List Mgmt. 2023 Trade & List Management Thread

[King Corey]

Edit: will update if ppl happy for this to sticky

Ok starting the hit list of names mentioned in any rumour as linked to us for 2023 trade period.

• Mac Andrew
• Hunter Clark
• Zac Fisher
• Sam Flanders
• Mitch Georgiades
• Liam Henry
• Dougal Howard
• Lewis Melican
• Jack Silvagni
• Dylan Stephens
• Adam Tomlinson

 

[Zondor]

I respect the fact there are different views about whether CCJ (and Xerri) are going to mature into AFL players, but can we at least base the conversation on the facts.

CCJ was NOT traded for a '2nd rounder' - the deal was F2, 40 and Tarrant for CCJ, 42, 47 and a F4

The F4 and Tarrant basically cancelled each other out (tarrant was included in the deal as a concession to Richmond, who would otherwise potentially might have seen their compensation for Chol diluted)

That left us F2 and 40 for CCJ, 42 and 47

On the face of it. the system works on picks but these are VALUED AS POINTS.

The F2 became 22 in 2022 = 845 points

40 in 2021 = 429 points (the pick actually slid to 43, but don't let's split hairs)

Total points traded = 1274

We got back:

Pick 42 = 395 points

Pick 47 = 316 points

Total points received = 721 points

In short, CCJ cost us the equivalent of 553 points, or something between picks 33 and 34

The points-based nature of the system is confirmed by the end result - through some canny work, Rawlings used 42 and 47 to get Paul Curtis (at 35) and Miles Bergman (at 38)

So by all means bemoan Rawlings' stupidity if you like, but be sure to take Curtis and Bergman back to the shop when you're looking for a refund on CCJ

LOL. The Rawling apologist Merlins with an imbecilic take on the CCJ Trade. In short we did not cough up what was the equivalent of picks 33 or 34, but a very high future 2nd Round Pick, which ended up being after bids were placed, pick 22. Forget about the swaps at around pick 40. How many guns come from that basket of talent? So you can use the wankfest points system to justify the trade all you like but it is akin to polishing a turd. Your Wizardry is for the tip and doesn't work on the strong minded like my goodself. :stern look

And BoomerRoo if you give this post a thumbs down I will take it as you wanting to hum on my hairy balls. :stern look

 

[The Filth Wizard]

Where’d the Ben king rumour come from?

Hawks insider wishful thinking.

 

[pupstar]

Particularly interesting considering the amount of underage AA's.

The Vic Metro midfield was also carried by it's younger players.


I can see this being completely off the mark in 12 months.

Yep i reckon you are right on the money Sphynx. If we do trade next years 1st we will 100 % REGRET IT.

 

[Zondor]

With Sydney interested in McKay, and our interest in Melican, a trade scenario starts to emerge (and yes, I know one is RFA and the other is a UFA). The point is a trade takes compensation dilemmas off the table for both parties, which depending on what else is going on, may have some attraction. For example, would the following suit both clubs: Sydney trade pick 9 and Melican, and we give up McKay and 15? (ie, we go up the board 6 places, and the players swap)

LOL. You are a real genuine bright spark. In all seriousness. If you think this to be a good trade I can see why you go into bat for Rawling. :stern look

 

[pupstar]

Well this is where it sits. Do we really need more mids again if we are topping up this year? We have a few chances to get a couple this year.

I suppose in that case we just draft either Curtin o sullivan or caddy if we end up with 2-3 and draft a gun mid next year,

 

[hilly]

Hawks insider wishful thinking.

Not sure if their first and/or Carlton's 2nd round pick will buy them much.

