Analysis 2019 List Management Discussion II

[The Flying Doormat]

From the Port Board yesterday. Pretty much what I've been saying.

S.Gray is just ok-good in pretty much every aspect. He isnt a bad player and will play a role, but i think he is best as a depth player, like no.23-26 on the list.

He has no flare. very vanilla but can do good things.

We just have have 3 other small forwards in the 2nds which i believe we will want to give more game time to next year. Might also be into Fantasia who would also take his role.

Would say a pick in the 30's would get the deal done for him.

His best position is inside midfield, but Ken constantly plays him as a small forward.

We have quite a few young options coming through in that role which seems like the main reason we are willing to let him go.

My main knock on him is that he often beats up on the lower ranked teams, but can then have 4-5 weeks where he does basically nothing. Most supporters feel he has somewhat of a gold pass with selection which has frustrated many of us.

As a midfielder he's a poor man's David Armitage. Will rack up a lot of touches but have little impact on the game.

As a small forward he's a poor man's Mark LeCras. Not overly quick or agile so can't weave through traffic, but does work very hard to get into space. Unfortunately in our system that means he's the first one working back into the f50 when slingshotting, which means he's manned up by the loose KPD - resulting in a hilarious marking mismatch between Taylor/Hooker/Talia and SGray. Not overly talented by foot, not very good when needing to execute a quick kick/snap, but a decent enough drop punt when given time.

He's the opposite of clutch. I've seen him hit the post from 5m out like 10 times in general play. Once he was pretty much on the goal line with the ball and kicked it straight in the air and the ball actually went backwards.

Also struggles to kick further than 35m.

From what I understand your own c4 has led us to believe Sam gray has tried to play off other offers to get a bigger offer from port and its backfired. Port aren’t willing to entertain the idea and now it’s gotten to the point Sam will either have to fold or take another offer.

We’re pretty flush with small forwards coming though with cox and woodcock.

 

[RossFC]

From the Port Board yesterday.

RE: My quote, play him on the forward flank or as an accumulative rover or outside mid.

When he's deep forward as a small KPF, he won't mark the ball and the ball will come back out.

 

[Blues90]

Casboult straight swap for Martin

 

[Juddys_navy_blues]

Who are we being linked to and who do you think we will land during the trade period? What are people's thoughts on us chasing Ben McKay twin brother of our Key forward? Heard we are going to offer pick 8 and our 1st pick next Season fr Ollie Wines. Peoples thoughts?

 

[Jabba73]

Don’t think McKay is a priority.

 

[HalAlaric]

I would like to see a play for Jack Petruccelle. Damaging with his pace and in my opinion would be a great fit for us. I know hes contracted but a hearty and long term might work. I would estimate a 4 year deal at 400-500 might get it over the line.

I would happily float pick 8 so long as we also netted their pick 22 back. All in all it seems pretty win win with WC getting a top 10 pick to help secure Kelly as well as dropping Petruccelles wage he currently commands.
We on the other pick up a lightning fast small forward as well as pick 22 to then possibly on trade.

With our leftover picks (22, 39, 44, 67, 80) I would love to address some support for Cripps by trading for Sam Powell-Pepper with pick 22. Yes, he is a butcher and yes, he has had a few off field issues but he would add a hardness and aggression that it is my belief we severly lack.

Use 67 on Darcy Cameron and take 39, 44 & 80 to the draft.

 

[philthy05]

From the Port Board yesterday. Pretty much what I've been saying.

It’s worth noting that most port posters actually don’t mind Sammy, he’s a honest hard working player who’s actually pretty decent.

But we hate how Hinkley plays him, how Sam is a part of our forward problems in regards to who he continues to be picked over and his place in the structure.

Hinkley regularly drops tall forwards, and plays a Robbie gray Sam gray 2 pronged forward line which is simply countered by having a tall intercepter play in front of them both and pick off our forward entries. We’ve given up absurd intercept mark numbers this year. Hinkley also thinks Dixon is nick Riewoldt and makes him run like a Kenyan up the wings.

If Sam goes to Carlton next year this board and the media will be talking about how he’s improved over his time at port when he will be exactly the same player, except not trying to take marks over a Hurley and Francis double team.

 

[BluStreak]

McKay twins do not want to play in the same team. Was stated very early at the time of their draft.

