List Mgmt. Contracts/Trade/Draft Thread - 2025 Edition Vol 2

[Keys]

With our season due to end in less than two weeks and Mad Monday almost upon us, it’s time to rollover this beast of a thread

It will mean the start of yet another massively important offseason as the club looks to dig its way out of a hole that seems to get deeper each year

The challenge facing Matt Clarke and his list management/recruiting team is finding the right balance between bringing in more high end talent via the draft whilst simultaneously addressing the gaping hole in the age profile of the list. Of our current list of 44, just over half (23) will be 22 and under at the end of the year. There is only 15 in the key age demographic of 23-28 and that includes McCarthy and Hutchinson plus the likes of Allen, Petruccelle and Jamieson who are all unlikely to be at the club next year

Since it’s a new thread, I thought I’d do a summary of where things stand and what might lie ahead in the coming months culminating in the draft on November 19/20

What we know

Following the retirements of McGovern and Sheed we have a playing list of 44 - 36 senior, 6 rookies and 2 Cat B rookies (this assumes Maric has been promoted to the main list which thanks to the detective work of Miguel Sanchez appears to be the case despite there being no official announcement)

Of the rookies only Tyrell Dewar needs to be upgraded to the main list as this is his 3rd year since being drafted in 2022 leaving us with a 37/5/2 split before delistings and trades

Pick 1 is locked in as we are guaranteed to “win” our second spoon in three years and third overall. Beyond that we hold our R2 (19) and R4 (73) picks along with the R1,2&3 picks tied to Hawthorn. Their finishing position can be no lower than 9th which would give us picks 10,28 and 46 - alternatively if they lost in a semifinal those picks might be 14,32 and 50 (we don’t want to contemplate them going deeper into finals than that)

If needed, we also have pick 1 in the Rookie Draft and pick 1 in the PSD

We have one father/son (Charlie Banfield, son of Drew) and at least 2, possibly 3, draftable NGA prospects - Koby Evans, Tylah Williams and perhaps Wes Walley. Whether any of them attract bids is unclear although it’s likely they last until R3 of the draft meaning we don’t have to use points to match a bid provided we have an available list spot

The club has also formally approached the AFL for draft assistance, although what has been requested is yet to be disclosed and the details of any package likely won’t be known until around GF week

 

[Keys]

Draft Assistance/Priority Picks

Despite the protestations from the other side of the country, the case for some form of assistance is compelling. With 2 rounds to go we’ve won just 11 of 89 games from 2022-25 with an overall percentage of 60.69% and with little prospect of adding to the win column in our final two matches. Our finishing position has been 17th, 18th, 16th and 18th in those years.

The most recent club to receive draft assistance (North Melbourne in 2023) won 12 games and a draw from 84 games in the period 2020-23. The 2023 end of R1 and 2x end of R1 picks in 2024 they were given was on top of the F2 and F3 picks (which had to be traded for players) granted in 2022 in conjunction with 2 additional rookie list spots

So on a performance basis our situation over the same timespan is equally as dire and probably worse.

There also needs to be an acknowledgment that the drafts of 2023/24 were hopelessly compromised through a combination of draft assistance (to North), FA compensation and NGA, northern academy and F/S selections. It meant our normal R2 pick was pushed from 19 to 30 in 2023 and 21 to 30 in 2024 - the 2025 draft is predicted to be even worse such that what should be pick 19 likely drifts out to a pick in the low 30’s. Rebuilding through the draft has become harder than ever with the dilution to the value of picks

The arguments against assistance simply don’t stack up -

1) The position the eagles are in is their own fault because of the poor decisions they made. Well duh, every club in a shit situation has made errors, if they hadn’t they would’ve struggling. There’s also been contributing factors like the medical retirements of Venables, Sheppard and McGovern due to concussion coupled with an unprecedented run of injury over 2022/23 in particular that decimated our playing list

2) West Coast are the richest club in the league and don’t need help. This ignores that the salary cap and football department soft cap mean that our financial wealth gives no advantage as we are only able to spend the same as everyone else. We are actually penalised is comparison to other clubs as we receive less funding from the AFL than any other club. In addition, along with Fremantle, we are the only club that contribute financially to a state league via royalties paid to the WAFC which has decreased from around $4mil per year during 2017-19 to less than $2mil in 2024. Unless the AFL want to start chipping in to the WAFL from their own resources, it’s in their best interests for West Coast to return to competitiveness so the financial contribution can be restored to more normal levels

3) They won a flag in 2018 so assistance is too soon. To be fair, this is the argument that carries the most validity as we last won a premiership more recently than 12 other clubs. That said, our results have been truly horrid and having such an uncompetitive side compromises the integrity of the competition

So what should we get?

