2010 Trading and Draft Strategy

[BrizzyBlue]

Well guys it is the silly season again and as usual, we keep hearing of some of the trades and draft picks that posters would like to happen, but let’s face it there is a lot of speculation at this time of year. The official Trading Period is looming and clubs are very nervous about the Suns un-contracted player raids and their strength in the draft. As a result of this, there is sure to be some panic trading about to occur. We have already seen evidence of crazy contract offers and some who have penned new ones at highly inflated rates. How can we strike to get the best outcome for the Navy Blue?

Just what have Sticky and Swannie got planned that might snare us some ready to go players from the opposition or improve our draft picks situation? Firstly let’s look at our Trading Currency, then our existing Draft Picks and finally our potential Trade Targets. I reckon we gotta think outside the square here and if we do we could end up with a brilliant outcome.

Based on the possible value to other clubs lists, these players have peaked some interest or been discussed and could be traded during this years extended time frame:


Our supposed Trade Currency is:

Anderson
Armfield
Betts
Bower
Browne
Ellard
Fisher
Grigg
Hadley
Hampson
Houlihan
Jacobs
Setanta
Thornton
Walker
Yarran


Our existing Draft picks are in the vicinity of:

18, 38 & 60 etc. Keep in mind we don’t know the full story on the Gold Coast compensation picks yet.


Our supposed Trade Targets are:

Armitage (Saints)
Brennan (Lions)
Brown (Weagles)
Chaplin (Port)
Davis (Crows)
Everitt (Bulldogs)
Gilbert (Saints)
Jones (Dees)
Krakouer (Swan Dist)
McKernan (Crows)
McKinley (Weagles)
Mackie (Cats)
Moran (Crows)
Sellar (Crows)
Sherman (Lions)
Talia (Crows)
Tambling (Tigers)
Tarrant (Dockers)
Taylor (Cats)
Trengove (Port)
Veszpremi (Swans)
Walker (Crows)
Warnock (Dees)


Our supposed Draft Targets are:

Blackwell (Claremont)
Delaney (Falcons)
T. Gordon (Oakleigh)
McCarthy (Glenelg)
Mitchell (Calder)
Smedts (Falcons)
Tape (Glenelg)
Watson (Calder)


See next Post for further details:

 

[BrizzyBlue]

Looking in depth at our supposed Trade Currency:


Joey Anderson whilst a late pick and some cameos early on is just a list clogger. Good VFL player and might be some value up north, but won’t be on our list too much longer, IMO.

Dennis “the menace” Armfield is one of the most improved players on our list. When you consider that his background is Rugby rather than Aussie Rules, he has come on in leaps and bounds. His willingness to take his man on and run the lines is refreshing. His speed and confidence to take a number of bounces before disposing reminds me of David Glascott a bit. Hopefully he is a keeper.

Flash Eddie it is said goes walkabout in the big ones, but he still managed to take a number of gutsy marks and topped our goal kicking for 2010. The things that ordinary punters might miss, is his second and third efforts and his goal assists. He is a valuable member of our forward structure and if he got some miles into his legs this preseason, could be used more as an impact player around the stoppages. We would ask a premium for his services, so expect him to remain.

Pauly, Pauly, Pauly Bower. Some say he is like a deer in the headlights. Others love the way he takes them on and creates run outta the back half. It is also apparent that he struggles to put on bulk, even though his bench presses are very impressive. These repetitive leg injuries are a concern and I doubt that we could get fair compensation by trading him. If his preseason goes to plan and he can shake off the injuries, he could return to his Under 18 AA form.

Another later round pick was Stevey Browne. He certainly looked the goods early, but has trailed off a bit and a few have passed him to senior selection. Plenty of guts, but skills let him down a bit. Both Freo and the Weagles are supposedly interested, so we might be better to get what we can whilst there is some currency.

Davey Ellard is another of our Rookies who have put in the hard yards to make an impact in our Senior team. A bit of a garden gnome like Eddie, unfortunately he doesn’t have his reach or leap. Whilst he is in the team at the moment, is he really in our best 22 or is he just filling in until some of the bigger boys get over their injuries?

