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2026 Trade / FA Thread

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Maybe they don’t think his body can take the physical load of playing midfield - that seems the most logical conclusion.
Why is it the most logical conclusion? Why would you offer the kid a long-term contract of 5-6 years at $3.5m+ to play HF where he struggles to get the ball (av. 4 kicks per game) and hasn't kicked a goal this year and only one in his last 12?
 
My Christmas in October wish-list:
Ben King
= Ultra consistent. He has played every game since the start of 2024 (55 games). Goals in that time:
0 – 3 times
1 – 8 times
2 - 16 times
3 – 12 times
4+ - 15 times

People argue that King is a one-trick pony. Maybe? But he performs his one-trick consistently and better than anybody else. His stats have been trending upwards each year. This year he is averaging 4.5 shots at goal per game; averaging 3.5 goals at 78% accuracy. King has fewer disposals than other forwards because he plays deeper and relies more heavily on supply, but he converts at an elite rate. Meanwhile players like Cameron, Curnow, Naughton, Gunston, Georgiades often win more disposals because they work higher up the ground and are more involved in general play.

We would need to change our forward game plan if we were to get King. A forward line with King alongside dangerous smalls (Bobby, Hayes, McCreery, Schultz) could become terrifying for opposition teams

Despite his value there is also valid concerns. He does not consistently crash packs or create contests under pressure, and he does not influence games when supply dries up. But it doesn’t mean he can’t.

With King being a RFA the Suns have indicated they would match any offer. This could be just bluster. Pies need to ensure that we do not completely gut our draft hand and salary cap in the pursuit of King. Media have indicated King would be worth $1.3 - $1.4m.

Lachie Neale = No Brainer – Just get him. At 32 he is still one of the game’s elite midfielders. Extremely strong at clearances and contested ball and an elite decision-makers by hand and foot

Sam Berry = OOC. I love this guy’s game. Defensive pressure beast midfielder who wins contests and suffocate opponents

Berry would probably 1. Block for Naicos/ Neale at stoppages, 2. Apply defensive pressure so Naicos/ Neale can attack, and 3. Take tougher defensive matchups. Naicos/ Neale would get the bulk of the possessions; create scoring chains and dictate ball movement

A midfield of Naicos, Neale, Berry would compliment each other and would create a strong midfield to compete against the midfields of the Lions, Hawks & Dockers.

Elijah Hewett = OOC. Potentially high upside. He is a strong stoppage player. He has explosive acceleration rather than endurance. Very physical tackler and pressure player. Tries to break lines with power and speed after the contest. Can push forward and kick goals when resting out of midfield. Has had his fair share of injuries and disposal is inconsistent at speed

Darcy Wilson (would cost us too much to acquire) = My alternative is OOC Nathan O’Driscoll from Fremantle. But this is a watch and see.

He is the perfect age (24 next month). He has grown from his draft year (181cm) to 187cm. As a junior he played predominantly midfield, but since being drafted he has played predominantly HB and wing with occasional bursts into the midfield.

He has played 40 games in this his 5th year. He has had his fair share of injuries. His Stats are trending upwards. A good user of the ball. His strengths are endurance and repeat running, outside run and carry, transition football, athleticism, he is a penetrating kicking at speed, and he also has a knack for long-range goals

Sadly, news out of WA this week is O’Driscoll recently posted on his social media of his mental health challenges that that he has come close to taking his life three times, and that recent weeks have been particularly challenging for him following the death of someone close to him

First and most importantly, whatever happens with football, you’d hope the priority for O'Driscoll and everyone around him is simply his health and stability after what he disclosed publicly

From a pure AFL list-management perspective — I feel that if he gets back playing and finishes the year reasonably well, he would still absolutely be considered a realistic trade target. It would really come down to whether he actually wants a fresh start or prefers the support network he already has in Perth

Mental-health struggles have not automatically reduced trade interest. Jesse Hogan is an example of a player who continued to receive opportunities despite well-publicised mental-health challenges