I think realistically, we are unlikely to receive and arguably don’t deserve any R1 picks. The package we do get though needs to provide genuine help whilst minimising the impact to the other clubs, particularly those that are also battling albeit not to the same extent. In order of what should be easiest to get to hardest, this is what I think we should ask for -

1) Two additional rookie list spots for the next two years with an option for a third year if necessary. This is the absolute minimum we should get and has no impact whatsoever on the rest of the competition
2) Two additional Cat B rookie spots for the next 3 years. Again this has no real impact on other clubs and has the added benefit of increasing the number of indigenous players in the league
3) The ability to prelist our NGA players this draft and next without having to match bids. Along with the two extra spots this would allow us to use our draft picks on trades and/or other draftees and has the same effect of granting extra draft picks without significantly compromising the draft
4) An extra R2 and R3 draft pick this year tied to our finishing position which would nominally be picks 20 and 39. This would recognise the blowout of the R2/R3 picks from where they’d normally be due to the complexities of the draft but given those picks themselves will likely land in the low 30’s and mid 40’s respectively are deep enough in the draft to not impact other clubs to any great extent

Overall, the first three should be achievable and would be fair given our predicament. The fourth is probably a stretch and would have enough pushback from other clubs for the AFL to say no - I think they would want to avoid giving us a priority pick(s) as such

 

[Keys]

Possible Trade/FA Departures

• [PLAYERCARD]Oscar Allen[/PLAYERCARD] - at this point it would be a surprise if Allen is at the club in 2026. It’s a sad reflection of where the club is at that a young man who became captain of the club he grew up supporting might depart to an interstate rival but it’s arguably what’s best for him and the club. Allen gets an opportunity to chase a flag at Brisbane which might not be achievable for him at West Coast whilst the club stands to collect pick 2 in the draft via the FA compensation formula
• [PLAYERCARD]Liam Ryan[/PLAYERCARD] - there’s jungle drums on the media suggesting Ryan might look to leave despite having a year to run on his contract. How much validity those reports have who knows but I personally hope he stays. He’s had a solid year in 2025 coming back from significant hamstring issues across 2023/24 and is one of our genuine x-factor players. As a senior player his presence as a mentor for the indigenous players in particular shouldn’t be underestimated- especially with the number of NGA players that might be coming through the doors. I also have doubts that his trade value would match his importance to the club

At this point, there’s no meaningful talk about other players being targeted by rival clubs

 

[Keys]

Possible Trade Acquisitions

Because of the likely departure of Allen as a FA we won’t be signing anyone via FA as doing so would dilute the compensation we receive. So trades it is

• [PLAYERCARD]Brandon Starcevich[/PLAYERCARD] - he is a FA but as mentioned we would want to trade for him should he decide to come to West Coast. This would also suit Brisbane as they’d receive no compensation for losing Starcevich due to them bringing in Allen. At 26, he’s in a good age bracket for us and would add to our experience. Apparently, he’s looking for more midfield time but is unproven in that area so we need to consider his value as a defender and consider it a bonus if he can impact as a mid. The main concern is his concussion history but Brisbane are said to be offering him a 5 year deal so they can’t be too spooked by it. A token trade using the Hawthorn R3 pick should be sufficient

• Neil Erasmus/Dev Robertson/James Tunstill/Judd McVee - we need midfield depth and these are some of the names being linked to us as players out of contract in 2025 who might be gettable. It’s not an exhaustive list as there’s others that have been discussed like Alex Davies at Gold Coast but are less likely due to still being contracted and/or preferring to go elsewhere. [PLAYERCARD]Blake Acres[/PLAYERCARD] is an older option we have apparent interest in but no definitive links as yet


