2026 Trade / FA Thread

[footballsack35]

Would we have to give anything up for him?

 

[Jen2310]

What type of defender is Ballard? Similar to Frampton?

More intercept one

 

[Jen2310]

Would we have to give anything up for him?

Contracted until 2029 but currently out of the team

 

[Harry O]

What type of defender is Ballard? Similar to Frampton?

More of a Howe (without the screamers)
Excellent interceptor who is probably a third tall but often played as a key defender for Suns pre ACL

 

[footballsack35]

Contracted until 2029 but currently out of the team

Could we package up all of our 4th round picks for him as they could probably use the draft points to help them get their academy picks? Might be a bit unrealistic

 

[Lifelong Pie]

Could we package up all of our 4th round picks for him as they could probably use the draft points to help them get their academy picks? Might be a bit unrealistic

He is definitely not a first rounder which is good news, would think he's worth more than a bunch of 4th rounders though

 

[Harry O]

He is definitely not a first rounder which is good news, would think he's worth more than a bunch of 4th rounders though

A pick in the 25-35 range should be enough. Bit of a cap dump for Suns. Might be part of a Jed Walter deal if he nominates us

 

[Apex36]

Could we package up all of our 4th round picks for him as they could probably use the draft points to help them get their academy picks? Might be a bit unrealistic

Maybe you should read up on the points system changes

 

[footballsack35]

Maybe you should read up on the points system changes

Not really interested

 

[WanderingDude]

Not really interested

Low picks can’t be used like previous drafts. They aren’t valuable now.

 

[WanderingDude]

With talk of our salary cap space Ballard might appeal as a Howe replacement and a GC salary dump.
(26 yo, 1.96 AFLmm, 138 games). This would protect our draft picks to some extent. The shortage of good AFL defenders keeps getting brought up so Ballard would be in demand. He would have to fight Puncher for a place.

 

[footballsack35]

With talk of our salary cap space Ballard might appeal as a Howe replacement and a GC salary dump.
(26 yo, 1.96 AFLmm, 138 games). This would protect our draft picks to some extent. The shortage of good AFL defenders keeps getting brought up so Ballard would be in demand. He would have to fight Puncher for a place.

It would be stupid not to trial Puncher or Howes before signing Ballard. Even a couple games

 

[well left]

With talk of our salary cap space Ballard might appeal as a Howe replacement and a GC salary dump.
(26 yo, 1.96 AFLmm, 138 games). This would protect our draft picks to some extent. The shortage of good AFL defenders keeps getting brought up so Ballard would be in demand. He would have to fight Puncher for a place.

Not sure on the Puncher bit. Ballard would probably walk straight into the side and especially if Howe retires. It’s more a Cochran type player that struggles to get a look in which isn’t an issue. If you’re good enough you force your way in.

Puncher and Howes are probably in competition for a second KPD role behind Frampton and Moore.

 

[Harry O]

It would be stupid not to trial Puncher or Howes before signing Ballard. Even a couple games

Howes aerobic fitness looks a fair way off afl level. Reckon our fitness chief will have a big say on his retention or not at years end. Does he deem it a fixable issue ?

 

[Apex36]

Not really interested

Then avoid talking about trading late picks for points so you don’t look stupid.

 

[legendstatus]

Maybe you should read up on the points system changes

Wow, did you get up on the wrong side of the bed today? but I'm imagining the other side is up against a wall!

 

[tmpies01]

Hah I’ve just learnt you can’t always rely on social media stuff.
Fwiw I was told there is some legit about the Ballard rumour last night so there might be something there

Jen it’s a win win situation for you with the GC boys lol

 

[tmpies01]

Neale, Walter and Ballard would be a decent off season, just saying.

Not sure how the GC boys get done but I’m sure the Suns will want plenty in return…

 

[Jen2310]

Neale, Walter and Ballard would be a decent off season, just saying.

Not sure how the GC boys get done but I’m sure the Suns will want plenty in return…

And keeping our first rounder along with it would be an even better return

 

[Harry O]

Neale, Walter and Ballard would be a decent off season, just saying.

Not sure how the GC boys get done but I’m sure the Suns will want plenty in return…

Neale - free agent
Ballard - salary dump Future second or third
Walter - 2026 second and fourth
Draft a gun mid with our 2026 top 10 pick

 

[KinderSmock]

Could we see HDM cut after this year if he still hasn’t debuted or shown improvement? No different to a salary dump paying him not to play and I can’t imagine it’s a huge base deal.

 

[Eastern Magpie]

Neale - free agent
Ballard - salary dump Future second or third
Walter - 2026 second and fourth
Draft a gun mid with our 2026 top 10 pick

Walter will be a future first.

 

[Jen2310]

Walter will be a future first.

Even better given that’s likely to blow out into the late 20s 30s with tassies picks

 

[Hardas]

Walter will be a future first.

You'd think.

 

[Harry O]

Even better given that’s likely to blow out into the late 20s 30s with tassies picks

If we finished bottom 5 it could be 10-15