WOOF Welcomes Ryley Sanders to the Kennel

[hujsh]

Twomey did a large article on the draft this morning. Mostly not relevant to us. But did say Sanders was coming to us no matter who slipped in the order. We identified him and he was the target. We were an island in the live trading as we thought we had our man at 6 and didn’t want to partake in any live trading.

Basically we weren't going to trade no matter what and our priority was midfield rather than forwards. No idea what that means if Duursma slides (probably still go Sanders) but McKercher might potentially have been higher up our order. Seems like it's good for us Hawks were sold on Watson

In making the deal with the Suns the Dogs knew one of McKercher, Duursma, Sanders or Watson would be available. Sanders would have been taken ahead of Watson if both were on the board, with the Dogs prioritising their midfield growth. Their trade with Gold Coast had paid off, with a breakdown of the trade showing they essentially gave up pick 10 and a future first-round pick for pick four (which became five and then six after the compensation pick and bid) and then have their pick 17 to be split for future picks and points.

[EasternWest]

That's a really good call. I'm making the comparison.

He reminds me of Cooney in his unbridled will to run forward and influence the game, make the field in front of him react to what he's doing.

Man I loved Cooney. He could have been a multiple Brownlow winner if his body held up. He was a gun and I loved him so much.

I am happy with either of these comparisons.

So you're saying he can ruck?

My ninja.

[Twodogs]

So you're saying he can ruck?

And toboggan eskie lids

[jeemak]

And toboggan eskie lids

That's right! While the eskie slide was fantastic, the other behaviour on display was genuine Australian boorishness that you just hope you don't see when you're overseas.

[Dazza]

I see a bit of Picken in Sanders

[Rudgey88]

Interesting that Bevo opening speech to all players revolved around fitness and strength.

Sanders really adds to this.

Will be fascinating to see how we play him next year.

I think the best thing about having Sanders is the fact that we can now release Bont into a more outside role… think 2021 ��

[GVGjr]

Interesting that Bevo opening speech to all players revolved around fitness and strength.

Sanders really adds to this.

Will be fascinating to see how we play him next year.

I think the best thing about having Sanders is the fact that we can now release Bont into a more outside role… think 2021 ��

I also read on AFL.com.au that we did actually rate Sanders ahead of Watson because of the need to strengthen our midfield.
I agree Sanders will add a fair bit too us.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

It wouldn't surprise me to see Sanders land a central mid spot round 1. Some of the lack of 2 way running from our mids isn't going to cut it anymore.....I hope.

[hujsh]

I also read on AFL.com.au that we did actually rate Sanders ahead of Watson because of the need to strengthen our midfield.
I agree Sanders will add a fair bit too us.

Looking back at some of the draft time speculation, it really makes the Hawks based rumor of trading Smith for a swap of 4&5 and a future first even more silly knowing we weren't even that keen on Watson (compared to Sanders).

[jazzadogs]

Looking back at some of the draft time speculation, it really makes the Hawks based rumor of trading Smith for a swap of 4&5 and a future first even more silly knowing we weren't even that keen on Watson (compared to Sanders).

I wonder if that trade would have happened if we had been confident that North would take Curtin - it would have meant that either Duursma or McKercher were available.

[jazzadogs]

It wouldn't surprise me to see Sanders land a central mid spot round 1. Some of the lack of 2 way running from our mids isn't going to cut it anymore.....I hope.

It wouldn't surprise me either...but in some ways, I also hope that he doesn't. I hope that his presence drives the experienced guys to a higher level through the off season. That they see the threat to their positions, and actually make changes to the way they play.

Obviously if Sanders is the best performed through the pre season, then I want him to play...but I don't want him to be the best performed.

[Rudgey88]

Also I still think Macrae will play a central role in the centre next year.

maybe Sanders will play high half forward for a while to begin with.

[hujsh]

I wonder if that trade would have happened if we had been confident that North would take Curtin - it would have meant that either Duursma or McKercher were available.

Do you think the Hawks were more keen on Watson than those two? Personally I'd expect it means Watson falls to Melbourne

[bulldogsthru&thru]

It wouldn't surprise me either...but in some ways, I also hope that he doesn't. I hope that his presence drives the experienced guys to a higher level through the off season. That they see the threat to their positions, and actually make changes to the way they play.

Obviously if Sanders is the best performed through the pre season, then I want him to play...but I don't want him to be the best performed.

Agree.

It's a bit of a shame that we're talking about a first year player driving higher standards in senior players.

[Grantysghost]

Also I still think Macrae will play a central role in the centre next year.

maybe Sanders will play high half forward for a while to begin with.

I agree. We either play him the middle, or we don't play him as I don't see any value in that forward role.

If we don't want to play a 3x AA in his position then either trade the guy or play him in the VFL. I get we signed him for a long term contract which is problematic.