• Key Defender - with the retirement of McGovern following the departure last year of Barrass our KPD stocks have taken a bit of a hit. Jed Busslinger and to a lesser extent, Jacob Blight, are emerging players that have been discussed as possible near ready made additions but it’s unclear if either are likely to seek a trade. Of the two, Blight is the more likely since he is currently out of contract having not yet reached enough games to Ryan extension. At this point, if we want another KPD we might have to look to the draft and possibly a mature aged player rather than an 18 year old

• Ruck - the ruck position has been problematic for us ever since Nic Naitanui’s body gave up on him during 2022. Flynn and Bailey Williams have battled on but neither has been able to make the position their own and we’ve been consistently outplayed in the ruck. We chased [PLAYERCARD]Darcy Cameron[/PLAYERCARD] who has just put pen to paper on an extension at Collingwood ruling him out. Ned Moyle is a popular target for many posters but is as likely to seek a trade to West Coast as any of you lot are to get a lingerie clad visit from Margot Robbie. Leaves us looking at the likes of Liam Reidy or Ned Reeves as rucks unable to get regular games at their current club and might be willing to move for more opportunity. Whether they are actually willing to shift or an upgrade on Flynn/Williams is up for debate

• Pipe dreams - [PLAYERCARD]Lachie Neale[/PLAYERCARD] has been discussed as someone who might seek a trade back to WA for personal reasons (wife is from WA and wants to come home according to rumours). He’d be fantastic for our club even at 32 but for now he’s in the wishful thinking basket

• Mitch Duncan - left him til last. Duncan indicated in a pregame interview last week that he’s unlikely to be at Geelong next year and is considering a playing/coaching role at West Coast. Getting him in as a development coach would be huge particularly coming from a professional club like Geelong. From a playing point of view he’s already 34 and has slowed down considerably so likely wouldn’t be best 22 but could still be an important contributor for the WAFL side. It’s why I’d rather just bring him over as a development coach and sign him up to the Beagles. Alternatively, if he wants to still look at playing AFL pick him up in the rookie draft or add him as a DFA post draft so he doesn’t take up a main list spot

Obviously, there’s others and we have openly said we are looking to add some more mature talent to our list to avoid getting too young. Our main problem is, right now, we aren’t a particularly attractive destination so we likely have to make do with fringe type acquisitions for the time being

 

[Keys]

Thanks for your service

As new people come in, the unfortunate reality of AFL is people have to be delisted to make way. How deep we cut depends on our success, or lack of, attracting players via trade. how many picks we want to use in the draft and whether we receive any additional list spots

Currently we have 12 players without a contract for 2026 that we need to make a decision on. Aside, from Allen who I’ve already discussed the following players are out of contract -

Probably Safe
• Malakai Champion(Cat B) - first year player who played two games (one as sub, subbed out in the other) he’s shown enough with his WAFL performances to get a new contract. Probably only one year but wouldn’t be surprised if it was two
• [PLAYERCARD]Jamie Cripps[/PLAYERCARD] - reports are that Cripps has, or soon will, sign a one year extension for 2026. Personally, I’d preferred if we waited a little bit longer to see how many list spots we needed before committing to Cripps given he’s showing signs of slowing down. That said, in a squad lacking experience players like Cripps who has always been, and still is, one of the best trainers are valuable. He’s also our equal leading goal kicker along with [PLAYERCARD]Liam Ryan[/PLAYERCARD]