 

[Arr0w]

I would like to see a play for Jack Petruccelle. Damaging with his pace and in my opinion would be a great fit for us. I know hes contracted but a hearty and long term might work. I would estimate a 4 year deal at 400-500 might get it over the line.

I would happily float pick 8 so long as we also netted their pick 22 back. All in all it seems pretty win win with WC getting a top 10 pick to help secure Kelly as well as dropping Petruccelles wage he currently commands.
We on the other pick up a lightning fast small forward as well as pick 22 to then possibly on trade.

With our leftover picks (22, 39, 44, 67, 80) I would love to address some support for Cripps by trading for Sam Powell-Pepper with pick 22. Yes, he is a butcher and yes, he has had a few off field issues but he would add a hardness and aggression that it is my belief we severly lack.

Use 67 on Darcy Cameron and take 39, 44 & 80 to the draft.

Petruccelle likes WC, but apparently is homesick

Whether that leads to asking for a trade is unknown

 

[ferrisb]

This is the trade that excites me the most this off-season:

Out: No picks
In: Sam Docherty

 

[HARKER]

This is the trade that excites me the most this off-season:

Out: No picks
In: Sam Docherty

Good point although don't mind adding Williamson to that.
Then throw in CCurnow, Marchbank and a fit Cuningham and we may be going places.

I really don't think we need anywhere near the amount of players we're currently discussing.
I don't really care for Sam Gray or Butler or player x, if we can net Papely and Martin. Maybe that's all we need this year and hang onto next years currency.

I'd still sooner get the 'right' ruck-man than to simply pluck one from somewhere because we're perceived to be short-on, in this department.
We may even speed up TDK's development should we give him more responsibility.

Yes, a quality midfielder would have been good but that's unlikely to come about whilst we're plugging other gaps.
We have to put it on Russell to get Setterfield and Kennedy and Dow up to speed for next year. All have varying qualities that will hold us in good stead and we can't classify Setterfield and Kennedy as 'kids' any longer. We also have ECurnow still capable of that support for Cripps we keep talking about.
What happened this year doesn't have to happen the next. The collective are older and stronger andf should be better.

 

[Matty411]

While I'm at it, Mick Agresta dropped by the 'Road to the Draft' pod with Nat Edwards and Cal Twomey to discuss our trade targets and potential draft plans. Will summarise shortly.

 

[I bleed Blue]

This is the trade that excites me the most this off-season:

Out: No picks
In: Sam Docherty

This x 100. Will be our biggest "in" no doubt.

Also Charlie Curnow. He missed most of the games under Teague.

Teague is going to play him closer to goals and his most dangerous position.

I think Charlie will kick 40-50 goals next year. A firing Charlie will scare backlines. It will domino to making things easier for McGovern, McKay and some dangerous small forwards we bring in to hit the scoreboard.

Get a Papley/Betts/cuningham etc at the feet of these big guys and we will be very, very dangerous.

 

[Stiffler's Dad]

Liam Jones is 115kgs?

Favourite player was Barry Round.

 

[bluemahogany]

"Tom De Koning is a ruck" - Mick Agresta today on the Road to the draft podcast

 

[Matty411]

Challenging gbatman's word limit. For those who are interested in some insights, have a quick read below or listen for yourself. Not a whole lot was given away, but another good indictment of the club's direction and good to hear first-hand from a key member of the list management/recruiting team about the draft/process and the way they see Carlton FC in the wider landscape.

Mick Agresta on Road to the Draft

On relationship/role dynamic with SOS and Paul (Brodie):

• Paul responsible for draft/final order along with Dale Harris and Michael Jordan, who focus purely on the draft
• SOS and Mick look after List strategy and TPP (total player payments/salary cap) – with Agresta also looking after Pro scouting
• With List Strategy, they’re looking at 3-5 years with TPP particularly

On splitting time/focus between what’s happening on field (at Carlton) and U18:

• Part of the team that travels around with the Nationals
• Attend key games
• Have weekly sit in on all recruiting meetings, so knows exactly what’s going on
• Lot of time (far too much) on compliance and in front of a spreadsheet

On how he views the Blues season:

