Rumour Bluemour Discussion XLI

[teddy-hopkins]

Saw the herald sun article that we are looking at trading both 9 and 11 and saw some of the discussion above. If we do trade one of 9 or 11 for a future first I think it’s another sign we are making a big play for Butters. That would be our third 2026 1st rounder and we would have two 2027 first rounders and a 2028 first rounder available during trade period 2026. Butters probably costs 3 first rounders and Walker another 2 (but both have to be 2026). So becomes doable.

But honestly having seen the draw and knowing several top teams have improved their lists I really worry if we are good enough to attract Butters.

Also if we finish (god forbid) in the bottom 6, would we want Butters to want to come to us (ie would we want a player who would want a bottom 6 club - would suggest motivated more by money and less by drive to win)

I agree it seems like we're loading up for Walker+ something else next year. But everyone seems very focused on Butters when King is the more logical target... or if not Jed Walter.

No way GC can match as they've now maxed out their cap on Petracca. Port can match pretty much any bid.

If we could effectively swap Curnow for King plus Hayward & 3 first rounders it would be an absolute masterstroke.

 

[MileHigh]

Herald Sun reporting we may trade picks 9 and 11 to WCE and Adelaide respectively.

Going to be very interesting how they play their hand on draft night that is for sure.

 

[katmanblue]

You are adding context from a position of no knowledge is my point.

And it's glorious.

I choose to believe every single rumour posted here for at least as long as it takes me to read it.

Makes for a wild ride.

 

[katmanblue]

Appreciate that you're passing on some info that's fallen on your lap, but for mine it doesn't seem to add up.

If the Blues hierarchy have allowed Elijah to train on, and given him a number of targets to pass in order to secure a list spot, why would they then turn around and say they're not taking him if he ticks the boxes?

They've already taken into account his past indiscretions before making the call to allow him to train on.

It sounds more like Will is living in hope that Elijah's past indiscretions will earn him a spot on the list. I absolutely love the kid - and would honestly have him above a few of the other smalls still on our list - but it just doesn't make sense.

That would undoubtedly lead to player unrest from those that have backed him. "If the club can't be trusted to follow through, what happens with my contract?"

If Walsh has decided to back Lij and the club does a bait and switch, does that make Walsh reconsider re-signing in the face of other lucrative offers?

Can't see them going down that path.

 

[katmanblue]

You might not, clinically that’s where it falls under though. It’s called substance use disorder.

I (personally) feel it’s an important distinction. Addiction is not much easier to shake than anxiety or depression.

And it's often misunderstood by those that aren't afflicted or closely affected. Or worse yet, dismissed.

 

[katmanblue]

Holy shit, are you OK mate?

This is a massive overreaction.

There are many casual readers who would read "White's not worried about Lij taking his spot" and assume that means White is ahead of Lij. I think it's a valid distinction to make, in the interests of the discussion, that it doesn't necessarily mean that at all. It's still good info, it's not chasing anyone away (I'd hope...).

Not necessarily. Football is competitive. If you don't think you can beat the other bloke, why are you even trying? Will has got to believe he's ahead to have any chance.

Remember Jeffy saying he was better than his cousin?

 

[katmanblue]

Agreed. Wil would be very unlucky to be left off the list. 14 games in his first season and his highlights show there is a proper AFL level player there.

If he had have nailed a few of the easyish goals, we wouldn't even be having the conversation. But he didn't and that why there's doubt about retaining him. Which is unfortunate because I really loved his passion this year. We could use more of that.

 

[The Blue Weirdo]

And it's often misunderstood by those that aren't afflicted or closely affected. Or worse yet, dismissed.

Who feels it, knows it... brother.

it's categorising.

 

[MileHigh]

Asked around today about Elijah. Couldn’t get anything concrete on him. Just wait and see what happens after draft.

Only comment was so many things could happen yet and nothing is guaranteed. We are looking at many players in draft depending on bids etc

I really believe we aren’t certain on anything yet

Love your work Soapy. I do just get the feeling we are going through the required motions of a calculated adios. If GW and culture is the name of the game, just like Charlie there's no time for anyone who is going bring disharmony to the overall playing group and club. JMO.

 

[GT619]

I agree it seems like we're loading up for Walker+ something else next year. But everyone seems very focused on Butters when King is the more logical target... or if not Jed Walter.

No way GC can match as they've now maxed out their cap on Petracca. Port can match pretty much any bid.

If we could effectively swap Curnow for King plus Hayward & 3 first rounders it would be an absolute masterstroke.

Wright rates king big time

 

[Bamboo Harvester]

I agree it seems like we're loading up for Walker+ something else next year. But everyone seems very focused on Butters when King is the more logical target... or if not Jed Walter.

No way GC can match as they've now maxed out their cap on Petracca. Port can match pretty much any bid.

If we could effectively swap Curnow for King plus Hayward & 3 first rounders it would be an absolute masterstroke.

I'm 100% with you. As much as Butters would be rather handy, King would definitely be the one I'd be targeting. Fills a massive hole on our list, and would make our forward half a fairly dangerous unit.

