Nathan Thompson

[The Hitman]

I believe it is time Hawthorn began rebuilding, and Nathan Thompson is one guy I see as disposable.

He is a key forward who is more than adequate in the ruck, but he hasn't reached his full potential at Glenferrie, and if we did decide to rebuild, I think he is one player we could use to get some good draft picks.

So if Hawthorn came to you offering Nathan Thompson, what would you be willing to give up in regards to draft picks? A first and third round pick?

I think if Thompson came on the market, Geelong would be mad not to target him. You are still bereft of a key forward target (I know Graham kicked six this week, but how often will that happen?), and he would be a good addition to the ruck department, with King under an injury cloud and the jury still out on Chambers and Loats.

The Hitman

 

[GeeCat]

Thompson is desirable, but at what cost would be the deciding factor.

 

[The Hitman]

That is kind of my question.

I mean, I think Geelong are wooden spoon contenders (so are we, at this stage), so when I say a first round pick, that could very well be a top four pick, and a second or third round pick could be in the 20s or 30s.

The Hitman

 

[rizzo]

Originally posted by The Hitman
That is kind of my question.

I mean, I think Geelong are wooden spoon contenders (so are we, at this stage), so when I say a first round pick, that could very well be a top four pick, and a second or third round pick could be in the 20s or 30s.

The Hitman

it wil be hard to make an assesment now

 

[jim boy]

Depends alot on how he shapes up this year, if he continues to have nagging injuries, then as a 27 yo next season, then he might only have 2 or 3 years left.

Also has alot to do with draft depth. I thought Hawks paid over the odds last year in getting Jacobs for pick 6 when they could have had Bradley or Tenace, but I do rate a fit and in form Thompson as a better player.

Geelong could certainly do with the experience and seniority that Thompson brings. You have offer quality to get quality, I reckon a pick in the 4-6 range plus a fringe player (you want Loats back?) would be about right if Thompson gets in your top 4 B&F.

 

[Fall Out Boy]

Sorry Brett, but i simply couldn't justify giving up even a first round pick, let alone a second or third round pick as well.

Thompson would definitely be good at Geelong, but to give up a top 5 pick, you need to be getting a bloke who a) has a minimum of 7-8 years ahead of him and b) is certain to play quality football.

Thompson's career averages of about 10 touches a game, 5 marks, and 1.5 goals are similar to those of Kent Kingsley (Kingsley kicks far more goals though).
Obviously Thompson has a rucking ability, but that still isn't enough to justify say, picks 5 & 20.

Simply too big a risk to be giving up that much for a then 27-year-old whose best is only seen once a month and who whose best season was some three years ago.

Not worth a first round pick, probably worth a 2nd round pick to a club in need of a ruckman.

 

[The Hitman]

Originally posted by Jim Boy
Depends alot on how he shapes up this year, if he continues to have nagging injuries, then as a 27 yo next season, then he might only have 2 or 3 years left.

Also has alot to do with draft depth. I thought Hawks paid over the odds last year in getting Jacobs for pick 6 when they could have had Bradley or Tenace, but I do rate a fit and in form Thompson as a better player.

Geelong could certainly do with the experience and seniority that Thompson brings. You have offer quality to get quality, I reckon a pick in the 4-6 range plus a fringe player (you want Loats back?) would be about right if Thompson gets in your top 4 B&F.

a) Nathan Thompson hasn't had any nagging injuries to speak of this year. He had a knee injury early last year, but since that it has been clear sailing.

b) We technically never had pick six. It went from the Bulldogs to Essendon - along with Mark Alvey - with Danny Jacobs coming to Hawthorn and Lachlan Veale going to the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs (rightly) didn't want to give us pick six in return for Veale, just in case we managed to re-sign Jade Rawlings, thus screwing them royally.

c) I'd rather take a pick in the 30s or even 40s than David Loats - we'd be rebuilding and thus wouldn't want any senior players. Other than that, your deal sounds good.

d) I think you've done your drafting; now you have to trade for senior players. Thompson would give you a big full forward capable of giving Steven King a chop out.

The Hitman

 

[jim boy]

Agree with a lot that you say. Geelong doesn't really need anymore middling juniors, although I wouldn't want to pass up an out and out star in the making.