I would gladly trade Allan for O’Driscoll

AFL Draft: I would like one of these two players: The below profiles have been gleaned from Rookie Me:
Clancy Snell (196cm KPD – Gippsland Power). He turns 18 next month. Has started the season on fire so he is likely to go early. Scouting notes have described him as a “Rangy key defender who plucks intercepts at will, either winning one-on-one contests or peeling off to be the third man up. His reading of the play is complimented by terrific mobility to arrive at each contest, positioning expertly behind the ball and taking it at the top of his reach. If not, he chimes in with a firm spoil. Has excellent foot skills

Xavier Ladbrook (201cm KPD – Gippsland Power) Lightly built. He is more of a long-term project than ready-made player because of his light build. Rookie Me has described him as one of this year’s “unicorn prospects” because of his height, athleticism and versatility. He has played key defence, key forward, wing and even pinch-hit in the ruck. Was BOG for the AFL Academy vs Richmond VFL Team playing at CHB several weeks ago. Scouting reports in Rookie Me have repeatedly called him “raw” but high-upside. His combination of reach, leap and movement gives him genuine AFL traits that can’t really be taught. His kicking has been described as better than most. At the moment, he is projected to go from the top 10 to mid-first round, depending on how his season develops

Retire:
Membrey was signed for two years. Statistically they are the same as last year, however his goal kicking accuracy has fallen significantly and he appears to have dropped some pace. I would not give him another contract

Sidebottom (35) is another who should retire at season’s end. To the eye he appears to be struggling this year and this is reflected in all of his stats as well. His disposals have dropped by 25% to date; his MG has dropped by more than 150m per game; tackling down by 66%; SI’s down
 
Sam Berry = OOC. I love this guy’s game. Defensive pressure beast midfielder who wins contests and suffocate opponents

Berry would probably 1. Block for Naicos/ Neale at stoppages, 2. Apply defensive pressure so Naicos/ Neale can attack, and 3. Take tougher defensive matchups. Naicos/ Neale would get the bulk of the possessions; create scoring chains and dictate ball movement

A midfield of Naicos, Neale, Berry would compliment each other and would create a strong midfield to compete against the midfields of the Lions, Hawks & Dockers.
 
In what way isn’t it? People here want him as a mid - but WC are shunning him in that position - are we naive or are they smart?
It's not shunning at that age. Half forward with midfield traits who hasn't moved into the midfield yet but probably will at some stage. Bailey Humphreys is a rolled gold version of the same thing. But Hewitt doesn't look that level and has had a heap more injuries so don't know if he's even a good half forward yet. I'd be happy to get him though - looks promising.
 

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My Christmas in October wish-list:
Ben King
= Ultra consistent. He has played every game since the start of 2024 (55 games). Goals in that time:
0 – 3 times
1 – 8 times
2 - 16 times
3 – 12 times
4+ - 15 times

People argue that King is a one-trick pony. Maybe? But he performs his one-trick consistently and better than anybody else. His stats have been trending upwards each year. This year he is averaging 4.5 shots at goal per game; averaging 3.5 goals at 78% accuracy. King has fewer disposals than other forwards because he plays deeper and relies more heavily on supply, but he converts at an elite rate. Meanwhile players like Cameron, Curnow, Naughton, Gunston, Georgiades often win more disposals because they work higher up the ground and are more involved in general play.

We would need to change our forward game plan if we were to get King. A forward line with King alongside dangerous smalls (Bobby, Hayes, McCreery, Schultz) could become terrifying for opposition teams

Despite his value there is also valid concerns. He does not consistently crash packs or create contests under pressure, and he does not influence games when supply dries up. But it doesn’t mean he can’t.

With King being a RFA the Suns have indicated they would match any offer. This could be just bluster. Pies need to ensure that we do not completely gut our draft hand and salary cap in the pursuit of King. Media have indicated King would be worth $1.3 - $1.4m.

