Recruiting Trade & Free Agency VIII

[Lore]

ATTENTION OPPOSITION POSTERS: You are on the Essendon board - not the draft board, or the main board or your club board. You are welcome to post here but you will mind your manners or you will be carded. Don't waltz in here telling the locals what's happening/not happening, what's dumb etc. By the same token sealioning will also not be tolerated so be warned. You do not have equal standing here no matter how right you think you are.

Spoiler: AFL TRADE, DRAFT AND FREE AGENCY KEY DATES 2020

Draft Combine
Tuesday October 1 - Friday October 4

AFL Grand Final
Saturday October 24

Free Agency Window
Friday October 30 – Friday November 6

AFL Trade Period (Players and picks)
Wednesday November 4 – 7.30pm Thursday November 12

List Lodgement 1
Wednesday November 25

Delisted Free Agency Window 1
Thursday November 26 - Sunday November 29

List Lodgement 2 (Final date for primary list delistings)
Monday November 30

Delisted Free Agency Window 2
Monday November 30 - Tuesday December 1

AFL Trade Period (Picks only)
Concludes Thursday December 3

National Draft
7pm Wednesday December 9

Preseason and Rookie Drafts
12pm Thursday December 10

Final List Lodgement
Mid-December (tbc)

Pre-Season Supplemental Selection Period (SSP)
Wednesday January 6, 2021 – will conclude prior to the start of the 2021 Toyota AFL Premiership Season

Spoiler: DRAFT ORDER

Any issues with it post in this thread:

Draft discussion goes here: Draft Watch

Father/Son & NGA discussion goes here: James Hird Academy (Father/Son and Next Generation)

Poll results: Who should stay? | Which key forward do you want? | What would you give up to get Josh Dunkley

5

Josh Dunkley

Age

27

Ht

191cm

Wt

87kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

21.8

5star

K

10.4

4star

HB

11.3

5star

M

4.3

4star

T

5.8

5star

CL

3.2

5star

D

20.7

5star

K

7.0

3star

HB

13.7

5star

M

2.3

2star

T

5.3

5star

CL

2.7

4star

D

14.2

4star

K

7.2

3star

HB

7.0

5star

M

4.8

5star

T

4.0

5star

CL

1.4

4star

?

 

[BrunoV]

He can’t kick, that’s why they put him forward....

Do not recall his kicking being that bad.

He's an extremely dynamic, game braking half back runner. I can live with the disposal not being immaculate when he's opening the game up the way he does.

 

[andleanback]

Do not recall his kicking being that bad.

He's an extremely dynamic, game braking half back runner. I can live with the disposal not being immaculate when he's opening the game up the way he does.

His kicking was terrible, no point in breaking the game open, if youre going to kick it down the oppositions throat every time.

 

[BrunoV]

His kicking was terrible, no point in breaking the game open, if youre going to kick it down the oppositions throat every time.

Appreciate hyperbole as much as the next person but it is hard to tell where the exaggeration starts.

I am trying to think of a comparison. Don't ask me why but Dylan Grimes is the comparison I can't shake.

Not a great kick, like Ridley, or even the potential to be a great kick who's been struck by inconsistency, like Redman, but really just needs to compose himself before using the ball.

From memory, I might need our resident Melbourne expert eth-dog to confirm or deny, they were already talking about moving him around when he was a fixture in the side. It was wing initially and then forward when the Melbourne forward structure went to s**t.

Now that I've finished this, I'm struck by the comparison with Wojak, 3 time premiership player with the Cats. Another explosive player who was average by foot but who settled to the point that he was much more valuable than not.

 

[eth-dog]

Only guy I can think of that is more overrated than Matt Crouch is Jake Lever. Matt Crouch is the definition of the lose ball get contested possession specialist. Smart player who gets to the right spots. He's B grade at his absolute best. I'll say if we want Matt Crouch we could just play Hibberd.

The Brad Crouch of his first 50 games was projecting as one of the better inside mids in the competition. Something like a Libba/Beams hybrid. A bit more than just an inside pig, he had the ability to use the ball in a very damaging way by foot.

Injury then struck and there has been a bit of a loss of momentum which he now seems to have corrected, though I can't say I've seen a lot of him in the last few years.

Assuming a BnF last year reflects something like that kid who was a mini-draft pre-selection (and started with a bang), the list of Essendon mids I would play him in front of is titled "everyone". In fact, he comes in as the best midfielder and, in a very round about way, the player who then probably frees up Shiel to be the best midfielder (allowing Shiel to play a more second touch, dynamic role in the middle).

Can't speak to the sort of guy he is and whether the Crows complacency in terms of offering him the sort of money he wants reflects the view that he's a character they're really saying they can do without. I don't like negatively talking character without knowledge but there have been constant murmurings surrounding the better Crouch that I reckon date back to 2017. Don't ask me what, it's primarily that he seems to have been gettable that whole time. It would be like McGrath only ever being a first round pick on the table away from us trading him. If he hasn't been the Crows best mid he's being projecting that way the whole time (and now seems quite clearly to me to be their best mid).

