Historically, I would agree, the club was run into the ground in the first decade, thanks to inept initial selections in leadership positions the AFL put up which set us right back. I am a lot happier with the people in the positions of power now to make the correct decisions (maybe outside of list decisions).Fair enough. So we can agree that offloading Bowes gave the Suns no advantage for 2023, and impacted their draft capital.
Yep, if they bring in that ‘difference maker’ in the 23 trade period, that will be interesting.
But saying that offloading Bowes is the result of this is just plain wrong. At the end of 23 he will would have had just one year at $800k to wipe off his contract. Hardly stopping a nigh ‘difference maker’ coming across on a big multi year contract. Trading pick 7 this year for one in next years draft would also give them ample collateral to bring someone across.
Instead they burnt the pick, and they will waste more next year in their attempt.
But I’d think your hypothesis is very unlikely.
History tells us that GC struggle to attract elite talent, and are more likely to lose it, or pay more to retain it. It’s the latter situation I believe we are likely to see next year. Which begs the question, what talent is out of contract at the Suns at the end of next year that interstate clubs will be looking at?
The only player left to be re-signed of significance from 2023 is Noah Anderson. However, with his best mate re-signing and all the right sounds being made I wouldn't be surprised to see him signed up before the season starts.
This year, with the club starting to find its feet and being much more competitive on field, I would say the mass exodus of the past may be finally behind the club.