I think if we do pick up an experienced midfielder, it will be one who will just be here for one or two years. I've said this, but I don't think we'll go for someone who is expecting a long career. With a big group who can play in the middle well currently developing, and you'd think one or two added to that group in the draft this year, it wouldn't make much sense to go after an average player with five or six years left in him. Vossy's comments in the Q&A reflect this thought, that we'll be after someone who can fill a role in the short term rather than the long term.
I promised a bit of research on the matter, and here it is - the players who could technically fall into that category:
(This list doesn't take contracts, likelihood of leaving, or any other factors into account other than if they are an experienced mid nearing the end of their career).
Ian Callinan - 29 years old, can play as a midfielder as well as small forward.
Brent Reilly - 28 years old, plays mostly as a tagger so may not fit in, but an option perhaps.
Andrew Embley - 31 years old, more of a wingman/forward, but could add a bit of experience in the middle.
Daniel Kerr - 29 years old, not much needs to be said of his talents.
Domenic Cassisi - 29 years old, Port captain but not as ingrained at the club as most captains are.
Kane Cornes - 29 years old, would be very odd for him to join our club, but meets the job description.
Jude Bolton - 32 years old, hasn't announced his intentions for next season yet.
Daniel Cross - 29 years old, one of many experienced Bulldogs players they may be willing to move on.
Daniel Giansiracusa - 30 years old, a utility who would bring a lot of experience with him.
Matthew Boyd - 30 years old, one who we may (with a bit of work) be able to snatch from the Dogs and would pretty much be perfect for what we need.
Andrew Carrazzo - 28 years old, important to Carlton but I'm not sure he's untouchable.
Heath Scotland - 32 years old, nearing the end but could be good for a year.
Nathan Lovett-Murray - 29 years old, talented, and could do the job if needed.
James Kelly - 28 years old, comes from a great culture at Geelong and would cover perfectly for a few years while we wait for others to develop.
Chance Bateman - 31 years old, we could get him quite easily from the Hawks. Probably just has one year in him, though.
Colin Sylvia - 26 years old, so younger than most others on here, but could be much better than he's shown so far at the Dees in my opinion.
Brent Moloney - 28 years old, has officially informed the Dees that he plans to leave, and fits the bill.
Shane Tuck - 30 years old, strong rumours that he may be leaving, and would be in my top three to fill this role.
Danyle Pearce - 26 years old, only really mentioned here due to the fact he's been brought up in this thread often.
Clinton Jones - 28 years old, one of St Kilda's experienced group that might be poachable.
Leigh Montagna - 28 years old, and St Kilda would not want to lose him so we'd have to pay a fair bit. Would be great though.
Brendon Goddard - 27 years old, I personally think he's better in a key post but could play the midfield role.
Nick Dal Santo - 28 years old, superstar for St Kilda and would probably cost far too much. Would be perfect though.
So that's the list as I see it. Obviously even outside that there would be quite a few at state level who could do the job.
Anyone on there seem an attractive prospect? I think Boyd or Tuck would do very nicely.