Would not use the first round pick unless it is to get multiple first round picks (2 highly touted Falcons and Geelong's glut of first round picks presents as an opportunity to turn a pick at around 7 to two pick in the teens which would have to be carefully considered).

As a free agent, with the loss of McKenna, Brad Crouch would be a no-brainer for me.

Brad Crouch should be selected behind literally every inside mid we have in our first side.

He's Darcy Parish that's more injury prone.

 

[Bjchan13]

The club think the list is close to contending

When they went for Shiel end of 2018 i think they did. Still then they never traded in anyone over 26. Glaring holes everywhere now so im thinking the club will look to add young talent to try and compliment what we've got.

 

[Milanista28]

When they went for Shiel end of 2018 i think they did. Still then they never traded in anyone over 26. Glaring holes everywhere now so im thinking the club will look to add young talent to try and compliment what we've got.

I'd be happy with keeping Joe and adding O'Halloran/Brodie/Graham/Sier and also draft Phillips/O'Driscoll (Hollands sliding the dream)

 

[TheGrizz]

Only guy I can think of that is more overrated than Matt Crouch is Jake Lever. Matt Crouch is the definition of the lose ball get contested possession specialist. Smart player who gets to the right spots. He's B grade at his absolute best. I'll say if we want Matt Crouch we could just play Hibberd.

The Brad Crouch of his first 50 games was projecting as one of the better inside mids in the competition. Something like a Libba/Beams hybrid. A bit more than just an inside pig, he had the ability to use the ball in a very damaging way by foot.

Injury then struck and there has been a bit of a loss of momentum which he now seems to have corrected, though I can't say I've seen a lot of him in the last few years.

Assuming a BnF last year reflects something like that kid who was a mini-draft pre-selection (and started with a bang), the list of Essendon mids I would play him in front of is titled "everyone". In fact, he comes in as the best midfielder and, in a very round about way, the player who then probably frees up Shiel to be the best midfielder (allowing Shiel to play a more second touch, dynamic role in the middle).

Can't speak to the sort of guy he is and whether the Crows complacency in terms of offering him the sort of money he wants reflects the view that he's a character they're really saying they can do without. I don't like negatively talking character without knowledge but there have been constant murmurings surrounding the better Crouch that I reckon date back to 2017. Don't ask me what, it's primarily that he seems to have been gettable that whole time. It would be like McGrath only ever being a first round pick on the table away from us trading him. If he hasn't been the Crows best mid he's being projecting that way the whole time (and now seems quite clearly to me to be their best mid).

Would not use the first round pick unless it is to get multiple first round picks (2 highly touted Falcons and Geelong's glut of first round picks presents as an opportunity to turn a pick at around 7 to two pick in the teens which would have to be carefully considered).

As a free agent, with the loss of McKenna, Brad Crouch would be a no-brainer for me.

B.Crouch was an explosive athlete coming through the juniors and in his first couple of years. Was taken in the same mini draft as Jaeger Omeara i think.

He missed a couple of years with OP/groin issues which robbed him of his power so he adapted his game (ala Judd when he lost his power to OP) into an accumulator/inside leaning player.

Style-wise he is basically a slightly taller version of Parish, which is a reasonably good player but certainly not the type of mid we need at the moment as we have a few.

 

[Yoda_]

For all the want in guys like Wright, Brodie, Sier etc. Fringe players from other clubs, we have our own deadwood many don't want to get rid of (looks at Begley, Mutch, Laverde 50/50).

 

[BrunoV]

B.Crouch was an explosive athlete coming through the juniors and in his first couple of years. Was taken in the same mini draft as Jaeger Omeara i think.

He missed a couple of years with OP/groin issues which robbed him of his power so he adapted his game (ala Judd when he lost his power to OP) into an accumulator/inside leaning player.

Style-wise he is basically a slightly taller version of Parish, which is a reasonably good player but certainly not the type of mid we need at the moment as we have a few.

Can he wear body contact and still use the ball?

 

[Zach Package]

Only guy I can think of that is more overrated than Matt Crouch is Jake Lever. Matt Crouch is the definition of the lose ball get contested possession specialist. Smart player who gets to the right spots. He's B grade at his absolute best. I'll say if we want Matt Crouch we could just play Hibberd.

The Brad Crouch of his first 50 games was projecting as one of the better inside mids in the competition. Something like a Libba/Beams hybrid. A bit more than just an inside pig, he had the ability to use the ball in a very damaging way by foot.

Injury then struck and there has been a bit of a loss of momentum which he now seems to have corrected, though I can't say I've seen a lot of him in the last few years.

Assuming a BnF last year reflects something like that kid who was a mini-draft pre-selection (and started with a bang), the list of Essendon mids I would play him in front of is titled "everyone". In fact, he comes in as the best midfielder and, in a very round about way, the player who then probably frees up Shiel to be the best midfielder (allowing Shiel to play a more second touch, dynamic role in the middle).