Bradley Fisher has the best pair of sticky hands at the club, however seems stuck on 99 games. The game has passed him by regrettably because he can’t sustain multiple leads, is too slow in traffic up the ground and is still to light to mix it with some of the gorillas in the game. I wouldn’t be so unkind as to suggest that he couldn’t kick over a jam tin, but we reportedly couldn’t find a trade for him last year. Good luck Fishy.

Grigga is a weird one, but I suspect that his manager is holding out for a better deal. If that means it is elsewhere that would be unfortunate as his mother is a rabid Bluebagger. The kid has been a slow developer and is certainly the type we need to retain. He can play flank, wing or even as an in and under extractor. Recently when he knocked on the door so loud, the MC couldn’t ignore his form in the magoos. Note the number of times he was used as a blocker for the runners. I hope he is part of our future.

Hadds is another who is tough to work out. Have we seen the best of him or is he going to shake off his niggles over the pre season? Has he been surpassed by younger kids? Is he just a depth player now? I reckon that Juddy plays better with Hadds in the side. Not sure we have been offered anything for him, so I guess he stays for now.

Hammer is an enigma. He didn’t live too far from my family’s home and played for my old footy club - the Vultures. Let me tell you, this kid was as raw as. He was a great soccer player and had no idea about Aussie Rules when first introduced to it. He soon adapted to it quickly and due more to his fitness fanaticism than skills, he got drafted. He even went as far as hiring his own fitness expert to bring him up to speed. We all know that he has very good short speed, a great vertical leap and now is grabbing more than he drops. In short, Shaun is a fantastic athlete, but is streets behind our other rucks. Can we turn him into a forward who does the ruck-work to enable our other beanpoles to stay a kick behind play? Even though he is in contract, I believe he will be sought by a number of clubs next week. Like to keep him, but who knows.

Hitman Houlihan as we all know has the silkiest skills and is currently our longest standing player. He polarizes opinion like no other. He has been a whipping for years and will continue to be irrespective of whether he remains a Blue or moves on. I have heard that his latest operation will require a lengthy rehab. I don’t know if other clubs would make a play for him, but he should find it tough to break into our 2011 side.

Big Sauce Jacobs has to be one of the most improved players on our list after starting on the Rookie List. He started the year as #4 Ruck and at times was holding down the #1 mantle. He clearly would be the top dog at a lot of clubs. I’m told he loves the place, but wants to be assured of his place in the system. If this means he has to move on, so be it. His manager is looking for double dough to remain at Carlton. Personally I think he is worth every cent and hope we can retain him or at least get a KPD from anther club.

Setanta has been plagued with vascular afflictions the last couple of years and after starting the season off well as our key target up forward, lost form and then lost his spot. He is too determined to sit around and sulk. He will leave no stone unturned to make the grade. If he is courted by other clubs as has been reported, he might strike a deal that suits all parties. I hope he stays, but expect him to find a new home for 2011.

T-Bird another from the Rookies, was thrust into a key defensive role as an 18 year old. Whilst holding his resolve as the lone hand back there and even having a couple of serviceable seasons, where he took a heap of marks against bigger opposition, his attitude has needed adjusting for some time. They say that he just won’t follow the coaches instructions and spits the dummy more than any other recent player I can recall. After getting dumped to the Bull Ants he has spent the majority of the season in red. As that famous pollie once said “It’s Time”. We will probably accept a third rounder just to get him outta the place.

1AW or Tex as Andy Walker is affectionately known, has long been one of my favourites and has copped more than his share of bad luck. It appears that his shoulder injuries are behind him and after being used in a number of roles, looks to have found a spot in the forward half. I still think if he can demonstrate he is over the dicky shoulder and regain his strength to make tackles stick, he could play a big part in the engine room. It would be devastating for some if he ends up wearing one of those clown suits, but as he is contracted; we can demand heaps to trade him. Hope he settles his differences and stays.

