Joel Bowden

[BigCat1]

One of the Cats three major deficiencies outlined in a previous thread was the need to get an experienced outside midfielder.

These rumours were around last year and before we have a string of abuse aimed at Joel have a good think about it.

Whilst intially I, like you, thought no, he actually does fit the bill. He is an experienced, outside midfielder who carrys the ball, kicks long and can kick some goals from the midfield. He also gets a lot of it. He would take some pressure off Ling, Bartel, Chapman and especially Corey, who has been tagged heavily since mid-season and is starting to struggle.

Looking around there isn't going to be much available come trade time. Maybe N. Stevens and N. Brown but they will be very, very expensive (both in $$ terms and in trading for them) given we need a KPP. Bowden would be cheaper but the problem is still going to be what to give up? I believe we will use our 2rd pick on a KPP, so a trade for Bowden would have to involve a player/player swap. Maybe Kingsley or Mooney but the Tigers don't need more talls. I don't know. The preseason draft would be perfect.

What do you guys think? We definately need some midfield experience and maybe Bowden is the man if a suitable player trade could be arranged.

 

[evertonfc]

I can't possibly get a good trade straight out...

It's complicated by the fact that both clubs won't want to concede a pick until the 4th round due to f/son's, and the unwillingness to give up 1st rounders.

Spriggs for Bowden + 4th Round?

Cats get a classy finisher capable of kicking 40-50 goals per year, Richmond get to add to their flimsy midfield stocks with a bit of run and dash

But:
- I reckon it should be a 3rd (not 4th) rounder, but that's going to Roach Jr, ain't it?
- Has Spriggs recently signed a contract - I didn't think he had?

 

[ScouseCat]

Originally posted by evertonfc
Has Spriggs recently signed a contract - I didn't think he had?

As far as I know, Spriggs still has a year to go on his current contract.

 

[BigCat1]

The trouble is Everton our number 1 priority is for a KPP. I think we will trade Spriggs as part of that deal ie:

Spriggs + our 2rd to attract someone like Thompson or Croad (assuming Rawlings is off limits as rumoured) or
Spriggs + mooney + 3rd for Whitnall. We could get another third round by trading Street and our 4th round for a clubs third round.( ie move up 10 spots) I think thats a fair deal for Whitnall if he's traded.

A lot depends on what we have left after this trade.

If Spriggs is traded Bartel will definately stay. Our next batch of tradable players include the likes of Mooney and Kingsley. None of them would appeal to the Tigers as they have plenty of tall forwards. Maybe Hunt or Rahilly but they would want more. Maybe Wojcinski but he a similar sort of player to Bowden and is finally coming good. We also have Graham who would be good for the Tigers given thier problems down back but the Tigers would cop a beating in the media for going for another quick fix older player. We also need insurence down back with White, Woolnough, Foster, Girgic all maybe departing, so Graham will stay. Esp with half his salary going on the vets list next year.

P.S Everton Did you hear Hooksey on AW say he had good mail that a high profile saint will want a new home next year? Could only be Gehrig surely.

 

[ScouseCat]

BigCat1, why are you in such a hurry to put David Spriggs' name up for trade at the end of the season?? I actually rate Spriggs and think that he'll be heaps better next year, especially with a full season behind him following his knee injury.

 

[BigCat1]

Originally posted by ScouseCat
BigCat1, why are you in such a hurry to put David Spriggs' name up for trade at the end of the season?? I actually rate Spriggs and think that he'll be heaps better next year, especially with a full season behind him following his knee injury.

Scouse I rate Spriggsy dont worry about that. I have no doubt he will be a good player in the future. I would be sad to see him go. I also see the need to get a forward or two to help our team structure. I see Spriggs and Bartel as similar players in that one has to be put up for trade at the end of the year. You need to trade quality to get quality. I hope we keep Bartel over Spriggs only for the fact his skills are better and we need more skilled players in our team.

The bottom line is that we have been an ordinary team for almost 3 years now. Changes have to be made and that means making some tough decisions. If you were in charge who would you look to trade in order to progress the list? Spriggs or Bartel? Neither?

 

[llosis]

What's the go with Spriggs?
I remember in his first season he was favourably compared to Haselby. Did the knee do him in? Or is his disposal still a bit iffy?

 

[Fall Out Boy]

Undersized, poor disposal and struggles mentally.

The knee affected his leg speed, which was one of his main attributes.

 

[BigCat1]

Originally posted by phatandphreaky
Undersized, poor disposal and struggles mentally.

That's a bit harsh Phat. He has more positives that outweigh his negatives. He has had a better season than I thought he would have had, first year back. Still I think he is our best bait for a CHF.

 

[Seb]

The kid is recovering from a knee reconstruction and has a lot of heart. I'd probably keep him at Geelong as next year, he'll get back to his best.

(no smart arse comments about his best, plz.)