On SM-S901E using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[BoomerRoo]

LOL. The Rawling apologist Merlins with an imbecilic take on the CCJ Trade. In short we did not cough up what was the equivalent of picks 33 or 34, but a very high future 2nd Round Pick, which ended up being after bids were placed, pick 22. Forget about the swaps at around pick 40. How many guns come from that basket of talent? So you can use the wankfest points system to justify the trade all you like but it is akin to polishing a turd. Your Wizardry is for the tip and doesn't work on the strong minded like my goodself. :stern look

And BoomerRoo if you give this post a thumbs down I will take it as you wanting to hum on my hairy balls. :stern look

Challenge accepted

 

[Zondor]

Challenge accepted

LOL

 

[giantroo]

‘NORTH OR NOTHING’ PROSPECT FOR EAGLES AS TOP WA STAR IMPRESSES AGAIN

Top WA prospect Daniel Curtin continues to enhance his prospects, with the Claremont star producing another impressive outing at the top WAFL level.

After a strong 21-disposal, four-mark display against East Fremantle, Curtin backed it up against Peel Thunder – Fremantle’s WAFL affiliate – last weekend, finishing with 20 disposals, six marks and three rebound 50s, with his first-half performance particularly noteworthy.

While Dockers-listed players Matt Taberner (2 goals), Bailey Banfield

41

Bailey Banfield

Age

27

Ht

190cm

Wt

88kg

Pos.

D/F

Career

Season

Last 5

D

13.6

3star

K

7.2

3star

HB

6.5

4star

M

2.9

3star

T

3.9

5star

MG

175.5

3star

D

9.5

2star

K

5.3

2star

HB

4.3

3star

M

2.0

2star

T

2.8

4star

MG

109.5

2star

D

14.4

4star

K

7.6

3star

HB

6.8

5star

M

3.8

4star

T

3.2

5star

MG

200.4

4star

(4) and Liam Reidy (2) all played on Saturday, Curtin spent most of the game manned up on 191cm Peel-listed forward Ben Middleton, who ended up kicking three second-half goals.

Foxfooty.com.au understands West Coast list manager Rohan O’Brien and recruiting boss Duane Massey were both at Lane Group Stadium watching the Peel-Claremont clash. Despite not formally interviewing Curtin prior to last weekend’s match, the Eagles have been strongly linked to the versatile 195cm prospect, who was WA’s national championships MVP after showing ample class playing as both a key defender and midfielder.

West Coast seems destined to finish on the bottom of this year’s AFL ladder, which would subsequently hand it Pick 1 in the national draft.

Daniel Curtin of Western Australia. Picture: Paul Kane/AFL Photos/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Powerful and versatile 185cm Bendigo Pioneers Harley Reid is widely tipped to be taken with Pick 1 in this year’s draft after a stellar junior footy campaign. The question is, though, which club will hold the first selection, with speculation West Coast could be open to trading the pick.

Multiple clubs suggested to foxfooty.com.au last month the Eagles might be prepared to slide down the order if they could ‘guarantee’ Curtin would still be available at their new pick.

And considering Curtin has now established himself as a top-five talent, the Eagles couldn’t afford to slide too far down the order if they’re, indeed, keen to acquire the local star.

While Melbourne, which holds Picks 5, 15, 24 and 34 as it stands, has been linked to a potential play for the top draft selection, the sense among clubs is that North Melbourne would be the only club West Coast would deal with should it wish to trade Pick 1. One recruiter told foxfooty.com.au: “It’d be North or nothing.”

The Kangaroos hold Picks 2 and 16, while most expect them to be handed a compensation selection for losing free agent Ben McKay

32

Ben Mckay

Age

27

Ht

202cm

Wt

104kg

Pos.

Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D

7.5

2star

K

3.7

1star

HB

3.8

3star

M

2.7

3star

T

1.7

4star

MG

77.2

1star

D

7.5

2star

K

4.5

2star

HB

3.0

2star

M

2.5

3star

T

1.5

2star

MG

88.5

2star

D

7.0

2star

K

3.4

2star

HB

3.6

3star

M

2.4

3star

T

2.0

4star

MG

67.8

1star

, who remains unsigned beyond this season. That pick could land after North’s natural first-round, which would be Pick 3.