Yazza who was taken at #6 a couple of years ago, surprised the Draft watchers that Freo overlooked him and took Hill. That certainly has paid dividends for them as he came on very quickly. Most of us were expecting that Hurley would last till our pick, but alas the Scum snared him with the pick before. It was surprising that Rich was overlooked by all clubs including us and WH called out Chris Yarran instead. We have all witnessed Rich winning the Rising Star and seen firsthand his impact in crucial situations, particularly finals. All this time Chris was shedding the puppy fat, plying his trade in the 2nds and only managed 6 games in his first year. This year he was leaner and meaner and was part of the 3 Amigos, until a soft tissue injury sidelined him. He made his way back via the 2nds and never regained his spot. When he was at his peak, he started to show some sublime skills and gave us a taste of Hughesy say in him. Keep in mind he is still only a baby and his upside is enormous. Will we be patient enough to stay the course or be tempted to suss out whether that pick #4 that Whoosha says in on the table for a small forward, is in fact tradable for the right deal.

See next Post for further details:

 

[BrizzyBlue]

Looking in depth at our supposed Trade targets:


Armitage Played 13 games in 2008, but struggled for opportunities in 2009 with the Saints midfield brigade in great form and fitness. The inside middy was a star for their VFL affiliate Sandringham. He ended up 2nd in their B&F and played in the St Kilda side in round 19, grabbing 3 Charlie votes. He played twice more, averaging 16 possies, laying 26 tackles and kicked 3 majors. Somehow he lost his spot, but was an emergency for the Grand Final. Whilst he only played 9 games this year, he is much better than that and would slot into most sides starting team. Tough as an old boot.

Brennan has overpriced himself and the Suns with their glut of picks, will do a deal with the Lions to relieve their TPP. A bit of a swingman, like Waitey, but not as consistent. A recruiter that I know observed that Jarrad must mean laconic in Swahili. Apt description, although the Harbrow version breaks the mould a bit.

We have already read that Mitch Brown wants to come home to Victoria. Whoosha will want to be seen to be playing hard ball after the Judd trade backfired on them. He is a big boy, who could be groomed for KPD. I don’t get why he has seemed to stagnate at the Weagles.

Troy Chaplin is a 196cm and 99kg back half gorilla. After a breakout season in 2009 where he ended up 3rd. in Ports B&F, Chaplin played 20 games in 2010 to reach 100 and was one of their defensive leaders. He can play a number of roles – including tall and small and he has great rebound from defense. A Ballarat boy who was linked to us this time last year.
Very much doubt that the Crows would entertain trading Phil Davis. This guy would be great get, but they wouldn’t likely entertain putting him up.

The Bulldogs Everitt is at the end of a 3 year deal at the kennel and the word is he is looking to seek opportunity elsewhere. He can kick long and usually pretty straight as well. He has plenty of talent, but he just doesn't seem to really want it. He struggles to get a game at the Whitten Oval because of Lake, Morris and Williams. He is a KPP in waiting. Done his apprenticeship now. Reasonable size at about 194cm and weighing in at almost 90kg.

Sam Gilbert from the Saints has been one of their real improvers over the past couple of years. He is only about 195cm and 90kgs (same as Everitt, but this blokes better), but is a very versatile defender who is strong enough to handle forwards of any body type. His run from the back half and switch of play would suit our game plan perfectly. Sambo is another product of the Southport nursery with a contract for next year.

Jones supposedly doesn’t get along with anybody at Demon Land, but is a fitness nut that gets the red thing. We could do worse, but dealing with Melbourne geez; Goundhog Day!

Krakouer could always play but was a hothead. Debt to society now paid and has been a star for the Swannies in WA. He is 27 though, but has plenty of potential suitors.

If trading one or both our lads to the Crows, they need some currency and with their stock of talls they may put up Corey’s young brother.

Not quite sure what McKinley would give us. I think we have similar types at Royal Parade already. Reports that the club is talking to him though.

Andrew Mackie is a proven match winner and has the shits big time about being left out of the Cats finals teams. Might not address all our defensive needs and would come with a hefty price tag but should be pursued further as he would provide huge experience to our lads.

Moran did kick a bag against us once, but hasn’t really kicked on. Pass for mine. Just don’t see a role for him at Prinny Park.

James Sellar has long been considered as the next big thing. He was an absolute star in his teens, but was really a man-child and as such was really playing against boys. A long time friend of Gibbsy and Curley and another from the Glenelg nursery. The Crows snared him with a mid teens pick in the same draft and he showed his abilities fairly quickly in the following preseason. He then went up and down a bit due to the Crows strength of talls. He played Ruck, forward and defense. He spent a bit of time earlier kicking the dew off the grass at the Bays reserves. Whilst he clearly has ability and has been shuffled around a lot, he could only be considered as steak knives in any deal for 1AW or Sauce…Surely?