Lachie Neale = No Brainer – Just get him. At 32 he is still one of the game’s elite midfielders. Extremely strong at clearances and contested ball and an elite decision-makers by hand and foot

Sam Berry = OOC. I love this guy’s game. Defensive pressure beast midfielder who wins contests and suffocate opponents

Berry would probably 1. Block for Naicos/ Neale at stoppages, 2. Apply defensive pressure so Naicos/ Neale can attack, and 3. Take tougher defensive matchups. Naicos/ Neale would get the bulk of the possessions; create scoring chains and dictate ball movement

A midfield of Naicos, Neale, Berry would compliment each other and would create a strong midfield to compete against the midfields of the Lions, Hawks & Dockers.

Elijah Hewett = OOC. Potentially high upside. He is a strong stoppage player. He has explosive acceleration rather than endurance. Very physical tackler and pressure player. Tries to break lines with power and speed after the contest. Can push forward and kick goals when resting out of midfield. Has had his fair share of injuries and disposal is inconsistent at speed

Darcy Wilson (would cost us too much to acquire) = My alternative is OOC Nathan O’Driscoll from Fremantle. But this is a watch and see.

He is the perfect age (24 next month). He has grown from his draft year (181cm) to 187cm. As a junior he played predominantly midfield, but since being drafted he has played predominantly HB and wing with occasional bursts into the midfield.

He has played 40 games in this his 5th year. He has had his fair share of injuries. His Stats are trending upwards. A good user of the ball. His strengths are endurance and repeat running, outside run and carry, transition football, athleticism, he is a penetrating kicking at speed, and he also has a knack for long-range goals

Sadly, news out of WA this week is O’Driscoll recently posted on his social media of his mental health challenges that that he has come close to taking his life three times, and that recent weeks have been particularly challenging for him following the death of someone close to him

First and most importantly, whatever happens with football, you’d hope the priority for O'Driscoll and everyone around him is simply his health and stability after what he disclosed publicly

From a pure AFL list-management perspective — I feel that if he gets back playing and finishes the year reasonably well, he would still absolutely be considered a realistic trade target. It would really come down to whether he actually wants a fresh start or prefers the support network he already has in Perth

Mental-health struggles have not automatically reduced trade interest. Jesse Hogan is an example of a player who continued to receive opportunities despite well-publicised mental-health challenges

I would gladly trade Allan for O’Driscoll

AFL Draft: I would like one of these two players: The below profiles have been gleaned from Rookie Me:
Clancy Snell (196cm KPD – Gippsland Power). He turns 18 next month. Has started the season on fire so he is likely to go early. Scouting notes have described him as a “Rangy key defender who plucks intercepts at will, either winning one-on-one contests or peeling off to be the third man up. His reading of the play is complimented by terrific mobility to arrive at each contest, positioning expertly behind the ball and taking it at the top of his reach. If not, he chimes in with a firm spoil. Has excellent foot skills

Xavier Ladbrook (201cm KPD – Gippsland Power) Lightly built. He is more of a long-term project than ready-made player because of his light build. Rookie Me has described him as one of this year’s “unicorn prospects” because of his height, athleticism and versatility. He has played key defence, key forward, wing and even pinch-hit in the ruck. Was BOG for the AFL Academy vs Richmond VFL Team playing at CHB several weeks ago. Scouting reports in Rookie Me have repeatedly called him “raw” but high-upside. His combination of reach, leap and movement gives him genuine AFL traits that can’t really be taught. His kicking has been described as better than most. At the moment, he is projected to go from the top 10 to mid-first round, depending on how his season develops

Retire:
Membrey was signed for two years. Statistically they are the same as last year, however his goal kicking accuracy has fallen significantly and he appears to have dropped some pace. I would not give him another contract

Sidebottom (35) is another who should retire at season’s end. To the eye he appears to be struggling this year and this is reflected in all of his stats as well. His disposals have dropped by 25% to date; his MG has dropped by more than 150m per game; tackling down by 66%; SI’s down
Will be interesting to see come draft time if we would be looking at KPD's with our early selection or go a mid/fwd or wing/mid type.
If we go that direction, likely both Snell & Ladbrook are off the table by the time our next pick rolls around.
SA have a few good backs we will see come Champs time being Harris (WWT) and Franz (Glenelg) that could be a possibility for our later picks.
 