North Melbourne last month indicated it was keen to draft a key defender this year, with list boss Brady Rawlings

Brady Rawlings

Age

44

Ht

184cm

Wt

82kg

Pos.

Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D

17.7

4star

K

8.7

3star

HB

9.0

5star

M

3.6

4star

T

2.3

4star

No current season stats available

D

8.6

3star

K

4.6

2star

HB

4.0

3star

M

1.0

1star

T

0.8

3star

telling members he was “aware we haven’t picked very tall over recent seasons”. Rival clubs said they could see the Kangaroos taking Curtin with a top pick, but also wouldn’t be surprised if North made a play for West Coast’s No. 1 selection and, subsequently, Reid.

While Curtin was impressing for Claremont, Peel Thunder on-baller Clay Hall continued to boost his prospects ahead of the draft.

Playing his seventh WAFL league game of the season, Hall racked up 20 disposals and three tackles playing for the Dockers’ affiliate side.

Hall, the son of former Eagles and Cats forward Derek Hall, has put together an excellent 2023 campaign, both at WAFL and national championships level, to put himself in the early second-round draft mix. He’s an appealing midfielder for AFL clubs considering his professionalism, size and outstanding aerobic capacity, with one scout indicating he’d be in the first-round mix if his decision-making improved.

 

[giantroo]

 

[giantroo]

Re the 2024 draft:

View attachment future draft.mov

WC/Nth trade possibilities:


View attachment trade.mov

 

[Merlin007]

This is an even worse post than you pretending we didn't give up a second rounder for CCJ because of points

Good on ya! Touché

But On the other topic, don’t forget to hand back Curtis and Bergman x

 

[Shermanator]

Is there anyone they're not bloody favourites for?

Clarko?

 

[JGreezy]

I think that 17 fan bases are talking through how they are going to trade for GCs pick

 

[Johnny99]

With Sydney interested in McKay, and our interest in Melican, a trade scenario starts to emerge (and yes, I know one is RFA and the other is a UFA). The point is a trade takes compensation dilemmas off the table for both parties, which depending on what else is going on, may have some attraction. For example, would the following suit both clubs: Sydney trade pick 9 and Melican, and we give up McKay and 15? (ie, we go up the board 6 places, and the players swap)

Is that you Brady?

 

[Shermanator]

‘NORTH OR NOTHING’ PROSPECT FOR EAGLES AS TOP WA STAR IMPRESSES AGAIN

Top WA prospect Daniel Curtin continues to enhance his prospects, with the Claremont star producing another impressive outing at the top WAFL level.

After a strong 21-disposal, four-mark display against East Fremantle, Curtin backed it up against Peel Thunder – Fremantle’s WAFL affiliate – last weekend, finishing with 20 disposals, six marks and three rebound 50s, with his first-half performance particularly noteworthy.

While Dockers-listed players Matt Taberner (2 goals), Bailey Banfield (4) and Liam Reidy (2) all played on Saturday, Curtin spent most of the game manned up on 191cm Peel-listed forward Ben Middleton, who ended up kicking three second-half goals.

Foxfooty.com.au understands West Coast list manager Rohan O’Brien and recruiting boss Duane Massey were both at Lane Group Stadium watching the Peel-Claremont clash. Despite not formally interviewing Curtin prior to last weekend’s match, the Eagles have been strongly linked to the versatile 195cm prospect, who was WA’s national championships MVP after showing ample class playing as both a key defender and midfielder.

West Coast seems destined to finish on the bottom of this year’s AFL ladder, which would subsequently hand it Pick 1 in the national draft.

Daniel Curtin of Western Australia. Picture: Paul Kane/AFL Photos/via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Powerful and versatile 185cm Bendigo Pioneers Harley Reid is widely tipped to be taken with Pick 1 in this year’s draft after a stellar junior footy campaign. The question is, though, which club will hold the first selection, with speculation West Coast could be open to trading the pick.

