Trade

[Jack-Packenham]

Forgot to mention Aker as well running through midfield/forward. That would be a forward line - height and pace and more importantly no duds.

Bomber won't take Aker so we must get rid of bomber first for your trade to be a chance.

 

[year of the cat]

Bomber won't take Aker so we must get rid of bomber first for your trade to be a chance.

Got no problem with that!!!

 

[SJ]

Firstly, we have to decide if we are going to have a genuine crack at the premiership in the next two seasons. If we can't do that, then there's no point even continuing with the discussion.

Secondly, if we will be having a crack at it, will GFC + Akermanis = Premiership? Hardly likely, in my opinion. I don't think our problem can be fixed by him. He has been a great player, but I think at his age he is more of a half-forward flanker these days, and that isn't our problem. Our problem is the lack of a consistent forward line, the delivery into that forward line, and the general lack of direction and directiveness in our game play.

Thirdly, even if GFC + Akermanis could = Premiership, we must take into account his age. Akermanis is 30 (I think), and although still seems fit now, once a player hits 30 injuries can come from anywhere. A lot of players are injury free for a whole career up until around this age, and then are struck down again and again and again. You have to be careful and not waste effort on an player who we may pay to sit in the stands(think Mitchell White).

Fourthly, and finally, if his age and body isn't a concern, and that the first three questions are all 'yes', then is he worth the salary that he will demand? Is he worth the bad press that he may bring? A lot of the time I think the 'small-town syndrome' has got our players, all heros in Geelong. Do we want another big ego down in Sleepy Hollow?

Nah.

 

[Sir Gusset]

But do we want a player who has something to prove and a player who will show a bit of heart and a player who will stand up when it counts and show some leaderships, so lacking at our club....yes.

Obviously he's a bit of a risk, but keeping a list full of lazy under-achievers and a pea-brain coach is also a big risk that hasn't paid off.

 

[year of the cat]

Firstly, we have to decide if we are going to have a genuine crack at the premiership in the next two seasons. If we can't do that, then there's no point even continuing with the discussion.

Secondly, if we will be having a crack at it, will GFC + Akermanis = Premiership? Hardly likely, in my opinion. I don't think our problem can be fixed by him. He has been a great player, but I think at his age he is more of a half-forward flanker these days, and that isn't our problem. Our problem is the lack of a consistent forward line, the delivery into that forward line, and the general lack of direction and directiveness in our game play.

Thirdly, even if GFC + Akermanis could = Premiership, we must take into account his age. Akermanis is 30 (I think), and although still seems fit now, once a player hits 30 injuries can come from anywhere. A lot of players are injury free for a whole career up until around this age, and then are struck down again and again and again. You have to be careful and not waste effort on an player who we may pay to sit in the stands(think Mitchell White).

Fourthly, and finally, if his age and body isn't a concern, and that the first three questions are all 'yes', then is he worth the salary that he will demand? Is he worth the bad press that he may bring? A lot of the time I think the 'small-town syndrome' has got our players, all heros in Geelong. Do we want another big ego down in Sleepy Hollow?

Nah.

Although this has been our annus horribilis I reckon with a bit of tinkering we can be right back up there challenging next year. Remember that we pumped Melbourne in last years final so they were entitled to feel as we do now. I just reckon the playing group appears flat and needs reinvigorating - maybe Thompson's message is just starting to wear thin.

With regard to the playing list our major deficiencies are:

1. A tall marking forward. Hawkins will go a long way to solving this problem. With Ottens and Mooney we should be ok in this area. Further development from N.Ablett will help also.

2. Run run run. Hence the reason we should look at Aker. Could not understand why Thompson left Tenace and Prismall out. Tenace runs through the lines and whilst his disposal is not top-notch it is improving all the time. Prismall I reckon is a beauty who is a good decision maker and is clean with the footy. A natural centreman. Akermanis would add further run to a midfield that severely lacks this quality (think Ling, Corey, Bartel, Kelly). He is also a goal-kicking midfielder who can go forward allowing Ablett to spend more time in the middle. Of course it depends on what you have to give up - every trade does - but if it not unreasonable (and maybe includes S.Johnson or Kingsley) we should jump at it.

 

[rgauci]

Surely you'd take Leuenberger with your first pick. Capable of leading your ruck in 2-3 years time. Could come in immediately next year as a backup. This kid was towelling up Ryder and Clark last year.

Then you get tall forward (Hawkins) and ruckman (Leuenberger), both extremely good. Your talls are set for the next 5 years. 2nd rounder and whatever you swap for kelly to boost the midfield. Aker wouldn't be a bad addition.

 

[Unwritten_Law]

Surely you'd take Leuenberger with your first pick. Capable of leading your ruck in 2-3 years time. Could come in immediately next year as a backup. This kid was towelling up Ryder and Clark last year.

Then you get tall forward (Hawkins) and ruckman (Leuenberger), both extremely good. Your talls are set for the next 5 years. 2nd rounder and whatever you swap for kelly to boost the midfield. Aker wouldn't be a bad addition.

Sounds good to me

 

[Jack-Packenham]

Surely you'd take Leuenberger with your first pick. Capable of leading your ruck in 2-3 years time. Could come in immediately next year as a backup. This kid was towelling up Ryder and Clark last year.

Then you get tall forward (Hawkins) and ruckman (Leuenberger), both extremely good. Your talls are set for the next 5 years. 2nd rounder and whatever you swap for kelly to boost the midfield. Aker wouldn't be a bad addition.

Surely you wil need him after Longmuir is traded.

 

[rgauci]

Surely you wil need him after Longmuir is traded.

Yeah i heard some silly rumour started by a geelong supporter, he's leaving for a pack of tim tams and a half empty can of VB