Will be interesting to see come draft time if we would be looking at KPD's with our early selection or go a mid/fwd or wing/mid type.
If we go that direction, likely both Snell & Ladbrook are off the table by the time our next pick rolls around.
SA have a few good backs we will see come Champs time being Harris (WWT) and Franz (Glenelg) that could be a possibility for our later picks.
Tate Hodgson is another option as a key back and they would have gotten first hand look at him this preseason
 
In terms of the veterans -

Membrey - could be his last year … maybe gets one more if West doesn’t develop as hoped and/or McStay struggles in second half of seadon

Pendles. Let’s be honest - his call. Depends if he wants st start the next phase (coaching/media) or if he still has the hunger.
Howe - reckon this is his last season
Sidey. Maybe survives if Pendles retires
Sidey - may not be his choice but recently stated he wants to play on next year.
Howe must be feeling the body. Smit and Howes trialed down back.
Pendles so much respect. As player and as on field coach. Not playing 5 day breaks and no flying for matches. He wanted a rest vs Hawks. There are signs but I would suspect his choice.
Membrey - loved the pick up, but out of form a bit this year. In wrestling terms, I will be disappointed if a kid doesn’t run up behind him and smash a chair over his head. Still early in the season, veterans start slower.
Options are good. Pressure from Neale would be better.
 
I’d have thought the same of Mihocek, but it destroyed his 2025 according to his Ball Magnets interview. Crisp is the one I look at (even though he has the trigger) and wonder after losing his two best mates and remaining so loyal for so long whether he could look to cash in elsewhere given he thinks he has another 5 years in him. I’m not anticipating it happens it did cross my mind though.
I think Checkers was unique amongst our older brigade in that his earnings would have been significantly less. He was a late starter, had his first few years on minimum chips and probably felt that he had earned one last pay day, which is a fair enough attitude to have.
I doubt Crisp goes anywhere unless, like Checkers, the club decides that they can’t justify retaining him ahead of a younger players opportunity.
 
My Christmas in October wish-list:
Ben King
= Ultra consistent. He has played every game since the start of 2024 (55 games). Goals in that time:
0 – 3 times
1 – 8 times
2 - 16 times
3 – 12 times
4+ - 15 times

People argue that King is a one-trick pony. Maybe? But he performs his one-trick consistently and better than anybody else. His stats have been trending upwards each year. This year he is averaging 4.5 shots at goal per game; averaging 3.5 goals at 78% accuracy. King has fewer disposals than other forwards because he plays deeper and relies more heavily on supply, but he converts at an elite rate. Meanwhile players like Cameron, Curnow, Naughton, Gunston, Georgiades often win more disposals because they work higher up the ground and are more involved in general play.

We would need to change our forward game plan if we were to get King. A forward line with King alongside dangerous smalls (Bobby, Hayes, McCreery, Schultz) could become terrifying for opposition teams

Despite his value there is also valid concerns. He does not consistently crash packs or create contests under pressure, and he does not influence games when supply dries up. But it doesn’t mean he can’t.

With King being a RFA the Suns have indicated they would match any offer. This could be just bluster. Pies need to ensure that we do not completely gut our draft hand and salary cap in the pursuit of King. Media have indicated King would be worth $1.3 - $1.4m.

Lachie Neale = No Brainer – Just get him. At 32 he is still one of the game’s elite midfielders. Extremely strong at clearances and contested ball and an elite decision-makers by hand and foot

Sam Berry = OOC. I love this guy’s game. Defensive pressure beast midfielder who wins contests and suffocate opponents

Berry would probably 1. Block for Naicos/ Neale at stoppages, 2. Apply defensive pressure so Naicos/ Neale can attack, and 3. Take tougher defensive matchups. Naicos/ Neale would get the bulk of the possessions; create scoring chains and dictate ball movement

A midfield of Naicos, Neale, Berry would compliment each other and would create a strong midfield to compete against the midfields of the Lions, Hawks & Dockers.