Multiple clubs suggested to foxfooty.com.au last month the Eagles might be prepared to slide down the order if they could ‘guarantee’ Curtin would still be available at their new pick.

And considering Curtin has now established himself as a top-five talent, the Eagles couldn’t afford to slide too far down the order if they’re, indeed, keen to acquire the local star.

While Melbourne, which holds Picks 5, 15, 24 and 34 as it stands, has been linked to a potential play for the top draft selection, the sense among clubs is that North Melbourne would be the only club West Coast would deal with should it wish to trade Pick 1. One recruiter told foxfooty.com.au: “It’d be North or nothing.”

The Kangaroos hold Picks 2 and 16, while most expect them to be handed a compensation selection for losing free agent Ben McKay, who remains unsigned beyond this season. That pick could land after North’s natural first-round, which would be Pick 3.

North Melbourne last month indicated it was keen to draft a key defender this year, with list boss Brady Rawlings telling members he was “aware we haven’t picked very tall over recent seasons”. Rival clubs said they could see the Kangaroos taking Curtin with a top pick, but also wouldn’t be surprised if North made a play for West Coast’s No. 1 selection and, subsequently, Reid.

While Curtin was impressing for Claremont, Peel Thunder on-baller Clay Hall continued to boost his prospects ahead of the draft.

Playing his seventh WAFL league game of the season, Hall racked up 20 disposals and three tackles playing for the Dockers’ affiliate side.

Hall, the son of former Eagles and Cats forward Derek Hall, has put together an excellent 2023 campaign, both at WAFL and national championships level, to put himself in the early second-round draft mix. He’s an appealing midfielder for AFL clubs considering his professionalism, size and outstanding aerobic capacity, with one scout indicating he’d be in the first-round mix if his decision-making improved.

It comes after Stevens’ hot run at Coates Talent League level, racking up 44, 236 and 33 disposals from his past three matches.

****in hell.. 236 disposals in one game.. where do I sign?..

 

[DocSholl]

Good on ya! Touché

But On the other topic, don’t forget to hand bac Curtis and Bergman x

There are other ways to land picks in the 40s each year but sure

 

[Souup]

Right now, based on next year's current draft rankings for 2024 (Davo-07), they are going to be mids again. Even yesterday, Twomey said there's no star factor in the 2024 crop and clubs are looking to trade into the top 10 this year.
...

Christian Moraes is an absolute freak and would be a perfect complement to our inside brigade.

Would be sitting top 10 right now and I'd have him closer to top 5. He's Mckercher mk2.

I'll predict the question 'why don't we just take Mckercher this year then?' - because there's a variety of different types in this year's draft (Watson + Curtin in particular) that aren't in next year's top end as of right now.

 

[chubbspeterson]

It comes after Stevens’ hot run at Coates Talent League level, racking up 44, 236 and 33 disposals from his past three matches.

*in hell.. 236 disposals in one game.. where do I sign?..

This part made me laugh in the article, being massively talked up and then this lol:

"One scout told foxfooty.com.au Stevens is an early to middle second-round prospect, while another would be hesitant to take him in the national draft."

 

[kirbonavich]

Right now, based on next year's current draft rankings for 2024 (Davo-07), they are going to be mids again. Even yesterday, Twomey said there's no star factor in the 2024 crop and clubs are looking to trade into the top 10 this year.

