can play as seen by first 2 weeks, will just get dropped for Rowell

Jack Bowes - No longer best 23

Switkowski - 3rd muskateer

Luke Lloyd/Henry Smith - Brisbanes ridiculous depth

Charlie Edwards/ O.Ryan (Crows kids)


We can't pick and chose too much, unfortunately

Maurice Rioli...have you seen his career stats? 51 career games, 31 goals and averages 8 disposals per game and averages 2.76 tackles per game. He has kicked 1 goal in his past 13 games. Another fact - this is his 6th season in the AFL system and his output isn't a lot. Impact wise it doesn't happen a lot

 

[Keystone agony]

Maurice Rioli...have you seen his career stats? 51 career games, 31 goals and averages 8 disposals per game and averages 2.76 tackles per game. He has kicked 1 goal in his past 13 games. Another fact - this is his 6th season in the AFL system and his output isn't a lot. Impact wise it doesn't happen a lot

Like Cyril his impact is far greater than his stats will suggest

Not comparing them btw, just they have far greater influence on the game than their stats suggest

Pressure is key and were the worse side in the comp ever to play the game right now in that facet. As i said beggers cant be choosers. He offers more than HEA does next year and i like HEA, said hed play early

 

[Lunchtime]

Like Cyril his impact is far greater than his stats will suggest

Not comparing them btw, just they have far greater influence on the game than their stats suggest

Pressure is key and were the worse side in the comp ever to play the game right now in that facet. As i said beggers cant be choosers. He offers more than HEA does next year and i like HEA, said hed play early

Agreed but look at his stats (Maurice), he simply has to do more than simply apply tackle pressure which isn't constant. Plus as i said before - its his 6th season in the AFL system....that's right....his 6th. That's a long time for a player who doesn't do a lot.

We want him to do well at Richmond but he has to do more. Simple as that. He needs to provide more scoring power/scoreboard pressure.

 

[ghostdog]

Say we want Jed Walter & Jake Rogers from GC.

We offer Ridley to GC and agree to pay the rest of his contract.

Make the trade even without us losing any 1st round picks.

Ridley is injured so much his trade value is low. He isn't worth Jed Walter IMO.

 

[ghostdog]

If we’re targeting vets and Zerrett is gone I wonder if Harry McKay might be gettable as a straight swap. (Via a 3rd team ???)

I know it sounds crazy but Carlton is a team normally able to be taken advantage of. We already have Ben. Maybe there’s some twin power/connection there.

Most importantly he’s a big strong player who’s a great contested mark and given the amount we dump kick having a physical marking target seems like one of the biggest areas of improvement/weakness for the list.

Helps create structure on the list. Best case scenario we get 5 years out of him and that’s enough time to develop a replacement.

I'd rather Walter for ten years and dump the players who persistently dump kick. And bring in a proven forwardline coach.

 

[jdstorm]

I'd rather Walter for ten years and dump the players who persistently dump kick. And bring in a proven forwardline coach.

I’d rather a good young player too.

Just don’t think that’s possible outside the draft

 

[Keystone agony]

Agreed but look at his stats (Maurice), he simply has to do more than simply apply tackle pressure which isn't constant. Plus as i said before - its his 6th season in the AFL system....that's right....his 6th. That's a long time for a player who doesn't do a lot.

We want him to do well at Richmond but he has to do more. Simple as that. He needs to provide more scoring power/scoreboard pressure.

Im far from saying hes a great player. We currently have none

 

[jctrout]

Realistically we are looking at another 9 delistings this year. (at least).
we have 3 picks this year in the draft, albiet with an almost guaranteed no.1 pick. Reality is, we will have to take a deal for Merrett (3 x firsts should do it this time) to continue the rebuild. Potentially take something for
My list below (just for argument's sake):
Out:

• Perkins
• Tsatas
• Gresham
• McMahon
• Guelfi
• Cox
• Edwards
• Setterfield
• El-Hawli

Fair chance they get traded:

• Merrett
• Parish

Extensions (last chance saloon, depth):

• Gerryeyn – 1year
• Nguen – 2 years
• Prior 1 year
• Day-Wicks - 1 year
• May - 1 year

Martin to come back!

Trade targets (1-2 year contracts):

• Zack Bailey
• Zac Butters
• Jordan Butts?
• Ryan Lester
  Lincoln McCarthy
  11

  Lincoln Mccarthy

  Age

  32

  Ht

  176cm

  Wt

  82kg

  Pos.

  Fwd

  Career

  Season

  Last 5

  D

  11.6

  3star

  K

  6.8

  3star

  HB

  4.9

  4star

  M

  2.6

  3star

  T

  3.2

  5star

  G

  0.9

  4star

  D

  9.1

  2star

  K

  5.4

  2star

  HB

  3.7

  3star

  M

  2.6

  3star

  T

  3.3

  4star

  G

  0.9

  4star

  D

  9.2

  3star

  K

  5.4

  2star

  HB

  3.8

  3star

  M

  1.6

  2star

  T

  2.2

  4star

  G

  0.0

  1star

  
  Lachie Neale
  9

  Lachie Neale

  Age

  32

  Ht

  177cm

  Wt

  84kg

  Pos.