Elijah Hewett = OOC. Potentially high upside. He is a strong stoppage player. He has explosive acceleration rather than endurance. Very physical tackler and pressure player. Tries to break lines with power and speed after the contest. Can push forward and kick goals when resting out of midfield. Has had his fair share of injuries and disposal is inconsistent at speed

Darcy Wilson (would cost us too much to acquire) = My alternative is OOC Nathan O’Driscoll from Fremantle. But this is a watch and see.

He is the perfect age (24 next month). He has grown from his draft year (181cm) to 187cm. As a junior he played predominantly midfield, but since being drafted he has played predominantly HB and wing with occasional bursts into the midfield.

He has played 40 games in this his 5th year. He has had his fair share of injuries. His Stats are trending upwards. A good user of the ball. His strengths are endurance and repeat running, outside run and carry, transition football, athleticism, he is a penetrating kicking at speed, and he also has a knack for long-range goals

Sadly, news out of WA this week is O’Driscoll recently posted on his social media of his mental health challenges that that he has come close to taking his life three times, and that recent weeks have been particularly challenging for him following the death of someone close to him

First and most importantly, whatever happens with football, you’d hope the priority for O'Driscoll and everyone around him is simply his health and stability after what he disclosed publicly

From a pure AFL list-management perspective — I feel that if he gets back playing and finishes the year reasonably well, he would still absolutely be considered a realistic trade target. It would really come down to whether he actually wants a fresh start or prefers the support network he already has in Perth

Mental-health struggles have not automatically reduced trade interest. Jesse Hogan is an example of a player who continued to receive opportunities despite well-publicised mental-health challenges

I would gladly trade Allan for O’Driscoll

AFL Draft: I would like one of these two players: The below profiles have been gleaned from Rookie Me:
Clancy Snell (196cm KPD – Gippsland Power). He turns 18 next month. Has started the season on fire so he is likely to go early. Scouting notes have described him as a “Rangy key defender who plucks intercepts at will, either winning one-on-one contests or peeling off to be the third man up. His reading of the play is complimented by terrific mobility to arrive at each contest, positioning expertly behind the ball and taking it at the top of his reach. If not, he chimes in with a firm spoil. Has excellent foot skills

Xavier Ladbrook (201cm KPD – Gippsland Power) Lightly built. He is more of a long-term project than ready-made player because of his light build. Rookie Me has described him as one of this year’s “unicorn prospects” because of his height, athleticism and versatility. He has played key defence, key forward, wing and even pinch-hit in the ruck. Was BOG for the AFL Academy vs Richmond VFL Team playing at CHB several weeks ago. Scouting reports in Rookie Me have repeatedly called him “raw” but high-upside. His combination of reach, leap and movement gives him genuine AFL traits that can’t really be taught. His kicking has been described as better than most. At the moment, he is projected to go from the top 10 to mid-first round, depending on how his season develops

Retire:
Membrey was signed for two years. Statistically they are the same as last year, however his goal kicking accuracy has fallen significantly and he appears to have dropped some pace. I would not give him another contract

Sidebottom (35) is another who should retire at season’s end. To the eye he appears to be struggling this year and this is reflected in all of his stats as well. His disposals have dropped by 25% to date; his MG has dropped by more than 150m per game; tackling down by 66%; SI’s down

Great detailed write up re: trades. Well done.

Completetly agree with King, and I also rekon will be a better player at the MCG due to a) bigger ground/more space to lead into and b) better conditions (less dewy)..

We would be stupid to say no to king, when $1.4m is the new $900k.

Neale I would do at the right price also.

But would really love a start mid to partner Naicos for the next 6-7 years. Just don't see any out there outside of Butters, who apparently we are not in the race for.
 
Why is it the most logical conclusion? Why would you offer the kid a long-term contract of 5-6 years at $3.5m+ to play HF where he struggles to get the ball (av. 4 kicks per game) and hasn't kicked a goal this year and only one in his last 12?
I was responding to your comment below.