I read somewhere either on this forum or on the open forum, that King was apparently keen on Collingwood mainly because of the relationship he'd establshed with Graeme Wright moreso than with the club.

It may be total bulltish, but it's a pretty cool rumour. And we will have plenty of space in the cap to accomodate without the threat of matching.

 

[Blue_Fusion]

Saw the herald sun article that we are looking at trading both 9 and 11 and saw some of the discussion above. If we do trade one of 9 or 11 for a future first I think it’s another sign we are making a big play for Butters. That would be our third 2026 1st rounder and we would have two 2027 first rounders and a 2028 first rounder available during trade period 2026. Butters probably costs 3 first rounders and Walker another 2 (but both have to be 2026). So becomes doable.

But honestly having seen the draw and knowing several top teams have improved their lists I really worry if we are good enough to attract Butters.

Also if we finish (god forbid) in the bottom 6, would we want Butters to want to come to us (ie would we want a player who would want a bottom 6 club - would suggest motivated more by money and less by drive to win)

Forget Butters...

Port will 100% demand our 2026 1sts... you think they're going to let him go for picks in compromised drafts when they're chasing Cochrane next year who's a potential #1 pick?

I (and I'm fairly certain Carlton) don't want to sell the farm for 1 player who will not be the difference between winning a flag or not...

 

[teddy-hopkins]

If he had have nailed a few of the easyish goals, we wouldn't even be having the conversation. But he didn't and that why there's doubt about retaining him. Which is unfortunate because I really loved his passion this year. We could use more of that.

Yeah he had a few games where he couldn't find the ball too which hurts him. But as far as first years go he was more than worth retaining overall.

 

[Ninja Worrier]

King is the obvious target now. By that stage we would have added Smith, Walker and Ison to our midfield group

 

[Stickitupthem]

I’d be happy whatever wright thinks and whatever he does his finger prints will be all over anything we do in this draft
Curly is just the mouth piece
Wright has a point to prove and the filth have given us the best present we could have asked for an angry ,hungry smart successful person .
If he can turn our club around and make us respected and feared they’d probably build a statue for him at princess park .

 

[CCurnow3picks]

King is the obvious target now. By that stage we would have added Smith, Walker and Ison to our midfield group

Wow, such an exciting transformation.

Not sure what to expect from 2026, but my damaged-self believes it’s going to be a challenging year.

2027 & beyond is so rich with promise.

One thing on King - aren’t we then just reinstating our forward reliance on two key talls?

Smith, Walker & ISON so exciting.

Hopefully Elijah brings his best self.

Much prefer a dynamic, creative, skilled forward line - so much harder to defend.

 

[manang magoos]

Don’t stress. The AFL will sell it as a huge success, teams 11 & 12 will be included in the next few years.

When tassie come in and then when the 20th team the Darwin Dingoes come in anything is possible

 

[jezza25]

Long time follower but first post. Would just like to thank you and other ITK posters like Soapy V for the insights you provide. Also a thank you to the others who post here- it gives me the sort of information that I would never get elsewhere. Very much a passionate but less informed blues fan. For what it’s worth I really hope that Elijah turns into a redemption story- not so much from a football perspective but for him personally

I’ve been here 15 years I reckon.
Wouldn’t have had 41 likes all up and you do it in one post

 

[WalshistheGOAT]

Would rather go hard at Pat Voss as an UFA and spend our trade resources on a difference maker in the midfield.

 

[Lukeblueboy]

Would rather go hard at Pat Voss as an UFA and spend our trade resources on a difference maker in the midfield.

Spot on!
Voss and Mackay would be a great mix.
Roll kemp through there and then a few quick smalls around them.

 

[SurreyBlue]

I’d be happy whatever wright thinks and whatever he does his finger prints will be all over anything we do in this draft
Curly is just the mouth piece
Wright has a point to prove and the filth have given us the best present we could have asked for an angry ,hungry smart successful person .
If he can turn our club around and make us respected and feared they’d probably build a statue for him at princess park .

Not ‘the statue’ again…….

 

[teagueyubeauty]

I agree it seems like we're loading up for Walker+ something else next year. But everyone seems very focused on Butters when King is the more logical target... or if not Jed Walter.

No way GC can match as they've now maxed out their cap on Petracca. Port can match pretty much any bid.

If we could effectively swap Curnow for King plus Hayward & 3 first rounders it would be an absolute masterstroke.

Yep, and Port finish bottom 3 next year and they get a top 4 pick back for FA compo and grab Butters as a free agent

 

[Blue and Silver]

Yep, and Port finish bottom 3 next year and they get a top 4 pick back for FA compo and grab Butters as a free agent

Port would get more than a top 4 pick for Butters on the open market

 

[Stickitupthem]

Not ‘the statue’ again…….

I’ll supply concrete

 

[teagueyubeauty]

Port would get more than a top 4 pick for Butters on the open market

Is a top 4 pick worse than say picks 12/15 and 20. Doubt it, 3 firsts instead of 1 but I would argue I’d go for the top 4 pick everyday of the week.

And now clubs can trade picks 2 years in advance I highly doubt you’ll see 3 firsts from within that year being traded to a single club. Would be 2 in 26 and another in 27 at best