In Limbo
• Campbell Chesser - not sure where the club sees him (although McQualter seems to be a fan) but he’s been on most poster’s delist pile throughout the year before regaining some love with a couple of reasonable games the last two weeks. Kinda hope we find a way to retain him but without any extra list spots we might run out of spaces. There has been talk he has interest from a couple of Melbourne clubs but he’d have limited trade value
• [PLAYERCARD]Tom Cole[/PLAYERCARD] - think he’s probably more than likely safe but, unlike Cripps, there’s been no talk of any imminent re-signing. Is still (just) managing to hold a spot in the 22 albeit he has played the odd WAFL game. At 28 he still has some good footy in him and provides good experience at an age were light on in. Probably a 2 year deal that allows him to be rotated out of the side over time whilst helping out in the WAFL but still has the capacity to contribute when called upon
• Rhett Bazzo - a bit like Chesser he’s struggled to earn a spot, largely due to injury, until recently and isn’t a guarantee to be extended. In his favour is the fact we don’t have much KPD depth so he probably deserves another year
• Coen Livingstone (Cat B) - plays with great effort and intensity but is probably undersized for an AFL ruck without the athleticism to make up for his lack of height. Since he’s a Cat B rookie whether he’s retained probably hinges on our ability to get extra list spots from the AFL
• Jacob Newton(R) - it would be a bit rough to cut him 3 months after bringing him over from SA. Has shown some decent signs in the WAFL as a half forward who can push into the midfield. Probably done enough for a one year extension but again depends on how tight list spots get

Probably Gone
• [PLAYERCARD]Jayden Hunt[/PLAYERCARD] - in the last year of a 3 year contract he’s been relegated to the WAFL in recent weeks after his AFL form fell away. Has turned 30 which isn’t a good age to be in the ressies. For a low cost FA brought across at the end of 2022 he’s fulfilled his side of the deal but it’s time for him to be moved on
• [PLAYERCARD]Jack Petruccelle[/PLAYERCARD] - this is his 8th year on the list which remarkably means he’s a UFA. Hasn’t been able to break into the senior side despite having a skillset that I thought might have suited our new game plan. Doubt there’s much, if any, improvement to be tapped into so time for him to look elsewhere I feel
• Loch Rawlinson(R) - been on the list two years now and hasn’t really shown enough to justify retention particularly when we have decent small forward depth with the possibility of more to be added with a couple of the NGA lads.
• Callum Jamieson - can’t stay on the park unfortunately and his lengthy injury has robbed him of his mobility. Has been ok at WAFL where he can get away with his lack of pace due to his size which is something he wouldn’t be able to do at AFL

Other
• Harry Barnett - is contracted for 2026 but there’s a case to be made he’s the worst player on our list. Has the athleticism to succeed but shows next to no competitive instinct. Possibly survives on the basis that big men take longer to develop but he’s in his 3rd year and hasn’t shown any meaningful improvement. Wouldn’t be on a big contract so we’d have the cap space to pay him out if needed. At the very least should probably be moved to the rookie list

Based on Hunt, Petruccelle, Rawlinson and Jamieson being delisted, Allen leaving as a FA and Barnett moved to the rookie list we have 39 still on the list made up of 32 players on the main list, 5 rookies and 2 Cat B rookies

Only leaves room for 5 new players so there’d need to be extra spots opened up via trades out, further delistings or additional list spots as part of the assistance package

 

[Keys]

The Draft

Based on current ladder positions (Hawthorn 7th) and Allen leaving as a FA for Band 1 compensation our picks would be 1,2,14,21,32,50,75 and so on based on available list spots (also allowing for Carlton receiving Band 1 FA compensation for TDK)

Ideally, we’d reserve the first 4 picks to use in the draft and the others (32 and 50) as trade capital. Later picks to match bids which hopefully don’t come until R3 or later, if at all.

There’s been a lot of discussion around the possibility of splitting either pick 1 or 2 most likely to Essendon for picks 5 and 6 with something going back to them - either the Hawthorn R1 pick or our R2 pick. This is on the assumption that Essendon are exceptionally keen on Willem Duursma whilst we’d be prepared to slip back in the hope that someone like Lindsay, Cumming or Sharp is still available at the Essendon picks. It’s a possibility only and I’m not sure Essendon would be interested

Alternatively, if we decide to only use 3 picks we could combine picks 14 and 21 for the Port Adelaide pick held by Gold Coast who will be looking to generate more points for their academy kids

I’m not particularly knowledgeable on the draftees but the names consistently raised at the pointy end that hold interest for us are Dyson Sharp and Sam Cumming from SA and Josh Lindsay and Willem Duursma from Victoria.