“If the Eagles value him that highly why aren’t they committing harder to developing him as a midfielder?”

I say it’s his body - what is your reasoning.
 
Last edited:
From Geelong board re: Jhye Clark:
"Just on Clark I was told today he’s not happy with the club and thinks he should be playing.
Pretty pissed off he hasn’t even been making the extended squad and wants out at the end of the year, being uncontracted is a blessing “his words apparently”
Grew up a massive pies fan but open to playing interstate.
Abit tongue in cheek I reckon but has apparently already had a look at the rental market in NSW and SA"
 
From Geelong board re: Jhye Clark:
"Just on Clark I was told today he’s not happy with the club and thinks he should be playing.
Pretty pissed off he hasn’t even been making the extended squad and wants out at the end of the year, being uncontracted is a blessing “his words apparently”
Grew up a massive pies fan but open to playing interstate.
Abit tongue in cheek I reckon but has apparently already had a look at the rental market in NSW and SA"
Have not been impressed by him. Jaxson Barham areas
 

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From Geelong board re: Jhye Clark:
"Just on Clark I was told today he’s not happy with the club and thinks he should be playing.
Pretty pissed off he hasn’t even been making the extended squad and wants out at the end of the year, being uncontracted is a blessing “his words apparently”
Grew up a massive pies fan but open to playing interstate.
Abit tongue in cheek I reckon but has apparently already had a look at the rental market in NSW and SA"
Damn was meant to be the next Joel Selwood 🙃
 
From Geelong board re: Jhye Clark:
"Just on Clark I was told today he’s not happy with the club and thinks he should be playing.
Pretty pissed off he hasn’t even been making the extended squad and wants out at the end of the year, being uncontracted is a blessing “his words apparently”
Grew up a massive pies fan but open to playing interstate.
Abit tongue in cheek I reckon but has apparently already had a look at the rental market in NSW and SA"
Jhye Clark gives every impression of being bad at football.
 
IMO, projecting forward a year, what the game needs is for CFC to be less reliant on NiC the midfielder. I'm going to be selfish an hope for a fifty/fifty split Nic forward/mid....Draft who ever to replace Nic part time, I don't care.
 

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I was responding to your comment below.

“If the Eagles value him that highly why aren’t they committing harder to developing him as a midfielder?”

I say it’s his body - what is your reasoning.
I have no idea. Last year he averaged over 75%TOG in 20 games.
When he plays WAFL he plays midfield.
This year he has played 4 games this year Rounds 5-8 before being dropped this week
R5 vs Geelong. He was the 46 rated player on the ground with 6K in 73%TOG.
R6 vs Fremantle he was the 40th rated player on the ground with 6K with 10mg, 70%TOG.
R7 vs STK he was the 36th rated player on the ground with 6K with 175mg, 75%TOG
R8 vs Richmond he was the 39th rated player on the ground with 3K with 74mg, 74%TOG
I don't believe he would be on the ground for so many minutes if he is injured
 
From Geelong board re: Jhye Clark:
"Just on Clark I was told today he’s not happy with the club and thinks he should be playing.
Pretty pissed off he hasn’t even been making the extended squad and wants out at the end of the year, being uncontracted is a blessing “his words apparently”
Grew up a massive pies fan but open to playing interstate.
Abit tongue in cheek I reckon but has apparently already had a look at the rental market in NSW and SA"
Kid has had a great start to the VFL season
 
What’s the knock on George Stevens who also can’t get a game, despite his good size - I recall lack of pace being highlighted in his draft year.
You are right, the knock on him was his athleticism. However, he is killing it in the VFL. Playing off HB he is averaging 30 disposals and 5 tackles per game. Rumour down here is that Scott doesn't rate him.
 
He is undersized and very slow. Hope we stay well away.
He is taller than Serong, Lachie Neale, Zac Merrett, Sam Berry & Touk Miller to name a few. He is not explosive quick but he is not very slow has you claim. He has had a running coach over the past two seasons and his pace has increased.
 

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