1. Finn O'Sullivan - Oakleigh(VC) 181cm - mid
2. Sid Draper - South Adelaide - 178cm - mid
3. Tyler Welsh - WWT/Adel FS - 192cm - forw
4. Phoenix Hargrave - South Adelaide - 181cm - mid/forw
5. Levi Ashcroft - Sand/Bris FS - 179cm - mid/forw
6. Josh Smillie - Eastern - 194cm - mid/hbf
7. Harvey Langford - Dandenong - 188cm - mid/forw
8. Jagga Smith - Oakleigh - 181cm - mid
9. Nash King - Calder - 181cm - mid
10. Lucca Grego - Western - 183cm - mid
11. Tobie Travaglia - Bendigo - 187cm - def
12. Tom Evans - Bendigo - 180cm - mid
13. Rhys Unwin - GWV - 177cm - forw/mid
14. Benny Barrett - South Adelaide - 174cm - forw/mid
15. Jesse Dattoli - Northern - 178cm - forw/mid
16. Tom Gross - Oakleigh - 180cm - mid
17. Lucas Camporeale - Glenlg/Carl FS - 182cm - mid/def
18. Jayden Nguyen - Calder/Ess NGA - 177cm - wing
19. Kade Herbert - WWT - 183cm - mid
20. Leonardo Lombard - GCS A - 178cm - mid
21. Kayle Gerryn - West Perth - 198cm - ruck/kpp (recent growth spurt from 190-198cm)
22. Xavier Ivisic - Geelong - 180cm - mid
23. Cooper Hynes - Dandenong - 188cm - def/mid
24. Archer Day-Wicks - Bendigo - 185cm - mid/forw
25. Sam Marshall - Sand/Bris A - 185cm - mid
26. Sam Lalor - GWV - 187cm - mid
27. Otis Harvey - Swan Dist - 182cm - mid
28. Deian Roberts - Peel - 185cm - mid
29. Isaac Kako - Calder/Ess NGA - 175cm - forw
30. Xavier Lindsay - Gippsland - 182cm - mid
31. Zak Johnson - Northern - 185cm - mid
32. Louie Montgomery - North Adel/Port FS - 190cm - def
33. Charlie Hewitt - Brisbane A - 198cm - kpf/ruck
34. Christian Moraes - Eastern/Haw NGA - 182cm - mid
35. Chayse Martinson - Swan Dist - 180cm - mid
36. Murphy Reid - Sandringham - 181cm - mid/forw
37. Caleb Nancarrow - GCS A/Oak - 191cm - forw
38. Jobe Shanahan - Bendigo - 193cm - forw
39. Jacob Newton - Norwood - 175cm - mid
40. Thomas Legudi - Calder - 177cm - forw/mid
41. Bo Allan - Peel - 189cm - def
42. Ned Atkinson - Sturt - 180cm - mid
43. Luke Trainor - Sandringham - 193cm - def
44. Lucas McInerney - Northern - 180cm - mid/def
45. Ben Camporeale - Glenlg/Carl FS - 182cm - def
46. Oliver Depaoli-Kubank - Tasmania - 177cm - mid
47. Hugh Boxshall - Claremont - 187cm - def
48. Jack Ough - GWV - 191cm - forw
49. Wil Thomas - Sturt - forw/mid
50. Taj Hotton - Sandringham - mid

25% of the top 20 is compromised already & this years is much the same.

Rubbish system.

 

[King Corey]

It comes after Stevens’ hot run at Coates Talent League level, racking up 44, 236 and 33 disposals from his past three matches.

*in hell.. 236 disposals in one game.. where do I sign?..

The catch: he runs at 1% DE

So would still be in the frame for us admittedly.

 

[Lomas]

Listed as a Hawthorn NGA so we'd have no shot at him.

Why would Hawthorn have the rights to match in the top 40, let alone the top 10?
Is that the trade off for us getting Flanders, other teams get access to theirs again from next year?

 

[giantroo]

Why would Hawthorn have the rights to match in the top 40, let alone the top 10?
Is that the trade off for us getting Flanders, other teams get access to theirs again from next year?

Ignore me, completely had forgotten.

 

[hilly]

25% of the top 20 is compromised already & this years is much the same.

Rubbish system.

I hear ya but it's 20%. Ess can't match a bid on Nguyen unless pick 41 onwards.