Cooper Duff-Tytler is a forward/ruck from Victoria who is often mentioned as a potential No.1 pick but seems unsuited to our needs and gets little love from the draft watchers on our board

Aidan Schubert is a KPP from SA some of our posters like but he likely falls between our first two picks and the Hawthorn pick - the Port pick (or one of Essendon’s) would be about his range hence the interest or trading picks

From a WA viewpoint, Jacob Farrow seems the most highly rated and could be available around the Hawthorn pick whilst Cody Curtin, Fred Rodriguez or Sam Swadling could be home grown options with our R2 pick

 

[Keys]

Summary - My Uneducated Wishlist

Hopefully, the AFL grants us two additional rookie list spots and two additional Cat B spots along with the ability to prelist our NGA players. I’d love the R2 and R3 priority picks but can’t see that happening.

That would give us an overall playing list of 48 (38 main, 6 rookie and 4 Cat B)

Trades

• One of Erasmus, Tunstill, Robertson or similar as midfield support - preferably Erasmus for the Hawthorn R2 pick. Tunstill or Robertson we could get for a token pick or wait for them to become available as a DFA
• One of McVee or Starcevich as a half back that might be able to move into the midfield. Feel like Starcevich is the more likely of the two and he’d be gettable using the Hawthorn R3 pick
• I’m not confident we’ll be able to shake a ruckman or KPD loose

As a final note on trades, I don’t think we should be pushing a player to the PSD but we should absolutely use the threat as a negotiating tool. Whilst I understood why we did, there’s no need to play nice like we did with Baker - the players are out of contract and we have pick 1 in the PSD

Draft

Whilst I see the attraction of the pick swaps, I think we’d be better holding our picks as they stand unless someone offers us something too good to refuse - we shouldn’t be initiating any trade though

• Picks 1 and 2 - Sharp seems ideally suited to our need for an inside ball winner and whilst he likely has a lower ceiling than others he also less likely to be a bust. Pairing him up with Duursma would be be a good low risk/ high risk combination but Lindsay or Cumming I’d be happy with and possibly prefer
• Picks 14 and 21 - probably just looking at best available here although we’d should be considering a KPP with one of them. Farrow if he’s there at 14 holds appeal if we don’t take Lindsay whilst Rodriguez at 21 would be value. There’ll be options with those picks either way
• Pick 75 - add Charlie Banfield as a father/son selection

NGA (Category B)

• Prelist Koby Evans and Tylah Williams
• Wes Walley becomes an either/or decision based on available list spots

Overall by way of example only

Trades In (2)
Erasmus
Starcevich

Draft (5)
Sharp
Duursma
Farrow
Rodriguez
Banfield

Prelist (2)
Evans (Cat B)
Williams (Cat B)

With the list changes I went through above this would leave us with 48 on the list - 39 main, 5 rookie and 4 Cat B meaning we’d have to move one player from the main list onto the rookie list - probably Bazzo or Chesser

Other considerations
• If we decide Wes Walley has draftable traits we could delist one of Barnett or Livingstone to make room
• If Mitch Duncan comes across but wishes to have the option of playing AFL still then someone else has to go - either the other of Barnett/Livingstone or we pass on Walley
• We combine 14 and 21 for the port pick from Gold Coast and take Schubert instead of two players which requires one less list spot
• Any trades out (like Ryan) make another spot available

Anyway, my thoughts for what they’re and they aren’t perfect but hopefully can provide some discussion

Apologies for the wall of text

 

[EagleEgo]

Are we going to get any end of first round picks from our assistant package? (Similar to what North Melbourne obtained in 2023)

 

[Wooshaaaa]

Amazing summary. Cheers keys.

I feel that only 2 mature trade targets is still light on. Erasmus
Starcevich

What if a couple others actually request a trade to us.
Davies
Or the pipe dream Neale.

We would be crazy not to improve our list with those 4. Might be a case to pay out owes

 

[Westend]

Thanks keys well written and well thought out

We still need and you didn’t address it above a ruck

 

[GoEaglesGoSGIO]

Are we going to get any end of first round picks from our assistant package? (Similar to what North Melbourne obtained in 2023)

I still think the answer to a assistance package revolves around our academy players.