• Really tough situation, particularly middle part
• To club’s credit, they’ve been great – especially Teaguey, who’s been unbelievable
• Few other clubs not in finals were limping through to the end of year, while our players/staff didn’t want it to end

On this year’s draft pool:

• Doesn’t have the top-end tall talent, but depth in the draft and talent in most rounds
• The weekend’s game (Nationals) highlighted that
• Comparing this years top to last, the Key position talent isn’t there, but is depth in the rucks and midfield
• NAB league between Gippsland and Oakley – loved the game, couldn’t wait to write report and loved watching kids stand up
• Finals game boosts players prospects when they step up

On Carlton’s draft board:

• Not settled on order, but think we have the pool set
• Number of interviews still to do, psych test etc
• Combine intense with interviews, long days, stressful but good insight into draftees
• Teague involved in it all – are on same page about it and DT wants to get involved but trusts/supports the List Mgmt team

On personal draft philosophy/key characteristics:

• Think it gets back to how competitive they are (not just physical side, can be running or skills)

On Sam Walsh:

• Were always set on Sam, didn’t actively seek trade for #1 but had lot of work to do in trades
• Was our pick a long way out
• Favourite memory was combine interview – only time saw him nervous. Had 3 recruiters, coach, Bolts, Murph in the room
• Coming from Swans, Heeney and Mills were unbelievably prepared first year players, but never seen anything like Sam. From the day he started training, he went 100%, kept getting himself up, adapting, getting better. Just an amazing player.
• Area of growth, will have some downtimes and will have to learn with not always being the best player and dealing with these times

On Stocker trade/2018 Trade Deal:

• Had a number of players rated really highly, including Liam
• Worked out well for both clubs, Adelaide are really happy with top pick as are we
• Really, really happy with Liam’s year. Added string to his bow across half back and helped him
• Think he’d be right up there (in the draft order) against this year’s group

On Ben Silvagni’s year/progress:

• Had a really good year. Finding his feet but towards end of year, went forward and added spark, spunk and confidence. Made real progress.

On Mick Gibbons:

• Went into draft/rookie with open mind re keeping spot open, and always wanted to bring a few players
• Then had the Bugg situation, Doc and Pickett injuries
• Gibbons done well, 21 games and 21 different haircuts

On TDK:

• Gave a big wrap to Tom De Koning – special things for guy his size
• Sees him as a ruck

On Lochie O’Brien:

• Struggled with form early, but didn’t drop bundle
• Worked hard and got his rewards towards end of year

On Dow:

• Had some form issues and spent some time at VFL level but worked hard and got back, saw the real Paddy Dow

On Dow and TDK’s brothers in 2019 draft:

• Had VIC Country boys at Ikon and was nice to see brothers together – was a nice feeling and you’d hope they all end up together one day
• Both kids have talent but inconsistent, but are real top-end talents

On Walsh’s younger brothers:

• Close eye on Henry, very tall (already 203)
• Tommy U12 young but plenty of spunk

On Fish and SPS:

• Really come on, seen some real growth in both
• Samo went back and has elite foot skills
• Fish went forward and added another string to bow
• Both grown in back half of year
• SPS spoke about Russell influence. Really confidence Samo was going to have good year, did most of PS and was in good shape. Jack Russell had big impact on whole group.

On long-term list:

• Got a really talented spine, good midfield and some exciting forwards
• Not interested in ‘stage of rebuild’, rather enjoying footy and natural growth
• Buoyed by Brisbane’s story

On Cripps:

• Helps so much having him. Great person, great on-field leader – still young with a lot of footy left in him
• It does (help having him here as a pull for players to come to us) and having him commit long-term last year tells a story to opposition clubs that we think we’re on the right track.
• He’s been great for culture of the club. Enormous pressure on young, first-year captain, but he’s done a great job.