The Sherminator has a head like a dropped pie, but has speed, grunt and seems to work both ways. Will cost a bomb to satisfy, but the Lions
need to reduce their back loaded contracts. He could be the one to top off our engine room just nicely. He has a number of suitors, I’m told.

Talia was taken by the Crows after Yarran was called out by WH a couple of years ago. My ears are still ringing that he wasn’t picked by us. The forums lit up like a Christmas tree. Has he come on as expected? Hard to tell, the Crows would have given him plenty of time in the SANFL to develop. We just might snare him in a trade with them though.

Tambling has had the weight of the world on his shoulders trying to live up to the hype. The Tiggies erred by overlooking Pineapple head and letting him slip to the Dawks.
I would forget the Tamborine man because he is a soft as butter. As for being a potential trade for Shaun Grigg, I would think that has to be a joke, surely!

Tarrant is supposedly our main target as our young defenders develop and whilst he would only be a filler to provide experience he would certainly add some steel to the back half. It appears that the Mudpies are trying to stitch up a deal with the Shockers for Josh Fraser. I don’t know how we could get this one done.

Harry Taylor was a key player in Geelong’s 2009 premiership success. He had one of the toughest jobs in the Grannie, marking Big Nick. He won the battle for mine in an riveting display and who could forget that contested mark late in the last quarter. He demonstrated a number of times during 2010 that he could take pack marks from the kick-in. Might be better out of the shadows of Scarlo as our Key defender. Originally from East Fremantle.

Young Trengove of the Port variety (wish it was the Demon one), is held in high regard over at Alberton and it might take more than Sauce/1AW to get a deal done. He would be perfect for us if we could land him.

Unfortunately Vesz seems to have gone backwards since being drafted. He is good mates with Krooz and I heard a whisper he hates Sydney. He can be a lazy trainer but if we didn’t have to give much, he might get a new lease of life at Visy Park.

Taylor Walker from the Crows has big wraps on him and I would doubt that they would include him in any serious negotiations. This kid could be a future star, but unfortunately it doesn’t look like he will be wearing Navy Blue any time soon.

Warnock wants to play in the back half as a tall defender in the AFL not the VFL and with his bro at Princes Park. There is a chance he might be traded to us or included in a 3 way. Would only be a stop gap measure.

See next Post for further details:

 

[BrizzyBlue]

Looking in depth at our supposed and realistic Draft Targets:

Luke Blackwell (Claremont) seems to have bulked up and matured since his days with us. He obviously knows how to find the pill, but unfortunately is too small, too slow and has little or no spatial awareness. Loved the kid when he was a Blue due to his father Wayne who wore the #8 with pride and always hoped he grow a bit, but is still a jockey. Soufflés…..anyway you get the drift.

Cameron Delaney (Geelong Falcons) is 190cm and weighs 74kg. He is a confident tall defender who reads the ball off the foot very well. He positions himself very well to take the grab or belt it outta there. He has pretty good closing speed and played for Vic Country in this years Champs.

Tom Gordon (Oakleigh Chargers) is 195cm and tips the scales at 90kg. He plays as either a defender/forward and takes strong marks. He is a long-kicking caccky footer. He was extremely good around goal in the Under 18’s and represented Vic Metro in this years Champs as a defender.

Pat McCarthy (Glenelg) is 194cm and weighs in at 84kg. He is primarily a back-man, but has spent some time in the front half. He has clean skills and is a reliable defensive rebounder. He represented Sth. Aussie in this years Champs and became AA as a result of good interstate form. Rarely wastes a possession.

Luke Mitchell (Calder Cannons, Vic) is 196cm and weighs 96kg. This is one big boy. He is a tall forward or defender who takes plenty of pack marks. He has pretty good speed off the mark, whether leading or guarding an opposition forward. He didn’t play in the champs due to having shoulder surgery, but is the real deal.

Bill Smedts (Geelong Falcons) is a medium defender who gets away from his opponent a fair bit. He backs his judgment and reads the play very well. His timing stands out particularly in marking contests, considering his shortish stature. Very creative lad, who might find his way up the highway. Some big wraps on this lad.

