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I personally dont think they land Walsh at pick 5. They could very well trade up with the Gold Coast, or even the Saints. But I dont think that both the Saints and Carlton will pass on Walsh. Its possible if Carlton take Luko, GC take the Kings and St Kilda takes Smith. But Walsh is also being talked about as being a generational mid. I dont think the Saints can risk passing on him.
So then Brisbane will be looking at Smith and Rankine. Will they go down the Nathan Buckley path again with Rankine? My view is they are already loaded with talent and now need to make a run at finals. JJ will be a big, experienced body that will benefit Hipwood. But then instead of Smith, they still get a top 12 player, who could turn out better than Smith anyway. They could just take Roughead and Smith mind you. The latter would be my plan A. But JJ and pick 12 would give them a pretty good shot of making the top 8 and the Lions as a club need that to get the fans on board again.
So then Brisbane will be looking at Smith and Rankine. Will they go down the Nathan Buckley path again with Rankine? My view is they are already loaded with talent and now need to make a run at finals. JJ will be a big, experienced body that will benefit Hipwood. But then instead of Smith, they still get a top 12 player, who could turn out better than Smith anyway. They could just take Roughead and Smith mind you. The latter would be my plan A. But JJ and pick 12 would give them a pretty good shot of making the top 8 and the Lions as a club need that to get the fans on board again.
I see both teams winning 1 more game each for the year. Brisbane to beat GCS at Metricon, Saints to beat Carlton this week. Saints actually have a better chance of an upset late in the season, with a string of games at Etihad vs the likes of Hawks/Bombers/North.
Brisbane should have 4, and will probably have to work with GC to make sure they land Walsh, which shouldn't be hard.