5 Cat B spots and the rights to prelist our academy players this year and next is arguably better then priority picks. Its also fairly tough for people to complain against extra list spots for our indigenous NGA players given the issue we have with indigenous numbers in the game

Before the draft id like to welcome Koby Evans, Wes Walley and Tylah Williams to our list

 

[Wooshaaaa]

I still think the answer to a assistance package revolves around our academy players.

5 Cat B spots and the rights to prelist our academy players this year and next is arguably better then priority picks. Its also fairly tough for people to complain against extra list spots for our indigenous NGA players given the issue we have with indigenous numbers in the game

Before the draft id like to welcome Koby Evans, Wes Walley and Tylah Williams to our list

Id like to think that maybe the AFL consider F2 F3 with a "use it or lose" tag to them. These would be ideal for trades this year.

 

[GoEaglesGoSGIO]

Id like to think that maybe the AFL consider F2 F3 with a "use it or lose" tag to them. These would be ideal for trades this year.

Kehren for free is not much different to a F2 and the 3 of Walley/Williams/Evans is better then a F3.

 

[Happy Mastenator]

Summary - My Uneducated Wishlist

Hopefully, the AFL grants us two additional rookie list spots and two additional Cat B spots along with the ability to prelist our NGA players. I’d love the R2 and R3 priority picks but can’t see that happening.

That would give us an overall playing list of 48 (38 main, 6 rookie and 4 Cat B)

Trades

• One of Erasmus, Tunstill, Robertson or similar as midfield support - preferably Erasmus for the Hawthorn R2 pick. Tunstill or Robertson we could get for a token pick or wait for them to become available as a DFA
• One of McVee or Starcevich as a half back that might be able to move into the midfield. Feel like Starcevich is the more likely of the two and he’d be gettable using the Hawthorn R3 pick
• I’m not confident we’ll be able to shake a ruckman or KPD loose

As a final note on trades, I don’t think we should be pushing a player to the PSD but we should absolutely use the threat as a negotiating tool. Whilst I understood why we did, there’s no need to play nice like we did with Baker - the players are out of contract and we have pick 1 in the PSD

Draft

Whilst I see the attraction of the pick swaps, I think we’d be better holding our picks as they stand unless someone offers us something too good to refuse - we shouldn’t be initiating any trade though

• Picks 1 and 2 - Sharp seems ideally suited to our need for an inside ball winner and whilst he likely has a lower ceiling than others he also less likely to be a bust. Pairing him up with Duursma would be be a good low risk/ high risk combination but Lindsay or Cumming I’d be happy with and possibly prefer
• Picks 14 and 21 - probably just looking at best available here although we’d should be considering a KPP with one of them. Farrow if he’s there at 14 holds appeal if we don’t take Lindsay whilst Rodriguez at 21 would be value. There’ll be options with those picks either way
• Pick 75 - add Charlie Banfield as a father/son selection

NGA (Category B)

• Prelist Koby Evans and Tylah Williams
• Wes Walley becomes an either/or decision based on available list spots

Overall by way of example only

Trades In (2)
Erasmus
Starcevich

Draft (5)
Sharp
Duursma
Farrow
Rodriguez
Banfield

Prelist (2)
Evans (Cat B)
Williams (Cat B)

With the list changes I went through above this would leave us with 48 on the list - 39 main, 5 rookie and 4 Cat B meaning we’d have to move one player from the main list onto the rookie list - probably Bazzo or Chesser

Other considerations
• If we decide Wes Walley has draftable traits we could delist one of Barnett or Livingstone to make room
• If Mitch Duncan comes across but wishes to have the option of playing AFL still then someone else has to go - either the other of Barnett/Livingstone or we pass on Walley
• We combine 14 and 21 for the port pick from Gold Coast and take Schubert instead of two players which requires one less list spot
• Any trades out (like Ryan) make another spot available

Anyway, my thoughts for what they’re and they aren’t perfect but hopefully can provide some discussion

Apologies for the wall of text

I like it. The one thing i'd change is Starcevich. I just think we are loaded with defensive flankers. It's also Hough's best position. If we paid a little more i'd be happy to go Alex Davies instead.

Great summary of where we are at though. Great work.