Seb Tape (Glenelg, SA) is 191cm and tips the scales at 85kg. He plays as an athletic defender who has great closing speed and is very competitive. Very strong in the contest and handles the ball on the deck as well. Skipper of the Crow Eaters in this years championships. Top kid this one.

Matthew Watson (Calder Cannons, Vic) He is 195cm and tips the scales at 98kg. Matty is another caccky footer and really gives it a roost. He is very good overhead. He is as calm as a cucumber in most situations. Played well enough in the championships to gain AA honours. Hope we still have a pick when he comes around. Hurley like.

See next Post for further details:

 

[BrizzyBlue]

Righto, I have tried to piece together some of our possible trades, based on direct info from my sources, solid rumours and some logical speculation. Firstly it will be imperative in this Trade Period that we strike early and get the peripheral exchanges out of the way ASAP. The logic behind this is, rather than waiting for some supposed monster trade to get sorted elsewhere, we need further currency to be in the driver’s seat from the get–go. NB: I have intentionally left out the steak knives in the following scenarios. It goes without saying there will be exchanges of picks and sweeteners galore, but who could predict that accurately? That being said, just the raw trades posted.



1. Carlton, Richmond and the Bulldogs have the perfect situation to perform one of the earliest trades of the period.

Grigg > Tigers
Tambling > Dogs
Everitt > Blues



2. Finally T-Bird will get to his desired location of a couple of years ago and we won’t have to put up with his sulking any longer.

Thornton > Hawks
Ladson or Lewis or Pick around 40 odd > Blues



3. If Whoosha is serious about trading pick #4 for a small forward, we could test the waters with a late developer plus a player superfluous to our needs.

Yarran + Browne or Ellard > Eagles
Pick #4 > Blues



4. With Andy Walker shopping for better opportunities and Adelaide thinking he might form part of their running brigade, there is the possibility that we could get that KPD that we really need. They can forget Sellar, unless he is the tid bits. Keep in mind we are in the perfect position with this one as 1AW is contracted.

Walker > Crows
McKernan or Talia or T. Walker > Blues



5. With our surplus of Ruckmen and a number of clubs with stocks a bare, it is no wonder that they are now courting both Sauce and Hammer. You would be surprised about the number of inquiries that have been made. This is really our opportunity to cash in. I need to treat them in isolation, although one of them might be part of a deal to the same club…EG: Sauce and 1AW to the Crows for their first 3 picks, Porpoise, Dangerman and a block of flats in Tasmania. Joking of course, but you get my drift.

Now it is important to appreciate the dynamics of our big boy division. Firstly they all accept that Kreuz is King, whether he plays in the Ruck or up forward, he is simply revered by all and naturally commands an automatic spot in our best 22 when fit. He still has Humphrey attributes, keeps his opinion to himself and just does as he is instructed. Everybody loves Matty. Knockers realized early on if he was gunna be our modern Harry it was vital to bulk up, improve his motor and work on his skills. He spent shitloads of time in the magoos after rehab doing exactly as the doctor ordered. He didn’t whinge, he didn’t question his place in the order, he simply went about what was required to be the best he could be. On that basis these guys should be automatic selections when fit.

Now whilst Hammer and Sauce haven’t been blessed with the skills of the other 2 and have started from further back, they have both worked their rings off to hone their skills and increase their mobility, respectively. This is where the challenge lies as they both have a lot of confidence in themselves and they believe they are not only better than each other, but deserve a place in the starting side irrespective. It seems that Sauce thinks the MC have him on the bottom rung and Hammer thinks the same. Sometimes fear of loss works, but this has backfired on the club because both boys are disgruntled now. Remember towards the end of the Season, one in, one out. Next week repeat the same. Hammer thought that he had cemented his spot only to get injured and miss a week. Sauce took his spot and did ok, but Hammer was rushed back and was clearly underdone. He then got dropped and Sauce resumed the spot again. Sauce of course went on to play a couple of beauties in the Bullants and all this did was give Hammer the shits. If one of them is traded, problem solved; however it should never have got to this. It would be great if we could retain all our Rucks, but realistically we need to plug some other holes as quick as we can.

I pose a couple of left suggestions that should make most of us happy.