Can't speak to the sort of guy he is and whether the Crows complacency in terms of offering him the sort of money he wants reflects the view that he's a character they're really saying they can do without. I don't like negatively talking character without knowledge but there have been constant murmurings surrounding the better Crouch that I reckon date back to 2017. Don't ask me what, it's primarily that he seems to have been gettable that whole time. It would be like McGrath only ever being a first round pick on the table away from us trading him. If he hasn't been the Crows best mid he's being projecting that way the whole time (and now seems quite clearly to me to be their best mid).

Would not use the first round pick unless it is to get multiple first round picks (2 highly touted Falcons and Geelong's glut of first round picks presents as an opportunity to turn a pick at around 7 to two pick in the teens which would have to be carefully considered).

As a free agent, with the loss of McKenna, Brad Crouch would be a no-brainer for me.

I can’t justify it. The fact that we’re mooted as being interested in anyone of any sort of profile doesn’t make sense for me given how many of our own we have to feed first.

Even if the money and years are on the conservative side of what a player like him generally commands he’s injury prone and doesn’t offer much of a point of difference to anyone we have given he’s doesn’t really have that burst speed anymore.

If you’re looking at someone to do the shovelling to allow Shiel and Merrett to play as that first receiver player where they can genuinely cut games up and be their best self then we can do better for cheaper, could probably find two genuine extractors for Crouch’s asking price.

 

[BrunoV]

I never realised Crouch had that speed, certainly not in the same league as O'Meara.

 

[owen87]

I never realised Crouch had that speed, certainly not in the same league as O'Meara.

Not sure he ever played at AFL level with it, his first season not eligible to play at AFL level and battled with hamstring injuries over the next few years.

Amusingly:

Playing for Vic Country in the 2011 AFL Under 18 Championships, Crouch was named in the Under-18 All-Australian side as a half-back flanker.

No wonder EFC is keen.

 

[Haychh]

No thanks to overpaying another 25+ yo B grade mid.

Hately or Brodie should be our go

 

[Lore]

With the Cats closing in on acquiring Adelaide free agent Brad Crouch, Narkle could be one of the moving pieces at the end of the season.

Young Geelong midfielder open to a move

The Cats on-baller was a chance to leave the cattery last season.

www.sen.com.au

 

[owen87]

Young Geelong midfielder open to a move

The Cats on-baller was a chance to leave the cattery last season.

www.sen.com.au

Would have thought a WA based team would be the frontrunners for Narkle, with Constable being the one we'd pursue

 

[Milanista28]

No thanks to overpaying another 25+ yo B grade mid.

Hately or Brodie should be our go

My issue with getting the Hately Brodie Sier O'Halloren level player is you hope they'd develop into a Brad Crouch type, not sure any of them will be better than Brad.

I hope the calls we make turn out to be golden.

 

[half time raffle]

Guelfi for Blakely anyone?

On CPH1725 using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[eth-dog]

My issue with getting the Hately Brodie Sier O'Halloren level player is you hope they'd develop into a Brad Crouch type, not sure any of them will be better than Brad.

I hope the calls we make turn out to be golden.

If it saves us 200-300k a year I would do it.

 

[Milanista28]

If it saves us 200-300k a year I would do it.

That's an angle for sure, especially for us if our cap is tight.

 

[Milanista28]

Guelfi for Blakely anyone?

On CPH1725 using BigFooty.com mobile app

I think Blakely will be available if we pushed, not sure Freo would want Guelfi.

 

[Schnitzengruben]

I think Blakely will be available if we pushed, not sure Freo would want Guelfi.

I heard they were very much into him.

I'd do Hooker and Guelfi for Blakely. Get in a big unit and probably saves us a net of $600k in salary.

 

[Milanista28]

I heard they were very much into him.

I'd do Hooker and Guelfi for Blakely. Get in a big unit and probably saves us a net of $600k in salary.

They don't need Hooker i don't think. If they liked Guelfi I'd be keen on Blakely. Had a period of 10 or so games a few years back as a genuine inside mid and blossomed, hasn't had a real turn inside for a while now

 

[eth-dog]

I heard they were very much into him.

I'd do Hooker and Guelfi for Blakely. Get in a big unit and probably saves us a net of $600k in salary.

Hooker makes absolutely no sense for Freo

 

[Old Stuckup]

I heard they were very much into him.

I'd do Hooker and Guelfi for Blakely. Get in a big unit and probably saves us a net of $600k in salary.

The last thing Freo needs is another injury prone tall. Hooker is one soft tissue injury away from being completely done.

 

[Schnitzengruben]

They don't need Hooker i don't think. If they liked Guelfi I'd be keen on Blakely. Had a period of 10 or so games a few years back as a genuine inside mid and blossomed, hasn't had a real turn inside for a while now

Hooker makes absolutely no sense for Freo

Yeah they don't need him but I think he'd be a good addition to their defence for at least a year, maybe two. He's from WA so that might help things. I really think the only benefit for us would be freeing up the cap space.