pav_is_god said:
It goes both ways Dr, we've had our share of dud players that we've traded for with draft picks.
Azza's point, as serious as it was, seemed to be that we should hold onto our draft picks. Players we have got through trading are Matty Carr, Josh Carr, Farmer, Bell, McPharlin, Headland, Heath Black, Schofield and arguably Dylan Smith.
By my count, leaving out Schofield and Smith, thats seven of our top 10 players. You might wonder where would be if we hadn't traded and kept getting draft picks. Draft picks take a long time to come through. I haven't noticed a lot of patience on this board or in the media.
Another aspect is that there is a changing of thinking at AFL clubs where they are starting to look at more mature age recruits. This is coming from research done in the NFL in the states. Picking up kids aged 17-20 is a risky business. Waiting till their older and/or mature increases the chances of success -- Exhibit 1 -- Crowley.