Which established player do we need the most?

[Coin_Toss]

Considering the draft is meant to be weak in comparison to last year I think we are targeting an established player in the draft, predomanently a midfielder to complement the likes of Pendlebury, Beams and Sidebottom, someone like a Luke Ball or Daniel Harris, even Andrew Welsh has been linked to Collingwood in the press following the rumours he wants three years at Essendon but they've only offered him two years. Mitch Thorp could be a player we might look at to fill a void at full forward.

What are your thoughts?

 

[absy]

Incoming 99% luke ball poll #2145

 

[TradeDraft]

Between Ball and Welsh - It would be Ball because we need someone who is good at Clearnces and that is Ball and Ball at his best is a Top 10 Player in the Comp

 

[smiddaz123]

Why is Mitch Thorp in a poll about established players?

 

[Coin_Toss]

Why is Mitch Thorp in a poll about established players?

Yeah, I spose he's not an established player yet, but at least he's been in the system now for a few years.

 

[Tranquilli37]

No brainer, Ball comfortably. If we cant get him, lets pinch Bradshaw from the Swans.

 

[HFF]

One of Ball or Welsh would be terrific.

If we could accomodate both that would be even better.

 

[Pie eyed]

The one we need the most is Darren Jolly and we got him.
Ball will be very handy though.

 

[knightwheelrqr]

Without a doubt, if Luke Ball is available whether in the pre season draft or national draft at our selection he is our man.

 

[jerry springer]

Our biggest weakness is/was clearances

We got Jolly,now Ball would be the icing on the cake

if we cant get Ball,we definatly have nothing to lose giving Thorp a lifeline.We have done worse in the past,Bryan,Corrie,Rintoul,Williams etc

 

[Optimax]

Redraft Tobias Thoolen

You know its the only answer

 

[DIDAIC0S]

Redraft Tobias Thoolen

You know its the only answer

Redraft him ... again!
Top idea!

 

[collingtimber]

The one we need the most is Darren Jolly and we got him.
Ball will be very handy though.

Is it possible for Luke Ball to tell all clubs that he wants $800,000 a year
for one year and if a club drafts him at the end of the year if he wants to move on then that club has to swap him to the club of his choice for their last round draft pick?Of course if we get him then I'm sure he wont want to leave.

 

[daics cousin]

We really need a tough in and under midfielder, to help out in the trenches, and take over from Cheesy Obree.
Also a good backman,would not go astray.

 

[shawthing09]

I think our need for Ball is really over stated. Ball at his current state is a similar mould to O'Bree. We are at a stage where most of us are hoping in the next couple of years our midfield is solid enough that we don't have to carry a flawed clearance specialist. Instead having a core midfield with many players who are able to win the ball in tight but also able to use it well.

Ball is certainly the safest bet on that list as you know he is going to be at least a good player for a number of years. He is also the one that we have been linked to the most.

All that said I think we are at the point where we can afford to, and more so need to take risks. With all that in mind I think Thorp. Clearly highly talanted young Kpp who could be great and fill a need for us.

 

[King Woodie]

I think our need for Ball is really over stated. Ball at his current state is a similar mould to O'Bree. We are at a stage where most of us are hoping in the next couple of years our midfield is solid enough that we don't have to carry a flawed clearance specialist. Instead having a core midfield with many players who are able to win the ball in tight but also able to use it well.

Ball is certainly the safest bet on that list as you know he is going to be at least a good player for a number of years. He is also the one that we have been linked to the most.

All that said I think we are at the point where we can afford to, and more so need to take risks. With all that in mind I think Thorp. Clearly highly talanted young Kpp who could be great and fill a need for us.

It is a very good post, shawthing, but I don't necessarily agree with everything.

First of all, I don't think Ball and Thorp are mutually exclusive. I doubt we would go for Thorp at 30, so we could get both (foreseeably).

Secondly, I am not sure our list is in as good a shape as you suggest. I think we still need to add to our list with an experienced contributor (in the midfield as well) to improve our shot at a flag in the next 24 months. If we are just relying on organic improvement from the players currently on the list, I am not sure if we will quite get there.

I don't want this to be interpreted as my overrating Ball, but I think he would step into our best midfield and improve our clearance ability (which has been a significant weakness over the last few years).

But, again, your points are all very valid.

 

[jerry springer]

i think the Lukes have it!!!

 

[knightwheelrqr]

It is a very good post, shawthing, but I don't necessarily agree with everything.

First of all, I don't think Ball and Thorp are mutually exclusive. I doubt we would go for Thorp at 30, so we could get both (foreseeably).

Secondly, I am not sure our list is in as good a shape as you suggest. I think we still need to add to our list with an experienced contributor (in the midfield as well) to improve our shot at a flag in the next 24 months. If we are just relying on organic improvement from the players currently on the list, I am not sure if we will quite get there.

I don't want this to be interpreted as my overrating Ball, but I think he would step into our best midfield and improve our clearance ability (which has been a significant weakness over the last few years).

But, again, your points are all very valid.

Personally I'm off Thorp, but if available at pick 78 or in the preseason draft I would still look into him. 62 would not likely go for him, 30 definately would not.

Ball will have to see, doubt we will get him this season but if we do he would be the reason that we would become a contendor in my view also. He is the midfielder that would help us at stoppages and in clearance situations that we need. Would be a perfect fit and add some much needed experience, leadership and a good hard body where needed.

 

[shawthing09]

It is a very good post, shawthing, but I don't necessarily agree with everything.

First of all, I don't think Ball and Thorp are mutually exclusive. I doubt we would go for Thorp at 30, so we could get both (foreseeably).

Secondly, I am not sure our list is in as good a shape as you suggest. I think we still need to add to our list with an experienced contributor (in the midfield as well) to improve our shot at a flag in the next 24 months. If we are just relying on organic improvement from the players currently on the list, I am not sure if we will quite get there.

I don't want this to be interpreted as my overrating Ball, but I think he would step into our best midfield and improve our clearance ability (which has been a significant weakness over the last few years).

But, again, your points are all very valid.

I am not sure they are not mutually exclusive. I personally don't see Thorp being there at 62. I could be wrong a lot of people tend to think he will but I am not as sure. I considering the weakness of this draft, the talent of Thorp and the fact that young kpp with that much upside don't grow on trees I highly doubt he will make it to 62.

I am not sure whether we will get there based on growth from within but I guess I back us to be a better overall side in 2 years then now, it's a gamble but it's the way I am leaning and on that I think if it came between the two I'd rather we go for say a Thorp who could potentially really boost our chances in that time frame, over a Ball who will boost our chances now but in the future will hopefully be on the redundant side.

 

[captain peanut]

robert shirley. we badly need a genuine tagger

 

[sr36]

A fit Jesse Smith. If he ever gets his body right he will be great.