  Mid

  Career

  Season

  Last 5

  D

  27.0

  5star

  K

  11.5

  4star

  HB

  15.5

  5star

  M

  4.0

  4star

  T

  3.7

  5star

  CL

  5.9

  5star

  D

  28.3

  5star

  K

  13.9

  5star

  HB

  14.4

  5star

  M

  4.6

  4star

  T

  4.0

  5star

  CL

  5.9

  5star

  D

  12.0

  3star

  K

  4.6

  2star

  HB

  7.4

  5star

  M

  2.0

  3star

  T

  1.0

  3star

  CL

  0.4

  3star

  
  Dayne Zorko
  15

  Dayne Zorko

  Age

  37

  Ht

  175cm

  Wt

  77kg

  Pos.

  Def

  Career

  Season

  Last 5

  D

  21.4

  5star

  K

  13.2

  5star

  HB

  8.2

  5star

  M

  3.6

  4star

  T

  6.0

  5star

  MG

  440.5

  5star

  D

  14.0

  3star

  K

  9.0

  4star

  HB

  5.0

  3star

  M

  2.0

  2star

  T

  5.0

  5star

  MG

  291.0

  4star

  D

  16.4

  4star

  K

  9.8

  4star

  HB

  6.6

  4star

  M

  5.2

  5star

  T

  6.6

  5star

• Jed Bews
  Mark Blicavs
  46

  Mark Blicavs

  Age

  35

  Ht

  198cm

  Wt

  101kg

  Pos.

  D/M

  Career

  Season

  Last 5

  D

  14.5

  4star

  K

  6.6

  3star

  HB

  7.9

  5star

  M

  4.1

  4star

  T

  4.2

  5star

  MG

  114.1

  2star

  D

  11.1

  3star

  K

  7.1

  3star

  HB

  4.0

  3star

  M

  3.9

  4star

  T

  1.9

  3star

  MG

  114.1

  2star

  D

  8.6

  3star

  K

  2.0

  1star

  HB

  6.6

  4star

  M

  1.8

  2star

  T

  1.6

  4star

  (1 of rucks)
• Jake Kolodjashnij
• Rhys Stanley (1 of rucks)
• Jarrod Witts
• Kieren Briggs (1 of rucks)
• Mitch Lewis
  Harry Morrison
  1

  Harry Morrison

  Age

  27

  Ht

  184cm

  Wt

  79kg

  Pos.

  Mid

  Career

  Season

  Last 5

  D

  14.1

  4star

  K

  8.5

  3star

  HB

  5.6

  4star

  M

  4.3

  4star

  T

  2.9

  4star

  CL

  0.9

  3star

  D

  13.4

  3star

  K

  9.8

  4star

  HB

  3.6

  2star

  M

  4.2

  4star

  T

  1.6

  3star

  CL

  0.8

  3star

  D

  18.4

  5star

  K

  11.4

  4star

  HB

  7.0

  5star

  M

  5.4

  5star

  T

  2.2

  4star

  CL

  2.0

  4star

• Darcy Byrne-Jones

looks like another 3-4 years of pain guys...

 

[Old Campaigner]

looks like another 3-4 years of pain guys...

Except for clubs that have had very recent success and a proven system they can drop draftees into, my expectation is 8-10 years of good drafting are needed before a club starts finding their way back up the ladder again.

Melbourne, Richmond, and currently Norf all took (or are still taking, in norf's case) around that timeframe and I don't see any reason we'd be any different.

 

[Call Me Cake]

8-10 years of good drafting

Melbourne, Richmond, and currently Norf

Have a look at Richmond's first round drafting from 2010 to 2015 then come back to me.

Also lol @ using norf as an example.

 

[andleanback]

Say we want Jed Walter & Jake Rogers from GC.

We offer Ridley to GC and agree to pay the rest of his contract.

Make the trade even without us losing any 1st round picks.

Why on earth would they agree to that?

 

[andleanback]

Except for clubs that have had very recent success and a proven system they can drop draftees into, my expectation is 8-10 years of good drafting are needed before a club starts finding their way back up the ladder again.

Melbourne, Richmond, and currently Norf all took (or are still taking, in norf's case) around that timeframe and I don't see any reason we'd be any different.

1. North have drafted terribly
2. North have recruited horribly

 

[King Patty]

Wonder if Tom lynch goes back to gold coast this year.

If Suns lose Walter or King, would make sense.


Free agents for us to consider

• Jack Crisp #1 - Strong leader at half back.
• Lachie Neale - free agent, could cover us trading merrett, could probably walk into captaincy. Melb closer to WA, than QLD
• Jordan Butts - if we lose ridley could be handy

There is Merit in getting a key forward that can teach, as doubt our forwards are learning much from Wright/Langford.
Theres only Tim Membrey

28

Tim Membrey

Age

31

Ht

188cm

Wt

92kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

12.2

3star

K

8.1

3star

HB

4.1

3star

M

5.8

5star

T

1.5

3star

G

1.8

5star

D

9.4

2star

K

6.5

3star

HB

2.9

2star

M

4.5

4star

T

1.3

2star

G

1.5

5star

D

9.6

3star

K

4.8

2star

HB

4.8

4star

M

3.2

4star

T

1.4

4star

G

0.6

3star

, Amartey and Mitch Lewis.


b: McGrath McKay Butts
hb: Crisp Reid Redman
c: Duursma Robey Martin
hf: Kako Caddy Durham
f: El-Achkar Amartey Wright
r: Bryan Neale Sharp
int:Fiorini, Caldwell, Farrow, Johnson, Vissentini