A. Assuming the MC want to keep Sauce, they need to convince him that Hammer will be traded. They need to assure him of maximum possible game time alongside Knockers with Humphrey playing forward primarily when he returns from rehab. On that basis, create a bidding war between the Lions and the Suns for Hammers services. There are 2 players we could do with, but alas it doesn’t solve our KPD needs. I trust other trades will resolve this.



Hammer > Lions
Sherman > Blues

Or

Hammer > Suns
Krakouer > Blues

I heard just yesterday they are considering grabbing the Swan Districts star as he is a former AFL player and they can list him straight away, but the intention is he could be used to secure the services of the right contracted player by trade. They haven’t yet announced any experienced Ruckmen. Hammer would be perfect for them.


B. Assuming the MC want to keep Hammer, they need to convince him that Sauce will be traded. They need to assure him of maximum possible game time alongside Knockers with Humphrey playing forward primarily when he returns from rehab. On that basis, create a bidding war between the Crows and the Power for Sammy’s services. There are a number of players we could do with and it would solve our KPD needs.

Jacobs > Crows
McKernan or Talia or T. Walker > Blues

Or

Jacobs > Port
Trengove or Chaplin > Blues

Or

Jacobs > Saints
Gilbert or Armitage > Blues

Or

Jacobs > Cats
Mackie or Taylor > Blues



We could end up with 3-4 valuable players to address some of our depth deficiencies. It will be very interesting over the next few weeks!

We have potential player currency, draft picks and targets to deal with. We have our own TPP to deal with, but not to the extent that some clubs have.


Go Blue Boys!!

 

[CarltonLegends95]

That Hampson for Krakouer trade would make us become the Brisbane Lions of the 2010 trade week.

I reckon Grigg has shown more than Everitt and I can't see us getting good value there even though Everitt would be a solid player at the Blues.

I reckon with your trades though Carlton is giving up too much in some of them or the opposition club is giving up too much and will most likely not happen. e.g Walker for Talia or T.Walker. I can't see a first year draftee who hasn't shown much due to injury to be traded, or T.Walker who makes a good forward combo with Tippett to be traded, even though Adelaide really want Walker.

Do you really reckon some of the Carlton players will be traded though? Like Ellard, Armfield, Yarran? Who have started to show good form at the top flight (Elllard and Armfield) to all of sudden be traded or will become very good players and need time (Yarran) who had good patches this year? All the time that Carlton has spent in to these players only to be traded for a few years of service?


Armitage (Saints)
Brown (Weagles)
Everitt (Bulldogs)
McKernan (Crows)
McKinley (Weagles)
Sherman (Lions)
Tambling (Tigers)
Trengove (Port)
Veszpremi (Swans)
Warnock (Dees)

I reckon Carlton could try and get some of these players in deals that would be fair to us and the opposition club.

Good write up though BrizzyBlue
Good Read

 

[Kreuzerlenko]

Jacobs > Cats
Mackie or Taylor > Blues

Sorry to skim through your obviously well thought out post(s) (will have a more thorough read later) but the quoted trade is the juiciest one I have heard so far. What is Taylor's status at the Cats? Would take Mackie or Taylor in a heartbeat. Love sauce but this would be too good to pass up IMO

 

[CarltonLegends95]

Sorry to skim through your obviously well thought out post(s) (will have a more thorough read later) but the quoted trade is the juiciest one I have heard so far. What is Taylor's status at the Cats? Would take Mackie or Taylor in a heartbeat. Love sauce but this would be too good to pass up IMO

I can't see Geelong trading either of them, even if they did trade for a ruckman. Scarlett is 30/31 and Milburn may retire. Geelong would trade it's second best defender in Taylor or a quality player like Mackie for a ruckman. If they did their KPD stocks would be thinner then they are now. Lonergan isn't great and they have Laidler and Gillies, two solid young players, not at the Taylor or Mackie levels but I can't see Geelong really relying on a 31/ yr old Scarlett, Lonergan, Gillies, Laidler if they do this trade.

They have Brad Ottens, injury prone and getting on in years, Hawkins doesn't look the goods as a second ruckman, they have Dawson Simpson at ruck at 206 cm and highly regarded Nathan Vardy as well both young Simpson at 21/22? and Vardy at 19 so it will take time, they might try for a ruck but not at the expense of trading away a Key Position Defender of Forward.