And we do lack players in Thompsons age range thanks to one of your former greats. And I would think Geelong is willing to pay over the odds for a senior experienced key position player who can not only be a legitimate target but can help in the onfield development of our squad. Although there is the Spinks/White factor.

Also from a salary cap point of view, he would be good. The problem with having too young a squad is that you have to pay them more than they are really worth because of the salary cap. Later when they get older and rightfully ask for me, you can hit a squeeze and have to let go players.

I would definitely be keen to get him. But why would Hawthorn want to get rid of him? You've still got a good squad with plenty of talent that are capable of playing finals footy. You'd be better off having one last roll of the dice, get a fresh start with a set of new faces, fresh ideas and renewed enthusiam that can motivate your team to reach their potential. Schwab - nice guy, but nice guys finish last. (and yes I know Bomber is a nice guy)

 

[The Hitman]

Originally posted by phatandphreaky
Sorry Brett, but i simply couldn't justify giving up even a first round pick, let alone a second or third round pick as well.

Thompson would definitely be good at Geelong, but to give up a top 5 pick, you need to be getting a bloke who a) has a minimum of 7-8 years ahead of him and b) is certain to play quality football.

Thompson's career averages of about 10 touches a game, 5 marks, and 1.5 goals are similar to those of Kent Kingsley (Kingsley kicks far more goals though).
Obviously Thompson has a rucking ability, but that still isn't enough to justify say, picks 5 & 20.

Simply too big a risk to be giving up that much for a then 27-year-old whose best is only seen once a month and who whose best season was some three years ago.

Not worth a first round pick, probably worth a 2nd round pick to a club in need of a ruckman.

a) Thompson has around six seasons left in him after this one. Not exactly a short-term acquisition.

b) He's not sh*t. He's our vice-captain and our major focal point, and is our second best ruckman behind Peter Everitt. He'd play quality football at Geelong, and the only reason I'm entertaining the idea is that I would like to see another top pick to add to our no doubt low pick that we'l get after this season.

c) No full forward gets big stats unless he gets hit on the chest every time. I think his goal average is hurt by the fact our delivery to him is shocking and that his own teammates spoil him (I'm looking at you, Mark Williams).

d) You got a third round draft pick for Peter Street - the most inept player in the game - and although the Doggies were desperate, I think you're just as desperate for a key forward. I have little doubt that on the market, Nathan Thompson would at least attract a first round pick.

You're too civil for my liking, PnP - abuse me!

The Hitman

 

[The Hitman]

Originally posted by Jim Boy
I would definitely be keen to get him. But why would Hawthorn want to get rid of him? You've still got a good squad with plenty of talent that are capable of playing finals footy. You'd be better off having one last roll of the dice, get a fresh start with a set of new faces, fresh ideas and renewed enthusiam that can motivate your team to reach their potential. Schwab - nice guy, but nice guys finish last. (and yes I know Bomber is a nice guy)

It stems from a rant I had on radio today, outlining a plan to rebuild the club from next season. We won't make the finals, it is time to cut our losses and look to the future.

The Hitman

 

[Sammy D]

Just on Thompson, he seems to be Hawthorns scape goat. Also heard him speak on White Line Fever tonight, very impressive.

 

[Seb]

Geelong need their picks....

How does an onballer like Joel Corey take your fancy?

Perhaps not a direct swap, but something could be worked out.

 

[The Hitman]

Originally posted by Shaitan
Geelong need their picks....

How does an onballer like Joel Corey take your fancy?

Perhaps not a direct swap, but something could be worked out.

Shhhhh!

I'm trying to convince you guys to sell your future out to us, not keep up the tradition of us doing so.

The Hitman

 

[BigCat1]

I'd give up our first pick if we have somewhere b/w 8 and 11 again. We need a tall forward badly and as I've stated the only way we'll get one is by paying over the odds.

Thompson is like a poorer version of Ottens. They have all the talent in the world but only seem to shine a couple of times a year. Our hope is that they would be one of these guys the relishes a change of environment.

 

[jim boy]

Originally posted by The Hitman
Shhhhh!

I'm trying to convince you guys to sell your future out to us, not keep up the tradition of us doing so.