On Pick 8 and whether we’ll have it at end of trade period:

• Still a lot of water to go under the bridge
• We’re looking to improve our list anyway we can – trade/FA
• Pretty coy, not giving anything away

On whether last half of season make attracting players easier compared to last year:

• It’s gotta help. Winning helps. Everyone loves to win.
• But the positive vibe around the place with players having smiles on their faces. And players talk.
• We hope we’re a destination club

On Wishlist of players:

• Cain let the small forward cat out of the bag
• Confident in our list and natural growth
• Again, generic answers giving nothing away

On Papley and recruitment of players:

• Knows Tom well from recruitment at Sydney
• But respecting of opposition clubs and contracted players so wouldn’t discuss

On Martin:

• Not entirely correct (that club has met with Jack), but are planning to

On presentation to players:

• Very tailored to individuals that varies from player to player
• Will keep details to themselves

On general list and recruitment:

• Really comfortable with spine, midfield and list
• Can’t have enough good players, just want players who are the right fit and want to come to Carlton – be that forward, tall or midfielder
• More about needs and requirements rather than strict age-based

On next frontier of scouting:

• Data and analytics and information is becoming more important

Mick came across as very personable but shrewd and tight-lipped. Refused to give anything away, particularly discussion around contracted players or guys we might be targeting. No way any leaks come from him.

TL;DR: The club is in good hands. In SOS/Agresta we trust.

 

[Blues90]

That's our trade wrap from last year and we didn't trade our future second so why does Adelaide have it in the craft order??

 

[Jeremias]

That's our trade wrap from last year and we didn't trade our future second so why does Adelaide have it in the craft order??

We traded it to GWS in the Setterfield deal, they on-traded it to the Crows.

 

[Stamos]

On Ben Silvagni’s year/progress:

• Had a really good year. Finding his feet but towards end of year, went forward and added spark, spunk and confidence. Made real progress.

You left out, now refers to himself as 'The Accumulator', after racking up 15 touches in the VFL

 

[Matty411]

You left out, now refers to himself as 'The Accumulator', after racking up 15 touches in the VFL

Haha there were a few other little gems like that, but didn't want to transcribe the whole thing. Sounds like Ben is a good character. Just not sure of his senior opportunities in future.

 

[I bleed Blue]

Challenging gbatman's word limit. For those who are interested in some insights, have a quick read below or listen for yourself. Not a whole lot was given away, but another good indictment of the club's direction and good to hear first-hand from a key member of the list management/recruiting team about the draft/process and the way they see Carlton FC in the wider landscape.

Mick Agresta on Road to the Draft

On relationship/role dynamic with SOS and Paul (Brodie):

• Paul responsible for draft/final order along with Dale Harris and Michael Jordan, who focus purely on the draft
• SOS and Mick look after List strategy and TPP (total player payments/salary cap) – with Agresta also looking after Pro scouting
• With List Strategy, they’re looking at 3-5 years with TPP particularly

On splitting time/focus between what’s happening on field (at Carlton) and U18:

• Part of the team that travels around with the Nationals
• Attend key games
• Have weekly sit in on all recruiting meetings, so knows exactly what’s going on
• Lot of time (far too much) on compliance and in front of a spreadsheet

On how he views the Blues season:

• Really tough situation, particularly middle part
• To club’s credit, they’ve been great – especially Teaguey, who’s been unbelievable
• Few other clubs not in finals were limping through to the end of year, while our players/staff didn’t want it to end

On this year’s draft pool:

• Doesn’t have the top-end tall talent, but depth in the draft and talent in most rounds
• The weekend’s game (Nationals) highlighted that
• Comparing this years top to last, the Key position talent isn’t there, but is depth in the rucks and midfield
• NAB league between Gippsland and Oakley – loved the game, couldn’t wait to write report and loved watching kids stand up
• Finals game boosts players prospects when they step up

On Carlton’s draft board:

• Not settled on order, but think we have the pool set
• Number of interviews still to do, psych test etc
• Combine intense with interviews, long days, stressful but good insight into draftees
• Teague involved in it all – are on same page about it and DT wants to get involved but trusts/supports the List Mgmt team

On personal draft philosophy/key characteristics:

• Think it gets back to how competitive they are (not just physical side, can be running or skills)

On Sam Walsh:

• Were always set on Sam, didn’t actively seek trade for #1 but had lot of work to do in trades
• Was our pick a long way out
• Favourite memory was combine interview – only time saw him nervous. Had 3 recruiters, coach, Bolts, Murph in the room
• Coming from Swans, Heeney and Mills were unbelievably prepared first year players, but never seen anything like Sam. From the day he started training, he went 100%, kept getting himself up, adapting, getting better. Just an amazing player.
• Area of growth, will have some downtimes and will have to learn with not always being the best player and dealing with these times

On Stocker trade/2018 Trade Deal:

• Had a number of players rated really highly, including Liam
• Worked out well for both clubs, Adelaide are really happy with top pick as are we
• Really, really happy with Liam’s year. Added string to his bow across half back and helped him
• Think he’d be right up there (in the draft order) against this year’s group

On Ben Silvagni’s year/progress:

• Had a really good year. Finding his feet but towards end of year, went forward and added spark, spunk and confidence. Made real progress.