 

[Mop]

Nice writeup Keysie

You missed the obvious.



RE SIGN HIM.














Shanahan that is


Oh and Harley too I spose

 

[Elite Pete]

Gettable update.

Shanahan 2 year extension getting close.

Clubs still waiting for the Harley before they start looking at what to do in the trade period.

[PLAYERCARD]Jack Steele[/PLAYERCARD] will stay at the Saints unless they tell him they want to move him on.

Duursma starting to create a gap at pick 1.

Starcevich is still possibly but will have to work around how the get it done without effecting pick 2.


Richmond VFL might have another mature age recruit. Putting up good numbers.

 

[PremiershipNo4]

Keys, could you please provide a more detailed write up next time.
Jokes aside, that is a phenomenal effort, thank you.

 

[GoEaglesGoSGIO]

Work around how to get Starcevich? Take him in the PSD Pykey you absolute soft ****

 

[Elite Pete]

Work around how to get Starcevich? Take him in the PSD Pykey you absolute soft ****

I don’t think Free agents that receive offers from their club can go to the PSD, national draft only I believe but not 100% sure.

Like some have said it’s but like Brissy are getting much for him if he signs anywhere else anyway. So Hawks 2nd to help them match and maybe throw Tunstill in.

 

[eaglevision]

I don’t think Free agents that receive offers from their club can go to the PSD, national draft only I believe but not 100% sure.

Like some have said it’s but like Brissy are getting much for him if he signs anywhere else anyway. So Hawks 2nd to help them match and maybe throw Tunstill in.

They can they just can’t be considered delisted free agents.

 

[WCE777]

Summary - My Uneducated Wishlist

Hopefully, the AFL grants us two additional rookie list spots and two additional Cat B spots along with the ability to prelist our NGA players. I’d love the R2 and R3 priority picks but can’t see that happening.

That would give us an overall playing list of 48 (38 main, 6 rookie and 4 Cat B)

Trades

• One of Erasmus, Tunstill, Robertson or similar as midfield support - preferably Erasmus for the Hawthorn R2 pick. Tunstill or Robertson we could get for a token pick or wait for them to become available as a DFA
• One of McVee or Starcevich as a half back that might be able to move into the midfield. Feel like Starcevich is the more likely of the two and he’d be gettable using the Hawthorn R3 pick
• I’m not confident we’ll be able to shake a ruckman or KPD loose

As a final note on trades, I don’t think we should be pushing a player to the PSD but we should absolutely use the threat as a negotiating tool. Whilst I understood why we did, there’s no need to play nice like we did with Baker - the players are out of contract and we have pick 1 in the PSD

Draft

Whilst I see the attraction of the pick swaps, I think we’d be better holding our picks as they stand unless someone offers us something too good to refuse - we shouldn’t be initiating any trade though

• Picks 1 and 2 - Sharp seems ideally suited to our need for an inside ball winner and whilst he likely has a lower ceiling than others he also less likely to be a bust. Pairing him up with Duursma would be be a good low risk/ high risk combination but Lindsay or Cumming I’d be happy with and possibly prefer
• Picks 14 and 21 - probably just looking at best available here although we’d should be considering a KPP with one of them. Farrow if he’s there at 14 holds appeal if we don’t take Lindsay whilst Rodriguez at 21 would be value. There’ll be options with those picks either way
• Pick 75 - add Charlie Banfield as a father/son selection

NGA (Category B)

• Prelist Koby Evans and Tylah Williams
• Wes Walley becomes an either/or decision based on available list spots

Overall by way of example only

Trades In (2)
Erasmus
Starcevich

Draft (5)
Sharp
Duursma
Farrow
Rodriguez
Banfield

Prelist (2)
Evans (Cat B)
Williams (Cat B)

With the list changes I went through above this would leave us with 48 on the list - 39 main, 5 rookie and 4 Cat B meaning we’d have to move one player from the main list onto the rookie list - probably Bazzo or Chesser

Other considerations
• If we decide Wes Walley has draftable traits we could delist one of Barnett or Livingstone to make room
• If Mitch Duncan comes across but wishes to have the option of playing AFL still then someone else has to go - either the other of Barnett/Livingstone or we pass on Walley
• We combine 14 and 21 for the port pick from Gold Coast and take Schubert instead of two players which requires one less list spot
• Any trades out (like Ryan) make another spot available

Anyway, my thoughts for what they’re and they aren’t perfect but hopefully can provide some discussion

Apologies for the wall of text

thanks keys, absolute massive effort and summary on all things WC

 

[ToastieBoy18]

Great recap of where we at Keys.