Blake is a spud and might go and Trent West really is there to fill in really so he might explore his options.

 

[Dramoth]

I doubt we would seriously consider trading Yarran to the west coke e-girls for pick 4 alone. Yarran had a poor end to the season where he suffered a slight injury that kept him out for the last couple of matches of the season. Yazz loves the club and doesnt want to leave as well which could make any sort of trades rather difficult especially as he just signed a new contract. If we were even considering trading him, then we would have delayed on the contract until after trade week instead of doing the deal a couple of months back.

I think that the Eagles would prefer to keep pick 4 and go for a small forward/midfielder considering that they are going to have to rebuild over the next couple of years. Their getting Yarran could solve that issue, but I think that the Carlton supporters would want to know who they would be getting in to replace Yarran.

 

[BWFC]

Good read Brizzy Blue. Theres heaps of rumors about the dogs being interested in Walker. Sounds like you guys rate him? To be honest I haven't seen enough of him to have much of an opinion, do you think Carlton would direct trade him for Everitt? Or do you think it would take a draft pick as well? I rate Everitt's ability and he was a first round pick but considering he has struggled to cement a first team position its hard to know what his market value is. I did think that Everitt signed an extension to his contract last year meaning he's contracted until the end of 2011, but I could be wrong.

 

[Silvagnis]

Too short, didn't read.

Good read and rumours if true, but most of the trades would never happen. Opposition wits will have a field day with your suggestions. Some of the players just aren't needed by the club that they'd join. Trading Yarran for pick four and Hampson for Krakouer would justifiably cause a riot at Visy Park.

No thanks.

No more shortcuts such as these.

Time to put the heat on the coaches to develop our talented list into a team.

Though I'd be open to trading Walker for Everitt if he can play a role at half back and switch with Waite.

 

[BrizzyBlue]

To answer most of your questions in one go, I would suggest that you have a re-read. I specifically said that there would be steak knives involved, so it wouldn't be Fred for Bill. That might be the principle trade but could be our 2nd round pick swapped with their 3rd round pick as well to get it over the line etc.

I don't expect all these to come off, but the club has to punt high first to get trades done. Better than sitting on our blurts waiting to be approached on the last day. We have to be aggressive this year

BIB, I live in Brisbane and have long standing contacts at Morningside Panthers which was where Arma started. Kapishe?

 

[scomac]

Krakouer has stated he wont come back east,Reckon the Eagles will get him probably with a deal to the Suns,he has been mentored by Peter Matera all year and has got his life back on track.He also said if he cant get drafted to a WA club probably will stay at Swan Districts.

 

[krayfesh]

Strategy: Many draft picks. Get them, use them.

And trade a pick for Gavin Urquhart.

Pick up Myles Sewell and Kyle Hartigan in the draft along with the best available talent with first rounders.

 

[SurreyBlue]

I'm really not feeling well at the moment with some of these trades proposed. Hope you guys are seriously wrong with some of these.

 

[Juddys_navy_blues]

Great post Brizzy, fantastic read and you have obviously put alot of time and thought into it, Thanks.

 

[Sin City]

Keen to hear more about this Armitage talk. Needs to work a lot harder but has the making of a very good player.

 

[Juddys_navy_blues]

Hopefully we only do a few trades, dont want to end up looking like Brisbane in 12 months from now and being the laughing stock of the AFL, Voss and Brisbane can keep that title

 

[qldbluesman_43]

Keen to hear more about this Armitage talk. Needs to work a lot harder but has the making of a very good player.

Agree he's shown a lot but can't get a regular game because of being kept out of the St. Kilda side by Lenny Hayes (which isn't so bad really considering Hayes is top 3 inside mids in the comp). He could be a great pickup as a tough midfielder.

 

[son of dominator]

Krakouer has stated he wont come back east,Reckon the Eagles will get him probably with a deal to the Suns,he has been mentored by Peter Matera all year and has got his life back on track.He also said if he cant get drafted to a WA club probably will stay at Swan Districts.

Given WCE publically stating that they are looking for a small forward, I think it's a lock that Krakouer be with them next year

 

[Jabba73]

I think we really need to work hard on getting players that can play at AFL level but are currently not getting a game because someone better is at the club keeping them out.