On Mick Gibbons:

• Went into draft/rookie with open mind re keeping spot open, and always wanted to bring a few players
• Then had the Bugg situation, Doc and Pickett injuries
• Gibbons done well, 21 games and 21 different haircuts

On TDK:

• Gave a big wrap to Tom De Koning – special things for guy his size
• Sees him as a ruck

On Lochie O’Brien:

• Struggled with form early, but didn’t drop bundle
• Worked hard and got his rewards towards end of year

On Dow:

• Had some form issues and spent some time at VFL level but worked hard and got back, saw the real Paddy Dow

On Dow and TDK’s brothers in 2019 draft:

• Had VIC Country boys at Ikon and was nice to see brothers together – was a nice feeling and you’d hope they all end up together one day
• Both kids have talent but inconsistent, but are real top-end talents

On Walsh’s younger brothers:

• Close eye on Henry, very tall (already 203)
• Tommy U12 young but plenty of spunk

On Fish and SPS:

• Really come on, seen some real growth in both
• Samo went back and has elite foot skills
• Fish went forward and added another string to bow
• Both grown in back half of year
• SPS spoke about Russell influence. Really confidence Samo was going to have good year, did most of PS and was in good shape. Jack Russell had big impact on whole group.

On long-term list:

• Got a really talented spine, good midfield and some exciting forwards
• Not interested in ‘stage of rebuild’, rather enjoying footy and natural growth
• Buoyed by Brisbane’s story

On Cripps:

• Helps so much having him. Great person, great on-field leader – still young with a lot of footy left in him
• It does (help having him here as a pull for players to come to us) and having him commit long-term last year tells a story to opposition clubs that we think we’re on the right track.
• He’s been great for culture of the club. Enormous pressure on young, first-year captain, but he’s done a great job.

On Pick 8 and whether we’ll have it at end of trade period:

• Still a lot of water to go under the bridge
• We’re looking to improve our list anyway we can – trade/FA
• Pretty coy, not giving anything away

On whether last half of season make attracting players easier compared to last year:

• It’s gotta help. Winning helps. Everyone loves to win.
• But the positive vibe around the place with players having smiles on their faces. And players talk.
• We hope we’re a destination club

On Wishlist of players:

• Cain let the small forward cat out of the bag
• Confident in our list and natural growth
• Again, generic answers giving nothing away

On Papley and recruitment of players:

• Knows Tom well from recruitment at Sydney
• But respecting of opposition clubs and contracted players so wouldn’t discuss

On Martin:

• Not entirely correct (that club has met with Jack), but are planning to

On presentation to players:

• Very tailored to individuals that varies from player to player
• Will keep details to themselves

On general list and recruitment:

• Really comfortable with spine, midfield and list
• Can’t have enough good players, just want players who are the right fit and want to come to Carlton – be that forward, tall or midfielder
• More about needs and requirements rather than strict age-based

On next frontier of scouting:

• Data and analytics and information is becoming more important

Mick came across as very personable but shrewd and tight-lipped. Refused to give anything away, particularly discussion around contracted players or guys we might be targeting. No way any leaks come from him.

TL;DR: The club is in good hands. In SOS/Agresta we trust.

Thanks for that summary Matty

You're a bloody legend

 

[HARKER]

"Tom De Koning is a ruck" - Mick Agresta today on the Road to the draft podcast

Of course he is and has to be developed as such.
Can play forward also if required, although we'd then need to get McKay involved in ruck duties also.....although i don't think he likes to ruck.

I like what DeKoning brings along through ruck duties.
Have said it here many times before, but he fights for the ball as a midfielder would and even if losing the contest in the air, he tries to make up for it on the ground. Just need a good ruck coach and we may get 'lucky'

 

[Blue__Balls]

Challenging gbatman's word limit. For those who are interested in some insights, have a quick read below or listen for yourself. Not a whole lot was given away, but another good indictment of the club's direction and good to hear first-hand from a key member of the list management/recruiting team about the draft/process and the way they see Carlton FC in the wider landscape.