Some information that I have gathered in the last 24 hours, none of the outcomes really come as a surprise.

[PLAYERCARD]Oscar Allen[/PLAYERCARD] has told close mates he doesn't even have a contract in front of him from West Coast, and is definitely heading to Brisbane. This shows, that the club is certain that they will receive pick 2 compensation. If they thought there was a chance it was going to be end of first round, there would be some sort of offer in front of him.

[PLAYERCARD]Tom Cole[/PLAYERCARD] has had no dialogue in terms of an extension. Seems to be one, that the club will wait on, to see if there is interest from a trade capacity, if not will wait till list spots become clearer before making a call. Has been serviceable this year and I can't see him not being on an AFL list in 2026, but with the transition of our list, it may not be ours.

[PLAYERCARD]Jamie Cripps[/PLAYERCARD] has signed his extension. Waiting for the AFL to sign off on it, before it is official.

Not really contract news, but Harry Edwards is going for off season surgery on an arm/elbow I believe and will miss the players trip to Thailand.

 

[twce13]

Work around how to get Starcevich? Take him in the PSD Pykey you absolute soft ****

And rip up the turf at mrp while you’re at it ffs

 

[WCE777]

Amazing summary. Cheers keys.

I feel that only 2 mature trade targets is still light on. Erasmus
Starcevich

What if a couple others actually request a trade to us.
Davies
Or the pipe dream Neale.

We would be crazy not to improve our list with those 4. Might be a case to pay out owes

I have to agree with this, 2 is a bit light on.
We need more in an around the midfield and KPD and the ruck.

I don't see the benefit of Stacevich to WC, concussion and FA work around.

I would be very happy if we can get a mature mid for 2-3 years to provide leadership and help our kids.
Neale would be 1st choice followed by Steele, 1 of them please.

Good young options around the midfield looking for more opportunity in the 22-25yo bracket, Davies, McVee, Erasmus would be the most useful targets and are long term prospects, 2 of them please.

KPD options are very limited and Busslinger is probably less likely this year than next.
Blight would be immediate depth but is he our long term solution?
Might need to draft a KPD option in Schubert or Ainsworth?

Rucks are a real problem and we keep missing our targets, Moyle very unlikely also, Reidy cheap option, R Marshall would be an acceptable replacement for Cameron on 3 year deal while A Reid develops.

 

[txbyhull]

I have to agree with this, 2 is a bit light on.
We need more in an around the midfield and KPD and the ruck.

I don't see the benefit of Stacevich to WC, concussion and FA work around.

I would be very happy if we can get a mature mid for 2-3 years to provide leadership and help our kids.
Neale would be 1st choice followed by Steele, 1 of them please.

Good young options around the midfield looking for more opportunity in the 22-25yo bracket, Davies, McVee, Erasmus would be the most useful targets and are long term prospects, 2 of them please.

KPD options are very limited and Busslinger is probably less likely this year than next.
Blight would be immediate depth but is he our long term solution?
Might need to draft a KPD option in Schubert or Ainsworth?

Rucks are a real problem and we keep missing our targets, Moyle very unlikely also, Reidy cheap option, R Marshall would be an acceptable replacement for Cameron on 3 year deal while A Reid develops.

Would rather McVee than Starcevich 10 times out of 10 from a longterm vision perspective.

Even if it isn't Neale or Steele, we'd hope to get Yeo back next year. I think we need a Mitch Duncan type if only he wasn't so f***ing old.

Think we should pick up Davies, McVee, Blight, Flynn Riley (ruck) out of Carlton VFL, Ainsworth in the draft (KPD/ruck) at least. Look to move on a BBW or JWil to the Pies or something and try and find some earlier capital to move picks up. Quality over quantity when it comes to draft rn.