If we have someone up for trade then it'd be one of the extra classy medium sized halfbacks. We have room for 2 of Gleeson, Ridley, Redman and Francis in the 22. One of them with first-round pick may get us the inside bull we require.
Also, I wouldn't panic about our list like some are. Over all it is very good, with one major deficiency. We have also not established a successful method so we are not capable of carrying an injured Daniher, missing Hurley or Raz. The misfortunes of this season as finally see the club promote the 3rd and 4th year players into positions of responsibility.
Also, coaching/game plan has been lacking this year. In the games we have played well we have applied top-notch pressure across the ground. However, our ball movement has been lacking and we have not been executing those quick "half-switches" that all us to run through the middle of the ground. I also think Stewart bulking up was a mistake. His number one weapon was that he is that tall and can run all day. This preseason he needs to smash the 5k and repeated 200s.
All in all, while we're asking for a bit to fall into place for us. I don't think it is a big stretch to have a fairly injury less year, a softer draw, a good draft pick and improved game plan next year. In my opinion that will put us in the middle of the 8. A season or two of that and we could see some belief that will hold us up in times of difficulty following that. I also think that if an inside mid were to come out of contract or be a FA then if Essendon has coin, it would be a very attractive proposition.
I hope this offseason we simply let players retire and go to the draft. The only trading I'd look at is if a player genuinely wants out or if a FA falls our way who fills a genuine need. In other words a bull mid or don't worry about it!