Mick Agresta on Road to the Draft

On relationship/role dynamic with SOS and Paul (Brodie):

• Paul responsible for draft/final order along with Dale Harris and Michael Jordan, who focus purely on the draft
• SOS and Mick look after List strategy and TPP (total player payments/salary cap) – with Agresta also looking after Pro scouting
• With List Strategy, they’re looking at 3-5 years with TPP particularly

On splitting time/focus between what’s happening on field (at Carlton) and U18:

• Part of the team that travels around with the Nationals
• Attend key games
• Have weekly sit in on all recruiting meetings, so knows exactly what’s going on
• Lot of time (far too much) on compliance and in front of a spreadsheet

On how he views the Blues season:

• Really tough situation, particularly middle part
• To club’s credit, they’ve been great – especially Teaguey, who’s been unbelievable
• Few other clubs not in finals were limping through to the end of year, while our players/staff didn’t want it to end

On this year’s draft pool:

• Doesn’t have the top-end tall talent, but depth in the draft and talent in most rounds
• The weekend’s game (Nationals) highlighted that
• Comparing this years top to last, the Key position talent isn’t there, but is depth in the rucks and midfield
• NAB league between Gippsland and Oakley – loved the game, couldn’t wait to write report and loved watching kids stand up
• Finals game boosts players prospects when they step up

On Carlton’s draft board:

• Not settled on order, but think we have the pool set
• Number of interviews still to do, psych test etc
• Combine intense with interviews, long days, stressful but good insight into draftees
• Teague involved in it all – are on same page about it and DT wants to get involved but trusts/supports the List Mgmt team

On personal draft philosophy/key characteristics:

• Think it gets back to how competitive they are (not just physical side, can be running or skills)

On Sam Walsh:

• Were always set on Sam, didn’t actively seek trade for #1 but had lot of work to do in trades
• Was our pick a long way out
• Favourite memory was combine interview – only time saw him nervous. Had 3 recruiters, coach, Bolts, Murph in the room
• Coming from Swans, Heeney and Mills were unbelievably prepared first year players, but never seen anything like Sam. From the day he started training, he went 100%, kept getting himself up, adapting, getting better. Just an amazing player.
• Area of growth, will have some downtimes and will have to learn with not always being the best player and dealing with these times

On Stocker trade/2018 Trade Deal:

• Had a number of players rated really highly, including Liam
• Worked out well for both clubs, Adelaide are really happy with top pick as are we
• Really, really happy with Liam’s year. Added string to his bow across half back and helped him
• Think he’d be right up there (in the draft order) against this year’s group

On Ben Silvagni’s year/progress:

• Had a really good year. Finding his feet but towards end of year, went forward and added spark, spunk and confidence. Made real progress.

On Mick Gibbons:

• Went into draft/rookie with open mind re keeping spot open, and always wanted to bring a few players
• Then had the Bugg situation, Doc and Pickett injuries
• Gibbons done well, 21 games and 21 different haircuts

On TDK:

• Gave a big wrap to Tom De Koning – special things for guy his size
• Sees him as a ruck

On Lochie O’Brien:

• Struggled with form early, but didn’t drop bundle
• Worked hard and got his rewards towards end of year

On Dow:

• Had some form issues and spent some time at VFL level but worked hard and got back, saw the real Paddy Dow

On Dow and TDK’s brothers in 2019 draft:

• Had VIC Country boys at Ikon and was nice to see brothers together – was a nice feeling and you’d hope they all end up together one day
• Both kids have talent but inconsistent, but are real top-end talents

On Walsh’s younger brothers:

• Close eye on Henry, very tall (already 203)
• Tommy U12 young but plenty of spunk

On Fish and SPS:

• Really come on, seen some real growth in both
• Samo went back and has elite foot skills
• Fish went forward and added another string to bow
• Both grown in back half of year
• SPS spoke about Russell influence. Really confidence Samo was going to have good year, did most of PS and was in good shape. Jack Russell had big impact on whole group.

