If.
The player has to agree to any trade, which puts GWS in a particular position. WCE would go through his manager to investigate whether he'd be interested in playing for them. If McCarthy states it's Freo or bust, WCE can offer a first round pick and it won't change anything - they still have to meet the requirements of the player. GWS would have to weigh up whether the great PR and keeping him on the list another season is worth it, or do what they can to make a trade work. It's on them to make a trade work this period. Which still means we hold the cards in how this plays out.
It's in our best interests to work from the bottom up, than offer say a Mayne pick off the bat, when a 3rd round or less might be enough.
My point originally is that if we were to get Hogan, it diminishes the need we have for another tall forward, which reduces GWS bargaining position further as we have the option to walk away. That's not the same as saying we shouldn't go for Cam - it just means we can potentially get him for cheaper.
I agree that you want the cheapest "purchase price" but you need to also think that you are essentially telling Cam you are not worth anything, but please don't go and play for someone else who actually values you. I'm not sure you want to suggest to one of your targets who just sat our year in his attempt to get to your club that you don't value him enough to pay a reasonably fair price for him.