The Hitman

Sheesh... We already gave you Tim Clarke, what more do you want?

 

[JUBJUB]

Originally posted by Shaitan
Geelong need their picks....

How does an onballer like Joel Corey take your fancy?

Before saturday night you would've been offering Mr Mackie.

BTW,Hawthorn can keep Thompson.We've already got 1 Thompson too many at Geelong.

 

[Turbocat]

Would he want to come here?Hawthorn players dont like long drives!!!

 

[The Hitman]

Originally posted by Jim Boy
Sheesh... We already gave you Tim Clarke, what more do you want?

Get his old man to give us back our Pyramid money!

The Hitman

 

[hawkapatto]

Thompson is a much better player then Kent Kingsley

midfield stocks are not a problem, so no thanks for Joel Corey and Spriggs/Bartel (mentioned on another cat board)

it would have to be your first round pick minimum for me to even consider trading thommo

IMO thommo has had terrible delivery this year, and his own team mates conesting for the same marks

 

[Fall Out Boy]

Originally posted by The Hitman
a) Thompson has around six seasons left in him after this one. Not exactly a short-term acquisition.

That's debatable, but even if he has six seasons left in him, how many of those will he be at his peak for?

Originally posted by The Hitman

b) He's not sh*t.

Never said he was.

Originally posted by The Hitman

d) You got a third round draft pick for Peter Street

Actually got a second round pick for him.

The Street situation was an anolomy. The Doggies were extremely high on him for some stupid reason, and gave up way too much for him.

Originally posted by The Hitman

I have little doubt that on the market, Nathan Thompson would at least attract a first round pick.

Perhaps, but i certainly wouldn't give up a first round pick for him, especially a top 5 pick.

 

[Fall Out Boy]

Originally posted by hawkapatto
Thompson is a much better player then Kent Kingsley

No one ever said otherwise.

However, the bottom line is that their returns are remarkably similar. Kent gets more goals, Thompson more versatile.

The fact that their stats are similar despite the talent gulf only shows that Thompson hasn't made the most of his ability.

Originally posted by hawkapatto

midfield stocks are not a problem, so no thanks for Joel Corey and Spriggs/Bartel (mentioned on another cat board)

I wouldn't even consider trading Joel Corey, however he would be a walk up start in your midfield.

Peter Schwab would walk over his own mother to get his hands on Smithy.
22 year old, 190cm midfielders who get 20+ touches a week and can win the hard ball, are damn hard to come by.

Every club in the league would find a spot for Joel Corey, especially teams that are down the bottom with us.

 

[Seb]

If only it were true!

 

[NakedDeadGuy]

I think there's a one man gang determined to run Smithy out of Geelong. No idea why.

Nathan Thompson, if on our list would be our best big forward. But, personally I wouldn't trade any more than a draft pick in the 20's for him at very best. We don't have a Jade Rawlings to take the heat off him, and now the Hawks don't either he's done nothing. To me, there is a 'softness' about Thompson (yeah I know, he'll fit in perfect at Geelong), that puts me right off him. Don't like his speed, doesn't play well in a losing side. Probably plays as many good games a year as Graham, without looking at the figures I'd guess Graham has been a helluva lot more durable than him over 5 years as well.
It's fair enough we may have to pay over the odds for a genuine key forward, but talk of a top 10 pick, let alone a top 10 plus another pick or player for Thompson is bloody ridiculous.
Besides, I hate the double fisters, that belongs at Melbourne or Collingwood.
Anything more than late 2nd round- early 3rd round draft pick would be rape.

 

[Fall Out Boy]

Originally posted by NakedDeadGuy
I think there's a one man gang determined to run Smithy out of Geelong. No idea why.

Don't stress, one good game and he'll be considered a future champion again.

 

[Seb]

Originally posted by phatandphreaky
Don't stress, one good game and he'll be considered a future champion again.

Consistency is my main claim.

I know you love your statistics, but 20 possessions a week (average this season is 18.25) does not always equate to a quality performance.

Joel Corey is a long way from being in the same echelon as guys like Simon Black, Paul Hasleby, Mark Ricciuto and Ben Cousins.

If Geelong are to progress up the ladder, not only do we need a better coach, but our midfield needs to lift their intensity and start walking the walk.