On SM-S901E using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[giantroo]

AFL draft news: Will 170cm Nick Watson buck the trend of small forwards being draft sliders?​

How small is too small? Arguably the most talented player in this year’s pool stands at 170cm in what looms as a huge test of just how much importance clubs place on height. See how the top-10 could play out here.

Jon Ralph
@RalphyHeraldSun

6 min read
August 17, 2023 - 5:01PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroo



Nick “Bulldog” Watson is the draft crop’s most captivating player.

He might not have the fend-off and powerful physique of Harley Reid or the versatile gifts of key tall Daniel Curtin.

But with his dancing feet, quicksilver hands and penchant for kicking jaw-dropping goals you simply cannot take your eyes off him.

The issue for Watson, a star for the Eastern Ranges, Caulfield Grammar and Vic Metro, is a trend that stamps players of his stature with a warning sign that might as well be imprinted across their forehead.

Do not take in the top ten of a national draft.

By AFL standards, Watson is tiny.

Just 170cm, the same height range that pushed Caleb Daniel (171cm) all the way to pick 46, the brilliant Kysaiah Pickett (171cm) down to pick 12 and Liam Baker into the rookie draft (pick 18).

But in a top 10 with just one star tall in WA swingman Curtin (the Suns will take academy prospects Jed Walter and Ethan Reid) and with a trio of clubs with very unique needs, can clubs afford to overlook this eye-catching teenager?

Can they skip a player who might be the Boomer Harvey of this draft crop for another dime-a-dozen midfielder with nice skills but none of the X factor?

So while the Reid main event will continue on — with the Roos now the only club with a legitimate shot at trading up to pick 1 — which of North Melbourne, Hawthorn, or Melbourne will pull the trigger on a player sure to be box office gold?


“Size doesn’t matter. It’s the Boomer Harvey principle,” says AFL talent manager Kevin Sheehan.

“If you are good enough you are big enough. But in recent years we have seen guys of that size like Kozzie Pickett and Cody Weightman taken in the teens. This could be the time they target someone like Watson and go earlier than in the past.”

As Sheehan says, even when Izak Rankine was taken off the board at pick 3 it was as a 181cm small forward, with Josh Rachele (pick 6) 179cm.

Yet as the AFL’s academy boss Tarkyn Lockyer said this week, there comes a time when a player’s height drifts into the background when they have such prodigious gifts.



Recruiters witnessed them first-hand in four Vic Metro games kicking four, one, five and four goals as Watson franked his form on the biggest junior stage.

He has flashing pace and the vertical leap to become a one-on-one marking target who terrorised small defenders when the ball hit the ground.

Yet when rivals put bigger defenders on him he judged the ball so well in the air at times he screeched to a halt and as his opponent ran under the ball he marked in space.

At Caulfield Grammar Watson came out of the goal-square in school footy and takes hangers on the heads of opponents as the adoring crowd moves from end to end between quarters to watch him up close.

But recruiters still believe he needs to work harder at his pressure, to build a bigger tank, with some noting a quieter game for the AFL Academy against the Carlton reserves in May as a pointer to his challenges ahead.

“Yeah, he is a pretty well-rounded player,” Lockyer says.

“People talk about his size, which does warrant consideration. But if you look at players who are smaller in size through their whole journey they have had to find a way to evolve and still impact games.

“The thing about Nick is you can’t help watching him. Any time he is near the ball there is that excitement and sense that something could happen. He is a player who people will go to the footy to watch.

“He has areas of growth but there is such a value placed on forward 50 pressure in the AFL. Even when he isn’t hitting the scoreboard he is chasing and tackling and putting fear into defenders’ minds with what he could potentially do.”

The storylines at his potential landing spots at North Melbourne (currently pick 2), Hawthorn (pick 3) and Melbourne (pick 4) write themselves.

The new ‘Boomer’ Harvey, dragging the fans in at North Melbourne with a club desperately needing some pizzazz and marketing appeal.