On long-term list:

• Got a really talented spine, good midfield and some exciting forwards
• Not interested in ‘stage of rebuild’, rather enjoying footy and natural growth
• Buoyed by Brisbane’s story

On Cripps:

• Helps so much having him. Great person, great on-field leader – still young with a lot of footy left in him
• It does (help having him here as a pull for players to come to us) and having him commit long-term last year tells a story to opposition clubs that we think we’re on the right track.
• He’s been great for culture of the club. Enormous pressure on young, first-year captain, but he’s done a great job.

On Pick 8 and whether we’ll have it at end of trade period:

• Still a lot of water to go under the bridge
• We’re looking to improve our list anyway we can – trade/FA
• Pretty coy, not giving anything away

On whether last half of season make attracting players easier compared to last year:

• It’s gotta help. Winning helps. Everyone loves to win.
• But the positive vibe around the place with players having smiles on their faces. And players talk.
• We hope we’re a destination club

On Wishlist of players:

• Cain let the small forward cat out of the bag
• Confident in our list and natural growth
• Again, generic answers giving nothing away

On Papley and recruitment of players:

• Knows Tom well from recruitment at Sydney
• But respecting of opposition clubs and contracted players so wouldn’t discuss

On Martin:

• Not entirely correct (that club has met with Jack), but are planning to

On presentation to players:

• Very tailored to individuals that varies from player to player
• Will keep details to themselves

On general list and recruitment:

• Really comfortable with spine, midfield and list
• Can’t have enough good players, just want players who are the right fit and want to come to Carlton – be that forward, tall or midfielder
• More about needs and requirements rather than strict age-based

On next frontier of scouting:

• Data and analytics and information is becoming more important

Mick came across as very personable but shrewd and tight-lipped. Refused to give anything away, particularly discussion around contracted players or guys we might be targeting. No way any leaks come from him.

TL;DR: The club is in good hands. In SOS/Agresta we trust.

I just finished listening to it...could have saved myself 20 minutes if I'd seen this post first.

Still - worth the listen folks, Agresta comes across a really canny operator. Knows his role, knows what he should and shouldn't be drawn into discussion on, is generous with his insight and opinions, and has the personality to make a 30 minute interview enjoyable.

 

[Arr0w]

Challenging gbatman's word limit. For those who are interested in some insights, have a quick read below or listen for yourself. Not a whole lot was given away, but another good indictment of the club's direction and good to hear first-hand from a key member of the list management/recruiting team about the draft/process and the way they see Carlton FC in the wider landscape.

Mick Agresta on Road to the Draft

On relationship/role dynamic with SOS and Paul (Brodie):

• Paul responsible for draft/final order along with Dale Harris and Michael Jordan, who focus purely on the draft
• SOS and Mick look after List strategy and TPP (total player payments/salary cap) – with Agresta also looking after Pro scouting
• With List Strategy, they’re looking at 3-5 years with TPP particularly

On splitting time/focus between what’s happening on field (at Carlton) and U18:

• Part of the team that travels around with the Nationals
• Attend key games
• Have weekly sit in on all recruiting meetings, so knows exactly what’s going on
• Lot of time (far too much) on compliance and in front of a spreadsheet

On how he views the Blues season:

• Really tough situation, particularly middle part
• To club’s credit, they’ve been great – especially Teaguey, who’s been unbelievable
• Few other clubs not in finals were limping through to the end of year, while our players/staff didn’t want it to end

On this year’s draft pool:

• Doesn’t have the top-end tall talent, but depth in the draft and talent in most rounds
• The weekend’s game (Nationals) highlighted that
• Comparing this years top to last, the Key position talent isn’t there, but is depth in the rucks and midfield
• NAB league between Gippsland and Oakley – loved the game, couldn’t wait to write report and loved watching kids stand up
• Finals game boosts players prospects when they step up

On Carlton’s draft board:

• Not settled on order, but think we have the pool set
• Number of interviews still to do, psych test etc
• Combine intense with interviews, long days, stressful but good insight into draftees
• Teague involved in it all – are on same page about it and DT wants to get involved but trusts/supports the List Mgmt team

On personal draft philosophy/key characteristics:

• Think it gets back to how competitive they are (not just physical side, can be running or skills)

On Sam Walsh:

• Were always set on Sam, didn’t actively seek trade for #1 but had lot of work to do in trades
• Was our pick a long way out
• Favourite memory was combine interview – only time saw him nervous. Had 3 recruiters, coach, Bolts, Murph in the room
• Coming from Swans, Heeney and Mills were unbelievably prepared first year players, but never seen anything like Sam. From the day he started training, he went 100%, kept getting himself up, adapting, getting better. Just an amazing player.
• Area of growth, will have some downtimes and will have to learn with not always being the best player and dealing with these times

On Stocker trade/2018 Trade Deal:

• Had a number of players rated really highly, including Liam
• Worked out well for both clubs, Adelaide are really happy with top pick as are we
• Really, really happy with Liam’s year. Added string to his bow across half back and helped him
• Think he’d be right up there (in the draft order) against this year’s group

On Ben Silvagni’s year/progress:

• Had a really good year. Finding his feet but towards end of year, went forward and added spark, spunk and confidence. Made real progress.

On Mick Gibbons:

• Went into draft/rookie with open mind re keeping spot open, and always wanted to bring a few players
• Then had the Bugg situation, Doc and Pickett injuries
• Gibbons done well, 21 games and 21 different haircuts

On TDK:

• Gave a big wrap to Tom De Koning – special things for guy his size
• Sees him as a ruck

On Lochie O’Brien:

• Struggled with form early, but didn’t drop bundle
• Worked hard and got his rewards towards end of year

On Dow:

• Had some form issues and spent some time at VFL level but worked hard and got back, saw the real Paddy Dow

On Dow and TDK’s brothers in 2019 draft:

• Had VIC Country boys at Ikon and was nice to see brothers together – was a nice feeling and you’d hope they all end up together one day
• Both kids have talent but inconsistent, but are real top-end talents

On Walsh’s younger brothers:

• Close eye on Henry, very tall (already 203)
• Tommy U12 young but plenty of spunk

On Fish and SPS:

• Really come on, seen some real growth in both
• Samo went back and has elite foot skills
• Fish went forward and added another string to bow
• Both grown in back half of year
• SPS spoke about Russell influence. Really confidence Samo was going to have good year, did most of PS and was in good shape. Jack Russell had big impact on whole group.

On long-term list:

• Got a really talented spine, good midfield and some exciting forwards
• Not interested in ‘stage of rebuild’, rather enjoying footy and natural growth
• Buoyed by Brisbane’s story

On Cripps:

• Helps so much having him. Great person, great on-field leader – still young with a lot of footy left in him
• It does (help having him here as a pull for players to come to us) and having him commit long-term last year tells a story to opposition clubs that we think we’re on the right track.
• He’s been great for culture of the club. Enormous pressure on young, first-year captain, but he’s done a great job.

On Pick 8 and whether we’ll have it at end of trade period:

• Still a lot of water to go under the bridge
• We’re looking to improve our list anyway we can – trade/FA
• Pretty coy, not giving anything away

On whether last half of season make attracting players easier compared to last year:

• It’s gotta help. Winning helps. Everyone loves to win.
• But the positive vibe around the place with players having smiles on their faces. And players talk.
• We hope we’re a destination club

On Wishlist of players:

• Cain let the small forward cat out of the bag
• Confident in our list and natural growth
• Again, generic answers giving nothing away

On Papley and recruitment of players:

• Knows Tom well from recruitment at Sydney
• But respecting of opposition clubs and contracted players so wouldn’t discuss

On Martin:

• Not entirely correct (that club has met with Jack), but are planning to

On presentation to players:

• Very tailored to individuals that varies from player to player
• Will keep details to themselves

On general list and recruitment:

• Really comfortable with spine, midfield and list
• Can’t have enough good players, just want players who are the right fit and want to come to Carlton – be that forward, tall or midfielder
• More about needs and requirements rather than strict age-based

On next frontier of scouting:

• Data and analytics and information is becoming more important

Mick came across as very personable but shrewd and tight-lipped. Refused to give anything away, particularly discussion around contracted players or guys we might be targeting. No way any leaks come from him.

TL;DR: The club is in good hands. In SOS/Agresta we trust.

Impressive Matty, great write up.

 

[AndyLucimitis]

This is the trade that excites me the most this off-season:

Out: No picks
In: Sam Docherty

I'd want a 3rd round pick coming back our way for that.