Think of Bradshaw at the Lions when Lynch and Brown were dominating. This is where the value lies. Everytime he played he was good value, they just had someone ahead of him that was an automatic selection when fit.

Having said that, Armitage at the Saints could be a perfect target as he will (if he has any AFL ambitions) be looking for a club where he will get more game time. Davis at the Crows would have been another if Bock had stayed. Look at the development of Hendo this year once he was out of the shadows of Brown and Bradshaw.

We have the same problem with our ruck division and it seems almost inevitable we will lose either Hammer or Sauce as they look to better opportunities elsewhere. Need to trade involving value rather than rejects and this is where the good clubs get it right and the Lions get it wrong.

Look to the top few clubs that have superstars that have been in place for a few years, they have put the time into the second tier players that may be impatient for a chance. I believe this will get us the players that will help us take the next step immediately.

Great post BrizzyBlue.

 

[thylacine60]

I think we really need to work hard on getting players that can play at AFL level but are currently not getting a game because someone better is at the club keeping them out.

Think of Bradshaw at the Lions when Lynch and Brown were dominating. This is where the value lies. Everytime he played he was good value, they just had someone ahead of him that was an automatic selection when fit.

Having said that, Armitage at the Saints could be a perfect target as he will (if he has any AFL ambitions) be looking for a club where he will get more game time. Davis at the Crows would have been another if Bock had stayed. Look at the development of Hendo this year once he was out of the shadows of Brown and Bradshaw.

We have the same problem with our ruck division and it seems almost inevitable we will lose either Hammer or Sauce as they look to better opportunities elsewhere. Need to trade involving value rather than rejects and this is where the good clubs get it right and the Lions get it wrong.

Look to the top few clubs that have superstars that have been in place for a few years, they have put the time into the second tier players that may be impatient for a chance. I believe this will get us the players that will help us take the next step immediately.

Great post BrizzyBlue.

Bombers believed this when taking Prismall. Off-season injury aside I was cranky we didn't have a look at him at the time. Bullet dodged I guess.

 

[Jabba73]

Bombers believed this when taking Prismall. Off-season injury aside I was cranky we didn't have a look at him at the time. Bullet dodged I guess.

Agreed. That is why we need to do a Sydney, not a Brisbane.

 

[BrizzyBlue]

Krakouer has stated he wont come back east,Reckon the Eagles will get him probably with a deal to the Suns,he has been mentored by Peter Matera all year and has got his life back on track.He also said if he cant get drafted to a WA club probably will stay at Swan Districts.

If he or his management make that statement publicly, then the AFL will preclude him from the draft, citing Draft tampering and if picked by a club not of his choice and spits the dummy; then breach of contract.

Simple really, if they nominate for the draft, they have no choice; they have to go to the club that selects them and honour the minimum contract.

 

[BrizzyBlue]

Hi guys,

I got some updated info this afternoon on 2 of our players who have asked to be traded and 1 unhappy Lion.

I hear that T-Birds manager has threatened that he will not to go to the B & F tomorrow night, unless he can be assured of a trade. Considering the report that he has just had an op, didn’t think he would be going anyway. I know what I would do, but that would cause more dramas with him. (a) Tell him to piss off until the preseason, where he will be training with the Bullies. He won’t be considered for senior selection. He will just have to honour the contract. (b) Trade him to any club that will take him, just to get him off the list. On a serious note, the Hawks are supposedly still interested, but there is not much currency now.


I hear that the Sauce trade will probably get done as opposed to any deal involving Hammer. This is the likely scenario:

Jacobs & Pick 18 > Crows
Sellar, Pick 14 & Pick ~28 > Blues

We lose Sauce, gain Sellar, upgrade Pick 18 for 14 & get the Bock Pick (about 28). This would give us Picks 14, 28 & 36, I think.


I am told that the club rate Sherman very highly and they believe that he would compliment the engine room very well. Whether he is used off half back or in the hi diddle diddle, remains to be seen. The lions have to lose either Brennan or Sherman. Still not sure how we can get him to Royal Pde, but I reckon the Taswegian would be better value to our structure even if he is a loony. The Juddmeister would soon sort him out.


I should get some updates on 1AW and Grigga tomorrow. My info on these 2 comes from the same source, but he is interstate till tonight.