Sam Mitchell, who was overlooked himself as a player given his pace and height (a relatively statuesque 180cm compared to Watson), securing Watson at Hawthorn as a Cyril Rioli-style player to replace Luke Breust.

Is 170cm too small to be drafted in the first round?​

Yes
4 %

No, only talent matters
96 %


Or Melbourne creating footy’s most spectacular forward line with the Pickett-Watson duo.

Eastern Ranges talent manager Danny Ryan says it is the “Bulldog” nickname that has stuck with Watson from his early days rather than the alliterative “Wizard” the media has handed him.

As Watson returns to Coates League action after school and Vic Metro duties, Ryan is fascinated by where Watson lands, given it would be so easy to overlook him on the grounds of his size.

“You can see why they called him Bulldog. He is tenacious and he scoots down low through the contest,” he said.

“His height has always been a talking point but he has an unbelievable turn of speed, he takes an excellent high mark, he is great at ground level. He uses the ball so well and when he has gone to half back he has high-20 possession tallies and uses it so well.

“The recruiters keep their cards close to their chests, but they would be thinking do we take him now or hold off? He is that good, and I am biased because he is part of our program but I would take him as quickly as I could. Harley Reid is an outstanding prospect and there is Walter and Duursma so there is a lot for clubs to think about. But he just brings an element no one else has got.”

Watson has no shortage of suitors, all of whom are prepared to wax lyrical about his gifts, character and capacity to enliven the league.
But come November 20 one of them will have to actually call his name out, aware they would be bucking AFL trends to select footy’s next great showman.

HOW THE TOP 10 COULD PLAY OUT​

The half-dozen AFL recruiters canvassed on Thursday believe the Roos are the only club with a shot at trading up the No. 1 overall pick, despite GWS and Melbourne being keen to enter the Harley Reid equation.

Some believe Curtin is clearly the No. 2 best prospect available (Jed Walter will go to the Suns, and the Roos are a good chance to force a Suns bid given he would have fit them perfectly as a key position need).

The Roos could trade up for Reid (handing the Eagles the Port Adelaide first-rounder they have from the Jason Horne-Francis trade), or just let West Coast take Reid and keep pick two.

At pick two they would surely have to consider Curtin given their desperation to shore up their defensive stocks.

North Melbourne could have the No. 3 live pick with Ben McKay free agency compensation (and could secure NGA prospect Ryley Sanders).

But after Reid and Suns-bound Walter, Watson is in a tight group of four with Tasmanian midfielders Colby McKercher and Ryley Sanders and 189cm Vic Country mid-forward Zane Duursma.

Rivals believe Hawthorn loves Duursma as that mid-sized marking forward to help Mitch Lewis, with the Hawks also putting significant time into researching Watson.

Duursma is clearly more of a need for the Hawks, who have added a trio of midfielders in Jy Newcombe (mid-season pick), Josh Ward (pick 7, 2021) and Cam Mackenzie (pick 7, 2022) in the past three years.

If Watson did drift to Melbourne’s pick, the Demons are admirers of him and basically have a free hit with a pick (currently pick 5) they took from Fremantle in the Luke Jackson trade.

Having taken Matthew Jefferson at pick 15 last year as a developing key tall they could easily bolster their forward line with Watson.

The Western Bulldogs have picks 11 and 17 and would love to trade into that top six (to get one of Reid, Watson, McKercher, Duursma, Sanders) with the Suns the only likely option for them to trade with.

But the Dogs want another elite inside mid, even while rivals wonder why they don’t use the one they have in Bailey Smith in that position.
Even GWS is interested – they currently have Richmond’s pick 6 and their own pick 9 – but are aware Watson will likely be gone by then.

​

All of Reid, Curtin, McKercher, Sanders and Duursma will handsomely reward their clubs with stalwart service and yet there is no doubt they are safe, conventional choices.

Watson might be something rarer and more precious.

In an era where clubs value 190cm strong-bodied mids and 205cm key talls we will wait until November to witness which club will put their name to a throwback to the former era.